October 2012 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 30 • No. 10

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

October 2012

Vy Nguyen: Determined to make a difference INSIDE STORIES

Fort Bend General Election Commercial Property – Building An Acquisition Team Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

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Join us for

Pretty in Pink Town Square Presented by

Kelly Dempsey, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D. in partnership with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League

Friday

October 19, 2012 6-9 p.m.

Sugar Land Town Square

Light up Town Square Pink at sundown to honor all cancer survivors.

Pretty in Pink – Town Square is a charity event for the entire family.

100% of the proceeds from Pretty in Pink will stay within our community to assist patients with the personal costs associated with fighting cancer.

Keynote Speaker: Gail Parker, Breast Cancer Survivor Live Music by Radio London Band Pink Fire Truck Magician Moonwalk Face Painting Balloon Artist

To Donate

Go to MethodistSugarLand.com and click “Pretty in Pink _Town Square” Ad generously donated by Fort Bend Business Journal.

Thank You to Our Sponsors Kelly Dempsey, M.D. & Sandra Templeton, M.D. Texas Spine and Neurosurgery TNT Dynamite Sugar Land Vein Specialists Pierre Chevray, M.D., Ph.D. Consolidated Home Health Houston Radiology Associated Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas Renew Laser and Skin EmergiGroup GHA Jorge Darcourt, M.D. Brain and Spine Clinic, PA Colorectal Surgical Associates Richmond Gastroenterology Associates Sugar Land Colon and Rectal Clinic Houston Heart Associates Sweetwater Angiography Center Telfair by Newland Communities Stephen Phillips, M.D. Advance Oncology Charles Conlon, M.D. Clive Shkedy, M.D. Randy & Gail Parker Sugar Land OB/GYN Sugar Land Oncology Sugar Land Pulmonary Associates Uttam Tripathy, M.D. & Imran Mohiuddin, M.D. Turner Construction Company

Texian Market Days Grows As Texas Direct Auto Signs On As Major Sponsor

T

he 29th annual Texian Market Days are scheduled for the weekend of October 27th and 28th, and Texas Direct Auto is a major sponsor for this family-friendly festival. This historical festival is the perfect setting for the nation’s largest independent car dealership to partner with the Fort Bend community in reliving its proud heritage.

Texian Market Days documents a variety of historical settings of Southeast Texas, including lifestyles in the Fort Bend county area that date back to the 1830’s. Texas Direct Auto has been conducting business in Fort Bend since 2003. They may not have the long-storied history that the volunteers will be reenacting during this festival, but Texas Direct Auto has established themselves as the largest independent car dealership in the nation!

Education among students is a vital asset of our community. A portion of the proceeds from Texian Market Days will be donated to educational programs that are offered year round by the Fort Bend County Museum. Texas Direct Auto’s Director of Business Development Jessica DeMarr stated, “In our system of marketing, we’ve proven that it takes a commitment

to excellence in order to achieve our corporate goals, so assisting students in achieving their educational goals creates a win-win for them and the community.

We’re proud to be a part of their growth!”

On a mission to educate, entertain and inspire, Texian Market Days, which was coordinated by the Fort Bend County Museum, performs historical re-enactments of the southeastern part of Texas. Not only is this festival fun for visitors but, for volunteers as well, who will stage a battle re-enactment from the Civil War. “Funds raised during this festival support our year round educational programs and preservation efforts. We are very proud that Texas Direct Auto recognizes the importance of our mission, and we commend them for their outstanding legacy of community support.”

This event will be held at the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, Texas. The park is divided into four clearly-defined historical sites and loosely follows eras from the: 1830’s Jones stock farm, 1860’s Ryon prairie home, 1890’s Davis Victorian Mansion and a 1930’s George cattle complex.

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

Fort Bend: A mix of hi-tech & fun

I’

ve always felt Texans are blessed to have the month of October in their calendars.

This month brings the continuation of the Fort Bend County Fair,

Debt is often not visible to the public, as few government entities make it easy for the taxpayer to determine what they owe. For example, when voting on a bond initiative, voters are typically only

the State Fair of Texas, the 29th annual Neighborhood Watch programs to cities across our states, Texian Market Day at the George Ranch, ghost tours and oh so many other activities we have included in this month’s issue.

If you have not met her, you have the opportunity to meet Vy Nguyen, a strong candidate for State Representative District 26. Learn about her concerns and the issues that face our government as she battles to win the position that would place her and Fort Bend County first in Texas and in America. It is your responsibility to become more familiar with all the candidates prior to our upcoming November 6 election.

Inside our pages, we’ll take you to the cotton patch of yesteryear and bring you forward to the latest in high tech, give you a tour of a first stream recycling plant that takes and devours Fort Bend County trash, and then allow you to keep an eye on the ball as we speed through the inaugural year of baseball at Constellation Field. There are also dozens of other topics and activities to explore as well, including have you driven an electric car yet?

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs released a report recently entitled Your Money and Local Debt that gives Texas taxpayers and businesses a clearer understanding of the volume of debt issued by the governmental entities that serve them. The report examines the current levels of government debt in Texas, highlighting trends that have seen our debt load more than double in the past decade.

presented with information about current debt proposals and not with information about existing debt or how much this debt will ultimately cost them. All taxpayers are served by overlapping governmental entities that may have issued debt, and it is very difficult to find out these entities’ total debt outstanding.

“As taxpayers step into a voting booth to approve new debt, government should tell them how much debt they are already responsible for repaying and how much debt service is included,” Combs said.

“Elected officials are responsible for telling the taxpayers they serve about the price tag associated with new and existing debt.”

Some local governments even issue bonds without voter approval in the form of certificates of obligation.

Taxpayers need access to critical information detailing how much debt their local governments have accumulated and whether their tax dollars or other revenue sources will be used to repay that debt.

Information needs to be presented to Texas taxpayers so that debt – both current and proposed – is transparent. Taxpayers can find the report and follow the series at www.TexasItsYourMoney.org.

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Enjoy October! Keep the cash register ringing.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Sharon K. Wallingford

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

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

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

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Contact: Barbara Carlson Barbara@FortBendStar.com 281.690.4204 - Direct 281.687.9426 - Cell Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com

Top Producer Coldwell Banker United

Terri Kurkjian

Arlene Rolsen

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CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 30 • Number 10 • October 2012

VY NGUYEN: Determined to Make a Difference

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

pg.

24

Special Feature

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

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

Fort Bend General Election......................................................... 14

Inside Stories

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . ..............Barbara Carlson

NRG Energy Brings Charging Station to Fort Bend................................................................ 6 Texian Market Day.........................................................................................................................16

EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl

Fort Bend Judge Signs Memorandum in China....................................................................20 Greenstar Offers First Single Stream Recycling Center......................................................28

MARKETING CONSULTANTS.................Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock

The Business of Baseball.............................................................................................................37 High-Tech in the Cotton Patch...................................................................................................48

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Managed Response, Inc. Relocates.........................................................................................50

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

No Label Brewery on Tap in Katy..............................................................................................51 Rosenberg Adopts Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Budget.................................................................58

Monthly Columns

CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler Trisha Frederick ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

Alan Sandersen

Elsa Maxey

Tax Smart

Star Digital Studios

Discusses Over 3,000 Texas Organizations Lose Tax Exempt Status in 2012............ 17

Discusses Hollywood... You Don't Need to be there to Star in your own Video!....... 23

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

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Commercial Real Estate Discusses Commercial Property Building An Acquisition Team......... 21

Monthly Departments Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................29-36 Newsworthy ......................................................................................................42-43 Names in the News...........................................................................................46-47 Data Beat...........................................................................................................52-55 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-62 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide............................................62-63

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Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

ON THE COVER VY NGUYEN Candidate for State Representative House District 26

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

Rice & Gardner Consultants Help Building Owners Lower Energy Costs!

H

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

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

improvements will pay for themselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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NRG Energy brings EV charging stations to Fort Bend and Texas

C

hange can come almost minuteby-minute if you are watching prices at the gas pump, but electric vehicle (EV) owners find it easy to budget for their cars’ energy costs. And now they can charge their EVs in half the time, thanks to Freedom Stations being installed by eVgo, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. ON THE ROAD AGAIN, FAST Freedom Stations cut the charging time of EVs in half, meaning drivers can grab a few groceries or a quick bite to eat while their cars are energized with a 100-mile range.

What used to take an hour now only takes 30 minutes, and eVgo President Arun Banskota said the industry is “nearing filling station speeds locating the stations where drivers want to be makes EV charging fast and convenient.”

Indeed, eVgo is in the process of installing 50 Freedom Station sites in Sugar Land and Greater Houston and 70 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“We have several locations just on the edge of Fort Bend,” said Carly Kade, communications specialist for eVgo, and one such station is already up and running on the south side Whole Foods in the Lake Pointe Town Center at the intersection of U.S. 59 and Texas 6 in Sugar Land.

“Expanding into Sugar Land and southwest Houston is an important part of the eVgo network,” said Banskota. “Locating DC (direct current) chargers strategically around the city can give drivers a strong sense of range confidence and revolutionize the way they see EV charging.”

Level 3, or DC fast charging, is revolutionizing the industry by providing EV drivers with a 50-mile boost in 15 minutes.

Level 2 chargers take up to five hours for the same charge and up to eight hours for a full charge. They’re recommended for places

6

where EV owners park for longer periods of time, such as homes, work places and parking garages.

Kade said DC fast chargers are recommended away from home for a quick boost “while picking up a prescription at Walgreens or a full charge in 30 minutes while enjoying a meal at Cracker Barrel.”

In fact, Level 3 stations are located at many of those businesses and others as well. The first one was installed at an HEB grocery store in September, 2011, and the number is increasing all the time.

“We want to put them at places you want to go,” said David Knox, director of communications for NRG. “We feel this speed is so much faster than most all of the chargers in the Houston area that it will revolutionize EV charging. It’s basically a range extender and comfort for people, so they have no range anxiety.”

He said the EV infrastructure has grown rapidly and been quite successful. Chargers can now be found throughout the Houston area. That growth was needed, he said, to encourage drivers to purchase EVs.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

MAKING IT HAPPEN “We looked around there was the huge chicken-and-egg issue,” Knox said. “We wanted to address the need and we felt, there’s a huge amount of cars already being bought and sold in America and we need to have charging stations around town so consumers feel comfortable with buying EVs.” The next step, he said, was to develop new technology with 480 volts streaming directly to the battery and drastically cutting charging time. Currently, eVgo is the only provider of DC quick charging in the Texas market and NRG Energy has installed one-third of all DC chargers in the U.S. Cade said figures are not available when it comes to the number of EV owners in Fort Bend County, but there are about 40,000 nationwide.

“There is no other metropolitan area in the country that has a greater concentration of fast chargers than Houston, and eVgo is still building,” she said. “The Sugar Land location NRG, continued on page 8

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October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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NRG Energy brings EV charging stations to Fort Bend and Texas NRG, continued from page 6

is the first in Fort Bend County, but we are still building and researching partners and sites all the time.”

SHOW ME THE MONEY Knox said there are “great misconceptions” about EVs, most of which center on an unfounded fear of lack of range per charge.

“When you buy an EV, NRG will put a charger in your home at no charge,” he said.

“Every morning you leave with a 100-mile range. Most people have 40-mile commute; that gives you plenty of range to give you what you need in that day.”

With your company’s permission, NRG will also install a charger at your workplace, free of charge, and there’s no cost to your company and no extra cost to you.

Knox likens the monthly billing plan to that of a cell phone: $89 a month covers not only home charging costs, but unlimited access to all eVgo charging stations around town as well. A simple key fob provides unlimited, remote access to the charging stations.

Smart meters now installed in most homes track the energy used by the EV charger and keeps that amount separate from the rest of a home electric bill.

Since November, 2010, eVgo has offered multiple subscription plans for EV drivers.

That way, said Kade, “an EV driver knows exactly what their fueling costs will be when they plan their yearly budget.”

Kade said eVgo, a Fortune 500 company, is investing about $150 million in the Texas, California, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia markets to support EV adoption through a sustainable, privately funded business model that enables range confidence and price certainty for EV drivers.

Knox said NRG, also a Fortune 500 company, is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy, and is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for its customers. Its providers include Reliant, Green Mountain Energy, and Energy Plus.

8

Not only is there a significant fuel savings each month for those who switch to EVs, but Kade said EVs are much less expensive to operate and maintain than gas-powered vehicles, helping America keep its money at home rather than sending about a billion dollars a day for overseas oil.

She said retail centers which provide fueling stations for EVs are helping with that goal by encouraging environmental sustainability.

With EVs, there are no oil changes, no oil and fuel filters to replace, no transmission fluid to buy or transmissions themselves to replace. And Kade said battery technology is improving all the time, with batteries lasting longer and longer.

Those who miss performing maintenance on their cars may also miss the noise of a gasoline engine, but aren’t likely to miss the quick acceleration: EVs are extremely quiet, but provide lively performance and deliver 100 percent torque at 0 rpm, making them faster from a stop than what many vehicles currently on the road.

Test-drive an EV, help plant a tree It’s not just performance and price that have many folks switching to EVs, but also a contribution to a healthier environment. Full battery EVs have 0 emissions, and many of the facilities that generate the electricity used to power them also do not have emissions.

With its new program, EVs for Trees, eVgo is helping raise funds to plant and maintain trees in Texas, and giving motorists more reason than ever to test-drive an EV.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Through Dec. 1, when you test drive a 100 percent electric Mitsubishi i or Nissan LEAF at a participating EVs for Trees dealership, the dealer will donate $25 to The Texas Tree Foundation in North Texas or Trees for Houston, both of which are nonprofit organizations. If the driver is a Green Mountain Energy or Reliant customer, the dealer will donate an extra $25.

EVs for Trees test drive vouchers are available at www.EVsforTrees.com and will be distributed at eVgo exhibits at about 80 events across Texas, including the Fort Bend County Fair.

The record drought and heat, combined with tornadoes that ravaged North Texas, has destroyed more than more than 500 million trees statewide – 10 percent of the state’s total, according to the Texas Forest Service.

“There are many exciting reasons to drive an EV,” Banskota. “EVs are fun to drive because of their silent ride, continuous torque and precise handling. Also, EVs deliver great economic, health and environmental benefits by providing significantly reduced fueling and maintenance costs as well as zero tailpipe emissions.”

Both he and Kade said EVs and trees are a perfect fit, with both improving air quality.

“The number of people who say they would consider EV ownership after learning about the eVgo network jumps from around 10-20 percent before meeting with us to 5560 percent afterward,” Kade added.

Visit www.eVgonetwork.com for additional information.

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FBC recognizes “NIMS Competent First Responders” firms

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ounty Judge Bob Hebert, in conjunction with the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, has recognized Municipal District Services, Severn Trent, Si Environmental, Environmental Development Partners and Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No.25 for participating in a voluntary National Incident Management System (NIMS) Program that he initiated in 2009. In 2012, each company completed the requirements of the program and are hereby recognized as “NIMS Competent First Responders.”

Those recognized have earned the distinction by taking actions to become an integral part of the County’s emergency management network. The program involves a series of actions to be taken to make these operating companies more prepared for Hurricane Season, improve communications

with emergency management staff at the County level, and truly begin to make the County’s water districts responsible for emergency management activities. County Judge Judge Bob Hebert Bob Hebert stated, “The program assures that participating operating companies are fully informed on the workings of the National Incident Management System and the role of the county in supporting all first responders during a declared emergency. The idea is to ensure improved communications between emergency management personnel and utility operators and to include utility district representation in the County EOC in all future activities.”

A condition of the program required employees from each utility operating company complete four NIMS on-line

training courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800). Additionally, multiple employees have attended training sessions at the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). During these sessions, attendees learned key definitions, the difference between crisis management and consequence management, the emergency response realities for municipal utility districts, the purpose and objectives of the County EOC, and the framework for the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan.

Jeff Braun, the County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, notes that “OEM staff is committed to expanding the readiness program and he is hopeful that additional companies will take advantage of the training offered in the voluntary program.” Overall, the program is intended to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to water emergencies that may occur in the future in Fort Bend County.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

The smile on Eugene’s face is a source of satisfaction for Sweeney. “I like removing any barriers patients might have so they can get timely access to quality care,” she said. “This gives them one less thing to worry about so they can concentrate on healing and getting well. It’s rewarding to see a patient’s sense of relief that they don’t have to face cancer alone.”

New Hope for Early Breast Cancer Detection

Oncology Nurse Navigator Program Helps Support and Guide Cancer Patients

By Nancy V. Mills, APR

R

eceiving a diagnosis of cancer can be frightening and overwhelming.

That’s why Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital offers a Nurse Navigator Program to help guide, educate and support cancer patients from a possible cancer diagnosis through survivorship.

Memorial Hermann Southwest employs two Nurse Navigators (pictured above) who have years of experience in oncology nursing. Lilian Sweeney, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N., C.B.C.N., works mainly with breast cancer patients while Deidra Teoh, R.N., O.C.N., M.S.N., assists all other cancer patients. Being in the presence of these caring oncology nurses, one quickly senses their deep commitment to combining their knowledge, skills and compassion to help patients secure the best outcomes.

As patient advocates, these Nurse Navigators serve as liaisons between patients and the cancer treatment team at Memorial Hermann Southwest. Their services are offered free of charge to all patients as soon as they learn of a possible cancer diagnosis.

Dedicated Cancer Experts Provide Clarity

Teoh said Nurse Navigators serve a wide spectrum of patient needs. Patients often need help understanding their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about

their care. They also need assistance with referrals to healthcare providers, support groups and community resources; insurance and financial issues; appointment scheduling; and sometimes transportation.

Nurse Navigators also provide plenty of emotional support to help patients deal with their fears and stay focused.

Bertha Mitchell met Teoh after a trip to the Memorial Hermann Southwest Emergency Center.

“I didn’t know where to go,” said Mitchell, who was diagnosed with oral cancer. “Miss Deidra got me on the right path. She found me a primary care doctor and she made sure there were no delays in my surgery. I wouldn’t trade her for anything.”

Lekeysia Eugene also lavishes praise upon her Nurse Navigator.

She met Sweeney when faced with a possible diagnosis of breast cancer.

“Lilian literally held my hand through two biopsies,” said Eugene, who has no family in Houston to assist her. “She has provided needed information. She got books for my 10-year-old daughter to explain hair loss during chemotherapy.

She made sure I had a blanket and pillow for chemotherapy. She contacted organizations that helped with meals when I’ve been recovering from chemotherapy.

She is amazing and genuinely cares.”

Breast tomosynthesis at Memorial Hermann Southwest is detecting smaller breast tumors at the earliest stages. Unlike traditional 2-D imaging, this cutting-edge, 3-D digital technology eliminates imaging problems caused by overlapping breast tissue, where potential cancers can hide.

“Tomosynthesis dramatically improves what we’re doing in breast screening, especially for women with dense or fatty breast tissue,” said Stephen Rose, M.D., a dedicated breast radiologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest and principal investigator of the 2009 clinical trial that paved the way for FDA approval of the technology.

Dr. Rose said tomosynthesis looks and feels like a regular 2-D digital mammogram.

During a three-second sweep of the breast, multiple images are captured and combined into one 3-D image. In addition to offering improved diagnostic and screening accuracy, tomosynthesis has resulted in significantly fewer patient recalls for additional tests.

Breast tomosynthesis is available to patients who are due for their yearly screening mammogram. Since the technology is not yet covered by insurance, Memorial Hermann will, upon patient request, bill the patient’s insurance for a 2-D digital mammogram and charge a nominal fee of $50 for the advanced service.

For additional information or to schedule a 2-D or 3-D breast mammogram, please call the Memorial Hermann Southwest Breast Center at 713.456.4584. Online scheduling is available at memorialhermann. org using the ScheduleNow tool.

For more information about the Nurse Navigator Program, please call the Memorial Hermann Cancer Center-Southwest at 713.456.4028.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

11

Storm meter “Hide from the Wind” comes to Fort Bend

S

torms and threats of storms affect Fort Bend County every year. Hurricane season reminds many of Alicia, Ike, Alison, and Rita, so when a storm threatens the region residents seek information about its expected impact.

The county’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has a new tool to help you predict a storm’s impact: The “Houston Hide from the Wind” website. The tool that helped people in Houston find forecasted wind speed during Hurricane Ike now includes 13 counties in the greater Houston area.

“We are very happy to be a part of this,” said Doug Barnes, senior planning coordinator for the county’s OEM, “Our residents now have access to the same critical information about a storms forcasted impact.”

The site maps data from the National Hurricane Center. It shows the expected effects of wind during a hurricane. The site allows people view active hurricane evacuation zones and expected wind speeds by zip code.

The data from this tool should help them compare the expected wind speed to recent hurricane effects.

With no storm forecast for the region, the site shows sample data. When the NHC updates models for an oncoming storm, the county’s Office of Emergency Management will send an FBC Alert notifying citizens of the update.

“Residents need emergency information in a format they understand so they can make informed decisions about their safety,” said Jeff Braun, emergency management coordinator for the county. “In the past this tool has been a great help to the City of Houston, we’re excited to offer this

12

site to people in Fort Bend County.”

Houston Hide from the Wind allows residents in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton Counties to predict the threat of storm winds.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) paid for the expansion of the Houston Hide from the Wind tool. “Multiple

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

governments came together to help bring this important tool to the entire 13-county region,” said Mel Bartis, the regional planning coordinator for RCPGP, “This project really shows how the cities and counties in the Houston region continue to innovate, and collaborate to improve tools that help keep our communities safe.”

The goal is to help residents who live outside areas with a storm surge threat to make plans to shelter-inplace during storms. Doing so frees up evacuation routes for residents with a greater threat from storm surge.

Visit www.houstonhidefromthewind. org to see the new design and sample storm data. You can also find the link under the Hurricanes menu item on the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management website.

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Special Feature Fort Bend General Election

The Hon. John Zerwas, M. D. Texas House of Representatives

J

ohn Zerwas is a man with a lot on his plate. The anesthesiologist and state representative is an advocate for advancing the quality of life for those he represents.

An anesthesiologist for over 30 years, he was elected to represent House District 28, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, which includes a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural populations in Fort Bend County.

As a physician and proponent of quality healthcare, he works to increase transparency for health consumers, and strives to save lives by updating the state’s organ donation laws.

He serves as chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations committee where he assisted in passing legislation designed to save Texas more than $400 million by making Medicaid more cost-effective, and expanding Medicaid managed care. This measure allows physicians to partner with hospitals and other healthcare providers to reach better health outcomes. The House Speaker appointed him to the Public Health and Calendars Committee, to offer a unique perspective to the Legislature. In 2009, and again in 2011, Dr. Zerwas was named one of the “Ten Best Legislators” in Texas for his work.

Dr. Zerwas is president-elect of the

American Society of Anesthesiology, and practices with Greater Houston Anesthesiology, a group practice that he helped form. He has served as president of the Memorial Hermann Health Network Providers, and was chief medical officer at Memorial Hermann Hospital System.

Rep. Zerwas has a strong commitment to faith, family, youth and community organizations; and helped form the First Colony Church of Christ where he was one of its first deacons.

He is a graduate of University of Houston and received his M. D. degree at Baylor College of Medicine in 1980. He and wife, Cindy, have four children, and two grandchildren.

Vote In The General Election November 6th Quality Health Care

As a practicing physician, I understand it is important that your medical care decisions are made by you and your physician. Bureaucrats should not be involved in an individual’s health care. As a State Representative, I will continue to work to protect your right to make health care choices without government interference.

Property Rights

I strongly supported the Republican-led efforts that limited the government’s power under eminent domain to take a person’s property for private development. I also enacted a Landowner’s Bill of Rights that protects land owners from abusive government practices. I will fight any effort by local jurisdictions or the courts to circumvent these limits.

176 2012

are Quality Health C Property Rights Border Security ues Conservative Val th Vote November 6

Border Security

Due to the federal government’s failure to secure our border, we expanded state efforts to cut off common crossing areas, implemented new technology to identify where the leaks are and increased penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. I support increased efforts in all these areas and more, including laws that require photo ID at the polls and prevent illegal immigrants from getting Texas driver’s licenses.

Conservative Values

We must limit government’s ability to grow faster than the combined rates of inflation and population groth, and ensure greater transparency in budgeting and spending. We need to prevent revenue raised from a specific tax from being used on anything other than its intended purpose.

Political ad paid for by Friends of John Zerwas, P.O. Box 852, Fulshear, TX 77441

14

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

pd pol ad • Friends of John Zerwas • P.O. Box 852 Fulshear TX 77441

Special Feature Fort Bend General Election

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

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

15

Texian Market Day: Historical fun for the entire family

H

istory comes alive at the 29th annual Texian Market Day festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27, at George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 in Richmond.

The family-friendly living history festival is roughly divided into four historical time periods: the 1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s. It features interactive activities, Texas Revolution and Civil War battle reenactments, historic home tours, a wide variety of food and crafts, and plenty of live entertainment.

Get involved in Texian politics and skirmishes of the 1800s, twirl a lasso with real cowboys, and take a spin with Victorian dancers and learn about proper Victorian etiquette; there’s something for folks of all ages.

Early settler life is spotlighted at the 1830s site, where activities include pioneer food demonstrations and activities, Texas Revolution battle skirmishes, and ongoing tours of the “dog-trot” log cabin.

16

Experience life in post-Civil War Texas at the 1860s site, where Confederate and Union soldiers camp, a Civil War battle is reenacted, Victorian dancing is demonstrated. There’s also historic food tasting, prairie home tours and interactive one-room schoolhouse programs.

Immersing themselves in the Victorian splendor of the 1890s area, visitors can tour the grandiose Davis mansion, watch live blacksmithing demonstrations, walk through the family cemetery, learn to write with quill pens, and be entertained by Dr. Bushrod’s Medicine Show, which has been a Texian Market Days staple since Day One. In addition, the chuck wagon camp is open with food samples hot off the open fire.

The 1930s site features tours of the George family’s original ranching home as well as hands-on activities and the chance to watch actual George Ranch cowboys give cattle-roping and dipping vat demonstrations.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-15, and can be reserved or purchased at the gate. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit www.texianmarketdays. com or call (281)343-0218.

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.

Over 3,000 Texas organizations lose tax exempt status in 2012 Of these, 90 are in Fort Bend County which is listed in the top ten Texas Counties for revocations of their non-profit status by the IRS between January 1st and July 9th of 2012. This is a continuation of challenges being faced by non-profits in the face of tighter IRS regulation and scrutiny particularly relating to timely filing of various forms. The organizations join over 390,000 more nationwide that have had their tax exempt status revoked between June 9th and December 31st of 2011 for a total of over 440,000 organizations nationwide. Many of these organizations may not even be aware that they have lost their tax exempt status.

2012 Tax Exempt Status Revocations through July 9th

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 59

Ex: Most by Texas City

Ex: Most by Texas County

Most Revocations by State

HOUSTON.................. 376 SAN ANTONIO........... 205 DALLAS...................... 190 FT WORTH................... 86 AUSTIN........................ 72 EL PASO....................... 38 CORPUS CHRISTI....... 36 PLANO......................... 36 LUBBOCK................... 35 ARLINGTON................. 34 TYLER......................... 33 SUGAR LAND.............. 27 RICHARDSON.............. 26 GARLAND.................... 24 WACO.......................... 24

HARRIS...................... 569 DALLAS...................... 374 BEXAR....................... 250 TARRANT................... 219 TRAVIS....................... 145 FORT BEND................. 90 DENTON....................... 86 COLLIN........................ 70 GALVESTON................ 61 NUECES....................... 49

CALIFORNIA........... 4,864 TEXAS..................... 3,437 NEW YORK............. 2,926 FLORIDA................. 2,574 PENNSYLVANIA...... 2,119 OHIO....................... 1,991 ILLINOIS.................. 1,946 MICHIGAN.............. 1,647 GEORGIA................ 1,586 N CAROLINA........... 1,479

Top 15............... 1,242 ........................... 36%

Top 10............... 1,913 ........................... 56%

Top 10............. 24,569 ........................... 50%

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

17

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers free flu shots to benefit Santa’s Exchange

M

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with the Fort Bend and Sugar Land Exchange Clubs and the Sugar Land Rotary, will provide free flu shots on Saturday, November 3 to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange.

Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from 8 a.m. to noon in exchange for a free flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.

“We are proud to partner with the local exchange clubs once again to provide this

2011 Flu Shot Clinic & Community Toy Drive .

METHODIST ONCOLOGY PARTNERS CANCER CARE EXCELLENCE Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Jorge Darcourt to Methodist Oncology Partners. Dr. Darcourt has extensive experience in treating cancer and blood disorders. He delivers individualized, compassionate care through an integrated, team-based approach that ensures each patient’s unique needs are met.

At Methodist Oncology Partners, Dr. Darcourt is now supported by the leading technology and highly skilled medical professionals of The Methodist Hospital System. And as an active member of The Methodist Research Institute, Dr. Darcourt can offer patients access to a wide range of clinical trials and the latest therapies to fight cancer.

This is the Methodist level of cancer care—from diagnosis to survival, where technology and compassion—are leading to a cure.

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18

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

community offering. This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

In 2011, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to more than 3,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County.

“Everyone’s help is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for our children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said John Robson, Chairman of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2012.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for a fifth year. This is a great collaboration; get a flu shot and in return you are able to give back to the children in this community,” says Gladys Brumfield, Exchange Club of Sugar Land President.

“Our community is well known for its philanthropic values so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.

If you would like to participate in this community event, please bring an unwrapped, new toy or clothing item to the main lobby of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital between the times of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3.

The flu vaccine is formulated to provide protection against three different flu viruses – H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of egg and/or latex allergy. If you are pregnant, please visit your OB/GYN or primary care physician to have your vaccine administered. For more information please call 281-2750751.

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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

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

19

Fort Bend signs second Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese officials

C

ounty and business leaders from Fort Bend County recently welcomed delegates from the City of Foshan, Chancheng District, China, to the Gulf Coast region and Greater Houston area to sign a second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two communities.

The MOU signifies an alignment between Fort Bend and Chancheng District on mutual economic, cultural and environmental issues. The MOU with Chancheng District is one of several international outreaches the County is pursuing.

Fort Bend representatives traveled to China in November 2011 to sign the first MOU between the two parties.

“Fort Bend leaders know the importance of strengthening international connections to further support economic development in our county,” said Jeff Wiley, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC).

“Chancheng District shares many of the characteristics of Fort Bend, including significant Jeff Wiley population growth, business growth, substantial infrastructure challenges sufficient to sustain quality growth and

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Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Pictured: Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert and Mr. Li Jun, Government Affairs Commissioner, People’s Government Chancheng District, Foshan.

a keen focus on education, medical and cultural amenities.”

Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert established a Friendship Committee several years previously with the goal to strengthen relationships both within the community and internationally to foster business development.

“I am very pleased with our progress with the Chancheng District of Foshan, China. Jeff Wiley and his team from our Economic Development Council and our Chinese Friendship Committee did an outstanding job of showing our great county to the Chinese delegation,” said County Judge Hebert. “I believe that we are on track to execute the formal sister community agreement in Foshan later this year. That agreement will officially open the door to a wide-ranging, interactive dialogue between our two communities.”

The Friendship Committee was led by the County Judge Robert Hebert and includes Rocky Lai, Riverstone Development; John Lam, Leader International Group; Michael Liu, Fort Bend County resident; Danny Nguyen, Missouri City Council member; Howard Paul, Fort Bend County resident; Jason Sheng, Witmart; Allison Wen, Safari Texas; Jeff Wiley, GFBEDC; Beth Wolf, Fort Bend County Judge’s Office; and Daniel Wong, Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. The Chinese delegation includes representatives from government and industry sectors.

“We expect to develop enhanced community relationships in the near future,” said Wiley. “We look forward to exploring mutually beneficial economic growth opportunities and working towards cultural, education, environmental, and medical cooperative efforts to bring our communities together.”

Concurrent with the establishment of the Friendship Committee, the GFBEDC has fostered another international outreach in Mexico.

The GFBEDC and the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, a Pacific Ocean port located on the western coast of Mexico, began discussing a trade route between Lázaro Cárdenas and a West Fort Bend County intermodal location as an alternative inland port for warehousing, distribution and light manufacturing. Fort Bend County now offers a strategically located foreign trade zone on approximately 1,000 acres adjacent to the Kansas City Southern intermodal facility.

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 Property – Building An Acquisition Team About one half of the commercial property purchasers we work with are corporations which generally are intimately familiar with the complexities and financial implications of commercial real estate property transfers. The balance are typically small business owners who are acquiring properties for their own use, in most cases for the first time. I learned a long ago that the best way to ensure the success of those transactions was to assist those clients in putting together a team of professionals that could provide them with the information they needed to make a final buying decision.

The key members of that acquisition team will typically include a commercial lender, an architect, an attorney and a CPA. Our office maintains relationships with a number of these professionals and will generally recommend several of each to our clients. Those

recommendations will depend on the type of property and the complexity of the transaction being considered.

The majority of new commercial real estate transactions in Fort Bend County are generally within the boundaries of the more than forty five (45) master planned communities in the county. Those master planned communities have deed restrictions and development guidelines which commercial properties must adhere to. In addition, many of the properties are inside of cities such as Sugar Land or Missouri City which have commercial property zoning restrictions. For those reasons, it is extremely important that selected professionals have experience completing transactions in those markets.

Particularly with transactions that involve new construction, there is nothing that adds unbudgeted expense to the cost of a new prop-

erty acquisition more rapidly than time delays.

A purchaser’s brother-in-law may be a terrific office building contractor who would be willing to cut his fees due to the relationship. In most cases, however, if that contractor hasn’t had construction experience in our local market, the project will most likely experience delays while attempting to comply with local codes and ordinances. Not only would the business opening be delayed, but the owner would be making construction loan payments (typically “interest only”) on the funded portion of their construction financing. These payments are significant and can quickly cause a viable project to go sour. I have seen projects delayed as much as a year due to contractors being unaware of the

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 59

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October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

21

Ribbon Cuttings Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

Kafe Bakery (2035 FM 359, Ste. C, Richmond): From left: Melissa Tipton, Eloise Lucas, Feliciano Ramirez, Gabby Bales, Charles Bertrand, Ryan Hodson, Blake Greer, Karen Gutierrez, Tony Fields, Brian Joy, Matt Ontiveros, Carson Scherer, Dylan Cartwright, Mary Doettrl, Yael Orea, Emily Schmidt, Suzanne Loehr, David Rendon, Kafe Bakery; Bryce Curry, Shirley Jackson, Emily Campbell, Tom Wilson, Raven Conway, Liz Moreno, Tony Francis, Alicia Casias and Jennifer DeDear.

Fort Bend Family Health Center (400 Austin Street, Richmond): From left: Tom Crayton, Shanta Kuhl, Manish Seth, Gilbert Limones, Keri Schmidt, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales; Sollie Davis, Carol Edwards, Congressman Pete Olson; Christopher Thompson, Nancy Kuebler, Sara Rosas Boone, Myrta Torres, Eve Rodriguez, Roland Adamson, Cynthia McConathy and Kevin Patton.

Rhea Lana’s (5136 Avenue H, Rosenberg): From left: Eric Edmunds, Cathy Pitts, Gilbert Limones, Ashley Long, Amanda Vadon, Erica Tirado, Karen Chierighino, Corey Chierighino, Conald Chierighino, Mark Foltz, Charlie Braun, Kathaleena Shepherd, Ricky Knight, Tom Wilson, Mike McCroskey, and Lisa Matthews.

22

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Nuance Downtown Studio (819 Third Street, Rosenberg): From Left: Mike McCroskey, Tony Francis, Lisa Mathews, Kandice Gremillion, Matt Ontiveros, Eric Edmunds, Sarah Roach, Chelsea Janik, Amanda Ramirez, Danielle Oliver, Sabrina Martinez, Ron Mikeska, Whitney McConnell, Jesse Torres, April Daaboul, Reilly Rinker, Taylor Cisneros, Candice Beck, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales; Charlie Braun, Blake Greer, Darrell Karnopp, Suzanne Loehr, Angela Fritz, Tom Wilson, Melissa Tipton, Shanta Kuhl, and Carlos Garcia.

Sugar Land Conference Center (12909 Jess Pirtle Blvd., Sugar Land): From left: Tony Francis, Abby Fields, Randi Zumwalt, Bob Ring; Steve Albert, Cynthia Bartholomew, Patrick Doig, Richard Fields, Lou Jackson, Becky Fields, Charlie Braun, Melissa Tipton, Eric Edmunds.

Zena Salon Spa (9825 Mason Road, Richmond): From left: Eric Edmunds, Ray Aguilar, Kelly Shelton, Rachelle Kanak, Gilbert Limones, Joy Griffin, Charlie Braun, Michelle Moore, Kara Marek, Erica Tirado, Megan Cardenas, Heather Shimek, Melissa Tipton, Amira Zagmouth, Maya Aviles, Tony Francis, Lisa Matthews, Shanta Kuhl, and Mike McCroskey.

DIGITAL

STUDIO

VIDEOS

Behind the Scene

By Elsa Maxey

Executive Producer Star Video Productions

Hollywood... you don’t need to be there to star in your own video!

We hear that the average Internet user watches over 150 videos a month, according to a service that measures the digital market.

What do you think they’re watching? It’s news, entertainment shorts, all kinds of visual imagery that moves and some of it even goes viral. What are you waiting for?

Create your own business legend!

There’s no question, video is engaging. Photos and text can do it to a certain extent, but put motion in them and mix them up with video and they’re engaging so much faster.

If you’re a business owner, video on your website, for example, can help connect your organization’s personality to the viewer.

Faces, voices, expressions and so many other

unique qualities are readily demonstrated right before the viewer.

Let’s face it, which would you prefer?

Reading text on a full page posted on a website that has an occasional picture, or clicking on the play arrow to watch a short video? A lot of us have a tendency to do a glance over when we land on a website’s homepage. We will more than likely miss a great statement that may have taken about 30 minutes to write.

The choice is yours. Do you want to be authentically present when someone lands on your website? Become more real and be more than just a series of statements. With video, Star Digital Studios can also help you enhance your marketing efforts in a host of

areas. Use video in emails, website posts, and consider showing it at a meeting site for those that arrive early.

Video helps sell. It’s more personal and human.

You don’t have to be in Hollywood to star in your own video! We can do it right here in Fort Bend County. Give us a call and we can help you create an impactful message full of engaging imagery.

Elsa Malakoff Maxey is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and the Fort Bend Star. She is the Executive Producer of Star Digital Studios and can be reached at 281-690-4280.

Visit www.starvideoproductions.com or email elsamaxey@starvideoproductions.com.

IT’S HERE! Video. On Demand. 24/7.

On your website. Are you taking advantage of this powerful tool to set yourself apart from the competition?

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Google and other search engines love video. A video on your website will place you higher in search rankings.

And your customers love video. It’s dynamic and engaging.

At Star Video Digital Productions, we can help you from conception to completion with your video marketing. Whether you need high-quality video for your website, a TV commercial for traditional cable or broadcast or a promotional video on DVD to deliver to potential customers, we can help.

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4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 500 • Stafford, TX 77477• www.starvideoproductions.com October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

23

COVER STORY

By Trisha Frederick & Sharon Wallingford

VY

NGUYEN

Vy with her students.

Determined to make a difference PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

M

Cum Laude Vy Nguyen - Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

24

eet Vy Nguyen (V Win), 34, who is running for State Representative of House District 26, a race in which Capitol Inside has named as one of the “Top Twenty Texas House Races to Watch.” HD 26 includes Sugar Land, Richmond, Pecan Grove, Greatwood, and Mission Bend in Fort Bend county.

As a second generation Asian American, Nguyen passionately understands the needs of House District 26’s diverse constituency.

When elected this November, Nguyen will be the first Vietnamese American female State Legislator in Texas and also in the United States.

At the end of the Vietnam War, her parents immigrated to the United States to achieve the American Dream and to become naturalized citizens.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Political ad paid for by Vy Nguyen campaign

“My parents came to this country in order to provide opportunities for me and my family, and I want to make sure that those opportunities are provided for all Texans young or old - with the same aspirations regardless of their personal and socioeconomic status,” said Nguyen.

Born in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, and reared in Texas, Nguyen has lived the last 15 years in Fort Bend County. She is proud to be a Fort Bend County resident, which she believes has helped attribute to her success.

“Fort Bend County is one of the greatest places to live. It is where I obtained my education, am rearing my family, and built a successful small business. My family’s and Fort Bend County’s values have instilled in me the commitment, passion and determination to become a public servant,” said Nguyen. Known by her family, friends and clients to be hard working, balanced in her opinions, energetic,

Vy Nguyen and her son.

and open-minded, Nguyen is determined to be a difference for all residents.

A devoted mother to her son, Michael, who is an Honor Roll student and Student Council member attending a Fort Bend ISD elementary school, Nguyen also beams with pride to be a member of a U.S. veteran’s family, since her brother recently returned from serving in Afghanistan.

Nguyen obtained her B.S. in Political Science from the University of Houston and then attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she obtained her law degree with Honors. Nguyen also speaks Spanish and Vietnamese. She is an adjunct professor

at the University of St. Thomas and TSU Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the Center for Advanced Legal Studies.

After her judicial clerkship with Texas First Court of Appeals, Nguyen worked as an associate attorney and then became an oil and gas in-house attorney. Nguyen’s leadership skills and savvy business sense lead her to become a sole proprietor of her law firm in the Galleria, The Law Office of Vy Nguyen and Associates, PLLC, a member of the Better Business Bureau.

She was recently appointed to the Board of Advisors of the National Minority Lawyers and Legal Assistants Association.

Nguyen was nominated as one of “Fort Bend County’s Rising Stars in 2012” in the Fort Bend Business Journal and is included in one of the American Bar Association’s books about female attorneys who have successfully balanced career and motherhood.

IMPORTANT ISSUES IN HD 26 Nguyen believes that her extensive background as a lawyer, adjunct professor, woman small business owner, and a working mom will enable her to be a strong voice for her constituents and to address quality public education, healthcare, small business owners, and creating jobs.

State Representative Hubert Vo recently interviewed Vy Nguyen on Vietnamese American Network Television (VAN-TV 55.2).

Political ad paid for by Vy Nguyen campaign

continues....

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

25

Vy Nguyen with Paige Kinkade at the Medcare Milestones event.

“For all Texans, I stand for adequate funding for public education, better affordability for higher education for students of all ages, quality access to healthcare for all groups, and facilitating small business growth. This race is about standing up for the values of everyday residents of Fort Bend County such as myself, a working mother, an attorney, a small-business owner, and community advocate,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen further states, “I believe that education is the backbone to the sustainability and growth of the Texas middle class. I will work in Austin to make sure that Texas schools have adequate resources needed to provide a quality education. The state legislature let us down last session. I will not sit back and let them continue to gut public education funding.”

As a small business owner, Nguyen is acutely aware of the issues faced by small companies. She recognizes that mandates handed down by Texas legislators over the

26

Pictured above (l-r) Retired teachers Donna Dixon, Sylvia Garza, Jerry Garrison, Eleanor Blain, Vy Nguyen, Dianne McDonald, and Derrell Evans. Not pictured: Pat Schroyer.

last two decades are strangling the growth of small and mid-size entrepreneurial businesses. She recognizes the need of small businesses to have a qualified workforce.

“We must find solutions for so many issues,” says Nguyen, listing transportation and working with TxDOT, water, funding of infrastructure, property rights, public safety, and an ample healthy food supply among them.

“I will work with business leaders across the state to make sure that we pass well thought out policies that address the concerns of small business owners. I am pro-education and pro-business. I believe that an educated populace encourages entrepreneurship which, in turn, creates new opportunities for Fort Bend County residents.”

Vy’s brother, US Sgt. Bobbie Nguyen during his tour in Afghanistan.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Nguyen is passionate about healthcare services for Texas working families, women, children, U.S. Veterans, minorities, and senior citizens. She strongly believes that everyday women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds should have access to cancer screenings, well-woman exams, and family planning services.

“The accessibility of family health services is essential. I value women who are fighting everyday to provide for their families, and I will support healthcare programs and initiatives that will aid in their success.”

As a result of these strengths and her fairness, Nguyen has received significant endorsements from respected community leaders from US Congress, Texas Senate, and Texas House of Representatives, Texas AFL-CIO and Fort Bend Employee’s Federation amongst other groups.

Recognized as a fighter, when elected as State Representative of HD 26, Nguyen is determined to be a resonating voice for the district and ultimately bring balance to the Texas Legislature.

“My vision is to build a strong consensus in the district and be a strong advocate for Texas working families, women, children, senior citizens, U.S. Veterans, and all groups in HD 26 based on shared values,” said Nguyen.

Political ad paid for by Vy Nguyen campaign

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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 281-690-4200 today to talk with our Marketing Consultant. 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 • Tel: 281-690-4200 October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

27

Baling recyclables profits residents and communities

Greenstar offers first single stream recycling center

By Wayne Chandler

T

here’s some merit in talking about how we, all residents in Fort Bend neighborhoods, can take small steps for humankind by getting involved in recycling our trash.

A tour of Greenstar’s giant recycling facility can give us all a head full of statistics about how important it is for each of us as homeowners and small business people to contribute to a nice environment.

A weak market price for paper, cardboard, etc, right now, really does not support a profitable effort for the trash people to haul it all the way to Greenstar’s 1200 Brittmore location north of I-10 and Beltway 8.

“But it’s better than the trash company paying about $30 a load to take it to a landfill, and it’s also prolonging the life of our landfills which are filling up,” said Teri League, Greenstar’s municipal recycling consultant.

Next to water, the most important

28

Teri League - Greenstar municipal recycling consultant.

commodity of concern for all Texans may be landfill space. Right now, Teri said, landfill fees probably are as low in Texas as anywhere in the country. Greenstar knows because it operates in the East, Midwest, Atlanta, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, as well as in Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Greenstar launched the first single stream recycling center in Houston nearly two years ago, with state of the art technology which allows a single stream of recyclable trash to be separated by paper and cardboard, from all kinds of plastics, from aluminum and steel cans and all kinds of glass. It’s eventually collected into bundles, with most of the paper products going back to Texas mills, and plastic and aluminum and returned to plastic and aluminum manufacturers.

Most of the crushed glass provides the necessary layer dividers for landfills.

Greenstar invested $7 million in its 90,000 SF plant on a 9.5 acre property, and it receives recyclables from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturday, processing 4,500 tons of recyclables every month., much of it from Fort Bend County

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

haulers. There’s only one other single stream recyclable plant in the Greater Houston area.

Teri and Greenstar emphasize how important each one of us is in contributing all recycleable products. On average, each one of us produces about a ton of solid waste per person per year.

About 65 percent of what we throw away each week is recyclable. If we can keep that much out of the landfills, that’s a big savings. But still, many of us don’t recycle at all, allowing aluminum cans to go to the landfill where it takes them 80 to 100 years to decompose. Greenstar claims that, nationwide, 36 billion aluminum cans went to landfills last year. They had a scrap value of more than $600 million. “Someday, we’ll be mining our facilities for the resources that we’ve buried,” a Greenstar spokesman said.

Every resident can place all of these everyday items in the recycle bin rather than the trash container: all plastic containers ( except styrofoam), aluminum, steel and tin containers, glass bottles and containers, newspapers and magazines, junk mail, and corrugated cardboard and box board.

Only food waste, Styrofoam and bathroom waste isn’t recyclable. If everyone sorted recyclables there would be twice as much each week in the recycle bin.

Processing at Greenstar includes a complex system of conveyors, using strong magnets for steel, and optical sorters that identify the plastics. There’s manual sorting of milk jugs and soap containers. Eddy current magnets separate aluminum cans.

As the material bunkers fill, operators open a sliding door to take material to the baler where it is compressed to 3,000 PSI, secured by an automatic wire bundler. Bales may vary in weight from 1,200 to 2,100 pounds each. The bales are loaded on to trucks and shipped to the mills. There is residue which can’t be salvaged, and Greenstar eventually has to take that to a landfill.

Teri predicts that there’ll be more and more emphasis by governmental agencies for all of us to preserve our resources, secure our energy supply and reduce climate change.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

SAVE the DATE 2012 State of Higher Education

Friday, October 12, 2012 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk - Sugar Land

www. FortBendChamber.com Please contact Farrah Gandhi for more information at farrah@fortbendcc.org - 281.566.2152

The Advocate for business excellence inFort FortBend Bend County The Advocate for business excellence in County

SAVETHEDATE

Friday January 25, 2013

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

CHAIRMAN’SGALA

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.FortBendChamber.com

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

29

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 A Beautiful Smile at Lake Pointe Medical Spa

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Christine Jue, Owner 1447 Highway 6, Ste. 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-9200 Salons

AAAron Property Investments Apurva Parikh, Vice President 507 Pickney Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-935-3119 Real Estate, Investment/ Commercial Brokerage

Antonia’s Cucina Italiana

Courtyard by Marriott

Imperial Sweeping

N-Line Valves

Olga Maciques, Director of Sales 12655 SW Freeway Stafford, TX 77477 281-491-7700 Hotels/Motels

Guadalupe Martinez, Owner 935 Eldridge Rd., Ste. 209 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-691-4817 Commercial Property Maintenance

Reggie Etheridge, President 13350 Pike Road Stafford, TX 77477 281-969-5220 Valves

Jared Williams, Managing Partner 9920 Highway 90, Ste. A-100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-4237 Fitness Center

Kindercare – Greatwood

Dynamic Fitness

Front Door Reality/ Keller Williams SW

Jennifer McArver, Center Director 903 Greatwood Glenn Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-343-9979 Child Care

McDonald’s

Pursley, McNamara and Flint, PLCC Mallorie McNamara, Partner/Attorney at Law 6140 Highway 6, Ste. 72 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-969-5452 Attorney(s) at Law

Residence Inn

by Marriott

Adam Petit, General Manager 4849 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-4000 Restaurants

Community Health Choice, Inc.

IBN Sina Foundation, Inc.

Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center

Karen Love, Sr. Vice President Strategic Planning 2636 South Loop West, Ste. 700 Houston, TX 77054 713-295-5195 Health Care

Shahnaz Ajani, Marketing Director 1226 South Wilcrest Dr. Houston, TX 77099 281-977-7462 Health Care

Missy Cobb, Community Liason 1111 Highway 6, Ste. 170 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-7276 Medical Clinics

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Devon Thomas, Owner 11609 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-494-0747 Restaurants

Kim Otka, Supervisor 9310 Highway 6 South Houston, TX 77083 832-328-1890 Restaurants

Joanie Caskey, Real Estate Broker & Owner 1650 Highway 6, Ste. 350 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-636-1972 Real Estate, Residential

30

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza

Olga Maciques, Director of Sales 12703 SW Freeway Stafford, TX 77477 281-277-0770 Hotels/Motels

www.FortBendChamber.com

Conrith Davis, President 6410 Highway 6, Ste. 244 Missouri City, TX 77459 832-642-3091 Associations

Royal Dialysis Center Melissa Guerrero, Director of Business and Community Relations 20333 SW Freeway, Ste. 105 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-545-1470 Health Care, Dialysis

Shelton Ogle Enterprises Michelle Merchant, School Director 12788 Fountain Circle Stafford, TX 77477 281-494-0106 Schools, Colleges/Universities

2012

Staff Force Personnel Services

The Crescent

Nicolette Coronado, Branch Manager 11925 SW Freeway, Ste. 7 Stafford, TX 77477 281-404-4230

Christy Medlin, LVN, Business Development Specialist 11353 Sugar Park Ln. Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-647-2888 Rehabilitation

Sugar Land Women’s Health Lauren Phillips, M.D., Medical Doctor 17510 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 430 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-578-3823 Physicians, OB/GYN

Trinh Insurance Agency Inc.

Texas Engineering and Mapping Company Gregory Schmidt, Vice President 12810 Century Dr. Stafford, TX 77477 281-491-2525 Engineering, Civil

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club

Kevin Trinh, Owner 13004 Murphy Rd., Ste. 216 Stafford, TX 77477 281-261-7676 Financial Products and Services

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

QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE SAVE THE DATE November 5th, 2012 For more information contact Jan-Michael Jenkins at 281-491-0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org

www.FortBendChamber.com

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

31

We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 YEAR

Radley Management, LLC Cody Radley, 281-513-1419 Sienna Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics Jenn Coll, 281-778-5355 Virtual Business Marketing Joel Patrick Pearsall, 281-744-3435 Centurion Advisors Corp.

Paul Jackson, 281-207-5485 Yum! Yum! Gourmet Popcorn Company, LLC Cleta Hubbard, 832-767-9658 Town Square Office Suites Joni Stinger, 281-566-2500

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Kelley’s Country Cookin’ Loretta Kelley, 281-277-3367 PrimeWay Federal Credit Union Quesia Arrington, 713-799-6200

Milestone Member 5 YEARS Brazos Ranch Apartments Jennifer Hampton, 281-342-4700

6 YEARS

CVR Energy Angie Dasbach, 281-207-7711 Jamail & Smith Construction Jim Jamail, 281-461-7075

Cornerstone Christian Academy Rachel Matthys, 281-980-0842 Flowers by Tiffany, LLC Anne S. Yao, 281-208-8681

32

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Blue Jungle Marketing Jim Munnell, 281-240-6700 Dal-Sterling International, Inc. Nigel Oliver, 713-219-1442

11 YEARS

Tarantino Properties David Sutton, 713-974-4292

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

12 YEARS

8 YEARS

Reserve at Woodbridge Karrah Karrillo, 281-494-2200

Printing-X-Press John Molloy, 713-771-9485

10 YEARS

RE/MAX Fine Properties Lizz Sansone, 281-753-0333

2 YEARS

4 YEARS

Milestone Member

7 YEARS

Firethorne Wayne Meyer, 281-693-1010

The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land Adrienne Barker, 281-313-2277

Shell Oil Company Myron Brown, 713-245-3890

Gordon Richardson and Associates Gordon Richardson, 713-821-1700

Southwest Urgent Care Baker Niazi, 281-545-2323 SugarLandPC.com Charles Swihart, 281-494-0894

Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Amanda Rackliff, 281-898-4518

GreenScape Associates, LLC Justin Morales, 281-341-9975 Ragin Cajun Seafood & Oyster Bar Dominic Mandola, 281-277-0704 My Flooring AMERICA John Collins, 281-208-4949

9 YEARS

KSA Engineers, Inc. Craig Phipps, 281-494-3252 Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP Jim Boone, 713-860-6404

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club Matt Barger, 281-340-7278

13 YEARS

Gateway Printing / Jones & Cook Butch Shook, 281-277-6500 Vanguard Insurance Brokers Marilyn Glover, 281-835-0824

14 YEARS

Chief RV & Boat Storage Patti Cooper, 281-575-8555 Titanium Engineers, Inc. Mitchell Dziekonski, 281-265-2910

Milestone Member 15 YEARS Early, McClintic & McMillan, LLP Richard Early, 281-491-5260

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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

17 YEARS

MACRO Remodeling and Restoration Services Michael McCroskey, 281-933-1244

UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE

University of Houston System at Sugar Land Susan Reynolds, 281-275-3331 Planned Parenthood Marilyn Chosed, 713-831-4551

21 YEARS

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. Vickie Coates, 281-261-4902 Colony One Auto Center Rod Tate, 281-980-4440

23 YEARS

Premier Internal Medicine Associates, PA Elizabeth Torres, 281-242-3737

26 YEARS

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

27 YEARS

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Nikki Owen, 281-980-5050

28 YEARS

City of Meadows Place Mayor Charles Jessup, 281-983-2950 Crown Cork and Seal Co., Inc. Michael Jansen, 281-240-4838

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

October County Judge’s Fort Bend Volunteers

2012 State of Higher Education October 12, 2012 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land

October 4, 2012 • 7:30 am – 9:30 am Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Business and Professional:

Governmental Relations:

Commissioner James Patterson

Future of Marketing with Howard Spencer

October 8, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

October 17, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Network Nites:

Healthcare Division:

Healthcare Policy & Legislative Update

Alamo Stone

October 10, 2012 • 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Education Division:

October 18, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 13020 South Kirkwood, Stafford

November 2012 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge

Network Nites:

Sugar Land Surgical

November 5, 2012 • 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City

November 15, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sugar Land Surgical 1211 Highway 6 South, Ste. 70, Sugar Land

Business and Professional:

Cashing in on Your Website Visibility November 28, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

December Governmental Relations December 3, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

33

Ribbon Cuttings

Dan Martinez and Associates 12950 Dairy Ashford Rd Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7394 www.danmartinez.com

D Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

an Martinez & Associates is a sales and use tax consulting firm that strives on representing their clients to their outmost ability. Since 1991, Dan Martinez & Associates, L.P. has assisted many Texas companies identify and recover millions in overpaid taxes. Our professional staff, comprised of former Texas Comptroller auditors and supervisors, has the technical experience necessary and essential to successfully and effectively represent your company throughout the audit

defense and refund process. Our combined tax experience, in excess of 65 years, enables us to not only identify, evaluate and document available tax exemptions but to recover tax dollars overpaid in the constantly evolving landscape of sales and use tax laws.

A Beautiful Smile at Lake Pointe Medical Spa 1447 Highway 6, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-9200 www.sugarlanddentalspa.com

A

Beautiful Smile at Lake Pointe is a leader in progressive dentistry and aesthetic procedures with a state-of-the-art aesthetic clinic that provides same day smile solutions, clinical excellence, relaxed experience and total patient satisfaction. We offer a full range of dental, aesthetic, and laser services: Teeth Whitening, Smile Makeovers: Lumineers/Veneers, Orthodontics-Six Month Smiles, Instant Smile-Snap On Smile, Botox, JuĂŠderm, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Micropeels, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vein

34

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Therapy, Laser Tattoo Removal. Alexia Thornton has had a lifelong passion and genuine interest in skin care and is a licensed esthetician and certified laser hair removal professional. She has been providing her clients with the upmost care and treatments for over 8 years.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

2012

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Our Hole Sign to read: _____________________________________________________________________________ Payment Options (Circle One) Amex Discover MC Visa Invoice Me Card Number:_____________________________ Exp. Date:______________ Zip Code:_______________________ Cardholder’s Name:_________________________________ Amount:____________ Signature: _________________ For information, contact Jan-Michael Jenkins Tel: 281.491.0218 / email: jan@fortbendcc.org Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77478

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October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

35

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

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U

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Opening Retreat Sponsors

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Nalco an Eco Lab Company Southwest Water Company Crossmark Development & Construction, LLC Iberia Bank Champion Realty, the Palmquest team EE Reed Construction, LP Jack Molho, Broker La Escondida Mexican Grill Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Planned Community Developers Republic Waste Spartan Wealth Management St. Michael's Emergency Traffic Engineers, Inc. Trinity Risk Solutions UHY Advisors

36

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

www.FortBendChamber.com

Skeeters end season with a win

The business of baseball

S

uccess is measured in many ways. No matter how you look at it, the first season of Sugar Land Skeeters has been a whopping victory; and bringing in worldfamous pitcher Roger Clemens for a couple of games only upped the level of baseball fever that spread across Fort Bend County this summer.

Oddly enough, though, said Team President Matt O’Brien, the Clemens coup was somewhat of a fluke.

“Initially, when we were reaching out to the Clemens family, the person we were asking about was Koby,” O’Brien said of the oldest of Clemens’ four sons.

“We were interested in finding out where Koby was to see if he could join the club.

It just so happened we ended up with Roger.” And what a way to end up.

Koby, 25, was playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, so he was unable to accommodate the Skeeters, but Roger was happy to step in.

It’s the Skeeters and the city of Sugar Land who’ve been happiest of all, though, garnering the worldwide attention for landing the elder Clemens.

NO GRASS GROWING HERE Famous for the hard-throwing pitching style that earned him the nickname “The Rocket,” Roger Clemens played 24 seasons of major-league baseball, 1984-2007. His record has an earned-run average of 3.12, 354 wins under his belt, and 4,672 strikeouts, third highest for a major-league pitcher.

The two-time World Series winner and 11-time All-Star has also won seven Cy Young awards, the most by any pitcher. He joined the Houston Astros in 2004, where he spent three seasons, and still calls Greater Houston “home.”

At an Aug. 21 press conference announcing his signing with the Skeeters, Clemens said he enjoyed playing with former Astros stars Jeff

Bagwell and Craig Biggio, among others.

“This is my hometown,” he said.

Clemens lives only 20 minutes from the ball park and plays on a softball team for men ages 50 and older “for fun.”

“My mother said it best: There’ll be no grass growing under my feet,” he said laughing. Clemens said his sons like Constellation Field and encouraged him to visit the stadium, located on Texas 6, just north of U.S. 90A. “Probably the more overwhelming part is that all season long, we’ve had father-and-son memories at the ball park, so it would be a shame not to have this one. This is part of baseball history. It’s the first time a father has pitched to a son in a professional baseball game,” O’Brien remarked.

“Obviously this all came on pretty fast,” Clemens said of his decision to sign on to pitch in the Saturday, Aug. 25, game. “We’re going to go out and make it fun for the fans,” he said. “We’re going to pitch one game and see how it goes.”

He enjoyed it so much, he returned Friday, Sept. 7, with Koby in tow.

The Blue Jays released the younger Clemens early so he could catch for his dad in the Skeeters game.

“This moment is going to be No. 1 for me, hands down,” Koby said prior to the game.

Roger pitched 4.2 scoreless innings against the Long Island Ducks that night, striking out one batter, and said after the game, “What a special game this is, when you have an opportunity at 50 years old to get out there and play a game of pitch and catch with your oldest son. It was great for Koby and I could tell it was special to him because he came out to the mound and I could tell by the looks he gave me. Then, it was like old times. It was like he and I were in the back yard.”

The feeling was mutual for his son.

“This was the topper. I’m just taking it all in right now,” Koby said. “This opportunity means everything. I want to thank the Blue Jays again for the opportunity they gave me to come out there and play, but I also want to thank them for releasing me a bit early to have the chance to catch for this guy. It’s a special moment for me. It’s pretty much like a major league deal for me, so I’m really excited about it.”

BASEBALL, continued on page 38

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

37

The business of baseball BASEBALL, continued from page 37

TWICE THE FUN MEANS DOUBLE THE DOUGH Sugar Land officials are excited over all the buzz about the Skeeters as well.

A press release issued by the city predicting sellout crowds means Constellation Field will easily surpass conservative revenue projections.

The $36 million 7,500-seat stadium was funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes.

A 2009 feasibility study projected an average attendance of 3,314 per game, or 300,000 annually, translating to an annual benefit to the city of $7.7 million. However, actual attendance averages of 6,751 per game have broken all records for the Independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, meaning double the revenue for Sugar Land.

Constellation Field is a year-round community amenity that will offer not only baseball, but concerts and other community events. While it is an economic asset in and of itself, restaurants and other retail establishments are benefiting from it as well.

The city owns the stadium, but Opening Day Partners, LLC (ODP) owns the Skeeters. The 25-year lease agreement between the two states that ODP will operate the stadium and offsite parking for all events, retain all revenues from those activities, and be responsible for stadium repairs and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the City will receive annual rent payments of $80,000 plus an additional participation rent.

Mayor James Thompson described the facility as “It’s an historic milestone for our city. We’ve said repeatedly that the Sugar Land Skeeters will be a first-class operation. When you consider the affordable ticket prices of minor league baseball, the quality product we have put on the field and the wholesome family atmosphere, it’s safe to say that we’ve hit a home run.”

38

MEASURING SUCCESS

BY EXPOSURE A few Skeeters fans also profited from Clemens’ return to baseball, selling tickets to his Aug.25 premier for hundreds of dollars apiece, but the overwhelming majority say there’s more to success than money and it was worth any amount of cash to see history made that night.

O’Brien called Clemens “probably the greatest pitcher of all time” and said although the franchise averages 110 percent seating capacity at every game, making it to tops in the league in the first year is more than rewarding. “Having Roger has taken us to a different level.”

“He chose to pitch on a Friday and Saturday, and our average crowd on those nights is about the same every game anyway, but what the additional excitement in the ballpark feels like, having him, is just tremendous,” O’Brien said. “It’s a smaller increase (in ticket sales) than most think because we’re close to sold out on those days anyway, but more important than that is the buzz in the ballpark.

“The first day he chose to pitch, we only had 500 ticket remaining before we even announced.” Those tickets were gone immediately.

“Earlier in the year, when we signed Scott Kasmir, he was the highest-regarded player ever to sign with the Atlantic League,” said O’Brien. “He was the first guy to get us on Sports Center; it was the No. 2 story on ESPN.” Then came The Rocket.

“With one perspective, from the exposure of the Skeeters brand, Constellation Field and in particular the city of Sugar Land, the national exposure has been amazing,” O’Brien said. “How you calculate media value is a bit subjective, depending on how you look at it. It’s probably in the millions of dollars we’ve received nationally.

Folks all over the world have seen us on the world’s largest sporting network; ESPN has shown the games and cut in live to announce Rogers’ signing.”

Regina Morales, director of development for the city of Sugar Land, can vouch for that fact after a recent trip to New York City. She was in the Big Apple the night Roger and Koby were playing for the Skeeters, and the businessmen she was visiting with asked about the team.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

“They said, ‘What about those Skeeters?’ and I said, ‘You’ve heard of them?’” Morales recalled. “They said, ‘Yes, it’s all over the news.’ These were New York residents.

I think that was the telltale sign to me that we had really moved up in national recognition because of Roger Clemens pitching. It has definitely raised our exposure and has increased the prominence of Constellation Field as a destination.

Here we were with corporate site selectors and they knew about the Skeeters and Sugar Land, so it really helps. Our job, is to get new businesses to Sugar Land.”

IT’S A GRAND SLAM FOR EVERYONE All the exposure the team has received hasn’t been lost on local residents, either.

O’Brien said merchandise sales have gone well, not only when it comes to Clemens jerseys, but also “for the other guys on the team that the fans have gotten to know.” He said all the team members have enjoyed the opportunity to not only play with a superstar like Clemens, but to get to know him.

“Inside the clubhouse Roger is a pretty regular guy. He has a locker like everybody else does, and has been mindful of trying not to be disruptive. That’s gone pretty smoothly, and the other players have lots of other cameras and attention focused on them as well,” said O’Brien. “It’s one of the more unique situations they have played through, and for them to sit back and say, ‘I was there when’ is a great thing.”

Clemens said he roots for the underdog and always tries to “encourage guys who are chasing their dreams. I didn’t do this on my own; I’ve had a lot of help and a lot of great mentors,” he said, adding the possibility of returning to the major leagues is “not even a thought right now.”

Skeeters Pitching Coach Britt Burns described Clemens as “one of the all-time greats” and said he got to know Clemens when they were both with the Astros, as was Koby.

“We talked a little bit about pitching and I had him speak to a group of A-ball pitchers,” Burns recalled. “I knew he would

put his arm around a couple of these guys and give them some pointers. It may be the same stuff I’m telling them, or maybe he says it in a different way, but coming from him, it’s going to have a lot of impact.

“It’s probably one of the most significant things that any single person could do for the Skeeters, and in the baseball context, certainly for the Skeeters, for Sugar Land and for the Atlantic League,” Burns added.

“He gave credibility and understanding to everybody out there who wondered what the Sugar Land Skeeters is about: It’s professional baseball. Roger’s presence here gives credibility to the fact that this is a very good level of professional baseball.”

Catcher Octavio Martinez, who was on the receiving end of Clemens’ famously hard pitched on Aug. 25, said, “I think just the way he presented himself with us was great from the get-go. He got in the clubhouse, made himself available to us and was really friendly. We took him in as a part of the team and he just became one of us. It was very exciting for everybody. It was a great thing for the city of Sugar Land and this team, in general. Being that it’s a first-year club and we’re still trying to get our name out there, I just couldn’t see a better way of doing that than bringing in a guy like Roger, a future Hall of Famer and one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball.”

M.J. Trahan, marketing communications director for the Skeeters, agreed that the organization scored a grand slam by bringing The Rocket on board, and more and more major league fans are attending the games.

“I think the more people learn about the Sugar Land Skeeters, the more they are beginning to see the highlycompetitive level of baseball that is maintained in the Atlantic League,” she said. “We’re also providing entertainment in a family-friendly environment for people located around the metro area.”

“We really have something special here and for the people of Fort Bend County, we have the ability to attract some interesting people and great athletes to our roster,” O’Brien added. “That just keeps the excitement moving from year to year because you will never who will be on our roster.”

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

39

FORT BEND CHAPTER

BENCHES & BARSTOOLS

BID ONLINE at http://www.facebook.com/2012BenchesBarstools

BARBARA DIBLASI MARLIN KIMBERLY SHAW 2012 Pres. WCR Ft Bend Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene

832-483-1905

2013 Incoming President

Realm Real Estate Professionals 713-614-8258

BARBARA SINKOVEC CATHY SIMEONE 2002 WCR Past President

RE/MAX Southwest 713-248-4241

WCR Past President RE/MAX Fine Properties

281-250-7513

LANE PEARSON

JUDY MONROE

ARLENE ROLSEN

713-857-4416

281-240-8800

281-414-8400

2011 Pres. WCR Ft Bend

WCR PAST President Founding Member/ 1st PRESIDENT Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene Heritage Texas Properties Coldwell Banker United

BARBARA MONTGOMERY DAANA BLASCHKE JEANNE GREGORY

Top Producer - Multi-Million Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene

713-898-3938

SR. VP, Branch Manager

RE/MAX Southwest

281-340-7800

713-854-0923

StarTex Title Co.

LIV

JULIA HARDY

SHERRY GLAZENER

713-594-6788

281-844-0093

jeannegregory.com

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JO ANN STEVENS SHERRIE FONTENOT Past President 1990 Lane Real Estate

Broker Associate RE/MAX Fine Properties

VICKI HAISLUP

JULIE MOISE

281-243-4500

713- 805-9924

713-829-1827

281 468-2233

ALHS, SRES, ABR, AHSS RE/MAX Fine Properties Weichert/Wayne Murray julie@juliemoise.com LIV

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GRI, SRES, ABR, AHS, QSC Branch Manager WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP Weichert/Wayne Murray

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OCTOBER 11, 2012 BENEFITTING: WCR & FT. BEND WOMEN’S CENTER

LOCATION: SWEETWATER COUNTRY CLUB @ 11:30 AM The benches that are “Live Auction” items may also be bid upon online up to midnight on the 10th– the highest bidder at midnight will be notified that their bench will continue on to our live auction at the meeting on the 11th and at that time may call in to increase their bid during the live auction should there be additional “Live” bids.

BID ON YOUR FAVORITE BENCH OR BARSTOOL

MARIAN WALTERS BARBARA LEE COCHRAN SUZANNE SLAVIN MARLENA BERGER THOMASINE JOHNSON Realtor, ABR, ASP, CHMS Old Republic Title Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene Stewart Title-Fort Bend Hometown America Inc sslavin@oldrepublictitle.com Marlena@MarlenaBerger.com

Int. Designer/Home Stager

Business Dev. Manager

281-275-4447

SABA SHARIF Realtor, ABR, PMN

Avalon Properties

832-641-5099

281-804-5990

281-265-9500

713-398-0170

RICK WELLS

RUTH OLSON

JOAN BERGER

2012 Treasurer RE/MAX Hall of Fame RE/MAX Southwest RE/MAX Southwest 281-831-9576 713-725-7783 LIV

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Realtor, ABR, CHMS

EnteriorDesigns.com

Weichert/Wayne Murray

Weichert/Wayne Murray

DEBBIE MARCELL

ALICE KELLER

DOROTHY YEE

281-782-2102

281-565-1027

713-826-2373

281-835-9789

713-825-9179

281-904-8199

HAR Director Multi-Million Top Producer VP/ Branch Manager Realtor Heritage Texas Properties Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene Chicago Title Company RE/MAX Fine Properties

281-240-8800

LIV CT

JACKIE MURRAY KENDYL MAURER

Realtor CRS, ABR, SRES

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NEWSWORTHY

Carlson joins Fort Bend Business staff The Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal welcomes Barbara J. Carlson as Associate Publisher. Barbara reared her two sons alone when her husband passed away in 1996, but continued to run two successful businesses.

After graduating from the MN School of Business, Barbara moved to the Great State of Texas, getting here as fast as she could.

Barbara graduated from the U of H, summa cum laude. After three years of research, Barbara’s book “Face It, We’re Broken” was published last fall. Barbara spent 10 years

with Oracle, winning the National Sales Leadership Award, the highly-coveted award based on excellent national leadership skills and the highest ethics. Her greatest passion is her dediBarbara Carlson cation to our country and Constitution. Barbara is looking forward to meeting you and helping you grow your businesses across Fort Bend County.

Legacy Foundation makes first donation -- Great American Trails Grant Sugar Land recently completed the expansion of Eldridge Park Trail, a project supported with a $15,000 Great American Trails grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Darden Foundation.

Sugar Land was one of eight communities to receive a 2012 grant and used the funds for enhancements that included benches, trail signage and trash receptacles along the mile-long trail. The grant was transferred from NRPA (a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts) and the Darden Foundation (the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants, Inc.) to the City through the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation.

The grant-funded amenities enhanced a City-funded project to lengthen the trail at Eldridge Park.

“Thanks to the Darden Foundation, the NRPA and the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, residents can now enjoy longer, leisurely strolls along Eldridge Park’s newly expanded walking trail,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Browne. “Local parks and trails are community resources supporting conservation and environmental sustainability. The Great American Trails grant helped improve the infrastructure at Eldridge Park and contributed to the multitude of benefits our trail system provides the community.”

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LongHorn Steakhouse, a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc., helped secure Sugar Land’s grant.

“At LongHorn, we believe in hard work and doing things the right way, part of which means giving back to the local communities we serve,” said LongHorn Steakhouse President Dave George. “Guests visit us to spend time with family and friends, and what better way to extend this idea beyond our restaurant than by providing support to help refurbish outdoor, public spaces for families to enjoy.”

Trails in Sugar Land are intended to contribute to a more interconnected community and foster active modes of transportation such as walking and biking. They also protect, sustain and restore open spaces - making the community more livable and improving the quality of life.

The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, a private non-profit organization established in 2010 to create a vehicle for sustainable charitable and planned donations for parks and civic facilities in Sugar Land, facilitated the grant from the Darden Foundation.

For more information on the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, call (281) 980-8981 or visit www.sugarlandlegacy.org. For more information about the Great American Trails program, visit www.nrpa.org/greatamericantrails.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Missouri City calls out Sugar Land for health challenge The City of Sugar Land has accepted the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge and a personal contest closer to home.

The Challenge runs through Oct. 31 and allows communities across Texas to face off against each other to see which has what it takes to create the most healthy community.

Sugar Land, a five-time “Fittest City in Texas” winner has a proven track record of healthy living and is ready for the competition, including a recent challenge from the mayor of nearby Missouri City.

“It has come to my attention that a certain mayor from down the road believes his citizens lead a healthier lifestyle then we do in Sugar Land,” said Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson. “Well, I take exception to that. There is a reason we won the first Governor’s Cup naming Sugar Land the Fittest City in Texas and held that title for four consecutive years. Talk is cheap.

Our message is you’re on. We’re ready for the challenge and have the hardware and citizens to prove it. but, are you ready for us?”

During October, Texans will use the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge website to log activities that earn their community points. After two months of competition, all points will be totaled, and the winning community from each of the community categories (small, medium, and large) will be awarded the title of Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge Winner.

It’s easy to get involved.

• Click “Take the Challenge” at www. hebcommunitychallenge.com/.

• Start tracking healthy actions as an individual, as a school and as an organization.

“The more we work together as a community, the better chance we have to bring home another trophy and the title of Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge Winner,” said Thompson.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

VA study to better understand Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is conducting research involving Veterans with schizophrenia or bipolar illness. This effort is part of a national multicenter study of approximately 25 sites across the country, coordinated by the VA Cooperative Studies Program.

At each site, participants are asked to give a small (one-tube) blood sample, answer a short questionnaire, and complete paper-based assessments; however, they are not asked to take any study medications nor undergo any invasive procedures.

Participants will be compensated up to $60 for their one-time involvement.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are chronic mental health conditions that can generate considerable lifelong disability.

Both conditions are known to have major genetic or inherited components, possibly explaining how severe the disease is, how well treatments work, and how day-to-day functioning is affected.

The goal of this study is to compare the DNA or the genes of Veterans with schizophrenia or with bipolar illness to the DNA of Veterans without these conditions.

This approach will help researchers

Get help formatting a resumé at library program

identify genetic risk factors related to these conditions and how severely they affect Veterans. Researchers will also evaluate tests shown in the past to describe real-world functional problems, such as managing a checkbook.

The study will also establish a specimen and data bank for future research to help Veterans with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Treatments for these conditions have improved in the last few years, but are still associated with relatively high rates of side effects. The study could therefore also possibly help to identify which patients do better receiving certain medications.

Veterans are eligible to participate if they have been given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar illness and receive health care at a VA facility. The 3-hour sessions take place at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and consist of providing a small blood sample, filling-out questionnaires about symptoms and medical history, and completing tests of memory and thinking.

If you think you might be eligible and would like to participate in the study, or if you wish to ask questions about the study, please call 713-791-1414, ext. 6938.

University Branch Library to host screening of “The State of The Gulf: America’s Sea” documentary Fort Bend County Libraries will host a screening of the Texas Parks and Wildlife documentary, “The State of the Gulf: America’s Sea,” on Thursday, October 11, beginning at 7:00 pm, in the Large Meeting Room of the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

Introduced by Coastal Prairie Master Naturalist Jamie Harris, this one-hour documentary explores the rich diversity of the Gulf of Mexico’s unique ecology, diverse flora and fauna, and important habitats. The film sheds light on the variety of eco-system services that the Gulf provides to people, and

on the various forces that threaten it, such as hurricanes, oil spills, and hypoxia zones.

Learn how pragmatic regulation and active fisheries-management have protected and enhanced marine resources for a sustainable future.

This documentary is the fifth in an award-winning series of water-resource documentaries produced by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Harris will be available for questions after the film.

The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-633-5100 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Individuals who are interested in improving their resumés can get handson help at a special “Resumé-Formatting Workshop” at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library on Wednesday, October 10, beginning at 10:15 am, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8100 FM 359 South in Fulshear.

Library staff member Nick Lowe will assist individuals who want to improve their existing resumé. Lowe will demonstrate formatting options that will increase a resumé’s chances of catching the attention of a prospective employer. Those attending the class should bring a digital copy of their resumé saved in a Microsoft Word 2010-compatible format.

The workshop is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281633-4675, or by visiting the library.

Pinot’s Palette now open in SLTS Pinot’s Palette, a popular arts and crafts studio, is now open in Sugar Land Town Square.

Pinot’s Palette is an art and entertainment studio that offers instructional art classes in an interactive and social atmosphere. The Town Square location is the studio’s fourth in the Greater Houston area.

At Pinot’s Palette, art teachers direct students with step-by-step instruction to recreate the evening’s featured painting, often a famous piece of artwork. Students are allowed to bring their own cocktails to each group session, and leave the studio with the painting they’ve created.

Pinot’s Palette is located at 16170 City Walk and occupies 2,198 square feet of retail space, according to Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD). Additional information on Pinot’s Palette can be found online at PinotsPalette. com/SugarLand.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Get on Board: The Rosenberg Railroad Express Presents All Aboard The Roaring Twenties Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s annual fundraising gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th at Safari Texas, and this year’s event features a fun-filled evening with a 1920s theme.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support program operations and general operating needs for the Museum to assist in preserving the rich heritage of the railroad industry and its contribution to the history of Fort Bend County.

With over 8,000 visitors to the Museum in 2011, 6,000 were children who benefited from the Museum’s educational programs dedicated to sharing the history and importance of the railroad industry with today’s youth and included school tours, dedicated exhibits, a children’s library

and special events.

The Rosenberg Railroad Express Presents All Aboard The Roaring Twenties features period entertainment, Climb aboard The Rosenberg Railroad Express Presents “All Aboard The Twenties” gala with committee members Doris Gurecky, Terri Stuart, a costume contest and Roaring Honorary Boss Kevin Patton, Liz Stegint and Head Flapper Marcia Vogelsang. live and silent auctions. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th at Safari Texas Ranch. For The live auction more information, call 281.633.2846 or visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/gala. includes a day trip on the Austin Steam Train High Flyer Caboose “We are very excited to be supporting such through the Texas Hill Country, a fish fry a worthwhile cause helping keep the history for 50 guests at Stuart Ranch, a weekend and importance of the railroad industry alive getaway in South Padre Island and a VIP for future generations,” said Kevin Patton. box at a Skeeters’ game for 20 guests just to Sponsorships are available for the event, name a few. and they range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Driving the train to victory is Honorary Tickets are $75 per person. Call 281.633.2846 Boss and Dame Kevin and Margaret Patton. or visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/gala.

Library celebrates family-history month with Genealogy Workshop In recognition of Family-History Month in October, Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will present the First Annual Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, October 20, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Trevia Wooster Beverly will begin the workshop with a presentation on “Researching the Old Homestead.” Learn how to trace the history of a house by using maps, deeds, land records, and other genealogy resources.

Beverly is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and has served on the Harris County Historical Commission since 1995. She is pastpresident of the Texas State Genealogical Society and co-founded the Houston Genealogical Institute.

At 1:00 pm, Debbie Parker Wayne will present “G-A-T-A G-A-C-C! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today.” Wayne will discuss current practices in using DNA analysis for genealogy research. Learn

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about different genetic markers, including autosomal, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. Those attending the program will learn how to go about having a DNA test performed, and how to analyze the results.

A certified genealogist, Wayne is a member of the APG Board of Directors, and was a founding member of the APG Lone Star Chapter. She also serves as the DNA director for several geographic projects.

Wayne enjoys complex problem-solving and using social history to add interest to family histories, and has a particular interest in using laws and DNA to advance research.

The final presentation of the day will be “Breaking Through the Salt-Water Curtain: Tracing Your Ancestors Back to Germany,” presented by Wolfram M. Von-Maszewski.

Learn about print and electronic genealogy resources that are available locally, and about others that are located in Europe.

Von-Maszewski was born and raised in Europe, obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin, and did additional course work in genealogy

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

through Brigham Young University. He managed the Local History and Genealogy Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond until his retirement in 2008. He has produced several publications and has translated written accounts done by early German travelers in Texas. An on-going project is the translation of German-Texan records from the old German script into English, including church minutes, church registers, and private letters.

A box lunch from McAlister’s Deli will be available. Contact Daniel Sample at dsample@fortbend.lib.tx.us to reserve a lunch. A $5 donation for the meal is appreciated.

The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program.

Participants may also register by calling the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the department at the library.

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Leah Dibble

Congratulations to Leah Dibble, a graduate of Fort Bend Christian Academy, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for October! Rachel Cochran, Events Coordinator, presents the $1,000 check. While at Fort Bend Christian Academy, Leah was a member of the varsity basketball, cross country and track teams, serving as captain of her cross country team. Leah was also involved in a variety of organizations, including National Honor Society, Big Sister Little Sister Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, American Sign Language Club, Student Leadership Community and Academic Team, in which she held multiple leadership positions. Leah has received multiple awards for her academics and athletics, including Academic Excellence awards in ASL, Freshman Bible, Honors Geometry, Honors English II and the “Soaring Eagle Award.”

She also received Most Improved Runner, Eagle Heart, Most Coachable, and Outstanding Scholar Athlete. Leah plans to study medicine at Baylor University. Leah was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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NAMES IN THE NEWS

Sugar Land Rotary names Jameson as President for 2012-2013 Past Sugar Land Rotary president Marshall Whichard installed Jared Jameson as the new president for service organization for the 2012-2013 year. Jameson announced the new Rotary International theme, Peace through Service.

Greg Pendley, outgoing president, presented awards to the past Board Members and Rotarians of the Month. Pendley selected Shane Jarka as Rookie Rotarian of the Year and Jeff Tallas as Rotarian of the Year. “I’ve only been in the club for three years, and there are men and women who will stand with you.

I knew I was a part of something great,” said Pendley.

Jameson is the vice president and chief investment officer for WJ Interests, a feeonly financial planning firm located in Sugar Land. He received his MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993.

Jared also is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a registered investment advisor.

Jared is active in the Fort Bend community.

Before becoming Sugar Land Rotary president, he has served in numerous capacities for the club. He serves on the board of directors for the Fort Bend County Women’s Center, for which he has been president and treasurer, and for OakBend Medical Center. Jared also serves on the Sugar Land Town Square TIRZ board and Fort Bend Green. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter in Sugar Land.

“As always the lifeblood of any service club is membership, my goal this year is to grow Sugar Land so that we can better serve our community,” said Jameson.

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

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It’s official, the gavel passed! Pictured at the Installation Dinner at Constellation Field are from left: Marshall Whichard, Greg Pendley, Jared Jameson and Jeff Tallas.

Meadows Place hires Yolanda Wilson as City Secretary Yolanda Wilson, resident of Fort Bend County for over 15 years, enjoys public service and looks forward to serving the City of Meadows Place as City Secretary.

Ms. Wilson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas Southern University. She began her local government career with the City of Sugar Land as a Management Intern.

“I’ve worked in small and large cities but both have one thing in common, providing services to citizens.” She worked for the City of Missouri City for nine years where she created a Homeowner’s Association Network that specialized in providing current information to residents. She also managed grants for utilities and multiple community beautification projects for the City of Houston.

Yolanda enjoys volunteering. She works

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

with local schools as a mentor and has served local non-for-profit organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. Other Yolanda Wilson personal accomplishments include being a published author and an award winning poetess. She enjoys writing poetry, which led to her being recognized as Fort Bend County’s first Poet Laureate by the Ft. Bend Poets Group.

Ms. Wilson, who is excited about serving and becoming a part of Meadows Place says “I would like for every citizen to feel they are a part of the community because that shows as a city we’ve strived for excellence far beyond today, leading us into the future.”

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Mary Ann Powell named Sugar Land’s city attorney

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital employee elected to international leadership post Peggy Boineau, a Senior Occupational Therapist at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, was recently elected Treasurer of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT).

IFSHT is a global organization that provides networking and educational opportunities to develop and enhance the practice of hand therapy around the world.

“To be elected as an officer in a worldwide organization is a tremendous honor and a real recognition of Peggy’s stature within her profession,” said Sean Croft, Director of Rehabilitation Services for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Over the past 10 years, Peggy’s dedication and service to the field of hand therapy has been unmatched. We are extremely fortunate to have such a highly qualified, highly skilled individual here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.”

Boineau brings a wealth of clinical expertise to her job at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) and Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH). She has been a Certified Hand

Therapist for more than 20 years, and has a long history of leadership roles in state, national and now international organizations. In fact, Boineau is a former President of the American Peggy Boineau Society of Hand Therapists, a position she held in 2010.

Hand therapists such as Boineau are occupational or physical therapists that help rehabilitate patients with hand and wrist injuries and conditions, treating acute traumatic injuries such as crushed fingers, fractures, amputations and lacerations with nerve damage, along with repetitive-use conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab services are located at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (Highway 6 and Brooks St.) and at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center off Town Center Boulevard.To schedule an appointment please call 281-201-0405.

Brown named chair of Texas Early Learning Council LaShonda Brown of Missouri City has been named chair of the Texas Early Learning Council for a term to expire at the pleasure of Governor Rick Perry. The council assesses early childhood education and care programs across the state, and develops opportunities for collaboration and coordination between state and federallyfunded child development entities and child care and early education programs to ensure children have access to high quality programs.

Brown is director of the University of Texas Health Science Center Children’s Learning Institute Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office. She is a member of the Healthy Child Care Texas Advisory Committee, National Health and Safety Interest Forum, and Texas Infant Mental Health Association Advisory Board.

Brown received a bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University, and is pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University.

Mary Ann Powell has accepted the position of Sugar Land city attorney, effective Oct. 1. She replaces Joe Morris, who resigned in February.

Sugar Land City Council consented to the city Mary Ann Powell manager’s appointment of Powell on Sept. 4, an action required by the City Charter.

Powell has 25 years of municipal law experience, including 20 with the City of Missouri City as Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney. She most recently served as first assistant attorney for the City of College Station. Like Sugar Land, College Station is the largest metropolitan area in its county and serves as the region’s leader in economic development, business, education and medicine.

Powell’s accomplishments include drafting and negotiating economic development agreements and multimillion dollar real estate transactions, as well as major reorganizations of city legal processes, programs and regulations.

“Sugar Land is a cutting edge city with a robust economy,” said Powell. “I work best in this type of an environment, where I can challenge both my staff and myself to better serve our client, the city. My goal is to create strong working relationships that help maintain Sugar Land’s position as a leader in municipal government.”

An extensive interview process resulted in Powell’s selection as one of three finalists for Sugar Land’s vacant city attorney position.

Powell emerged as the strongest candidate after several interviews, including a day-long process, that included meetings with the city manager, staff and city councilmembers.

Powell received a bachelor of arts from St. Louis University and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law School.

She has also served as the executive editor of the Houston Journal of International Law.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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High-tech in the cotton patch

H

ow does a round peg survive in a rectangular world?

Pretty well, when it comes to cotton.

This is a banner year for harvesting the fluffy stuff in Fort Bend County and there’s a new, high-tech bale in town, to boot.

Cost-effective cotton picking Not so many years ago, hay was compacted into small, rectangular bales in fields and cotton was loaded loosely into large trailers that left trails of white puffballs along roadsides all the way to the gin.

Then came the large, round hay bales and huge, tarp-covered, rectangular cotton modules that have dotted the Fort Bend landscape over the past couple of decades.

Now cotton is going the way of hay and is being packed into circular bales, though they dwarf those of the straw crop.

The reason is simple: cost effectiveness.

“There’s no labor, just the cotton picker,” Needville gin owner Pat Horak said of the round-module harvesters. “With the other pickers you have to have somebody on the module builder and you have to have someone tarping; and with these, you just put them on the ground and go.

There’s no waste and the weather doesn’t bother them; they’re completely covered.”

Each bale is also equipped with a computer chip for identification

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purposes. It includes the farm account number and replaces the need for marking cotton trailers with chalk and a burlap covered bale with a gin tag.

Alan Stasney, who farms 3,700 acres in Fort Bend, Wharton and Austin counties, said the chips are imbedded in the wrap, which is an extra expense for growers. He said John Deere makes the round pickers and the wrap. “It is easier,” he said of the special wrap, “but I’d end up spending $30,000 just for the wrap in a good year.”

Like many farmers, Stasney hires custom pickers, who travel across the state with the huge round balers and pick cotton for a fee. “A lot of the labor savings (with the round balers) is so great that that little bit of inconvenience of

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

spending money for the wrap is worth it for custom harvesters are worth it,” he said. “It’s continuous picking; you don’t stop, you just keep going.”

Gary Smith, owner of Tavener Gin, said, “You cut out a module builder and you cut out a tractor that has to pull it. They cut six rows, really fast.”

Although the cost of a round baler is $600,000-$700,000, those who farm on a large scale say it doesn’t take long before the machines pay for themselves.

For instance, Horak and her family farm some 6,000 acres in Fort Bend, Brazoria and Matagorda counties, and recently purchased two round balers. They also had to buy special equipment for the gin to be able to process the round bales.

“It picks up the bale and takes the wrap off and puts it on the module feeder,” Horak said. “It’s only been a few years, maybe two or three, that people have been using the round balers. They’ve been testing them, but the company has not been making very many. This is the first time we’ve been able to buy, but a lot of custom pickers bought them before.”

Record-setting harvest As for John Deere’s timing in making the round-bale pickers available in Fort Bend county, it couldn’t have been better. Last year’s record drought is just a faded memory, replaced by the reality of a record-setting harvest.

“A lot of people haven’t seen a crop like this in years and years,” Horak said. Smith agreed.

“This is the best cotton crop I’ve ever seen in Fort Bend County by a long shot,” he said. “It’s just amazing what happened this year: We had the rains at the right time, the boll weevil has been eradicated in the county and all we need to make a crop now is the right weather. You’ve got to have the right rain to make a good cotton crop.”

Smith said the normal cotton harvest for Fort Bend farmers in a good year is about a bale-and-a-half per acre; this year, they’re picking anywhere from twoand-a-half to four bales per acre. “Last year, with the drought, it was a little less than a bale an acre, average,” he said.

In 2011, the 13,000 acres of cotton harvested by Smith’s customers produced 12,282 ginned bales. This year, he predicted, 11,000 acres will yield 25,000-28,000 ginned bales. “It’s quite a difference,” he said. “Farmers made a good maize crop and corn crop this year, too. Everything we did here in Fort Bend County did good. They made very good yields on grains and got a good price for it. Cotton is going to make a good yield, but the price isn’t as good as last year because of the worldwide recession.”

Ginning and grinning Smith said there are two other reasons for grain prices being better than cotton prices: saturation of the cotton market and the fact that grain is a food source.

But what many people don’t realize is that cotton seed is a food source as well, both for humans and cattle.

Daniel Polak, manager of Fairchilds gin, explained how cotton gets from the field to the kitchen: “The gin has a truck that picks up the bales and takes them to the yard, where a feeder breaks the module up and feeds it inside the gin and it gets ginned; it separates the seed from the cotton and cleans it out. It takes as much trash out as it can and then it puts it in a bale and ships it to a warehouse.”

From there, the cotton seed goes to an oil mill in Harlingen where it is squeezed and cooking oil is produced. “It’s very healthy for you. There’s not as much trans fatty acid as in some oils,” Polak said.

Once the oil has been extracted, the rest is milled into feed for cattle.

“It’s very high in protein and it’s really healthy for them,” Polak said.

Round bales weigh about a ton each and it would take four of them to equal the amount of cotton in a rectangular bale, but farmers and ginners alike agree that the speed of the huge new cotton pickers and the reduced labor costs make them attractive. Still, said Polak, most folks who farm 1,000-2,000 acres can’t afford the new equipment.

“John Deere came out with this machine about three years ago but, because of its price tag it’s hard for the farmer himself to buy it,” he said. “A machine like that has to stay in the field to be worth what you pay for it. Usually custom guys

who come from The Valley and travel through to pick have them. They travel the circuit and work their way from Corpus up to here and on to West Texas. They run them really hard and really long; that’s the only way you can pay for them.”

But this year’s bumper crop may help some farmers afford the new balers.

“This year we (Fort Bend) had 10,265 acres of cotton and the yield has been exceptional,” said Juanita Moody, program technician with the Fort Bend County Agriculture Center.

Smith said the grade of the cotton is excellent and, “for the most part, everything looks super good.” “It’s just amazing,” he said. “My dad was in the business. I’m 67 now and I’ve seen it change from hand-picking back in the ’50s to six-row cotton pickers now we’re producing round modules. All the years that I’ve been in the cotton-ginning business, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

49

Managed Response, Inc. relocates to Sugar Land

M

anaged Response, Inc. (MRI) recently relocated their offices to 77 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 210 after being in the Galleria area for over 14 years. Several employees including the company President, Michael D. Stall, PE, live in Sugar Land and are excited about being part of the local business community.

MRI is a professional engineering and construction management company that manages new construction projects and renovation or repair of distressed properties that have been damaged by time, neglect or disasters such as fires, floods and hurricanes.

Our disaster recovery experience gives MRI detailed knowledge of how buildings should be constructed to avoid future problems which provides a significant advantage

when MRI manages new construction.

Some examples of disaster recovery projects that MRI has managed include: (1) remediation, clean-up and reconstruction of the United Airlines World Headquarters buildings near Chicago that were damaged by fire, (2) design and repair of the 3100 Richmond Avenue building in Houston after the exterior marble façade dislodged during Hurricane Ike and (3) repair of a 92 unit, six story mid-town condominium building where foundation settlement caused extensive fracturing and failures of concrete block columns.

MRI has also helped families recover from the floods caused by Hurricane Ike by remediating and rebuilding their homes.

Some examples of new construction projects that MRI has managed include: (1) a 46 unit, six story condominium

Miller promoted at LJA

H

ouston civil engineering firm is pleased to announce that Danny Miller, PE, has been promoted to Vice President in the firm’s Austin Land Development Division.

Danny Miller has been with LJA for over six years, and has provided engineering leadership for a variety of projects with very diverse circumstances and design constraints. He has been instrumental in the development and expansion of LJA’s services and client base in the multi-family, commercial, and retail markets in the Austin area.

Danny has over 22 years of experience in land development and site development projects throughout the Central Texas area, and over 18 years working in the Austin area.

His experience includes site assessments, feasibility studies, conceptual planning, cost estimating, drainage studies, permitting, construction plans and documents, and

50

construction phase services. Danny has a thorough understanding of the City of Austin’s land development regulations and design criteria, as well as the Cities of Danny Miller Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Bee Cave, and Pflugerville regulations, and TCEQ Edward’s Aquifer regulations and applications.

Danny’s land development experience includes project management and design for a range of projects including large master planned communities, retail shopping centers, multi-family residential, industrial sites, office campuses, senior living facilities, infill developments and affordable housing developments in Austin and the surrounding areas.

Danny is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

in the Medical Center area, (2) the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at Lake Pointe in Sugar Land, (3) a 24 unit steel framed condominium inside the 610 loop and (4) an 11,000 square foot single family residence in Piney Point.

As a Texas Registered Professional Engineering firm, MRI performs and coordinates the design process to help property owners control costs during that important stage of a project. MRI can also determine how to safely stabilize damaged buildings, establish the scope of damage, estimate repair costs and assist people with property insurance settlements. MRI can also help clients resolve construction and engineering issues that can occur during construction. MRI can perform progress inspections, quality control inspections and other construction engineering services that may be required during the life of a project.

Stall has over 30 years of construction experience beginning as an ironworker/ welder erecting commercial buildings and power plants throughout Texas. He earned a Bachelor’s of Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and, after working for Bechtel Power for several years, earned a Master’s of Civil Engineering at Stanford University. He has also worked as an Umpire (Neutral) for insurance claims Appraisal proceedings for Hurricane Ike claims. Other MRI key personnel have between 8 and 30 years of construction and design experience that can provide cost effective design and management services for your next construction or renovation project.

MRI earned a BBB Award of Distinction in 2011 and a BBB Pinnacle Award in 2012. MRI also received a Houston Mayoral Proclamation for contributing to Houston’s growth and economy in 2010 and has a ServiceMagic.com five star rating – all of which demonstrate a strong commitment to quality and service that is the core of MRI’s corporate and personal culture. For more detailed info go to www.mribuilds.com For rapid response call (713) 627-1122, Extension 1.

No Label Brewery on tap in Katy

By Wayne Chandler

K

aty folks… and beer drinkers from everywhere… have fallen in love with their neighbors, the Royo family, and their No Label Brewery, created two years ago out of a vacant rice-drying silo on First Street in Katy.

Brian and Jennifer, fresh grads of the University of Houston, and his parents, Gilberto and Melanie, had an idea and a dream of starting a microbrewery in Katy.

That was in the Fall of 2010.

Well, now, go any Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. and you’ll be among some 650-plus people who’ve come via pickup trucks or limos to taste a fascinating variety of homebrews while they listen to a blaring band playing rock or country music, or to mingle under small canopies or out in the open field in lawn chairs that they’ve brought from home.

The Royos stress that they are “kidfriendly and pet-friendly” and it’s obvious.

You’ll see tots learning to walk, and you’ll see grandparents. And there’ll be dogs on leashes.

The Royos and the No Label Brewery are making it in a big time beer market, as the only microbrewery within 20 miles, coexisting with St. Arnold’s in downtown Houston, and Southern Star Brewery in Conroe. Other microbreweries in other areas of Greater Houston are in the works, says Gilberto, but No Label has established its brand.

The Royos, when they had to pick a name for licensing and marketing, were up against a deadline. They picked No Label because they couldn’t think of any other name that they liked. It became their motto…”Label?…we don’t need no stinkin’ label.”

“The reaction to our beer has been wonderful,” said Jennifer, expecting their first child in November. “We are having trouble keeping up. We just recently hit stores in bottles and are trying to keep up with the demand. With three new 60-barrel fermenters, we will be able to brew more BREWERY, continued on page 57

No Label’s president Gilberto Royo (center), with friend.

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

FrostBank.com October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

51

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 August 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 425 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of August. There were also 75 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Martinez Guadalupe Imperial Sweeping 935 Eldridge Rd #209 77478

Wells Tamiko N (+) Stafford Dancing Dolls 12830 Frances St 77477

Mendoza Jose (+) Jose Mendoza Excavation 12711 Terrence St 77085

Marks Joyce L (+) Grand Parkway A/C & Heating 731 Winston Ln 77479

Pleitez Juan (+) J & A Trans.

2003 Briar Ridge 77471

Vasquez Lucio Ramon Ibarra Azteca Electric 4423 Gassner #84 77423

Bowens Yolanda Aspire Medical Billing and Consulting 3006 John Locke Ln 77459

Williams Donald Eugene Certified Training & Services 17159 Quail Park Dr 77489

Guidry Laviyous L (+) Legacy Azm Enterprises 614 Shady Dale Dr 77477

Nufio Danny (+) D & A Trans.

3416 Ave R 77471

Martinez Jose Juan Construction N More 310 A Wallace 77435

Beckworth Danny L Tcbeckservices Po Box 1764 77469

Walker Tonya M Walker-Farris Investigations Po Box 1202 77487 1202

Power-Treat LLC Encore Technologies 4445 Bluebonnet Dr 77477

Faucher Leonard (+) Corecurriculum Coaching 54 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Suite 300 77498

Lopez Esperanza L (+) Twin City Driver Education School 405 B South Second St 77469

Galacka Enterprises Inc Henderson Sports Apparel 1305 Fm 359 Rd #F 77406

Dussetschleger Michelle La (+) PR By Shell 2400 Old South Dr Apt 2425 77406 Rhines Dexter C I Can Fix It 605 Mimosa 77545 Riegler Nicholas (+) The Smokin Guns (+) 9443 Hwy 6 South 77083 Smith Orlando (+) Space Age Recycling 5914 Bonita Creek 77459 Smith Milby Unique Home Furnishing 2319 Broadgreen 77489 Baseer Medical Pllc Baseer Medical Clinic 11920 Highway 6 77498 Zhao Martha (+) Magic Deal Properties 4326 Shady River 77459 Mayberry Joseph L (+) The New Horizon Property Management Company (+) 14723 Texaco Rd 77481 Willars Jorge (+) Jw Consultant Services 3906 Cape Meadow Ct 77494 Nexus Inc 5 Star Smoke Shop 508 Murphy Rd Ste D 77477 Medlock Jason Hardriders Motorcycle Club Association 3915 Kiamesha Dr 77459 Hernandez Alfred (+) A & J Muffler & Converters 1810 Staffordshire Rd 77477 Shaw Loretta Box Of Hope 2823 Glenn Lakes Ln 77459

52

Medve Jacob Jem Services 4827 Fenske 77461 Gutierrez Alfredo The Covenant Custom Building (+) 1819 Thistlebrook 77545 Chaluh Susan L (+) Consulting 4310 St Michaels Ct 77479

Smith Deborah A The Ds Dressing Room (+) 7919 Fall River Ct 77479

Prothro Jael Annissa (+) The Tarnished Jewel (+) 21202 Cloud Lake Ct 77450

Cortez Jo Ann Ichthus Community of Christians 15903 Cerca Blanca 77083

Elumelu Hershelle Monique (+) Chuxmon 19002 Mission Park Dr Ste 922 77407

Lavan Jamail The Crew - Health and Fitness (+) 3002 Tam O’shanter 77459

Bertrand Carol M Carol Marie’s Bookkeeping Services 939 Andover Glen Dr 77545

Blair K J (+) Dees By Design 4930 Sugar Grove #3303 77477

Lamotta Karen Custom Mortgage Lending 3111 Williams Glen 77479

Ewing Asa W (+) Bella Casa 23600 Fm 1093 #1107 77406

Turner Vincent C Vince Turner Company 12838 Frances St 77477

Ellis Jerome Country Girl Handbags 3542 Dahlia Hill St 77545

Ellison Tambra (+) Lasting Memories on US 1807 Wood Orchard Dr 77489

Chien Shao-Chin Houston Suzuki Music 12802 Murphy Rd Ste B 77477

Herzog Nydia Spirit Wear Texas Po Box 306 77545

Spencer Solomon J Jr (+) Who Dat Nation Of Houston Texas Social & Pleasure Club Po Box 1845 77477

Cervantes Guillermina (+) Estrella’s Productions 1010 8Th St 77471

Warren Sabrina Teresa Cain Scholarship Fund 4623 Pleasant Trail 77545

282012086348 08/03/2012 Gonzales John Michael (+) Jm Gonzales 10310 Paintbrush Ln 77498

Murjani Arjun (+) Tropical Produce 11842 Caprock Canyons 77498 Title Boxing Houston LLC Title Boxing Club Murjani Arjun Raju (+) 17424 W Grand Parkway S Amrit Produce Ste 403 77479 11842 Caprock Canyons 77498 Gutierrez Adriana (+) Gonzalez Maria E Spanish Lessons Houstonpinatas.Com 2851 Colony Dr 77479 3422 Havershire Dr 77459

Norman John C Ares Tactical Outfitters 7115 S Mason Rd #2318 77469

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

Vsm Brothers LLC Suraj’s Famous Pizza 6818 Alden Ct 77479 Williamson Elizabeth Liz Place 1710 Carriage Run 77545 Mata Mindy Smokers Dreams 2206 Clawson Falls Ln 77479

Burton Ralph Burton Chiropractic & Health Care Center 4627 Austin Pkwy 77459 Title Boxing Store 135 LLC Title Boxing Club 4811 Highway 6 South 77459

Willars Jorge (+) JWCS 3906 Cape Meadow Ct 77494 Willars Jorge (+) Intuitive Jo 3906 Cape Meadow Ct 77494 Ramirez Santos Oswaldo Santos Transp.

11022 Spring Grove 77099 Cruz Miguel A (+) H.R.M. Trans 1915 George Ave 77469 Reyes Ricardo The Seyerr Group (+) 714 Evergreen St 77545 Gemmill Joann (+) Jo’s Quilting Studio 918 Fm 359 77406 Haroon Muhammad A Wireless Exchange 11215 Ramp Creek Ln 77498 Puster Michelle Michelle Puster LPC Counseling Services 1846 Snake River Rd Suite B 77449 Van Vessem Laura A Eastex Industrial Supply 3407 Rolling Green Ln 77459 Olson Jere E (+) Pecan Grove Kennel 4612 Richmond Foster Rd 77406 Musante Maria Elizabeth Mariel Creations 8310 Port Branch Dr 77406 Mersiovsky Dana Dim Consulting 7915 Riverine Terrace Dr 77406

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Mujadzic Sanella Cooties On Line 4810 Lawson Lake Ln 77407

Hawkins Kevin Credit and Car Solutions 1800 Fm 1092 #208 77459

Choat Rebekah Books By Becka 338 Dukes Bend 77477

Tourgoly Ata R R T Cars (+) 2611 Pineshadows Dr 77479

Boukheir Elie Webwheelset.Com 26311 Westheimer Pkwy 77494

Mcgee Chantelle Mone’t Pretty Sweets 2038 Dogwood Dr 77489

Marquez Toni (+) Embedded In Glass 1131 Desert Oasis Ln 77471

Chamness Timothy M Chamness Designs 7519 Timber Ridge Tr 77479

Schoenberger Steve Sugar Land Venom 1022 Bayhill Dr 77479

Boukheir Elie Carlogsell.Com 26311 Westheimer Pkwy 77494

Henry Jason C (+) Des Frutis Corporate Dining & Restaurant Management 13135 Haven Falls 77478

Elshwike Alaalddin M (+) Elshwike Trade and Shipping 12907 Careywood Dr 77478

The Piano Curriculum Series LLC (+) Unique Stained Glass 3915 Misty Morn Lane 77479

Arias William M William’s Hot Shot Services 16811 Watering Oaks Ln 77083

Boukheir Elie Bigsportrush.Com 26311 Westheimer Pkwy 77494

Chang Ellen Chang Business Communications 7418 Pony Creek 77459

Henninger Kate (+) Kate Henninger Wellness 3306 S Fry Rd #121 77450

Houston Harold J Texas Off Duty Source 1919 Quail Valley East Dr 77459

Brock David (+) Fast 2 Grow 13815 Greenway Dr 77498

Sugunan Raghavapanicker Sahithi Sakhyam Usa 1111 Desert Spring Ln 77471

Brock David Only For The Best 13815 Greenway Dr 77498

Banks Kennisha N Philamenia’s Expression P O Box 940022 77094

Brock David Rich Avenue 13815 Greenway Dr 77498

Jordan Lonnie D Lsj Services Po Box 869 77459

Aguihap Evangeline Eaa Rental 1942 Haven Springs 77469

Go Green Brands Inc Go Green Home & Commercial Services Group 14019 Sw Freeway # 301 216 77478

Castillo Gabriel All Pro General Contractors 15507 Evergreen Grove Dr 77083

Henry Jason C (+) Meadows Place Pony Baseball 12110 Blair Meadow 77477

Ramirez Richard S (+) Consolidated Shipping Solutions 14019 Southwest Frwy #301-215 77478

Orupabo William (+) Valwin Logistics 1806 Northcliff Place 77478

Javani Med Spa LLC Javani Center For Wellness 4780 Sweetwater Blvd Suite 100 77479

Bowdary Zina M Zina B’s 17026 Quail Bend Dr 77489 Baker Advanced Technologies LLC Bat Defense Systems 1546 David Searls Blvd 77478 Bosarge Joshua Cody (+) Serene Green 7518 Northfork Hollow Ln 77407 Unger Jana Sugar Mama Smock Swap 4415 Balboa Dr 77479 Mckinney Jennifer K Heart to Heart, Hand in Hand 3430 Lilac Ranch Dr 77494 Allen Ricky M 59 Powersports 10430 Southwest Fwy 77074 Pena David Viper Realty 3219 Logan Crest Ct 77494 Rodriguez Anita Anita’s Housekeeping Service 211 1/2 A Sears 77583 Izaguirre Sandra (+) Reflections Automotive 4703 Ray Allen Rd 77469 Jonaitis Virginia L (+) Tg Mercantile 12840 S Kirkwood Rd 77477 Sitka Wendy (+) Hooks Baseball 2727 Luckett’s Ln 77406

Lei Hong Petite Boutique 13711 Padgett Drive 77498 Walton June Secretive Politics 14090 Southwest Fwy #300 77478 Jurek Josh Jurek’s Welding Services 3147 Cherry Creek Dr 77459 Uwanogho Obukohwo Oblex Autos 17424 W Grand Pkwy 77479 Hilton Joseph Bradley Switchcom, Inc. 3902 Emerald Branch Ln 77450 Huddleston Michael J (+) Trophy Transport 10777 Clodine Road 77406 Garcia Alexander Sr Alex & Ajg Trucking 4726 E Ridge Creek Dr 77053 Martinez Erica Southern Sweetness 4823 Meyer Rd 77461 Martinez Erica Southern Style Events 4823 Meyer Rd 77461 Burts Darrell Jr Darrell Burts Jr Landscaping Srvcs/Db’s Landscaping Srvcs Po Box 305 77459 Dotson Iesha S Salon 1013 12350 Westheimer Rd #115 77077

Pingelton W J (+) Us Veteran Construction 3013 Bee Cave Dr 77459 Brown Julie (+) Julie Brown 4831 Lake Wichita Ln 77407 Williams Theron Anti - Fre - Cycling 637 Trammell Fresno 77545 Huynh Phong Thanh (+) Cc Nail & Skin 26440 Fm 1093 #320 77406 Arceneaux Robert A Bob Ace Auto Surgeon 1819 Mustang Springs Dr 77459 Armstead Terrance Hood Candy 1800 George Ave 77469 Bankas Kofi D (+) A Atlantic Transport Services 7318 Eden Crossing 77407 Hameedat A Abdulwahab Hameedat Tailoring 19002 Mission Park Dr 77407

Go Green Brands Inc Go Green Plumbing, Septic & Sewer Solutions 14019 Sw Freeway # 301 216 77478

Go Green Brands Inc Bankett Devon Rooter Man Plumbing, Septic Socialmediamadeez.Com & Sewer Solutions 4315 Palmer Plantation 77459 14019 Sw Freeway # 301 216 77478 Wyckoff T R Lexis Entertainment Group Pinson Sharmayne 17424 W Grand Pkwy S.L.P Elite #517 77479 202 Kestrel Ln 77583 Mccullough Julia C (+) Sugar Land West Classical Conversations 3606 Hill Family Ln 77459 K M B 2 Enterprises LLC The Little Gym of Sugar Land (+) 3571 Hwy 6 77478 Taylor Corey Taylor Made Athletic Academy 2862 Walnut Bend Ln 77042

Stanley Valerie Evans Thank You Catering 222 Lakeside Blvd 77478 Rabie Anita Salon Prive 15315 Southwest Freeway Suite 123 77478 Rabon Patricia K (+) A To Y Organizing 2911 Bull Run Court 77459 Hathorn Roger (+) Total Impulse Photography 3508 Glenmeadow 77471

Shirzadi Paiman Complete Clinic 7903 Woodcrest Ct 77479

Dittman Bill (+) Mr Sprinkler Repair 3350 Hwy 6 Ste 195 77478

Bana Anum S Diamond Jewellers 5000 Katy Mills Cir 77434

Anderson Gerald R Texas Rib Factory 630 Crabb River Rd 77469

Bolling Corey Co. Bolling 14231 Fm 1469 Apt 11307 77498

Tirado Erica (+) Thiink Smart Tax Services 14906 Westpark Dr #411 77082

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

53

Data Beat

September 2012 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

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

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

County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

2011 Payments Change

Percent

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

34,125.16 6,856.52 44,450.37 2,526.12 94,147.79 523,632.27 34,733.46 7,815.46 5,459.20 416,974.63 995,313.41 15,165.43 1,113,525.33 3,354,559.71 0.00

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

U/C 0.66% 23.70% 56.06% 24.95% 19.92% 22.04% 89.98% 45.18% 32.70% 18.71% 18.18% 8.86% 11.08% -100.00%

268,215.21 71,778.34 468,933.45 10,212.83 782,265.26 4,810,620.95 301,981.16 33,257.70 63,497.84 3,011,878.28 9,542,815.37 106,487.68 10,829,372.00 32,777,845.87 11,119.50

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

46.79% 22.08% 35.98% -29.93% 14.89% 8.96% 13.09% 2.62% 71.90% 2.90% 11.37% 5.72% 8.29% 10.13% -37.87%

COUNTY TOTAL 6,649,284.86

5,802,029.54

14.60%

63,090,281.44

57,406,988.66

9.90%

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

City

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

54

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

48,321,626.03 20,264,382.68 20,171,774.66 13,387,849.58 9,057,283.84 6,956,665.60 6,070,364.82 6,099,182.42 5,265,948.08 5,161,904.00 4,926,324.31 5,054,809.00 4,323,746.25 4,736,348.34 4,130,279.97 3,827,163.25 3,354,559.71 3,182,443.56 3,284,275.49 3,269,196.14

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 5,028,492.04 4,600,766.90 5,071,622.58 4,850,560.63 4,056,115.31 3,873,366.15 3,499,783.72 3,553,145.92 3,515,328.70 3,019,753.01 3,179,321.87 2,979,094.80 2,736,042.05

23.13% 23.74% 8.56% 28.08% 8.71% -7.07% 8.16% 21.29% 14.45% 1.78% 1.56% 24.62% 11.62% 35.33% 16.24% 8.87% 11.08% 0.09% 10.24% 19.48%

425,011,670.14 182,482,409.70 173,917,735.73 118,278,839.92 83,791,004.09 66,330,705.54 55,982,396.48 54,112,860.31 52,464,782.06 48,904,337.51 48,210,507.39 45,213,613.51 41,391,939.80 39,895,608.28 36,892,182.21 35,980,535.90 32,777,845.87 31,195,829.36 29,680,969.61 28,608,682.61

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

2011 Payments Change

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 46,731,658.79 48,893,657.08 46,687,737.33 48,063,344.73 41,718,543.81 38,495,177.43 34,358,597.21 32,856,643.64 35,422,040.76 29,760,710.38 28,687,999.88 26,351,872.26 26,144,334.53

Percent

12.46% 10.14% 6.65% 10.13% 5.83% 3.70% 1.26% 15.79% 7.30% 4.74% 0.30% 8.37% 7.52% 16.11% 12.28% 1.57% 10.13% 8.74% 12.63% 9.42%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY

7746 Hwy 6 L

Commercial Lease Space New

$45,000

13370 S Gessner Rd

Commercial Lease Space New

$130,000

2200 FM 1092 H

Commercial Lease Alteration

$20,000

OCIRES I LTD

9929 Hwy 6

Commercial Lease Space New

$39,800

Renovations Unlimited

9929 Hwy 6

Commercial Lease Space New

$20,000

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction

1607 Cartwright Rd

Commercial Lease Alteration

$20,100

Quail Valley Station LLC

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

08/01/12-08/31/12

$274,900

51 River Creek Way

Commercial Remodel

$10,285

Orth David L & Mary E/Ochoa Roofing, Inc.

5234 Turning Leaf Ln

Commercial Remodel

$11,830

Inocco Shawn & Catherine/ O & S Construction

2211 arundel Crossing Dr

Commercial Remodel

$11,241

Olan Emmanual A & Merlita T/ACME Roof Systems Inc.

5807 Saber River

Commercial Remodel

$17,151

Qiu Wei & Xiang GU/Miguel Esteban Gen Constractor

73 Bradford Cir

Commercial Remodel

$13,000

Guzman Fernando J & Rosario/Guzman Rosario & Fernando

13415 W Bellfort Ave

Commercial Addition

$137,700

1301 Chatham Ave

Commercial Addition

$36,000

City of Sugar Land/Property Owner

16305 Kensington Dr Ste 270

Commercial Buildout

$78,780

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/G.A.G. Enterprises

56 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 200

Commercial Buildout

$22,000

Simon Properties/Goldshire Developers, LLC (GC)

2245 Texas Dr Ste 170

Commercial Buildout

$245,220

77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 415

Commercial Buildout

$30,000

1437 State Hwy 6 Ste 300

Commercial Buildout

$102,500

1437 SH6 LLC/JPAC, LLC

1437 State Hwy 6 Ste 500

Commercial Buildout

$102,500

1437 SH6 LLC/JPAC, LLC

620 State Hwy 6

Commercial New

$1,599,879

First Bank/Teal Construction Company

6508 US Hwy 90A

Commercial New

$1,000,000

Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Arrowmont Constructors

15510 Lexington

Commercial Remodel

$40,000

3301 Town Center Blvd S

Commercial Remodel

$276,000

2455 State Hwy 6

Commercial Remodel

$45,094

Hang One Corp/Big Services, Inc.

12610 W Airport Blvd Ste 180

Commercial Remodel

$47,505

Cobalt Industrial Reit II/BFJ Construction, Inc.

15235 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Remodel

$475,000

2140 First Colony Blvd

Commercial Remodel

$18,000

First Colony Church of Christ

16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 1

Commercial Remodel

$20,100

First Colony Mall LLC/Startex Construction Services

1600 State Hwy 6 Ste 200

Commercial Remodel

$75,000

KBS Offices at Kensington, LLC/Cannon Enterprises, Inc.

77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 400

Commercial Remodel

$25,492

NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Hermes Commercial Contractors

16525 Lexington Blvd Ste 240

Commercial Remodel

$22,642

APAAR Lexington Square, LC/Precon Construction Services

2222 Texas Dr

Commercial Remodel

$28,650

Town Center Lakeside LTD/D. E. Harvey Builders, Inc.

2210 Lone Star Dr

Commercial Remodel

$358,395

15625 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Remodel

$45,024

Fort Bend MB Land LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC

15625 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Building

$48,295

Fort Bend MB Land LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

08/01/12-08/31/12

$4,062,166

The Centre at Knights Court LL/D H French Construction Co. Graystone Commerce Park LP/Custom Redesign

SUGAR LAND

Harmony School of Science/A Plus Modular Service Inc.

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/ O’ Donnel/Snider Construction NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Capital Reconstruction

Homburg Holdings Inc./Salon Eben & Day Spa First Colony Mall, LLC/ Fox Theater Maintenance

Covington First Colony Acquisi/Saber Construction, Inc.

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Penner Construction

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

55

U.S. Veteran Charities:

There is value in legit nonprofits

W

ith the war in Afghanistan set to end in 2014, and the Iraq war having ended two years ago, charities that help veterans and their families may be busier than ever – but without the public awareness generated by an ongoing conflict.

Support for the war effort in Afghanistan is on par with the unpopular Vietnam War during the early 1970s, according to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll; only 27 percent of Americans support the effort in Afghanistan.

A fundamental difference between then and now, however, is Americans’ nearly unanimous support of U.S. troops, says J. L. Narmi, author of SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond (www.narminovels.com).

“The vitriol expressed toward our Vietnam veterans by many was disgusting,

but I think we learned from that injustice, and most Americans think the troops deserve much more support than they’re getting,” says Narmi, who comes from a military family. All proceeds from his book sales will go to support veterans’ charities.

“The problem is that funding, whether it’s through government or private charities, doesn’t match the expressed support,” he says. “And I worry that will only get worse as these soldiers move out of the public eye and try to take up peace-time lives.”

Narmi cites some good resources for Americans looking for quality charities that support the troops: • The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org): With advances in protective gear and life-saving medical technology, fewer troops are coming home in coffins than in previous

Ghosts are expected to abound in Richmond

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s nights in Fort Bend County become chilly and dark sooner, Melissa Dixon will host Ghost Tours of Historic Downtown Richmond every Saturday night in October (6th, 13th, 20th, 27th).

Tours include about one mile of walking along Morton Street and continue to the 1897 Jail, on to the area where Deaf Smith is buried near the Fort Bend Museum, then continues by the McFarland house and other spirit filled locations.

Tours begin at 7:00 pm at The Lone Star Saloon located at 102 South Third Street in Richmond (one block north of Morton and Third Streets, close to the railroad tracks and right behind the Italian Maid Café).

Richmond is known for its abundance of ghosts and spirits. Tour goers always are able to photograph

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orbs. Bring your camera, download some apps on your phone, put on some comfortable shoes and come along.

Contact Dixon at melissadixon70@ comcast.net or 713-826-6963. Adults $20 / Students $18.00. Credit cards are accepted. Reservations are necessary.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

wars, but more are coming back with lifelong injury. This charity seeks to foster a generation of well-adjusted wounded service members, and to raise public awareness about their needs and how fellow military men and women can help each other.

• The Navy SEAL Foundation (www. navysealfoundation.org): As detailed in Narmi’s novel, SEALs are among the most physically and mentally talented individuals in the world. But they, along with their families, endure enormous stressors, many of which are never discussed due to the nature of their duties. This charity supports these elite warriors and their families.

• Charity Navigator (www. charitynavigator.org): Whether or not you think you know about the legitimacy of a charitable organization, it doesn’t hurt to take a few minutes to verify an organization’s status. This site is widely recognized by investigative reporters to be a reliable resource in reporting a nonprofit’s activity. The above two groups, in which Narmi has donated money, have been verified via Charity Navigator.

• Still not sure? … Skepticism is understandable. It seems the more we hear or read about charities, the more we learn that we shouldn’t simply take their word for how donations will be spent. Media coverage spotlights those outlier groups that are clearly fraudulent; however, most charitable organizations are absolutely streamlined, with workers donating their time or receiving a minimal wage. It has never been easier to verify a charity’s reputation. Additionally, for those with the time and willingness, individuals may create their own nonprofit. Narmi is working to set up his own, called Hire the Vets!

“If everyone who said they support the troops gave just a modest amount to help a veteran that has risked his or her life for our freedom, we would come across far fewer tragedies on the news about vet-related joblessness, homelessness and suicide,” he says.

N

Deadline: October 10

OVEMBER

Special Feature To advertise call Barbara Carlson

281-690-4204

Barbara@FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend Attorneys

Legal Eagles No Label Brewery on tap in Katy area BREWERY, continued from page 51

often, and then bottle and sell more beer to stores...the guys soon will be in our new place… the bars and restaurants have been so supportive, and so has the city of Katy.”

To gauge the size of the fermenters: There are 31½ gallons to a barrel.

The new location is about a hundred yards east of the current silo facility. They’ve spent a quarter million dollars renovating and getting installed in a 12,000 square foot warehouse.

They’ve been operating in less than 2,000 square feet of space.

To find the brewery, take I-10 to the Pin Oak Road exit and north to Highway 90, then right to a dirt road. NLBC is hiding behind thee big silos.

And, the Saturday afternoon tastings will be a certainty every week. “We won’t have to cancel due to rain,” said Brian, “but we’ll also keep our current place. It has some sentimental value to us.” They’ll need some of this outside area on most Saturdays as the

crowds continue to grow.

The brewery also has hired a new brewmaster, James Wolfe, an avid home brewer who already has won a handful of awards.

The brewery continues to thrive on its original brews: El Hefe, a traditional German Hefeweiser light; Pale Horse Ale, an American pale, and Ridgeback Ale, a dark American amber. Now they’ve introduced Don Jalapena Ale, a slightly spicy brew which originated from the Pale Horse ale but has added raw and roasted jalapenas, “seeds and all.” And now they have Blue Wit-O, a dark wheat ale with a hint of licorice. A winter seasonal brew will be Elda M, named for a boat on which Melanie grew up in Panama.

This brew is a “milk stout,” with 10 different malts. Next spring and summer there’ll be Mint IPA, with a bouquet of citrus and pine, and a subtle hint of mint.

The Saturday afternoons have become social events. There’s almost always a band, various food vendors and often a charity table will pop up. The Curing Childrn’s Cancer folks were recent quests who raised $1,300 with a silent auction. Earlier, visitors could gain free admission if they donated

Saturday afternoon at the No Label tasting.

a children’s backpack and school supplies.

There’s a $5 cash admission for those who want a four-ounce glass and four tokens.

Everybody getting a glass is ID’d, even if your 80 years old.

The Royos welcome volunteers who must be certified by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. There are about 30 such volunteers now, and a Sugar Land resident, who is an avid Saturday attendee, said he’s going to take the TABC certification course, online, at a cost of about $15.

For a wealth of other information click www.NoLabelBrew.com.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Rosenberg adopts fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget

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osenberg City Council adopted the City’s FY 2013 Budget at their September 4, City Council Meeting, including the tax year 2012 property tax rate of $0.51 per $100 valuation.

The FY 2013 Budget, which makes appropriations for the City of Rosenberg from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013, serves as a policy document for the City establishing community priorities, goals, and programs for the upcoming fiscal year. The FY 2013 Budget contains appropriations necessary to achieve specific service levels, functions and activities essential to the accomplishment of the City’s stated mission: To provide citizens with an enhanced quality of life through public service that ensures the continuance of our small town values while maintaining standards of accountability and open-mindedness that are ethically and consistently applied.

The proposed FY 2013 budget maintains compliance with the City’s reserve

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requirements while providing for the needs of Rosenberg’s citizens and employees. It levies a property tax of $0.51 per $100 valuation. The FY 2013 Budget continues the City’s one percent (1%) Homestead Exemption previously adopted by City Council.

Because City Council maintained a flat tax rate in response to the overall economy from 2009 to 2011, Rosenberg currently faces a challenge to provide a sufficient number of police officers to catch up with increasing calls for service. Rosenberg Police Department calls for service per officer have increased nearly 32% from 2009 (1,406 calls per officer) to 2011 (1,851 calls per officer). This increase occurred over the same time period that the City’s tax rate remained steady at $0.50. The tax increase included in the FY 2013 Budget will allow the City to hire three additional officers to assist in handling the increase in service calls and maintaining the current quality of services provided to Rosenberg residents and businesses.

According to Fort Bend Central Appraisal

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

District data, the average taxable value of a residence homestead in the City of Rosenberg is currently $97,906. The $0.01 increase will cost home owners, based on an assessed home value of $100,000, an additional $10 per year, and will generate approximately $155,000 in general fund revenue for the City of Rosenberg. The rate of $0.51 for tax year 2012 represents a 2.19% increase from tax year 2011, but an 8% decrease from tax year 2006.

The FY 2013 Budget provides for the provision of basic public services and debt service obligations for capital improvements.

Its primary revenue sources are local sales tax, City property taxes, and user fees (e.g. garbage, water and wastewater). Overall, the FY 2013 operating budget is balanced and provides for approximately $50.45 million in overall expenditures, including $22.4 million in general fund expenditures, $10.9 million in water/wastewater fund expenditures, $7.6 million in special revenue fund expenditures, and $6.6 million in debt service fund expenditures.

The FY 2013 budget also includes:

• Reallocation of ½ cent ($0.005) from the City’s Debt Service tax rate to the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) tax rate; • Increase ad valorem tax rate from $0.50 to $0.51/$100 valuation; • Two additional patrol officers and a detective for the Rosenberg Police Department; • Nine additional firefighters to operate the new Fire Station Number 3; • Funding to cover Police Station and Parks and Recreation facility repairs; and • Supplemental requests including street overlay, police equipment, fire and animal control vehicles, a community notification system, fleet maintenance equipment, and water/wastewater equipment.

Additionally, the FY 2013 Budget maintains the City’s commitment to continue its aggressive capital improvements program with “roll-over” funding included for: a new animal shelter; Bamore Road phase three; downtown building renovation; Dry Creek drainage; Fire Station Number Three; north side sanitary sewer improvements phase VII; Rosenberg Development Corporation park improvements; Seabourne Creek Drainage phase three; street overlay/reconstruction program; Terry High School reuse project; Water Plant Number Five expansion; and a portable generator for Water/Wastewater.

The FY 2013 Water/Wastewater Fund is self-supporting, and the City has been able to reduce the debt service portion of the property tax rate due to retirement of higher interest debt service obligations. Although the Water/Wastewater Fund has improved significantly, it continues to be underfunded to meet future surface water conversion requirements. The City will need to continue to adjust rates to cover costs associated with the surface water conversion project and continued capital improvements required to meet the 2016 groundwater reduction deadline.

The biggest challenge the City continues to face is meeting the increasing service needs of an expanding Rosenberg community.

While the City’s revenues are beginning to increase, the challenge remains for City Council and staff to maximize the use of available financial resources. Although the budget primarily addresses the upcoming fiscal year, the City’s financial condition for future years must be considered,

including important issues that will impact future budgets such as: improvements to the City’s aging infrastructure, expansion of infrastructure to address growth, maintenance of strong funding reserves, increasing the City’s debt capacity for future financing, providing for a long-term, sustainable employee base; addressing municipal facility upgrades, and investing in technology to improve service and enhance personnel.

One thing that helps meet these challenges is continued economic development and diversification of our local economy which helps relieve some of the tax burden on residents by adding value to the City’s tax rolls, and by generating sales tax. The City’s financial outlook is improving - as of June 30, 2012, the City’s sales tax revenues are up nine percent (9%) from receipts through the same period in FY 2012, and the tax base reflects new development.

For more information on the City’s budget, please visit www.ci.rosenberg.tx.us.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for review on the City’s website (click here) by selecting “Departments,” “Finance,” and “Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget Schedule,” or in the City Secretary’s office by calling (832) 595-3340.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 17

Special rules are in effect for these organizations. However, once stripped of their tax exempt status non-profits can be put into a variety of difficult situations until they have either restored it or ceased operations.

What Does This All Mean?

Donations made to the organization may no longer be allowed as charitable deductions.

Donors may or may not be aware of this before filing their own returns.

Revenues received by the organization may become taxable.

The organization will have to re-file for tax exempt status in a potentially lengthy and expensive process which includes IRS filing fees of up to $850. Retroactive action is not guaranteed.

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

KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 21

required municipal approvals and code requirements. Having experienced professionals on the team is the best insurance a purchaser can have to avoid costly delays.

An attorney is usually is usually one of the first professionals added to the team once the business points for the acquisition have been negotiated. The purchaser’s attorney, in conjunction with the purchaser’s CPA, will advise as to the best way to take ownership of the property (i.e. – a limited liability corporation, a professional corporation, individually, etc.). He or she will explain the features and benefits of each and will make the appropriate recommendation. In addition to forming the new ownership entity, the attorney will review and negotiate the purchase and sales agreement and any other pertinent documents pertaining to the property.

Once a LOI is executed, we recommend that the purchaser begin having discussions with potential lenders. Those lenders will vary depending on the type of property and the size of the transaction. While some lenders may specialize in lending for a particular type of property (i.e. healthcare facilities), others may provide capital for various types of properties.

Most will have minimum and maximum loan sizes. Once the appropriate lenders have been identified and selected, the lenders will draft a financing “commitment letter” which will spell out the terms and conditions for the loan they would be willing to offer. The commitment letter will allow the purchaser to not only compare the financing offers, but will also provide the information necessary to perform cash flow forecasting for the property.

Oftentimes clients are reluctant to engage professionals early in the acquisition process as they want to avoid paying professional fees for a property they may end up passing on.

I have seen it proven many times over, however, where the clients who assemble teams of professionals early in the acquisition process spend far less money in the long run. It is far better to pay professional fees charged by the hour than it is to incur much larger losses due to mistakes.

Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers- Fort Bend., 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

He can be reached at 281-494-4769 phone / 281-494-3227 fax / Kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Fort Bend Focus 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

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

Acupuncture Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs 281-491-0110 www.mirvacu.com Email: info@mirvacu.com. 736 Hwy 6, Suite 103, Sugar Land TX 77478. Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs is an upscale, contemporary clinic where patients receive individualized services for a variety of conditions including Fertility, Pain Management, Stress/ Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Menopause, and Allergies/ Asthma to name a few. The clinic is reminiscent of a spa; soothing decor and natural material enhance the relaxation and healing therapies.

Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs combines ancient medicine with modern technology including 24 hr. on-line scheduling, email reminders for appointments and an electronic patient database.

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair.

ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3.

Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility.

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First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd.

281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

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

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

Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459.

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com A private golf and country club providing the area’s finest golf course and golf practice facilities along with fitness, pool, tennis, spa and dining amenities. Golf and Club (non-golf) Memberships are currently available.

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 508 F.M. 1092, Suite D, Stafford, TX 77477. 2011 CMUS Power Award Winner – Internet Customer Service Award. Beautiful Flowers for all occasions, Weddings, Events, Funerals, Plants, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets.

Member of the Better Business Bureau and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Mention the Fort Bend Business Journal for a special discount.

Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. - 281-494-1164 Mobility Scooters by CBC - 281-494-3454 www.cbcgolfcarts.com chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar).

CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Fairplay and Pride Mobility products. fax 281-494-1189

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

Insurance Agencies Prince Benefits Group - 713-884-8399 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Partner with a strategically uncompromising and experienced insurance agency that specializes in employee benefits.

We help you attract the right talent and keep them happy!

The jewel in our crown of insurance is group insurance but we offer the complete spectrum of benefits for groups and individuals: health, dental, life, vision, disability, 401k, general liability, property, worker’s compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, COBRA administration, HR compliance, etc.

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

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

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

2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

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

Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking.

206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

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

Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 Pearland Focus - 281-690-4242 Focus on Women - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

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

Medical Supplies Synicare Medical 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240.

Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC.

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

Open MRI

Real Estate / Residential

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.)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Rain Gutters Sugar Land Rain Gutters & Remodeling 713-204-4664 SugarLandRainGutters.com Sales and installation of seamless rain gutters; repairing and cleaning out existing gutters and repairing fascia boards. Free Estimates and a 15 year warranty with all new installations. Also offering Organic Gardens and Landscaping by a degreed horticulturist. (Consulting and design fees apply).

Locally owned and operated in Sugar Land, Texas.

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

SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS.

See more on page 62 October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Jewelers

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Skin Care NeriumAD Age Defying Treatment 863-673-5256 www.shortmouthyblond.nerium.com NeriumAD improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, aging and sun damaged skin. Created by a local hospital to aide in the treatment of skin cancer the effects of this cream are beyond amazing! Join the network marketing program that is second to none - get in on the ground floor today or just experience the best anti-aging cream you will ever find!! 30 day money back guarantee! See the results for yourself at shortmouthyblond.nerium.com.

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

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

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

GOT NEWS?

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

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 Ideas & suggestions are also welcome.

Fort Bend/Katy

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 Stafford, TX 77477

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BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing.

Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues - Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! Visit www.blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive - 281.903.7324. $$ • WB Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm.

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2012

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land.

281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm.

Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open 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. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www.lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant.

The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB

Nizam Kitchen Not your Average Indian Cuisine! Welcome to the best cuisine from two of the most vibrant cities in South Asia -- Hyderabad in India and Karachi in Pakistan. Hydrabadi Cuisine boasts of Biryani, Haleem, Mughlai and Tandoori specialities that are reminiscent of the lavish entertainment by the aristocrats. Combining the best of both of these exotic cities, you will be treated like royalty when you step into Nizam’s Kitchen.

We will surely look the other way if you are tempted to lick your lips in anticipation when the aromas come wafting through and your mouth begins to water... Open TUE. - THU. 11am-3pm/5pm-9:30pm; FRI. - SUN. 11am-10pm, MON. - CLOSED. We are 100% Zabihah Halal.

Located at 5211 Highway 6 south, Suite F., Missouri City, Tx 77459. 832284-7007. Nizamskitchen.net $$ Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners.

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

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

Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00pm.

Happy Hour 4:00-7:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend. Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm.

Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm.

Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com.

October 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2012

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WE PUT OUR HEART INTO CARING FOR YOURS.

You expect quality care from a hospital within the St. Luke’s family. And at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, we offer an array of cardiac services including: Diagnostic testing n Nuclear cardiology n

Echocardiology n Stress tests n

Peripheral vascular studies n Cardiac catheterization n

We’re backed by the name you know and trust, right here in your neighborhood.

Stop in today to discover all that St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital has to offer.

StLukesSugarLand.com generated at BeQRious.com

Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000

My Message to Other Women

DON'T PUT IT OFF!

Dr. Clive Shkedy Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Pierre Chevray Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Deanna McDonald OB/GYN

Joan Yanker Breast Cancer Survivor

Dr. Sandra Templeton Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jorge Darcourt Oncologist

Dr. Stephen Phillips Breast Radiologist

I am so thankful that somethIng kept tellIng me to schedule my well-woman exam ImmedIately. On a busy summer day while out running errands, I found myself near

my OB/GYN's office. A little voice in my head told me to go in and make an appointment now, and I am so glad I did.

During my annual well-woman exam, my physician found a lump in my breast and scheduled my mammogram immediately. I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. Within days, I had an entire team of specialists working together to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services, surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy—all close to home. Thanks to my breast cancer care team, and the compassionate care I received at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, today I am cancer-free!

Don’t put it off…call today and schedule your annual exam and mammogram.

— Joan Yanker, Breast Cancer Survivor This is the Methodist level of cancer care—from diagnosis to survival, where leading technology and compassion—are leading to a cure.

To speak with Joan Yanker about her experiences—or for more information about the comprehensive breast cancer services offered only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital—call 281-242-CURE (2873). To schedule your mammogram, please call 281-242-PINK (7465).

Breast Center

Schedule your mammogram at the Sugar Plum Market November 1, 2 & 3

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