Volume 29 • No. 9
THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
The Eyes are on Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land INSIDE STORIES / FEATURES
n Fort Bend Banking & Finance n Commercial Real Estate-Mid Year Report 2011 n Advertising Doesn’t Cost, It PAYS! n Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter n Data Beat Information
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TEXAS DIRECT AUTO
NAMED $30,000 KEYSTONE SPONSOR AT FORT BEND COUNTY FAIR & RODEO
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exas Direct Auto, the nations’ largest independent car dealership located in Fort Bend County, will continue to support the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo as a 2011 Keystone Sponsor donating $30,000 in part towards the Fort Bend County Fair scholarship program! Texas Direct Auto believes that education is a vital part of our community and focuses on providing opportunities for higher education to youth in the Fort Bend County community. This unique partnership with the Fort Bend County Fair will help finance a number of scholarships awarded to local qualifying youth, as youth education is the primary focus of the fair as well. A longstanding tradition, the FBCFA awards thirty scholarships to high school youth through their involvement with the fair. Texas Direct Auto Director of Business Development Jessica DeMarr states, “Our own program, ‘Scholarship Stars,’ is one example of our commitment to help students increase their educational opportunities. We are very happy to support FBCFA as they continue to honor qualifying county students with scholarships each year.”
2011 Fair President William Carter spoke about the Texas Direct Auto sponsorship saying, “We are very happy to have Texas Direct Auto’s support for another year as not only a sponsor but as committed active participants in the Fair as they will be providing cars for the parade and prizes for some of the special activities.” Saturday, September 24th has been named Texas Direct Auto Day at the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo. In addition to their commitment as Keystone sponsors, Texas Direct Auto will also provide the following: • Host all Fair Queen Candidates at Texas Direct Auto ticket stop to help them sell their tickets resulting in scholarships. • Provide prizes for seniors on Senior Citizens Day. • Provide prizes for students on Student Fun Day. • Providing bandanas for Special Citizens Day. • Sponsor the Stick Horse Rodeo for children ages 2-6 by providing the children’s stick horses and bandanas. • Co-sponsor and participate in the BBQ cook-off. The fair takes place September 23rd through October 2nd at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Visit www.fbcfa.org.
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CONTENTS Cover Story
The Eyes are on Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land pg.
Volume 29 • Number 9 • September 2011 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal
16
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 Banking & Finance . ........................ 7
GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford
Inside Stories Santikos: Future of cinema arrives in Fort Bend County....................................................19 Come party at the Pig!..................................................................................................................20 LaCenterra lease activity & interest brings new business to Katy....................................22 Quick legislative highlights from this year’s battles..............................................................24 Kansas City Southern expects increase in business operations......................................26 Advertising doesn’t cost, it PAYS!.............................................................................................28 Ribbon Cuttings - Katy Area & Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance ............................30 Employers can benefit from new UH System business student internships.................40 Do you remember? The 10th Anniversary 911 revisited.....................................................42 Isaac Kleinman, M.D. named Texas 2011 Physician Emeritus..........................................56 Union Pacific receives Texas Environmental Excellent Award...........................................57 Huisman Intrepid Services Relocates to Rosenberg............................................................60
Monthly Columns
Fort Bend/Katy
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl MARKETING CONSULTANTS.................Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock Patty Tristan RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler LeaAnne Klentzman Elsa Maxey ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas
Alan Sandersen Tax Smart Discusses Employee or Independent Contractor? It's a Matter of Timing..................... 39
Brian Covault
Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS
Business Resources
Commercial Real Estate
Discusses Local Resources to Help Your Business Grow ...................... 25
Discusses Commercial Real Estate Mid-Year Report 2011.................... 41
Monthly Departments Data Beat...........................................................................................................34-37 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................44-46 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................47-54 Service Directory...............................................................................................58-60 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................63-64
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
ON THE COVER Don Kerstetter Owner - Classic Chevrolet - Sugar Land Photo courtesy by The Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal
©2011 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
5
Editor’s Preview
by Sharon Wallingford
September ushers another busy season into Fort Bend County
I
f you want to escape from the news of another temperature and drought setting record, please note an equinox will occur at 09:04 (or 9:04 am) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on September 23, 2011. The equinox arrives every year, but on different dates. It’s when balance returns and day is as long as night. And so as your mood shifts and you begin to think about the sun, the moon and the galaxies, I’ll take this moment to share about the stars featured in this month’s issue. Let’s begin with who customers have been raving about: Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land. Owner Don Kerstetter and his ace workforce have done more than change the car selling and buying industry and the way customers are serviced throughout the Southwest - the dealership has been named GM Dealer of the Year. The award, which involved nationwide competition, was achieved after only owning the dealership since 2009. Then read about the groundbreakings of a 22-screen Santikos Theatre that’s coming in 2012 to the nine overpasses for the Grand Parkway, to newspoints about Huisman Intrepid, Noble Drilling, Jurat Software and many others. And don’t forget the Central Chamber’s Regional Infrastructure Conference set for September 27 at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Lead speakers will be County Judge Bob Hebert, Houston Metro’s George Greanias and Texas Senator Tommy Williams. Sign up today at (281) 342.5464. Another star - Child Advocates of Fort Bend celebrated the agency’s 20th anniversary. Formed in 1991 with a volunteer executive director and one foster child, the agency now has 24 full-time staff members, 800 trained volunteers and served 1,391 children last year. The organization recently presented Texas State Representative John Zerwas with a “Big Voice For Little Texans” award. The award is reserved for legislators who exhibited leadership during the legislative session in
6
making foster children a priority. The Fort Bend Criminal Justice Mental Health Initiative will host a seminar on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Friday, October 7 at the Gus George Training Academy. For additional information contact Connie. almeida@co.fort-bend.tx.us. Like you, I love to hear from the Minute Maid man Fred Arnold. He and his “team” members are always doing great things in our community. From 10 a.m. to noon on September 12, the Product Supply Finance Group, along with MoMs U.S.A. (Mothers of Military Serving) will prepare 125 ‘CARE’ packages to send to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s all part of Minute Maid’s 125th anniversary celebration and their on-going Live Positively Community Focus initiative. Everyone is invited and all the action will take place in the Fourth Floor Cafe. Simply RSVP at info@ minutemaidonline.com by Monday, August 29. For more information about MoMs U.S.A., go to www.MoMsofUSA.com. Talking on a more serious note: Clusters of stars have been working in support of Fort Bend County residents for decades, so let Washington know your position on the upcoming decision about the National Flood Insurance program. One of the most troubling areas under consideration is the provision that would deem all areas in the USA behind levees, dams, and other manmade structures as equal regardless of their certification or accreditation status. Fort Bend County has invested heavily ($2 m) and worked hard with FEMA to update a survey to increase the accuracy and detail of FEMA modeling. Over 60,000 structures sit behind levees within the county that are elevated above FEMA established base elevations. For additional info go to www.fortbendcounty. org.
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Keep the cash registers ringing. 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: Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com
SPECIAL FEATURE
Fort Bend/Katy
Fort Bend Banking & Finance Do you have a bank on your best friend list?
T
here are more than a hundred banks in Fort Bend county. If divided equally that would mean each bank would have nearly 4,500 clients to serve. Banking, however, is not an equally divided business. This leads us to quantify that banks are a people business. Deep customer relationships were the bedrock of the American banking industry and it appears after reviewing numerous surveys that it is what the people are wanting again today. The present can be concerning and challenging to both when each must adjust to ever changing technology tools and user friendly programs. continues...
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Same friendly folks, but now locally owned and a Friendswood location opening soon in addition to our Sugar Land main office.
Minimum deposit $5,000. Maximum of $99,000.
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APY
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Open your CD today! 281.276.1800 APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rates effective as of August 1, 2011. Limited time offer. Rates subject to change. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. New money only.
12946 Dairy Ashford, Suite 100 | Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.276.1800 | www.texanbank.com
Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 (713) 388-7600
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Do you have a bank on your best friend list? Yet community banking works because many local bankers are typically a conservative group of businesspeople who know the customer, and look at credit and character. Those that uphold high standards are not beholden to a business model that throws out the good clients with any that are less. They look for business owners that know what they are doing to achieve the American dream and reach out to assist and inform those clients who are trying to reach a higher level. Ideally, it creates an accountability on the parts of both the lender and the borrower because both are working with people they know in the communities they want to see grow. Poor decisions hurt the client, the bank and the community. So when banking, clients must be mindful that banks are heavily regulated, and the rules won’t be loosening any time soon. Competition is fierce and technology is always changing how the banking industry handles business. Banks have scheduled hours their lobbies are open, friendly product orientated tellers to service clients, drive-through service terminals, and ATMs, but as clients become more adapted to using on-line banking, direct deposit and more and more smart phones become prevalent, bankers are realizing they must adapt in order to be successful and provide a relevant service you will value. And again, banking is so much more than products or services. It’s a network of people, investments and complex decisions. An effective ethical policy details an organization’s commitment to best practices and makes ethical considerations a primary decision-making factor. Banking begins by listening carefully to the needs of clients, and creating the right, unique solutions, all within the framework of honest and ethical treatment of all parties involved. Relationships, based on mutual respect, are never one transaction looking for a quick reward, but instead focus on long-term goals and objectives. • Does the bank staff take the time to get to know you and your business? If there is a mistake or concern does the bank staff take the extra step to get your question answered or problem solved? • Is the bank able to offer customized lending solutions while maintaining high lending standards? • If the bank has to tell you “No” for a service you requested, do they explain why and offer alternatives?
FrostBank.com
BANKING... continued on page 11
SPECIAL FEATURE
Bank of Fort Bend is now Texan Bank!
A
traditional sources of financing. Accordingly, HCB is committed to working with and creating new relationships and effective solutions for you.” So, if you are looking for Confidence, Reassurance and a Personal Relationship in your Bank, look no further.........Choosing
the right local bank just got alot easier. Please come in or call any of our convenient Fort Bend Banking Centers (281-343-7700) and let our experienced team tell you more about how Houston Community Bank, N.A. can benefit you and your business.
Houston Community Bank, N.A.
Safe and Sound!!! Are all banks alike? Absolutely not! As an independent community bank, we believe our sound banking practices give people a safe place to save, help businesses grow and ensure that we’ll be here for another 30 years.
Here’s what makes our bank Safe and Sound: • Strong Capital Position • Fundamental Banking Decisions
• Relationship Banking • Very Liquid • Local Ownership
Our capital provides a strong financial foundation. We honor our commitment to you, our customer, and to our community. If you are considering a new banking relationship, please give us a call. CLAUDE B. LEATHERWOOD 19855 Southwest Fwy. Ste 100 Greatwood Lakes Office Building Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281.343.7700
er niv sa
ry
re you looking for new ways to achieve your Business Goals? • Are you constantly faced with complex business issues and can’t seem to get satisfaction from your advisors? • Has your bank disappeared or been purchased by a completely unknown entity? • Do you remember when you were on a first name basis with an experienced Banker? If you would like assistance in any of these areas, Houston Community Bank wants to HELP YOU!!! Claude B. Leatherwood, Vice Chairman and C.O.O. of Houston Community Bank and a Sugar Land resident stated, “For over 30 years, Houston Community Bank (HCB) has been assisting small business owners with comprehensive solutions to their financial needs and requirements. HCB Bankers are experienced businessmen who understand the financial service needs of our small - to mid-size business clients, and we would like to help you, too. Additionally, the Bank also offers a wide range of customized business products and services to assist you in navigating these ever changing economic currents.” Leatherwood explained that HCB has steadfastly maintained its Principles for Sound Banking Practices. “As a result, our financial institution is Safe and Sound and is consistently rated a 5 Star Bank which means we are one of the Strongest Banks in the Nation. Our entire organization is extremely proud and honored by this prestigious designation.” (See our Ad). “As you know by now, all Banks are not alike. HCB’s Strong Capital position and sound banking practices provide businesses and consumers a safe place to bank locally and a safe place to maintain their hardearned dollars. We also believe ready access to credit is an integral part of the life cycle of every business. HCB has over 30 years of experience in assisting businesses with these
An
Fort Bend Banking & Finance
Houston Community Bank, N.A. is rated 5 Stars
JEFF SMITH 13811 Murphy Road (FM 1092) Stafford, Texas 77477
281.208.2111 Houston • Humble • Porter • Pearland
houstoncommunitybank.com September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
9
By First Community Credit Union
D
espite what you have heard about the financial market, First Community is safe, secure, and still lending. At first glance, credit unions look a lot like banks. Both offer loans, savings, checking services, and business accounts. But that’s where the similarities end. We’ve provided financial services to the community for over 50 years and we’ll be here for you. At First Community, you are a person
not a number. Our FIRST priority is you. Isn’t it time your financial needs for personal and business accounts are met in a First-Rate way? When it comes to businesses, we know you can’t afford to be just another lemonade stand. We know it’s competitive out there, especially for small businesses, so at First Community Credit Union, our goal is to provide tailored solutions to meet your needs and exceed your expectations! At FCCU, we offer a variety of business loans with competitive interest rates to help you finance your unique business opportunity. • Equipment Purchases • Facilities Purchases • Business Acquisitions • Debt Refinancing • SBA 504 • Customized Business Loans Ready to take your business to the next level? Don’t fall under the radar anymore - get your robust business loan today! • Competitive rates & low fees • Friendly, personal service • Borrow from $5,000 to over 1 Million with terms up to 15 years We’ve served our members’ personal financial needs since 1954 and we look forward to making a First-Rate financial difference for you and your business. Think First!® Contact a Business Services Specialist at 281.856.5300 or visit our Sugar Land office at 3400 Hwy. 6 South near Williams Trace or at 22150 Westheimer Parkway, inside Kroger, to take your business to the next level.
Are you ready to put down roots? With business products such as: Commercial Loans Commercial Lines of Credit Free and Interest Bearing Checking Accounts Credit Card Services Merchant Processing Remote Deposit Capture SBA 504 Loans
you’re sure to find find success!
Contact our Business Services Department today!
281.856.5300• FCCU.org FCCU welcomes all residents and businesses of Harris County, Fort Bend County and Tomball.
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Federally insured by NCUA
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
SPECIAL FEATURE
Take your business to the next level
Downgraded Fort Bend Banking & Finance
S
tandard & Poor’s downgraded US bonds from its highest rating, AAA, to AA+. This was one of the contributing factors to the panic selling the following Monday, which dropped the S&P 500 by almost 7 percent, the largest loss in a single day since 2008. While this has been treated as a life-altering event, the significance of the downgrade has been overstated. Viewed in the long-term, the credit quality and appropriate interest rates for US debt will be determined by the market, not the board of a private rating agency. Remember, this is the same Standard & Poor’s that gave AAA ratings to sub-prime, mortgage-backed securities in 2007. They have no better idea of the future of the US government than investors in US Treasuries. For now, rates are low, meaning that US debt is still viewed as the world’s safest haven during distressed markets. Consider some of the other countries that Standard and
Poor’s rates as AAA: France and the United Kingdom. Both are mired in debt problems and political inaction. Are they in any better positioned to pay their obligations than the US? Unfortunately, Standard & Poor’s does make several good points related to the government’s financial situation. The US has $66 trillion in unfunded obligations between Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. This is money that we do not have and are not projected to have. The treasury is currently spending $1.5-$2 trillion more than they bring in annually, and the deficit is expected to grow through the next decade. So far, Congress has been unwilling to take the difficult but necessary steps to tighten its belt, which consumers and businesses have been forced to do during the past few years. The real indicator of investor concerns about the government’s ability to pay will come when interest rates begin to rise, not when Standard & Poor’s or any other rating agency “downgrades” the bonds. WJ Interests is a fee only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us atwj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.
Do you have a bank on your best friend list? continued from page 8 • Do you have a relationship that includes decision makers who know you personally? • Does the bank support long-term relationships with employees as well as customers? • What is the bank’s level of commitment to the local community, nonprofit boards and charitable events? • Is your bank engaging their assets by lending into the local community? • Does your bank have an ethics statement? A code of conduct? • Do their ethics promote sustainability? Banks are a crucial part of the world’s economic infrastructure. Good bankers are good friends to their community; they uphold the standards of integrity that define good banking. Fort Bend County is fortunate to have the highest quality of banks and services available today.
Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996. (281) 634-9400 • www.wjinterests.com
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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E
stablished many years ago, Mark J. Hamlin, PC, was founded in Fort Bend County. Our firm is a member of several prestigious organizations, and in addition to its staff of Certified Public Accountants, it also employs a variety of specialists such as licensed actuaries, computer consultants, estate attorneys, and certified financial planners. With this depth of expertise, our firm can offer all its clients the widest possible range of services of any accounting firm in the area. Mark J. Hamlin, PC is a full service accounting and consulting firm. We cater to a wide variety of clients ranging from individuals to medium-sized corporations. We provide retirement planning, business consulting, investments, estates and trusts, and personal financial planning. In addition to our specialty areas, we also provide tax and accounting services, including tax planning and tax return preparation, auditing, and bookkeeping.
Back row, from left: Sindy Pfaab, Tina James and Sissie Kipp. Front row, from left: Jena Bippert, Mark Hamlin and Peggy Piletere.
But what makes Mark J. Hamlin, PC stand out from the rest is not only our professional expertise, but our overt friendliness and caring attitude towards our clients. We work with clients on a one-on-one basis, creating a warm atmosphere the puts them at ease even during their highest times of stress. And we pledge to create an environment that will cause each of our clients to view us as a trusted business advisor. But don’t mistake our warmth for lack of knowledge, as we can offer you expert
advice in nearly every field of finance, accounting, and tax planning. Mark Hamlin, CPA, CVA, STC Mark has over 35 years experience in all areas of tax, including federal income tax, state taxation, estate and gift taxation, representing clients in tax compliance, and with tax authorities. His experience also includes tax, audit (Financial and Tax), and internal audit. Peggy Piltere, CPA - Peggy has over 25 years of experience in taxation, finance, oil and gas, royalties, working interests, operating, administration, estates and trusts, representation with the IRS, and state tax. Jenna Bippert, CPA - Jenna has over 20 years of experience in taxation, financial reporting, retail, transportation, professionals, doctors, lawyers and dentists. Sissie Kipp, Senior Tax Accountant - Sissie has over 20 years experience in retail, doctors, lawyers, dentists, architects, all phases of tax preparation, and financial statement preparation. Tina James, Executive Assistant
Reliable. Resourceful. Respected. Our Services:
Solutions To Your Tax Matters • Tax Services • Individual Taxes • Corporate Taxes • Estate, Gift And Trust Tax Return Preparation • Sales Tax Services • IRS And State / Local Representation • Accounting And Auditing
Mark J. Hamlin, PC
10701 Corporate Dr., Suite 292 • Stafford, TX 77477
281.240.0009 • www.markhamlincpa.com 12
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
SPECIAL FEATURE
Mark Hamlin, PC Certified Public Accountants
Fort Bend Banking & Finance
Are you greeted by name at your bank?
V
alueBank Texas is Big on Small Business! We’ve helped large and small businesses in South Texas prosper for more than 30 years. We are ready to extend our knowledge and lending expertise to the folks in the Richmond and surrounding areas. ValueBank Texas is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the Texas Entrepreneurial Spirit, which is the foundation and driving force of our local economic growth. Smart Plumbing owner, Reed Glendenning, stated, “Banking is about diligence. Doing the right thing, the right way, every time. They take care of my needs. They do all the banking things we need, process our checks, credit cards and automatic payroll. They recognize you. They know who you are. That’s a nice feeling and that’s pretty special. I don’t know if you get that everywhere.” Our
dedicated and professional staff is committed to creating an exceptional experience for every ValueBank Texas customer. Personalized service is the key to our customers’ success. ValueBank Texas, promises to personally and professionally deliver the financial services you need when you need them. “Our customers count on ValueBank Texas to provide true personal service, custom lending, along with innovative products and technology that support their businesses,” stated Mike Shivers, Market President of ValueBank Texas, Richmond. Come bank with us at ValueBank Texas, a proud independent community bank. Located in Market Place Plaza at 99 and Grand Parkway serving the great state of Texas and the Richmond community. Visit us online at www. valuebanktexas.com or contact us at 281.633.9110.
Our Full Charge Bookkeeping Service is designed to complete your monthly financial record-keeping tasks as well as your month-end closing tasks, followed by preparation of your monthly financial reports and analysis of your business. CALL US AT 281.580.0102
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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A
s our economy continues its recovery, you may be wondering who you can turn to for financial advice. The professionals at Trustmark Wealth Management, a division of Trustmark National Bank, are here to help you with your financial needs. By integrating our many capabilities, we offer comprehensive wealth management services to help our clients identify and achieve their financial goals. Since 1949, Trustmark Wealth Management has been assisting clients with their accumulation, preservation and transfer of wealth and today administers approximately $8.5 billion in client assets. It is composed of several divisions that are focused on specific products and
services. Our Trust Group offers estate planning services, IRAs, 401(k)s, conservatorships/guardianships, retirement plan services, and revocable trusts. The portfolio managers of Trustmark Investment Advisors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trustmark National Bank, develop and implement asset management and asset allocation strategies for Trust Group clients. We provide access to risk management solutions through Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance, Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly-owned subsidiary of Trustmark National Bank. Trustmark Wealth Management also provides private banking services and modular or comprehensive financial planning services by our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM
professional. There are more than 150 skilled professionals under the Trustmark Wealth Management umbrella. The average industry tenure among our staff is more than 20 years. Our professionals are individuals whose titles include JD, CFP®, CFA, CPA, MBA, CWS®, CLU, or ChFC designations. Your local Wealth Management office in Houston provides convenient access to all of these products, services, and professionals to assist you in your individual financial needs. After learning about you and your specific goals, our professionals will recommend suitable products and services to help you achieve your financial objectives. For more information, contact Brent Miller at 713407-1245 or David Cargill at 713-4071253.
Uncommon
We develop relationships that last a lifetime. Many people know that Trustmark is one of the South’s oldest and most trusted banks, but did you know that Trustmark has been serving wealth management clients like you for generations? Our philosophy is to offer the widest breadth of financial services possible. Our commitment to each client is to back this service with straightforward advice from some of the most experienced financial professionals and private bankers in the industry.
Contact us today at (713) 407-1245.
trustmark.com
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
TNB 15200.1 Fort Bend.Katy Business Journal
7.25” X 4.75” _____Spell check _______Prod. Artist ______Art Dir. ______Copywriter ______Copy Editor
SPECIAL FEATURE
Trustmark Wealth Management creates relationships
Fort Bend Banking & Finance
Jared Jameson again named to Texas Monthly Best
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or the third year running, Jared Jameson of Sugar Land has been named in the 2011 edition of Texas Monthly magazine’s FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction survey. “Texas Monthly partnered with Five Star Professional to identify the wealth managers in the Houston region who provide exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts,” said Charlie Wesser, managing partner for Five Star Professional. “The 2011 Five Star award winners are a select group of fewer than 7 percent of wealth managers in the Houston region.” “I am honored to continue to receive this recognition from our clients and peers,” said Jameson, managing partner and vice president for WJ Interests, LLC, in Sugar Land. “It is always gratifying to be
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recognized for client satisfaction, since this is the most important measurement of our success.” As many as 200,000 consumers and 10,000 Jared Jameson financial service professionals were asked to evaluate up to three financial wealth managers, which included financial planners, investment advisors, life insurance agents, attorneys and bankers. Respondents were asked to evaluate only wealth managers who they knew through personal experience and to evaluate them based on nine criteria: customer service, integrity, knowledge/ expertise, communication, value for fee charged, meets financial objectives, post-sale services, quality of recommendations and overall satisfaction.
Each wealth manager was then reviewed for regulatory actions, civil judicial actions and customer complaints as reported by FINRA and other regulatory agencies. Finally, a local panel of individuals from within the financial services industry reviewed each entrant and panelist comments were incorporated into the final score. “Customer satisfaction has always been paramount to WJ Interests’ goals and objectives,” Jameson said. “Our only objective is to ensure our clients’ financial success.” WJ Interests provides financial planning and investment management services for an array of clients, including individuals, families, businesses and foundations. Based in Sugar Land, the firm was founded in 1996. For more information, contact WJ Interests at 281-634-9400 or wj@wjinterests.com.
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8/16/11 9:42 AM September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
COVER STORY Contributor: Elsa Maxey
The Eyes are on Classic
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ot only is Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land the GM Dealer of the Year, a top honor that only 50 Chevy dealers in the nation received, but this was achieved in only their first full year of operation. Classic’s GM Dealer of the Year award is part of a nationwide competition with only one half of one percent of the dealers earning this distinction. Along with meeting sales and customer satisfaction objectives, Classic Chevrolet’s award also factors in customer retention and employee satisfaction. Classic Chevrolet Owner Don Kerstetter did this all while in the throes of a recession, and as gas prices were approaching $4 a gallon. It was just this summer that Kerstetter was formally presented the GM Dealer of the Year award by Dave Nottoli of General Motors in a celebration at the dealership honoring his employees. “It’s about how well you take care of your customers,” said GM’s Nottoli of Dallas. He also said that “The luster on the Chevy bowtie “is your contribution to Chevrolet.” The Dealer of the Year award recognizes Kerstetter for being a valuable member of the Fort Bend County business community, as well as the hard work and dedication of all his employees. Since Kersetter’s ownership of the dealership, he has earned a place in the community with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and as an Executive
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Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land owner and dealer Don Kerstetter and Exchange Club of Sugar Land members John Robson and Betty Baitland team together to serve the most spaghetti at the 2011 Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s annual 2011 Spaghetti Cookoff at Fluor.
Member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. A partner in the Fort Bend community, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is involved in over 30 local charitable organizations including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the ARC of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Women’s Center, Fort Bend ISD, Impact a Hero among many other community organizations. Kerstetter, himself is a board member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Bend Literacy Council and a member of the Sugar Land Exchange Club. He is also active in the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council because he cares about the future of the county. His other social and civic work with numerous groups embodies the scope of generosity of this business industry leader who strives “to be #1 in the U.S.” During this short period of time, Kerstetter and Classic Chevrolet have completely turned around the reputation of
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
the former operation and created one of Fort Bend County’s most thriving businesses. A quick glance at its financial impact locally shows gross sales for all of its departments to be $116 million for fiscal year 2010. This translates directly into $5 million dollars of sales tax revenue of which a considerable portion comes back to Fort Bend County. Why have the sales been so good? “I’ve got the lowest prices, best selection in town and we treat every customer with respect” says Kerstetter, and “we also have the highest rated service department in the region.” In Fort Bend County, Classic is Number One, in addition to a recent ranking that shows Classic to be 17th in the nation. Adding to this success, Kerstetter is always available at the dealership and very approachable by customers and employees alike. He has poured his heart and soul into the dealership and is there everyday, continuously looking for ways to improve. He is tireless when it comes to fine tuning his
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FEEDBACK
Chevrolet Sugar Land dealership for the ultimate customer experience. The casual, no pressure environment is befitting of Classic’s motto, “Relax…and enjoy the difference.” The difference at Classic Chevy is the way they do business. It is an organization that wants to make a difference. As General Sales Manager Mark Kolon puts it, “We want to become a pillar of the community, a place that folks who live in Fort Bend County can feel comfortable using as a resource for all of their automotive needs. We want everyone to know that we care.” Sugar Land’s own Jimmy Thompson is a convert having recently bought a car from Don and Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. As Jimmy said, “Don Kerstetter and Classic Chevrolet continue to prove they are clearly a class act and an important asset to our city. Don and his group have continually shown their commitment and leadership here, not only through their outstanding business and
customer service but also through their commitment to so many worthy causes in our community.” Kerstetter bought the dealership from the former owner out of bankruptcy court in 2009. Essentially, he bought an empty building and some inventory. “We brought the Classic Chevrolet franchise to Sugar Land,” he said. Kerstetter moved from Dallas with his family, his wife of almost 20 years, Jackie, and his two children, Grace, 16, and Jake, 11. It is a move he will never regret. The family lives in Fort Bend County, and “the best part of living in Fort Bend,” said Kerstetter, “is the people.” He took the reins of the local dealership with every intention of turning it around. The GM Dealer of the Year award proves that he has done just that. The community can now be proud of its local Chevy store. “It is quite an honor and although it (the award) has my name on it, all I’m doing is
Don Kerstetter, owner and dealer, left, congratulates Fix OPS Director Howie Bentley and Service Director David Alexander for achieving the 2011 Service Hero award.
The most courteous sales person I’ve ever dealt with. Joe Machacek was wonderful – will return to buy from him again. Service Department (Mike D) really sold me with the expert service of my last vehicle. David – very knowledgeable; dedicated to getting vehicle you want.
representing the rank and file employees,” said Kerstetter, who also refers to all the dealership’s accomplishments as team awards. He talked about how the employees rebuilt the dealership, which he said “was actually one of the worst in the country,” and now Kerstetter said, “We’re one of the best,” noting that the GM award is a testament to those who work there. Almost half of Classic’s 159-member workforce live right here in Fort Bend County with the others coming from all over the metro area to work in such a great environment. Kerstetter interviewed each employee one-on-one, when he opened the store. “I wanted to ensure that they understood our culture.” he said. James Patterson, Precinct 4 Fort Bend County Commissioner says, “Classic Chevrolet has come into our community and with Don Kerstetter’s consistent leadership has re-established the old Sugar Land automotive attitude that was here in 1965 that said ‘come see us and if you really want to purchase a vehicle only then will we offer to sell you one.” Acknowledging mounting accomplishments “in the short two and a half years,” Office Manager Ulises Duran said, Classic “will continue to grow and be one of the most successful dealers in the nation.” Duran has 18 years of car dealer experience and has been with Classic since its inception in 2009. The business philosophy of Classic, he said, “truly focuses on customer service,” and, “residents of Fort Bend County and the Houston metro area deserve a better experience than they’ve had anywhere else.” continued on page 18
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Vice President Chevrolet Motor Division Dave Nottoli, left, arrived at the dealership to present Don Kerstetter, and his employees with the Dealer of the Year award. Here, the two reflect on Classic Chevrolet’s current achievements: 2010 Dealer of the Year, 2011 Service Hero (second consecutive month), and for being named the 2010 Standards for Excellence winner.
The Classic Chili Challenge event was held at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. Proceeds benefited the Sugar Land Police Officers Association. Pictured at the check presentation are commercial/fleet sales director Howie Bentley, Sugar Land officers Sgt. John Burns and Sgt. Marty Morales along with Classic Chevrolet owner Don Kerstetter and General Sales Manager Mark Kolon.
“Don Kerstetter and Classic Chevrolet continue to prove they are clearly a class act and important assets to our city. Don and his group have continually shown their commitment and leadership here, not only through their outstanding business and customer service, but also through their commitment to so many worthy causes in our community.” — Jimmy Thompson, Sugar Land Mayor
“They’re great people and a wonderful dealership that gives back to the community, 100 percent in support of the police department and they want to help the community.” — Sgt. Marty Morales, Sugar Land Police Department
“Classic Chevrolet is a different kind of car dealership. When you walk in the door, you feel not only welcome, but the entire staff is there to ‘help’ not ‘sell’…and what really separates Classic from other dealerships is their commitment to community and their willingness to give back to a wide array of non-profits and local organizations.” — Brian Covault, Founder/President, (TCRN) Texas Community Referral Network, Inc.
In memory of In celebration of what it was then and what it is now, on November 3, The Chevrolet brand will be 100 years old. It was founded as the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in Detroit in 1911. With the countdown of its centennial celebration, already in motion there is history to be shared and there will be stories to be told about the first Chevrolets. Local celebrations observing the event are already being planned. As for the future, Chevrolet plans on introducing a world beating small car this fall called “Sonic.” This car coupled with the all-new Chevy Cruze gives Chevrolet the kind of line up to compete with the best cars in the world. Locally, as one goes into the “relax and enjoy the difference,” mode, Kerstetter says it is “what we live by, here at Classic.” When you enter the showroom, no, let’s back up when you drive up to the dealership, there’s plenty of parking, an open, welcome feel to
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LEROY CAMPBELL Classic Chevrolet Sales Consultant August 16, 2011
the place, “a no fear dealership,” someone described it. So, when Kerstetter says there is a no hassle feel, that’s for real, because that’s the character of the dealership. The employee dress code consists of shorts and polo shirts in the summer, and jeans during the rest of the year, how’s that for setting the stage for a laid back experience? There is no back and forth between the salespeople and managers at the dealership. All sales transactions are handled from the beginning to the end by the sales staff. The salespeople are authorized to make the decisions so the customer is always dealing with a decision maker. Raised in Mississippi, Kerstetter, became interested in the retail automotive industry in 1988, and started selling cars
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
the following year. He was promoted to management after seven months. He calls Tom Durant of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, Texas his true business mentor. “He demanded excellence in sales, customer service and integrity,” areas of critical importance to the industry. In January 2009, Kerstetter became a partner in the Durant Auto Group with the acquisition of the Sugar Land dealership. Rebuilding the dealership, according to Kerstetter, became one of his greatest challenges. In the end, Don Kerstetter will win the hearts and minds of the people of Fort Bend County because no one cares more about the customer or their employees. He is only interested in everyone becoming a customer for life and he will not stop until he achieves just that. He wants his customers to have the best vehicles they’ve ever owned, service those vehicles and be worthy to keep them as one would friends, from now on.
Future of cinema arrives in Fort Bend:
Long Meadow Farms gains new family entertainment complex Santikos Theatres brings 100 years of theatrical experience and the latest in cinematic technology
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antikos Theatres is expanding its reach across Texas, as the entertainment company makes plans to open its second multiplex cinema facility in the Greater Houston area. The company has acquired a 20-acre site within the master-planned community of Long Meadow Farms, located along Highway 99, The Grand Parkway, at the intersection of West Bellfort. Groundbreaking for the project was held on August 16. The new entertainment complex will be named Palladium and it will bring Santikos Theatres’ unique brand of “experiential theatre” to the West Fort Bend community. The new Palladium will offer not only 22 movie screens equipped with the latest digital projection and sound, but will also include amenities not currently available in the Houston market, to be announced soon. “We are very pleased to be expanding in the Houston area and especially look forward to being a part of the Long Meadow Farms community,” said John Santikos, owner of Santikos Theatres. “We are excited to bring the latest and greatest in cinema technology to
With shovels in hand, left to right, are Rob Fondren, principal with Trend Development, Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Jan-Michael Jenkins, director of membership services for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner James Patterson, Fort Bend County, Precinct 4, Adrienne DelGiorno, Community Manager, Association Management, Inc., David Holmes, CEO of Santikos Theatres, Gary Gillen and Bill Dostal, Commissioners for the City of Richmond, Vincent Morales, Jr., Mayor of the City of Rosenberg, and Dave Cannon, principal with Trend Development. They took their place on the red carpet for the groundbreaking for the new Santikos Palladium theatre in Richmond on August 16. The Palladium, which will feature 22 oversize screens, restaurant and in-theatre dining, and this growing area which is currently other unique features, will seat 5,000 and will underserved.” open late 2012. The Palladium is part of new The Entertainment complex will be part commercial development taking place in Long Meadow Farms, a master-planned community of a new, 90-acre mixed used development developed by Trend. within Long Meadow Farms that will include
retail, office and high density residential.
Groundbreaking held for nine overpasses on Grand Parkway
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ort Bend County officials joined by the Board of Directors of the Toll Road Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation broke ground August 11 on the Fort Bend County Grand Parkway / State Highway 99 Segment D “main lane overpasses.” The ceremony took place at the intersection of SH99 and West Airport. The overall project calls for the construction of nine tolled overpasses in Phase I from the Westpark Toll Road south to US 59. The first two overpasses to be built include West Airport Boulevard and West Riverpark Drive. The remaining overpasses will begin
construction during late spring / early summer of 2012. Once the project is complete, motorists may elect to take the tolled overpasses that are unimpeded by traffic lights or continue to use the frontage roads that exist today and avoid paying a toll. All tolls must be paid electronically by use of the EZ-TAG system. County Judge Bob Hebert stated, “Fort Bend County Commissioners Court assumed local primacy over Segment D of the Grand Parkway nearly two years ago in order to expedite adding the extra high-speed capacity needed to meet the tremendous increases in daily traffic along the segment. This project will efficiently add that new capacity.”
TK Architects of Kansas City are leading the design team and VCC Contractors are the General Contractors. San Antonio-based Santikos Theatres is the largest family-owned theatre circuit in Texas founded by Louis Santikos in 1911. The circuit presently operates seven facilities in San Antonio and one in Houston on 249 near Tomball. The entertainment company is a pioneer in “experiential theatre” and proudly continues its tradition of customer service, community relations and superior cinematic presentation. For more: www. santikos.com Located in Richmond, Long Meadow Farms is a master-planned community developed by Trend Development Inc. and owned in venture with Forestar Group Inc. The 1,400-acre residential community includes such amenities as hiking/biking trails, pedestrian bridges, tennis facilities, playgrounds, pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. www.longmeadowfarms.net.
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Come party at the Pig! filled with delectable delights. The Flying Pig Café began serving lunch in Historic Downtown Richmond about four years ago. That eatery was nestled amongst a collection of shopping treasures on Morton Street. However, that location offered no room for expansion and the café was stifled due to its limited space. In March of 2010, the Flying Pig Café moved to its current sty in the (now public) Fort Bend Country Club located at 2627 FM 762 in Richmond. The Flying Pig Café is owned and operated by former Houstonian Debbie Boren. Debbie is a graduate of Westbury High School, Texas Tech University and earned her MBA at the Brown School of Business in Massachusetts. She broke the glass ceiling by entering the banking world as a junior executive with Citicorp in the 70‘s in New York City. After many years in the corporate world, having served as a senior VP for Citicorp in both New York and Houston,
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he Flying Pig Café, located in the Fort Bend Country Club in Richmond Texas, offers a menu that will satisfy even the pickiest palate. Owner Debbie Boren may be a refugee from the corporate world of high finance, but her little corner of Richmond is
The casual dining room of the Flying Pig overlooks the golf course at Fort Bend Country Club.
The casual interior of the Flying Pig, located at Fort Bend Country Club.
she left the daily grind to marry, have children and raise her family. Debbie has been married for 30 years to a retired Houston homicide detective and they have two children. While chasing children and planning parties, Debbie became an executive chef and party planner as well as having a catering and party planning businesses. However, she has sworn she would only own a restaurant…when pigs fly!
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continued on page 61
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
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Jurat Software brings headquarters to Katy
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Canadian-based firm, which specializes in crafting stakeholder engagement solutions and relationship building, is bringing its headquarters to Katy. Jurat Software facilitates interaction between internal and external stakeholders to secure business objectives and meet regulatory requirements. Although the company was founded nine years ago in Australia, Jurat has maintained its headquarters in Victoria, British Columbia, for several years. The company recently decided to move to the Houston area for four major reasons, says Jurat Software CEO Aaron Goldwater. “First, we have a number of major clients in the oil industry,” Goldwater says. Additionally, from a technical perspective, Goldwater says the Houston area is a much
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better location from which Jurat can maintain a global technical support system for its clients, who are scattered around the world. “We also were attracted by the very good and extensive airport system, and, finally, the businesspeople we’ve met with throughout the area are highly professional and have an ambitious outlook about the future,” Goldwater says. “Meanwhile, the Katy Area Economic Development Council has been exceptional in facilitating our move and acclimation to Katy and the Houston area,” he says. “We are pleased to work with and welcome Aaron and Jurat to the Katy Area,” noted Lance LaCour, EDC President. “As one of our target industries, Jurat is another headquarters and technology firm that has great potential and opportunities for growth”. Earlier this year, Katy Area EDC
O Ethics
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announced SafeKick, a UK based energy software and integrated firm, expanding and constructing a new building at the Westside Office Park. The EDC helped Jurat find a suitable facility, facilitated workforce recruitment assistance through the Susan Dixon at the Workforce Solutions Katy Office, and provided other technical assistance. The company expects to employ between 20 and 50 employees when fully up and running, Goldwater says, and Jurat has already opened an office in the Katy Commerce Center in the Westborough Business Park off of Park Row near Westgreen. He noted that Jurat has already started employing staff in the Katy area and found them to be highly professional. In the coming years, Jurat intends to deepen its capabilities for delivering relevant and useful social media information to its clients, Goldwater says.
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21
New leases represent over 9,000 square feet of center space
LaCenterra lease activity & interest brings plans to move forward with Phase II-A development
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ista Equities Group (VEG) reports a rise in lease activity and interest for its mixed-use town center development in Katy – LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The remaining 3,100 square feet of Phase I retail space and almost 6,000 square feet of existing office space has been leased. Additions to LaCenterra’s tenant roster include specialty retailers, business offices and medical services. New retailers include Another Round and Flip Flop Shop. Businesses relocating or adding locations in LaCenterra include Amerejuve Med Spa, Retina Consultants of Houston and Eventsia Group.
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Prompted by an increased demand for center retail lease space, VEG and partner Denver-based Amstar will move forward with construction of LaCenterra’s Phase II-A this fall. Plans are underway for the addition of 36,000 square feet of retail space and an amphitheatre for public events. A Spring 2012 opening is projected. When fully completed in 2013, new construction (both Phase II-A and Phase II-B) will add a total of 130,000 square feet of retail space, 70,000 square feet of office space and a multi-family, luxury residential component to LaCenterra’s existing 170,000 square feet of retail space and 90,000 square feet of Class A office space. About New LaCenterra Tenants: Another Round Bobbie Shah and Noel Burkeen, wine enthusiasts and co-owners of west Houston’s popular Vintropolis (10001 Westheimer Rd.), leased over 1,880 square feet of center space for their newest concept, Another Round. Another Round offers Texas innovation, cutting-edge wine evolution and outstanding service backed by 30 years in the hospitality industry. This comfortably hip wine bar offers guests the freshest and most modern way to drink a glass of wine - On Tap! From Sonoma’s Silvertap vineyard barrels to Another Round via special air-tight casks, wines are served at the height of their flavor. Another Round also features an extensive selection of fine wines by the bottle, beer and champagne, along with assortment of Texas smoked meats and cheeses. Another Round is now open in Ste. D130. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 2:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m., Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.AnotherRoundKaty.com. Flip Flop Shops Local franchisees Kendra and Dusty Birchfield have leased almost 1,225 square feet of retail space for the first Houston-area
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
location of Flip Flop Shops. Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is North America’s first retail chain to exclusively carry the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals from big names such as Scott Hawaii, REEF, Sanuk, Flojos, havaianas, OluKai, Cobian and O’NEILL. Flip Flop Shops is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ with more than 40 shops currently operating and 60-plus in development. Katy and west Houston residents are invited to “Free Your Toes!®” in early August when Flip Flop Shops opens for business in Ste. E140. Learn more at www. FlipFlopShops.com. Amerejuve Med Spa has leased over 1,900 square feet of office space for its third Houston-area location. With Galleria and Sugar Land offices already established, Amerejuve is the number one local provider of cosmetic and non-surgical skin treatments in Houston. The LaCenterra location will offer laser hair removal, Botox®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, Refirme™, IPL Photofacial, skin tightening, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, along with Velashape for cellulite and circumferential reduction. In addition, Amerejuve will offer RedCircle™, their exclusive metabolism-based, personalized weight management program. A mid-September opening is projected for the new Amerejuve location in Ste. C200. For more information, visit www. Amerejuve.com. Retina Consultants of Houston (RCH), the largest retina-only ophthalmology practice in Southeast Texas and one of the most respected in the U.S., has leased 3,240 square feet of office space for its new west side location. Founded in 1988, RCH has decades of collective experience in the management of diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula. The new state-of-theart Katy office features numerous exam rooms, a spacious patient reception area and the latest technology to diagnose and treat
retinal diseases. Visit RCH now in Ste. G205 or learn more at www. RetinaConsultantsofHouston.com. Eventsia Group has relocated to LaCenterra leasing 830 square feet of office space. Eventsia Group specializes in corporate event planning, marketing and execution, as well as association management. For additional information, visit Eventsia Group in Ste. H220 or online at www.EventsiaGroup.com.
Retail leases secured by Donna Keith, vice president of leasing for Vista Equities Group and leasing representative for LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. For more information regarding retail space availability and Phase II pre-leasing, call (281) 5607314. Office leases secured by Louann Pereira of CB Richard Ellis. For more information regarding office leasing, contact Louann Pereira or Steve Rocher at (713) 577-1600.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway in Katy, Texas. Center hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Individual store hours may vary. For more information, visit www. LaCenterra.com, call (281) 395-5533 or connect with LaCenterra on Facebook. com/LaCenterra and Twitter @ LaCenterra.
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Quick legislative highlights from this year’s battles By Wayne Chandler
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n a 20-minute review, lawyer Steve R. Robinson covered most of the key bases, and dropped a 64-page comprehensive summary of the 2011 82nd Texas Legislative. Robinson, a partner of, arguably, the most powerful law team in the state – Allen Boone Humphries and Robinson (ABHR) -- noted that a Republican majority in both the House and Senate passed more than a thousand bills in a controversial regular and special session. Robinson referred to passage of a “voter ID bill”, a controversial “sonogram bill,” and the biennial state budget, including complex public school financing, as major changes for Texans to live under until at least 2013. “Even though issues related to water districts and land development seldom make headlines, significant bills affecting ABHR’s clients did pass,” Robinson said. “In addition, we were successful in defeating many bills that would have adversely affected districts and developers.” ABHR has 23 fulltime lawyers in Houston and one in Austin and
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
focuses on representing scores of municipal utility districts, water districts, developers and contractors. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, when asked to comment on the legislative achievements, said, “The budget was, by far, the most important bill passed this year…more so than in previous years due to the recession which required significant cuts in expenditures to balance revenue without a tax increase.” Hebert said, “Counties faired better than school districts and cities in this process. However, maintenance of state programs with less state support, pushes costs down on local government. We’ll be hardpressed to hold our (Fort Bend County) tax rate. I’m confident that we can do just that.” Robinson noted that the Legislature “cleaned up” two laws – Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCN), and the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). CCN is an exclusive monopoly granted by the state for provision of water and sewer service in a specific area. Only the CCN holder is allowed to provide this service, which led to abuses of some individual landowners. The reform this year allows landowners to be removed from a CCN. Judge Hebert said, “This new legislation rights a wrong that had allowed speculators to steal private property rights of landowners without their knowledge or consent. This bill was long overdue.” Robinson said that the TIRZ have allowed projects such as Katy Mills to be developed, and that the revised laws passed this session just make the process more efficient. “The new TIRZ legislation will help accelerate economic development in a difficult economy,” Hebert said. The Legislature according to Robinson, clarified powers of the County Assistant Districts bill, which will allow counties to collect up to a penny of sales tax in unincorporated areas, to be spent within the specific district. All districts must be created by a vote of the people, and the sales tax reverts to the city upon annexation. Hebert commented that the revenue must be spent within the district. “We intend to use that revenue to add capacity to roads within these high growth areas. There is no increase in the maximum sales tax as the district collects only a portion of the tax reserved for cities.” Robinson lamented that the Omnibus Water District bill, carried by Representative Bill Callegari (R-Katy), which would have allowed districts to create lakes and reservoirs, died a slow death at midnight on the last day of the session. The bill, Robinson said, was loaded up with some controversial Senate amendments which made the original bill unacceptable. “The important story of this session,” Robinson said, “ like so many before it, is the legislation that didn’t pass and won’t become law. Although we were successful in fending off bad bills this session, we know that history repeats itself and many bills from prior sessions will be dusted off and refilled in future sessions.”
Texas Community Referral Network
Business Resources
By Brian Covault
TCRN Founder/CEO
Local resources to help your business grow Every business charges for goods or services. Because of this, if you own or operate a business of any kind, then you are accepting payments for the goods or services you provide. TCRN-Sugar Land is filled with numerous resources to help every local business thrive. Regardless of the size of your business or the length of time your business has been operating, TCRN Business Services can provide the resources every local business needs. There are three primary ways a business can accept payments: Cash, check or credit card. Today, more often than not, customers are paying with credit cards because they allow easy tracking of spending. Businesses prefer this form because they get funded sooner, payments are received with fewer risks and the accounting process is simplified. As a result, having a good merchant
services company is essential to a business’ daily operations. What is your cost of merchant services? How quickly do you receive funded payments in your bank account? When you have questions, how knowledgeable is your merchant services representative and how quickly do they get back to you regarding those questions? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to selecting the merchant services company that you choose. Five Star Merchant Services is a Houston based payment and transaction processor company serving businesses nationwide. Five Star brings more than 10 years of expertise and hands-on experience to the merchant service industry with meticulous attention to the needs of their customers. They offer unbeatable rates and a wide variety of pay-
ment acceptance services, reaching all levels of commerce. With Five Star, your payments are deposited to your business bank account within 2 business days in most cases, including American Express. Debbie Perez is the Regional Representative for the Fort Bend County area, and brings with her nearly 20 years of industry experience. Her personal interaction with her clients separates her from competitors. Debbie takes the time to educate her clients on the vast complexity of the numerous variations of charges and regulation. Superior customer service combined with the best product at the best rates equals Five Star Merchant Services.
BRIAN COVAULT... continued on page 60
LOC K UP YOUR PREMIUM SEATS
b e a pa r t o f h i s t o r y
Entertain Locally In The Best Seat In The House April 2012 | StarTex Power Field
281-240-HITS | www.SugarLandSkeeters.com Scan here for a special invitation
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
25
Kansas City Southern expects increase in business operations
W
ith the Kansas City Southern (KCS) Rosenberg Intermodal facility in the Rosenberg/Kendleton area now operational, an August visit by KCS Executive VP Administration and Corporate Affairs Warren Erdman and representatives of CenterPoint Properties brought additional good news. “I’ve been told KCS plans to see an additional 12-14 percent increase in business operations this coming year,” says Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Commissioner Richard Morrison, announcing
26
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
their contracts with Nissan and Volkswagen are underway. Five proposed business alignments are under consideration including the possibility of exporting grain and moving scrap steel to the Far Middle East which could benefit local areas because there is no excise tax on product in a trade zone. Morrison added the Middle East is a big buyer of Richard Morrison American rice. “Whirlpool is taking another look at our warehousing facilities while others are considering the real estate inventory that is available,” adds Morrison. “I see both projects continuing and certainly think the CenterPoint Properties facility will help to create more offerings as well as additional jobs in the near future. “Rosenberg and West Fort Bend County serves as the ideal location for international business to thrive.” In March 2010, The U.S. Department of Commerce approved expansion of the Port Freeport Foreign Trade Zone to include the new CenterPoint Intermodal Center – Houston Metro in Rosenberg. A joint venture between Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Chicagobased CenterPoint Properties (CPP), the CenterPoint Intermodal Center consists of +/- 630 acres and sits directly adjacent to the newlyopened Kansas City Southern Railway intermodal shipper facility, which will be used to receive, store and disburse by rail and truck containerized cargo across Texas, other parts of the U.S. and Mexico. When construction is complete, the logistics park will be able to accommodate more than seven million square feet of industrial space and has the potential to create up to 2,000 new jobs and hundreds of millions of taxable investment for the region. The Center opened in 2009. In 2010, a paving project was completed, doubling parking capacity for 53 ft. containers to 478 spaces with capacity to expand to 2,000 spaces. That, combined with the addition of a second lift machine expands capacity to 19,000 lifts. Now, 50% of the facility can support ground stacking of equipment. Also in 2010, fencing and lighting surrounding the entire facility was added to improve the safety and security of the operation, and the OASIS operating system was installed, reducing time at the gate. “This new center is potentially the largest economic development project in Fort Bend County and its surrounding communities throughout the next decade,” said Jack Belt, VP of Development and Operations of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. “The approval of the Foreign Trade Zone makes this site more competitive with intermodal centers within Texas and other adjoining states. In addition, the direct access to Mexico will provide new opportunities for partnerships with Mexican manufacturers.” A U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ or Zone) is a designated area which, for Customs purposes, is considered outside the United States. Nearly any imported merchandise can be brought into a Zone for almost any kind of manipulation, duty-free. Through utilization of an FTZ, imported material avoids any Customs duties if any previouslyimported material is re-exported or if the goods are sold to companies operating in other U.S. FTZs. There are nearly 3,200 companies utilizing Zones and over 400 manufacturing Subzones exist in the United States. The FTZ program was designed to help level the playing field between American manufacturing companies in competition with global markets. Working in FTZs allows for increased distribution and value added supply chain activities by providing tax benefits and allowing for the retention and creation of additional jobs in the United States.
Highlight on Health Special Feature - October 2011
To advertise call your Marketing Consultant 281-690-4200 Fort Bend/Katy
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
27
Advertising doesn’t cost, it PAYS! By Bev Carter
I
’m sure you’ve seen the title of this column many times before. It’s a truism that’s been around far longer than I. And the corollary that goes along with this axiom is that if your advertising doesn’t pay for itself with new clients or sales, then you need to change your advertising. But as I drive around Fort Bend County, I see so many new businesses. Of course, I also see many new houses which are the homes of the potential clients of these many new businesses. But there is one thing I don’t understand. How will these many new residents know what new businesses are out there short of driving by them? And driving by them is not something they do every day or even often. The answer is that the only way people who don’t drive by everyday are going to know is if the new business tells them. And as I look through all the newspapers in Fort Bend County, I don’t see a lot of telling going on. There are a lot of ads in the Fort Bend Star (disclaimer: I have owned the Star for over 30 years, starting it from scratch in a Stafford warehouse next to the train tracks) but certainly not every new business is in the Star, or anywhere else for that matter. I don’t see these new local businesses advertising on television; I don’t hear them on the radio; and I don’t see a lot of expensive flyers in my highly desirable middle-class mailbox. For heaven’s sake, how are you letting your potential client know you have opened your doors? Naturally, I don’t think anything happens unless it happens in the Star, but realistically I know that there are other newspapers. However, I do see many more ads in the Star than anywhere else, ads from local businesses. And don’t tell me you advertise on the Internet. The Internet is fine if I am looking for something hard to find, or if I want a date with _____ (fill in the blank), but for local buying and selling, I don’t think the Internet is particularly friendly. So if you bought a sign to hang on your building to advertise your business and you feel that is the extent of your advertising budget, honey, get yourself ready for some real slow days. How are you going to distinguish yourself from the 100 other people doing the same thing as you. How are you going to get customers to your bank? restaurant? child care? automotive repair? dress shop? tire shop? etc., etc. if you don’t DO something. You’ve just got to figure out how to break away from the crowd. And the best way you can do that is to get the help of a qualified, experienced advertising person who had a whole bag of tricks up his/her sleeves. You may know about your business, but he/she should know about what brings in customers. And at least one little flak about this whole advertising business: If you’ve tried the rest, now try the best. Call the Fort Bend Star or Fort Bend Business Journal at 281-690-4200 and let one of us have a go at bringing you in some business. After all, if you are satisfied, you will keep advertising. We are all in it for the long haul.
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend
Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives
Cari Middaugh Pat Hebert
Doris Gurecky
Judy Schmid
proudly announces the 2011
Lucia Street
Luncheon & Style Show
Safari Texas Ranch BENEFITING
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County
Thursday, September Twenty Two, Two Thousand and Eleven 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch ◆ 11627 FM 1464 ◆ Richmond, Texas
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Nancy Olson
Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer
Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities ◆ 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com
Ribbon Cutting Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Well Polished 1428 FM 1463, Katy, TX 77494
iRealty Group of Texas LLC 1773 Westborough Drive, Ste. 223, Katy, TX 77449
Buffalo Wild Wings 19910 Park Row, Katy, TX 77449
Pinot’s Palette 2910 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy, TX 77494
Tropical Diner 3111 N. Fry Road, Katy, TX 77449
Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Central chamber and LGI Homes The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance recently conducted a ribbon cutting at LGI Homes Sunrise Meadow (6938 Garnet Trail Lane, Richmond). Pictured: Brian Lee, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Linda McHaney, Linko’s Little Print Shop; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Storage; Chuck Bertrand; Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Brad Huxford, LGI Homes; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; Nelson Konrad, LGI Homes; Sara Bedekar, LGI Homes; Mike Valdez, LGI Homes; Kimber Miller, LGI Homes; Alicia Casias, Alicia Casias Agency; Derek Patterson, LGI Homes; Tony Stawarz, LGI Homes.
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
“BenchesNBarstools” silent auction ends September 20
T
he Women’s Council of Realtors Fort Bend Chapter is celebrating 25 years of professionalism, education and giving back to the real estate industry and the community. “BenchesNBarstools” is a new fundraiser for WCR Fort Bend and benefits the Fort Bend County Women’s Center and the chapter, says President Lane Pearson, who came up with the idea. The chapter adopted the idea and it has grown to include 14 benches (assembled by members) and 14 barstools sent out to local artists and individuals, including community leaders, Realtors and participants at the Women’s Center. The silent auction is underway and
will end September 20. Photos of the benches and bar stools, along with bidding instructions and current bids on the WCR Fort Bend Chapter Facebook page can be placed with bids online at benchesNbarstools@gmail.com. The benches have been showcased throughout the summer in various venues throughout the community: Hypoxi Studio, Steve Fuqua Homes and Amegy Bank in Sugar Land Town Square. The month of August can find them at Classic Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Prosperity Bank and Sears Home Appliance showrooms in Sugar Land. The winners and totals raised will be announced at the 25th anniversary celebration on September 22 at Telfair Community Hall.
To see these unique “BenchesNBarstools” go to Facebook page. “WCR Fort Bend Chapter.” add them as a friend. Go to photos on left side and find barstools photo. Click on each photo. Scroll down below each photo to see the bids, then go and bid on your favorite and e-mail your bids to benchesNbarstools@gmail.com.
The MOST Complete ORTHOPEDIC CARE for FORT BEND COUNTY Christopher K. Smith, M.D.
Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics
Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D.
Diseases & Deformities of the Spine
Kenneth M. Renney, M.D. Sports Medicine
Mark W. Maffet, M.D.
Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine
Carl A. Hicks, M.D.
Joint Reconstructive Surgery
Timothy C. Sitter, M.D.
Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine
Ray R. Valdez, M.D. Foot & Ankle
Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas
Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) physicians are recognized as some of the finest board-certified physicians in the specialty of orthopedics. They provide comprehensive, world-class orthopedic care under one roof right here in Fort Bend County — from sports medicine to joint replacement, hand and wrist to ankle and spine care. They perform on a higher level, so you can, too.
Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D.
Diseases & Deformities of the Spine
David A. Braunreiter, M.D. Sports Medicine
Eddie T. Matsu, M.D. General Orthopedics
Vincent C. Phan, M.D.
Hand & Upper Extremities
Same day appointments available. Call 281-494-MOST (6678) or email MOSTappts@tmhs.org.
Go to our website now to make an appointment by using your smartphone QR reader.
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
31
1201 Brooks Street • Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-MOST (6678) • MethodistOST.com
FORT BEND CHAPTER
25
th
BENCHES & BARSTOOLS BID ONLINE at benchesNbarstools@gmail.com & find us on Facebook at
LANE PEARSON
BARBARA DIBLASI MARLIN CHRISTINE ROBERTS ARLENE ROLSEN
2011 Pres. WCR Ft Bend ABR, GRI Prudential GG, Realtors Prudential GG, Realtors
713-857-4416
BARBARA SINKOVEC
832-483-1905
J. P. WILLIS
RE/MAX Southwest 713-248-4241
Arbor Realty 281.341.9166 ArborRealty.net
MIKE SMITH
JAYNE STRUBBERG
2002 WCR Past President
Atlantic Service Supply Residential A. C. & Heating
713-939-9944
Keller Williams SW
Sugar land, TX 77478
832-922-8625
WCR PAST PRESIDENT Founding Member/ 1st PRESIDENT Realm Real Estate Coldwell Banker United
281-804-9937
281-414-8400
BARBARA MONTGOMERY
SALLY WHEELER
Prudential GG, Realtors
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Top Producer - Multi-Million
713-898-3938
RICK WELLS
ABR, CRS, GRI
832-236-5581
CATHY SIMEONE
RE/MAX Hall of Fame WCR Past President RE/MAX Southwest RE/MAX Fine Properties 281-250-7513 713-725-7783
JO ANN STEVENS Past President 1990 Lane Real Estate
713-829-1827
JEANNE GREGORY RE/MAX Southwest 713-854-0923 jeannegregory.com
KIMBRA V
Top Producer Keller Williams SW 832-878-4833
MORE BENCHES ONLINE
SHERRY GLAZENER
NANCY MARCIS
GRI, SRES, ABR, AHS, QSC Weichert/Wayne Murray
Prudential GG, Realtors
VICKI HAISLUP
JULIE MOISE
713-628-9205
15 yrs Relocation Specialist
713-817-6970
ALHS, SRES, ABR, AHSS RE/MAX Fine Properties Weichert/Wayne Murray
281-243-4500
713- 805-9924
julie@juliemoise.com
ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 BENEFITTING FORT BEND WOMEN’S CENTER AND WCR WCR Fort Bend Chapter to check bid status. Open to public. Bidding ends 9/20/11.
MARIAN WALTERS BARBARA LEE COCHRAN SUZANNE SLAVIN MARLENA BERGER THOMASINE JOHNSON Realtor, ABR, ASP, CHMS Old Republic Title Prudential GG, Realtors Stewart Title-Fort Bend Hometown America Inc sslavin@oldrepublictitle.com Marlena@MarlenaBerger.com Business Dev. Manager
281-275-4447
281-804-5990
LAURIE BOWMAN PAUL CINQUEMANI
281-265-9500
RUTH OLSON
Cinquemani Insurance Agency 2011 Ft. Bend Chapter Tres. First American Home Warranty pcinquemani@allstate.com RE/MAX Southwest
Representative
832-452-1212
281-243-9155
281-831-9576
KIMBERLY SHAW
2011 WCR VP Membership
Keller Williams SW 713-614-8258
Int. Designer/Home Stager
281-835-9789
JACKI MURRAY
WAYNE MURRAY
Weichert/Wayne Murray
Weichert/Wayne Murray
Realtor, ABR, CRS, SRES
713-398-0170
EnteriorDesigns.com
THERESA FEHR
DEBBIE MARCELL
ALICE KELLER
DOROTHY YEE
281-701-1111
281-782-2102
281-565-1027
713-826-2373
JUDY MONROE
JACKI PAULEY
ERNA HAY
281-242-8800
281.207.5015
281-634-0138
Senior Acct. Executive Allied Home Warranty
JOAN BERGER
HAR Director-elect Heritage Texas Properties
281-240-8800
713-728-2300
Broker/Owner
281-208-1700
Multi-Million Top Producer VP/ Branch Manager Realtor Prudential GG, Realtors Chicago Title Company RE/MAX Fine Properties
WCR PAST President “Selling the American Dream” Senior VP/Branch MGR Heritage Texas Properties Cornerstone Mortgage Co. Realm Real Estate
MORE BENCHES ONLINE
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 July 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 367 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of July. There were also 97 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Clements William III Taijiquan 3013 Cumberland Dr 77459 Muesse Jennifer Eye Candy Stitches 26511 Park Point Ln 77494 Hutner Cathy Advantage Resource Center 2034 Sandy Knoll Dr 77489 Salinas Amalia Ali’s Quinceaneras And Decor 1000 Wilson Dr Ste B 77471 Bias Ashley V Studio V Dance 719 Brookford 77489 Rent These Properties LLC Green West Properties 1385 Fm Road 359 Ste 301 77406-2017 Rent These Properties LLC Green West Properties.Com 1385 Fm Road 359 Ste 301 77406-2017 Leblanc Brenda Kay (+) The Tutoring Cottage (+) 3417 Srinner Ln 77406
Tapner Brittney Craft Junkie By Brittney 3306 South Fry Road #1022 77450 Edge Consult Inc Silver Lining Manor 8300 Bissonet St #220 77074 Davis Connie Wiicare Health Care 11569 Hwy 6 S Ste 31 77498 Ukah Nduka K (+) Medline Ems 4542 Long Creek Dr 77545 Dorsett Kristin Orchid Lantern Ventures 5014 Bridge Creek Ln 77494 Garza Manuel Ii (+) Scc Company P.O. Box 10003 77461 Brown Jason Elliot Warrior Society 2026 Grand Park Drive 77489 Stein Whitney Sinia Farlwell 33410 Reynolds Road 77476
Heather International Group Medical Practice Management 15200 Southwest Freeway Ste 266 77478
Cruz Araceli (+) Enchanted Dreams “ Where Fairytales Really Do Come True..” 27907 Feather Banks Ct 77441
Gamez Marcos (+) Peaches Ahead Of Texas 24503 San Pellino 77406
Vanderbilt Timothy Social Media Renegade 5555 New Territory Blvd #9206 77479
Molina Billy (+) First Source Construction And Roofing 2018 Center St 77469
Platt Stephan (+) Platt Consulting 10014 Hazel Woods Ct 77407
Hawkins Latrina (+) Agape Services 5219 Parkridge Dr 77053
Johnson Warricke Design Suite 76 14311 Branchwater 77498
Arceneaux Lashan Women Ink Publishing 6831 Fenske Ln 77461
Falgout Paul (+) Otterball 6002 Hansford Ln 77479
Coleman Rhonda K Kookie Doughs 7030 Roberson Rd 77489
Nguyen David Km Nails & Facials 16535 Sw Frwy #605 77479
Panamax International LLC Panamax Realty 7019 Pettiegrew Dr 77479
Nickles Melvin Melvin Mover 2418 Manorwood 77478
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Sapon Eduardo (+) Multi-Task Handyman 4814 Mission Lake Ct 77407
Alpha Dominion International First International Exchange 3350 Hwy 6 Ste 540 77478
George Y Frimpong Cpa Ghanaian Ministries Union - USA 104 Industrial Blvd Ste P 77478
Odom Dwight (+) Wydell’s 7323 W Fuqua 77489
Denson Jeff Denson Recruit LLC 819 Merrick Dr 77478
Cooper Lashawn Abundant Love Child Care 16102 Dawn Marie Ln 77498
American Tower Of Refuge American Tower Of Refuge LLC (Dba) American Tower Youthbuild 7431 Lassiter Hollow Ln 77407
Wilson Stassey (+) Special Need & Senior Care Service Inc 13218 Lakeview Meadow Dr 77469
Harris Richard Lee Jr R Harris Entertainment 1431 Hunter Green 77545
Demott Ron (+) Software Solutions 211 Needleleaf Ln 77479 Basralian Hope Margarita Spei International Group 11411 Oak Lake Glen Ct 77498 Velshi Group Inc A1 Computer Solution 12250 S Kirkwood Rd # 1615 77477
Mejorado Jessica Amor Eterno 1032 A Barker 77477 Godfrey Poinette Matchlons 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd 77494 Waters Shealy W Sparkle Hope 7022 Pembrough Lane 77494
Katy Machac LLC Running Hands 28540 Rose Lane 77494 Alternative Residential Care Home Alternative Residential Care Home 9110 Creeks Gate Ct 77407 Kimball Scott Services Inc Ck’s Designs 4214 Stonecroft Circle 77450
Spears-Walker Clatreese (+) The Children’s Garden (+) 6406 Guyler 77485
Turner Jennifer Genesis Tabernacle of Love Church Of God In Christ Interdenominational Inc 2100 Ave M 77471
Gonzalez Milagros (+) Yaridane Enterprise 16315 Hidden Gate Ct 77498
Brown Sheila (+) My Bread of Heaven 1566 Quail Trace 77489
Bradley Renae Melchor Renae’s Salon 1410 E Highway 90A Suite 500 77469
Multiple Options Enterprises LLC Kwik Check Inc 13503 Hwy 36 77461
Turner Jennifer Mrs. J’s Legit Hair By Design “Plus” 4909 Cotter Lane 77471
Moghnieh Rami Texas E Services 21130 Concordia Park Ln 77407
S Sidarous LLC Floors N’ More 7830 Hwy 90 A 77478
Jackson Felicia Plan Ahead Events SW Houston 2903 Bison Bluff 77459
Yohannes Bethelhem Lemon Slice 9301 South West Fwy 77074
Jackson Candice Candice Home Health Consulting 5415 Summerwood Dr 76502
Pro-Mart Steel Corp Pro-Mart Contractors 1270 Crabb River Rd Ste 600-77 77469
Diaz Luz Del Carmen Servicios America Y Mas De 2 1016 Sally Ann Dr 77471
Wahab Abdul A Helicon Solutions 2839 Long Grove Ln 77469
Garza Aleida Resale And More 14018 Hw 6 Building 2 77583
Muizz Muhammad Fusion Graphics 2839 Long Grove Ln 77469
Wright David Edmond Jr Techson Mechanical 16823 Tranquil Dr 77498
Thomas Nicole Pointsman Ems 12926 Dairy Ashford 77478
Gutierrez Evert J (+) Zion Mixed Martial Arts 1036 Fm 1092 77459
Warner Shirley Ann Warner Innocation Solutions - Wins 15435 Apple Ridge Dr 77489
Poon Nancy Nancy’s Beads 7215 Baitland Dr 77459
Kratochvil Rebekah Law Office of Rebekah Kratochvil 910 Sugar Mountain Ct 77498 Vega Luis Video Ritmo 1706 Fm 1640 Rd 77469 Delgado Israel V Sweet Landscape By Israel 2605 Allwright St 77471 Kirk Milo R Kirk Lawn Care Service 12707 Murphy Rd Trl #32 77477 Brooks Darron Hand In Hand Technology 1410 Cartwright Rd 77489
DBA (Assumed Names) Frank Mitchell M.L.F. Enterprises 5219 Westerdale Dr 77441 Haskew Michael (+) Modern Trade 4907 Mission Lake Ct 77407 Bearkat Enterprises LLC Bookkeeping Express 1306 Shady Bend Drive 77479 Hall Fredricka M (+) Nurses Cev Source 16730 Great Oaks Glen Dr 77083 Jmj Assets Inc Monshagen Consulting Services 3424 Fm 1092 77459 Middleton Mattie Kandie’s Korner 5862 Southford 77033 Ekstrom Glen A Chl-Training.Com 15426 Poolview St 77071 Abrams Daniel (+) Daniel Abrams Dba Colors on Parade 1118 Lark Ln 77469 Hargrove Joseph W Jr Yahweh Transportation 5426 Santa Chase Ln 77479 Littles Myrtle M. Littles Tutorial 15834 Ridgecroft Rd 77053 Silva Crystal Lush Hair Studio 2745 D Towncenter Blvd 77469 Schomburg Charles D Doug Schomburg Electrical Services 903 Robinwood 77477 Akintunde Folasade Centra Therapy Center 10555 Turtlewood Ct #203 77072 Roberson Christina The Cleaning Gurus (+) 16107 Kensington Ste 275 77478 Smejkal Joseph F Texas Comics 908 S 3Rd St 77469 Cameron Larry D Fountain Of The Living Waters Cathedral 2910 Creek Terrace Dr 77459
Data Beat
Harris Dawn A Newbian You! 2910 Commercial Ctr Blvd Suite 103-102 77494 Harris Dawn A Writetask 2910 Commercial Ctr Blvd Suite 103-102 77494 Mcdaniel Michael (+) Jk & M’s Trucking 2934 Manion Dr 77459 Eml Ventures LLC Master Blinds & More 3507 Tamarisk Ln 77459 Belland Steven BeLLCo Carpet Cleaning 2338 Barton River Ct 77469 Greaves Hesma Including Autism 18223 Hanover Glen Ln 77407 Jack Eugene Jr Jblue2 Photography 2715 Vermillion Dr 77459 Agustin Delia M (+) Amazing Care 2603 Manorwood 77478 Ohan Faris (+) Monroe Medical 2035 Fm 359 #11 77406 Johnson Nancy A (+) Jay’s Beverage & Coffee Svc 1306 Fm 1092 #502 77459 Turner Diana Smith Turner Consulting 1322 Ravenscourt Dr 77498 Martinez Stephanie Ann S. A. M. Services 7922 Summerdale Dr 77471 Geores Cheryl Valkyrie Transportation Service 2307 Oakview Dr 77459 Cates Ricky P (+) Rick Cates Consolidated 1735 Wild Rye Trl 77479
(+) = More Names Akalonu Theodore E & C Auto Links 20026 Penetic Trail 77407 Carter Jonnae Jay’s Cleaning Services 6819 Kearney 77469 Vaughn Michael Cedars Of Lebanon Lodge 4 13618 Woodspire 77085 Caldwell Caleshea R (+) L A R C (+) 2706 Pecan Court 77459 Williams Debra Tex Star Pools Houston 611 Alcorn 77478 Khuc Kristy Milo’s Magic 2331 Cool Springs Ln 77498 Gong Bin Gong & Chen 6827 Sorrelwood Ln 77479 Yi Yong-Ha E Software Development And Consultant Company 25335 Hall Meadow Ln 77494
Gillis Richard P The Really Useful Job Search Company (+) 2802 Field Line 77479 Sadiq Joseph Southwest Information Technology 18215 Bonham Oaks Ct 77407
Grant Utreshia Catering By Faith 510 Stephanie Dr 77489
Legend Services Inc Special Treats Gourmet 21818 Treemont Hollow Ct 77469
Accredited Group V LLC Accredited Home Health Care of America 5014 Waterbeck 77441
Dannhaus Enterprises Inc Neeville Dusters Basball, LLC 14200 Buffalo Road 77461
Bazargani Mayada Perfict Pic 7227 Wooded Lake Ln 77407
Thomas Janice B R&J Transport 2620 Hadley Circle 77478
Ramirez Media Group LLC Ramirez Radio Consulting 1519 Green Leaf Oaks Dr 77479
Smith Tonya Custom Concrete Design Floor/Ccd 631 Maple Ave 77545
Bailey Bill M (+) Bailey Realty 24818 Peach Knoll Ln 77494
Cortez Daniel Hac 2419 Shakespeare #1 77030 O’kehie & Associates Pc Collins Legal Services 301 S 9Th St Suite 208 77469
Greer Damon R (+) Harbor Community Fellowship Church 867 Dulles Ave Ste D 77477
Whittington Larry Fort Bend Tutoring 15870 Alger Drive 77489 Tufail Muhammad A.F.T. 13130 Nantucket Dr 77478 Hughes-Coss Latrenna Lhs ‘86 Reunion Resources 1302 Ravelane 77469
Hubley Stephanie Murray Crystal Miss Tique Bella Bellissima Stores 24038 River Place Dr 77494 8519 Brompton Place Dr 77083 Yoshimura Tera Miller Latanger (+) Your Local Artist King Jackson Inc. 1824 Spring St #115 77007 (Salvage-Demolition) 1010 Armadillo 77471 Jmbeam Enterprises LLC P369 Photography 8327 Green Valley Dr 77479
Mayzenberg Mikhail Mayzenberg Investments 2207 Meadow Park Cir 77459
Brown Wayne Md Resources 1707 Bumelia Ct 77479
Arredondo Janna (+) Flourishing Flower Beds By Janna 2303 Greens Ct 77406
Hubbell Sarah Enlightened Photography 26215 Seminole Hill Ln 77494
Benitez Margarita (+) Sanacion De Familia Ministerio De Evangelizacion Catolica 6711 Glenkirk Pl 77479
Marks Delnetria (+) N.M. Enterprise 2903 Pecan Point Dr 77478 Skariah Thomas T S Investment 3139 Waters View Dr 77478 Devito Sharon C (+) Sew Cutesy 21111 Redcrest Manor 77406 Valachovic Kimbra Z (+) Kimbra V Realty 1650 Hwy 6 # 350 77478 Cutting Edge Lawn Care Services Cutting Edge Lawn Care Services 4034 Floral Way 77545 Osei Doris M (+) Dma Healthcare 2210 Stillmeadow 77489
Drees David (+) Elevatetech.Com 3114 Winding Shore Ln 77450 Avilla Consetta Earthen Works Jewelry By Connie 1607 Blue Heather Ln 77545 Khanbhai Investments Inc Countrywide Atm 1814 Bartrum Trail 77479 Randel James (+) Randel Financial Management 5107 Luke Ridge Lane 77494 Comer Catherine W (+) E. C. Consulting 2506 Creek Bluff Ln 77459 Awolaja Solomon Smarty Motors & General Merchant 1914 Lazy Lane 77489 Davis Meagan (+) Fit And Fun Kids 25311 Bright Hollow Ln 77494 Nguyen Phillip Van (+) Family Washateria 1901-A Gessner 77080 Patel Manisha (+) Nandini Hospitality LLC P O Box 53983 77052
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
35
Data Beat
August 2011 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports
Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous 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
2011 Payments To Date
2010 Payments Change
Percent
Arcola Beasley Fulshear Kendleton Meadows Place Missouri City Needville Orchard Pleak Richmond Rosenberg Simonton Stafford Sugar Land Thompsons
30,079.08 7,927.98 51,407.91 2,256.80 85,515.58 667,212.57 31,894.02 4,759.44 4,357.20 362,288.21 1,126,428.25 15,581.69 1,297,710.01 3,590,050.72 1,828.90
16,903.47 5,187.39 45,002.76 1,493.70 95,831.15 609,784.05 39,752.42 4,375.29 5,339.93 375,303.59 1,101,515.62 8,917.75 1,251,602.82 3,611,951.61 2,246.13
77.94% 52.83% 14.23% 51.08% -10.76% 9.41% -19.76% 8.77% -18.40% -3.46% 2.26% 74.72% 3.68% -0.60% -18.57%
182,714.31 51,980.04 308,919.46 12,956.59 605,494.60 3,978,278.77 238,543.84 28,292.31 33,177.55 2,612,537.11 7,729,804.90 87,893.26 8,976,849.69 26,740,957.37 16,559.32
157,208.94 40,664.57 251,364.76 10,842.90 650,902.39 4,051,654.31 239,696.32 29,146.78 54,458.60 2,791,463.70 7,531,708.76 69,627.28 8,747,759.15 25,623,723.40 24,603.33
16.22% 27.82% 22.89% 19.49% -6.97% -1.81% -0.48% -2.93% -39.07% -6.40% 2.63% 26.23% 2.61% 4.36% -32.69%
COUNTY TOTAL
7,279,298.36
7,175,207.68
1.45%
51,604,959.12
50,274,825.19
2.64%
Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - August 2011 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state. City
Houston San Antonio Dallas Austin Fort Worth Arlington El Paso Plano Round Rock Corpus Christi Amarillo McAllen Lubbock Irving Midland Frisco Sugar Land Abilene Mesquite Laredo
36
Net Payment This Period
Comp Payment Prior Year
% Change To Date
2011 Payments To Date
49,836,242.99 22,306,962.62 21,472,297.32 13,658,947.72 13,763,588.35 8,332,620.91 6,780,873.24 6,530,082.24 5,335,292.35 6,315,148.33 5,977,960.23 5,027,518.52 4,847,763.35 5,011,289.11 4,337,808.27 4,401,176.88 3,590,050.72 4,035,271.85 3,441,928.67 3,359,566.77
45,650,238.57 20,158,813.62 20,666,739.52 12,109,947.34 9,112,376.68 8,490,099.58 6,415,450.04 5,995,227.52 6,247,700.41 4,773,347.10 5,674,604.67 4,945,781.13 4,858,554.84 4,535,166.96 3,560,718.21 4,064,584.12 3,611,951.61 3,298,797.92 3,495,932.76 2,718,084.91
9.16% 10.65% 3.89% 12.79% 51.04% -1.85% 5.69% 8.92% -14.60% 32.30% 5.34% 1.65% -0.22% 10.49% 21.82% 8.28% -0.60% 22.32% -1.54% 23.60%
338,666,729.29 149,305,595.29 144,486,540.19 96,942,635.77 70,842,858.29 56,476,265.92 49,672,794.58 44,292,890.18 43,212,784.10 41,703,166.75 41,616,114.75 37,662,428.50 34,621,811.28 31,906,712.06 30,858,813.49 29,303,497.72 26,740,957.37 25,508,678.01 24,048,239.86 23,408,292.48
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
2010 Payments Change
319,531,847.39 140,711,006.29 139,048,394.08 92,849,711.71 65,908,888.25 55,679,904.97 46,431,264.62 40,019,066.87 42,423,350.12 37,229,199.61 38,134,787.57 37,393,019.40 33,435,103.71 29,953,228.63 23,410,122.41 27,131,462.61 25,623,723.40 22,383,774.67 23,047,004.83 20,066,968.76
Percent
5.98% 6.10% 3.91% 4.40% 7.48% 1.43% 6.98% 10.67% 1.86% 12.01% 9.12% 0.72% 3.54% 6.52% 31.81% 8.00% 4.36% 13.96% 4.34% 16.65%
Data Beat
Commercial Building Permits
Some significant building permits in cities in Fort Bend during the month of July ADDRESS
TYPE OF PERMIT
MISSOURI CITY 9212 Sienna Ranch Rd 4827 Hwy 6 4747 Hwy 6
New Commercial $1,425,000 Commercial Lease New $49,000 Commercial Lease Alteration $6,300
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential) ROSENBERG 3302 Hwy 36 S 6701 FM 762 28000 Southwest Fwy #H1 3825 Hwy 36 5021 Airport Ave 1511 dakon St
STAFFORD 12655 Southwest Frwy 2615 South Main 13350 Pike Rd 609 Dulles Ave 500 4230 Greenbriar Dr 12788 Fountain Lake Cir 9757 Stafford Centre Rd 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 625 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 500 609 Dulles Ave 100
$185,000 $15,000 $440,000 $20,000 $1,900,000 $140,000 $5,873,097 $17,500 $38,000 $75,000
07/01/11-07/31/11
Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Building Commercial New Commercial New
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)
$750,000 $5,000 $22,000 $798,900 $400,000 $11,648
07/01/11-07/31/11
Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential) SUGAR LAND 5000 Blk Elkins Rd 5400 Blk Elkins Rd 5200 Blk Commonwealth Blvd 4950 Avondale Dr 1531 State Hwy 6 Ste 150 16906 Southwest Fwy 803 Bonaventure Way
07/01/11-07/31/11
Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)
VALUE
$11,473 $11,479 $8,928 $7,740 $5,400 $6,161,776 $1,594,791
07/01/11-07/31/11
OWNER/CONTRACTOR
Mike Bricker & Associates, Inc. Eqyinvest Outparcel, Owner LTD Eqyinvest Outparcel, Owner LTD $3,779,690
Atkinson & Assoc. Builders Mosile Modular Clay Group Properties Bass Construction Bass Construction Trinity Lutheran Church/Remedy Roofing $1,969,548
Courtyard by Marriott/ Steve Hoegger & Associates Uniglobe Central America Channel 28/ASA Plastering Clay Development & Construction Aloha Learning, LLC/ BoGar Builders Puffer Sweiven/ Arch-Con Corporation Borders Cafe Expresso/ SLS Johnson Neway Mack, Inc./ Kingham Dalton Wilson Fields Engineering/ Luna Brothers Inc Parkway Properties/Open Spirit/ Luna Brothers Inc Bushi Ban Karate/ BoGar Builders $8,709,097
Stone Mason Stone Mason Stone Mason Mark Stokes & Associates DBA Mody Properties LLC/Big City Construction Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Mission Constructors, Inc Hwy 6 & 90 LTD/Jerry Kachel Builder, Inc $ 7,801,581 September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
37
TWC reminds employers: Compliance posters are free of charge inferring that employers are not in compliance with state law and urging employers to buy the posters from the vendor. TWC advises employers to disregard these vendors and consult with TWC directly to determine which posters are needed. The number of workplace compliance posters required to be displayed can vary from one employer to another. Posters can be printed directly from TWC’s website or by following links to the U.S. Department of Labor, where they can also be printed free of charge. Employers needing information about which posters they need to display should call TWC’s Labor Law Department at (512) 475-2670. All Texas employers must display posters containing information on the Texas Payday Law, the Workers’ Compensation Program, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights
T
he Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) urges employers to be aware of unscrupulous business operators who may try to coerce employers into purchasing required workplace posters. Obtaining these compliance posters through TWC, as always, is free. All workplace compliance posters required by law can be obtained free of charge from the TWC website at http:// www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/lablaw/posters.html. Employers do not need to purchase these posters from private vendors. Furthermore, government-issued compliance posters do not have to be laminated to satisfy an employer’s regulatory obligation. Employers should never pay for a government service that is free. TWC has investigated reports of vendors claiming to be state contractors,
Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Also, every employer with 15 or more employees, and smaller employers with federal grants and contracts, must post the notice entitled “Equal Employment Opportunity Is The Law,” which contains information about the Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act laws. Employers also may obtain a combined Texas Payday Law and Unemployment Compensation Act poster, and a list of other required posters by calling the agency’s tax department at (512) 463-2747. Those posters can also be obtained online via the Unemployment Tax Services website at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/tax/emtaxinfo. html. To report inappropriate vending of posters, call the TWC Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline at (800) 252-3642.
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
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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.
Employee or independent contractor? It’s a matter of timing Employers are generally required to withhold and pay employment taxes (FICA, FUTA, and withheld income tax) on wages paid to employees. An employee is someone who qualifies under the common law (case law) rules as such which for tax purposes falls under a “20 question” test. If you attempt to classify employees as independent contractors and then fail to withhold payroll taxes the IRS can retroactively reclassify them and assess significant penalties. Section 530 relief has been a key provision often used to avoid disaster in these erroneous classification situations. This allows a business to treat an individual as an independent contractor if all four following hurdles are cleared: 1. It never treats the person as an employee; 2. It does not treat any other person
with a substantially similar position as an employee; 3. All required federal tax returns and Forms 1099 show the worker as an independent contractor; and 4. The business had a “reasonable basis” not to treat the person as an employee. You can satisfy the fourth requirement by reasonably relying upon: · Judicial precedent or IRS rulings; · A past IRS audit; or · A long-standing practice of a significant segment of the relevant industry. In a recent Technical Advice, the IRS concludes that you have to demonstrate actual and reasonable reliance before the period for which employment decisions are made. This test is most clearly met when you can demonstrate actual and reasonable reliance
on the asserted reasonable basis before taking on the workers at issue or substantially similar workers. That means before the initial employment decision being made. However, the IRS says you may be able to satisfy the reasonable basis requirement by establishing that you “actually and reasonably” relied on the asserted basis before making the employment decisions regarding the workers’ status for later periods. This seems to potentially take the epiphany factor out of defenses. There are developing cases that bear watching for their outcomes. 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
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Employers to benefit from new UH System business student internships
F
ort Bend County businesses will benefit this fall from a new internship program for bachelor’s and master’s students taking online and face-to-face classes at the University of Houston System at Sugar Land and the UH System at Cinco Ranch. “An employer who uses the internship program will get a dedicated, hard-working and cost-effective employee to assist in accomplishing the business’s goals,” said Ron Salazar, an associate professor of business who teaches at the UH System at Sugar Land. “In addition, the internship will give the student an opportunity to gain practical and valuable work experience, apply skills and knowledge learned in school, and gain exposure to jobs and industries.” Junior and senior business majors, as well as graduate business students, will be eligible for the program. The employee’s salary will be the only cost to the business. Salazar still is researching pay rates for similar internship programs and will work with employers to determine internship salaries. Pay factors include student experience and the size of the company. Stipends paid
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
to student interns can be made all at once or in equal installments throughout the work period. By partnering with the UH System, an employer will have access to a low-risk recruiting source and a low-cost method of training potential employees, Salazar said. “Hiring one of our undergraduate or graduate business students can provide high-quality labor, help meet seasonal employment demands and provide fresh ideas from emerging professionals,” he said. “Most of these students are graduate-level, so they could be ready to go to work as a credit analyst, for example. These are not all entry-level students.” Salazar said businesses he hopes will take advantage of the program include accounting firms, banks, manufacturers, health care administration companies, consulting firms, construction businesses and engineering firms, to name a few. These types of businesses will benefit from the skills students have acquired in the UH System bachelor’s degree offerings, which include accounting, finance, general business, health care administration, management and marketing. UH System graduate business programs include the Master of Business Administration, Global MBA and a Master of Science in Economic Development & Entrepreneurship. Internships may take place throughout the year, but most are expected to last for one semester. There will be both full-time and parttime internships available. “These internships are opportunities for students to test-drive a career field, giving them a chance to see what professionals do in that industry,” Salazar said. “Since interns are often looking for a way to showcase their talents in order to jumpstart their careers, they can prove to be valuable assets to an organization.” The program will match students’ majors with appropriate businesses. Employers will decide what other criteria need to be met for student interns. Students will create profiles that can be compared with other students. Employers then will select potential candidates for interviews. The process will be competitive, so employers will know they are getting the best student for the job, and the students will put their best foot forward. For now, students will not receive course credit for the internships, although Salazar said one of the program’s future goals is to offer credit. Dick Phillips, associate vice chancellor for the UH System at Sugar Land and the UH System at Cinco Ranch, said internships through business schools are popular. “Internships have proven to be effective in linking students to realworld businesses practices and allow businesses to see prospective employees in their work environment. It is a win-win program,” he said. “We’re looking forward to creating that opportunity for more students and employers in the Fort Bend area.”
UH Systems... continued on page 56
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 real estate - mid-year report 2011 This month’s Business Journal focuses on banking and finance. Liquidity and capital are the fuel which drives the commercial real estate industry. Investors’ ability to access capital is one of the best barometers for measuring commercial real estate velocity. As such, I thought it would be appropriate this month to report on the level of commercial real estate activity over the first half of the year. In the year following the financial collapse in late 2008, economic uncertainty brought commercial real estate activity to a virtual standstill. Last year, however, the market began to transition with pockets of activity, particularly later in the year. When the nervousness of 2009 reared its head at inopportune moments, there were as many false starts as closings, often causing deals to
fall apart because one participant (whether the buyer or seller, investor or lender, loan officer or committee member) got cold feet. In 2011, we are seeing a very different and welcome environment. Although still early, it appears that the market is leveling out, and we are approaching the new normal. Commercial real estate activity has increased significantly and lenders and investors are now executing plans to fill allocations for loans or property acquisitions. Lenders, investors, buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords have an understanding of what it takes to get deals done in this new and “getting braver” world. Underwriting fundamentals have been re-established, and new interpretations of how to read the fundamentals are developing. When the recession and the credit crisis
hit, a number of well capitalized institutional investors anticipated the beginning of a once-in-a-century opportunity to purchase trophy properties at inflated cap rates (market low prices). That has not happened, however, as very few high quality properties have been listed. As a result, the competition for the quality properties that have been listed has been robust and that has led to very aggressive pricing. Evidence of the above was recently manifested in Sugarland when a trophy retail property that was listed for sale attracted national attention with strong competition from institutional investors offering market low cap rates (which equates to higher pricing).
KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 43
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September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
41
911 revisited on 10th anniversary
Do you remember? By Wayne Chandler
I
remember: December 7, 1941. I was in my Indiana home on a cold Sunday afternoon when a radio newsflash said that Japanese fighter planes had attacked Pearl Harbor. As a teenage newsboy later that evening I went door-to-door with an extra from the Cincinnati Enquirer. Newspapers were three cents but virtually every buyer gave me a whole dime. For the next year or more it seemed that every headline I delivered was heartbreaking news, and I knew then that I was witnessing unforgettable history. April 12, 1945. I was just leaving my Indiana high school baseball locker room. It was about 5 p.m. and not many of us remained there. The school loud speaker voice said that President Franklin D. Roosevelt had died. November 22, 1963. I was in a second floor meeting room in Cocoa, Florida, with Houston Colt 45s baseball people, preparing for construction of a spring training site. We watched the television cameras showing a mostly vacant and quiet Dallas banquet room where President John F. Kennedy was due soon. He never made it. September 11, 2001. At 7:15 a.m. my wife Vi was on the phone in our Las Vegas hotel room, asking for another room, and the desk clerk said that there wouldn’t be any rooms available. Vi said “I don’t mean now…this afternoon when people check out.” The lady said people wouldn’t be checking out because there wouldn’t be any planes arriving or leaving. “What do you mean,” Vi asked. “ Turn on your TV,” she said. I thought we were watching a Tom Clancy movie. These are indelible marks in my memory bank, the date of this last one will last longest, and will be in your life, too, I suspect. Here are scenarios from some people you may know: Bob Hebert, Fort Bend County judge. “I was headed to the airport to fly to
42
Washington. But first I went to IHOP at U.S. 59 at Sweetwater for breakfast with my good friend, Bob Leard. As I parked at the restaurant, the local radio commentator advised that a small plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. I thought that was very strange so Bob and I had a very quick breakfast. As I left IHOP, the radio focused on New York and I heard that a second plane had struck the other tower. I knew at once that this was no accident, and I would not fly to Washington that day. I drove straight back home and watched the entire tragedy on TV with my wife, Pat. I now know how my parents felt on December 7, 1941. James Patterson, Precinct 4 county commissioner. “It was the morning before my usual Commissioner’s Court meeting at 1 p.m., and I was, very early, using the computer, answering emails. My secretary, Jean McCarver, came in to my office and said, “A passenger plane hit a New York building, and I said. “Oh?” and continued to do email. Jean said , “It was a really big plane,” and again I said, ”Oh.” In a few minutes Jean rushed in again and said, “Another plane has hit another building.” This was too much. By then we knew that we had real trouble. I went downstairs to the other Precinct 4 offices and everyone was watching the incredible events. I do remember that county business continued that day because at the opening of Commissioners Court in Richmond, that Judge (James) Adolphus condemned these actions in the strongest terms and language that I’d ever heard Jim use.” Frank Lombard, vice president , Katy Area EDC. “Like most mornings I was watching TV and having breakfast when I saw the first reports. Having visited New York many times, it was so hard to believe the devastation that a single airplane could cause…First thoughts were for people on the aircraft, and then the people on their way to work, in elevators and offices. How could such an accident happen on such a clear day….Then the second plane and the realization that it was not an accident…so
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
hard to believe. The balance of the day and for weeks that followed all we could do was pray for the victims, their families, the first responders and their families…Elected officials didn’t have the luxury of time and distance when they were called upon to make quick decisions. I give those folks from President Bush on down to the the local police and officials great credit for handling an extremely terrible situation in the very best way possible.” Ann Sill, director, Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio. “I was at home, readying for work when my husband called and told me to turn on the TV. I actually watched the second plane hit and , from there watched the rest of the tragedy unfold. My middle daughter was driving, on a business trip, and was five minutes from Washington, D.C. I was able to talk to her and she said that traffic was virtually frozen, and she was trying to figure out how to get home. Finally, she teamed with coworkers and drove a rental car home. It took her three days. I remember everyone looking for car flags to fly. And I remember how we all came together as patriotic Americans to support our country. Too bad it took such a tragedy to do it.” Lance LaCour, president and CEO, Katy Area EDC. “I was at home on a calm weather day in Fairhope, Alabama, about to walk out of the door and go to work when I watched it on TV. It seemed like a TV movie and the images sucked the wind out of me. My first thought of sorrow was for the people in the aircraft and then for the people in the building. I was astounded at the severity of it and hoped the people in the building had an opportunity to get out. Those images and memories are very vividly still stuck in my mind.” Grady Prestage, Precinct 2 county commissioner. “I was finishing a morning walk at Blueridge Park and learned of the attack from a friend who had her radio on in the parking lot. I headed home and watched the coverage on television. My wife was at her first day of work at Enron, and was sent home due to fear of a bomb threat. We were
glued to the TV all day.” Lonnie Hutson, now owner of Kids R Kids learning centers. “I had been at work for a couple of hours when I first heard the news. At first it was supposed to be just an accident, but when the second plane hit, it was obvious that it was much bigger than that. Our entire plant shut down, and everyone crowded around the few televisions we had. It’s amazing how one day can change our lives forever.” Rick Miller, former Fort Bend Republican party chairman. “I was conducting a leadership development program in Secaucus, N.J, directly across the Hudson River from the twin towers. Shortly after beginning, we were notified that an aircraft had struck one of the towers. We stopped our class, went to the TV and then outside where we could see the smoke from the tower. When the second plane struck the second tower, as a Navy carrier aviator, I knew these two incidents didn’t just happen. The later strike on the Pentagon was twofold to me. First, the aircraft struck the ground level floor directly below where my Navy office had been. Second, I learned that a Pentagon husband and wife, dear friends, were passengers on the aircraft which struck the Pentagon. After the towers came down it became difficult to make telephone calls. We later found that all of the cell phone relays were on top of one of the towers. All that next week the smoke from the towers continued to be visible and served as a clear reminder of this tragedy.”
KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 41
In 2011, investors are beginning to re-shape their plans. In order to be able to buy this year, they have capitulated by paying historically low to normal cap rates (and the resulting higher prices). Rather than hoping to achieve capital appreciation by obtaining “bargain” pricing at the time of acquisition, investors are instead looking for properties in markets where they believe that rents remain at depressed levels and the focus of their strategy is income growth through rent increases and maintaining occupancy levels. For a life insurance company with hundreds of millions of dollars of annual income to invest, it is necessary to put the money out and generate sufficient long-term yields. The question for these companies is not whether to invest, rather it is how and where to invest. Real Capital Analytics, an independent research firm that focuses exclusively on the capital investment markets for commercial real estate, reported last month that commercial property investment volume in the US surged to $55.6 billion dollars in the first half of 2011. That represents a 117% increase over last year. In Houston, commercial property sales for the first half of the year reached $2.3 billion, putting us at number 11 in the US for sales volume activity. That is actually a drop from last year, but it is more indicative of the increase in sales around the country than it is a decrease in sales activity in Houston. Locally, due diligence is currently underway for the development of a number of significant new properties and projects. Although last month’s debate over the increase in the federal debt ceiling caused renewed uncertainty in the financial markets, indicators for new commercial real estate activity in Fort Bend are positive and we should see a fairly active market over the immediate future. Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers International - Fort Bend., 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. He can be reached at 281-4944769 phone / 281-494-3227 fax / Kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.
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September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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NEWSWORTHY Fort Bend Symphony announces ‘Season Of Surprises’ Season marks 20th anniversary The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2011-12 concert season, which promises to be a “Season of Surprises” designed to thank the community for its 20 years of support. The 20th anniversary subscription series includes these four exciting concerts filled with audience requests: In An English Garden on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011. Featuring music of Elgar, Walton, and the Beatles Deck the Halls on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. Featuring holiday favorites. Far Away Places on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. Featuring music from around the world On Broadway on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Featuring favorite Broadway hits All concerts are held at 2 p.m. at the 1,100-seat Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Road in Stafford. Parking is free. The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches
the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra. Season subscriptions to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 four-concert series are priced at $40 (balcony), $60 (orchestra level) and $100 (box seats) and are available at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but must have reserved seats.
Sugar Land calling all shutterbugs “Best of Sugar Land”
Update on Tyco With the final approval of the City of Stafford, Reinvestment Zone (RZ) #21 was created at the Tyco Valves and Controls facility and site at 3950 Greenbriar. This RZ made it possible for both Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District #2 (FBCWC&ID #2) and Fort Bend County to approve ten-year property tax abatements of 75% per year on the value of the new building expansion and certain new equipment and machinery to be placed by Tyco into the RZ. RZ’s are designations of areas, whose creation must precede and thus, enable taxing jurisdictions to grant property tax abatements on property placed into service within that RZ. In addition, Tyco is able to take advantage of the State Freeport Exemption from FBCWC&ID#2. This exemption provides exemption from property taxes on qualified inventory, which can provide additional and significant tax savings to the company.
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Photo by Coleman Locke)
Marilyn Conger, Becky Walker and Sandy Chapman, founding members of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, are ready to thank the community with a Season of Surprises as FBSO celebrates its 20th anniversary season in 2011-2012.
Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit their favorite photos of Sugar Land for the city’s 2012 calendar, the “Best of Sugar Land.” Photos should celebrate the “best” of Sugar Land from its people to its beautiful parks, schools, businesses and neighborhoods. Photographs may include favorite locations, artistic elements or candid shots of people of all ages and backgrounds in scenes reflecting the vibrant community life and diversity that makes Sugar Land such a unique and outstanding city. The City’s annual calendar is mailed to more than 30,000 residents and businesses during the first week of December, with limited additional quantities available at City Hall. Photos should be submitted in highresolution format (300 dots per inch with a physical dimension of 8.5 by 11 inches)
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
and reflect the city today and include: • the name and contact information of photographers (addresses, phones and e-mails); • locations of each photo submitted; and • approximate dates of when the images were photographed. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 30, and winners will be notified by Oct. 1. There is no monetary award, but photographers will be credited in the calendar for winning images selected and retain all rights to their photos for other uses. E-mail entries to pubinfo@sugarlandtx.gov or send prints to the Sugar Land Communications Department, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. Submissions will not be returned. For more information, call (281) 2752216.
Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com
Get the smartest card of all at Fort Bend County libraries The best investment any parent can make is a library card. It’s free. It opens doors to benefits that kids can’t break, wear out, or outgrow. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Fort Bend County Libraries wants to make sure that your child is among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the smartest card of all – a library card. Studies show that children who are read to in the home -- and who use the library -- perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together; 44 percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason. A library card provides free access to videos, DVDs, CDs, software, and books. Libraries also offer a wide range of other items to lend to children and their fami-
South Post Oak and McKeever Roads open
lies, including toys, games, and puzzles. Most importantly -- librarians are on hand to help recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests. A library card becomes even more valuable when someone wants to access many of the library’s online databases from home. The cost of subscribing to these databases as an individual would make them unaffordable to many people, but a library card levels the playing field by making them available to everyone free -- as long as you have a library card. Since a library card is free, how can parents afford not to give their children such a valuable tool? For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit any of the branches in the Fort Bend County library system, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677, or see the library’s website at www.fortbend. lib.tx.us and click on the “Online Library Card Application” link.
Windy City Pizza now open at Sugar Land Town Square There’s a new addition to the diverse list of restaurants in Sugar Land Town Square. Windy City Pizza is now open for business, offering Town Square patrons traditional Chicago-style pizza. This is the first Windy City Pizza location for owner Jim Ginger and partner Bonny Stevenson. Ginger also owns Napa Grille in Sugar Land and boasts 37 years of experience as a chef. All pizzas and sauces at Windy City Pizza are homemade and in addition, the restaurant features a wide variety of sandwiches, hot dogs, chili and desserts. In an effort to create the feel of a simple and traditional Chicago eatery, Windy City Pizza is decorated with hardwood floors, hunter green accents and photography of Chicago architecture.
“We love Sugar Land and being in Sugar Land Town Square allows us the opportunity to provide something authentic in a unique atmosphere,” said Ginger. “This is a very pedestrian development, which works well with the relaxed and easy feel we’ve created at Windy City Pizza.” Windy City Pizza is located at 2228 Texas Drive. Charles Adams, vice president of retail for Planned Community Developers, Ltd, represented PCD in the transaction; Ginger represented himself in the lease of the 1,456-square-foot property. For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square retailers visit SugarLandTownSquare. com. For more information about Windy City Pizza visit WindyCityPizza.biz.
Commissioner Richard Morrison is glad to announce the extension of South Post Oak Boulevard and reconstruction of McKeever Road. The two roads were open to traffic on 7/25/2011 at a cost of $2,755,376.08. The project included constructing 4 lanes of South Post Oak Boulevard from SH 6 south to McKeever Road, including the construction of a 4 lane bridge over the Gulf Coast Water Authority Canal. The project also included the reconstruction of the existing 2 lane asphalt section of McKeever Road and reconstructing the road into a 3 lane concrete section from West Plantation Oaks Drive to 500 feet east of the newly constructed South Post Oak Boulevard. The Contractor for the project was Durwood Greene Construction Company and the Engineer of record for the project was Clay Forister, P.E., with LJA Engineering. This project lies wholly within the City of Arcola. This was a cooperative effort of the City of Arcola, Southwest Houston Aviation, Gulf Coast Water Authority, Texas Department of Transportation, and Fort Bend County.
From Left to Right: Steve Maynard-Durwood Greene Construction, Len Franklin-Houston Southwest Airport, Clay Forister-LJA EngineeringProject Engineer, Commissioner Richard Morrison, County Judge Bob Hebert, Jeff CollinsLJA Engineering, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Tom Hilton-City Of Arcola and Matt DowningDurwood Greene Construction
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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NEWSWORTHY Celebrating its 90th anniversary
Noble Corporation announces new contracts Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE) has been awarded a contract for the semisubmersible rig Noble Paul Romano and received a contract extension on the semisubmersible rig Noble Max Smith, two rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the Company has been awarded a contract
Sweetpea Smiles comes to Lake Pointe Town Center Sweetpea Smiles, a pediatric dental and orthodontic office, will soon open its first Houston-area location in Lake Pointe Town Center, the Whole Foods-anchored shopping center at the intersection of Highway 59 and State Highway 6. Scheduled for a fall 2011 opening, Sweetpea Smiles will feature a fun and playful design in an effort to be exciting and interesting for children of all ages. The dental office will be located at 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400 and will occupy 2,838 square feet of space. “It is our goal to focus on providing the best quality dental care and ensuring a positive experience for children, in a clean, comfortable and cheerful environment,” said Dr. Nasha Hunter, pediatric dentist with Sweetpea Smiles. John Phelps of Phelps Commercial Realty represented Sweetpea Smiles in the transaction. Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented Planned Community Developers. For a full list of shopping and dining options in Lake Pointe visit LakePointeTexas.com.
GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to sharon@FortBendStar.com We love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com
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for the jackup rig Noble George Sauvageau operating in the Southern sector of the North Sea. The Noble Paul Romano has been awarded a six well, approximately 180day contract by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (GSPC) for operations offshore Egypt at a dayrate of $325,000, excluding mobilization revenues. The rig, which has been idle in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico since June 2010, is expected to commence the new contract in October 2011, following mobilization to an initial drilling location in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The contract could be extended for up to four optional wells. The Noble Paul Romano is a Noble EVA 4000, conventionally moored deepwater semisubmersible rated to operate in water depths of up to 6,000 feet. Also, the Noble Max Smith, operating offshore Mexico for Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (PEMEX), has received a fivemonth extension of its current contract. The extension commenced in August 2011 at a dayrate of $380,000. The Noble Max Smith is a Noble EVA 4000, conventionallymoored deepwater semisubmersible capable of operating in water depths of up to 7,000
feet. The rig has operated offshore Mexico since August 2008. In addition, the Company reported that the semisubmersible rig Noble Driller commenced its full operating dayrate of $383,000 on August 1, 2011 and has mobilized to an operating location in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The rig is under contract through June 2013. Noble Corporation is celebrating its 90th year in 2011. Very few companies, and even fewer drilling contractors, can claim this milestone. The Company’s proactive style of management has guided it from a one rig operation in 1921 to one of the largest offshore drilling contractors in the world today. The Company’s growth since the time of its spin-off from Noble Affiliates in 1985 has come about through a series of strategic acquisitions of offshore drilling assets and ancillary, non-capital intensive businesses around the world. These acquisitions follow the goals originally set forth in 1985 - to gain a strong position in foreign drilling markets, to expand marine drilling operations and to move into new markets and segments of the industry, preparing the Company to take advantage of an improved marketplace.
Cardtronics completes acquisition of EDC ATM business Cardtronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CATM) (the “Company”) has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cardtronics USA, Inc. has completed the acquisition of EDC ATM Subsidiary, LLC and Efmark Deployment I, Inc. (collectively “EDC”). The cash purchase price of $145 million was funded through borrowings under the Company’s amended credit facility. As a result of the acquisition of EDC, Cardtronics added approximately 3,700 ATMs in high-traffic U.S. retail locations and ATM branding contracts with some of America’s largest financial institutions.
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
With the completion of the acquisition, Cardtronics now has ATM branding relationships with eight of the 15 largest U.S. banks (by assets). In conjunction with the funding of the EDC acquisition, the Company amended its credit facility for certain terms, including the following: 1) the committed credit under the facility was expanded from $175 million to $250 million; 2) certain pricing terms and covenants were amended to be generally more favorable to the Company; and 3) the term of the facility was extended by one year, through July 15, 2016.
Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com
The advocate for business excellence in Fort Bend County
Friday, September 9, 2011 11:00 AM Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk Dr. Sugar Land, TX
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
AMS Houston PremierWireless Rice&GardnerConsultants Fort Bend Mechanical Jamail&SmithConstruction SouthwestWaterCompany Linebarger,Goggan,Blair& Sampson,LLP
Presenting Sponsor
SOLD
AutoARCH Architects PBK Planned Community Developers,Ltd. RWS Architects SBWV Architects SHW Group,LLP Stanley,Spurling & Hamilton,Inc. UH-Sugar Land /Wharton CJC
www.FortBendChamber.com
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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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 Associated Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Priti Singh CEO 3143 Yellowstone Blvd. Houston, TX 77054 713-748-3717 Engineering, Geotechnical
Catholic Charities Mary Collins Director of Outreach Fort Bend County Mamie George Community Center 1111 Collins Road Richmond, TX 77469 281-202-6220 Associations
Chicago Title Tita Horrell Business Development 13131 Dairy Ashford #125 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-1027 Title Services, Real Estate
Diego’s Cantina Santiago Garza Owner 1561 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-628-4114 Restaurants
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Encore Bank Sugar Land Nancy Colmenares Assistant Vice President 4647 Sweetwater Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-313-0138 Financial Services
GattiTown
i Energy North America August Reuss Director of Sales 16400 Kensington Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-290-0040 Energy Broker/Marketer
Kids ‘R’ Kids Bella Terra
Traci Munsey Marketing Manager 3412 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-3131-0307 Entertainment
Debbie Engle Owner 31 Parkway Lake Court Richmond, TX 77406 281-232-9333 Child Care
Heavenly Hands Contracting Service
Liberty Tax Service
Marlowe Green President PO Box 17599 Sugar Land, TX 77496 832-278-5215 Interior Design
HVJ Associates, Inc. George Purvis Business Development Manager 6120 S. Dairy Ashford Road Houston, TX 77072 281-933-7388 Engineering, Geotechnical
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Tameika Campbell Franchisee 12757 South Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77099 281-988-7050 Accountants
Luby’s Nada Hasimovic General Manager 3434 Highway 6 S Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-1696 Restaurants
Mainstream Capital Finance Irfan Ali President 14215 Hawkesbury Ct. Sugar Land, TX 77498 832-545-8038 Financial Services
Mitchell & Duff, LLC. Elizabeth Duff Attorney 210 Main Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-1718 Attorney(s) at Law
Ninyo & Moore Jay Sunderwala Principal Engineer 2313 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N., Ste 119 Houston, TX 77043 713-973-8400 Environmental Consultants
Nique Dental, PLLC Aaron Barnes Owner 4724 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-565-0808 Dentists
www.FortBendChamber.com
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Par-Tee with us! Monday, September 26, 2011 Sugar Creek Country Club
For more information, please contact Jan at 281.491.0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org www.fortbendchamber.com
Palms at Cinco Ranch Apartments
Resolution Roofing & Remodeling
The Sweet Boutique Bakery
Town Square Office Suites
Kim Canal District Manager 23600 FM 1093 Richmond, TX 77406 281-392-0777 Apartments
Jaime Salas Owner 3500 E T. C. Jester S #M Houston, TX 77018 832-421-7663 Construction, New
Christine Nguyen Owner 2270 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-419-4577 Restaurants
Joni Stinger General Manager 2245 Texas Dr., Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-566-2500 Leasing Services
Prudential Financial
Sugar Land Med-Ped Clinic, P.A.
Sweetpea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Yum! Yum! Gourmet Popcorn Company, LLC
Nasha Hunter 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-8262 Dentists, Pediatrics
Cleta Hubbard Vice President 4827 Highway 6 South Missouri City, TX 77459 832-767-9658 Retail
Christopher Sideris Financial Planner 1233 West Loop S Houston, TX 77027 713-962-9527 Financial Services/ Individual
Dr. Subodh K. Bhuchar CEO 3533 Town Center Blvd. S Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-491-2555 Physicians, Family Practice
www.FortBendChamber.com
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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We Believe in you. Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year
PPG Industries Deron Patterson, 281-841 0829
My Flooring AMERICA John Collins, 281-208-4949 City of Sugar Land Thomas Abraham, 281-275-2707
Edward Jones / Horton Peter Horton, 281-491-0244
Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic, P.A. Cheryl Bertrand, 281-344-1715
Staybridge Suites Gary Hickman, 281-302-6535
Aliana Development Company Travis Stone, 281-809-7800
Mann Eye Institute Moira Long, 713-580-2525
MECO Wayne Switzer, 281-276-7600
Sullins, Johnston, Rohrbach & Magers Bill Rohrbach, 713-521-0221
TCT Enterprises, LLC Shirley Crews Taylor, 281-383-9523
Prosperity Bank Viki Moore, 281-902-1750
Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Donna Hine, 281-898-4518
VM Wasek CPA, LLC Veronica Wasek, 281-435-7147
Sugar Land Medical Associates Abraham Peringol, 281-565-2140
City of Sugar Land Donald Smithers, 281-275-2707
2 Years
Amegy Bank Harriet Eisenstein, 713-232-3310
9 Years
Mr. Handyman Lester Davis, 281-313-1005
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Milestone Member 5 Years
Spring Creek Barbeque Ellis Dyson, 281-499-8222 Texas Dragon Boat Association Michelle Shen-O’Brien, 281-381-7154
3 Years
City of Sugar Land Jacqueline Baly-Chaumette, 281-275-2313
Michael Rose, CPA, P.C. Michael Rose, 281-403-0730 Fort Bend Cares Jill Curtis, 832-392-1983
6 Years
Perry Homes - Fort Bend Peter Easterly, 713-948-6645
Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union Anna Warren, 281-391-2149
G & A Partners David Vasquez, 713-784-1181
PKV Engineering George O. Puig, 713-202-3237
Chili’s Bar & Grill Billy Merchant, 281-499-0227
Renaissance Physician Organization Southwest IPA Richele Rainosek, 832-553-3300
4 Years
Trustmark National Bank Mark Wagert, 281-403-5002 Telios Corporation Brian Peterson, 281-265-1636
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7 Years
Living Water International Jerry Wiles, 281-207-7800 Ragin Cajun Seafood & Oyster Bar Luke Mandola, 281-277-0704
8 Years
Second Mile Mission Center Sarah White, 281-261-9199
RE/MAX Fine Properties Minesh Patel, 281-265-5533 City of Sugar Land James A. Thompson, 281-275-2313 Comcast Cable Houston Region Ray Purser, 713-895-2680 Workforce Solutions Soniah Jones, 281-564-2660 La Cocina Mexican Restaurant Andres Novoa, 281-238-0872 Transtar A/C Supply Inc. Thomas Abraham, 281-499-3377
Milestone Member 10 Years Tarantino Properties David Sutton, 713-974-4292 H-E-B Food & Drugs Hugh Sintic, 281-403-2172
Aquamaker, LLC Imran Khanji, 713-229-0400
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
www.FortBendChamber.com
For membership information contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins • 281.491.0218 11 Years
Federal Maintenance Services, Inc. Tim Garcia, 281-498-0588 The Terrace at First Colony Michelle Thompson, 281-903-2000 Chick-fil-A at Missouri City Milton Kubala, 281-261-7100
22 Years
Milestone Member 20 Years
Ed’s Pharmacy Ed Sziy, 281-499-4555
Fort Bend ISD Mary Ann Simpson, 281-634-1100
Southwest Exterminating Company Nick Spillios, 281-498-3232
Costello, Inc. Stephen Costello, 713-783-7788
23 Years
Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. Lisa Poynor, 281-207-2400
12 Years
RBC Capital Markets Jan Bartholomew, 713-651-3342 Thai Cottage II Sue Tisyangkul, 281-313-0707
13 Years
Denny’s Raymond G. Sewell, 281-208-2231 Universal Lights, Inc. Ronni Cohen, 281-491-0600 UHY Advisors William Hickl, III, 713-960-1706
14 Years
Quail Valley Church Curry Juneau, 281-499-0594
21 Years
33 Years
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Rick Conti, 281-980-2346
Fort Bend Star / Fort Bend Business Journal B. K. Carter, 281-690-4200
Governmental Relations Division
upcoming events Save the Date
Legislative Wrap-Up with Representative Howard, Reynolds & Zerwas
September 27, 2011, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
SEPTEMBER Education Division
OCTOBER
State of the Schools September 9, 2011, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land
Education Division Reception for Superintendent Hindt October 6, 2011, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Stafford Centre
Healthcare Division
Milestone Member 15 Years HDR Engineering, Inc. James Andrews, 713-622-9264
Thomas Rogers & Associates, Inc. Thomas Rogers, 281-261-0261
17 Years
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Jim Brown, 281-725-5000
19 Years
Fort Bend County Women’s Center Vita Goodell, 281-344-5750
www.FortBendChamber.com
Healthcare Initiatives: Trends, Reform & Innovation
Governmental Relations Division
September 10, 2011, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm University of Houston-Sugar Land 14000 University Blvd., Sugar Land Business and Professional
City of Stafford Update with Mayor Leonard Scarcella
October 17, 2011, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Stafford Centre Community Resources Division
Series on Sales and Marketing with Curt Tueffert September 21, 2011, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
Children at Risk – Juvenile Justice & Mental Health October 18, 2011, 7:30 am - 9:30 am 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Business and Professional
Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament Series on Sales and Marketing September 26, 2011 with Curt Tueffert Sugar Creek Country Club 420 Sugar Creek Blvd, Sugar Land
October 26, 2011, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Become a member Today!
Ribbon Cutting
The Sweet Boutique Bakery 2270 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.tsbcakes.com
T Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
he Sweet Boutique Bakery originally started as a hobby but has grown into something so much more. Our founder and owner, Christine Nguyen, is a self-taught baker and cake designer. Her bakery creates irresistible cupcakes, cookies, French macaroons, cakepops and other baked goods but Christine really found her true passion in designing amazing cakes. Christine was a school teacher for 7 years and mother to four young children. She has brought her passion for teaching into the bakery business and her mission now is to provide spectacular cakes and pastries along with superb
customer service. Designing cakes is about making people smile and building a lasting relationship. Tuesday-Thursday from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and noon to 6p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Call 281. 302.5374 or visit tsbcakes.com.
Bookkeeping Express – Sugar Land Jen Watson and Diane Lundell 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-937-9991 jwatson@BookKeepingExpress.com www.BookKeepingExpress.com/tx002 By Appointment, Monday to Saturday
B
ookkeeping Express is unique to the bookkeeping industry, due to the technology. We have available BKE Connect and BKE E-docs (virtual document storage) which gives the client access to their accounting 24/7. We support QuickBooks and Peachtree Accounting Software and our bookkeepers are properly trained, certified, and insured.
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
As a Mother-Daughter team our goal is to develop a long-term relationship and to become a trusted business partner with each of our clients. Schedule your free consultation today. At Bookkeeping Express, “We handle your books so you can get back to business!”
www.FortBendChamber.com
Balanced Brain Chiropractic 4610 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 660-7016 www.BalancedBrainChiropractic.com
B
alanced Brain Chiropractic is a premiere chiropractic clinic servicing Sugar Land and surrounding areas. We are proud to offer a different type of chiropractic treatment that puts emphasis on proper brain function and overall neurological health Dr. Sophia Bekiaris has had many hours of postgraduate level training, beyond that of chiropractic college, so that she may establish herself as a community resource for neurological and other musculoskeletal disorders. Call today for your appointment!
We accept most major insurance plans and Medicare. Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7am-5pm and on Tuesday, Thursday from 7am-12pm and Saturday by appointment only.
Sugar Land Surgical Hospital 1211 Highway 6 S., Suite 70 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 243-1000 www.sugarlandsurgicalhospital.com
S
ugar Land Physician Partners is working with Browne McGregor Architects and Mission Contractors to build a new two story, 42,000 square foot hospital containing an Emergency Room, four surgical suites, two procedures rooms, six hospital rooms, an imaging suite, administrative and supporting staff areas, as well as a commercial kitchen. This structure, located at the corner of 1st Colony Blvd. and Highway 59 South, will be the new home to Sugar Land Surgical Hospital, which is currently located at the corner of Highway 6 and Brooks St. in the Imperial Medical Center.
www.FortBendChamber.com
Sugar Land Surgical Hospital has been proudly providing Fort Bend County and the surrounding areas with first class surgical services since first opening their doors in 2002, and later expanding their service line to include Radiological services in 2007. At Sugar Land Surgical Hospital the staff works hard using the E.D.G.E. philosophy of Every Day Giving Excellence and ensuring that all patients and their family members feel safe, comfortable, and welcome.
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
www.FortBendChamber.com
2011
Fort Bend
Chamber Challenge
Monday, September 26, 2011 420 Sugar Creek Blvd Sugar Land, 77478
D
Sponsorship Opportunities D“Tee Off Cotton Golf Towel” L $1,500 SO
$5,000 OL“Title Sponsor(s) Underwriter”
S
$3,500 “Classic Golf Umbrella”
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
- Your Company’s logo will be on a 58" umbrella - 4 complementary tickets to the awards ceremony and par-tee
$1,000 LD“Custom Ball Marker”
SO
- Your logo on a magnetized die struck iron custom ball marker The Phoenix Design Group - 2 complementary tickets to the awardsInc. ceremony and par-tee
$500 “Greens Host” $3,000 “Polar Sports Cooler”
- Insulated waterproof main compartment holds 9 cans plus ice! - Your logo will be embroidered on the front packet of the cooler - 4 complementary tickets to the awards ceremony and par-tee - (available ONLY until 8/31)
- Decorate your tent or table - Market your business to potential to client prospects - Complementary Hole Sign - 2 complementary tickets to the awards ceremony and par-tee
$250 “Hole sign or tee box” - Beautiful full color hole sign.
Early registration Sign up before August 31st: - $100 off corporate teams - $25 off individual players
Prizes awarded for: - Each member of the first thru third teams - The dear to stink team - Closest-to-the-pin - Hole-in-one
For information, contact Jan-Michael Jenkins Tel: 281.491.0218 / email: jan@fortbendcc.org
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Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Tournament Schedule 9:30am 9:30am 11:00am 4:30pm
Registration Driving Range opens Shotgun Start Lunch provided on course Awards par-tee including live & silent auction
Come Par-Tee with us!
This tournament is the Chamber’s major fundraiser for the year and all proceeds benefit Chamber programs and initiatives.
www.FortBendChamber.com
CONGRATULATIONS! Emily Premont
Congratulations to Emily Premont, a Graduate of Clements High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for September! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Premont received many honors in the Clements Band and Choir, as well as membership in National Honor Society. She will be attending University of Houston and majoring in Music Education. Premont 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
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Isaac Kleinman, M.D., named Texas 2011 Physician Emeritus
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he late Isaac Kleinman, M.D., formerly of Rosenberg, was named the 2011 Physician Emeritus by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians during the 2011 Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in Dallas. Each year, patients and physicians nominate extraordinary longserving physicians and a panel of TAFP members chooses one to distinguish as Physician Emeritus. Dr. Kleinman opened his family medicine practice in Rosenberg in 1956 and practiced full-scope medicine including obstetrics-gynecology and surgery for nearly five decades. As his son, Michael Kleinman, M.D., told the audience at the ceremony, Dr. Kleinman “administered anesthesia, he removed gallbladders and appendixes, he delivered over 5,000 babies, he managed strokes and heart attacks, casted fractures, and treated myriad diseases, all for the good of mankind.” He taught hundreds of medical students and residents at Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital as the residency program director and director of skilled nursing, and provided emergency coverage for Polly Ryon and TriStar Medical Services. Though Dr. Kleinman was politically conservative, his son described several actions that conveyed his understanding of social issues. He brought the first female doctor to
Fort Bend County, Nancy Dickey, M.D., populace could have on a community.” now president of the Texas A&M Health Great doctors are skillful, compassionate, Science Center and vice chancellor for health and knowledgeable, have the ability to affairs for the Texas A&M System, and his communicate, and are interested in helping second practice associate was the first people. Dr. Kleinman possessed all of these African-American physician in the county. attributes. He was “one of the finest He had the first integrated waiting room, physicians.” and kept a Czech-English In his community, Dr. dictionary in his office for patients Kleinman is remembered for his who were non-native English encouraging demeanor and wealth speakers. of knowledge. He was involved in “My dad believed in life-long the Texas War on Drugs, the state’s learning. Decades before it became educational campaign; was a a political buzzword, he felt that member Fort Bend County family physicians should treat and Community Orchestra; and served not triage; he recertified in family as president of Friends of the Isaac Kleinman, M.D. Library. medicine at least five times; and became certified in sports Dr. Kleinman was awarded his medicine, geriatric medicine, and emergency medical degree by the University of Texas medicine. He felt that since 90 percent of Southwestern Medical School and completed patients present first to their family physician, his internship at Graduate Hospital the maintenance of broad competence was a University of Pennsylvania. He served in the first priority for all family physicians.” United States Navy from 1944-1946. Dr. In nomination letters, patients described Kleinman passed away June, 28, 2011. Dr. Kleinman’s dedication to his practice, The Texas Academy of Family patients, and community. “Dr. Kleinman is Physicians is the premier membership the epitome of what a family practice organization dedicated to uniting the family physician should be. He was caring, a good doctors of Texas through advocacy, education listener, diligent and extremely and member services, and empowering them knowledgeable.” to provide a medical home for patients of all “Dr. Kleinman cared for the well-being ages. It has 33 local chapters and is a chapter of his patients; he also cared for the well-being of the American Academy of Family of his community. He knew the value of a Physicians. Visit www.tafp.org for more good education, and the impact an educated information.
Employers can benefit from new UH System business student internships UH System... continued from page 40
Interested employers may become involved or get more information about the internship program by visiting www.uhv. edu/SBAinterns or by calling 877-970-4848, ext. 4369. The University of Houston System is a comprehensive system of higher education institutions serving to further the intellectual capital and economic strength of the Gulf
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Coast region. The UH System includes the University of Houston, a nationally recognized Tier One public research university; the University of HoustonDowntown, a four-year undergraduate university expanding into graduate programs; the University of HoustonVictoria, a four-year university with undergraduate and master’s level degree programs; and the University of HoustonClear Lake, an upper-division and master’s level institution.
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
The system also includes two branch campuses, UH-Clear Lake Pearland and UH Northwest, as well as two multi-institution teaching centers, the UH System at Sugar Land and the UH System at Cinco Ranch. In addition, the System owns and operates KUHF-FM, Houston’s National Public Radio station; KUHA-FM, Houston’s 24hour classical music station; and KUHTTV, the nation’s first educational TV station. To learn more about the UH System, visit http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/.
Railroad pioneered genset technology for industry
Union Pacific receives Texas Environmental Excellence Award
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he Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has presented Union Pacific Railroad with an Environmental Excellence Award for developing some of the most environmentally friendly locomotives, which are now operating in the Lone Star State. The TCEQ honored the state’s most outstanding pollution prevention projects during a presentation in Austin. Union Pacific’s Genset switcher locomotives were recognized in the technical and technology category. Genset locomotives reduce emissions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen by 80 to 90 percent compared to older switching locomotives. In addition, Gensets use 37 percent less fuel and have an equal reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Union Pacific pioneered the Genset locomotive and operates 98 Gensets in rail
yards located in Texas. Instead of operating with one large engine, three 667-horsepower ultra-low emitting engines power the Genset locomotives. Gensets use a single engine Joe Adams for smaller jobs and activate the other two engines only when additional power is needed. “We are honored to accept the Environmental Excellence Award, recognizing the contribution of Union Pacific’s Genset locomotives to improving the air quality in Texas,” said Gregory Workman, Union Pacific vice president - Operations for the Southern Region. “The Gensets are just one example of how our employees are using innovative technology to help Union Pacific protect the environment in the communities we serve.” Union Pacific’s fleet of 165 Gensets
represents approximately half of all Gensets operating worldwide. In addition, Union Pacific employs a comprehensive fuelefficiency strategy for its more than 8,000 locomotives across its 32,000-mile rail network, and implements an environmental management process that includes systems and employee training. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuelefficient, environmentally responsive and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico.
The Little Train Museum That Could!
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Presents:
th Annual Gala benefitting the
ROSENBERG RAILROAD MUSEUM October 22, 2011 • Safari Texas • 6pm -10pm Guest Speaker: Commissioner Richard Morrison Richard Morrison
www.rosenbergRRmuseum.org/gala gala@rosenbergrrmuseum.org
281.723.5559 September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Advertising
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Fort Bend Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions. Fort Bend Star - 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.
Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair. Charlton’s Body Repair - 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com. Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! Colony One Auto Center - 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive - 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner,3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-9802666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!
Banks Vista Bank - 281-325-5000 www.vistabank.com Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 The State Bank of Texas - 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! 12 MONTHS LISTING CALL 281-690-4204
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Sterling Bank - Fort Bend - 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owneroperated businesses with local decision makers.
Blinds / Window Coverings Budget Blinds - 281-416-8499 www.budgetblinds.com bdimmitt@budgetblinds.com. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832-220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.
Country Clubs Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Private golf & country club, *Limited membership available.
Fire Extinguisher Service Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential 281-342-6969 www.GillenServices.com Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service. Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.
Financial Products & Services Sugar Creek Financial Group - 281-565-2266 www.sugarcreekgroup.com robroy@windstream.net. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #430, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.
Gifts Thirty One Gifts - 281.780.0038 JSBerner94@aol.com Our stylish, affordable products are exclusive to Thirty-One. From our signature purses and totes to storage solutions that help organize your life, you’ll find something to fit every personality and situation. Each season, we develop new products built on the idea that our products must be functional AND fashionable (and, of course, make great gifts!).
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Health & Beauty Mary Kay Consultant / Susi Berner 281.780.0038 www.marykay.com/sberner sberner@marykay.com Mary Kay® has been a trusted leader in beauty for nearly 50 years, creating innovative products that are available through Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide. Along with age-defying skincare, on-trend makeup, luxurious fragrances and pampering body care. Let me offer you personalized attention, and can even help you earn FREE products by hosting a party with your girlfriends! Call today to book a party with your friends, family and coworkers!
Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. - 281-494-1164 Scooters by CBC - 281-494-3454 www.cbcgolfcarts.com chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar). CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Fairplay and Pride Mobility products. fax 281-494-1189
Home Health Care Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344 www.txstatehealthcare.com What we do: Skilled Nursing - Home Health Aide Physical/Speech/Occupational Therapies - Medical Social Worker assisting with durable medical equipment needs and helping to provide Resources & Services in the Community - Wound Care - Catheter Care - Diabetic Care Lab Services - IV Therapy and more... “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People”
Insurance Agencies Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.
Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises. Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking. 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.
Landscaping / Lawn Care JDT Lawn Care • 281-435-5408 Commercial property maintenance and landscaping service, fully insured professionals offering superior customer service and accountability, owner/operator and all employees were born and raised in Fort Bend County. High quality service from the ground up!
Fort Bend Business Journal • 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to teach the vital Fort Bend County business community. Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 Pearland Focus - 281-690-4242 Focus on Women - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.
Medical Billing Complete Business Solutions - 1-888-445-8609 cbsolutions@callmykate.com www.cbsbillingservices.com Complete Business Solutions, the medical billing professionals, is dedicated to improving your cash flow results. Our goals include: lower billing costs, savings of up to 50% by outsourcing with us, reduced rejection rates, faster payment of claims, average of 14 days response. To find out more about this and other services, visit our website for a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee.
Nails P&L Nails – Sugar Land • 281-277-5072 PL Nails – Sienna Plantation • 281-778-8558 PL Nails - Katy • 281-347-1122 www.plnails.com Providing the most luxurious service available, PL Nails has Fort Bend county covered with locations in Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, and Katy. Whether it be nails, body waxing, massage, or lots more, the expertly trained staff at PL Nails is committed to making your experience most pleasurable! Located at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd in the Kroger Shopping Center, Sugar Land, 281-277-5072. Located at 8880 Hwy 6 South, Suite 110 in the HEB Center, Missouri City, 281-778-8558. Located at 25681 Nelson Way in the HEB Center near Katy Mills Mall, Katy, 281-347-1122.
Newspaper Fort Bend Star – 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.
Open MRI Upright MRI of Sugar Land – 281-494-0505 www.mri911.com CLAUSTROPHOBIC? Upright MRI is the only True OPEN MRI in Sugar Land. We scan patients standing, sitting, or lying down. For the first time, patients can be scanned in weight-bearing postures and in their position of pain. It is ideal for patients who have difficulty lying down due to respiratory or cardiac problems. Mention this ad and receive $25 off your first scan. 2655 Cordes Drive #150, Sugar Land, 77479. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Optometrists
Real Estate / Residential
Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases. The office has a large selection of fashion frames.
Pediatric Therapy MedCare Pediatric Group, LP • 713-773-5100 www.medcarepediatrics.com Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy at home or at Rehab Center located at 12371 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477. We also provide in home nursing services. All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)
Pest Control - Commercial / Residential Gillen Pest Control 281-342-6969 - Fort Bend 979-532-5701 - Wharton www.GillenPestControl.com Family owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!
Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy - 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088.
Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations. Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.
Printers / Graphics Star Printing - 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We professionally design and print flyers, postcards, brochures, magazines, newspapers and catalogs in high-quality digital graphics.
Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-4998704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.
Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 4,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. See more on page 60
List your business in the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal’s SERVICE DIRECTORY for only $300 for the whole year.
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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SERVICE DIRECTORY
Magazine
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking Technical ProSource Meeting Your IT Staffing Needs 713-272-8800 www.TechnicalProSource.com Serving Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract to hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes which allow you to move faster through the interview process. Recognized in Forbes magazine as a leading Staffing Firm Provider. Recognized in Texas Monthly as Most Dependable Staffing Firm and voted Best of Staffing by CareerBuilder. We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.
Storage Facilities Summer Lakes Self Storage 281.239.7199 www.SummerLakesSelfStorage.com 102 Benton Road @ FM 762 in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. Check out our monthly specials along with our unique facility and monthly community events. Also, join us Saturday, September 10, from 7:30-3:00 for our community event – Indoor craft/garage sales. Only cost $20 per indoor unit for the day. Mention this ad and receive 30% off supplies.
Video Services Star Video Digital Production Services, 281-690-4280 Full-service video taping, editing and special effects for your business. Professional writing to finished commercials, training DVD’s, and corporate videos.
Windows / Sidings Aaron Schneider 832-878-7444 www.savemoresidingandwindows.com Save-More@Hotmail.com Business overview: Save-More Siding & Window Company is a premiere James Hardi Siding and Simonton Window firm. Our professionalism and attention to detail has set us apart from the rest. Call 832-878-7444 and deal direct with Aaron Schneider owner.
Huisman Intrepid Services relocates to Rosenberg
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uisman Intrepid Services LLC has relocated to new offices and warehouse/ manufacturing space in West Fort Bend county. The new 52,000-square foot industrial location situated on 13 acres at 2502 Wehring Road in Rosenberg will allow the company to relocate from its Houston offices by September 1. Huisman Intrepid, which commissions, repairs and services heavy construction equipment for offshore and onshore oil and gas companies, is gearing up for a major expansion. The freshly painted 3,000 square feet of office space fronts 49,000 square feet of manufacturing space in preparation for recently awarded contracts with Sugar Landbased Noble Drilling Services Inc. We could not locate suitable crane-served space for what the company was needing in Houston, says David Sorrel, president of Huisman Intrepid, adding the costs would be triple to put this type of facility in Houston. “Rosenberg welcomes Husiman Intrepid Services on their decision to relocate from Houston,” adds Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales, Jr. Huisman Equipment - a large company based in The Netherlands that provides heavy lifting equipment, drilling and pipelay equipment and mooring systems - recently sold four drilling ships to Noble Drilling and Huisman Global, an affiliate, has a commitment to service the ships. At least two if not three of the ships are due to arrive in the Gulf of Mexico this fall, added Sorrel, and Huisman Intrepid will service the work as the North American extension
City of Rosenberg Economic Development Director Matt Fielder, HIS President David Sorrel, and Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales, Jr.
for Huisman Global. Sorrel says the Rosenberg location will be responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the ships. “Our plan is to grow into a facility to support our offshore customers and the Huisman equipment they use,” says Sorrel. Innodrill LLC, a new company formed earlier this year by Huisman to service land drilling rigs will also be located at the Rosenberg site. In the immediate future, Sorrel intends to increase the entire operation from 50 to 70 or more employees. “We are excited that Huisman has chosen to relocate their operations to the Rosenberg area and add many new quality jobs to our community. We believe that this new addition to our growing business community reaffirms Rosenberg as a great place to relocate and expand, mainly due to our cost-effective real estate market and skilled workforce,” says Matt Fielder, director of Economic Development for the City of Rosenberg.
BRIAN COVAULT... continued from page 25
To be listed call at 281-690-4204 60
To take advantage of a FREE no obligation analysis of your current merchant services compared to the rates of Five Star, simply contact Debbie Perez at 713 3012515. Debbie will walk you through the entire process and inform you of new regulation, and more importantly, can bring more to your bottom line by saving you money on your merchant services.
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
Five Star Merchant Services is a member of TCRN-Sugar Land and can be found on www.tcrn-sugarland.com in the Professional Services section under the Financial category. Brian Covault is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and TCRN Founder/ CEO, Texas Community Referral Network. He can be reached at 281-342-8276. www.tcrnsugarland.com. H
Come party at the Pig! FLYING PIG... continued from page 20
So, now pigs really do fly and they eat at the Flying Pig Café and party at the Flying Pig Pub. The Flying Pig Café offers a traditional American menu of comfort foods including burgers, sandwiches, and Tex-Mex. Desserts, they are to die for, and as her signage indicates, pies fix everything. The cakes, well, they have the propensity to make hogs wallow in the mud! Attire for the Flying Pig Café and Pub is casual as is the atmosphere. Signs tell patron that “Old hippies enter through the back door.” Thursdays are Steak Night and Saturdays a visit to the pub will earn the early birds their choice of college games, unless pf course, Texas Tech is playing. Then on Sundays, again the early birds get to choose their pro games of choice. All patron are encouraged to dress for their team of choice. The Flying Pig is available dine-in or
Yes, pie fixes everything at the Flying Pig at Fort Bend Country Club, where everyone is a member! Desserts served at the cafe are to die for.
Yes, pie fixes everything at the Flying Pig at Fort Bend Country Club, where everyone is a member! Desserts served at the cafe are to die for.
take-out, parties, and catering. For a fun dining experience or pub experience come party at the Pig and bring a friend. The public is always welcome. The Flying Pig Café, 2627 FM 762 Richmond, Texas 77406, www.fortbendcc.com, Email: theflyingpigcafefbcc@gmail.com, Phone: 281.342.3756, Hours: 10:30 - 6:00 Tuesday - Sunday.
A candy bar lends a festive air to any party!
IT’S HERE! Video. On Demand. 24/7. On your website. Are you taking advantage of this powerful tool to set yourself apart from the competition? You can now have your commercial playing around the clock to a global audience. Google and other search engines love video. A video on your website will place you higher in search rankings. And your customers love video. It’s dynamic and engaging. At Star Video Digital Productions, we can help you from conception to completion with your video marketing. Whether you need high-quality video for your website, a TV commercial for traditional cable or broadcast or a promotional video on DVD to deliver to potential customers, we can help.
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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Kublai Khan – Crazy Mongolian Stir-Fry Restaurant Review by Elsa Maxey
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he feel is exciting at this upbeat place, especially when you know you’ll fill a bowl with your choice of a fresh variety of meats/ seafood, vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, spice seasonings and oh, that sauce. Kind of like being a kid in someone’s kitchen being able to pick a little bit of this and that off a counter to create your own specialty. The bowl I made “all by myself” had Angus beef and it was so good. As if Mongolian warriors had sliced the meats and vegetables with their swords, this eating experience at the casual Sugar Land restaurant is sheer delight over at the Lake Pointe Town Center. It was a Tuesday night and there was a nice, diverse crowd and about two tables of 15 each celebrating a couple of birthdays. Once at the table, Erika presented a silver bowl and went through a rundown of what to do--fill it and turn it over to the cooks manning the round, rotating grill, but not before you pick your starch, like rice or lo mein and more. Watch out, though, if you’re there for the first time since you won’t want to jam up the line when making selections of the great variety of offerings. Perhaps being at the end of a line will work out best. Choose wisely, because you don’t want to end up with a disappointing bowl. The key is to pick the right sauces and spices...and there’s help. There are menu cards. Appetizers? Chicken lettuce wraps, fried calamari, lots more to choose to whet your appetite. This restaurant that opened up in April is run by a continental guy, Jovi Beiz, who fills the room with energy. His partner, Raymond Guo is the quiet one, and the combo is an East meets
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Raymond Guo & Jovi Beiz
West venture. The décor is a testament to that fusion of hemispheres. The friendly service and attitude is a plus at the place that does not do traditional soup, meat and vegetables offered at what can be considered similar types of restaurants. This is not a buffet, but an upscale eatery, where one can sit down, enjoy the big TV screens at the bar and the dining areas, and enjoy the contemporary background music. Wines? Desserts? They’re available and although opting against a sweet delight to end the meal, a quick look at the menu made it hard to resist. Raspberry Chim, a Jovi signature
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
specialty, was truly gourmet! The cost of a meal at this restaurant depends on whether you go for that bottomless bowl, which is an extra $2. It’s $9 for the lunch bowl and $11 for the dinner bowl. Everyone in Fort Bend should check out this place. What’s more, the restaurant has partnered with neighbors in Lake Pointe Village Shopping Center, all in the name of good causes. They are not only helping promote each other, but also helping with events such as catering one for the Fort Bend Women’s Center.
FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE WHERE TO EAT NOW - The following is a list of exceptional restaurants throughout in Fort Bend County & Katy Area. Prices reflect the average cost of a three-course dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax and tip. $$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up). $$$=Expensive ($40-$60). $$=Moderate ($20-$40). $=Inexpensive (Under $20) . FB=Full Bar. WB=Serves Wine & Beer.
Aristotle Grill The Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the best Greek dishes in the area! Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads, to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, Chicken Shawarma & Kafte Kabobs, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, SunThurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. 2109B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787. $ WB AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB
Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Since 1993, we strive to provide the highest quality Mexican food at the lowest price possible.
Gringo’s offers dine-in, take out and customized catering to fit your needs. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 9pm and Fri-Sat: 11am – 10pm. Join us for Happy Hour (Mon-Fri: 2pm – 6pm) with $2.99 Margaritas and $1 Draft Beers. Some favorites include the Pollo Marisco, Smokin’ BBQ Pork Quesadillas, Sizzling Fajitas and Silver Star Margaritas. Located at 12330 Southwest Freeway in Stafford (59S & W Airport). 281980-7482 (RITA) gringosmexicankitchen.com. $ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB La Magia Cafe & Pizza If you are looking for casual dinning with an easy atmosphere then La Magia is just the place for you! La Magia Café & Pizza recipes and menu are based on almost 30 years of Italian cooking. The dishes served at La Magia are prepared and cooked in the traditional Italian way, using fresh ingredients continued on page 64
September 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal
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and herbs, giving them a home cooked flavor since 1980. In addition to authentic Italian cooking, La Magia offers popular American dishes. The pizzas are made with medium crust and cooked in a stone oven. This cooking process gives the dough a slow rise, for a true pizza flavor. All meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil and the freshest ingredients and herbs. Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. Lunch menu specials Mon – Fri. 3699 Highway 6 @ Settlers Way Blvd, Sugar Land. 281-565-0366. $ WB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Relocated Las Alamedas Restaurant from I-10 and Voss to the beautiful “La Centerra” Town Square on Cinco Ranch Blvd and Grand Parkway. Las Alamedas will continue its 31 year tradition of “Mexican Food with Passion” and warm hospitality amid the art, rich warm colors, stone arches, mahogany and wrought iron reminiscent of fine dining in a Spanish Hacienda. The authentic aromas, spirits of traditional Mexican cuisine, warm ambiance and service will make you come back again and again. Open for lunch and dinner and offers the perfect setting for casual dining, romantic evenings, family dinners and parties. Las Alamedas also serves on Saturday and Sundays a great Brunch menu 11 to 3pm. Open Monday - Thursday 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sundays 11am to 9pm BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-3473030. www. LasAlamedas.com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go
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to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www. mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Outback Steakhouse Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County,
Fort Bend Business Journal • September 2011
located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - MondayThursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-4912901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $ Tornado Burger Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/ archives/2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or DriveThru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $
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