September Denton Business Chronicle 2011

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Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Monthly News Roundup plan amendments allowing Arizona-based Robson Communities Inc. to start building the rest of the 2,700-acre retirement community in far southwest Denton. The development, which opened in 2001, has about 1,250 homes and 2,300 residents. The council tabled the plans July 19 after a long discussion and public hearing to give staff members time to craft conditions. Most of the discussion centered on concerns about how future and existing homes would coexist with gas drilling sites. Devon Energy and EnCana Oil & Gas have drilled at Robson Ranch, and other drilling sites are planned. The plan amendments cover the development of 4,288 more homes, a golf course and a ball field. They also erase one proposed gas well site, known as Gas Park 9, and let the developer move another, Gas Park 13, about 300 feet to the north of its approved location west of Ed Robson Boulevard.

million to the University of North Texas in his will, the university announced Wednesday. The funds will be shared between three colleges: the College of Visual Arts and Design, the College of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences. Each college will use about 40 percent of the funds it receives for scholarships. “With the ever-increasing cost of the college degree, the university needs all the help they can get,” said Voertman, who took over Voertman’s Bookstore after his father died and ran it for several years. In addition to funding scholarships, the money will create an Ardoin-Voertman Artist-inResidence position in the College of Visual Arts and Design, allowing a well-known artist to teach at UNT for up to two years. The money will support the Print Research Institute of North Texas’ visiting artist and printmaker program. It will also support research, travel and creative projects.

The Denton City Council approved plans Tuesday for the build-out of Robson Ranch after adding conditions meant to address concerns about natural gas drilling near homes. The council voted 7-0 to grant

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Voertman to leave $8 million to UNT

Budget proposal presented to council

Denton resident and former bookstore owner Paul Voertman plans to leave an estimated $8

A $585.4 million proposed

and Wise counties. I Celina Shannon recently joined the staff of the Willow Bend Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Denton, located at 2125 Brinker Road. Shannon, Shannon who will serve as the new memory care director, joins Debbie Perry, executive director, and Jana GrayCockrell, wellness director. Prior to joining Willow Bend, Shannon spent three years

working for a cardiologist in Denton and seven years with a home health and hospice center where she cared for residents dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. I Dr. Ronald G. Aldridge, executive director of Health Services of North Texas, will receive the National Association of Social Workers of Texas’ Lifetime Achievement Aldridge Award at the organization’s state conference

to be held Oct. 9 in Dallas. “His vision and commitment to serving vulnerable populations has resulted in the agency expanding its mission and applying for Federally Qualified Health Center status,” according to a posting on the organization’s website. Aldridge is a licensed clinical social worker, as well as a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified guardian. He was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the boards of the Community Resource Coordination Groups of Texas and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

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Cardo’s Farm Project holds fundraiser Tours of Cardo’s Farm Project were given Saturday evening as part of Cardo’s Vegetable Festival, a fundraising event to help Amanda Austin and Daniel Moon, who manage the Ponder farm, expand their project to supply more locally grown produce to people and businesses in Denton County. Along with the festival, the pair also has launched an online campaign to raise $15,000 to help them double the Ponder farm’s growing space, boost its educational program, improve infrastructure and allow them to start a community-supported agriculture program, through which members buy shares and get a portion of the produce. The farm’s produce can already be found at the weekly Denton Community Market and local restaurants. During the festival, Denton music acts Burnt Sienna Trio, Glen Farris and Dust Congress performed. 8-3

Company explores alternate location In response to public outcry against the gasoline distribution

File photo by Al Key

Daniel Moon tends to sprouts at Cardo’s Farm Project in Ponder. center proposed near Sanger, Denton Terminal LLC officials are considering alternate locations for their site. While Stephen Senter of Denton Terminal has said work will continue on the proposed site at 8969 N. FM2164 east of Sanger, he has received suggestions from residents and the county judge and will look into them. The center would be a refilling stop for trucks delivering gasoline to stations in the region. Senter said any move from the proposed location would need to be reasonable in regard to costs and daily operations of the site.

Sanger city officials, who had previously remained neutral on the distribution site, have now tasked the city manager with drafting a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation, TCEQ, Denton Terminal and other agencies expressing concerns.

City Council OKs Robson build-out

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Career Advancement Dana Smith was recently named executive director of the board of Communities in Schools of North Texas. Smith has nearly a decade of experience in management of nonprofit organizations. Smith Prior to moving into her new role, Smith served as director of grant research and development for Communities in Schools of North Texas. Smith earned her master’s degree in social work from Baylor University and helped

start and manage a nonprofit agency in Waco before joining Communities in Schools of North Texas in 2005. “Dana has devoted her time and talents to our organization for many years,” Amber Fulton, board president, stated in a news release. “And we are excited to have her officially at the helm. Her expertise with the agency is invaluable as we implement new programs and adjust to our everchanging landscape.” Communities in Schools of North Texas is a nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 students at risk of dropping out of school in Denton

Contents |

September 2011

Calendar of Events Altrusa International Inc. of Denton meets for its monthly dinner and program at Vigne Wine Shop & Deli, 222 W. Hickory St. Cost is $10 per person. Call 940-387-5031 or visit www.altrusadenton.org. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.

The American Association of University Women, Denton Branch will meet at Fremaux’s Metropolitan Catering, 932 W. University Drive. Call 940-898-3797 or email scomptonaauw@gmail. com. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.

Denton League of United Latin American Citizens No. 4366 meets at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave. Saturday, Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m.

Denton Planning and Zoning Commission meets in the council chambers at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney St.

Tuesday, Oct. 4, noon

5 | SPENDING MONEY TO MAKE MONEY Denton officials hope to attract businesses by offering fat incentive plans — but do they work?

On the cover

Index Jonathon Fite | 4 Other Enterprising Voices | 8, 9 Career Advancement | 2 Mixers | 9, 10 Monthly News Roundup | 2, 7, 11, 21, 22 Vital Statistics | 16-20

iStock illustration

Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce meets at the Prairie House restaurant, 10001 E. U.S. Highway 380 in Cross Roads. Cost is $12 per person. Reservations are required. Call 940-365-9781 or e-mail chamber@aubreycoc.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Hickory Creek Planning and Zoning Commission meets at Hickory Creek Town Hall, 1075 Ronald Reagan Ave.

Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas, Greater Denton Division has its monthly meeting and luncheon at the Prairie House restaurant, 10001 U.S. Highway 380 in Cross Roads. Cost is $15 for associates and builders with reservations and $18 for walkins. Call 940-383-0853. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m.

Krum Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly meeting at Northstar Bank, 1101 E. McCart St. in Krum. Call 940-482-6093. Thursday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m.

NAACP, Denton County Chapter meets at the Denton Housing Authority, 1225 Wilson St. Thursday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

North Texas Society for Human Resource Management meets at the University of North Texas’ Gateway Center. Cost to attend is $18 for members and firsttime guests and $23 for returning non-members. Visit www.northtexasshrm.org. Thursday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.

SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, offers free management counseling for prospective new business owners or existing businesses in trouble. Confidential, one-hour counseling sessions are available by appointment every Wednesday at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Call 940-3498752. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m.

BGCNetwork will meet at Los Toreros Restaurant, 2900 Wind River Lane. Membership funds support the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Texas. Call Rick Troutman at 972-8983879 or e-mail rick@bgcnet work.com.

Lake Dallas 4B Community Development Corp. meets at Lake Dallas Municipal Complex, 212 Main St.

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.

Association of Business Contingency Planners, North Texas Chapter has its monthly luncheon at H5 Colo, 12712 Park Central in Dallas. Cost is $35 per person. Visit http://northtx.acp-international. com/Meetings.htm.

Business Spotlight

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Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce meets for coffee at Hickory Creek Town Hall, 1075 Ronald Reagan Ave., and Office Depot, 2300 San Jacinto Ave. in Denton.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7:15 a.m.

Small Business Breakfast meeting sponsored by the North Central Texas College Small Business Development Center at the Denton Chamber of Commerce building, 414 W. Parkway St. A light breakfast is provided. Call 940-380-1849.

in Hickory Creek

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7:15 a.m. in Hickory Creek Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7:15 a.m. in Denton

Wednesday, Oct, 12, 7:15 a.m.

Who to contact September 2011 | Vol. 7, No. 7 Publisher: Bill Patterson The contents of this free publication are copyrighted by Denton Publishing Company, 2011, a subsidiary of A.H. Belo Corp. (www.ahbelo.com, NYSE symbol: AHC), with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Denton Business Chronicle is published monthly by Denton Publishing Company, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201. E-mail: drc@dentonrc.com

Dawn Cobb Managing Editor 940-566-6879 dcobb@dentonrc.com

Coffee Club and Investment Perspective hosted by financial adviser Kathy R. Bauer of Edward Jones at 2925 Country Club Road, Suite 101A, in Denton. Call 940382-0280. Thursday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.

Sandra Hammond Advertising Director 940-566-6820 shammond@dentonrc.com

Shawn Reneau Advertising Manager 940-566-6843 sreneau@dentonrc.com

Denton Black Chamber of Commerce meets at the Denton Housing Authority, 1225 Wilson St.

in Hickory Creek

Lake Cities Netweavers business networking group meets at the IHOP restaurant off Interstate 35E in Hickory Creek. Cost is $12 and includes breakfast. Email info@lcnetweavers.com.

Women Business Owners of Denton County will hold its monthly luncheon at Oakmont Country Club, 1901 Oakmont Drive in Corinth. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m. Please tell us about your event or

Thursday, Sept. 22, 8 a.m.

meeting by e-mailing Karina Ramírez

Thursday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m.

at kramirez@dentonrc.com, by fax at

Thursday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m.

940-566-6888; or by mail to DBC

Thursday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m.

Calendar, Denton Record-Chronicle,

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.

Lake Dallas 4A Economic Development Corp. meets at Lake Dallas Municipal Complex, 212 Main St. Monday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

She also can be reached at 940-566-6878.

Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

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Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Enterprising Voices

Buffett’s buying; should you? “I like buying on sale. ‌ Last Monday, we spent more money in the stock market, buying, than any day this year.â€? — Warren Buffett, in an Aug. 15 interview with Charlie Rose

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s a reader of this valuebased investing column, you know stock prices may often diverge from what underlying company fundamentals might imply. As such, it’s an intriguing time to be an observer of U.S. businesses and their recent stock price fluctuations in the U.S. market. On a company-specific operational basis, many are doing very well. In the interview noted above, Mr. Buffett discusses the

Jonathon FITE | day-to-day performance of the myriad businesses he owns. Except for his housing-related business, all of them are doing better than they were a year ago: Dairy Queen is selling more Dilly Bars, railcar loadings at Burlington Northern Santa Fe are increasing and private aircraft usage at NetJets is up. He’s hiring more people and invest-

ing billions of dollars in the U.S., expanding the capabilities of his portfolio of companies. Interestingly, my business partner and I recently completed a second-quarter review of our portfolio companies (most companies report their earnings three to six weeks after the close of their fiscal quarters). Each one, operationally, is also getting better. Across the portfolio, we found increased revenues and profit margins, both from higher pricing but also volume increases. International markets were still growing at healthy rates, while mature markets like the U.S. and Europe were either stabilizing or making some headway. Our take, similar to Mr.

Buffett’s, was that the economy was not going gangbusters, but was improving bit by bit. Yet, above these realities on the ground, macro concerns are swirling about creating an amazing amount of fear. The threats of debt default and the resulting U.S. downgrade by ratings firm Standard and Poor’s revealed the ugly warts of our current political regime. Fears the euro experiment could implode sent the price of bank stocks in France, Italy and Germany plummeting. This in turn ravaged U.S. financials, sending them to prices not seen since shortly after the financial crisis. Meanwhile in China, concerns that “the stimulator of last resort� may be creating an infla-

tionary bubble they can no longer contain has sent emerging market investors running for the hills. A couple cases in point: A recent survey of investor sentiment shows the average Fidelity or Schwab account holder is as scared now as he was in March of 2009. The August consumer sentiment report shows the average Walmart shopper is now as worried as she was in April 2009. It’s an odd juxtaposition: the economy is in much better shape but there is a pervasive fear we are on the precipice of another 2008-09 event. We acknowledge there are risks about. But, for the first time in almost a year, many companies are cheap. World dominating companies like Walmart and Microsoft are

FITE | CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Business Spotlight

Denton Business Chronicle

City: Incentives attract business, bring tax revenue By Lowell Brown

Denton businesses and developers are expected to receive more than $1 million next year in tax abatements and other incentives from the city, and those costs could rise in coming years as several new incentive agreements take effect. But city officials say the benefits of the agreements — rising property values, higher sales and new jobs — should far outweigh the cost. “It’s not just an additional expense; it’s additional [tax] revenue as well,” said Bryan Langley, the city’s chief financial officer. “Revenues will more than cover the additional expense that we have.” The City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday night on the $585.4 million proposed budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Incentive agreements aren’t affected by budget votes, but the agreements affect city budgets for years to come by tying up future tax revenue. Denton has 13 tax incentive agreements that are either active or expected to kick in over the next two years, according to interviews and city records. The council approved them at various times over a decade, and they affect the budget in different ways. In some cases, the city simply never collects the tax revenue. In others, the city writes the business a refund check. In every case, the city asked for something in return, ranging from a new or expanded manufacturing plant, to road improvements, to a certain number of new jobs created. City officials say every dollar given in tax incentives means

many more are invested in the local economy. Most recently, the council approved a $9.5 million incentive agreement last month with two Dallas-based companies that planned to spend an estimated $60 million to redevelop Golden Triangle Mall. Linda Ratliff, the city’s economic development director, said tax incentives can be critical to attracting and keeping jobs in Denton. Incentives were seen as key in attracting several major businesses in recent years, including oil services company Schlumberger Ltd., which Gainesville was courting. “I wish we lived in a world where we didn’t have to give incentives, but we are in competition with other cities out there,” Ratliff said. “If you’re not out there involved in these projects, there’s a good chance you’re not going to get any of them.” ‘ZERO-SUM GAME’ Not everyone agrees. “I’m convinced that tax incentives are not the decision-making factor when it comes to a business location or expansion,” said Bernard Weinstein, a professor of business economics at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business who has studied the issue. “Mainly that’s because savings from state and local tax breaks are fairly minimal if you look at overall operating expenses at most businesses.” Also, since companies can write off state and local taxes on federal tax returns, incentive agreements increase their federal taxable income, lessening their actual benefit, he said. Weinstein said incentives have become a “zero-sum game” because most local governments

Sep. 11

Shoppers are pictured at Golden Triangle Mall in July 2010. File photo by David Minton

offer the same basic package. Even if a company picks Denton over McKinney, he said, the economic benefit is the same to the North Texas region. “My opinion is based on my own experience and scholarly research over 60 years that found they’re not the game changer,” Weinstein said. “They rank fairly low on the list of factors a business considers when looking for a place to build or expand.” ECONOMIC IMPACT The Rayzor Ranch, Unicorn Lake and Denton Crossing developments are expected to receive a combined $960,000 in the next year under performance-based sales tax incentive agreements, according to city budget estimates. Peterbilt Motors, Fastenal, Aldi Inc. and Sally Beauty are expected to receive more than $300,000 in partial property tax abatements on buildings, equipment or inventory. A property tax incentive agreement with Schlumberger is expected to kick in next year, but a cost estimate was not immediately available. The incentive agreement for Rayzor Ranch, a mixed-use project under development at Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 380, is expected to take effect in the spring. The $62 million agreement, approved in 2007, was expected to kick in last year but didn’t because the project

failed to open enough business space. Denton needs incentive agreements because, unlike many Texas cities, it hasn’t set aside part of its sales tax rate for economic development, Ratliff said. The state’s sales tax rate is 6.25 percent, and cities can collect up to 2 percent for local needs, for a total cap of 8.25 percent. Denton reached its sales tax cap after dedicating 0.5 percent to help form the Denton County Transportation Authority. “Our competition is cities with a pot of dollars that they can be very flexible with in trying to get folks to locate to their city,” Ratliff said. “If Denton had a half-cent sales tax, we would probably have a budget of $6 [million] or $7 million a year” to offer incentives. A report by the city’s economic development department in 2009, the most recent available, said the city received a 385 percent return on investment from tax incentives approved in the prior decade. According to the report, the city awarded $3.16 million in incentives between 1999 and 2009 and saw an increase in property and sales tax revenues of $12.18 million. However, the report assumed the companies would not have built or expanded in Denton without incentives. The report also credits incentives with creating 2,445 new jobs

but doesn’t differentiate between low- or high-wage positions. Ratliff said incentives are given mainly because Denton is actively competing with other cities. “Is it the only factor? Maybe not, but that’s the investment the city has to make to ensure that we have the businesses and the tax base and the quality jobs,” Ratliff said. “These are agreements [with obligations]. We aren’t just writing checks like some of the other cities are.” Denton has lost projects during negotiations when it wouldn’t offer as much as developers wanted, Ratliff said. When agreements are reached, developers rarely get everything they asked for, she said. ICING ON THE CAKE John Baen, a real estate professor at the University of North Texas, said he believes Denton needs to offer incentive agreements to compete with other cities in the region, especially considering the city’s reputation for having rigid building standards. Still, Baen said, an incentive isn’t the only factor in a company’s decision to build or expand. Tax abatements are the icing on the cake for developers, he said, not the cake. LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbrown@ dentonrc.com.

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Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Enterprising Voices FITE | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

priced as if they will shrink even though their current operations are growing strongly. Several of the largest banks in the U.S. are trading below book value, the net value of their assets. In more normal times, banks often trade at a significant premium to book value. Meanwhile, investors are again signing up for a guaranteed loss to buy overpriced government bonds. Crazy! This stands in contrast to what we found just eight to nine months ago. In January, the prices of government bonds were falling and only a few bargains in the stock market were to be found. As a result, our fund held almost 50 percent cash at the time, as most companies were either fairly or richly priced. But August brought several bargains our way, or

enabled us to add to undervalued holdings, which became even cheaper. The key is to understand that macro-related risks are real, and may cause turmoil in your portfolio. Companies you own at a discount might fall by half again. But, if your analyses of intrinsic value are correct, such events can be wonderful opportunities to load up on even greater bargains. In today’s market, it is paramount that investors take the time to understand the value of the businesses they own, compare that to the price they are being offered, and act accordingly. If the market goes on sale, then like Buffett, go shopping. JONATHAN FITE is managing partner of KMF Investments. Comments may be sent to Jonathon.Fite@ KMFInvestments.com.

DentonRC.com/businesschronicle

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Monthly News Roundup

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city budget that would hold the tax rate steady, boost spending on streets and raise utility rates to help fund infrastructure projects got a warm reception Thursday from the City Council. But a plan to offer employees 2 percent raises will face more scrutiny before the council votes to approve the budget Sept. 20. Council members met for more than four hours to hear a report on the proposed budget, which would guide city spending for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1. Unlike recent budgets, the proposed spending plan doesn’t use reserves to balance recurring costs and revenues, City Manager George Campbell said. The proposal would allocate more than $1 million in reserve funds for several one-time costs, including street improvements and an update to the city’s comprehensive plan. 8-6

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Sep. 11

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Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Enterprising Voices

Be prepared with Be Alert program A

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s a requirement for graduation, every Leadership Denton class must complete a group project. Typically we provide the subject and objectives, based on pressing needs or issues of the time. That’s not always been the Chuck CARPENTER | case. Ten years ago, we left it to the our original Be Alert program class to come up with its own and, with some helpful revigraduation project when it convened in August 2001. The topic sions, has volunteered to coordinate an initial round of Be Alert they chose was emergency precertifications for all interested paredness. chamber members. Less than a month later, our We will officially launch this nation experienced the events of process on Sept. 23 during the 9/11. chamber membership lunchAlthough the circumstances were manmade and much larger eon. Michele Barber, co-chairwoman of the chamber’s Be in geographic scope, the 9/11 Alert committee attacks demonand 2001 gradustrated that one Although the ate of Leadership must always be Denton, will give prepared for a circumstances a brief presentacatastrophic inciwere manmade tion on how the dent, both at home and at and much larger program works. Edward will be one’s business. in geographic available to Prior to their scope, the 9/11 schedule on-site graduation in appraisals. spring 2002, the attacks RepresenLeadership demonstrated tatives from both Denton class that one must the Denton fire unveiled the Be and police Alert program. always be departments have Consisting of a prepared for a met with Michele basic checklist, catastrophic and Edward, the program enables business incident, both at offering their support and owners and home and at assistance. managers to At a minicompare and one’s business. mum, our intent evaluate their is to have the site and basic checklist on the chamber resources to the Be Alert recommendations, and ultimately earn website. More details will be available soon. a certification. Fortunately, one of our newest CHUCK CARPENTER is chamber members, Edward president of the Denton Patterson, has a private business Chamber of Commerce. He can that implements and coordibe reached at 940-382-9693 or nates emergency preparedness dcoc@denton-chamber.org. measures. Edward has reviewed

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Enterprising Voices

Business Mixers

Cost-of-living calculator helps in relocation decision

University of North Texas

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hen a company, or an individual, is considering locating to Denton, a tremendous amount of due diligence goes into making that decision. First and foremost, the question they must ask is “Can I, and/or my employees, afford to live in Denton?” To help answer that question, we at the Denton Economic Development Partnership have just added the ACCRA Cost of Living Index Calculator to our website. The index is produced by the Council for Community and Economic Research and provides a useful and reasonably accurate measure of cost-of-living differences among urban areas.

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Denton Business Chronicle

A $22 million gift to the University of North Texas was announced Aug. 15 in the Silver Eagle Suite of the University Union. With his pledge, Thai businessman and UNT alumnus Charn Uswachoke has given UNT the largest single gift in the university’s history. The $22 million gift will be divided among the university’s College of Music, College of Engineering and College of Business.

The Denton EDP is pleased to be able to provide this information. Karen DICKSON | If someone is considering moving to Denton from another city, the cost-of-living calculator will provide information on average prices in different areas. Items in the cost comparison include: groceries, housing, transportation, utilities and health care. It also reports the salary adjustment one will need to maintain his or her current

standard of living. The Denton EDP is pleased to be able to provide this information. To use the Cost of Living Calculator, visit www.dentonedp.com/business _location/cost_of_living_calc. asp. Courtesy photo by Michael Clements

KAREN DICKSON is the vice president of economic development for the Denton Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at vp@denton edp.com.

Martha Len Nelson, left, Georgia Caraway, and Elizabeth and Harry Joe are pictured at the announcement Aug. 15 at UNT.

Mix with us Tell about your event or send photos

E-mail photos (200 DPI or higher) to drc@dentonrc.com

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10 Business Mixers

Denton Business Chronicle

Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Denton

Sep. 11

Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Denton raised $1,000 for Wilson Elementary School through its Drive for Kids program during the school’s field day in May. The school received a $10 contribution for each parent who took a Town & Country minivan for a test drive. The Drive for Kids program began in 1993 and has contributed nearly $4 million to schools across the country so far. “We are pleased to support local schools and enjoy demonstrating a terrific world-class product,” said general manager Rick Wick.

Rick Wick, general manager of the dealership, left; Wilson Elementary PTA members Jennifer Vigil and Lynn Davenport, and Chris Mueller, the dealership's sales manager Courtesy photo

Texas Health Surgery Center Denton Texas Health Surgery Center Denton hosted a National Ambulatory Surgery Center open house on Aug. 10. ASCs are facilities where surgeries that do not require a hospital admission are performed. Patients who elect to have surgery in an ASC arrive on the day of their procedure, have the surgery in a fully equipped operating room and recover under the care of the facility’s nursing staff, all without hospital admission, officials with the hospital said.

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Laura Furr, left, Chuck Lopez and Robert Admire attend the open house.

Please recycle this paper.

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Monthly News Roundup | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

credit union has made in its 75 years is that it is no longer just for teachers, which is why in 2004 the credit union officially changed its name from Denton Area Teachers Credit Union to DATCU. 8-7

Chuy’s holds ‘Preview Day’ at Unicorn Lake Chuy’s had an invitation-only “Preview Day” on Monday to celebrate its grand opening at 3300 Wind River Lane in Unicorn Lake. Close to 200 people were given an opportunity to see the restaurant’s interior and taste some of the restaurant’s dishes for free, said general manager David Cooper. The event also served as a fundraiser for an organization

that supports children in need. The restaurant has filled 184 full- and part-time positions. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 940-228-0555.

New business provides service for seniors With the goal of assisting seniors with their day-to-day tasks, the Chalet Senior Concierge Service began its first official day of business July 25. Chris Peterson and his daughter, Nicole, decided to put their thoughts into action, according to a news release. Peterson, who recently retired from a government career, began volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program, where he met seniors and saw a

need to offer additional assistance. His daughter will graduate from the University of North Texas in the fall with a sociology degree focusing on gerontology and plans to help with the business. For more information, call 940-390-0265 or visit www.chaletseniors.com. 8-8

Corinth property tax rate likely to drop CORINTH — The City Council has signaled that next year’s property tax rate will likely drop, a move made possible by higher-than-expected values on the city’s property tax rolls this year. Corinth added about $2 million in values to its property tax rolls this year, a gain council member John Booher called a

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“feather in the city’s cap” when considering the overall condition of the economy. During last week’s regular meeting, the council declined to schedule public hearings and notifications that were required to set any rate higher than the effective tax rate. Corinth’s effective tax rate for 2011 is 59.135 cents per $100 valuation, which is lower than the current rate of 59.292 cents per $100 valuation.

awards in recent years. Winners of this year’s competition will be announced Nov. 3. Love Shack was named a finalist in the Best Adaptive Reuse category after celebrity chef Tim Love renovated a former barbershop into the restaurant on East Hickory Street. 35 Denton, a four-day music festival in March, previously known as 35 Conferette, is a finalist in the Best Promotional Event category.

8-9

8-11

Love Shack, 35 Denton named awards finalists

Minority populations on the rise in county

Love Shack and 35 Denton music festival both were named finalists Monday in the 2011 Texas Downtown Association Presidents Awards Program. Denton’s downtown program has captured a number of finalist nominations as well as

New data shows Denton County’s black and Hispanic populations doubled between 2000 and 2010, outpacing the overall population growth rate in the county, according to statistics | CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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12 Cover Story

Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Small business, big passion By Rachel Mehlhaff | Photography by David Minton

Tonya Adam wasn’t happy with her corporate job. She didn’t wake up excited to go to work. But when her friend suggested she open her own business, she scoffed. “Yeah, when pigs fly,” she said. Little could she guess she'd eventually leave the corporate world and open a consignment store in Golden Triangle Mall — appropriately named When Pigs Fly. Like Adam, many people long

to leave their 9-to-5s behind and venture out on their own. And their reasons are endless. Chuck Scott also wanted to leave “corporate America.” After retiring from Texas Instruments, Bob Moses wanted to launch a

business that would keep him connected to Europe, his home of 13 years. And Ken Willis thought that owning his own business might just be in his genes. No matter their reasons, local

small business owners agree it takes a lot of work to make the business a success. It’s rewarding, they say, but also packed with challenges people don’t come up against when working for someone else. Many factors — such as startup costs, the market for the product, location and the economy — have to be considered. “Make sure there’s a market before you get started,” said Pam Livingston, small business development specialist at the Denton

ABOVE: Customers order ice cream at Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain on Denton’s downtown Square on Aug. 31. Chamber of Commerce. If there’s a lot of competition in the market the business owner hopes to crack, he or she needs to develop a business plan and a focus, Livingston said. Sometimes the obstacles can be insurmountable — which is why an exit strategy needs to be

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put in place, said Julie Glover, the city’s economic development program administrator. Glover echoed Livingston’s note on planning. Starting a business without a plan is like going on vacation without a map, she said, and one must plan ahead about three to five years. Aspiring business owners need to ask themselves how much they’re willing to invest before pulling out, Glover said, because opening a business is like starting a home improvement project — it always takes more work than you expected. “You better be passionate about whatever it is you’re opening,” she said — lest the business owner risk burning out.

STARTING UP For Tonya Adam, opening her own business was about passion. She didn’t open When Pigs Fly last year to make a million dollars, she said — she was taking a step toward a dream. And she knew it would be tough. Adam decided early on that she didn’t want to take out a loan. Instead, she sold her gold jewelry. Beforehand, she told herself if she didn’t have at least $800 worth, she wouldn’t start the business. She had more than $900. That money along with gifts from her parents gave Adam about $3,400 to start. Because it wasn’t a lot, she knew her business would have to succeed immediately or else it wasn’t going to work out. It has, in fact, worked out. “I could walk away from it right now and I’d be OK financially,” she said. Adam said it was a challenge in the beginning to let the community know her shop was open. And even in the slow season, she has to adhere to the mall’s hours. During the holidays when the mall stays open later, she has to stay open later as well. “If you want to be in a big mall, then you got to play the big game,” Adam said. Unlike Adam, passion didn’t drive Bob Moses to start his own business. He wanted to stay connected to the 13 years he lived in Europe.

Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Tonya Adam is pictured Aug. 27 in her consignment and home decor store When Pigs Fly in Golden Triangle Mall.

FOR MORE INFO The city and the chamber have resources to help people considering opening a small business. For more information, call the Small Business Development Center at 940-380-1849.

So Moses started a wholesale glass art and crystal business in the downtown Denton building that now houses Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain and Mad World Records. The building was bigger than he needed, so half was leased to Beth Marie’s. During the early 2000s, when Moses bought the building, the Square wasn’t an ideal location for a storefront because it hadn’t yet been revitalized. Despite this, he and his wife decided to use the front of their wholesale business for Elements of Design, a home accessories, gifts, apparel and jewelry shop. “That’s a challenge for small business: picking demographics and location,” Moses said. Moses said Beth Marie’s had a

A Beth Marie’s customer points at the flavor she wants. lot to do with the Square’s rebirth. TAKING OVER While some start from the ground up like Adam and Moses, others take over an existing business — along with the customers, product and reputation that come with it. When Ken Willis decided to branch out on his own — with a little nudging from his wife — after working for a Grandy’s franchise, he decided to go with a business that was already

established. “My wife finally convinced me I needed to quit making money for a big chain,” Willis said. He took over Ruby’s Diner about 15 years ago, after it had already been in business nine years. Willis also took over Beth Marie’s along with Moses. It had only been around three years but the name was already recognized around the community. “You have to go with what they [the former owners] already established,” Willis said. But although he took over the

brand and the concept, there were some problems Willis wanted to address. Beth Marie’s was originally closed on Sundays, which Willis thought was a bad idea, and Ruby’s food quality needed to be improved. After he got on board, Beth Marie’s expanded its operating hours to Sunday, but it took years for people to realize the change. Willis said it’s less expensive to take over an existing restaurant because the high-priced restaurant equipment has already been purchased. “The restaurant business is very hard,” he added. He recently sold Ruby’s Diner in order to focus on running Beth Marie’s with Moses. Chuck Scott also took on the challenge of continuing an established brand when he bought WIK Candle in April 2007. But it wasn’t a passion for selling candles that drove him — it was his desire to leave the corporate world. “I learned to love the candles | CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

Cover Story | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

later,� he said. He had owned a clothing business for 18 months before taking over WIK but decided to shut that down when he purchased the candle company. And business was good when he took over the shop on the Square. During the 2007 holiday season, he opened a store in Golden Triangle Mall, which received more foot traffic than the Square store. As a result, he left the latter store altogether the next spring because not only was business better at the mall, rent was cheaper. During the 2008 holiday, he

opened a short-lived second location in Grapevine Mills mall. “Rent was so high compared to what our sales were� in Grapevine, Scott said. When starting a business, his advice is: “Whatever you think it’s going to cost to start the business, triple that.� He also suggested potential business owners control expenses by seeing where they can cut back. But even cutting back doesn’t always solve the problem, especially when the economy has taken a turn for the worse. SHUTTING DOWN Scott recently shuttered his

store in Golden Triangle Mall. “The decision to sell was hard,� Scott said. “I loved having my own business. I love the product and still do.� He said it was just getting hard to justify staying open. He was struggling to make ends meet, and the stress of owning his own business was putting a strain on his family. “A lot of this, too, was just horrible timing,� Scott said. Both 2007 and 2008 were really good years for business, but in 2009, the store began to struggle as the U.S. economy bottomed out. Businesses that peddle nonessential items, such as candles,

are often hit first and hardest when money gets tight, he said. Despite the downturn, Scott said he “tried to wait it out.�

Going from 2009 into 2010, sales were down 30 percent, he

| CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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said. And at the start of 2011, sales were down another 30 percent. This spring, Scott decided there were no more cash reserves to support the store. He said it came down to two options: remain in the mall but add more products to draw new customers, or shut down. “We can’t just continue doing it the way we’re doing it,” he said. He searched for another local business owner who might want to team up on the venture, but it didn’t work out. He ended up merging with the online business Mostly Memories Candle Co. “There’s a lot more potential for the brand to grow,” Scott said of the merger, adding that Mostly Memories Candle Co. has representatives around the country. “It’s a chance I guess for | CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

ADVICE FROM A SCORE COUNSELOR Ernie Wendling, financial counselor for the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), said the first step people need to take when starting a business is to do market research and find out if they have a realistic opportunity with the product they are selling. It is also not easy to get a loan from the bank. “When it gets to the question of financing, it gets very, very difficult these days,” Wendling said. Having a business plan can help when it comes to getting a loan because banks want to know if the business will be successful. Wendling said that when people come in to talk to him, they often don’t have a business plan. Make one. Wendling counsels small business owners on Wednesday mornings at South Branch Library. For more information, visit www.score.org.

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Denton Business Chronicle

Sep. 11

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the brand to live on.� He said it’s wise to have an exit strategy — in theory. But business owners become passionate and want to succeed, so they end up pushing the business further and putting more money into it than first planned. They never even develop or execute an exit strategy until it’s too late. “After a while, you start digging in a little deeper,� Scott said. “It becomes a pride thing, too. You do anything you can to make it succeed, and it’s hard.� But Scott said he doesn’t completely blame the economic downturn because, looking back, there are things he would have done differently. “It’s hard to step away from it,� Scott said. For Bob Moses, shutting down Elements of Design after 12 years in business wasn’t an easy decision either. Moses and his wife, Joanne, said it wasn’t about the economy or because business wasn’t good — it was about having free time. “My wife and I felt it was time to get a little more time for ourselves,� Moses said. “And the retail business does nail you down really strong.� And although the economic downturn didn’t directly affect the business’s end, it did mean Moses had make staff cuts, which required him and his family to be there more during the shop’s operating hours — eight hours a day, six days a week. “We’d like to have a little more free time,� he said. The couple considered the decision for two or three years before they actually decided to shut it down. CHALLENGING BUT WORTH IT Moses said opening a business is a personal commitment. “It’s much more time-intensive and stress-intensive� than most people think, he said. Glover, the economic development program administrator, said in the first five years, 90

Vital Statistics “After a while, you start digging in a little deeper. It becomes a pride thing, too. You do anything you can to make it succeed, and it’s hard.� — Chuck Scott, former owner of WIK Candle

percent of restaurants go out of business. Besides sacrificing a lot of their time, a business owner has to be prepared to wear many hats, Moses said, and go from manager to employee when needed. But it can also be rewarding. He has enjoyed getting to know the community. “The upside of small business is you get to be very personal with customers,� Moses said. Small business, he said, is the heart of the community. Since the city’s decisions affect his business, Moses has gotten more involved in the community and Denton government than he ever imagined. For example, he joined the Downtown Task Force to help shape the city’s future. “I never dreamed I’d be interested in something like that,� Moses said. Livingston said patience and persistence are key when starting a business. “A lot of people will quit before they’re successful,� she said. Although the economic downturn has made generating an income pretty difficult, the Denton economy is good compared with other places, Livingston said. “We’re pretty well insulated here,� she said. RACHEL MEHLHAFF can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is rmehlhaff@dentonrc.com.

OIL AND GAS LISTINGS The following oil and gas reports for the month of August were posted by oilandgasreports.com LLC, P.O. Box 1540, Corpus Christi, TX 78403. For more information, visit www.oilandgasreports.com. DENTON COUNTY Lease: Addington Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 534.59-acre unit, T. Polk Survey, A-998; 1 mile SE of Krum Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8786' Lease: Addington Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 534.59-acre unit, T. Polk Survey, A-998; 1 mile SE of Krum Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8903' Lease: Alliance Speedway Unit Operator: Quicksilver Resources Inc. Location: 816.85-acre unit, M. Polk Survey, A-993; 1.8 miles SW of Justin Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 7694'

Total Depth: 9000' Lease: DCCO “3�- Pennington Gas Unit A Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 3263.65-acre unit, J. Myers Survey, A-825; 3 miles N of Justin Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000' Lease: DCCO “3�- Pennington Gas Unit A Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 3263.65-acre unit, J. Myers Survey, A-825; 3 miles N of Justin Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000'

Operator: Williams Prod. Gulf Coast LP Location: 483.54-acre unit, MEP&P RR Co. Survey, No. 59, A-935; 4.7 miles NW of Flower Mound Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8294' Lease: Dr. Bob Smith “B� East Operator: Williams Prod. Gulf Coast LP Location: 210.1146-acre unit, MEP&P RR Co./N.A. Thompson Survey, No. 60, A-1307; 3.7 miles W of Flower Mound Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8180' Lease: Dr. Bob Smith “C� East Operator: Williams Prod. Gulf Coast LP Location: 210.3606-acre unit, MEP&P RR Co./L.K. Heath Survey, No. 60, A-1597; 3 miles W of Flower Mound Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8195' Lease: Dr. Bob Smith “B� West Operator: Williams Prod. Gulf Coast LP

| CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Lease: Dr. Bob Smith “A�

Lease: Alliance Speedway Unit Operator: Quicksilver Resources Inc. Location: 816.85-acre unit, M. Polk Survey, A-993; 1.8 miles SW of Justin Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 7531'

Lease: Alliance Hugg Unit Operator: Quicksilver Resources Inc. Location: 238.263-acre unit, H. Perry Survey, A-1022; 4.402 miles NE of Haslet Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 7943' Lease: B. Yarbrough-Cdgua (SA) “A� Operator: Devon Energy Operating Company LP Location: 3838.56-acre lease, C. Manchaca Survey, A789; 3.3 miles SE of Ponder Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000' Lease: Biltmore Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 962.99-acre lease, Hrs. C. Manchaca Survey, A-789; 2.5 miles SE of Ponder Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000' Lease: Biltmore Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 962.99-acre lease, Hrs. C. Manchaca Survey, A-789; 2.5 miles SE of Ponder Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000'

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Denton Business Chronicle

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Denton Business Chronicle

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Vital Statistics ASSUMED NAMES

LIENS

The following names (followed by DBA and address) were posted in August in the Denton County Clerk’s Office. 410 HK Enterprises Inc., Howdy Doody Food Store, 2824 N. Locust St., Denton Adah L. Freeman and Lynette Freeman, Texas Pet Bed and Breakfast, 2001 Hickory Hill Road, Argyle Adrian A. Oliveira, ARO-Gusher/Showdown, 7160 Barthold Road, Denton Ahmed S. Alvi, Dream Biz, 2505 Collee Park Drive, Denton Alan R. Miller, Lee's Transmission II, 1202 Fort Worth Drive, Denton Alana M. Ralphs and Eric S. Ralphs, Tezani Realty Group, 210 S. Elm St., Suite 105, Denton Amanee T. Threats, Rhythm and Flow Massage Therapy, 1446 Whitewater Drive, Little Elm Amy L. Hendricks, Amy Hendricks Photography, 2844 Appaloosa Court, Little Elm Anne S. Cooper, Eye Candy Jewlz, 562 S. Division, Pilot Point Anne S. Cooper, Eye Kandy Jewlz, 562 S. Division, Pilot Point Anne S. Cooper, Les Bijoux Jewelry Collection, 562 S. Division, Pilot Point Anne S. Cooper, Singing Stones, 562 S. Division, Pilot Point Antonio M. Ramirez, A.R. Construction and Lawn Services, 400 Stone Ridge, Ponder Arlene C. Pfeil and Michael E. Pfeil, A Walk Through the Heaven and Hell (Sharp Focus Ministries LLC Series 23), 11300 Brandon Drive, Denton Arlene C. Pfeil and Michael E. Pfeil, A Walk Through the Mall (Sharp Focus Ministries LLC Series 2), 11300 Brandon Drive, Denton Arlene C. Pfeil and Michael E. Pfeil, A Walk Through the Market (Sharp Focus Ministries LLC Series 4), 11300 Brandon Drive, Denton Arlene C. Pfeil and Michael E. Pfeil, The Fifth Seal in

The following liens were posted in August at the Denton County Clerk’s office.

Sharp Focus (Sharp Focus Ministries LLC Series 1), 11300 Brandon Drive, Denton Ashley D. Damron, Shine N' Fly, 329 Rodecke Road, Krum Barton D. Hege, BH Shooting Supply, 320 E. Hickory Ridge Circle, Argyle Berry L. Warrum, Midtown Roofing and Construction, 3402 Windsor Parkway, Corinth Blake Brownlee and Stehen B. Brownlee, Blake Brownlee Music, 2114 Vintage Drive, Corinth Bo Carver, Donald E. Carver, KEEP (Kids Educaitonal Entertainment Program), 12010 Knight Lane, Ponder Brad A. Foster, Brad Foster Saddle and Boot Shop, 9830 Plainview Road, Krum Brenda V. Martinez and Marcos Torres Jr., B&M Cleaning Company, 3222 Andalosian Road, Denton Brigette Lopez, Yiyis Cleaning, 1545 Lakeshore Drive, Little Elm Brittany L. Loveall, BioCore CPR Professionals, 5921 Brookside Drive, Argyle Carlos E. Hernandez, Cedar Innovations, 1800 Preston on the Lake, No. 131, Little Elm Charles M. Johnson, Wicked Customs, 3054 Morning Star Drive, Little Elm Chase R. Robbins, The Virgin Wolves, 316 Audra Lane, Apt. K, Denton Chris Luginbyhl and William C. Luginbyhl, Lugie's Electrical Work, 6644 Rector Road, Sanger Christi L. Weems, Christi Lynn, 1722 Duck Cove, Aubrey Christine C. Phillips, Three Birds Treasures, 214 Forestview Road, Hickory Creek Cindy E. Shepard, The Tomato Pizza, 303 Bolivar St., Sanger Cory Womack, CW Services, 2620 Hereford Road,

STATE TAX LIENS NAME/ADDRESS A&M Brothers LLC, 1724 Bernard St. Christie Shelton Moreira, 1664 Wynfield Drive, Little Elm Herbert White Gas Co. Inc., 1204 W. University Drive, Suite 400 Hurricane Office Centre Inc., P.O. Box 50537 Maharani Imports Inc., 1720 E. Jeter Road, Bartonville

TYPE Limited sales, excise and use tax Limited sales, excise and use tax Unemployment Taxes, Interest Taxes and other charges Unemployment Taxes, Interest Taxes and other charges Unemployment Taxes, Interest Taxes and other charges

AMOUNT $871.64 $2,719.35 $995.41 $764.17 $873.16

REC. DATE 08/15/2011 08/17/2011 08/12/2011 08/04/2011 08/03/2011

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OIL AND GAS LISTINGS | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Location: 260.5209-acre unit, MEP&P RR Co./N.A. Thompson Survey, No. 60, A-1307; 3.7 miles W of Flower Mound Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8227' Lease: Dr. Bob Smith “C” West Operator: Williams Prod. Gulf Coast LP Location: 221.4301-acre unit, MEP&P RR Co./L.K. Heath Survey, No. 60, A-1597; 3.7 miles W of Flower Mound Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8193' Lease: Hardeman-Hardeman (SA) “A” Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 723.9-acre lease, M. Polk Survey, A-993; 1.25 miles SW of Justin Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000' Lease: Huey Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. LP Location: 534.17-acre unit, J.M. Ruiz Survey, A-1065; 4.6 miles NW of Krum Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9000'

Lease: Porter-Riley Operator: Devon Energy Production Co. Location: 213.91-acre unit, Y. Sanches Survey, A-1136; 1.8 miles NW of Krum Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8781' Lease: Stahlman Operator: Vantage Fort Worth Energy LLC Location: 156.57-acre unit, H. Roberts Survey, A-1070; 2.3 miles E of Slidell Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9500' Lease: Stahlman Operator: Vantage Fort Worth Energy LLC Location: 156.57-acre unit, H. Roberts Survey, A-1070; 2.3 miles E of Slidell Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 9500' Lease: Vaughn Operator: Eagleride Operating LLC Location: 60-acre unit, BBB&C RR Co. Survey, A-192; Within Denton Field: East Newark (Barnett Shale) Total Depth: 8880'

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Vital Statistics

Denton Business Chronicle

ASSUMED NAMES | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Denton Cynthia Buckingham, Caring Senior Service of Denton County, 102 W. Oak St., Suite 103, Denton Cynthia J. Pierce, The Myrtle Tree, 908 Hilton Place, Denton Dayton D. Arkansas, D-Ark Enterprises, 5705 Thoroughbred Trail, Denton Deedra Y. Walker, Many Miracles of Hope Inc., 4608 Fox Sedge Lane, Denton Denise H. Johnson, Sex Towels, 2208 W. Hickory St., Apt. 4, Denton Elizabeth A. Morris, Mi Real Estate Cloud, 1308 Teasley Lane, No. 112, Denton Elizabeth A. Morris, Mirealestatecloud.com, 1308 Teasley Lane, No. 112, Denton Elizabeth Enterprises, Stratus Building Solution of North Texas, 5301 E. McKinney, No. 213, Denton Fikri Hajrulla, Mix and Mismatch, 2007 Teasley Lane, No. 101, Denton Frances Sharp, Saint Frances Residential Homes, 2601 S. Mayhill Road, No. 204, Denton Gary A. Cook, Sage Acoustics, 8920 N. Locust St., Sanger Gerald G. Mangus, Mangos Restoration Service, P.O. Box 274, Aubrey Ginger R. Roberts, Ginger Roberts Photography, 6419 Green Valley Circle, Aubrey Gisell Reynaga, Garcia's Tire Service, 9610 Sleepy Hollow Trial, Little Elm Gregory L. Aven, G&M Investments LLC, 950 Copper Canyon Road, Argyle Gwenolyn R. Pitts, Classical Conversations of Little Elm/W. Frisco, 661 Spillway Drive, Little Elm Jack L. Hulstein, Landscaping Solutions, 603 N. Loop 288, Apt. H-8, Denton James D. Hawkins, Luxe Auto Sales, 29 Wellington Oaks Circle, Denton Janet K. Krafft and Jessica L. Martinez, Furry Creation, 11308 Dane Road, Pilot Point Janice C. Cundiff and Joe A. Cundiff, House Deals, 1037 Pioneer Circle E., Arygle Jason M. Ginder, Data iTool Services, 2401 E. McKinney St., No. 833, Denton Jeffrey D. Maren and Julie A. Maren, Ad-in Sports, 1502 Ash Lane, Corinth Jenny L. Harry, Jenny Harry Photography, 1828 Marlin Drive, Aubrey Jody Kuhl and Jolane S. Kuhl, Priority Scoping, 2404 Salado St., Denton John Morales, Toddlerbright 24-Hour Child Care, 1013 Springwood Drive, Lewisville John R. Lott and J.R. Lott Holdings, Pecan Grove Medical Park, 307 Johnson St., Denton Jose C. Portugal, Cruz Tire Shop, 5901 Edgewood Place, Suite B, Little Elm Jose R. Armendariz, Jose R. Armendariz, 2 Live Oak Lane, Lake Dallas Joyce J. Corley, Moolicious Farms, 4051 C.E. Howard Road, Ponder Juan J. Valdez, Kevin's Lawn and Tree Service, P.O. Box 1191, Argyle Juan J. Valdez, Lone Star Lawn and Landscaping, P.O. Box 1191, Argyle Juan J. Valdez, Operation Cut Lawn and Tree Service, P.O. Box 1191, Argyle Judy C. Ashman, Krum Farm and Feed Store, 610 N. FM156, Krum Julie A. Self, Club Canine, 7800 E. McKinney, Denton June R. Vorhis, Salon Vorhis, 105 N. Austin, Suite 105, Denton Keenan B. Morgan, Keberland Media, 2753 Mill Pond Road, Denton Kelly Walls-Dial, Clover Creek Ranch LLC, 529 Country Club Road, Argyle Kenneth J. Samansky, Premier Construction, 3001 N. Trinity Road, Denton Kenneth R. Stauver, KS Analytical Systems, 5998 Brook Stone Court, Aubrey Kevin Underwood and Michael K. Underwood, Classic Landscapes and Maintenance, 12412 FM2450, Sanger Kirsten Kaae, It Is About Time, 120 Forest St., Denton Kyle L. Armor, Nesports2, 4775 Lois Road W., Sanger Lance D. Drake, Drake's Modification Services, 9386 Running Bear Road, No. 9, Aubrey Lauren E. Potter, Fast Forward to Yes, 1122 Vine St., No. 3, Denton Leander V. Green, Lee Green Basketball, 5304 Prince Drive, Lake Dallas Levi C. Brand, L.C.B. Dealer Services, 2502 Whetstone Drive, Corinth Ligia R. Uscanga, Superclips, 111 E. University Drive, No. 106, Denton

Linda Hawks, Relief Veterinary Technician Service (RVTS), 15424 Stice Road, Krum Linda T. Rollins, Rollins Rules, 7407 Somerset Lane, Aubrey Linda T. Rollins, The Bellewood Group, 7407 Somerset Lane, Aubrey Louis A. Camponovo, Buchshot, 1111 Fannin St., Denton Lu A. Knost, LuAnn Knost Designs, 9427 Yellow Rose Lane, Pilot Point Luis C. Rodriguez and Rauqel H. Ruiz, E.S.R. Fence, 9008 Wagon Trail, Cross Roads Mae E. Works and Anthony Works, Julies Jumers, 2703 Woodhaven St., Denton Manuel R. Rodriguez, Mechanicos Mexican Food, 1006 S. Stemmons, Lake Dallas Mary E. Barnhouse, Sonya K. Mize and Cindy R. Taylor, The Green Ring, 2617 Lonesome Oak Drive, Corinth Mary J. Ogershok, Painted Treasures, 316 Chestnut Drive, Lake Dallas McBride Ministries LLC, Bibles for Babes, 2639 Greyhawk Drive, Little Elm McBride Ministries LLC, Lions Den, 2639 Greyhawk Drive, Little Elm MD Masud Reza, EZChek, No. 4, 811 E. Agle Drive, Denton Michael E. Rohan II, TBRC of Frisco, 2405 FM423, No. 300-715, Little Elm Mustang RV Park LLC, FM1385 Flea Market/Trade Days, 9495 FM1385, Pilot Point Mustang RV Park LLC, Mustang RV, 9495 FM1385, Pilot Point Nancy G. Beck, Charlie Beck's Garage, 505 N. Elm, Denton Narumol M. Bargas, Nars Pro Tax and Services, 5001 Par Drive, No. 3251, Denton Nathan Blouse, The Safe Place, 2612 Hilcroft Ave., Denton Ocean Partners LLC, OPL Equipment, 2765 Florance Road, Ponder Oscar Ndereva and Anthony N. Njuguna, Sunwise Global, 2765 Eldorado Parkway, Suite, 215-106, Little Elm Pamela J. Spillman, Fancy Farms, 8625 Lamar St., Sanger Prescott B. Smith, Crosslan Hunting Accessories, 82 Alice St., Denton Ratosha R. Mejia, Tricare Supported Living Services, 1815 Caladium, Corinth Rebecca J. Kelley, Fit to be Brides, 4571 Running Branch Road, Aubrey Richard A. Meinen, Meinen Farms, 10304 FM1385, Pilot Point Rodney W. Haire, Dom Fightgear, 1120 N. Locust St., Denton Ruben Erazo, Subito Sound Studio, 724 Smokerise Circle, Denton Sae Chul Oh, Sonny Donuts, No. 8, 2650 King Road, No. 300, Little Elm Sam Pell and Susan A. Pell, Rockin S Ranch, 2586 Big Sky Trail, Ponder Sandra I. Draper, Bumble Bee Paperie, 420A Carlisle Court, Argyle Self Pet Kennel, Club Canine, 7800 E. McKinney, Denton Shannon M. Olson, White Buffalo Construction, 4937 Stuart Road, No. 131, Denton Shawn E. Cagle, Cagle Bail Bonds, 1602 McKinney St., Denton Shawn E. Cagle, Cagle Pre-Trial Bail Bonds, 1602 McKinney St., Denton Shawn E. Cagle, Pre-Trial Bail Bonds, 1602 McKinney St., Denton Sherri K. Dean and Joseph T. Lafleur, Famous Flipbooks, P.O. Box 362, Aubrey Stanley W. Light, Light Works, 1119 Thomas St., Denton Stephanie Kille an Stephanie L. Taylor, Blissful Gypsy, 9824 Blueridge Circle, Pilot Point Steve Hodges, SRR Technologies, 8454 Crestview Road, Sanger Stewart L. Hoffman, Denton Assisted Living LP, 1357 Bernard St., Denton Susan J. Horton, Finish Line Kwik Kar Wash, 2417 Highway 423, Little Elm Tanza R. Brock, JHC Photography, 1705 Coper Leaf Drive, Corinth Tate D. Vinson Jr. and Taylor D. Vinson, Grand Traditions, 2816 Church Drive, Corinth Victor M. Rodriguez, Verde Landscapng, 1800 Preston on the Lake, No. 342, Little Elm Xavier Alonzo Jr., Overhead Door, 521 Witt Road, Little Elm Xavier Henton, All My X's, 1025 Broken Spoke Drive, Little Elm Zachary T. Peterson, Peterson New Media, 316 Fry St., Apt. 214, Denton

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Monthly News Roundup

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released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. As they collected data last year, census officials especially sought accurate information about the country’s racial and ethnic diversity. According to the latest figures, in 10 years the Latino population in Denton County has more than doubled. Of the 662,614 residents of the county, 18 percent of them are of Latino descent. In Denton, Latinos account for 21 percent of the city’s 113,383 residents. The percentage of county residents who identified themselves as white decreased from 82 percent in 2000 to 75 percent in 2010. Blacks made up 8 percent of the population, and Asians made up nearly 7 percent. 8-12

Denton businesses, police discuss crime Members of the Denton Main Street Association and the Industrial Guild met Thursday morning with local law enforcement agencies to discuss efforts to curb criminal activity around the downtown Square. Denton police and Denton County sheriff’s deputies also heard from business owners and residents about what kind of law enforcement presence is needed in the downtown area. “We want to know what’s important to you,� Denton police Lt. David Hildebrand said. “We’re looking to dedicate some officers to downtown and need your help in setting what our agenda is going to be.� Hildebrand said the police department has been discussing the recent spate of graffiti cases and said officers were working with the county to address concerns about the Courthouse on the Square grounds. One idea being considered to discourage loitering, he said, was running sprinklers in the early morning hours. The county also is mulling a use restriction policy that would make it clear when county prop-

erty was and wasn’t open to the public. 8-13

Precinct maps OK’d by commissioners Denton County commissioners are ready to submit the new precinct maps to the Department of Justice for final approval. Commissioners gave final approval this week to new boundaries for the four commissioner precincts, the six constable and justice of the peace precincts, and 145 individual voting precincts. County officials are required to redraw precinct lines in response to changes from new census data compiled every decade. Commissioners appointed a 15-member committee including political, minority and citizen representatives to review the

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plans. Commissioners came up with a proposal of their own and gave it to the citizen committee as a guideline. The committee made some changes and suggestions for the new maps, and sent those back to commissioners, who had the final say.

according to a Denton RecordChronicle analysis of state data. At 35 percent of the city’s total debt, that means more than $825 of the $2,352 the city of Denton currently owes for every man, woman and child was authorized only by the City Council, not by voters.

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City debt mostly out of voters’ hands

City injects $9.5 million into mall renovation

Area residents must depend on the wisdom of Congress to set the national debt level. Increasingly, they must depend on their city council to set the local debt level, too. By issuing certificates of obligation, area cities have borrowed hundreds of millions without putting the matter before voters. The city of Denton carries about $238 million in certificates, the most certificate debt of any city in Denton County,

The Denton City Council on Tuesday approved a $9.5 million incentive agreement meant to spur the redevelopment of Golden Triangle Mall. The council voted 6-0 to approve the agreement with two Dallas-based companies that plan to buy and renovate the mall at Loop 288 and Interstate 35E. Council member Chris Watts was absent. The agreement will allow the proposed mall owners, the

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MGHerring Group and Cencor Realty Services, to recoup some of their investment over time through new sales taxes generated at the mall. The companies recently formed GTM Development Ltd. as a joint venture to buy and redevelop the mall. Renovations are scheduled to start by the end of the year with a grand reopening planned for fall 2012, the companies said in a news release. Planned improvements include a new exterior facade, redesigned entrances, new signs and lighting, updated tenant storefronts, a food court, some new stores and restaurants and renovated common areas. 8-21

DCTA announces new A-train schedule Monday will bring a new | CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Denton Business Chronicle

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Denton Business Chronicle

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Monthly News Roundup | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

schedule for the Denton County Transportation Authority’s Atrain, with changes designed to better accommodate both students and commuters. DCTA will tweak the afternoon service, adding a couple of trips between 5:30 and 7 p.m., Leggett said. The move serves customers who reported long wait times between trips at stops such as Trinity Mills in Carrollton, where riders who missed the 6:20 p.m. train would have to wait an hour until the next one. With the changes, commuters who get off between 5 and 5:30 p.m. can catch northbound trains at 5:54 p.m., 6:20 p.m. and 6:48 p.m. The agency also changed morning trip times, said Dee Leggett, vice president of communications and planning. To view and download an updated schedule, visit DentonRC.com. 8-23

Home foreclosures drop by 28 percent Home foreclosure filings in Denton County are down 28 percent from a year ago, according to a report released Monday. Denton County has 499 homes posted for foreclosure sale at the Sept. 6 auction, down from 696 in September 2010. Foreclosure filings in the county rose slightly from last month but stayed below 500 for the second month in a row, according to a report released by Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service Inc. Home foreclosure filings are down 12 percent in Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant counties compared with highs set last year. 8-24

Closing time set for county property Denton County commissioners have agreed to set formal hours of operation for county buildings and property in an

effort to curb criminal activity around the Courthouse on the Square and other sites. By identifying that the buildings are closed from midnight to 6 a.m., commissioners aim to help law enforcement regulate early morning visitors at certain locations where there have been reports of vandalism and damage to property. Now the county will post plainly visible signs so the hours of operation will be clear. The county has received several reports of property damage done by people who gathered to socialize on county property, such as the Courthouse on the Square lawn. Recent reports from employees mentioned paint on trees, broken windows, litter and vandalism to buildings. 8-26

Albertson’s to close I-35E location In October, Albertson’s shoppers will only have one Denton location to visit. Officials decided to close the doors of the 2434 S. Interstate 35E location because of underperforming sales. ”The store will close on or around Oct. 8; we can’t really say exactly what day it will close. It will depend on the liquidation sale that begins Aug. 31,” said Christine Wilcox, spokeswoman for Albertson’s LLC. The store opened in Denton in April 1992. 8-28

Progress on Mellow Mushroom continues Construction is under way at the soon-to-be Mellow Mushroom off East Hickory Street. Martha Jensen is excited about designing her pizza restaurant at the former Garbage King building. “Although it is a franchise, we call it a collection of restaurants rather than a chain because each restaurant is completely different,” she said. The restaurant, co-owned by

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Jensen and her husband, Monte, will include a full bar and a saloon.

ExxonMobil station to become 7-Eleven One local ExxonMobil location will soon become a 7Eleven. “The location at 8100 I-35E in Denton is part of the 51-site package we plan to acquire from ExxonMobil,” Margaret Chabris, a spokeswoman with 7-Eleven, said last week. According to the company, the 51 ExxonMobil sites acquired in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will be rebranded as 7-Eleven stores. The transaction between the two companies is expected to close late this year. Terms of the agreement were not made available. After the transaction, 7Eleven will start remodeling and rebranding the locations. The majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, according to a news release.

Jim Cline, DCTA president. The main construction project remaining is the rail operations and maintenance facility in Lewisville, which is scheduled to be finished next year. — Compiled from staff reports

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DCTA budget moves away from construction Denton County Transportation Authority officials got a look at the proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year, and so far, they like what they see. DCTA’s 2012 budget includes $21.1 million for operations and maintenance, $2 million for debt service, and funds to cover a smaller slate of construction projects and a costly unfunded federal safety mandate. With DCTA moving away from the long list of construction projects, mostly connected with the A-train, officials can focus on improving operations for the rail and bus services, said

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