Chamber newsletter distributed through the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the first Tuesday of each month to approximately 120,000 subscribers as well as the entire membership.

Latest Edition - February 2006

• Aerospace Clusters
• China Mission
• Eco Update Conference
• President’s Column
• Congressional Summit
• Eco Update
• Dateline
• State of the City
• Whirlpool
• Action Ambassador of the Year
• SIS/Go Centers
• Business After Hours
• NTCCC Thanks
• Mobility & Air Quality Plan
• Ribbon Cuttings

Aerospace Industry Looking for More than a Few Good Workers

Read the business pages these days and you’ll be convinced that the aerospace industry, especially in North Texas, is flying high. Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter and Vought Aircraft all have a large presence in our area and contracts to keep their employees busy for the foreseeable future. So, what’s wrong with this picture?

Record numbers of “baby boomer” engineers and manufacturing employees are retiring and, as management from any of the above companies will tell you, there are not enough young people in the pipeline to fill their positions.

To address this issue in the aerospace industry, and in others, four specific employment clusters were designated by the DFW Regional Workforce Council in 2002. In addition to aerospace, industry clusters including healthcare, logistics and semiconductor have been recognized as areas where a perceived information gap exists between employers, academia and workforce suppliers. Clusters allow industries to coordinate workforce activities while leveraging resources for maximum results.

In January, a meeting between the aerospace industry and education leaders, presented by the DFW Regional Aerospace Cluster, brought together more than 100 participants from the aerospace industry, workforce boards, chambers of commerce, school districts, community college districts and higher education to look at three basic questions.
  1. How can the aerospace industry partner with K-12 to promote and support science and math?
  2. How can the aerospace industry partner with higher education to promote and support science and math?
  3. How can the community partner with both the aerospace industry and education to develop a workforce prepared to support the industry and its economic impact on the region?

“This need is for both the production and engineering components of the aerospace workforce,” said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck in his welcoming remarks. “What the aerospace cluster will demonstrate here today is a creative, collaborative marketing effort to attract students to careers in aerospace manufacturing. We also want to hear from educators and business on how we can make the math/science connection more relevant through classroom presentations, tours and other hands-on types of activities.”

Representatives from the aerospace industry were on hand to make their case. P.D. Shabay, Bell Helicopter; Tom Stubbins, Vought Aircraft; and Bob Manney, Lockheed Martin each took the podium to detail their companies’ future personnel needs, what future employees could expect in terms of wages and benefits as well as how they can begin to prepare for such jobs.

Then a video designed to encourage students to pursue aerospace careers was screened. The video – and its companion brochure -- “Gotta Jet,” was produced pro bono by Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Vought Aircraft Industries, Arlington High School’s Project Lead the Way, Fort Worth Chamber, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County and the General Motors (Arlington Plant) Communications Department.

“We hope the video will promote aerospace industry careers to students,” said Laura Misuk, Industry Cluster/Workforce Coordinator for the Fort Worth Chamber.

After these presentations, participants at each table brainstormed. One idea that seemed to come from each table was that as current employees retired, they become mentors to students or even teach the necessary classes. Another was that the industries must communicate these needs to the Texas Legislature as it pertains to public school financing.
The primary goal of the meeting was to arm participants with the video and brochure as well as to help educators make even more connections between math and science in the classroom and in the workplace. At the end of the meeting, participants were given supplies of both the video and brochures. Approximately 22,500 brochures and 450 DVDs and videos were distributed at the meeting. The brochure can be downloaded from www.fortworthchamber.com.

“We hope that this dialogue is just a start,” said Mayor Cluck in his closing remarks. “We look forward to continued communication on this important issue.”

For more information on the aerospace cluster or any of the workforce clusters, contact Misuk at lmisuk@fortworthchamber.com or 87/336-2491, ext. 224.

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Join an International Trade Mission: Board a Fast Plane to China

This is no longer the age of the “slow boat to China.” Today, jet travel and a global economy have helped turn China into one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth International Center and the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce are planning a joint trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing, China in connection with American Airlines’ new flights to Shanghai. This mission is scheduled for May 19-27 and area business people interested in doing business in China are invited to participate.

China is Fort Worth/Dallas’s number one trading partner with more than $7.16 billion as of third quarter 2004. “Given the importance of trade with China, this business mission will provide an important opportunity to get acquainted with the fastest growing economy in the world as well as look for and follow up on business opportunities,” said Mary Weaver, direct of international business development for the Fort Worth Chamber. “If you are serious about doing business in China, this is a must-participate event.” The current list of Chinese participants is available.

“The heart and soul of this mission is business development. If you wish to participate, contact us now,” said Weaver. “We will begin to match you with some of the participating Chinese companies or we will find a match for you based on your requirements.”

After that, the Chamber will initiate communication with the Chinese executives with whom businesses have been matched. “Then you travel with the Metroplex delegation to China in May and personally meet your new Chinese contacts,” Weaver said.

Specifics regarding price and travel arrangements are available on request. To learn more about the Business Mission to China, contact Weaver at mweaver@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 229 or look under Economic Development/Business Environment at www.fortworthchamber.com.

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Economic Update: What Does Fort Worth’s Economic Future Hold?

Remember 8-Balls? Those black, fortune-telling wonders we put important questions to when we were kids. Unfortunately, they don’t work for predicting the economic future. The Fort Worth Chamber’s Economic Update Conference however will take stock of the current economic indicators and put them in perspective.

• What: Economic Update Conference

• When: Friday, March 3, 7:30-10 a.m. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m.

• Where: Fort Worth Club, 306 West 7th St., 12th floor, Horizon and Trinity Rooms

• Cost: Chamber members - $30; Gold and Preferred members - $25; non-members - $50; table for eight - $300

Featured speaker for the event is Texas State Demographer Steve H. Murdock discussing the changing population from a state, regional and local perspective and the impact it will have on our economy and workforce. “Population Change in Texas: Implications for Human and Socioeconomic Resources in the 21st Century.”

“I’ll examine the implications of change in the rates of population growth, the aging of the population, and the increase in minority populations for the private and public sectors in Texas,” said Dr. Murdock. “The challenges and opportunities resulting from these changes will also be discussed as they relate to such factors as service demands, income levels, educational requirements, retirement, and private and public service needs in Texas.”

Also slated for discussion are public school financing and tax reform. James LeBas, a financial analyst for the state of Texas will touch on how these issues will affect different sectors of the business community.

Fort Worth Chamber Executive Vice President David Berzina will discuss new and expanding businesses for 2005 and early 2006 and how they impact the economy. He will also touch on the record-setting number of new home starts and continued downtown growth.
Bronze sponsors include Huff Brous McDowell Management, Inc.; IDI-Innovative Developers, Inc.; Land America/American Title Company; and Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Harrell, Schel.

Mark your calendar now and plan to attend this informative conference. Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com  or contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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President’s Column

Almost every news outlet is touting the news that the first “baby boomers” are hitting age 60. That means many have already retired or will do so in the near future. That’s great news for those folks who are now reaping the rewards for a lifetime of hard work. But there’s a serious problem buried under that otherwise good news.

As the boomers begin to retire, many of their jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to fill – especially jobs that require a solid background in math or science. At a recent working meeting held by the DFW Regional Aerospace Cluster (see story on page 1), educators, business people and aerospace industry officials gathered to take a hard look at the critical situation facing that industry. As their best engineers and assembly personnel begin to retire, our schools are striving to prepare enough students with the requisite math and science skills to take their places. How then can we as parents, educators, business people and concerned citizens address this challenge? Clearly steps must be taken now to encourage students not only to pursue coursework that will prepare them for the jobs of the future, but also to motivate them to continue their education after high school graduation.

To that end, the DFW Regional Workforce Leadership Council, formed in 2002 to address the perceived gap between employers, educators and workforce suppliers, has created targeted industry clusters comprised of employers, local workforce boards, chambers of commerce, community partners and education providers. Those clusters include healthcare, logistics and semiconductor as well as aerospace and they have been formed to help our region provide jobs for people as well as people for the jobs. That means helping our schools produce students ready to take on jobs that will not only provide them with a comfortable living but will also keep the United States in the forefront of the research and development vital to maintain our status as a world leader.

At the DFW Regional Aerospace Cluster’s recent meeting, industry representatives from Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter and Vought Aircraft painted a grim picture – high-paying technical assembly and engineering jobs that may go begging in the near future due to a lack of qualified candidates. Each of these industry giants has contracts that will provide work to area residents for years to come. That translates into economic stability for our area as long as we produce the qualified workforce needed to fill these tech-savvy jobs. Meeting participants brainstormed ideas that would result in more students interested in pursuing aerospace careers and I commend them for their time and efforts.

At the meeting, a new DVD and a companion brochure designed to capture students’ interest in aerospace careers were presented. The video -- “Gotta Jet” – represents many hours of work by Chamber staffer Laura Misuk as well as Bell, Lockheed, Vought, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County and Arlington’s General Motors Communications Department. Featuring students in Project Lead the Way, Arlington’s cutting edge program designed to prepare students for challenging careers; the video was produced pro bono. Had it been contracted out, it is estimated the video would have cost thousands of dollars. But these companies and organizations understand the importance of getting to students early and helping them understand the importance of staying in school as well as pursuing curricula designed to prepare them for the future.

The videos and brochures are available through the Fort Worth Chamber free of charge. I urge area schools and organizations to take advantage of these materials and get them into the hands of students and their parents. The future for our area is bright, but only if we head this looming crisis off at the pass. We have taken a giant first step towards that goal. I know, with this beginning and your help, we will be well down the road in addressing this challenge.

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Chamber Congressional Summit Delegation Heads for D.C.

The halls of the U.S. Congress are preparing for a rousing Texas welcome when the Fort Worth Chamber’s Congressional Summit rides into Washington D.C., March 28-30. Chamber members are invited along for two and a half days of informative discussions, governmental briefings and high-profile events with some of the nation’s top decision-makers. This year’s Summit is sponsored by AT&T, BNSF Railway, Haynes & Boone, Jackson Walker LLP, and Lockheed Martin.

• What: Fort Worth Chamber 2006 Congressional Summit
• When: Tuesday-Thursday, March 28-30

According to Tim Keleher, the Chamber’s vice president of governmental and urban affairs, the Congressional Summit is an excellent opportunity for Chamber members to meet with their elected representatives face-to-face to learn firsthand what’s happening in Washington that affects them at home in Fort Worth.

“The 2006 Fort Worth Congressional Summit sets the stage for business and community leaders to share ideas and exchange information with top federal policy-makers,” said Keleher. “Summit participants, members of the U.S. Senate, U. S. House of Representatives, the Executive branch and the Department of Defense will address key federal policy issues and build professional relationships.”

Topics such as defense appropriations, energy policy, health care, international trade, transportation, environmental quality and economic development will all be top of mind during the summit. Meetings are currently planned with Fort Worth area representatives Kay Granger, Joe Barton and Michael Burgess as well as Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison. A tour of the Pentagon will also be part of the summit as well as meetings with the Department of the Treasury.

In addition to high-level meetings, some good old Texas fun is planned when the Summit hosts a Texas Celebration at the U.S. Capitol.

Plans for the trip were not finalized at press time and more meetings or events may be added.

For more information contact Keleher at 817/336-2491, ext. 264. To sign up, contact A.J. Fuqua at ajfuqua@fortworthchamber.com 817/336-2491, ext. 251./336-2491, ext. 237.

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Eco Update

Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works
Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth announced its plans for a $100 million campus expansion, including a 92-bed “women’s hospital” and five-story medical office building. Actual construction will begin in Spring 2006 and is expected to be completed by March 2008. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

With a prime plot of land already zoned “H,” or high rise, in downtown Fort Worth, local architect Ken Schaumburg said he hopes to see his dream of a 900-foot-tall skyscraper – which would be the tallest building in the city – soon become a reality. The 60-story tower, though not officially named, is being called Block TU. On a city block bounded by Seventh, Eighth, Jones, and Calhoun Streets, the building would offer as many as 300 condominiums, multiple floors of parking and at least 10 floors of office space. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

Lewisville-based Strong Group Inc. Commercial Construction Company, in conjunction with Zero3 Inc. designers in Dallas, will begin renovations in 2006 at the Cityview Razzoo’s Cajun Café, located at 4700 Bryant Irvin Road in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

Arizona developer Aperion Communities LLP has requested the city of Fort Worth to establish a special utility district just north of the city limits for future development of the company’s 2,600 acres. The land is near the Texas Motor Speedway, north of State Highway 114, south of F.M. 1384 and west of F.M. 156. Included in the master-planned community are as many as 7,000 single-family homes, 2,300 condominiums, town homes and apartments and more than 100 acres of commercial development. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 05

Bluebonnet Circle Inc., the less than two-year-old non-profit developed to revitalize an area south of Texas Christian University off University Drive, was approved for urban village status by the city council. The plan, a blueprint for a new streetscape for the circle, along with more parking, will cost $1.2 million if approved and implemented. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

IHOP is planning a location in an out parcel at a Pilot Travel Center, 12750 North Freeway. Star Telegram, Dec. 19

Expansions and Moves
The Park Hill Sandwich Company, a lunch café that’s been open in the Park Hill shopping center at the corner of University Drive and Park Hill for seven years, is moving from its 875-square-foot space in the center to a neighboring 1,360 square-foot space this month and is adding dinner hours in February. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 26

Under Construction
The Fort Worth Water Gardens were officially closed this month for extensive renovations and updates. They will see nearly $3 million in improvements. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

Larrison Construction Texas Inc., of Fort Worth, recently began construction of a new media broadcast center at Texas Motor Speedway. The broadcast center, which partially surrounds the speedway’s Victory Lane, will be a two-story, multi-purpose facility for media personnel covering events at the speedway. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 26

On the Dotted Line
Fort Worth-based Hudgins Apartment and Land Development Co. has bought 131 acres at Keller-Roanoke Road and Alta Vista Drive, off Highway 170 in north Fort Worth. The company will begin the yearlong process of building roads and developing house lots for a subdivision to be called the Lakes of Lost Creek Ranch. Star Telegram, Dec. 05

CPD Tech Pack, a manufacturer and distributor of packaging materials, has leased 22,047 square feet of space at 2303 Franklin Drive, the company's first Texas location. Star Telegram, Dec. 5

Kathleen Gallagher Realty, which specializes in the sale, leasing and management of residential and multifamily properties, has leased 1,400 square feet of office space at 1613 Clover Lane. Star Telegram, Dec. 5

Patrice Pruitt Association Management Services, a company that works with trade associations and non-profit groups, has leased 700 square feet at 8205 Camp Bowie Blvd. West. Star Telegram, Dec. 5

An investor from California has purchased the 124-unit Trinidad Apartments at 2900 South Freeway from 3821 Trinidad Apartments, a limited partnership of five investors. Star Telegram, Dec. 5

Moritz Interests in Arlington has bought 46 acres just west of Interstate 35W and south of Sycamore School Road, where it plans to continue the single-family-home development, Brookwood Park Estates, which it started two years ago. Star Telegram, Dec. 19

MetroPCS, a wireless local and long-distance provider, has leased 2,800 square feet of retail space at 2246 Jacksboro Highway. The store is scheduled to open in March. Star Telegram, Dec. 19

A Fort Worth investment group called Fifth Avenue Properties has purchased a 6,000-square-foot medical office building at 500 Eighth Ave., occupied by Primecare Home Health of Dallas and Asthma Clinics of Texas. Star Telegram, Dec. 26

A local investment group of Bradford Property Co, Forum Way Industrial Partners, bought a vacant 45,000-square-foot warehouse at 8821 Forum Way. Star Telegram, Dec. 26

Tammy Foust's Foust & Associates Realty, a residential real estate agency, is leasing 3,727 square feet at Summit at Bridgewood Shopping Center, 1100 Bridgewood Drive, Suite 110. Star Telegram, Dec. 26

Dunhill Partners in Dallas, a commercial real estate brokerage and investment firm, has bought the 64,489-square-foot Fossil Creek Shopping Center at Beach Street and Western Center Boulevard from Developers Diversified Realty in Ohio. Star Telegram, Dec. 26

Lone Star Sun Inc. purchased multiple locations of Paradise Tan of Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 26

Easy Access Inc., an application software solution, consulting, and Internet services company, has leased 1,200 square feet of office space in Fort Worth’s Overton Centre Tower 2. The tower is located at 4100 International Plaza. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 26

Advanced Chemical Logistics Ltd. recently purchased a 35,000-square-foot office building. The building is located at 7101 Burns St. in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

Fleetmaster Express Inc., a national trucking company based in Virginia, recently leased 15,000 square feet of industrial space in South Fort Worth at 8821 Forum Way. Bradford Property Co. owns and leases the building, which is located near Carter Industrial Park. The building contains 45,000 square feet of total space. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 19

Fort Worth’s Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford, an architectural firm that specializes in the development of schools and religious, municipal, health care and commercial projects, has announced that it will join forces with a local firm, Lawrence E. Foxworth, Architect, specializing in religious construction. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 05

Openings
TriBella Realty, an Austin-based residential real estate firm, recently opened a branch office on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth. The office is located at 4630 Camp Bowie Boulevard. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 26

Spa Mira Vista, a medical day spa, hosted its grand opening this month to celebrate the completion of its 8,000-square-foot facility. The spa, located at 6600 Bryant Irvin Road, is located near the Mira Vista residential development in southwest Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 5

Out of Town Reporting
PVC products maker Cantex Inc. is planning to move its headquarters from Mineral Wells to a leased site in downtown Fort Worth. The 70-acre Mineral Wells complex will continue operating with about 300 workers, the firm said. About 60 will move to the Fort Worth location. Cantex has three plants in Mineral Wells. Plastics News, Nov. 28

Fort Worth is Texas defined. With exciting attractions, thrilling cultural experiences and vibrant Western heritage, groups are met with a welcome plethora of options. It's the perfect choice for groups looking for an authentic Texas experience. The Fort Worth Convention Center has just completed an extensive $75 million renovation and expansion project, rendering the facility better than ever. Omni Hotels plans to break ground on a $90 million luxury hotel adjacent to the Convention Center this year. With more than 2,000 hotel rooms already downtown, and proximate to more than 11,700 rooms citywide, Fort Worth offers the convenience and value that so many meeting planners are seeking, plus a small-town hospitality that can't be beat. Finally, Fort Worth's Stockyards National Historic District provides the perfect glimpse into old-world Texas. Meetings & Conventions, Dec. 1

Tourism in Fort Worth, Texas – now the 19th largest city in the United State is boomin, bringing approximately 8.7 million visitors and contributing nearly $1.2 billion in direct spending annually the city’s economy. Meetings & Conventions, Dec. 1

Under the First Horizon Bank banner, the Memphis-based company will open a branch in downtown Fort Worth in January. An office in a renovated Chinese restaurant will follow in June and the company has bought land in southwest Fort Worth to build a third branch. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Dec. 14


Did You Know?
The Balcom Agency, a Fort Worth advertising and public relations firm, won second place for the Best Product Launch Advertisement in the business press category of the 2005 Medical Marketing & Media Awards. There were more than 500 entries in 23 categories. Star Telegram, Dec. 12

Data provided by Strategic Insight Group Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

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Kick It Up in Fort Worth

Your toes will tap all weekend. That’s reason enough to visit the Stockyards district, but there’s more. Its cobblestoned artery, Exchange Avenue, has plenty of shops and restaurants to peruse during the day. And after dark, the twang of steel guitars spills from saloons and dance halls, producing an irresistible soundtrack…

For dinner, head to Cattlemen’s on North Main Street and baptize yourself by fire at the area’s best steak house since 1947. The chef mans his charcoal grill in front of the dining room…

Now that you’re truly ready to boot scoot, start with the most famous of ‘em all, Billy Bob’s Texas. AT 127,000 square feet, arguably the world’s largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s goes on for days…

Southern Living
August 2005

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Mayor Moncrief Delivers State of the City Address

With thousands of displaced Gulf Coast guests flooding into the city, fast-paced economic expansion and new development throughout Fort Worth, the year 2005 has certainly been a busy one for Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. The mayor is set to deliver his third annual State of the City address to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and there will be much to talk about. The State of the City luncheon is presented by Southwest Office Systems.

• What: Annual State of the City Address featuring Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief
• When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Where: Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom, 1201 Houston St. 76102
• Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and a table of 10 - $450

During his address, Mayor Moncrief is expected to reflect on 2005 including the city’s response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the tragic death of one of Fort Worth’s finest, Police Officer Hank Nava. He will also touch on current issues and policy decisions facing Fort Worth with respect to city-wide economic development, including the Trinity River Vision, the Alliance Corridor and the expanding development occurring in Southeast Fort Worth.

Mayor Moncrief is a Fort Worth business owner involved in various community and civic affairs. Before being elected as mayor of Fort Worth in 2003, Moncrief served two years in the Texas House, 12 years as Tarrant County judge and 12 years as Texas State senator.

Platinum sponsors for the event are: Alcon, Inc.; Integra Realty Resources DFW; and Kelly, Hart & Hallman. Gold sponsors are Cantey & Hanger, LLP; Jackson Walker, LLP; Lockheed Martin; and TexasBank.

Silver sponsors are: American Airlines; Carter & Burgess, Inc.; Chase; Coors Distributing Co.; Fort Worth Transportation Authority – The T; Gideon Toal, Inc.; H-E-B Central Market; Haynes & Boone; OmniAmerican Bank; TCU; and Weaver & Tidwell, LLP.

Bronze sponsors are AccuSource Solutions; AmeriCredit Corp.; Atmos Energy; Citizens National Bank; DFW International Airport; Marriott Int’l.; Republic Title of Fort Worth; TXU/Electric Delivery; UNT Health Science Center; and Wells Fargo.

Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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In a Whirl over Whirlpool Corporation

In January, Whirlpool Corporation officials announced their decision to lease an 852,000 square-foot facility in Carter Industrial Park in south Fort Worth.

Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s largest home appliance manufacturer, will utilize the facility in order to enhance their existing domestic distribution capacity and capabilities. The move is expected to bring about 60 new jobs to south Fort Worth with plans to boost that number to 100 in the next couple of years.

The former General Motors parts plant in Carter Industrial Park at Everman Parkway and I-35W is the location; Whirlpool has signed a two-year lease for the property.

“After reviewing multiple site locations, the facility in Carter Industrial Park stood out as the most viable option due to the existing railroad service with BNSF Railway, proximity to the port system in the Gulf of Mexico, interstate access, and the labor market in Fort Worth,” said Lee Kobza, Whirlpool’s North American real estate asset manager. The center is expected to be operational by March.

“We are certainly pleased that Whirlpool has chosen to expand their presence here in the Metroplex. The distribution capabilities in Fort Worth and the entire Metroplex currently provide an ideal national springboard for many of the Fortune 500 companies, and we welcome this latest decision by Whirlpool Corporation,” said David Berzina, Executive Vice President, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

The facility is expected to warehouse refrigerators and washers made at Whirlpool’s manufacturing plants in Mexico for distribution to dealers in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico.

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Action Ambassador of the Year for 2005

Congratulations to Charles Cox, the Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for 2005. Cox has been an ambassador for over 20 years. He is the owner of Charles A. Cox Insurance, in business over 40 years. He has also served as chairman of the Ambassador Executive Committee.

Action Ambassadors work on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and serving as greeters at various Chamber functions. Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. It is also a great networking tool allowing ambassadors to contact Chamber members on the Chamber’s behalf. Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.

 

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SIS Initiative Pairs Schools with Higher Ed Partners

In an effort to help Fort Worth ISD students graduate from high school and go on to college, the Fort Worth Chamber’s Stay-In-School Initiative has been working to find Adopt-A-School partners for each school, establish Go Centers and pair the schools with higher education partners.

Fort Worth currently has one of the lowest rates of students pursuing college in the state, with many schools having less than 38 percent of their students go on to college. The goal of Stay-In-School Initiative is to help reverse that situation by bringing community partners – parents, educators, civic and business leaders – together to help encourage students to graduate from high school and hopefully college through a variety of mentoring opportunities.

Go Centers are clearinghouses located in high schools that provide students with information related to career exploration, higher education and financial aid. Go Centers also serve as a hub around which a number of college preparation-related programs connect in each school.

Go Centers help families prepare their children for college by encouraging them to pursue the “recommended” high school program, take Advanced/AP/Dual Credit courses as well as the proper entry exams, including SAT and ACT.

That done, Go Center volunteers can help students and their families navigate the sometimes overwhelming application and admission process.

“To date, 35 high schools in Region XI have signed on to participate in the Go Center Initiative,” said Glenn Spoons, the Fort Worth Chamber’s Go Center Coordinator. “This includes all 13 of the traditional high schools in FWISD. They have developed or are in the process of developing Go Centers on their campuses.”

Currently, 10 of 13 FWISD high schools are paired with higher education partners; the rest will paired shortly.

“We have 10 higher education institutions in our area and we have matched 10 of the 13 high schools with higher education partners,” said Spoons adding, “It is important that these higher education partners strategically connect the area high schools. Eight of the schools have Adopt-A-School sponsors and others are being sought for the remaining schools.

• Carter-Riverside Adopt-A-School Partners (AASP): DFW Airport; Women of Merrill Lynch; and Ciaga Consulting (lead). Higher Education Partner (HEP): Texas Women’s University
• Diamond Hill-Jarvis AASP: Texas Motor Speedway; Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber; FAA; U.S. Bureau of Engraving; Bank of America (lead). HEP: University of North Texas-Denton and Tarrant County College
• Dunbar AASP: UNT Health Science Center; Wildcat Sportsman’s Club (lead); IBM-Transgender of Diversity. HEP: UNT Health Science Center, Tarrant County College
• Eastern Hills AASP: Breakfast Optimist club (lead); Nokia Mobile Phones; City of Fort Worth Planning Dept.; MWH Americas, Inc. HEP: Tarlatan University
• North Side AASP: UNT Health Science Center; Tarrant County Public Health City of Fort Worth Public Health; Wells Fargo-Stockyards; and Hidalgo Industries. HEP: UNT Health Science Center
• Polytechnic AASP: DFW Airport; Poly Alumni Association (lead); Hidalgo Industries; Gilbert & Keller Custom Catering. HEP: Texas Wesleyan University and Tarrant County College
• O.D. Wyatt AASP: U.S. Bureau of Engraving; TCU Campus Life; National Archives-SW Region; and TCC South Campus. HEP: UNT-Denton and Tarrant County College
• South Hills AASP: Washington Mutual; Thos. S. Byrne (lead); Future Stone; Britain & Crawford; Fort Worth Chamber South Area Council. HEP: Tarlatan University and Tarrant County College
• Paschal HEP: Texas Christian University and Tarrant County College
• Western Hills HEP: Weatherford College

According to Spoons, the Stay-In-School Initiative has experienced great enthusiasm and anticipation from its partners. “High schools that establish Go Centers are connected to a network of resources and individuals committed to educating the youth of Texas and preparing them to excel in higher education as well as life beyond the classroom.”

Adopt-A-School partners and higher education partners are still being sought for Arlington Heights, Southwest and Trimble Tech.

For more information on Go Centers, the Stay-In-School Initiative or mentoring, contact Glenn Spoons at 817/336-2491, ext. 233.

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Business After Hours

Small Business of the Year Award Judge Ben Loughry and Ray Dickerson, president of presenting sponsor Citizens National Bank at the Business After Hours honoring the award finalists. Finalists Debra Smith and Barry Pulliam of Pulliam Pools were winners of a Small Business of the Year Award last year, too.
		Chamber staffer Carole Ann Fleming, center, networks with Action Ambassadors Erin Landis and Pepper Hudson at Business After Hours.
		New member Ed Riefenstahl, The Alternative Board, talks business with Victor Puente III, Southwest Offices Systems, another finalist and previous winner.

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Special Thanks to North Texas Cutting Champs Club Members

The Fort Worth Chamber thanks the following members of the North Texas Cutting Champions Club for their support of our efforts to keep the National Cutting Horse Association’s three major events in Fort Worth. The Club’s mission is to ensure that these events never leave.

Membership in the NTCCC is available to all who wish to support its mission. Membership levels range from $150 for Tradeshow Exhibitor Member or $500 for Social Member to $1,000; $2,500; and $5,000 memberships. For more information on club benefits or on joining, contact Lisa Dodson at 817/336-2491, ext. 237.

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Record-setting Growth Spurs Need for Big MAQ Attack

Recent Ribbon Cuttings

~~Real estate services company N3 Capital, LLC held a groundbreaking on a 23-unit town home development 47 Dexter Ave. To learn more about the project, call Tappan Bailey at 817/300-8924.

~~New Chamber members Goodrich Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, 2500 Lipscomb St. held a reception to mark their joining. For more information on the organization, contact Barbara Selman at 817/926-5305.

~~Plumbing fixture suppliers Ferguson Enterprises, 3433 W. Seventh, held a ribbon cutting recently. To learn more about the company, contact Amy Moody at 817/348-8489.

~~Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting held a grand opening for its new location at 1025 N. Main St. Don Jackson, Sr. has the details at 817/740-2217.

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Chamberletter contact below:

For more information contact:
Arden Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259