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 - October 2004
Guest Column
Column by Jack “Roger” Williams
Ten years ago, Fort Worth was named an All-American City by the National Civic League. It was a terrific honor and an 11-day celebration ensued culminating with a huge fireworks display.
This year, Fort Worth has been designated as one of America’s “Most Livable Communities” by Partners for Livable Communities – a national non-profit leadership organization. Fort Worth is one of nine large cities to receive the award in 2004 and the only Texas city to be honored this decade. When Fort Worth received the first award in 1994, I was moved to write about what this honor meant to our city. This second recognition provides the opportunity to again ponder just how special living in Fort Worth is.
As with the first award, judges took into consideration virtually every feature of life in Fort Worth. Such aspects as the economy, tourism, leadership, environment, neighborhoods and regionalism were considered, and in each aspect, Fort Worth came up a winner. But what the judges can never quantify is that special ingredient that makes all the programs, plans and potential come together to form a satisfying whole. It’s a unique yet unnamable aspect that gives Fort Worth its spark.
Ten years ago, I remarked on our long-standing, friendly rivalry with Dallas noting that, as each city continues to grow, we are often perceived as one municipality –the DFW Metroplex. And on many levels, that regionalism is good for both communities, but we are two separate and utterly different environments. And it’s worth taking a moment to look around at Fort Worth and appreciate those striking differences.
Despite reaching a population of over half a million, there’s still a small town feel to Fort Worth. It’s a place where you call the people you do business with by their first names. Often as not, you know the names of their spouses, their kids and where they go to church or school as well. But that small town feel belies a city that can offer enterprising young people the chance to be successful regardless of their backgrounds. It’s a city where neighbors help neighbors and where you can be known as a regular at the cleaners, grocery store, gas station or your favorite restaurant. In Fort Worth, you can always count on folks to buy dozens of boxes of Girl Scout cookies just to help out – even if they are on the Atkins plan.
Fort Worth citizens possess a pride and a spirit unequaled in other cities. That’s not surprising because most cities are not as blessed as we are. Our museums are world-renowned. We built a world class performance hall that in its first season became recognized as one the 10 best in the world. Our downtown is the envy cities across the country and it continues to grow and thrive. And our universities offer young people the opportunity to get a top rated education right here at home. We have all the benefits of being a big city coupled with the joys of small town living.
But perhaps what’s most important about living here is not what we receive, but we are able to accomplish together. So the next time your neighbor brags about his kids or you’re asked to serve on another board or committee or give to a really good cause, remember that being involved is what living in Fort Worth is all about. And it’s a privilege indeed to live in one of America’s “Most Livable Communities.”
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GO Centers
Centers Help Students Get Up and Go
One of the most difficult lessons to teach young people is that decisions they make today will have a profound impact on their future. That goes for virtually all students, but it is especially true for those who must overcome language and financial barriers.
With that in mind, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board created the “College for Texans” campaign and established a grant through the Texas Business and Education Coalition to fund the creation of “Go Centers” in area schools. 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.
In connection with the Go Centers program, the TBEC grant has funded a staff person at the Fort Worth Chamber – Ashley Cash, manager of education programs -- to serve as a facilitator between the schools and other interested organizations.
“The tagline we use for outreach with students is ‘the more you learn, the more you earn’,” says Cash. Successful business people know that, but perhaps not underprivileged students or their families. “Many of these families see college as unaffordable and don’t encourage their children to pursue it. We try to reach out to students who are not typically tapped for higher education. There’s at least $3 billion available in state and federal aid that many of them are eligible for.”
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.
“The slogan is ‘Education. Go Get It,’ but there’s a reality to that. School counselors are so overwhelmed by the high student to counselor ratio, they just don’t have time to help every student find all the information they need,” explains Cash. “But the Go Centers have teams of volunteers called G-Force Teams to help students use the centers. The team is a network of students, concerned citizens and organizations such as the Chamber committed to supporting the Go Center efforts. The last thing we want to do is put one more chore on the counselors’ plates.”
Currently there are Go Centers set up at Dunbar and North Side High Schools and part of Cash’s job is working to build partnerships with the groups and volunteers that make up the G-Force Teams. Adults monitor the center while students viewed by their peers as leaders do the legwork.
“My job is to identify Go Center needs and build relationships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs to meet those needs and not duplicate efforts,” says Cash who also markets the program as part of her outreach efforts.
Goals for the Go Center program in the year ahead include:
- working to establish Go Centers is in all FWISD high schools, with particular focus on target schools from the Stay-In-School Initiative;
- building partnerships between higher education institutions and high schools to support the Go Center efforts;
- organizing special events to reach out to students and the community at large; and
- expanding outreach to include “satellite” Go Centers at such places as middle schools, libraries, workforce centers and community-based organizations.
Currently, Fort Worth 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, notes Cash. “Marketing is not enough,” she says. “We must have programmatic components to address barriers and help students and their families clear the hurdles.”
For more information on the Go Centers, contact Cash at 817/336-2491, ext. 233.
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Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
New Developments
PNL Companies, the owners of the Charles D. Tandy Center plan to turn the twin tower office complex, currently being vacated by RadioShack, into 350 condominiums. The 1.2 millions square foot redevelopment will include about 350 residences, nearly 1,200 parking spaces and more than 78,000 square feet of stores, restaurants and shops. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 1
D.R. Horton, one of the nation's largest home builders, will move its headquarters from Arlington to space soon to be vacated by Pier 1 Imports in downtown Fort Worth's City Center complex. Horton has signed a 10-year lease for more than 160,000 square feet of space on eight floors in the tower at 301 Commerce Street. It will become the tower's largest tenant, and the building will be renamed D.R. Horton Tower when the company moves more than 220 workers there early next year. Pier 1 will soon begin moving into a new 20-story headquarters nearing completion on downtown's western edge. That move is expected to take several months. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 6
Ground has been broken on the 46-acre redevelopment of Montgomery Plaza at the corner of 7th and Carroll streets. Plans call for a 173,890 square foot SuperTarget to anchor the project with additional retail, specialty retail and a restaurant on the ground floors. Floors two through eight are being designed for residential use. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 6–12
City leaders recently agreed to take over ownership of Mercado, a Mexican-style marketplace on the North Side, after its developer walked away from a federally funded loan. The city will continue development, but plans to sell the space when it is completed. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 1
Duke Construction Co. in Dallas, which recently began building a customized distribution center for Del Monte in the Railhead Industrial Park, has started a second project in Fort Worth at 3215 S.W. Loop 820 near Normandale Street. According to a city building permit, the office will be 30,500 square feet and cost $1.9 million to build. Turner said the building would be completed by December. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 16
Expansions and Moves
Sewell Lexus in Fort Worth, 5100 Bryant Irvin Road, is renovating and expanding its new-vehicle showroom. The renovation involves the 10,400-square-foot showroom and the enclosure of a 1,840-square-foot display area. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 2
Hillwood has purchased 55 acres to expand the Lakeside Trade Center in Flower Mound. It has also leased some space in Lakeside Trade Center 1 to a vehicle accessories distributor. Hillwood plans to add two buildings totaling 791,850 square feet on the newly purchased land. Lakeside Trade Center 4 will have 334,900 square feet, and Lakeside Trade Center 5 will have 456,950 square feet. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 9
The city's three airports are in the middle of a multimillion-dollar expansion program that could change the way they operate. A private developer is working on plans to turn Spinks Airport from a sleepy field for small private planes into a corporate-jet hub. Another company is building 77 hangars, and the city is working with state and federal money to build a control tower. At Meacham Airport, corporate jets are replacing the flight schools that flourished before 9-11. And city officials are in the early phases of extending the main runway at Alliance Airport. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Aug. 6
Under Construction
A four-story, 46,800-square-foot Holiday Inn Express and Suites is under construction at 3541 N.W. Loop 820 and is expected to open in March. The hotel will have 70 rooms, including 16 suites. It will have an outside pool, high-speed Internet access in all rooms, and a 1,200-square-foot meeting room. A business center will also be available to guests. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 2
Developer Burk Collins & Co., based in Hurst, will soon begin construction on the Shops at Hulen, a 30,000-square-foot center that will be an out-parcel to the Wal-Mart center at Hulen Street and Oakmont Boulevard. The Fort Worth center will be completed in about six months. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 9
GL Barron Construction Co. has sold its office building at 4200 W. Vickery Blvd. and plans to move just west to the at Bryant Irvin Road and Southwest Boulevard. Barron’s new office will take up 6,000 square feet of the 10,000 square feet planned for Phase I of the Mont Del Office Park. Two more phases of 5,000 square feet each are anticipated. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 20-26
Ground has broken on the 39-acre Town Center West project at FM 157 and Highway 287 that will house a 42,000 square foot Cinemark USA Theater and 95,000 square feet of office and retail space. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 27-September 2
RSD Equity Partners Ltd. is building the first of four offices at the Fountains at Riverwalk at the northeast corner of Glade Road and Riverwalk Drive.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 30
On the Dotted Line
Denver-based Johnson Properties has bought the five-building warehouse complex at 3341 E. Loop 820 from Klabzuba Oil & Gas Co. The buildings have a total of 75,600 square feet. Craftmark, a printing operation, and Miramar Designs, a manufacturer of retail and display fixtures, are the major tenants. About 9,000 square feet is available now, but about 30,000 square feet will be available soon, with Miramar Designs moving to a new plant in south Fort Worth by October. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 9
Shaul Baruch has purchased 367 acres for a mixed-use development along Old Granbury Road near Benbrook Lake in far southwest Fort Worth. The planned State Highway 121 and extension to the proposed Southwest Freeway eventually will border the property on its eastern side. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 13-19
Anchor Bree Enterprises has purchased approximately 12,500 square feet of office/warehouse space at 3600 Noble Avenue off Airport Freeway about a mile east of downtown. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 13-19
Recent signings of 14,309 square feet at the 12-story Ridglea Bank Building included Milar Credit, Inc., Stoneleigh Huff Brous McDowell, Fiber Tower Corporation, Sperry Van Ness/Sid Peters Group, and Law offices of Kight Higgins. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 20-26
Frank Kent Enterprises has leased 25,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in the West Interstate 20 Business Park, where it will operate a distribution center for General Motor’s parts and accessories. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 23
Allegiance Computer Recycling has taken 18,448 square feet at 6001 Tenison Dr. in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 27-September 2
SGD-Parks Center LLC bought an 18,000-square-foot building in the Parks Center at 2402 Forest Park Blvd. Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 27-September 2
Warner Alan Properties, a local investment company, has bought the 117-unit Steppes Apartments, 2200 Ridgmar Plaza. The complex, built in the late 1960s, is 92 percent leased. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 30
Openings
ReCollections, a new store from Irving-based Michaels, entered Tarrant County this summer with a location at 1108 W. Arbrook Blvd., Suite 100, in Arlington and another at Precinct Line Road and Texas 26 in North Richland Hills. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 9
Northern Tool & Equipment Co. has opened a location at 2630 W. Interstate 20 to sell tools and power equipment. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aug. 9
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
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Dateline: Fort Worth...
All aboard!
In Fort Worth, railways aren’t just a means of catching a ride. They can be an afternoon excursion. Stop at this former freight house for charming shopping as well as hearty fare. Finish the day with some locomotion from Fort Worth to Dallas.
Dining by Rail
The new Fort Worth Rail Market, located in the old Santa Fe Freight House building at the southern end of downtown, packs high quality into its somewhat modest size. Visitors find a colorful array of traditional farmers market goods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, plants, and baked treats. But that’s only part of the story…
You’ll also fancy the independent, local eateries that have set up shop at the market. The mom-and-pop vendors feature homemade cuisine that’s quick as well as delicious.
Railway Express
Because you already have locomotives chugging through your mind, why not hop a train after some noshing and shopping at the market? You’ll find traveling between Fort Worth and Dallas by train stress free and, dare we say, relaxing. Sit back and enjoy the 35-mile trip on the Trinity Railway Express. The route detours through the Metroplex, including a short stop at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center next door to the market. The round-trip fare is $4.50 per passenger—what a bargain.
Trinity Railway Express runs single-level and double-deck commuter cars. Some trains offer table-facing seats to allow passengers to chat and socialize. So jump on-board, and get ready for an afternoon adventure.
Southern Living
September 2004
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Buy Local Trade Show
New Format Tarrant Chambers Trade Show Scores Big
Last year, the Fort Worth Chamber’s annual Buy Local Tradefest became a whole new ballgame. The Chamber teamed with 16 chambers from all over Tarrant County and created a new event – the Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show – designed to let exhibitors meet hundreds of potential customers from across the county in just one evening.
Now in its second year, the new-formatted Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show will grow again. This year, 20 chambers will team up for success.
- What: Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show 2004 presented by the Star-Telegram
- When: Thursday, Nov. 18, 4-8 p.m.
- Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center – Exhibits Hall
“We never dreamed this new concept would be so successful,” says Netty Matthews, vice president of membership services for the Fort Worth Chamber. “But this has turned into a fabulous opportunity for businesses across Tarrant County, and even beyond. We were looking for ways to facilitate our members networking with other area chambers. This concept allowed us to take a regional approach. This year, we’ve even expanded to chambers beyond Tarrant County. We’ll have members of 20 chambers all in one show.”
Participating chambers include: American Indian Chamber, Arlington Chamber, Azle Chamber, Benbrook Area Chamber, Burleson Area Chamber, Colleyville Area Chamber, Crowley Area Chamber, Denton Chamber, East Parker County Chamber, Fort Worth Chamber, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber, HEB Chamber, Mansfield Chamber, Northeast Tarrant Chamber, Northwest Metroport Chamber, Northwest Tarrant Chamber, Saginaw Area Chamber, Southlake Chamber and South Tarrant Chamber.
Each participating chamber will be able to sell booths to its own members potentially broadening the scope of the trade show as well as bringing in hundreds more visitors. “We anticipate in excess of 2,000 attendees for this new and improved trade show,” said Matthews. “As always, there will be complimentary food and beverage booths and our popular silent auction.”
Business owners interested in purchasing a booth can choose from standard booths and prime. Booth prices are as follows with payment received by the Nov. 5 Early Bird deadline:
- Participating Chamber member - $425
- Non-member - $575
After Oct. 22:
- Participating Chamber member - $525
- Non-member - $675
Early Bird deadline does not apply to the following:
- Prime booth (member only) - $625
Restaurant and beverage vendors interested in participating get a free booth in return for providing at least 1,500 servings of food or beverages. For information on receiving a free food or beverage booth, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.
For regular booth information, contact Beverly Rozanski at ext. 263, or go to www.fortworthchamber.com for full details. Final deadline for booth purchase is Nov. 12.
Click here for a larger, printable floorplan in PDF format.
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Work in Texas.com
Where to Find 1.8 Million Qualified Texans
Are you an employer looking for qualified employees? Are you a job seeker looking for a more efficient way to conduct your job search?
Whether you are hiring or looking to be hired, look no further than Texas Workforce Solutions’ new comprehensive online job resource – WorkInTexas.com.
For employers, the WorkInTexas.com web site is a fast, easy, effective way to recruit qualified job applicants. It features the latest technology, employment data and applicant data bases. For job seekers, it puts them in touch with a database of available jobs throughout Texas. And the web site is completely free to registered users.
According to Sal Adamski, business services manager for Tarrant County Workforce Solutions, “The WorkInTexas website advertises over 400,000 job vacancies and attracts 1.8 million job candidates a year. The new, unique system matches skills, not just job titles, providing a larger candidate pool and a better fit for your business needs.”
The WorkInTexas system offers exclusive, member only services such as e-mail notification, training resources, salary comparisons and real time job candidate matches. “Real time results, coupled with our exclusive job matching technology equates to finding the perfect candidate faster, easier and more cost-effectively than ever before,” noted Adamski.
When you register to use WorkInTexas.com, you can created unlimited free job postings, view applicant resumes, experience job matching in real time, receive e-mail notifications and access an array of state-of-the-art recruiting tools.
A visit to the WorkInTexas.com site puts such tools as career skills assessment, interviewing tips and salary data at users’ fingertips. It also lists support resources such as information on child care, unemployment insurance, Texas labor laws and public transportation.
Job seekers can find links to job search resources such as tips on job searches and completing state applications as well as current Texas labor market information. For those looking to change careers, there is information the hottest careers and the fasting growing job sectors in the state.
To learn more about the website, log on to www.WorkInTexas.com.
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Outtage
Pardon Our Absence: Chamber Closed Due Outage
Due to a severe power outage at the Fort Worth Club Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 15-16, the Fort Worth Chamber was closed. During that time, the Chamber experienced difficulties with both the telephone and computer systems. Because of that, some online registrations and fax RSVPs may potentially have gone astray. If you registered for a Chamber event during that time and have not received a confirmation, or if you just want to double check, please contact the Chamber at 817/336-2491.
We are currently in the process of upgrading our computer systems. We regret any inconvenience that this situation may have caused our members.
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Minding Your Business
Sellout Session Repeated: Marketing to Hispanics
When Chevrolet introduced its Nova model to Mexico, it didn’t sell. Executives were stumped until they learned that no va is Spanish for “won’t go.” A mistake the next Minding Your Business speaker, Dora Tovar, could have helped them avoid.
Due to a sellout last July when we presented this topic, this month’s Minding Your Business will again be “How to Market to the Hispanic Community,” presented by Tovar, president of Tovar PR Inc. Learn what it takes to effectively market your product or service to the ever-growing Hispanic community. The event is sponsored by Unity One Federal Credit Union and Marquette Commercial Finance.
- What: Minding Your Business Mid-Morning, “How to Market to the Hispanic Community,” with Dora Tovar
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 9-11 a.m.
- Where: B.K.’s Creative Catering, 275 University
- Cost: Free to Chamber members only.
Tovar has over 17 years of public relations experience on behalf of advocacy organizations, government and corporate America across the country. She has also developed consumer awareness campaigns in top markets for regional and global clients. Her proven ability to deliver for clients and her contagiously upbeat attitude is both focused and empowering.
Take a coffee break and join us for light refreshments and valuable information you can use to help you be more successful in business.
For more information, contact Diana Dugan at 817/336-2491, ext. 258. RSVP to Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 288.
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Lead Explosion
Cool Nights, Hot Leads Help Generate Business
Before you try trick-or-treating for new business leads, check out the Fort Worth Chamber’s Leads Explosion, a terrific networking opportunity specifically designed to help Chamber members generate new business. Leads Explosion is sponsored by Thumbtechs, Inc.
- What: Leads Explosion
- When: Thursday, Oct. 21, 5-8:30 p.m.
- Where: Best Western Inn Suites, I-30 at Beach Street
- Cost: Chamber members only - $30; Gold members are free, but must register with a credit card which will be charged only for a no show. Limit one participant per company.
Leads Explosion is intensive, directed quality networking designed to bring participants new, quality leads as well as allow them to promote their own businesses. It is limited to the first 90 who register and there are no more than five representatives from the same industry. Paid reservations are required and the deadline is strictly enforced.
For more information, contact Diana Dugan at 817/336-2491, ext. 258 or RSVP to Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 288.
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BAH
Business After Hours Is October Main Event
If you’re looking for a chance to bowl, play laser tag and video games with some of your colleagues, then this is it. October Business After Hours will be held at Main Event Entertainment and a good time will be had by all. What: Business After Hours at Main Event Entertainment
- When: Thursday, Oct. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: 4801 Citylake Blvd.
- Cost: Members only - $10; Gold members free.
Main Event Entertainment covers over 60,000 square feet and features over 100 video and arcade games, an ultra modern laser tag arena and state of the art bowling lanes. So bowl a few frames. Laser tag a few business acquaintances or master the universe of video games.
Mark your calendar for an evening of fun. Join your fellow Chamber members for a little game playing as well as hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and score some top notch networking.
For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 or tpearson@fortworthchamber.com. RSVP to Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 288.
In last month’s Chamberletter, we listed an incorrect name for Main Event Entertainment. We regret the error.
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CAC Luncheon
Learn What’s Up in Downtown Fort Worth
 |
Andy Taft, President
Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. |
Downtown Fort Worth is humming with activity at all points of the compass. One of the most exciting projects is the Lancaster Avenue Corridor. That TIF (tax increment financing district) is providing incentives for even more redevelopment in the area. For an update on downtown Fort Worth, plan to join the Chamber’s Central Area Council as they present Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.’s President Andy Taft at the next membership luncheon, sponsored by Wells Fargo.
- What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the Central Area Council
- When: Thursday, Oct. 21, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Radisson Plaza Hotel, 815 Main St.
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40.
Since coming to Fort Worth about a year ago, Taft has been at the center of much the downtown activity. From the Trinity River Vision to the Convention Center Hotel to The Tower to Lancaster Avenue, Downtown Fort Worth is growing and improving. Lancaster infrastructure is currently being upgraded in anticipation of new development. The T&P Building will be renovated into 136 high-rise residential properties. The City is considering the historic Post Office as a new site for City Hall. That and much more. Join us and learn what’s in store for downtown.
For more information, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.
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Golf Thanks
Special Thanks to Golf Classic Sponsors
Following the highly successful 18th Annual Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic, the Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors who were so critical to that success.
- Presenting Sponsor: XTO Energy
- Dinner Sponsor: CI Host.com
- Cart Sponsors: Holiday Inn North & South and TexasBank
- Platinum Sponsors: Charles Schwab & Co., Fort Worth Transportation Authority, KPMG, LLP and Sundance Square
- Gold Sponsors: Cantey & Hanger; Citizens National Bank; First Choice Power; Hawk Electronics; Higginbotham & Associates; Law, Snakard & Gambill; Lockheed Martin, Partners Together for Health, JPS Foundation; TXU and Wells Fargo
- Silver Sponsors: Akzo Nobel; Bank of Texas; Leaman Container, Inc. and Quarles Lumber
- Bronze Sponsors: Marquette Commercial Finance; PlainsCapital Bank; Plywood Company; Royer & Schutts; The Beck Group and Worth National Bank
- Contests: Fort Worth Chamber, Frank Kent Motor Company, Honda West and Moritz of Fort Worth
- Course-pitality: 7th Street Café, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Coors, HOLT
Cat, LoneStarSteak.com, Miller, Outback Steakhouse, Reddy Ice, Rosa’s Café, Walgreen’s, Wilson’s Bar-B-Q
- Goody Bags: OmniAmerican, Fort Worth Brahmas, Fort Worth Chamber, Caress, Chase, Chick-Fil-A, CI Host, JPS Health Network, Lonestar Specialty Advertising, Osteopathic Health System of Texas, PlainsCapital Bank, Smiley’s Studio, The T, Wilson’s Bar B-Q
- Golf Balls: Sewell Lexus and Summit Bank
- Graphic Design: The Short Agency
- Media: Fort Worth Business Press
- Photos: Coors
- Printing: Curry Printing
- Vans: Advantage Rent-A-Car
- Signage: Maze Sign & Distributing Co.
- Travel: American Airlines
- Trophies: Raymond James & Associates
We would also like to offer special thanks to Ridglea Country Club and Christina Toups, CCM, Norma Ham and Keith Davidson
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Golf Winners
And the Winners Are…
The winners and finalists in the Fort Worth Chamber’s 18th Annual Golf Classic were:
North Course
- First place - TXU – 50.1: Justin Johnson, Larry Gardner, Don Cole and Jerry Zemanek
- Second place – Cantey & Hanger – 52.1: Brad Dowell, Ron Allums, Mike Dean and John Lee
- Third place – Worth National Bank – 52.3: Cory Curry, Caton Morris, Kevin Nugen and Tommy Blessing
South Course
- First place – Fort Worth Club – 53.1: Al Dimberger, Walter Littlejohn, Tal Milan and Charlie Cripliver
- Second place – Marquette Commercial Finance – 54.1: Jeff Schrimpf, Jay Gardner, Jeff Kassing and Jay Reedy
- Third place – Advantage Rent-A-Car – 54.2: Greg Rinehart, Ken Nicholson, Jeff Mitte and Mike Reed
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Most Livable Community
Fireworks Help Celebrate Living in Fort Worth
Set this Saturday aside to celebrate Fort Worth’s being named as one of the “most livable communities” in the U.S. by Partners for Livable Communities – a national non-profit leadership. The honor has gone to 33 other communities of varying size across the country. Fort Worth is one of nine large cities to receive the award in 2004 and the only Texas city to be honored this decade.
- What: Most Livable Communities Celebration
- When: Saturday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Where: Gateway Park, 750 N. Beach St.
- Cost: No charge
To celebrate the honor Texas style, Fort Worth will host a daylong party featuring food, entertainment, sporting events, exhibits and culminating in a huge fireworks display over the Trinity River.
Partners for Livable Communities cited Fort Worth as “a world-class destination that embraces its cowboy heritage while revitalizing its downtown and building the nation’s third largest cultural district.”
Exhibits at the celebration will highlight the 10 areas by which Fort Worth was chosen for the “most livable” designation:
- New economy
- Tourism
- Housing
- Central city
- Leadership
- Finance
- Regionalism
- Environment
- Human development
- Neighborhoods
Throughout the daylong celebration, activities will promote neighborhood associations throughout Fort Worth.
For more information on the event, contact Eileen Houston-Stewart (817) 392-6415 or go to fortworthgov.org/mostlivablecommunity/index.asp.
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Best Workplaces Luncheon
Workplaces Honored for Doing Their Share for Cleaner Air
Ozone season is winding down, but the importance of doing our share for cleaner air never diminishes. That’s why the North Texas Clean Air Coalition – NTCAC – works with area companies to help them help their employees with their commute solutions. As part of that effort, the NTCAC is presenting its annual North Texas Best Workplaces for Commuters Awards which recognize proactive companies contributing to cleaner North Texas Air. Featured speaker at the event will be CBS 11’s meteorologist Jeff Jamison.
- What: North Texas Best Workplaces For Commuters Awards
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 20, Noon-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Intermodal Transportation Center, 1001 Jones St.
- Cost: Luncheon is complimentary
Despite the apparent ubiquity of Ozone Alerts, we have made progress towards cleaning our air. Part of that progress is the result of citizens – private and corporate alike – recognizing the need to change their driving habits.
Because “mobile sources” such as cars account for more than 50 percent of air emissions in the DFW Metroplex, the NTCAC focuses on changing citizens’ driving habits. Established in 1993 to promote voluntary solutions to local air quality problems, the NTCAC includes the Fort Worth Chamber, the Greater Dallas Chamber, the North Texas Commission, the North Texas Council of Governments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.
For more information on the event or to RSVP, contact Michelle Burnett at 8147/341-0930.
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Ambassador of the Month
Hughes Action Ambassador for July 2004
The Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for July 2004 was Jana Hughes, an Ambassador only since March 2004. Hughes is general manager of Shooting Star Limousines.
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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Mackay Breakfast
Let Author Harvey Mackay ‘Fire’ You Up
What do Jesse Ventura and Larry King have in common with millions of other people? They have both been fired. If you’re under thirty, chances are 90 percent that you will be, too.
Best -selling author Harvey Mackay has a new book about to hit the stands -- “We Got Fired! And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us.” Millions have devoured Mackay’s inspirational book, “Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive,” a New York Times number one bestseller. The author and syndicated columnist will address the Fort Worth Chamber’s Small Business Council on the eve of the book’s publication.
- What: Small Business Council Breakfast presents Harvey Mackay
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Holiday Inn North, 2540 Meacham Blvd.
- Cost: Chamber members - $30; non-members $40. Price includes a copy of Mackay’s new book, “We Got Fired! …And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us.”
Mackay will offer his insights to the upbeat approach he takes with his subjects including no-nonsense facts on 25 signs to help you recognize you’re about to be fired, 13 strategies for handling rejection and 10 steps to help you find your next job.
For more information, contact Diana Dugan at 817/336-2491, ext. 258. Register online or with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 288.
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SBOY Winners
2004 Saw First Tie in Small Business Awards
For the first time in the history of the Small Business of the Year Awards, two companies tied for an award. In the 101-250 employee category, Empire Roofing, Inc. and Higginbotham & Associates tied in virtually every aspect of the judging.
Empire Roofing, Inc. is a full service roofing company specializing in roof replacement and repair of commercial office and industrial properties. Services include budget reports, due diligence, preventive maintenance programs, roof leak repairs and total roof replacement. The fully automated sheet metal shop supports roofing crews as well as metal standing seam applicators. Judges noted Empire’s dedication to customer service including such details as making sure their trucks are always clean. And when Empire does a job for an out-of-town client, they keep them posted on progress through photos and emails. Empire President Ronnie McGlothin runs a family owned business and treats his employees like family.
Higginbotham & Associates, one of the nation’s 100 largest insurance agencies based on revenue and National Underwriter’s “2002 Agency of the Year,” offers a full line of insurance and financial services to businesses and consumers throughout the nation. Utilizing a complete relationship approach, Higginbotham’s professionals carefully assess client risk areas and recommend a comprehensive insurance program encompassing a wide range of services.
Judges noted Higginbotham’s attention to detail and proactive customer service policy exemplified by their swift and comprehensive service to clients affected by the May 1995 hail storm. Higginbotham employees went into action that weekend and by Monday had already been in touch with companies around the country and even had onsite glass installers available.
The 2005 Rising Star Small Business Awards will be held on March 31. Mark your calendars to save that date. For more information, contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext. 272.
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Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
