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 - June 2004
From the President
City Council member Jim Lane said it best. “How sweet it is!”
That was, of course, in reference to the recent spate of announcements coming out of his district, north Fort Worth. I have to agree with him.
Star-Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy says if north Fort Worth were a stock, he’d recommend buying it. If it were, I’d be calling my broker.
The news from north Fort Worth has been nothing short of fantastic lately. From the announcement that Cabela’s, a hunting and fishing retailer, will build a 230,000-square-foot store in the Alliance Corridor to the news that Texas Motor Speedway clutched a second race date starting in 2005, it’s been one home run after another.
Who would have dreamed a decade or two ago that the tranquil farm and grazing land north of town would become such a fabulous commercial development? A few farsighted visionaries including developer Ross Perot, Jr. and then Fort Worth mayor Bob Bolen, that’s who. Perot was the driving force behind the concept and Bolen had the foresight to see it for what it was – Fort Worth’s future. And today, Fort Worth is still fortunate to have farsighted city leaders who have developed a public/private partnership to help land the Cabela’s deal. The city created a 500-acre tax increment financing district, where funds generated from the higher property values will be used for infrastructure and public spaces.
In addition to the city’s tax incentives, the state of Texas kicked in some incentives as well. A $600,000 grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund to Cabela’s is the first such grant to a retailer. And Governor Rick Perry noted at the Cabela’s announcement that he believed the grant was a good use of taxpayer money.
Texas Motor Speedway’s president Eddie Gossage believes adding a second NASCAR Nextel Cup race each fall will be like hosting a NASCAR “playoff” game and it is estimated that the race will bring in an additional 300,000 race fans a year to Fort Worth.
Today the plans on Perot’s drawing board include a theme hotel and restaurants around the new Cabela’s. Those will come in handy for all the race fans who will now be heading for Fort Worth twice a year
By the time 2010 rolls around, these developments should be well established as Fort Worth’s fourth tourist destination along with our terrific downtown, the Cultural District with its world-class museums and the Historic Stockyards.
There was a commercial a few years back that ended by saying, “You know, it just doesn’t get any better than this.” But here in Fort Worth, it does just keep getting better. And our stock is going up.
Mike Berry
Mike Berry: Hillwood President Leads Chamber in Challenging Times
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| Mike Berry |
On April 1, Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties, became chair of the Fort Worth Chamber’s board of directors. Berry has been instrumental in the economic progress of Fort Worth as well as the North Texas region and has led the growth of AllianceHTexas. Under his leadership, AllianceHTexas, including the technologically advanced business center with six distinctive sectors and Fort Worth Alliance Airport, has grown to more than 110 companies, created more than 20,000 direct jobs and produced an economic impact of more than $19 billion.
As the Chamber’s chairman, Berry sees some very real challenges in the near future and divides those into legislative issue and economic development issues.
“There are some very important issues facing the Chamber and the region,” says Berry. “First is school finance reform. It is imperative that the legislature modify the existing structure. The plan arrived at must be fair so that everyone in the business community pays their fair share.”
Berry added that the most important outcome of the school finance reform must be improving the quality of education in Texas. “A better educated workforce will create a better business atmosphere.
Other legislative issues on Berry’s radar screen are mobility and air quality.
“It is important that we work regionally to address our transportation issues,” Berry noted. “We must improve arterial flow and that will take continuing our public and private sector partnerships.” So many highway projects are on the drawing board but not under construction. “Fort Worth must be positioned to get these projects off the table and into production and we must be creative and find new pots of money to fund them. And, of course, air quality problems are tied to relieving our congested roadways.”
Economic development is high on Berry’s list of priorities as well. “I can’t imagine there is any other city in the county that has so much positive economic news as Fort Worth,” he says. “What other city in the country has two major corporate headquarters going up in their downtown simultaneously?”
But that growth brings other challenges, Berry acknowledges. “We must recruit new corporate customers to fill the office space which will be vacated when RadioShack and Pier 1 Imports move in to their fabulous new facilities.”
Berry notes that Fort Worth must also be supportive of convention and tourism activities as well as the hotels and other amenities in downtown.
“We can use our position of success in other downtown projects to attract new business,” Berry says. “But it is most important that the Chamber stay engaged with the business community downtown as well as our elected officials and that is the expertise the Chamber brings to the table. It’s what the Chamber does best – be collaborators and coalition builders.”
Berry believes that, on the heels of the recent Cabela’s and NASCAR announcements, the far northern reaches of Fort Worth could conceivably become a fourth entertainment district. “We have our fantastic downtown, the world class Cultural Center and the Historic Stockyards,” says Berry. “With the new retail that Cabela’s, a second race at the Speedway and the opening of the visitor center at the Currency plant, I can see a whole new package of destination activities growing up out here.”
The biggest challenge Berry sees on his watch is ensuring that the Chamber continues to attract new membership as well as strive to maintain the current membership and investment base. “My biggest mission is to expand the Chamber’s image, raise the visibility and brand awareness in order to facilitate recruitment of new members,” he says. “We also need to reach out to new companies moving into the northern part of the city and make them feel more engaged with the core city. It will take a lot of one-to-one marketing to expand our recruitment activities, but that’s true all over the city as well.”
Berry says that when new companies move into Fort Worth, the first thing they tell him is they love it.
“They just love Fort Worth,” Berry says. “Newcomers tell me they feel Fort Worth has more personable people and a unique dynamic they don’t find in other cities. Our people are engaged and it’s an easy environment to adapt to.”
That’s important when you’re recruiting companies to relocate, says Berry. “But our critical objective is to recruit new members, and retain the members we already have.”
Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
New Developments
The Fort Worth City Council approved a plan to entice Cabela's to build a new 200,000-square-foot megastore in far north Fort Worth that officials said could draw millions of visitors and millions of dollars in new development.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 14
Morrison Homes is opening its newest North Texas master-planned community, a 260-acre development between Fort Worth and Saginaw called Creekwood, a development of Hillwood.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 12
Expansions and Moves
The Trane Co. has moved to 50,000 square feet in Mercantile Center, 100 N. Sylvania Ave., in north Fort Worth, nearly doubling its space.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 5
Motivating Graphics, a three-generation, family-owned printing company headquartered in Florida, has purchased Paris-based Valeo’s 67,100-square-foot facility at 3100 Eagle Parkway at AllianceTexas for $3.75 million.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 9-15
The Wal-Mart at 6300 Oakmont Blvd. in Fort Worth has reopened as a Wal-Mart Supercenter, adding 200 jobs and 81,400 square feet of space. The expanded 207,905-square-foot store now includes a full-size grocery section, a McDonald's, a hair salon, a nail salon, a tire and lube center, and a vision center.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 26
Under Construction
Texas Wesleyan University will break ground April 16 on a $6.5 million residence hall at the corner of Wesleyan Street and Vickery Boulevard.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 2-8
Construction has begun on a 37,580-square-foot clubhouse at Shady Oaks Country Club on the site of the original 60,000-square-foot building.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 2-8
On the Dotted Line
Epic Med Staff Services, a medical staffing services firm for hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living centers, has leased 1,050 square feet of office space in the East 1st Building, 1112 E. 1st St.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 12
Wings 21 has leased 1,200 square feet at the northwest corner of Beach Street and North Tarrant Parkway for a chicken wings restaurant, scheduled to open in October.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 19
The law office of J. Michael McBride has leased 2,430 square feet in Carter Burgess Plaza, 777 Main St. downtown.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 26
Winstead Sechrest & Minick, P.C. extended and expanded its lease at Carter Burgess Plaza, now occupying some 11,500 square feet in the Class A office building.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 2-8
Dick Keigley and Ryan Bowman have leased 884 square feet in Eastchase Corners, 8650 Meadowbrook Blvd., where they plan to open a carry-out and delivery restaurant, Dickie's Late Night Pizza Joint.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 5
Wal-Mart is under contract to buy about nine acres off West Vickery and Southwest Boulevards, where it proposes to build a Neighborhood Market.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 12
A former Kmart on Jacksboro Highway is becoming a bazaar. A group called Barato Bazaar Ltd. bought the 149,328-square-foot building on a 14.6-acre tract at 6001-6009 Jacksboro Highway from F.W. Jacksboro Co. in March.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 26
L-3 Communications said its Link Simulation and Training division of Arlington has been awarded a subcontract with a potential value of $471.7 million, to serve as a major subcontractor to Computer Sciences Corporation in the development and support of the U.S. Army’s Flight School XXI program.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 16-22
American Airlines has struck a deal with aircraft engine maker Rolls Royce that will guarantee up to $1.6 billion in new work for a subsidiary based at Alliance Airport. The subsidiary, Texas Aero Engine Services, is a 50-50 joint venture between American and Rolls.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 19
Openings
William Jackson, a mortgage broker, has established a commercial loan office in Fort Worth specializing in commercial and multifamily mortgages in the $500,000 to $10 million range.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 5
PlainsCapital McAfee Mortgage has opened an office in the PlainsCapital Towers, 6000 Western Place.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 12
Kevin Tucker started Innovative Computer Solutions. The business specializes in developing custom software and is located at 1829 High Ridge Road.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 16-22
TECH Fort Worth opened a facility on the southwest corner of Rosedale Avenue and I-35. The business incubator for high technology companies occupies the former gymnasium of the James E. Guinn School.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 2-8
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth celebrated the opening of a new visitors’ center and the beginning of public tours at the facility. The Bureau of Engraving estimates that about 500,000 visitors could visit annually.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 27
Around Town
The Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, projected to draw a crowd of over 400,000, was a big success. The festival is owned by Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and brings almost $20 million into the local economy from local attendees, visitors and vendors.
Fort Worth Business Press, April 9-15
The Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure drew more than 15,000 people into the streets of downtown. Celebration of the survivors and the memory of those affected by breast cancer in the annual race helps fund the research to aid in prevention, awareness and someday a cure.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 15
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Dateline: Fort Worth...
Dateline: Fort Worth...
Fort Worth is a great place to live - whether you're starting out, ready to retire or anywhere in between.
Fort Worth is an area of enormous assets. Opportunities abound here. This area is known for its strong, stable economy, mild climate, and excellent quality of life. Other factors, such as the relatively low cost of living and lack of state income tax, plus the comfort that the nearby suburbs have to offer, make Fort Worth the location of choice in the Southwest.
There are plenty of educational opportunities, progressive private schools, and excellent public schools. There are many universities within commuting distance as well as Fort Worth's beautiful TCU campus. The Cultural District offers three world-class museums --the Amon Carter, Kimbell, and the Museum of Science & History which includes the Noble Planetarium and Omni Theatre. There are open parks, lush botanical gardens, the new world-class Bass Performance Hall, as well as plenty of horseback riding, hiking and bike trails. For the boating, swimming, or sailing enthusiast, there are multitudes of public lakes just a few minutes from any point in the Metroplex.
One of the biggest reasons folks visit Fort Worth today is the city's legendary past. After all, Will Rogers once called Fort Worth "where the West begins."
Fort Worth boasts an indigenous western flavor, a genteel gait and casual sophistication. Residents and visitors alike enjoy an unusually rich menu of art treasures at its top-ranked museums. Add to this the prestigious Van Cliburn piano competition...
In Fort Worth, the Old West comes to life before your eyes -- every single day.
Relocate-America.com
April 2004
Chamber web
Chamber Launches New Website Capabilities
Members will notice some dramatic improvements to the Fort Worth Chamber’s website (www.fortworthchamber.com) in the following months. The Chamber has purchased a web product that is fully integrated with the Chamber’s existing database. SBA Web for Membership Partner © will allow real-time, up-to-the-minute data to be exchanged between the membership database and the online membership directory and calendar of events.
The transition will occur in phases, the first phase being effective sometime in June. The look of the site may be slightly different, but you will still be able to view businesses by category in the Business Directory, as well as register online for various events.
The “Member Only” portion of the Chamber website will be enhanced to provide in-depth data on member businesses, a message board, discount coupons for fellow members, and the ability to download an e-plaque (a digital version of your Chamber window decal) and more.
In the business directory, Gold members will appear at the top of a category, followed by regular members in alphabetical order. All members will have the opportunity to purchase an enhanced listing, which may include a color box and/or logo. Banner ads, additional keywords and categories will also be available.
“We’re very excited about bringing the Chamber’s technology capabilities and staff efficiency up to an unprecedented level,” said Netty Matthews, vice president of membership. “This web enhancement will provide members more opportunities for web-based marketing, and will give members access to even more information to generate business.”
You will soon receive a letter by e-mail and “snail mail” about the changes and how to best use new features on the site. This letter will include your new web user code and web pass code, which will be required when registering for events or accessing the Member Only section. Please hang on to your pass code until you have a chance to become familiar with using it or change it to something more memorable. (If you lose your password, we will be able to give it to you again.)
SBA, Inc., the Chamber’s database vendor for several years, specializes in membership association computer programs and support. Other clients of SBA Web for Membership Partner © include the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership (TN), the Greater Louisville Metro Chamber of Commerce (KY), Charlotte Chamber of Commerce (NC), and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber (OK).
Mentoring
Putting Youth on the Track to Success
Increasing numbers of young people in Fort Worth are missing something -- the opportunity to establish positive, supportive relationships with adults. The kind of relationships that are an essential part of the process of growing up.
Fort Worth ISD’s TEAM Fort Worth and the Growth Center Project are two school-based mentoring programs that serve to provide mentors to students experiencing school adjustment problems or who are at risk of leaving school before graduation. In each program, mentors meet with students two to four times a month for an hour and spend time with their “mentees” doing a variety of activities, which may include sports, crafts, reading, or simply sitting quietly in some section of the school to talk.
While establishing a positive relationship with two boys at a Fort Worth elementary school, one dedicated TEAM Fort Worth mentor is making efforts to help his two students master reading through positive activities such as group readings that include reading the newspaper together, checking out library books and magazines, and doing word search puzzles. With their mentor’s guidance, the two boys also work on life skills emphasizing respect and courtesy.
Participants in TEAM Fort Worth include Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Freese & Nichols. Lockheed Martin, Motorola, AXA Advisors, The T, Frost Insurance, The Brants Co., Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Chamber )as part of its Stay In School Initiative), Texas Dept. of Transportation, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Tarrant County Hospital District, PDX Inc., American Health & Life, EECU, Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments, American Heart Association and a large group of students from TCC Northwest and South campuses and the TCU Mentors in Action Leadership class.
In its 30th year, the Growth Center Project provides powerful early intervention enabling children to build trusting friendships through positive one-on-one interactions with mentors. During the academic year, volunteer mentors are dedicated to the task of mentoring weekly to provide much needed support, care, guidance and advocacy. In 2003-2004, 120 volunteers, from college students to senior citizens have spent an hour a week with their students as special friends.
Mentors can have a powerful influence on their mentees live. If you are interested in becoming a mentor in FWISD schools, call 817/871-2291 or 817/852-1129 for more details.
Publication
New Chamber Directories Now Available
The 2004 Major Employers Directory and 2004 Media Directory are here. These publications are great resources for businesses and individuals, so order today.
The 2004 Major Employers Directory features business listings for the top 600 companies in Tarrant County employing 100 people or more. Company listings include key contacts such as the highest-level executive, human resources contact and purchasing executive. The directory is in an easy-to-sort Excel format and is available on disk. Member price is $40; non-members pay $60.
Marketing and public relations professionals rely on the Chamber's 2004 Media Directory as the most comprehensive source for media listings in Tarrant County. The 2004 Media Directory includes contacts for TV, print and radio outlets in the Metroplex and surrounding area. The directory is available in print or on disk (PDF and Excel files). Gold members pay $20 for the printed directory, $35 for the disk and $45 for both; regular members pay $30 for the directory, $45 for the disk and $55 for both; nonmembers pay $45 for the directory, $55 for the disk and $65 for both.
Place your order online with a major credit card at www.fortworthchamber.com (click on the publications link) or call Kate Mewhinney at 817.336.2491, ext. 222 to order by phone.
Fort Worth Feast
Demos, Tastings Highlight Fort Worth Feast
Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations livened up the festivities at the annual Fort Worth Feast held at the Mira Vista Golf Club. The annual event features area restaurants and other purveyors of foods and beverages serving samples of signature dishes and beverages in a taste-off format. The Fort Worth Chamber thanks all those who participated, including:
- 7th Street Café
- Black-eyed Pea
- Blade’s Prime Chop House
- Eagle Ranch House
- Hooters
- Italianni’s / Saltimbocca’s
- La Bodega Winery
- Mira Vista Golf Club
- Rodak’s Custom Roasted Coffee
- Rosa’s Café
- Starbucks Coffee Company
Hundreds of Chamber members attended, tasted and voted for the best dish, best decorated booth and friendliest booth. The winners were Rosa’s Café for best dish. Best decorated booth was La Bodega Winery and friendliest booth was Starbuck’s Coffee.
New this year were wine tastings provided by La Bodega winery and cooking demonstrations provided by Chef Zolon Wilkins, III, owner of Planet Zolon, Zoë and Angeluna restaurants. The Chamber thanks them also.
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| Rosa’s Café took the honors for serving the best dish at the recent Fort Worth Feast. |
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La Bodega Winery was recognized by attendees for having the best decorated booth. |
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| The crew of Starbuck’s Coffee demonstrated that friendly style that has made the company such a success. They won the award for friendliest booth. |
China trip
Joint Trade Mission to China Great Success
Aggressive economic growth in a still expanding international market recently led the Fort Worth Chamber, Greater Dallas Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center east on a regional business development mission to China. A multi-sector delegation of approximately 20 business representatives from the Dallas-Fort Worth area traveled to Shanghai, China’s commercial and financial center and to Beijing, the country’s capital in April.
“We found a commercial environment in China as dynamic as every economic indicator has suggested,” said Mary Weaver, director of international business development at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “In fact, keeping up with its own growth continues to be China’s greatest challenge,” she added.
Mission goals focused on China as a global investor, vast consumer market, major buyer and low cost producer. The following facts spurred the visit:
- China’s real gross domestic product has grown to over $1.3 trillion from $106 billion in 1970.
- Consumer spending grew annually at a rate of 8.8 percent to 10.1 percent from 2000-2003.
- Chinese companies account for an increasing share of China’s exports; some will emerge as global giants in their own right.
- China is now a major purchaser of high-end, capital-intensive goods.
- Imports have skyrocketed from $4.1 billion in 1970 to $370 billion in 2002.
“China affords us an opportunity that is unparalleled, said Jim Bradbury, mission co-chair. “In the business community we are accustomed to seeing markets develop over a period of years. The speed of change in China, however, is accomplishing monumental changes in months rather than years.”
While individual companies engaged in itineraries appropriate to their own business interests, the economic development group set about to establish contact with Chinese business leaders and key economic development groups including the China Council for International Trade and Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Foreign Commercial Service and the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board. “One of the most notable trends that surfaced in these discussions was a growing trend toward Chinese foreign direct investment.” To that end, a Dallas-Fort Worth business briefing was held to market and promote the region and was followed by a reception attended by business people representing over 100 Chinese businesses.
“Our goal is to position the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the region of choice for Chinese enterprises looking abroad for investment opportunities, trade and other kinds of strategic alliances,” said Weaver.
A post mission briefing is being organized to share information and contacts with local companies. Additionally, companies with interests in China, existing or activity being planned for, are encouraged to contact the Fort Worth Chamber or the Fort Worth International Center. “The more we know about your specific interests, the more effective we can be in supporting your efforts” said Sigi Frias, director, Fort Worth International Center.
“The mystery of doing business in China is beginning to evaporate,” said Bradbury, “and as a result, those that see China as a source for inexpensive manufacturing are missing a true global change.”
Reciprocal visits from China are expected this summer and fall. For more information, contact Mary Weaver at 817/336-2491, ext. 229.
CAC – Trinity Bluff
Local Developers Serious About Bluffs
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| Tom Struhs |
Tom Struhs, president of the Struhs Company, is most serious when he talks bluffs – Trinity Bluff, that is. Struhs, along with Wendy Shabay of Gideon Toal, will be the featured speakers at the next Fort Worth Chamber Membership Meeting. It is sponsored by Wells Fargo. Shabay will talk about the Trinity River Development and Struhs will discuss The Bluffs.
- What: Chamber Membership Meeting hosted by the Central Area Council
- When: Thursday, June 17, noon-1:30 p.m.; registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: The Fort Worth, Trinity Room, 12th floor, 306 West 7th St.
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40.
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| Wendy Shabay |
Shabay is project manager for planning and urban for Gideon Toal and has contributed to several award-winning projects including the 2003 recipient of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Leadership in Development Excellence Award for the Trinity River Vision Project. She currently serves as project manager for the Trinity River Vision, Lancaster Corridor and I-35 Corridor Master Plan.
Struhs’ Trinity Bluff project, now in its early stages, promises to transform downtown Fort Worth’s riverfront into a vibrant urban neighborhood. He and his wife, Elizabeth Falconer, have re-developed three subdivisions in North Arlington. They are currently constructing Pecan Place Condominiums in downtown Fort Worth.
The Trinity Bluff project involves a broad spectrum of sustainable development issues, including those related to urban design, central city revitalization, historic neighborhoods, riverfront development and mixed-use financing.
For more information contact:
Jeanean
Herod
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 275
Women's Golf
Women’s Challenge 100 ‘Great Fun’ for Participants
Calling women golfers – and even women non-golfers. Make plans now for Monday, June 14, to tee it up at Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills for the third annual Women’s Challenge 100 Golf Tournament hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth Women’s Business Center. Proceeds of the tournament benefit women’s programming of both organizations.
And remember, you don’t really have to be a golfer to play. Throwing and kicking are allowed along with actually using the clubs. It’s a day of fun and networking for women to support women’s programs. Sponsored by the Women’s Business Center and the Fort Worth Business Press.
- What: Women’s Challenge 100 Golf Tournament
- When: Monday, June 14, 7:45 a.m. registration and continental breakfast; 8:15 a.m. tee-off and 12 p.m. lunch and awards program
- Where: Iron Horse Golf Course, 3200 Skylark Circle, North Richland Hills
“Everyone on our teams loved it last year. We had four teams last year and we are planning to play again this year.” said Gina Gerson, Senior Operations Representative from Guaranty Bank. “We had four teams last year and we are planning to play again this year.” Gerson noted that the Women’s Challenge 100 was a terrific networking opportunity as well as being great fun. “It was fun being out of the together with a great group of women, getting to know them and learn what they do. We are really looking forward to the event.”
This year the half-day tournament asks participants to raise at least $125 each in pledges to qualify to participate. All pledges must be collected in advance. Prizes will be awarded and there will be goody bags and door prizes. A light breakfast will be served and the day will end with a luncheon and awards ceremony.
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
Ribbon Cuttings
Recent Ribbon Cuttings
SWTC Business Services, LLC/Farmers Insurance Agency, a consulting company, celebrated the opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting. The company is located at 5280 Trail Lake Drive, #35 – in the Wedgewood Village Shopping Center. For more information, contact Jean Dans at 817/370-9439.
Career Centers of Texas, Fort Worth Branch, a career college held a grand opening in May at 2001 Beach St. For more details, call Nancy Tedros at 727-688-1132.
Salon Eclectic, a hair salon located at 3406 W. Seventh St. marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting recently. To learn more, call Kelly Arroyo at 817/820-0560.
The third Tarrant County location of Fit for Life Group Exercise Center, a fitness and activity center celebrated its opening at 6125 SW Loop 820, Suite 302. For more information, call Robert Dyer at 817/454-8442.
Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for March 2004
The Fort Worth Chamber's top Action Ambassador for February 2004 was Cecil Nutall, an Ambassador since February 2001. Nutall is an agent/representative for Allstate Insurance & Financial Services.
Action Ambassadors keep busy on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and working as greeters at various Chamber functions. Currently, the program is recruiting new members, however, Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. The Action Ambassador program is a great way to learn more about the Fort Worth Chamber and plug in to all of the programs it offers. 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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Cindy Irvin,
Action Ambassador, March 2004 |
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The Action Ambassador Executive Committee for 2004-05 is (from left) John Porhamer, vice chairman; Judy Rosko, membership chair; Larry Knox, chairman; Dawn Gouge, past vice chair; and Steve Shineman, secretary/treasurer. |
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
Annual Meeting
Fort Worth Chamber Annual Meeting: Taking Stock in Fort Worth
There was a time in Fort Worth when the phrase "taking stock" meant a hanging offense. That was then; this is now.
Today, taking stock in Fort Worth means looking back over the successes of the past year and looking forward to a bright future here in Cowtown and that's just what will happen at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce's 122nd Annual Meeting. This year's presenting sponsor is XTO Energy, Inc. The Spirit of Enterprise Award recipient is Sundance Square. Tom Gardner of the Motley Fool -- nationally known financial guru -- will be the featured speaker.
Tom Gardner and his brother David have co-authored several best-selling books, including The Motley Fool Investment Guide, You Have More Than You Think and they are co-hosts of National Public Radio's "The Motley Fool."
- What: Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce's 122nd Annual Meeting
- When: Friday, June 4, 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 200 Main Street
Sponsorship Levels:
- Gold Sponsor $1,900
- Silver Sponsor $1,400
- Bronze Sponsor $1,000
- Individual tickets $ 70
For more information contact:
Beverly
Rozanski
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 263
Chamber Year in Review
Fort Worth Chamber: 2002-2003 in Review
Renowned speakers, revamped programming and regional alliances headlined events at the Fort Worth Chamber during the past fiscal year, 2002-03.
Big news for Fort Worth in general included the inaugural ESPN PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl which brought much favorable publicity to the city as well as thousands of welcome visitors in December and pitted Boise State against TCU.
Looming literally on the Fort Worth horizon is The Tower, formerly the Bank One Building devastated by a March 2000 tornado. Today, The Tower is morphing into a dazzling tower of glass-enclosed condominiums virtually sold out. By 2005, residents will be moving into and enjoying spectacular views. And Fort Worth will be enjoying its restored skyline.
On the international front, interest in a trade mission to Viet Nam is being gauged and a regional joint trade mission visited Shanghai and Beijing, China in April. The Chamber partnered with the Greater Dallas Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center for the mission.
Over the past year, the Chamber’s Economic Development Department conducted its annual retention survey in cooperation with Texas Wesleyan University marketing research students. A marketing campaign has been launched to attract new businesses to Fort Worth to fill the downtown office space which will soon be vacated by Pier 1 Imports and RadioShack as their new corporate offices near completion. The campaign – “Can You See Yourself in Fort Worth?” – targeted 133 specific prospects inviting them to make a site visit.
Many issues face the Governmental Affairs department, from BRAC, to school funding to the recent CIP bond election.
The Chamber has been proactive on the current round of Base Realignment and Closure forming a committee, raising funds and hiring professional lobbyist to sing the praises of Fort Worth’s cutting Naval Air Station - Joint Reserve Base.
The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs and the Workforce Development committees met several times since last fall to come up with a position statement on the state funding of public schools. Recognizing that the plan adopted must be fair to both businesses and individuals and must also raise new money to improve the quality of public education, the Chamber produced a general position statement and has monitored efforts in Austin first hand. Currently a smaller Public School Finance/Tax Reform Task Force is attempting to reach a consensus on what components the bill should include.
In the past year, Fort Worth Chamber members have heard from a broad range of speakers including such government officials as U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Speaker of the House Tom Craddick and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. Other high profile speakers included Ken Devero, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.; Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson; Don Scott, Fort Worth South, Inc.; and new TCU Chancellor Dr. Victor Boschini. Businessmen and sports figures such as Peter Holt, Ross Perot, Jr., and Rusty Wallace also addressed Chamber membership.
Chamber events took center stage in the past year as the Small Business of the Year Awards enjoyed great success as 165 businesses were nominated for the honor. This year, in addition to the four employee-based categories, an emerging business category was added.
In 2003, the Chamber’s Tradefest went county-wide inviting all Tarrant County chambers of commerce to be a part of the event. Sixteen chambers participated making the newly named event, Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show, a huge success.
And the Chamber’s efforts to support the Stay In School Initiative continued over the past year with a Stay In School Pep Rally held last October. The Chamber continues to work with Fort Worth ISD and its five “best practice” programs – TEAM Fort Worth, Junior Achievement, Texas Scholars, Vital Link and Adopt-a-School.
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For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
