Page 2 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
And the winners are... SEE WHO OUR READERS CHOSE AS THEIR FAVORITE BUSINESSES!
t’s finally here – our special section announcing the Star Local Media Readers’ Choice Winners for 2013! We changed the program slightly this year and incorporated a nomination process to enhance voters’ participation and ease of voting overall. During the month of November, we asked readers to nominate their favorite business in a variety of categories. After the nomination process ended Nov. 30, we opened up the voting, which lasted
I
during the month of December. After more than 197,000 votes were cast via our online ballot on starlocalmedia.com, we now have the exciting opportunity to share with your our Readers' Choice for the outstanding businesses in North Texas. We had a few close calls, as well as some new businesses to add to the Choice family this year. Overall we feel this is a great list of local businesses whose common theme in their success is focusing on you, their customer.
Winners by category Automotive page 4
Miscellaneous
page 5
Real Estate page 15
page 5
Recreation page 7
page 9
Services page 19
page 7
page 15
Education Financial
Food & Drink
Health & Beauty Home & Garden page 17
Medical page 11
page 17
Shopping
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 3
All of us at Classic Heating and Air would like to thank our dedicated customers for voting us
Readers’ Choice
Best Heating and Air Company in Plano
We look forward to serving all your HVAC needs in 2014, let’s make it another “Classic” year!
Page 4 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014 IMPORT AUTO DEALERSHIP
Park Place Lexus
Life Lived Beautifully
PRE-OWNED DEALERSHIP
Huffines Auto Dealerships
automotive Bill Moss Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Thanks for voting us # 1 Shop Calloway’s for the very best blooms to make your garden simply spectacular!
SALESPERSON
Huffines Dodge Plano TIRE STORE
Discount Tire Herb’s Paint and Body
TRUCK DEALERSHIP
Huffines Auto Dealerships
AUTO SERVICE SHOP
Christian Brothers Automotive CAR WASH
Car Spa DOMESTIC AUTO DEALERSHIP
Huffines Auto Dealerships
2014 © Calloway’s Nursery, Inc. 0154-14
AUTO REPAIR SHOP
CALLOWAY’S N U R S E R Y® www.calloways.com
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! BEST TRUCK DEALERSHIP BEST PRE-OWNED
BEST DOMESTIC DEALERSHIP
BEST SALESPERSON
BILL MOSS Huffines Dodge • Plano
Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Plano 855-825-9962
Huffines Chevrolet Huffines Hyundai Plano Plano 855-402-3893 855-714-4359
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 5
education financial Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
972-562-1776 BANK COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
Collin College EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
LegacyTexas Bank CREDIT UNION
Credit Union of Texas
Primrose School of West Plano FINANCIAL PLANNER Kelly Sculpher PRIVATE SCHOOL Edward Jones Prince of Peace FINANCIAL SERVICES Christian School Insight Wealth Partners & Early Learning Center TUTORING PROGRAM
Tutor Doctor Plano/Allen
Page 6 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
‘‘
I SPENT 30 YEARS WORKING IN INSURANCE COMPANY HOME OFFICES IN A VARIETY OF POSITIONS: PRODUCT MANAGER, VP OF MARKETING AND CEO. I KNOW HOW AN INSURANCE COMPANY THINKS AND WORKS, WHICH GIVES ME AN INSIGHT THAT VERY FEW OTHER AGENTS CAN OFFER.” – Peter G. Young, Independent Income Advisors
30-year insurance veteran keeps customers in the loop PETER G. YOUNG EDUCATES ON HEALTH CARE CHANGES
P
Winner!
BEST CE INSURANT N AGE
eter G. Young is no stranger to the insurance business. The principal of Independent Income Advisors, this year’s recipient of Star Local Media Readers’ Choice for Insurance Agents, has worn many hats in his 30 years in the industry. This experience has helped shaped Young’s business into an award-winning establishment. The office, located in Allen, has been serving the North Texas area for the past 10 years. “I spent 30 years working in insurance company home offices in a variety of positions: product manager, VP of marketing and CEO. I know how an insurance company thinks and works, which
gives me an insight that very few other agents can offer,” Young said. Young focuses on the customer instead of the commission check. A large part of the interaction he has with his clients is to educate them on the health care and health insurance systems, so they have a clear understanding of their options. According to Young, with the recent changes in health care reform, it is more important than ever to update and inform people on the changes. On the Independent Income Advisors website, visitors can immediately receive guidance with a variety of tips and guides related to understanding and purchasing health coverage. Education is not only a focus, but is also as an ongoing challenge for Young, who says he is regularly surprised at how little people
know about health insurance and how health care is paid for. But that’s where Young’s decades of experience set him apart from others. His knowledge of various aspects of the industry allows him to make sure his clients leave his office with a confidence that they are in good hands. According to Young, the Readers’ Choice award reinforces that. “It gives me confidence that am doing the right thing,” Young said. For more information on Independent Income Advisors, “the life and health insurance agency that keep you paying your bills when you’re too sick, too hurt or too dead to go to work,” visit b4thebuckstops.com or call 972-849-4952.
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 7 MASSAGE THERAPY
GUN SHOP
Positive Indulgence
Bullet Trap
NAIL SALON
GYMNASTICS
Hair’em & Nail’em
WOGA
SALON
PERFORMANCE VENUE
health&beauty Finley’s Barber Shop
recreation Pfamily Arts
Skin MD and Beyond
Sky Ranch
SPA
SWIM LESSONS
Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
SKIN CARE/AESTHETIC CENTER
Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Skin MD and Beyond
Aquafit Swim & Wellness Center BICYCLE SHOP
Richardson Bike Mart AEROBICS/YOGA FACILITY
COUNTRY CLUB
Sunstone Yoga
Gleneagles Country Club
COSMETIC DENTIST
DANCE STUDIO
Julie Stelly, D.D.S
Jackson’s Dance and Theatre Co.
FITNESS
GOLF COURSE
Aquafit Swim & Wellness Center
Gleneagles Country Club
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprouts
SUMMER CAMP
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
Plano Youth Soccer Association (PYSA)
Page 8 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
Staying in step
JACKSON’S DANCE AND THEATRE CO. BRINGS IT
N
ot just anyone can provide the right dose of razzle to match that pinch of dazzle in a daily routine, but Jackson’s Dance and Theatre Co. is willing to step up to the challenge. The Readers’ Choice recipient for “Best Dance Studio,” located at 6205 Coit Road, Ste. 170 in Plano, is owned and operated by veteran performer Jackson Foltyn and his business partner Tish Morris. “The best part about being a Readers’ Choice winner is that it makes us want to work harder to win again. First and foremost, we are doing something right, and winning makes us want to keep thinking outside of the box,” Foltyn said. Foltyn, who is no stranger to the performance industry, has a lengthy list of credits that include acting and composing in indie film “Bicycle Bobby,” for which he won best actor and best soundtrack, choreographing “Spartacus” and playing the part of Stan Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” He has won numerous local awards that include Best Actor for “Jerry” in “Zoo Story” and Best Supporting Actor for “Nathan Detroit” in “Guys and Dolls.” And as if he wasn’t busy enough, Foltyn also is a “Graceland Approved Elvis Artist.” He has also been granted the Key to the City in Sonora, Calif. But in addition to his extensive performance experience, Foltyn attributes success with students in North Texas to the unique teaching technique at Jackson’s Dance and Theatre Co. He refers to his studio as the home of “Infotainment,” which he describes as providing information in an entertaining style. The studio offers live theater entertainment, dance
Winner!
BEST DANCE STUDIO instruction for adults and children, cardio classes, pilates, ballroom dance and musical theater programs built for the dancer in mind. We do not try to compete with other dance studios or fitness studios. We amalgamate fitness for the dancer or for anyone who wants to look and feel like a dancer. “We are not your cookie-cutter dance studio … No recital fees or costume fees. We do shows, not recitals! And we use bands.” Foltyn said. In Foltyn and Morris’s world, cleanliness is next to godliness, and they strive to maintain a comfortable dance environment. He also believes that demonstrating his passion for performance inside and outside the walls of the studio can be infectious and attract new customers. At Jackson’s they also strive to make not only the students feel comfortable, but also to bring their families into the dance fold. “Keeping the families involved and providing longlasting relationships with our students is our key to success. We never force them to buy something that they do not want without trying it out,” Foltyn said. Jackson’s Dance Studio and Theatre Co. offers classes seven days a week and is currently enrolling students.
MORE INFO FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 972-964-JACK OR VISIT JACKSONS DANCEANDTHEATRECO.NET
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 9 DINER
PIZZA
STEAKHOUSE
Angela’s at the Crosswalk
Urban Crust
Bob’s Steak and Chop House
GREEK FOOD
SEAFOOD
SUPER MARKET
Ziziki’s
Fish Shack
Central Market
HAPPY HOUR
SOUTHEAST ASIAN FOOD
SUSHI
Yao Fuzi
Ra
ICE CREAM/YOGURT
SPORTS BAR
THAI FOOD
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream
Buffalo Wild Wings
Jasmine Thai
food&drink Chuy’s Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
AMERICAN FOOD
Poor Richard’s Cafe
INDIAN FOOD
BAKERY
Masala Wok
Bread Winners Café
ITALIAN FOOD
BAR/BREW PUB
Urban Crust
Fillmore Pub
LIQUOR STORE/BEER & WINE STORE
BBQ
Total Wine
Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
MEAT MARKET/BUTCHER
BRUNCH
Hirsch’s Specialty Meats
Blue Mesa Grill
MEXICAN FOOD
CATERING
Abuelo’s
Babe’s Chicken
PATIO BAR
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
Page 10 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
OWNER: ‘YOU GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR’
PrimeGrade Quality Cuts
hired Hirsch as the butcher. hen you talk to Gary Hirsch about the After a number of stints working secret to his 20-plus years of sucin the meat departments of famcess, he’ll tell you it boils down to one ily-owned grocery stores, Hirsch thing: quality. decided during a visit to Texas that “The whole thing I based my he would make the Lone Star State business model on was providing a his new home. quality product. When it comes to “My folks were already down meat there is no such thing as a good here … In the fall, we packed deal. You get exactly what you pay for,” up and came here,” Hirsch said. Hirsch said. Upon arrival, Hirsch decided to At Hirsch’s Specialty Meats, cusexplore the Texas meat market and tomers can expect to find top-of-thewhat types of products interline selection that comprises AT learn ested customers before starting choice- and prime-grade meats BEST MET & his own business. He began in contrast to the lower-grade MARKE ER working for the “Original Tom select meat that is available H C T U B Thumb” where he met his menat most of the larger chain tor, not-to-mention Heather grocery stores. Additionally, Locklear’s uncle, Austin LockHirsch works with suppliers lear. nationwide in order to ensure “He was the most amazing he is getting the best quality meat man that I had ever met and out there. I became his assistant, “ Hirsch said. “There is a segment of Hirsch worked for Tom Thumb for 13 the population who appreciates it. years and then decided to branch out on his own They will pay more, but it’s better quality.” and opened Hirsch’s Specialty Meats. He has Hirsch said. been running a successful business ever since. Hirsch began his career in the meat business He attributes his continued staying power and when his friend and neighbor in Michigan demultiple Readers’ Choice awards to customer cided to buy a family-owned grocery store and
W
Winner!
focus and a willingness to keep up with changes in the industry. “I had a lady call me and mention that she had bought ground beef and mentioned that we should transition from freezer paper to plastic bags so they wouldn’t leak. I went to my guys and asked them why we weren’t doing this. From
MORE INFO FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 972-633-5593 OR VISIT HIRSCHSMEATS.COM.
then on, we started putting ground beef in plastic bags.” Hirsch’s Specialty Meats is located at 1301 Parker Road, Ste. 100, in Plano. They offer a wide variety of top-grade meats such as primegrade rib roast in addition to sausage made inhouse and Logan Farms Honey Glazed hams.
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 11 HEARING SERVICES
Family Audiology HOSPITAL
medical Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano ORTHODONTIST
Mark Geller, D.D.S. PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Patrick Ryan, D.D.S. PEDIATRICIAN CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Kevin Farrar DENTIST
The Danna Smile - Jodi Danna, D.D.S. & Tina Lalangas, D.D.S. EMERGENCY ROOM
The Medical Center of Plano EYE DOCTOR
Central Vision Clinic (Ronald De La Fuente, O.D.)
Dr. Scott Katz & Dr. Russell McDonald - Plano Pediatrics PHYSICIAN/GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Khang Tran, MD URGENT CARE CLINIC
CareNow VISION CENTER
Lakeside Vision WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSICIAN
Solis Women’s Health
Page 12 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
earning smiles THE DANNA SMILE DOCTORS KEEP PATIENTS IN
THE LOOP
W
hen it comes to dentistry for The Danna Smile doctors, Dr. Jodi Danna and Dr. Tina Lalangas, it’s personal. The team is the recent recipient of the Readers’ Choice Best of Dentistry award and attributes their success to the relationships they have built with their patients. “The most important part of our job on a daily basis is building relationships that have grown over the years. We have moved our patients from someone that visits the office to true friends,” said Danna. The doctors also make sure their patients feel at home during their appointments. Dr. Danna and Dr. Lalangas educate people on not only what is going on with their dental health, but also why they might need treatment. They make it a point to explain the process, so patients have a clear idea of their options and the procedures. “We believe that offering a nurturing and compassionate environment that is technologically advanced will help patients better understand their dental health. This allows them to actively participate in their care!” Danna said. Dr. Danna opened the practice in 2002. She graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry and received her post-graduate degree in Cosmetics the following year. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Dentists in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 by the Consumer Research Council of America and was honored as a Super Dentist by Texas Monthly in 2013.
Winner!
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Lalangas joined The Danna Smile Team in spring of 2013 from a practice in Austin. A Dallas-native, she earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry as well and also has a degree in Biological Anthropology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Both women are highly active in the community and are members of the Junior League of Collin County, Plano Youth Leadership, National Charity League and support Hope’s Door Women’s shelter.
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 13
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO VOTE AND PROVIDING ME WITH THIS WONDERFUL RECOGNITION! I APPRECIATE IT!
• 30 Years Experience in the Mortgage, Corporate Relocation and Real Estate Industry • SPECIAL FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS WITH TDHCA, TSAHC & SETH offering 5% in down payment and closing cost assistance for those who qualify.
Cindy Villarreal
Sr. Residential Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #208818 Sponsor NTFN NMLS #75333
CVillarreal@pnlending.com
469-438-7001
We’re on cloud nine. Plano has been home to LegacyTexas Bank for over 50 years, and we are an inseparable part of the community. It’s for that
reason we are deeply honored to once again receive the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Plano Bank. Thank you!
Thank You for Voting Tutor Doctor of Plano/Allen as the Best Tutoring Program! Call 214-501-0585 or visit www.TutorDoctor4me.com
to learn more about why Tutor Doctor is the leader in providing affordable, one-on-one tutoring. Our tutors come to your home!
3512 Preston Road at Charles Place
1201 East 14th Street at Avenue L
5000 Legacy Drive at Preston Road
LegacyTexasBank.com Member FDIC /
1573 Alma Drive at 15th Street
7300 Dallas Parkway at Legacy Drive
972.461.1300
20 North Texas Locations
Equal Housing Lender / NMLS# 440732
Page 14 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
PEACE
OF
MIND
Solis Women’s Health and The Peace of Mind Mammogram™
S
olis Women’s Health Mammography is thrilled and humbled, to have been selected as Best in Women’s Healthcare during this year’s Plano Star Courier Readers’ Choice Awards.
Winner!
BEST IN WOMENH’S HEALT
The Solis mission is simple; be dedicated solely to the practice of breast imaging, and to make the experience of mammography something that will provide women a feeling of peace instead of dread. To that end, here are some facts about mammography that may provide some Peace of Mind prior to your taking that big step.
• The Affordable Health Care Act mandates all commercial insurers provide annual screening mammography as a covered benefit with no out of pocket expense • A woman does not need to get a physician’s order to have her screening mammogram. She may “self-refer” • A woman may have her mammogram wherever she is most comfortable. If she decides to change providers, her old films and records must be transferred by her old facility to her new provider • There are radiologists who specialize only in breast imaging. They go through extensive additional training and are experts in the field of breast imaging. Make sure your radiologist is a breast imaging specialist. What is the Solis Peace of Mind Mammogram™ A mammogram can be, for many women, a highly emotional procedure. It can create considerable anxiety and even fear. When
considering a mammogram, women often feel that “my entire life could change because of this exam.” In addition, many women have had a bad mammography experience or have been told of bad experiences by their friends. Solis never takes the emotional component of mammography lightly. No matter how routine mammography may seem to us, it is never “routine” for the woman getting the mammogram; that sensitivity is always front and center in our training. The technologists, physicians and office staff at Solis are all passionate in their approach to giving women a comfortable and peaceful experience. Because Solis is dedicated to providing Peace of Mind, we use clinically proven methods to ensure exceptionally accurate results. The technologists at Solis are experienced, gentle and highly trained. And the technology at Solis is state of the art. Most importantly, the dedication and experience of the radiologists, who have specialized in breast imaging, ensure the highest level of accuracy. The accuracy goals at Solis are simple. If it is there, find it as early as possible to maximize treatment options, and if it is not, make sure the rate at which women are recalled is kept to a minimum. Let’s make this easy • Schedule the day and time that works best for you by phone or on-line. • Total time in the center should be 30 – 40 minutes • Results will be securely emailed in 24 – 48 Hour Please go and get that mammogram. Whether at Solis or someplace else, make sure you GET IT DONE.
THE SOLIS MISSION IS SIMPLE; BE DEDICATED SOLELY TO THE PRACTICE OF BREAST IMAGING, AND TO MAKE THE EXPERIENCE OF MAMMOGRAPHY SOMETHING THAT WILL PROVIDE WOMEN A FEELING OF PEACE INSTEAD OF DREAD.
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 15 4001 W 15th St #350, Plano, TX
(972) 596-2131
realestate shopping Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
ASSISTED LIVING
Highland Springs
ANTIQUE STORE
MORTGAGE LENDER
Antique Stop
Cindy Villarreal, Premier Nationwide Lending
BOUTIQUE
La Belle Boutique
NEW HOME BUILDER
CONSIGNMENT OR RESALE STORE
Highland Homes
Habitat for Humanity Restore
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Cheryl Webb - Keller Williams REAL ESTATE COMPANY RETIREMENT (55+) COMMUNITY TITLE COMPANY
Antique Stop JEWELRY STORE
Keller Williams Highland Springs
HOME INTERIORS
Jared the Galleria of Jewelry SPECIALTY CLOTHING STORE
Animal Crackers
Capital Title
w w w. p l a n o p e d i a t r i c s . c o m
The Doctors and Staff at Plano Pediatrics, P.A. would like to thank everyone who voted us
THE BEST PEDIATRICIANS IN PLANO • Quality Care • Child Friendly Environment • Lactation Consultation on site • Education For New Mothers & Parents
DR. RUSSELL R. McDONALD DR. SCOTT L. KATZ BOARD CERTIFIED PREDIATRICIANS
Thanks for voting The Fish Shack the Best Seafood in Plano!
JACKSON'S DANCE AND THEATRE CO. would like to thank everyone who voted for us as the
BEST DANCE STUDIO IN PLANO! Thank you for believing in our concept and our vision. We look forward to seeing you in the studio and at our shows this year!
Join us JAN. 31ST for the opening night performance of
Night And Day
a tribute to the crooners and big band era! It's all about the FISH!
700 E 15th St Plano, TX 75074 (469) 229-0838 http://fishshackplano.com/
READERS'S CHOICE SPECIAL: $5 OFF OPENING NIGHT TICKETS! 6205 Coit Road Suite 170 Plano,Texas
972-964-JACK Check out our website www.JacksonsDanceAndTheatreCo.net Like us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the fun at Jackson's!
Page 16 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
t l i BuThe Ground Up ACE FENCE OF DFW KEEPS INTEGRITY AT THE FOREFRONT
S
ince 1977, husband and wife team Larry and Pam Little have owned and operated Ace Fence. The Star Local Media Readers’ Choice recipient for Fence Company has a loyal staff – one who’s been there 30 years –
that helps them provide quality along with professionalism. Together they have built 6,000 new fences each year for homeowners, homebuilders and commercial customers. Upon graduation from Texas A&M, the couple moved to the Houston area and started operations from their garage in Tomball. The business has grown to four locations and multimillion dollars in sales – truly a “from small acorns grow big trees” story. Larry initially became interested in fencing industry after working in the business during one summer in 1977. He decided to not only keep doing it, but also go out on his own. He and Pam have continued to grow the business, and attribute their longevity to their years of experience, honesty and integrity and their commitment to professionalism. Their motto is “a fence to you, a reputation to us.” More than 80
s t c a F w A Fe
m o r F
clude rvices inacy, vinyl, e s e c n ntial fe dar, priv Reside chain link, ce rnamental iron wood, t iron, and o wrough. rd, on boa d fences r a o b o builds ic gates nce als s, plus electr e F e c A y fence securit rvices treat sebors, e r g in r v /a r li Outdoo patio covers ing walls e in d a t lu e c r in s, and pergola
percent of the new customers come from referrals of satisfied customers. Proudly, Ace Fence is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, a “Best Pick” listed company and the “Readers’ Choice Fence Company” in 2012. Larry and Pam prioritize providing a strong stable workplace for workers to earn a good living and provide for their families. This is evident in their employees’ dedication. These employees have contributed greatly to the success of the company. The management team has
been with the Littles for more than 30 years. Professional work crews are knowledgeable and experienced. Total workforce is well over 100 today.
Ace Fence provides fence-building services in the following North Texas areas: Allen, Arlington, Bedford, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Dallas, Denton, Euless, Farmers Branch, Forney, Frisco, Fort Worth, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hurst Irving, Justin, Keller, Lewisville, Little Elm, Mansfield, McKinBEST ney, Melissa, Mesquite, E FENC Richardson, Y Plano, Roanoke, Southlake and COMPAN Wylie.
Winner!
For more information on Ace Fence of DFW, visit acefencedfw.com or call 972-578-5775.
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 17 PLUMBER
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing POOL BUILDER
Riverbend Sandler RESIDENTIAL PAINTING
Southern Painting
Thank you for voting Peter G. Young
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
home&garden Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
Independent Income Advisors is the life and health insurance agency that keep you paying your bills when you’re too sick, too hurt or too dead to go to work!
ELECTRICIAN
Milestone Electric FENCE COMPANY
Ace Fence Company FLOORING
Floor & Decor Outlets
972-849-4952
HARDWARE OR APPLIANCE STORE
www.b4thebuckstops.com
Elliot’s Hardware Plano
Peter G. Young
HEATING AND AIR COMPANY
Classic Heating and Air HOME REMODELING SERVICES
Truly Noble Services HOME SERVICES
All Janitorial
misc.
Readers’ Choice Winners 2013
INTERIOR DESIGN
THANK YOU PLANO FOR VOTING US THE BEST! SHOP • DONATE • VOLUNTEER
B & B Furniture Consignment - Plano LANDSCAPING
Bluebonnet Landscape Creations
Hope’s Door
NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER
PLACE OF WORSHIP
Calloway’s Nursery
St. Andrew United Methodist
COMMUNITY SUPPORTING BUSINESS
1400 Summit Avenue, Suite C3 Plano, Texas 75074 972-424-0791, ext. 5 Habitat-SCC.org/restore HOURS: MON. - SAT. 10 AM - 6 PM SUNDAY NOON - 5 PM
Come by for
FRE POPCOE COFFEERN, A GIFT & with purc hase!
Page 18 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
G
Winner!
BEST FUNERAL HOME
oing through a loss is an emotional process that involves multiple decisions during a difficult time. Allen Family Funeral Options, Star Local Media’s Readers’ Choice for Funeral Home, prides themselves on guiding families on funeral preparations as well as making sure it meets the families expectations based on their wishes. “We specialize in helping families create meaningful, appropriate and affordable tributes for their loved ones. We encourage the family to be creative. We want every funeral memorial service to have a personalized and customized feel,” Owner Rick Allen said.
The funeral home is full service and offers everything a traditional funeral might offer. Their location within a professional center can be misleading at times, which causes people to assume Allen Family Funeral Options only specializes in cremations or pre-planning, Allen said. In order to create a unique experience for the families, the funeral home offers a variety of options instead of pre-selected packages. The families are then educated about those options as well as on the details about the value and the cost of the services. This enables families to make more informed decisions as they select and pay for the specific items and services that they want for their loved one, according to Allen.
Allen Family Funeral Options eases minds in difficult times
“We make sure every family feels special and that they feel they are in control of the entire funeral planning process,” Allen said. This community support and guidance is a philosophy that Allen Family Funeral Options has practiced since 2007, and it’s this consistent reputation that keeps them top of mind in the Plano community. “We make sure our culture is perpetuated. We have been very fortunate to have built a solid reputation within our community of being different. Our key to success lies in maintaining a level of trust with our families we serve and the community that has so lovingly supported us,” Allen said. And it’s apparent that the community recognizes this reputation as they came forward to choose Allen Family Funeral Options as their Readers’ Choice. “The best part about being a Readers’ Choice winner is the sense of pride in knowing we were selected by the people who live in the community where we live and operate our business: our neighbors and friends. The recognition of being the best creates a sense of pride that is very difficult to adequately describe,” Allen said. To learn more about Allen Family Funeral Options, located at 2120 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, call 972-5968200 or visit affoplano.com.
MAINTAINING TRUST IS KEY TO SUCCESS
Sunday, January 26, 2014 — Star Local Media — Page 19 INSURANCE AGENT
Peter G. Young LAW FIRM
The Shapiro Law Firm
services Readers’ Choice Winners
PET SERVICES
Legacy Grooming PHOTOGRAPHER
AlleeOops Photography VETERINARIAN
ATTORNEY
Law Offices of Kimberly J. Munson FLORIST
Plano Florist FUNERAL HOME
Allen Family Funeral Options
Legacy Drive Animal Hospital
Page 20 — Star Local Media — Sunday, January 26, 2014
BUSINESS IS
Booming Courtesy of Plano Chamber of Commerce
Plano has grown from small farming community to ninth largest city in Texas History Lured by the rich soil of Texas’ Blackland Prairie, the first settlers arrived in Plano in the early 1840’s to take advantage of government land grants. Pioneers from Kentucky and Tennessee built a small farming community and with the help of prominent local advocate Dr. Henry Dye established a post office in 1850. Dye suggested to government officials in Washington that the post office be named Fillmore, but the name was rejected. Dye then chose the name Plano believing the word meant “plain” in Spanish. Washington accepted the name and the community has been Plano ever since. In 1872 the Houston and Texas Central Railway arrived linking Plano with Dallas and Houston and opening the door to new economic markets. Plano’s small agricultural farms grew into large cotton farms and cattle ranches. Recognizing the steady growth of the area, in 1873 the Texas Legislature passed an act incorporating the city of Plano in Collin County. A devastating fire in 1881 consumed the entire downtown business district of Plano. Only a saloon on the west side of the railroad tracks remained. The city continued to be cursed by several other fires until brick buildings were built and filled the area around the turn of the century.
file photo
Downtown Plano has experienced a resurgence in development and has become a center for dining, retail and urban residences.
In 1908 the Texas Electric Railroad came to Plano bringing with it new industries. Garment factories, a box factory and plumbing and stove plants made their
home in the growing town. In 1940 the population was recorded at 1,582 and in 1946 the Plano Chamber of Commerce was established to serve the expanding business community. The construction of North Central Expressway in 1960 marked a new era for Plano. Linking the city with downtown Dallas, this major transportation artery contributed to Plano’s explosive growth bringing both new residents and new businesses. The city’s accelerated development is nowhere more evident than its rapid population growth expanding from 18, 872 in 1970 to 72,331 in 1980 and to 222,030 in 2000.
Today Today Plano boasts a population of 260,000 residents and is the ninth largest city in Texas. Most of the city’s 72 square miles lie within the boundaries of Collin County with 3 square miles in Denton County. Since 2000, Plano has added 37,811 residents to its roles. During the same period, Collin County has grown 59% to a population of 782,341. Located 19 miles north of Dallas in north central Texas, Plano is home to four Fortune 1000 organizations: JCPenney, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Rent-a-Center and Cinemark. Headquarters of major corporations include Frito Lay, HP Enterprise Services, Ericsson and Pizza Hut. Not surprisingly, according to a 2008 survey of 69 U.S. cities with populations of more than
250,000 by Salary.com, Plano ranks #1 as the best place to build personal wealth and raise a family. A Reuters article (6/30/08) cited the attraction of large business to the city. Measurements considered in the survey included earnings, cost of living and unemployment rates, diversity of industry, education level of the cities' population, nearness to post secondary institutions, percent of population below poverty level and median travel time to work. The acclaimed Plano Independent School District (PISD) has been long been a source of pride within the community. In August 2010 the Texas Education Agency rated PISD as Exemplary on all 25 academic indicators. Of the district’s 70 schools, 34 campuses also received an Exemplary rating. In addition, 23 Plano ISD schools have been honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence award by the U.S. Department of Education. Three of the schools have been twice awarded through the national program. Plano’s legacy of literacy goes further. According to a 2009 study by Central Connecticut.State University of America’s most literate cities, Plano ranked #2 among cities 250,000 or larger in level of education. Educational literacy was evaluated on the percentage of the adult population with a high school diploma or higher and with a bachelor's degree or higher. Plano boasts 53% of adults with a Bachelors degree or above. A great place to live, Plano recently ranked as the safest city in the United States with a population more than
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PLANO QUICK FACTS ■ RANKED #1 AMONG AMERICAN CITIES IN WHICH TO BUILD PERSONAL WEALTH (SALARY.COM, 2008)
■ RANKED AMERICA’S SAFEST SMALL CITY (FORBES MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2010) LOWEST VIOLENT CRIME RATE OF ALL BIG AMERICAN CITIES kelsey kruzich / staff photo
250,000, according to a study by Forbes magazine. In a 2010 article titled “America’s Safest Cities,” Forbes rated communities based on the number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2009, as reported by the FBI, as well as on the number of traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents using 2008 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
With a reputation as one of the best places to work and live in the United States, Plano sees a bright future ahead.
Demographic Information Plano Quick Facts Population: 259,841 (2010 U.S. Census) +15% increase from 2000 Population by ethnicity: (2010 U.S. Census) • Caucasian 56.1% • Asian 16.9% • Hispanic 14.7% • Black 7.6% Median Household Income: $83,106 (2009 U.S. Census) Median age: 35.9 (2000 U.S. Census) One-third of population: 2544 years old (2009/2010 Census estimate)
Non-single Residences (Families): 74.9% population (2010 U.S. Census) Median Home Price: $350,990 (New); $204,950 (Existing) (Collin County Association of Realtors, 2009) Income Per Capita: $48,198 (2009/2010 Census estimate) Poverty Rate: Less than 6.4% (Money magazine, 2006) Ranked #1 among American cities in which to build personal wealth (Salary.com, 2008) Ranked America’s Safest Small City (Forbes magazine, October 2010) Lowest violent crime rate of all big American cities Ranked #2 among cities 250,000 or larger in level of education 53% Adults with Bachelors degree or above (Central Connecticut State University study, 2009)
Plano Employers Fortune 1000 Headquarters: • JC Penney • Dr. Pepper Snapple Group • Rent-a-Center • Cinemark
Largest Private Employers 1000+ • Alcatel-Lucent • AT&T • Bank of America Home Loans • Capitol One • CIGNA • Dell • Dr. Pepper Snapple Group • Ericsson • Frito-Lay • HP Enterprise Services • JCPenney • Medical Center Plano • PepsiCo • Raytheon • Texas Presbyterian Hospital Plano Largest Private Employers 500-999 • AEGON DMS • Baylor Regional Medical Center • CA • Denbury Resources • Flextronics • Huawei Technologies • Intuit • McAfee • Pizza Hut/YUM Restaurants International • Rent-a-Center • Samsung Telecommunications America • St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division • Texas Instruments • XO Communications For more information, visit www.plano chamber.org or www.plano.gov.
During the 2013 Plano Balloon Festival, hot air balloons soar over Plano. The balloon festival, held annually in September, is one of Plano's largest celebrations, drawing more than 90,000 people from across the nation.
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