Business Images Southwest Dallas County, TX 2012

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Southwest Dallas County, Texas

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Glenn Heights 

The Best-Kept Secret

ViSion: To be a model community of neighbors.

Perfectly positioned along IH-35 East, Glenn Heights is a hospitable, business friendly, rapidly growing community that has your success as a top priority. With attractive neighborhoods, good schools and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

MiSSion: To serve the public interest, advance the quality of life for all of its citizens, and preserve a small-town atmosphere by embracing family values.

express bus services – Glenn Heights invites you to come and enjoy the country-style living coupled with Dallas downtown amenities.



eConoMiC deVeloPMent: Create a favorable business environment conducive to fostering commercial and retail development.

City Hall and Fire Station 1938 S. Hampton Rd. Glenn Heights, Texas 75154 (972) 223-1690 (972) 223-9470

glenn HeigHtS Market area inSigHt: • More than 50% of developable land along major arterial intersections available for retail, office and distribution within Glenn Heights City limits.

• Households within 10 minutes drive time have average household income of $80,925.

• Highly educated labor force with 35.6% of the population with a college or post-graduate degree

Planning and PubliC WorkS 2118 S. Uhl Rd. Glenn Heights, Texas 75154 (972) 274-5100 (972) 274-5110

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Workstyle

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Partnership approach brings success to region

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Tomorrow’s careers are being taught in today’s classrooms

Location of Choice

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Manufacturers target Southwest Dallas County

All About Business

30

Center moves ideas from drawing board to marketplace

Insight

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24

Almanac

10

Business Climate

14

Transportation

32

Health

38

Education

42

Livability

46

Gallery

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Economic Profile

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On the Cover Southwest Dallas County schools provide innovative programs that arm students with skills needed for tomorrow’s workplace.

Photo by Antony Boshier

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Please recycle this magazine

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So u th w e s t Da l la s C o unty, Tex a s 201 2 Edition , volum e 2

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Find out what it’s like to live here and what makes Southwest Dallas County such a special place to be

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Business Images Southwest Dallas County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Best Southwest Partnership.

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Visit Business Images Southwest Dallas county online at businessclimate.com/sw-dallas ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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Overview

Southwest Dallas County: An Inviting Place to Live and Work Southwest Dallas County is a dynamic and growing area of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The communities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster have been joined by Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak and Wilmer to partner in promoting the advantages and benefits of living in and investing in Southwest Dallas County and Northwest Ellis County.

The region offers affordable housing, quality school districts and superior arts, cultural and recreation opportunities, and historic town centers that make it a highly desirable locale for professionals, young families and retirees alike.

Household incomes top the regional average and the major cultural and

recreational options, including those in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex are just a short drive away.

The region’s cost advantages, skilled labor pool and proximity to major markets – including ready highway access and location near the region’s major airports – have helped it lure a cross section of businesses and industries.

Among its major recent successes, the region will be home to a major e-commerce distribution center for kohls.com.

Access to a roster of higher education institutions helps the region supply a well-stocked pool of skilled workers. The University of North Texas at Dallas, Navarro College-Midlothian Campus, Northwood University in Cedar Hill,

Cedar Valley Community College and Mountain View College are among the higher education institutions with a presence in the region.

The health care needs of the region are served by the presence of major health players such as Methodist Health System, which has recently expanded.

Each community boasts an expansive parks system. The region is also home to such gems as 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park, the most visited state park in Texas.

With its high quality of life and numerous business advantages, it’s easy to see why the Southwest Dallas County region is an inviting place to invest, live, play and retire.

Dallas DALLAS COUNTY 30

Southwest Dallas County

Duncanville 67

Cedar Hill

De Soto

635

20 175

20 35E

Hutchins

Lancaster

Glenn Heights Ovilla

80

Red Oak

45

Wilmer Ferris

Midlothain

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4,000 People Can’t Be Wrong Ovilla, on upper Red Oak Creek, is the oldest town in Ellis County.

Its roots date to 1844, when it was established as a fortified settlement that continued to grow as more settlers arrived to the area. By 1960, the population growth in Dallas caused an increase in the populations of nearby suburbs, including Ovilla’s population.

Built to Last Known as “The City that Bricked the World,” Ferris in Northern Ellis County is proud of its rich history as a hub of brick manufacturing.

Ferris is also distinct for being one of only 87 Texas communities to meet the strict requirements of the Texas Main Street Program.

To avoid being annexed by neighboring cities, Ovilla became incorporated in 1963 with a population of just 339 residents.

By 1980 that number grew to about 1,100 residents, and today it has grown to nearly 4,200 residents. Ovilla boasts a prosperous quality of life as its residents enjoy an estimated average household income of $97,628.

The program is an initiative of the Texas Historical Commission’s Community Heritage Development Division to help qualifying Texas cities revitalize their historic districts. The goal of the Ferris Main Street Program is to continually revitalize its historic commercial downtown through preservation and economic development strategies.

Ferris Downtown Association, the local business organization, holds two recurring annual festivals in the historic downtown area: Christmas on the Square and the springtime Ferris Brick Festival, a celebration of the city’s heritage.

The Value of Location One of the world’s premier logistics companies has a major presence in Hutchins, located in Southwest Dallas County. FedEx Ground, the small-package carrier that is a unit of FedEx Corp., has operated a major distribution center in Hutchins since 2003.

This distribution center benefits from Hutchins’ location near major highways, including Interstates 20 and 45, with Interstate 35 only minutes away. It also has proximity to nearby Lancaster Municipal, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field airports.

FedEx Ground handles some 230,000 packages daily at the 460,000-square-foot distribution center, which employs approximately 750 people.

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Southwest Dallas County

Almanac

Winging It in Lancaster Taking Flight Each summer, Midway Regional Airport in Midlothian and Waxahachie is home to an aerial extravaganza that fills the skies with everything from hot air balloons to fighter jets.

The annual Summer Balloon Classic & Airfest features hundreds of aircraft, from helicopters and fighter jets to gliders, hot air balloons, powered hang gliders and remote-controlled planes taking part in a series of events that include a balloon launch and aeronautical acrobatics.

In addition to the aerial flyovers, spectators can watch air-racing competitions, North American T-28 Trojan planes doing high-skill aerobatic feats, and balloonists competing for the Texas State Championship. Those who prefer to participate rather than watch can even take a ride in a B25 bomber. The festival date for 2012 is July 22-24.

Go to www.summerballoonclassic.com/gpage.html for more information.

Lancaster Regional Airport is home to two unique aviation museums.

The Cold War Air Museum occupies 45,000 square feet in a hangar at the airport, where it houses U.S. and Soviet aircraft, artifacts, artwork and library resources related to the Cold War. The Dallas/Fort Worth Wing of the Commemorative Air Force includes several vintage aircraft. The museum schedules numerous events – the biggest this year will be the 2012 Warbirds on Parade, slated for Sept. 1, 2012.

Dirt Under the Tires You can moto in DeSoto.

Metroplex BMX was one of the first covered facilities in the nation built exclusively for BMX bicycle motocross racing.

The 60,000-square-foot lighted track, built in 1999 at Grimes Park, plays host to local, district, state, regional and national motocross events year round in all racing categories. The track contains 1,000 yards of hand-packed dirt and includes massive berms and jumps. The track attracts an estimated 85,000 visitors annually.

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Almanac

Active in Retirement Duncanville in Southwest Dallas County is one of more than 40 Texas cities certified by the Go Texan Certified Retirement Community program.

The process to become a certified retirement community member requires a prospective community to complete a rigorous application procedure, which includes a retiree desirability assessment. The applications are reviewed and scored by an independent advisory committee that considers various aspects of community and economic development.

Duncanville’s induction into the program recognized the community’s ability to provide for the needs of its residents in the areas of living, employment and volunteer work, health, entertainment, education and public safety.

Cutting-Edge Equipment Red Oak in Northern Ellis County is home to Perfect Technology Center (PTC), a manufacturer that has designed and produced handling and processing equipment for the glass industry since its creation in 1969.

Scaring Up Customers

PTC employs about 50 people in Red Oak and makes all of its products using components sourced from North America. Within PTC are the Perfect Technology Glass Group, which serves flat glass, specialty and insulated window producers, and the PTC Abrasive & Water Jet Group, which develops state-of-the-art cutting materials.

Reindeer Manor is a house with a haunted past in Red Oak.

While PTC’s primary business is in its computer-controlled positioning equipment for glass cutting, abrasive and water jet cutting machinery, and insulated window assembly equipment, the company also designs and sells automatic free-fall glass loading equipment, glass cutting wheels and various other glass handling equipment, such as seamers, hydraulic manipulators and rack storage systems. For more on the company, go to www.ptcmfg.com.

The house has been open to the public for more than 39 years and is one of the first and oldest haunted attractions in Texas. The attraction is open for 16 select nights each season beginning in late September. Twice it has been voted a Top 25 Must See Haunt

by Haunted Attraction Magazine.

In addition to touring the house, attractions at Reindeer Manor include hayrides, special rooftop shows featuring Dr. Irvin VonHacknslash, “live” graveyard shows every 15 minutes by the Not-Ready-for-Post-Mortem Players and what are billed as “almost fresh vittles” from Wolfgang’s Chili Parlor.

Proceeds from admission benefit local Boy Scout troops. For more on Reindeer Manor, go to www.reindeermanor.com.

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Southwest Dallas County

Business Climate

Home Field Advantage A partnership approach brings success to the region Story by Bill Lewis

Brian McCord

T

he high quality of life that makes Southwest Dallas County an attractive home for a diverse population of professionals, families and retirees also makes the region of more than 233,000 residents a destination of choice for large and small businesses that represent many sectors of the economy.

“There’s no personal income tax; we have good schools, universities and competitive (sales) taxes. In our region, the price of land is more reasonable and traffic congestion doesn’t touch the level in the rest of the area,” says Allison J.H. Thompson, director of the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corp.

The region’s advantages for businesses and individuals are similar. They include lower costs for housing and for sites for business relocations and expansions. In addition, the highway network cuts down on traffic jams and reduces travel times for commuters. It also enables businesses to ship goods quickly.

Those advantages have helped

the region score a number of recent successes. In DeSoto, retailer Kohl’s plans a 951,000-square-foot distribution center to fulfill orders placed on the company’s kohls.com website.

The project is expected to create 400 jobs over the next three years.

“Labor resources within this region offer a broad range and variety of skills, and access to those skills is readily available due to the region’s sophisticated transportation networks,” says Ed Brady, director of economic development for the city of Lancaster. “People can live anywhere in the region and get to their jobs, whatever city they are located in, in a reasonable amount of time.”

The collaborative approach can be seen in the formation of the Best Southwest Partnership.

Four founding communities in Southwest Dallas County – Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster – have been joined by seven associate communities in Southwest Dallas County and Northern Ellis County (Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins,

Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak and Wilmer) to promote the region’s business advantages, including its lower costs and access to the vast Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

A Rising Tide Universities, community colleges, highly regarded public schools, superior recreation opportunities, historic town centers and a variety of shopping destinations make the region an attractive place to live. For businesses, the region’s high quality of life simplifies the task of finding workers locally and recruiting employees from other parts of the country.

It all creates a climate where businesses, individuals and families can thrive, says Boyce Whatley, mayor of Midlothian.

“Land costs are a fraction of the cost of similarly located communities on the north side of the Metroplex,” Whatley says. “In addition, we generally have more land available for development than many cities that are landlocked.

Our housing costs are relatively low, and the quality of our public

Brass-Craft in Lancaster, a manufacturer of valves and fittings, is one of Southwest Dallas County’s major industrial employers.

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school districts is very high.

“We have a large pool of available workforce and continue to work with our colleges and universities to customize training that will be beneficial to their operations. We’re proud of the can-do, pro-business perspective that our local governments in this region share.”

Creating Opportunities Communities throughout the area have long embraced “regionalism,” the understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats and the one city’s success strengthens everyone else, Whatley says.

“I recognize the many benefits of regional success, primarily the creation of jobs and expanding opportunities for our constituents,” he says. “As much as I would like to see economic development happen in Midlothian, I celebrate the successes of our neighbors as well.”

The expansion of municipal tax bases throughout the region allows cities to improve and expand services, develop additional revenue sources and limit the tax burden on existing taxpayers, Whatley says.

The regional approach improves the quality of life and the business climate, for everyone, Thompson says. It helps explain successes such as Home Depot’s decision to build a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in DeSoto, expanding an existing 531,000-square-foot facility. The $20 million facility is expected to be complete in 2012 and to create 250 jobs.

“The pie is big enough for everybody to have some, and with each success the pie grows. We’re stronger together than separately,” Thompson says.

PepWear in Cedar Hill is a leading national decorated apparel and recognition plaque manufacturer. Far right: Students study at Northwood University in Cedar Hill.

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Southwest Dallas County

Cedar Hill 2010 Population: 45,028 2000 Population: 32,093 10-Year Growth: 40.3% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 30.8% Median Household Income: $65,077

DeSoto 2010 population: 49,047 2000 population: 37,646 10-Year Growth: 30.3% Bachelor’s Degree Or Higher: 29.3% Median Household Income: $58,711

Duncanville 2010 Population: 38,524 2000 Population: 36,081 10-Year Growth: 6.8% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 24.9% Median Household Income: $52,761

ph o t o s b y A n t o n y B o sh i e r

Glenn Heights

2010 Population: 11,278 2000 Population: 7,224 10-Year Growth: 56% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 18.8% Median Household Income: $50,972

Hutchins 2010 Population: 5,338 2000 Population: 2,805

10-Year Growth: 90.3% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 11.3% Median Household Income: $36,174

Lancaster 2010 Population: 36,361 2000 Population: 25,894 10-Year Growth: 40.4% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 19.2% Median Household Income: $52,752

Midlothian 2010 Population: 18,037 2000 Population: 7,480 10-Year Growth: 141% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 21.7% Median Household Income:$68,284

ovilla 2010 Population: 4,167 2000 Population: 3,405 10-Year Growth: 22.3% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 34.4% Median Household Income:$81,773

Red Oak 2010 Population: 10,769 2000 Population: 4,301 10-Year Growth: 150.4% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 22.3% Median Household Income: $67,586

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Teaching for

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Southwest Dallas County

the Future Tomorrow’s careers are being taught today in the region’s schools Story by Betsy Williams Photography by Antony Boshier

I

nnovative education is a hallmark of the independent school districts that serve the communities of Southwest Dallas County, a thriving region of more than 233,000 residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Making learning relevant is an important focus of the Duncanville ISD, and a project engaging second-graders in research on community building in Afghanistan is a testament to the system’s commitment to tearing down the traditional walls of education.

“We’re trying to get our students to become problem solvers, to think and analyze,” says Dr. Alfred Ray, superintendent.

The nearly 13,000-student Duncanville school district has adopted the Problem-Based Learning model, which challenges students to learn through engagement. The traditional classroom has been replaced with a multidisciplined, real-world approach that reflects the way people work in engineering firms, educational institutions and across the A television production class at DeSoto High School

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Students cook in a culinary arts class at DeSoto High School

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Southwest Dallas County

Photo Courtesy of Cedar Hill ISD

Cedar Hill Independent School District (ISD)

spectrum of business.

Duncanville’s approach to education has earned the system accolades and raised student performance.

“We are a future-focused district committed to preparing our students for their future,” Ray says.

“We provide support for, and embrace, 21st century learning in our schools.”

DeSoto Launches Career Academies DeSoto ISD launched the DHS College and Career Academies in 2010 and will complement the curriculum with the expansion of the existing high school to house state-of-the-art classrooms, including broadcast studios, forensic and medical labs, courtrooms, culinary arts kitchens and more.

The five Academies are open to all students in grades 9-12 and include Arts & Performance,

Cedar Hill

• 15 schools • 8,200+ students • Five-star financial rating • Eight combined Exemplary and Recognized schools • Collegiate High School

DeSoto

• 12 schools • 9,000+ students • Nine combined Exemplary and Recognized schools • GOLD Leadership Circle Award for outstanding financial transparency

Business & Technology, Health & Science, Professional and Classical.

“The goal is for students to explore potential careers while taking college preparatory courses and earning college credit while still enjoying the traditional high school experience,” says Warren Seay Jr., president of the district's Board of Trustees.

Accolades for the 9,000-student DeSoto ISD include more than $4 million in scholarship offers in 2011, state-contending athletic programs and awards for financial transparency.

Lancaster Focuses on Science, Math In its quest to provide a 21st century learning experience for students, Lancaster ISD is working to increase its capacity to provide instruction geared toward science, technology, engineering and math

Duncanville

• 18 Schools • 12,900+ students • 13 combined Exemplary and Recognized Schools • GOLD Leadership Circle Award for outstanding financial transparency

Lancaster • • • •

11 schools 6,000+students Six Recognized Schools International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

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city oF Ferris Lowest Area Taxes and Insurance Greenfield Sites for Housing and Industry City and Rural Broadband Internet Average Household Income $55,000 (1 mile), $66,000 (10 mile) Vibrant Historic Downtown – “A Texas Main Street City” New Baseball Fields (2012) and City Library (2012)

Ferris independent school district District Enrollment 2,450 Bond Rating AAA Credit Rating A+ New High School (2009) Extensive Use of Classroom Technology Close Proximity of All Five Schools

www.cityofferris.org

www.ferrisisd.org

Cedar Hill Students Earn College Credits From infusing character lessons in all curriculum to a virtual learning program to give high school students more career track options, the Cedar Hill ISD has much to tout – including being rated a Texas Education Agency Recognized school district.

In addition, the Texas Comptroller has given the school district various awards over eight years for financial efficiency and transparency.

Cedar Hill Collegiate High School is an Exemplary rated charter school where students can earn 60 college credit hours or an associate degree from Cedar Valley College in addition to their high school diploma.

While many school systems are cutting arts education, CHISD is developing an orchestra program.

The strings program is currently in the intermediate and middle schools and will reach the high school by 2014.

Brian McCord

(STEM). The work is paying off. Lancaster ISD students are experiencing higher levels of learning.

Six out of seven Lancaster elementary campuses achieved the Texas Education Agency’s Recognized rating. Two campuses received national recognition for academic performance, and more than 90 percent of seniors from the class of 2010 received a letter of acceptance to a college, university, trade school or the military.

“The 2010 school year provided evidence that by working collaboratively with all stakeholders and in partnership with parents, we can ensure that our students have access to the best educational experience possible,” says Dr. Michael McFarland, superintendent.

“Our charge is to ensure excellence in every school, in every class, for every student, every day."

LaRue Miller Elementary School in Midlothian, Texas

These Schools Score Excellence in education extends throughout region Quality school systems are a staple of Southwest Dallas County and Northern Ellis County.

The inclusion of new communities into the partnership that is promoting the business location and quality of place advantages of the region has brought with it a trio of excellent school systems that help prepare students for college and careers, and contribute to the region’s deep pool of skilled workers.

The Red Oak, Ferris and Midlothian systems are all Texas Education Agency Recognized school districts.

With Advanced Placement courses, the opportunity to earn college credit and a state-of-the-art

new high school, Red Oak Independent School District boasts both Exemplary and Recognized campuses. In 2011, the district received a rating of Superior Achievement under Texas’ financial accountability rating system. The rating is the state’s highest available, demonstrating Red Oak ISD’s financial management and reporting system is of the same high quality as its commitment to academic performance.

And 2011 was a very good year for Ferris ISD. Student achievement improved in reading, math, writing, science and social studies, and the district was recognized with the second highest rating achievable

in Texas. Along with the academic excellence, Ferris ISD also earned a Superior rating for financial accountability.

Midlothian ISD received a show of support from the community it serves with the approval of a $97.3 million bond package in May 2011. The money will construct a new high school, middle school and elementary school.

Along with TEA ratings of both Exemplary and Recognized, as well as 36 Gold Performance acknowledgements across the system’s campuses, Midlothian ISD ranked third in the Dallas Business Journal’s 2010 Best Places to Work publication.

– Betsy Williams b u s i n e s s c l i m a t e . c o m / s w - da l l a s

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Location of Choice Manufacturers target Southwest Dallas County Story by Bill Lewis • Photography by Antony Boshier

A

winning combination of low cost of living, skilled labor, available land with the proper zoning and a highly developed transportation network of interstates, airports and major railroads is making Southwest Dallas County a location of choice for manufacturers.

That comes as no surprise to Craig Johnson, president of PepWear. His company, a leading national decorated apparel and recognition plaque manufacturer, opened the doors of its new 32,000-square-foot facility in Cedar Hill in late 2011.

“With the availability of land with industrial zoning and several freeways running through, this region should be an attractive option to manufacturers looking to expand or relocate,” Johnson says. “I think the region is extremely competitive vis-a-vis other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in regards to manufacturing development.”

PepWear had outgrown its former location. The new facility

houses offices, a showroom, and production and warehouse space for 50-plus employees in one building.

Road to Success Southwest Dallas County’s transportation network is extremely important to PepWear, which attends more than 800 events annually across the United States to recognize and celebrate student achievements and offer apparel, plaques and jewelry for sale.

“We are constantly on the road and need access to all of the local freeways. Our location on Highway 67 just south of I-20 gives us quick access to all major freeways,” says Johnson.

Nearby amenities such as shopping and restaurants add to the region’s attractions, he says.

For Central States Manufacturing, the region’s highways, available sites and affordable property were key factors in its recent expansion in Cedar Hill, says General

PepWear opened a new 32,000-square-foot facility in Cedar Hill in late 2011.

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Southwest Dallas County

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Central States Manufacturing recently expanded its facility in Cedar Hill.

Manager Ron Urban.

“I know we also looked at several sites in Waco, but the availability of property and highway access won out for Cedar Hill,” he says.

The presence of manufacturers such as Central States, which makes metal building products including exposed fastener panels and a concealed fastener panel for residential, commercial and architectural markets, strengthens the region’s economy, Urban says.

“Strong manufacturing companies will always provide a buffer in turbulent economic times, providing jobs, purchasing from local vendors and providing

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Southwest Dallas County

tax dollars to the local community,” he says.

Premier Location Manufacturers have discovered the advantages of locations throughout Southwest Dallas County. In Ferris, ATCO has become a major supplier of mobile air conditioning components for the OEM specialty and replacement parts markets.

Located on I-45, the company has more than 115,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. Its staff includes approximately 150 full-time employees in engineering, manufacturing, quality

management, accounting, customer service, sales and information technology positions.

Other manufacturers are growing, as well. In Lancaster, United Natural Foods Inc., a major supplier of organic food products to the Whole Foods Market grocery organization, located operations in 550,000 square feet of space, creating more than 200 new jobs. Mars PetCare moved into a 450,000-square-foot space, creating 75 jobs, and Pinnacle Auto Parts took 120,000 square feet, creating 60 jobs, says Ed Brady, Lancaster’s director of economic development.

The region has a lot to offer

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manufacturers and related businesses, including universities and community colleges that graduate a highly educated workforce with a wide array of skills, and continuing education and skills training programs for employees of growing companies, he says.

Receiving materials from suppliers or shipping manufactured goods by truck is as simple as taking the on-ramp to I-35, I-20, I-45 and, in the future, Loop 9.

Two major railroads, the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, connect Southwest Dallas County to other regions of the country, Brady says.

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Lancaster

Then

Now

Historic Town Square www.LancasterTexas.org Visitors Center & State Auxiliary Museum www.LancasterTexas.org

DFW Wing of the Commemorative Air Force www.dfwwing.com

Country View Golf Course www.countryviewgolfcourse.com

Cold War Air Museum www.coldwarairmuseum.com MKT Depot & Rose Garden www.lhsweb.org Recreation Center with Indoor Pool and Walking Track www.lancaster-tx.com

Lancaster Regional Airport www.lancaster-tx.com

Bear Creek Nature Park www.lancaster-tx.com

Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library www.lancaster-tx.com

Mission: The Best Southwest Partnership actively promotes economic growth in Southern Dallas and Northern Ellis counties through image enhancement, legislation and education.

Member Cities: Cedar Hill DeSoto Duncanville

Celebrating25Years of Partnership

Lancaster Ferris Glenn Heights Hutchins Midlothian Ovilla Red Oak Wilmer

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All About Business Center moves ideas from drawing board to marketplace Story by Betsy Williams • Photography by Antony Boshier

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he Best Southwest Small Business Development Center is sparking the Southwest Dallas County economic engine with a wide array of tools and services geared toward small companies and entrepreneurs.

From counseling to coursework on starting a business to helping find financing options, the SBDC – housed at Cedar Valley College’s Cedar Hill campus – has provided more than 8,000 hours of counseling to more than 2,000 clients, and given more than 3,800 hours of training for 1,050 attendees. The center also has assisted entrepreneurs and business owners in obtaining more than $8.5 million in various types of financing since its founding in 1998.

Good Research is Key “Primarily what we do is provide one-on-one counseling

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Southwest Dallas County

to people who are either starting a business or who have an idea they are ready to launch, or people who are in business but who want to grow that business,” says Russell Wyrick, Best Southwest SBDC director.

“We utilize research tools to provide them with information that can be helpful in creating a business plan and identifying their target market.”

A former entrepreneur himself, Wyrick has started eight businesses through the years, so he understands the challenges a fledgling business can face. “It’s like coming home,” he says. “I am bringing my skill set to help entrepreneurs. It’s something I really enjoy.”

Veterans as Entrepreneurs Utilizing a Jobs Act grant, the SBDC is targeting military veterans over the next two years

with a counselor whose primary responsibility is to work with veterans in launching a business.

Wyrick says that Operation: Jump Start is a six- to 12-week program that will work with 90 to 120 entrepreneurs with a variety of business ideas, ranging from website design to health-related services. Participants will learn the specifics of creating a business plan, securing funding, implementing marketing strategies and meeting government regulations.

The Southwest Dallas SBDC is also a partner with five North Texas Specialty SBDCs, which provide specific expertise covering procurement assistance with government contracting, import and export assistance, environmental and risk management assistance, organizational and process improvement, and intellectual

The Best Southwest Small Business Development Center offers a range of services and tools for small companies and entrepreneurs.

property assistance.

“With the Technology Center, for example, the counselors will work with clients on how to protect intellectual property, including patenting, copywriting, protecting logos and trade secrets, and technology commercialization,” Wyrick says. “If they have a product that requires testing and development, they can team them with a college or university for the testing and work to get it to market.”

Launch Assistance Bonds Multimedia Solutions has utilized Best Southwest SBDC expertise since 2002, when owner Roderick Bonds launched his security and media company, which was an official listed contractor to Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in February 2011.

“The center has provided us

with valuable assistance in the area of education on how to start, run and maintain an ongoing business,” Bonds says. “We have consulted with them on marketing to our target customers and the expansion of our business into local and government opportunities.”

Specifically, Bonds says, the SBDC has helped him with developing his business plan and effective growth strategies, plus wading through certification requirements and contract forms for working with governmental agencies and 1099 contractors.

“The center provides a valuable service to the community in the resources they provide, especially in a challenging economy,” Bonds says. “They have also helped a number of my friends launch small businesses over the past few years, further strengthening our local economy.”

A Wealth of Services Since its formation in 1998, the Best Southwest Small Business Development Center has: • Provided more than 8,000 hours in counseling services • Assisted more than 2,000 clients • Facilitated more than $8.5 million in various types of financing to entrepreneurs and business owners • Led 1,050 attendees through more than 3,800 hours of training

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Transportation

It Helps to Have Connections Southwest Dallas County offers strong transportation network

Story by Kevin Litwin

R

eady highway access and proximity to major airports make Southwest Dallas County an ideal distribution and logistics location.

Lancaster, for example, has Interstate 35 bordering its western city limit, I-20 at the northern border and I-45 to the east of the community. Plus, the planned Loop 9 roadway will be constructed at the southern city limits, with that highway currently on the drawing board for the state to build.

“We are encircled by major

highways, making us attractive to trucking companies that move freight and goods,” says Ed Brady, City of Lancaster director of economic development. “BNSF Railway has a major line that runs through Lancaster, and Union Pacific has a line running just to the east.”

Brady says several large companies have chosen to specifically locate in Lancaster because of the strong transportation network.

United Natural Foods Inc., the No. 1 provider of organic

Union Pacific is one of the major rail carriers serving Southwest Dallas County.

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Southwest Dallas County

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Major highways in the Southwest Dallas County region include Interstates 20, 35 and 45.

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Southwest Dallas County

food products to the Whole Foods grocery chain, located in Lancaster in large part because of the city’s highway access, Brady says. Pinnacle Auto Parts, a supplier to domestic and foreign auto manufacturers, chose Lancaster in fall 2011 for a new facility because of the proximity to major highways, as did Mars PetCare Products, which hauls most of its products by truck.

“Lancaster can also offer industrial parks for companies looking for transportation logistics,” Brady says. “We have 20/35 Park and South Point Center, with both having plenty of room for growth.”

major parks in the region along with Eagle Industrial Park in DeSoto, Big Stone Gap in Duncanville and others.

“There are so many transportation advantages in Southwest Dallas that it’s hard to list them all,” Thompson says.

“There are smaller airports such as Dallas Executive as well as airports in Lancaster and Midlothian. Companies that rely on transportation would be wise to locate in Southwest Dallas County.”

Business Parks in the Region Big Stone Gap, Duncanville Cedar Hill Business Park, Cedar Hill Centre Park Business Center, DeSoto Duncanville Industrial Park, Duncanville Eagle Industrial Park, DeSoto SouthPointe Business Park, Lancaster

Companies are Taking Notice Lancaster is one of several communities in Southwest Dallas County that have ready access to highways and railroads. In addition, close proximity to major airports such as DFW and Love Field help make the region a desirable distribution and logistics location.

And more companies are taking notice. Marten Transport, which specializes in transporting food and other consumer packaged goods that require a time- and temperature-sensitive environment, has built a stateof-the-art facility in DeSoto – in large part because of proximity to three major highways. The Marten Transport project created 300 jobs, including drivers, mechanics and administrative support.

Major companies including JC Penney, Walmart and FedEx Ground have distribution operations in the region, while Whirlpool Corp. has selected a site in Wilmer for a 1 millionsquare-foot distribution center to serve the southern United States.

Cedar Hill is strategically situated with close proximity to U.S. Highways 67 and 287 along with Interstates 20 and 35E, says Allison J.H. Thompson, director of the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corp.

Business Parks and Airports Cedar Hill also has Cedar Hill Business Park, one of several

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6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1

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Southwest Dallas County

Transportation

Air of Distinction Region well served by airports Southwest Dallas County offers easy access to major air service at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field, but the region also includes facilities such as Lancaster Regional Airport, Dallas Executive Airport and Mid-Way Regional Airport.

Lancaster Regional is only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and offers a full range of corporate jet and private aviation services. Dallas Executive Airport is in the city itself and markets its amenities to corporate and private travelers. MidWay Regional, which is co-owned and operated by the cities of Midlothian and Waxahachie, is undergoing an $8.5 million expansion in order to accommodate larger aircraft.

“Our runway has been extended from 5,000 to 6,500 feet, and widened to 100 feet. We can now accept big corporate jets,” says Paula Baucum, airport board chairperson. “The airport can even land a FedEx jet, so hopefully we can eventually recruit a company out there that utilizes air distribution.”

itself as an ideal locale for corporate jets to land for those events, away from the hustle and bustle of the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex.

“Also, Midlothian and Waxahachie are involved in a $100,000 master plan study with the Texas

Department of Transportation to map out the airport’s capital projects for the next 10-15 years,” she says. “We want the airport to become an even bigger player for economic development in our area.

– Kevin Litwin

A Bigger Economic Player Baucum says Mid-Way is also doubling the size of its terminal building.

“Big companies such as Owens Corning and Airborne Imaging fly out of Mid-Way,” she says. “Airborne Imaging is actually on-site and does a lot of work for the U.S. Department of Defense. It was the company that tracked all the debris parts across North Texas from the Challenger space shuttle explosion of 1986.”

In addition, Baucum says more events are being drawn to Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, and Mid-Way Regional plans to market

Mid-Way Regional Airport

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Methodist Charlton Medical Center

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Southwest Dallas County

Health

A Picture of Health Methodist Charlton Medical Center brings new services, technology to residents in Southwest Dallas County Story by Melanie Hill • Photography by Brian McCord

M

ethodist Charlton Medical Center is redefining health care in Southwest Dallas County.

With more than 1,400 employees and 60 medical specialties, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, a part of Methodist Health System, is a leading teaching and full-service community hospital evolving to meet the growing needs of North Texas.

Growing With the Community In 2009, the hospital completed a $116 million renovation and expansion that included a new patient bed tower, additional surgical services and physician offices. And in 2011, Methodist Health System announced plans to add 36 new patient-care beds in Methodist Charlton’s new patient care tower, relocate the postcoronary intensive care unit to support expanded cardiology services, and invest $16 million to support the addition of a specialty care unit. Upon completion in 2012, the project will boost the hospital’s bed count from 259 to 309.

“With the latest expansion, patients can look forward to enhanced access to

care and even greater patient service,” says Jonathan S. Davis, FACHE, president of Methodist Charlton Medical Center.

“Our philosophy and approach is to actively foster a culture that is constantly vigilant in serving our patients and families.”

Methodist Charlton Medical Center by the Numbers

More Services on the Way Open-heart surgery is one of the latest, most anticipated services at Methodist Charlton. While the program is new to the hospital, Davis says its physicians, nurses and staff bring decades of openheart surgery experience.

Methodist Charlton also boasts Southwest Dallas County’s only fullservice 24/7 interventional cardiology program and uses technology that provides faster coordination between emergency personnel and hospitals in treating cardiac patients. Additional services arriving in 2012 include a hospice unit and a specialized hospitalwithin-a-hospital model for patients requiring a longer length of stay and more intensive treatment and therapy.

Licensed beds (all private)

309 312

Physicians

69,484

ER visits (2010)

1,794

Births (2010)

16,009

Patient discharges (2010)

154,034

Outpatient visits (2010)

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Leading the Way in Care Staying ahead of the medical curve is nothing new for Methodist Charlton, which was among the first hospitals in Dallas to adopt the Labor-DeliveryRecovery concept for expectant mothers. The health system also has been repeatedly recognized for outstanding practices in medicine and employment.

In 2011, Methodist Health System was named among the best places to work by Becker’s Hospital Review magazine and the Dallas Business Journal. The center also has received praise from organizations such as HealthGrades, The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In 2011, Methodist Charlton was named a top performer in a CMS premier health-care alliance value-based purchasing project that rewards hospitals for delivering high-quality care in five clinical areas. Methodist Charlton is one of the 14 percent of Joint Commission-accredited hospitals designated as top performers.

“Our designation as one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures for heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia by both CMS and The Joint Commission means that patients and their families can choose Methodist Charlton with confidence,” Davis says, crediting evidence-based processes for the hospital’s proven track record.

As one of the oldest nonprofit health systems in North Texas, Methodist Health operates medical centers, primary care clinics and Family Health Centers in Dallas, Mansfield, Richardson and around North Texas.

Charlton Methodist opened in 1975 to serve the needs of patients in Southwest Dallas County.

Right, bottom: A patient room at Methodist Charlton Medical Center

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Southwest Dallas County

What’s Online For more about health care in Southwest Dallas County, visit businessclimate.com/ sw-dallas

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Education

Best in Class Good colleges give region a business advantage Story by Kevin Litwin • Photography by Antony Boshier

A

key factor in Southwest Dallas County’s business advantage is the mix of higher education options that supply the region with skilled and knowledgeable workers. For example, Cedar Hill has campuses for Northwood University, Strayer University, the University of Phoenix and a satellite campus for Cedar Valley College.

Navarro College-Midlothian Campus has added 25,000 square feet of classroom space at an estimated cost of $4 million and is in the second phase of a fourphase expansion. In Lancaster, Cedar Valley College has an

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Southwest Dallas County

enrollment of 6,000 students.

Mountain View College, located in Southwest Dallas, has an enrollment of 10,000 credit students and another 9,000 continuing education students.

Cedar Valley and Mountain View are both part of the Dallas County Community College District.

One of the newest universities serving the region is the University of North Texas at Dallas, which became a freestanding campus in September 2010 in the city’s southern sector. UNT Dallas, which had been a campus of the University of North Texas, is offering the same course studies

as its flagship UNT Denton campus, but UNT Dallas will offer even more programs when it is granted separate accreditation in 2013.

“We have 65 faculty members with Ph.Ds, and we like to say that our campus offers a private education at a public school cost,” says John Beehler, UNT Dallas provost. “The university has even hired an entrepreneurship professor and will eventually establish an entrepreneur center, all to help students think outside the box as they develop career goals.”

Beehler says the most popular degree offerings at the university

From top: University of North Texas at Dallas; Students work in a computer lab at Northwood University.

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now are business, education, criminal justice and sociology.

“The entire country needs more nurses, accountants and STEMsubject teachers, and we offer strong programs in those disciplines,” he says. “We contracted a top research company that will tell us what the high-demand courses of study will be. Then, we’ll offer those programs once we achieve accreditation.”

Jobs of Today and Tomorrow Northwood University, a business management college in Cedar Hill, offers a master’s and four-year bachelor’s degree program in business administration as well as two-year associate degrees.

“Northwood’s business degrees have industry-specific concentrations such as automotive marketing, sports and

entertainment management, international business, fashion marketing, as well as accounting, advertising, economics and finance,” says Evgeniy Gentchev, interim director of career services at Northwood University. “In fact, many of the jobs that our freshmen will take in a few years don’t exist today. In such a dynamic global economy, the key success factors are a broad perspective of one’s chosen career field, critical thinking and communication skills, and willingness to constantly learn.”

Gentchev says organizational, business and leadership skills are at the heart of Northwood University’s curriculum.

“Northwood inspires its students with an appreciation for the tradition of individual freedom and individual responsibility that made our nation great,” he says.

Colleges and Universities in the Region Cedar Valley College, Lancaster

www.cedarvalleycollege.edu

Mountain View College, Dallas www.mvc.dcccd.edu

Navarro College-Midlothian Campus, Midlothian www.navarrocollege.edu

Northwood University, Cedar Hill www.northwood.edu/tx

Strayer University, Cedar Hill www.strayer.edu

University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas dallas.unt.edu

University of Phoenix, Cedar Hill www.phoenix.edu

The courtyard at UNT Dallas

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Livability

Where the Grass is Greener Opportunities for outdoor fun, relaxation abound across the region Story by Jessica Walker • Photography by Brian McCord

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njoying the great outdoors is both easy and convenient in Southwest Dallas County and Northern Ellis County, as the region is home to an array of green spaces. From expansive nature preserves to neighborhood parks, there are plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to step out for a breath of fresh air.

Home to more than 30 parks owned or maintained by the

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Southwest Dallas County

city, Cedar Hill is ideal for recreation lovers.

Valley Ridge Park, the city’s largest community park, features playing fields for softball, baseball, soccer and football, as well as the Valley Ridge Amphitheater. In recent years, the park has hosted the Youth Baseball World Series, typically drawing more than 2,000 participants and 4,000 attendees.

Lakes to Log Cabins Another popular area attraction is Cedar Hill State Park, which sits along the northeast corner of Joe Pool Lake and is one of the two most visited state parks in Texas.

The park covers 1,826 acres and features camp sites, picnic areas, mountain biking trails, a playground and swimming area.

Cedar Hill also offers the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, one of five Audubon

Joe Pool Marina at Cedar Hill State Park

centers or sanctuaries in the state.

“This 6,400-square-foot facility is located in Dogwood Canyon, a pristine 250-acre site that houses numerous rare and interesting species of plants and animals,” says Rhoda Savage, director of the Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation Department. “Any outdoor lover should visit this site to experience nature at its finest.”

Located south of Cedar Hill, Midlothian features 12 parks. The city’s most popular green space, Kimmel Park, is also Midlothian’s oldest park. In preparation for its 100th birthday in 2015, the park is undergoing several renovations, including upgraded restrooms,

a new picnic pavilion, landscaping improvements and more.

Also popular is Heritage Park, which is located downtown. The park includes a walking path and the Larkin Newton Log Cabin, built in 1848.

“It is one of the few remaining cabins from the Republic of Texas time period,” says Ryan Spencer, comprehensive planning manager for the city of Midlothian, which is in Northern Ellis County.

“When visitors step inside, they will see an accurate representation of how a pioneer family lived in the mid-19th century.”

Duncanville in Southwest Dallas County features 13 city

parks, including the 52-acre Lakeside Park, which is a local favorite. Visitors can find catfish in the spring and summer, and freshwater trout in the winter.

Home to the 75-acre Windmill Hill Nature Preserve, DeSoto in Southwest Dallas County provides 21 parks, several of which connect to the 3.6-mile Roy Orr Trail. One of the city’s largest parks, Grimes Park offers 75 acres and includes a softball complex, baseball complex and a $1.5 million BMX track that covers 60,000 square feet.

Another frequented area attraction is Lancaster’s Bear Creek Nature Park, sitting on b u s i n e s s c l i m a t e . c o m / s w - da l l a s

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P h o t o b y Opa q u e V i s u a l s . C o u r t e s y o f NOW M a g a z i n e s .

189 acres. One of the Southwest Dallas County city’s 12 parks, the outdoor haven offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding and more. Visitors can also enjoy nature study areas and a picnic pavilion.

Parks, Green Spaces The region’s smaller communities also provide opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy the area’s beautiful weather.

Ferris in Northern Ellis County features Mutz Park and Ferris Memorial Park, while Hutchins in Southwest Dallas County is home to Campbell Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Valley View Park and Sunrise Creek Park.

In Northern Ellis County, Ovilla’s Heritage Park offers small gardens kept by a local gardening club, and Red Oak is home to Old Town park. In Southwest Dallas County, Wilmer residents can enjoy Cottonwood Creek Nature Preserve, which includes a hiking trail and picnic facilities.

Major League Renovations in Ferris Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, both baseball fields at Mutz Park in Ferris will be reconstructed. Ferris is one of nine communities across the United States and Puerto Rico to receive the grant.

Once renovations are completed, the Ferris Baseball & Softball Association will create a fall league and will provide a junior girls’ summer softball tournament. An estimated number of 280 children will be impacted by the improvements.

In addition to the grant, the city of Ferris will provide matching funds through a special revenue fund in order to fully renovate the fields.

Top: Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill

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Southwest Dallas County

Keeping Cultured Exhibits, performances and history engage Southwest Dallas County residents and visitors Southwest Dallas County is home to a variety of cultural attractions sure to both educate and entertain.

Here are a few highlights:

International Museum of Cultures Located in Dallas, the International Museum of Cultures offers exhibits, educational programs and public events focused on celebrating diverse cultures.

This contemporary cultural anthropology museum includes exhibits derived from the experiences of traveling missionaries, allowing visitors to enjoy a deeper view into the cultures on display. Past exhibits have featured images and information from places all over the world, such as Papua New Guinea, Mexico, the Philippines and China.

For more on the museum, go to www.internationalmuseum ofcultures.org.

and Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years.

African American Repertory Theater

Built in 1896, the W. A. Strain House is located on the Strain Farm in Lancaster. The farm is considered Dallas County’s oldest working farm, and has been owned and operated by a single family for more than 130 years.

A late-Victorian structure, the house includes a brick chimney, stained glass, porches on both the first and second floors, and a variety of other interesting features.

The W. A. Strain House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for educational tours. To set up an appointment, contact Carol Strain-Burk at (972) 227-1382.

– Jessica Walker

The African American Repertory Theater (aareptheater.com ) in DeSoto provides performances from an African-American perspective and works to help audiences learn more about their history and culture.

Offering shows at The Corner Theatre, the African American Repertory Theater was founded

by Irma P. Hall, Regina Washington and Vince McGill in 2008. A variety of performances have taken place during its previous three seasons, such as Two Trains Running, Flyin’ West, Jitney, The Gospel at Colonus

W. A. Strain House

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Gallery

Uptown Village at Cedar Hill Photo by Brian McCord

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Southwest Dallas County

Joe Pool Lake at Cedar Hill State Park Photo by Brian McCord

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Mountain View College is one of several higher education institutions that help meet workforce needs in the Southwest Dallas County region.

Photo by Brian McCord

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Southwest Dallas County

Gallery

A lake at the Hoblitzelle Salvation Army Camp in Midlothian Photo by Brian McCord

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of Cedar Hill Indoor Playground • Drive-Thru • Birthday Parties Chick-fil-A Trays and Boxed Lunches Customized Catering for any Occasion 387 E. FM 1382 • (972) 293-0022 (67 & FM 1382 in front of Home Depot)

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Duncanville ISD www.duncanvilleisd.org

Cedar Hill ISD www.chisd.net

Economic Development of Midlothian www.cedmidlothian.org

Cedar Valley College www.cedarvalleycollege.edu

Ferris ISD www.ferrisisd.org

Chick-fil-A www.cfarestaurant.com/cedarhill/home City of Ferris www.cityofferris.org City of Glenn Heights www.glennheights.com City of Lancaster www.lancaster-tx.com City of Ovilla www.cityofovilla.org DeSoto Chamber of Commerce www.desotochamber.org

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Southwest Dallas County

Hilton Garden Inn www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites www.hiexpress.com/cedarhilltx Lancaster ISD www.lancasterisd.org Northwood University www.northwood.edu Perkins Realty Group www.perkinsrealtygroup.net

DeSoto EDC www.dedc.org

TBey & Associates www.tbeyassociates.com

DeSoto Family Dentistry www.desotofamilydentistry.com

Towne Place Suites www.desotomarriott.com

DeSoto ISD www.desotoisd.org

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economic profile Business snapshot

major employers Employer

No. of Employees

The Southwest Dallas region is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The region’s proximity to major markets, lower cost of doing business and other factors have helped lure a cross-section of businesses and industries.

Population (2010)

Quality Cabinets

Red Oak, $67,586 Dallas County, $47,974

and Doors

2,400

Cedar Hill, 45,028

Duncanville ISD

1,600

DeSoto, 49,047

Methodist Charlton Medical Center

1,343

Glenn Heights, 11,278

Cedar Hill, 23,142

Cedar Hill ISD

1,100

Lancaster, 36,361

DeSoto, 31,548

Hutchins, 5,338

Duncanville, 18,644

Midlothian, 18,037

Lancaster, 17,167

Ovilla, 4,166

Dallas County, 1.15 million

DeSoto ISD

916

Duncanville, 38,524

Workforce

Masco

700

Lancaster ISD

689

Dallas County, 2,368,139

JCPenney Support Center

496

median Household Income (2010)

total households

BrassCraft Western

390

City of Cedar Hill

370

Cedar Hill, $65,077

Duncanville, 13,221

DeSoto, $58,711

Glenn Heights, 3,361

DIAB

325

Duncanville, $52,671

Hutchins, 1,215

Glenn Heights, $50,972

Lancaster, 12,120

Hutchins, $36,174

Midlothian, 5,557

Lancaster, $52,752

Red Oak, 3,219

Midlothian, $68,284

Dallas County, 832,360

City of DeSoto

313

Oak Creek Homes

280

Solar Turbines

275

Red Oak, 10,769

Ovilla, $81,773

households Cedar Hill, 14,303 DeSoto, 17,334

Persons under 18 years Cedar Hill, 30.1%

What’s Online

DeSoto, 26.9%

For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Southwest Dallas County, go to businessclimate.com/sw-dallas.

Duncanville, 28.0% Glenn Heights, 36.8% This section is sponsored by

• Back & Neck Pain • Headaches • Chiropractic Adjustment • Spinal Decompression • Massage Therapy • Animal Chiropractic • D.O.T. Physicals & School Physicals

712 N. Hampton Rd., Ste. 100 • De Soto, Texas 75115 (972) 230-8900 Tel • (972) 230-8902 Fax www.tuckerchiropractic.net

b u s i n e s s c l i m a t e . c o m / s w - da l l a s

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Hutchins, 18.0%

www.dfwairport.com

Lancaster, 31.2%

Dallas Love Field www.dallas-lovefield.com

Midlothian, 27.2% Red Oak, 30.8%

Dallas Executive Airport dallascityhall.com/aviation/ aviation.html

Dallas County, 27.6%

education High school graduates

Lancaster Regional Airport www.lancastermunicipalairport.com

mean travel time to work Cedar Hill, 29.9 minutes DeSoto, 30.1 minutes Duncanville, 26.5 minutes Lancaster, 29.9 minutes

Midway Regional Airport mid-wayregional.com

economic resources

Duncanville, 83.7%

Highways Located just minutes from downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from Fort Worth, the Southwest Dallas County region is served by several major highways, including Interstate 20, which runs through the region, as well as I-35, I-45 and U.S. Highways 67 and 287.

Best Southwest Partnership

Lancaster, 85.3%

Cedar Hill, 91.9% DeSoto, 92.3%

Ovilla, 92.4%

Bachelor’s degree or higher Cedar Hill, 31.8% DeSoto, 28.6% Duncanville, 25.4%

Railroads

Lancaster, 20.3%

Burlington Northern/Santa Fe www.bnsf.com

Ovilla, 34.4%

Housing Market (2008)

Union Pacific/www.up.com

4041 W. Wheatland Suite 156-340 Dallas, TX 75237 (972) 780-4990 bestsouthwest.org Sources: www.bestsouthwest.org, www.city-data.com, quickfacts.census.gov, www.cedarhilledc.com, www.dedc.org, www.ci.duncanville.tx.us, www.lancaster-tx.com, The Retail Coach

Average selling price for detached home Cedar Hill, $173,814 DeSoto, $195,773 Duncanville, $158,534 Lancaster, $128,657

Transportation Airports Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

LOCATION

LOCATION

LANCASTER • Business Expansion and Relocation • Facility Solutions and Development Assistance Ed Brady – City of Lancaster P.O. Box 940 Lancaster, TX 75146 (972) 218-1314 tel • (972) 218-3684 fax www.lancaster-tx.com

56

Southwest Dallas County

800 N. Main St. Duncanville, TX 75116

(972) 283-9777 www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com

Ad Index

2 Cedar Hill EDC 44 Cedar Hill ISD 6 Cedar Valley College

54 Chick-fil-A

22 City of Ferris

1 City of Glenn Heights

56 City of Lancaster

54 City of Ovilla

28 DeSoto Chamber of Commerce

8 DeSoto EDC 41 DeSoto Family Dentistry C2 DeSoto ISD

C3 Duncanville ISD 4 Economic Development of Midlothian

22 Ferris ISD

56 Hilton Garden Inn

12 Holiday Inn Express & Suites

C4 Lancaster ISD

36 Northwood University

49 Perkins Realty Group

27 TBey & Associates

36 Towne Place Suites

55 Tucker Chiropractic