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July 2006

 

Bryant, Barnard and Baumeister Lead Fort Worth Chamber in 2006-07

At the 124th Annual Meeting of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce held last month, the Chamber welcomed back Gabe Kaplan (“Kotter”) as the featured entertainment and welcomed in new officers for the coming year. All experienced business leaders dedicated to bettering Fort Worth, they are Vernon Bryant, Chairman; Brian Barnard, Vice Chairman; and Allyson Baumeister, Treasurer. The three will work with the board of directors and Chamber staffers to implement strategies designed to promote increased growth and further economic development in the business community. These efforts will be made while continuing to work with other local entities to foster a positive business and living environment.

 

Vernon Bryant

 

Taking over as chairman from Albon Head, Managing Partner of the Fort Worth office of the law firm of Jackson Walker, is Vernon Bryant, who received his BBA in Accounting from Texas Christian University in 1968. He completed the Colorado Graduate School of Banking in 1986, and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1970.

Currently the Fort Worth City President for Compass Bank, Bryant was president and chief executive officer of TexasBank from 1989 to 2006.

In addition to his duties as chairman of the Fort Worth Chamber, Bryant is a member of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee and led the Chamber’s first two Total Resource Campaigns raising $560,000 in 2005. He serves on the Van Cliburn Foundation Board of Directors as Chairman of the Development Committee and on the Foundation’s Finance Committee. He is a Foundation Trustee and serves on the Finance Committee for the First United Methodist Church (Fort Worth) and also serves on the Board of Directors of Shady Oaks Country Club. He is a member of the Exchange Club, and on the TCU Horned Frog Athletic Attendance Advisory Board and he has served on the State of Texas Finance Commission as Chairman.

Bryant and his wife Nancy have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.


Brian Barnard

 

Brian Barnard, the Administrative Partner of the Fort Worth office of Haynes and Boone, LLP and a member of the firm’s corporate section, succeeds Bryant as vice chairman. Born in Midland, Texas, Barnard graduated with honors in Finance in 1978 from the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his law degree with honors from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1981. At Texas Tech, he was a member of the Texas Tech Law Review and served as its articles and book review editor from 1980 to 1981.

Barnard speaks frequently at State Bar and other seminars and has written widely on corporate and securities issues. He has been a member of the Small Business Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association since 1983 and is also a member of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.

Among his Chamber duties, Barnard serves as the Co-Chairman of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, Chairman of the Public School Finance Task Force and chairs the Chamber’s 2006-07 Total Resource Campaign. Barnard also currently serves as a member of the Board of the Alliance for Higher Education and sits on the boards of directors of many other civic and charitable organizations in Fort Worth, including the Fort Worth Child Study Center. Barnard and his wife, Cindy, have twin four-year old daughters.


Allyson Baumeister

 

Allyson Baumeister, again serving as Treasurer and Chairman of Finance, joined Sanford, Baumeister & Frazier, P.C. in 2000 as an officer after several years in solo, small firm, and national firm practice. Baumeister graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University and is active in many professional associations. She serves business, individual, and trust clients in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, non-profit, construction, farm and ranch, and professional services.

An author of several articles for the Texas Society of CPAs’ newsletters, Baumeister is a frequent lecturer and has addressed several national continuing education seminars sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs.

She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, currently serving on Council, as well as on several committees. She also served as President of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSCPA (1999-2000). Active in the Texas Society of CPAs, serving on both committees and on the Board of Directors, she most recently served as Treasurer of the Executive Board in 2003-2005.

Her awards include both the Texas Society of CPAs’ LoneStar Pathfinder award (2002) and Young CPA of the Year award (1996). She received Senate Resolution No. 329 from the Senate of Texas (1997) for the Young CPA honor. She also is the recipient of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSCPA’s Young CPA of the Year award (1994-95) and was a member of The Business Press’ 40 Under 40 (1996) and was also honored by the YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant County in its 2003 Tribute to Women in Business.

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China Mission Accomplished

It seems as though China’s Forbidden City is not so forbidden after all.

A 20-member delegation made up of business people and Chamber representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth International Center and the Greater Dallas Chamber has recently returned from an eight-day trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing. The mission’s goal was to facilitate international business opportunities between participants and companies in China.

Bill Frainey, DFW International Airport; Randy Humphreys, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Ricardo Carrillo, Carrillo Funeral Home; and Carey Spence, Fort Worth International Center enjoy an evening in Shanghai’s Bund District.

 

  

“The Chinese market holds enormous potential for Fort Worth companies,” said Mary Weaver, the Fort Worth Chamber’s director of international business development and one of the architects of the trip. “The commercial missions we organize allow companies to explore possible opportunities with potential business partners in a specific and direct way.”

The highly structured mission included pre-screened, pre-arranged appointments for the business people designed to maximize potential business opportunities. And results are already being seen.

“This was a very successful trade mission you arranged,” participant Gene Wallace of SAMCO Capital Markets in Dallas told Weaver. “I am already in fairly serious discussion with individuals and organizations from China that could lead to significant transactions and long-lasting relationships. These possible transactions developed entirely from the outstanding meetings you and your team arranged.”

As companies signed on for the mission, the organizers worked with them, focusing on their goals and objectives for the trip. “We then identified and pre-qualified appropriate in-country prospects and pre-arranged company appointments that were held on-site,” said Weaver. “This process and level of detail was the best way to ensure that objectives were met. Back home, one-one counseling services are available to participants through the combined work of the Chamber and the International Center.”

China is the Metroplex’s number one trading partner with more than $7.16 billion as of the third quarter of 2004. And that number continues to grow.

“Today’s China still reflects its ancient traditional customs, but it has combined them with ultra-entrepreneurial energy and focus,” said Sigi Frias, director of the Fort Worth International Center. “China is a business powerhouse akin to a locomotive: centrally directed but with many miles of track and continually picking up steam.”

Part of what made the trip a success was Fort Worth-based American Airlines recent debut of a direct flight to Shanghai from Chicago. “American Airlines direct service to Shanghai has already improved our access as a region to one of the most dynamic markets in the world,” Weaver said.

While in Beijing, the delegation was hosted for dinner by CCPIT, the Chinese Government's Ministry for International Trade, a longtime friend of Fort Worth businesses and the Fort Worth Chamber, noted China participant and blogger Jim Bradbury of Jackson Walker LLP. “There are some things in China that you cannot get without State help. We stood and looked over the Forbidden City from above, a view that 1.4 billion people have never seen,” he wrote. (The blog is still available on the Chamber’s website, www.fortworthchamber.com/blog/index.html)

To learn more about the mission or opportunities for trade with China, contact Weaver at mweaver@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 229.

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July is “Try Transit” Month – All Aboard!

July is Try Transit Month, part of Commute Solutions Season in North Texas. From May through October, The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), in cooperation with the North Texas Clean Air Coalition, will promote alternatives to drive alone commuting through advertising, employer outreach, e-mail campaigns, media relations and a Web-based Commuter Challenge contest that begins July 1 at www.tryparkingit.com.

Every month through October has a different commute solutions theme: August is

Vanpool/Carpool Month, September is Telecommute Month and October is Employer Recognition Month. For more information on Commute Solutions Season and how to become a “Best Workplace for Commuters” company visit www.northtexasair.org.

Employers, did you know that the federal tax code allows employers to offer up to $105 per month in transit and vanpool benefits tax-free? For information about the T’s Annual Employer Pass program (E-Pass) and vanpool services call 817-215-8714. For vanpool/carpool matching services call 817-336-RIDE.

Visit the T’s website at www.the-t.com for bus schedule information and a link to the TRE website for train schedules. The T’s customer service department also has route and schedule information at 817-215-8600.

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Guest Column - Gregg Upp

In 1913, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said, “The awakening of the people of China to the possibilities under free government is the most significant, if not the most momentous, event of our generation.”

Gregg Upp

 

President Wilson’s comments were made almost a century ago and it is the free market, not the government, the Chinese have discovered. Today, the Chinese economy is the third largest in the world. It has taken a while, but now that the Chinese economy has awakened to the possibilities of capitalism, look out.

I was privileged to be part of the recent trade mission to China organized by the Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth International Center and the Greater Dallas Chamber and to see firsthand how this dynamic economy is growing. (See Chamberletter story, page 1) But this trip was far more than casual sightseeing. Participants ranged from logistics experts to funeral directors to motorcycles manufacturers and, while we certainly took in many of China’s breathtaking sights, we each had individual, pre-arranged, pre-screened business appointments waiting for us when we got there. The trip was extremely well-planned to the smallest detail. That kind of precision doesn’t just happen. Credit for that goes to the Chambers and the International Center. Months of research, due diligence and advance work went into planning this mission and already participants are seeing results.

For my organization, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, we are looking forward to finalizing the details on an agreement for some student and faculty exchange programs with the University of Shanghai in the near future. And I know several of the other participants are already building partnerships and developing opportunities initiated during this mission.

I believe these results are important on many levels. First, as Americans, we are seen as the purveyors of capitalism around the world. Now that China is burgeoning into a capitalistic economy, we are experiencing first hand just how much the Chinese want to learn more about the U.S. The government may still be Communist, but the Chinese business person wants to be a capitalist.

This trip was important, especially with the participation of DFW International Airport, because most Chinese business people are not familiar with U.S. geography. Many would not be able to find Fort Worth or Dallas on a map and if they did, they would surely notice we are a long way from a deep water port. We had the opportunity to enlighten the Chinese about DFW explaining the value of our central location and touting DFW International Airport as our inland port along with the quality of our transportation system.

Just as the Metroplex has become one regional market, the world is rapidly becoming one global market. We here in the Metroplex must ensure that we are players in that market. Trade missions such as this one validate the Chamber’s role in the business community. This mission helped many area companies establish relationships with Chinese companies as well as increase and broaden their markets.

I commend the Fort Worth Chamber, the Greater Dallas Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center for their efforts and their diligence in staging this important mission.

Gregg Upp is Vice President of Institutional Coordination at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

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Unique Program Helps Students Make ‘Vital Link’

Vital Link, a unique and innovative program that provides internships for Fort Worth ISD middle schoolers in area businesses, needs more businesses to participate in the program. Since the program’s inception 1991, the participation of dedicated volunteers has allowed over 30,000 students to take advantage of the opportunity.

Fort Worth Chamber Vital Link interns are (seated) Ben McAnally and Jimmy McDonough. Standing are Rosa Martinez, teacher Beniann Moss, Stevie McMillan, Nicole Medrano and Jesse Martinez.

 

  

Now under the umbrella of TEAM Fort Worth, the district’s mentoring program, students are matched with over 50 area business organizations throughout the Metroplex for a week of job shadowing. Participating industries included hospitality, aerospace, construction, banking, radio stations, retail and others including the Fort Worth Chamber.
Fort Worth ISD is nationally recognized by both the Department of Labor and the Department of Education for its innovative partnership programs. “This level of achievement was not possible without the involvement of business and organizational volunteers who partner with students, educators, and others working to enhance the academic standards of our district,” said Nancy Ricker, FWISD. “We hope more businesses will partner with us for a unique summer program for students.”

The Vital Link program is designed to:

  • Provide a meaningful real-world experience for students to gain an understanding of the “link” between academics and job skills.
  • Induce student motivation to take higher-level courses and increase their interest and participation in school activities.
  • Provide organizations the chance to contribute time and talent as a hands-on mentor.
  • Give employees opportunities to share part of their workday experiences with students.
  • Broaden the experience and enhance the quality of education in Fort Worth.

FWISD teachers accompany the students to help them make the connection between what they learn in school and how it is applied in the work place. Students journal daily to ensure they make those vital connections.

“Companies who have joined Vital Link are a guiding force in helping students make the connection between their schoolwork and future opportunities,” said Ricker. “Participating in Vital Link provides these wonderful and energetic students with a once in a lifetime experience.”

To learn more about Vital Link and how your company can participate, call 817-871-2408.

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Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works

The Fort Worth ISD is in contract negotiations to sell four of six tracts of property at the former Motheral Printing site along south Main Street at Pennsylvania Avenue to Howell Instruments in Fort Worth. Star Telegram, May 15

Capital One – formerly Hibernia Bank - will make its banking presence felt in downtown Fort Worth in the fall when it takes over the retail banking and office space formerly occupied by Wells Fargo Bank at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. Fort Worth Business Press, May 1

A $65 million redevelopment project for the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History is expected to begin about a year from now. The new Science & History building, covering some 137,000 square feet, will contain a planetarium and more expansive accommodations for Museum School — the backbone of programming at the institution, and a basis of fond memories and career motivation for several generations of Fort Worth-area residents. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

Expansions and Moves

Wells Fargo has moved from Fourth and Main streets over to City Center in the newly renamed Wells Fargo Tower. Star Telegram, May 15

Peggy Sweatt, a certified intradermal technician and owner of Permanent Make-Up by Peggy, is now located inside Bella Permanent Make-up Studio, 5001 El Campo Blvd., Suite B. Star Telegram, May 15

Fort Worth-based Cano Petroleum, an oil and gas production company, is relocating its downtown offices. The company, founded in 2004, has subleased the 24,303-square-foot 32nd floor at Burnett Plaza, 801 Cherry St. The company will double its space in the move from the Oil and Gas Building at Seventh and Throckmorton streets. Fort Worth Business Press, May 29

Clayton Youth Enrichment Services, a nonprofit child-care organization, has moved its corporate headquarters to 1215 Country Club Lane in east Fort Worth. Star Telegram, May 15

A unit of Tulsa-based Williams Exploration & Production has moved into its new offices in the West 20 Business Park, 6776 Corporation Parkway, to accommodate planned expansions in the Barnett Shale. The facility includes 9,000 square feet of newly constructed office and warehouse space and a 2-acre storage yard. Star Telegram, May 22

Under Construction

The owners of some buildings in Gramercy Place, a small office park developed more than two decades ago off Loop 820 just north of Interstate 30 in east Fort Worth, are converting the for-lease properties to office condos. Being converted are Gramercy I at 6800 Manhattan Blvd., which consists of five 6,000-square-foot buildings, and Gramercy 2 at 6825 Manhattan Blvd., an 18,000-square-foot building. Star Telegram, May 29

Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth closed the main entrance to Building A, effective May 8, as construction began on the new Paul and Judy Andrews Women’s Hospital. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

TCU has been in the midst of constructing the mixed-use project at the intersection of Greene Avenue and West Berry Street near the college campus since 2004. The project, known as the GrandMarc at West Berry, will include a parking garage and 233 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent. Tours of its residential property, which is scheduled to open for occupancy Aug. 1, are now being held. Fort Worth Business Press, May 1

The TCU School of Education recently broke ground on the university’s new School of Education Complex building. Plans for the building, located on the university’s campus, call for the complete restoration of 12,864 square feet and the construction of a new 23,271 square-foot building to the west, bringing the total square footage to 36,135. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

Renovations

The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation has revealed the newly renovated interior of the Northside Branch Library. The library received new paint inside and out, new carpet, furniture and improved lighting, as well as a redesigned area for children. Fort Worth Business Press, May 1

On the Dotted Line

The real-estate school known as Leonard-Hawes in North Richland Hills, Arlington and Fort Worth has changed its name to Kaplan Professional Schools. Star Telegram, May 29

Dallas-based First Southwest Properties recently purchased the Oakland Center shopping complex on the northeast corner of Oakland Boulevard and Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth. The sale included a 30,568-square-foot center and an 8,302-square-foot auto-repair center. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

A limited partnership from Los Angeles, California has purchased Centreport Tech, a two-building, 30,000-square-foot office property, for $2,855,000. The property is located at 4100 and 4108 Amon Carter Blvd. in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, May 22

A private investor from Culver City, California recently purchased the Country Club Office Park, a 16,800-square-foot office complex, for an undisclosed amount. The property is located at 1150 to 1174 Country Club Lane in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, May 22

Nursefinders Inc., a medical staffing company, has leased space for a corporate office at Emergisoft Plaza, which is located at 524 E. Lamar Blvd. Fort Worth Business Press, May 29

An investor from Huntington Beach, California has purchased The Courtyard at Forest Park, a 29,728-square-foot retail center at Interstate 30 and Forest Park Boulevard, for $3.1 million. Star Telegram, May 8

Commercial Alliance Management, a real-estate investment firm based in Arlington, has bought a 6,000-square-foot office building at 2805-07 Race St. Star Telegram, May 8

The limited partnership Sabazia Western Center of North Richland Hills bought the building at 1900 Western Center Blvd from Fossil Creek Liquor Store. Star Telegram, May 15

American Roadside Services, a Fort Worth emergency roadside service for AAA and the Fort Worth Police Department, has bought a 6,500-square-foot building at 3510 N. Grove St. Star Telegram, May 29

Cook Children's Health Care System has leased 7,051 square feet of space at 750 Eighth Ave. to be used by five pediatric gastroenterologists. Star Telegram, May 29

Openings

The Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth new visitor/patient parking garage, which accommodates 566 parking spaces, is now complete and is ready for use. The parking garage is located on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Enderly Place. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

Hui Chuan, owner of Sushi, Sake & Tapas opened a third restaurant, Parrilla Mexicana, May 12. Construction on the 55-seat restaurant, located at 7800 Crowley Rd. in Fort Worth, was just recently completed. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

Around Town

The first Texas Conference on Health Disparities was hosted in June 2-4 by the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, May 15

The 2006 NCHA Convention was held at Fort Worth’s Renaissance Worthington Hotel June 23-25. Fort Worth Business Press, May 22

Out of Town Reporting

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History announced today that it will build a new facility on its current site and that it has selected the internationally acclaimed architectural firm, Legorreta + Legorreta, to design it. Construction is expected to begin in 2007 with completion in 2009. PR Newswire, New York, May 4

Bank of America’s “Hogan's Alley” -- the company's unique, traveling hospitality experience -- was in Fort Worth for the 60th annual Bank of America Colonial, one of 16 stops it made on the 2006 PGA tour. PR Newswire, New York, May 16

Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth's entertainment and shopping district, has built a reputation as one of the premiere mixed-use developments in the country. With an abundance of restaurants and entertainment destinations, Sundance Square is now turning its full attention and vast resources to developing the area into a shopping destination. Business Wire, San Francisco, California, May 22

Did You Know?

Fort Worth has the best central business district office market in the United States, according to the latest Moody's Investors Service quarterly assessment of U.S. property markets. Star Telegram, May 1

The JPS Health Network’s Public Relations Department recently won four health care advertising awards, which were presented by Healthcare Marketing Report. Fort Worth Business Press, May 15

Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth recently became the first hospital in the western United States to have its heart attack treatment program certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Fort Worth Business Press, May 22

BusinessWeek revealed its top 50 undergraduate business schools in the nation. M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University was ranked 33. Fort Worth Business Press, May 8

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

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Teachers Apply Math to Aerodynamics

When you mix high school math and science teachers, aerospace engineers and manufacturing experts, helicopters and airplanes, you get an exciting two days of learning for teachers from North Texas.

The first Applied Learning Connections for the Aerospace Manufacturing Industry Forum was held at industry sites and University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Engineering in June. Hosted by DFW Regional Aerospace Cluster members Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Vought Aircraft Industries, the group toured the industry sites, brainstormed with engineering staff and worked to create lesson plans using what they learned.

“I had a fun and interesting day at the teachers' forum,” said Anne Blois, a math teacher from Coppell. “Even as a youngster, I was always fascinated by airplanes. As a teacher, I look for ways to connect math to the real world. I will share this knowledge with my students.  Hopefully, it will spark a few young minds to carry on the legacy.”

“The experience was well received,” said Norman Robbins, Lockheed Martin Community Relations Director and a FWISD board member. “I feel we have a good base on which to build.  Lockheed is continually looking for ways to inspire students to pursue higher levels of math/science, and the teaching community is key to that effort.”

The information exchange’s success spurred the planners to begin thinking about next year. This type event is part of the new direction that the Tarrant County Workforce Board will be taking this fall as connecting educators to industry staff is critical to a shared understanding of the skills and abilities expected in the workforce of tomorrow.

Not only is the education connection critical at the high school level, noted event organizers, but it is needed at the college and graduate levels as well. Professors and graduate students from UTA provided the high school educators with hands-on demonstrations of aerodynamics that they could use in the classroom.

For more information about the aerospace cluster, contact Laura Misuk at lmisuk@fortworthchamber.com.

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The Modern Hosts July Business After Hours

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is one of the crown jewels of the city’s Cultural District. Floating like a Japanese lantern on a reflecting pool, the museum will be the setting for an elegant evening of intriguing art and networking as it hosts the July Business After Hours. Chamber members only.

New installations will be on display on both floors of the stunning museum. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments with your fellow Chamber members in an artistic setting.

  • What: Business After Hours hosted by the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
  • When: Thursday, July 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Where: 3200 Darnell St., 76107
  • Cost: $10 – Chamber members. No charge for Gold or Preferred member, but reservations are required.

Register online or contact Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 288.

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Hot Weather Leads to Hot Business at Leads Explosion

With the promise of Fourth of July fireworks still on your mind, it’s time to plan to attend the next Chamber Leads Explosion. Leads Explosion is a structured networking opportunity specifically designed to help Chamber members generate new business. It is intensive, directed quality networking. And it’s open to Chamber members only. The event is sponsored by ThumbTechs.

  • What: Leads Explosion
  • When: 5-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 25
  • Where: The Pour House, 209 N. 5th St., 76102
  • Cost is: Chamber members - $30; Gold and Preferred members are free, but must register with a credit card. Registration and payment must be received by noon, Friday, July 21.

The evening begins with networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Don’t delay. Leads Explosion is limited to the first 90 who register with no more than five companies from the same industry per session. Paid reservations are required and the deadline is enforced. Limit one participant per company.

Register by contacting Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 288.

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Save the Date: State of Education Luncheon

The Fort Worth Chamber will host its annual State of Education Luncheon featuring FWISD Superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson in August. Topics will include the current challenges and opportunities facing the school district in the coming year.

  • What: State of Education Luncheon
  • When: Tuesday, August 22, noon-1:30 p.m.
    Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Hilton Fort Worth (formerly the Radisson Plaza), 815 Main St. 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30;
    non-members - $60; and tables of eight - $350.

Register online or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.

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Action Ambassador for April 2006

John Porhamer
Action Ambassador – April 2006

Congratulations to John Porhamer, Action Ambassador of the month for April 2006. An ambassador since 2003, Porhamer is the owner of Cowtown Insurance Service, Inc.

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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FastTrac Graduates Spring 2006 Class

Eight entrepreneurs received their certificates at the FastTrac Program graduation held recently at the Fort Worth Club. FastTrac is designed to help small business owners streamline business processes, analyze strengths and shortcomings, and achieve more balance in their work and personal lives. It is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center and Texas Wesleyan University.

This session’s graduates include Dale Berkebile, Dale Berkebile Illustration Design; Sherry Green and Allen Spinner, Technology Team; Rayna Haught, Through the Years; Carolyn Johnson and Thomas White, Implementing Decisions, Inc.; Stephanie Martin, Martin & Co.; and Sherisa McClellan, Regent Sales, Inc.

Berkebile, on his second go-around with the program, said he went through again because “a business plan is so overwhelming. But I’m committed to taking my business to the next level.”

The 11-week FastTrac program focuses on helping entrepreneurs to sharpen their strategic thinking skills as they plan for growth and build sustainable businesses.

Participants will assess where the business is now and explore opportunities for growth, as well as apply strategic thinking skills through the business planning process. FastTrac challenges students to think critically about their businesses, practice decision-making skills, and ensure all aspects of their businesses are aligned for long-term sustainability and growth. The FastTrac program is grounded in proven, proprietary business-planning processes.

Robin Lasher, FastTrac counselor from the Small Business Development Center, praised this group in particular for its camaraderie. Johnson agreed describing the good time they had at the weekly meetings.

“We enjoyed each other so much, we’re going to keep meeting on our own each month to share ideas and business,” she said. It’s happening already. Johnson had Berkebile design tee shirts for her family’s upcoming reunion.

For more information on FastTrac, contact Lydia Hall at 817-336-2491, ext. 272.

 
FastTrac trainers Sherry Darden, left, and Robin Lasher, left, with Dale Berkebile, Dale Berkebile Illustration Design.   Sherry Green and Allen Spinner, Technology Team, with Darden and Lasher.
     
 
Sherisa McClellan, Regent Sales, Inc., with Darden and Lasher.   Darden and Lasher with Rayna Haugh, Through the Years.
     
 
Martin & Co.’s Stephanie Martin with Darden and Lasher.   Thomas White and Carolyn Johnson of Implementing Decisions, Inc., with Darden and Lasher.

 

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Nash Elementary School Offers Universal Pre-K Pilot Program

This fall, Charles E. Nash Elementary School is opening its doors for area pre-kindergartners and their siblings as part of a universal pre-K pilot program. This program could prove especially beneficial to parents who live, work or attend classes in the downtown area. For a minimal tuition rate, parents will have the advantage of being in close proximity to their children’s school. An after-school program will also be available.

Nash Elementary School is conveniently located in downtown Fort Worth, overlooking the Trinity River. Built in 1927, the school is a cultural and historic landmark of the city. Nash is a 2005 TEA recognized school and has built a strong network with parents and community partners to promote student achievement.

Parents interested in this program are encouraged to attend one of several open houses though June 30, which will provide an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and learn more about Nash.

Registration is scheduled for July 26-Aug. 11. Space for pre-k students and their siblings is on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve your space early.

More details will be available soon. For more information, please call Pam Day, Nash Elementary Principal, at 817-871-3460 or visit http://www.fortworthisd.org.

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FWISD: Parents Should Attend First Day of School

August 14 is the first day of school for students in the Fort Worth Independent School District. In an effort to better engage parents in their children’s school lives, the FWISD believes it is important for parents to attend the first day of school with their children.

In effort to make that belief a reality, FWISD’s superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson has collaborated with school principals to provide an open house where parents are welcome to stay and visit as well as pick up materials, calendars, chat with school teachers and administrators and get information about the year ahead.

Recognizing that many parents work, Superintendent Johnson is requesting that the business community support this effort and allow parents the time to drop in the first day of school.

“We are hoping that the business community will allow flex time on that date for working parents to briefly visit their children’s schools," said Dr. Johnson. “We are also urging all chambers of commerce to get behind this effort and encourage their members to participate.”

Schools will be holding open houses that day for parents as well as disseminating important school information such as supply lists, dress code requirements, resource lists, phone numbers and email addresses.

Fran Eichorst, vice president of Human Resources and General Manager of Fidelity Investments Southwest Region, chairs the Fort Worth Chamber’s Quality Workforce Development Committee and recognizes the profound importance of education.

“Education is the foundation of economic growth and innovation, workforce supply and quality of life for both individuals and communities,” she said.  “We encourage all parents to be as involved as they can in their child's education.  The Fort Worth ISD supports parents and urges them to visit their child sometime during the first day of school.  They ask all businesses large and small to support their employees in this effort. A significant parental presence in schools will help foster a positive education experience for all children."

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Kauffman Tire, an automotive service and tire business, celebrated its new location at 7000 N. Freeway with a ribbon cutting. To learn more about the business, contact Tommy Presley at 817-232-2022.

The grand opening of McClain’s RV/Camping World was marked with a brunch at its 10100 S. Freeway location. For more information about the business, call Randle Blash at 817-568-1991.

A grand opening ribbon cutting was held last month celebrating a new Wal-Mart at 9500 Clifford St. Kimberly King has more details at 817-367-0042.

A ribbon cutting was staged to mark the opening of a new Wells Fargo Bank location at 201 Main St. in downtown. Contact Curtis Lee or Deborah Barnett at 817-334-7040 or 334-7100 to learn more about the Wells Fargo Tower.

Cavender’s Boot City celebrated its move to a new location with a grand opening ribbon cutting at 628 NE Loop 820. Roy Armstrong has more details at 817-595-0462.

Appropriate to a “cowtown,” the Radisson Hotel Fort Worth North, 2540 Meacham Blvd., marked its rebranding as a Radisson with a grand opening. To learn more, call Dawn Del Vecchio or Judy Rosko at 817-740-4610.

Just like its sister property, the Radisson South marked its rebranding with a ribbon cutting at 100 Alta Mesa Blvd. Debbie Keith has more details at 817-759-4603.

 

 

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

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777 Taylor Street, Suite 900   Fort Worth, TX 76102-4997   817.336.2491