May 2011 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

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Volume 29 • No. 5 MAY 2011T H E B U S I N E S S L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

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n Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011n Will Your Corporate Tax Structure Stay Right Under The New Tax Rules?n Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newslettern Data Beat Information

INSIDE STORIES

Expert Brain, Spine and Nerve Treatment

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital

Photo by Larry Pullen Photography

www.oakbendmedcenter.org

OakBend Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-3000

Physician Referral: (281) 341-4800

ProofClient: OakBend Medical Center IO#: OBM12109 Publication: Fort Bend Business Journal Section: ROP Run Date: May 2011 Width: 7.25” (FP/4c) Depth: 9.75”

AWARD WINNING CARE

Stroke ServicesOakBend Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award

recognizes OakBend’s commitment and success in

implementing excellent care for stroke patients.

At OakBend Medical Center, we have always been

committed to providing a higher standard of stroke

care by developing a comprehensive system for rapid

diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to

the emergency department.

By implementing acute care and secondary prevention,

OakBend has consistently improved the outcome of

stroke patients.

Dr. Amitabh Y. Shukla

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

http://www.oakbendmedcenter.org

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May 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal 3

Rice & Gardner

Rice & Gardner Consultants was established to provide commercial, institutional and government clients with a

balanced approach toward achieving energy-efficient buildings. The firm’s engineers and building professionals capably employ in-the-box solutions proven to considerably lower energy costs, yet they also devise out-of-the box innovations to reduce life-cycle maintenance costs.

This balanced philosophy is evenly applied across all three of their service arenas – mechanical, electrical and plumbing design; program management over large public bond programs; and commissioning to assure that building systems deliver the performance levels promised by design.

With multiple Fort Bend projects in their portfolio, Rice & Gardner recently completed

Consulting firm envisions solutions in and out of the box to achieve high-performance buildings

High-performance buildings are the hallmark of Rice & Gardner. Our services deliver energy efficiency for commercial, institutional and governmental facilities in Fort Bend County and Southeast Texas:

n Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering designn Building Commissioningn Program Management

Each project is led by a member of our management team, assuring you of experienced guidance in optimizing your building operations:

6161 Savoy Drive n Suite 1212 n Houston, Texas 77036 n 713.482.2300 n 713.482.2314 fax n www.ricegardner.com

James D. Rice, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, CBCPPresident

James E. Thornton, LEED AP O+M, CxA, CBCPVice President

Kevin G. Gardner, PE, CxASenior Vice President

Jason M. Feit, PEVice President

Robert Barrera, Jr.Vice President

the Fort Bend County Annex in Katy, Fluor Server Room in Sugar Land and Lufkin Automation Plant in Missouri City. The firm’s work in other parts of Southeast Texas includes multiple renovation projects at the Johnson Space Center and commissioning the 400,000-square-foot Boeing Center in

Clear Lake; two of the area’s first certified Leadership for Energy Efficient Design (LEED) schools for Houston Independent School District; and a LEED-certified meeting center at Sheldon Lake State Park in northeast Houston. They have also renovated the San Antonio City Hall, designed HVAC systems for dialysis clinics throughout Texas and commissioned the historic Federal Customs House in New Orleans.

Rice & Gardner encourages staff members to be active in the community. Jim Rice serves as the Education Division Chair for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Chairman for Fort Bend Cares and on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees. Kevin Gardner is active in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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■ Open For Business - Sign Is Out For Fort Bend

Commercial Real Estate

■ Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

■ Data Beat Information

■ Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

INSIDE STORIES

Interview

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District 27,

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Breakthroughs in

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An affi liated team of highly skilled and board-certifi ed

cardiovascular surgeons and cardiovascular anesthesiologists

at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Southwest

offers proven success in a variety of procedures.

Photo by Larry Pullen Photography INSIDE STORIES

■ Fort Bend Successful Men in Business

■ More Than Just a Piece of Plastic

■ $4 Million For Sugar Land Town

Center Mobility Project

■ ACHIEVE Fort Bend Sets Sept. 29 Workshop

■ Del Webb Sweetgrass: A Houston Area First

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CONTENTS

Dedicated neurologists and neurosurgeons are available around the clock at the Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital to diagnose

and treat brain, spine and nerve disorders.

Photo by Larry Pullen Photography


PUBLISHER ...................................Beverly Carter

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson

EDITOR ..........................................Sharon Wallingford

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR .............. Barbara McNeil

MARKETING CONSULTANTS ................Diane Strehl

Ann Sturrock

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

SPECIALIST ........................................Becky Hall

COLUMNISTS ..............................Alan Sandersen

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

CONTRIBUTORS ............... Kelly Fergurson, CCIM

Elsa Maxey

Nancy Mills

Wayne Chandler

ART DIRECTOR ................................Joey Belleza

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB ............Carlo Arcillas

Data Beat ..........................................................................................................30-33 Newsworthy ......................................................................................................42-44 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter ..................................................45-52Names in the News ................................................................................................54 Service Directory ..............................................................................................60-61Dining and Entertainment ................................................................................63-64

Expert Brain, Spine and Nerve Treatment atMemorial HermannSouthwest Hospital

pg.16

Alan SandersenTax SmartDiscussesWill Your Corporate Tax Structure Stay Right Under The New Tax Rules? .....................27

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLSCommercial Real EstateDiscusses

Fort Bend Commercial Real Estate ...................................25

Rosenberg Awards First Two Avenue H Business Assistance Grants ..................................11 Sugar Land Holds StarTex Field Groundbreaking ....................................................................12County Judge Plans to Quench Thirst of Future Residents ....................................................15BookKeeping Express Coming to Sugar Land .........................................................................22The Bumberas Race to Kay ..........................................................................................................28Fort Bend Meets With Consul General Gao Yanping of China ...............................................37OakBend Medical Center Celebrates With its Volunteers .......................................................38Redstone Begins Planning with Johnson Developing on Imperial ........................................40Six Memorial Hospitals Named Among the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals ..............................53Port of Houston Approves $20 Million for Security Contracts ................................................56Governor’s Small Business Forum Begins Second Series......................................................57Four Methodist Hospitals Make U.S. News & World Reports Best List ................................59

Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011 ...............................................10

Fort Bend’s Top 40NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

COMING JULY 2011

ISSUE!

NOMINEE’S NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY:_______________________STATE: ________ ZIP: __________________

DATE OF BIRTH: ____________________________/_________/____________

PHONE NUMBER: (________________) _______________________________

COMPANY NAME : ________________________________________________

TITLE: ____________________________________________________________

REASONS FOR NOMINATION (No more than 150 words). Please provide 4x7 headshot photo High-resolution at 300pdi and send to [email protected].

We’re celebrating theTop 40 Entrepreneurs and Executives in Fort Bend County! But we need your help in determining just who thesemovers and shakers are!

Take a few moments to fi ll out the form below and email it to [email protected].

Deadline for nominations isFriday, June 3rd.

Results will be published in the July issue of the Fort Bend Business Journal!

Fort Bend’s

Top Enterpreneurs & ExecutivesUNDER 40

Top 40



Jacqueline Baly ChaumettePresident and CEOBaly Projects, LLC

Editor’s Preview

The Editorial Advisory Board

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLSManaging Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

Tim StubenrouchPresident First Community Bank

Contact:

Sharon K. Wallingford [email protected]

Barbara [email protected]

John WhitmoreWhitmore Company

Becky MunnellPresident and CEOBlue Jungle Marketing

Dee KochGrant OfficerThe George Foundation

Alan SandersenCertified Public AccountantSandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

by Sharon Wallingford

May offers something to everyone

Beginning with May Day and continuing on with Mother’s Day in America and Mexico, International Nurses Day, Africa Day and Memorial Day, Fort Bend County has a lot to celebrate. Diversity is all around us. New housing and commercial framing can be viewed in almost any direction

you drive. Concrete is being poured, oil and gas exploration is up and issues such as water, electrical and nuclear power and freight transportation continue to be hot topics of discussion. May is also Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

Health directives are still on the plate and as you read our cover and inside pages you can be pleased to live in a county that has your health issues at heart. The hospitals that line our major thoroughfares are constantly adding new specialities and winning outstanding national awards. New skill building classes are being taught in our local school districts and major colleges and universities. Congratulations to all the students completing another year of education and who will be ready for another year come fall.

A Segment Three Committee meeting for I-69 (Refugio to Houston route) was held in Wharton in April as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) moves forward with their Public Involvement Plan. Printed materials, an improved website and podcasts will enable residents to be more involved with how the major Interstate will affect their communities and economic development possibilities. Community meetings are expected to be announced soon.

Yes, its hot in Texas. And that includes Fort Bend County. A county-wide burn ban has been issued by Commissioner’s Court and the Texas Forest Service until further notice. Perhaps if everyone turned on their irrigation systems on the same day the evaporation rate might lead to some very needed showers.

Inside this issue we are highlighting Ten Women in Fort Bend County to Watch. Their contributions and capabilities are many. Our community has gained enormously by their feats. We’ve also included the most updated news on unemployment, water issues, new businesses that are coming to us soon, and people who are continuously making a difference so we can continue to live, work and play in communities that are the best.

Don’t forget to vote in your local elections and keep those cash registers ringing.

Sharon K. Wallingford


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Center for Houston’s Future Business Leadership Forum, Leadership Houston, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, and Rotary International. Awards and accolades for Chaumette include ABC-13 KTRK Woman of Distinction as one of the latest, U of H Black Alumnus of the Year, Juneteenth Foundation Community Service Award, Houston Woman Magazine’s Inspirational Award, One of Houston’s Most Influential Women, Dynamic Woman of Houston, Fort Bend Entrepreneur of the Year, Outstanding Young Texan and Outstanding Young Houstonian by the Jaycees, (The Houston Chronicle’s & Texas Executive Women’s) Woman on the Move and many more.

A native of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Baly-Chaumette holds a master’s degree in city planning with a public policy emphasis and a bachelor’s degree in political science. Also talented in the arts, she’s a classically trained flutist. Chaumette and husband David have two sons, Raphael, 13, and Alexandre, ten.

Jessica DeMarr is the director of business development for Texas Direct Auto in Stafford, the largest independent auto dealer in the nation. A native Texan, her ambitions and accomplishments rival the state’s size. She came to Houston from Alabama when she was 20, aspiring to establish herself in her home state. She opened her first business in 1997, renamed Ameripure, Inc. Ten years

later, her vision led to its expansion into areas such as water purification, air purification, air duct cleaning and carpet cleaning services, and then she sold it. Her plans called for starting a family. In 2007, she became a business development manager for Clear Channel Radio, and in this role she became the number one sales executive in the Houston market. This is what eventually led her to Texas Director Auto, her current employer and a client she introduced to radio.

Active in many community organizations, DeMarr participates with the Fort Bend Junior Service League and is actively engaged in helping with so many others in Fort Bend County. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Faulkner Christian University in Alabama. Married to former University of Houston football athlete Joshua DeMarr, they have a one-year-old daughter, Juliet.

Watch for these Fort Bend County women, this year’s picks of Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011, who stand poised to make a difference. Their power lies in their work and determination. They

are busy with their careers like many of their peers. These are smart women standouts, among those who share the same qualities— with a dedication to expertise, ambition, role modeling, leadership with a potential for more destined to come their way.

The Fort Bend Business Journal asked for nominations from readers and staff team members. A shortlist was the result after much deliberation and these 10 women are those showing tremendous promise at being the kind of pioneers blazing trails to be followed. There are others, well known women, those with second acts, encores and new redefined or reinvented lives. You’ll be seeing them, too, included in our future calls for nominations.

Here’s our list of Fort Bend Women to Watch in 2011 in alphabetical order. Follow the progress of these honorees and be inspired.

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette is a City of Sugar Land Council member and in May 2008, she made three firsts with her victory—the only woman, black person, and the youngest on Sugar Land’s municipal governing body. When she’s not engaged in “city business,” she is at the top post of BalyProjects serving as its president and CEO counseling corporations on public policy issues.

Appointed by Governor Rick Perry, she has served as a Commissioner of the Brazos River Authority representing Fort Bend, Harris, and surrounding counties on water and wastewater policy issues. Featured on KUHF, KTRH, KTRK and several radio stations on policy matters, Chaumette also does lectures on public policy at the University of Houston.

Her board roles paired with her tireless energy seem endless and include the Fort Bend Education Foundation as vice president, past president of the Fort Bend Family YMCA, Fort Bend Lawyers Care, The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, Texas Dragon Boat Association, Parks Youth Ranch, and president of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. But that’s not all, she is also a member of Texas Lyceum, The

Jacqueline Chaumette

Jessica DeMarr

Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011Ten women in the public eye

who are shaping Fort Bend’s future

By Elsa Maxey


Susie Goff is the director of marketing and fun for Johnson Development, a local real estate development company. Fun, did you get that? She promotes exciting and eventful lifestyles throughout the community and leads by example. Her responsibilities currently include all aspects of marketing, advertising and public relations for three of Johnson Development communities—Sienna Plantation, Tuscan Lakes and Edgewater.

Goff, also quite the fashion icon in Fort Bend County, has been named Marketing Director of the Year numerous times by the Greater Houston Builders Association, and Marketing Professional of the Year by the Texas Association of Builders. Recently she was asked to speak at the National Association of Home Builders Marketing Summit.

For 30 years, Goff has been involved in the real estate industry as a professional in the field and as a strong supporter of the industry’s causes. She has previously served as president of the Fort Bend Association of Realtors (FBAR). A real trooper with Fort Bend’s non-profits, she’s helped raise thousands of dollars by orchestrating high profile events, those feel good memory makers, making it pleasurable to live in Fort Bend.

Goff is a graduate of the University of Tulsa. This executive’s work also includes many other aspects of the entertainment culture that so many anticipate once they know her hand is in them.

Jocelyn Gordon is an energy origination manager with Houston-based Champion Energy Services, ranked among the top retail electric providers in the U.S., and she’s been in high gear in Fort Bend for the company since the start of the year.

Akin to running a marathon, Gordon’s pace on the Fort Bend landscape is steady and

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The City of Rosenberg’s Avenue H Business Assistance Committee approved its first grants to Avenue H businesses

in April. Texas Storage, 3619 Avenue H, and The Loan Store, Inc., 4407 Avenue H, were each awarded $2,500 towards projects designed to enhance the aesthetics of their properties. The Texas Storage project will include painting and restoration of storage units, and The Loan Store will be complete enhancements of their parking area. The two projects combined equal approximately $34,000 in investment in commercial properties along Avenue H in Rosenberg.

In light of the importance of Avenue H for the City, as well as the challenges posed by shifting transportation patterns, the Rosenberg City Council adopted a Business Assistance Grant Program to invest in Avenue H businesses by encouraging them to make property enhancements through financial assistance with the costs of certain projects.

The Avenue H Business Assistance Grant Program provides a 50% matching reimbursement of up to $2,500 for businesses along the roadway for the following types of eligible projects: Façade improvements to storefronts (i.e. painting, remodeling, etc., construction of new signs, renovation or removal of existing signs, improvements made to landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, parking lots and driveway, and demolition of existing signs and structures. Business owners interested in applying for Avenue H Business Assistance grants are required to review the program’s guidelines and criteria and submit an application detailing the scope of work, budget and project timeline. Funding eligibility is determined by a committee which meets quarterly to review applications.

Business Assistance Grant Program guidelines and applications are available at www.rosenbergecodev.com. Please contact the Economic Development Department at 832-595-3330 for further information about the grant program.

Rosenberg awards first two Avenue H Business Assistance grants

Jocelyn Gordon

Susie Goff

continued on page 14

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T he home plate at the Sugar Land Skeeter’s StarTex Power Field is in place officially marking the

ceremonial groundbreaking of the minor league professional baseball stadium set to open next year at around this time. Opening Day Partner (ODP) President Peter Kirk said Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson sent his best wishes and was unable to attend the historic event due to hospitalization, but he will be at the Skeeter’s first Fan Fest on May 14. Robinson played his entire 22-year major league career for the Baltimore Orioles.

The groundbreaking took place at the site across the Sugar Land Regional Airport, where the land is undergoing

Opening Date announced at Sugar Land’s StarTex Power Field groundbreaking

By Elsa Maxey

Clear your calendar, said Peter Kirk, Chairman of Opening Day Partners, as he announced April 26, 2012 as the tentative day for opening Sugar Land’s StarTex Power Field during last week’s groundbreaking. Kirk (left) positioned the home plate along with Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson (right) during the ceremonial groundbreaking. Kirk said Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Brooks Robinson, sent his best wishes and was unable to attend the historic event due to hospitalization, but he will be at the Skeeter’s first Fan Fest on May 14.

Photo courtesy of City of Sugar Land

Among the guests at the home plate ceremonial groundbreaking of Sugar Land’s StarTex Power Field were these two ball game aficionados. Sugar Land councilmember Don Smith and Meadows Place Mayor Charles Jessup “stike the pose.”

transformation. It is to the northeast of U.S. Highway 90A on State Highway 6 and these days one can see the clearing for the stadium and ball field taking place on what seems like a daily basis. This ball park district is part of the Imperial

Project, which includes other districts such as the former sugar factory refinery site currently being cleared for redevelopment.

The Sugar Land city council awarded a $27.9 million contract to Barton Malow/Linbeck recently as the design/build contractor for the construction of the baseball stadium, which is scheduled for opening in April 2012.

Planning work continues as the opening of the stadium gets closer. At the Sugar Land Town Center office, the Skeeters have four full-time employees and several interns and they expect to add more employees, also in the marketing and sales area.

Sugar Land Skeeters Team President Matt O’Brien is saying that once the stadium is open, “the experience will begin when you pull into the ball park, maybe before that looking on your iphone on your way to the ball park.”


Enjoy the Inaugural Skeeters FanFest where fans of all

ages can enjoy a day full of festivities. Come out and get a taste of what minor league

baseball is all about and reserve your priority number

for season tickets.

Saturday May 1410:00-4:00

• Hilarious Minor League Baseball Performers Such As Reggy, Zooperstars And Dave The Horn Guy

• Clowns, Balloon Artists And Face Painters

• Live Music

• Autograph Session Featuring Former MLB Athletes

• Inflatables And Giant Video Games For Kids

• Ballpark Favorites Including Hot Dogs, Peanuts, Popcorn And Soft Pretzels

• Toro, The Texans Mascot, And His Mascot Friends

• Q&A With Hall-Of-Famer Brooks Robinson

• Learn More About The New Multi-Purpose StarTex Power Field From Project Leaders

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Can you feel the excitement about the new ball park in the making in Sugar Land? Jaimie Virkus, Carolyn Williams and Susie Goff of Johnson Development look like they’re ready to play ball at the StarTex Power Field groundbreaking. But first, “let’s build a ball park,” is what Mayor James Thompson said as he headed to the location where the home plate was placed.

There will be free parking--1,300 spaces, 700 offsite connected by a 300-foot bridge over Oyster Creek serving the stadium, advises his office.

With the reality of the stadium at the 20-acre site soon to be raised from the ground up, that’s when there will be more excitement from those passersby, who have witnessed the land clearing to this point.

With just one year away from playing their first game, O’Brien has been providing updates.

Tickets and sponsorships continue to sell; for the 7,500 seam stadium already 1,200 season tickets have been sold each at $575 per season; 18 of the 21 leased sky boxes are under contract for 10 years at $3,500 a year.

Individual tickets will go for $8 a game.

More teams may be added in the future as the Skeeters become a success possibly in Baytown, the Woodlands,

Conroe and Waco.The Skeeters will be in a nine-team

Atlantic League with prospective players already having called thinking the league would be playing this year.

For the road trips, an airline provider will be sought to fly the team; out of town play would be along the lines of three games, then off time, followed by another three games; the Sugar Land Skeeters is the franchise that is intended to be the role model.

The baseball stadium’s events will have built-in entertainment—a huge playground will be situated on the outfield and there will be a Texas icehouse.

Hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, cold beer—the regional flavor, they’ll all be at concession stands run by Opening Day Partners and sold at the going rates that can be checked out at the May Fan Fest.

The mascot will come later this year and we’re told he won’t ever be traded.


we’ll say it again, fast as in high gear. She’s already on the Chairman’s Council of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and a regular at numerous business events where she’s getting singled out by so many of Fort Bend’s who’s who.

It is apropos that she’s high energy for a company that sells the electrical kind. Her successes in Fort Bend County continue to mount and among them are accounts that include the Wallace & Bajjali Development Partners.

Native to this area, Gordon has been in Austin for the last 10 years and returned now living in “lovely Fort Bend” as a resident. On the other side of her profession, her interests include music, cooking, socializing and being the best mother she can be. Her 8-year old daughter Grayce is the true apple of her eye.

D’Neal Krisch is the community relations manager for Fort Bend County. She joined County Judge Bob Hebert’s office in 2003, when he assumed his elected position. Krisch has executive authority when it comes to performing her duties. She serves as the county’s liaison with the community, the Governor’s office, the Texas legislature, regional county judges and mayors, and

area community service groups. Active in too many organizations to mention, she’s on the board of directors of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. Also on the professional front, she’s the county’s public information officer and is among those principal in developing the informative public information website with access off the county’s website to provide fast and direct emergency management communications. Krisch is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Also a manager on the home front, Krisch and husband Brad live in Sienna Plantation with their two boys, five-year-old Clayton and two-year-old Chase.

Leigh Love is an attorney and specializes in family law, probate work, and criminal defense. During her 12 years in the legal profession, Love has achieved an impressive record of triumphs. She’s handled more than a 1,000 cases and has never lost a single one in Texas!

Love is an honors graduate of Sewanee, The University of the South, and she’s a national moot

court award winner at the John J.Gibbons National Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition at Seton Hall.

Those who know her will say she was clearly destined to practice law. She began her career in insurance and construction defense. She

then joined the District Attorney’s office in Atlanta, Georgia, where she underwent what has been referred to as a test by fire—handling criminal cases in inner city Atlanta. After moving back to her home state of Texas, she joined the DA’s office in Fort Bend and now she practices law in specialty areas.

Suzette People is a motivational speaker. She’s the CEO of People’s Promoting Company in Sugar Land. She is also the Broker/Owner of Peoples Properties and she has earned several top awards and was ranked in the top one percent in the nation during her 21 years in the business. She also is the CEO of her newest company, Peoples Promoting Company, and she’s

marketing a new book through it.As a principal in her new company, she’s passionate about helping

women to market themselves, look great and she provides powerful networking ideas, all part of her marketing and networking focus. She has many more successes to her claim having earned awards and honors locally and nationally from her accomplishments. During the 26 active years with the ABWA (American Business Women’s Assoc.), she’s served as past president several times and was selected three times as Woman of the Year. Also a top ten candidate four times, she has been selected and recognized for the Women of Excellence award. On top of that, there’s that author side to her. It’s “All about you, you, you” is her new book, and she delivers presentations about it as well.

Peoples is also a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Federation of Houston Professional Women, National Association of Female Executives, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and National Association of Professional Women. She is a long time supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Children’s Miracle Network. In addition, she is a proud “Aggie” mom and an active member of the Fort Bend Aggie Moms Club.

Laura Richard is the executive director for the Mental Health America of Fort Bend County (MHAFBC). Having grown up in Fort Bend County, she’s well known and has deep ties to the communities in this local area.

Richard has 20 years of experience in management, marketing and development both in profit and nonprofit organizations. She also has a

background in fundraising management and public relations, leading and managing cross-functional teams, and a history of working with community leaders.

Active in the Fort Bend Junior Service League, she’s also active in numerous other undertakings. She received her degree in Marketing and Management from Houston Baptist University. Richard and husband, Jim, are members of many Fort Bend based volunteer organizations and consider it a privilege to give back to the community. They reside in Sugar Land with their three children.

D’Neal Krisch

Laura Richard

Leigh Love

Suzette Peoples

Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011continued from page 11



Bob Hebert at “Breakfast with Bob.”

J udge Bob Hebert is seeking – NOW – ways to quench Fort Bend County’s water thirst through the end of this century.

Is that planning ahead?At his ninth annual Breakfast With Bob,

he surprised a large roomful of guests at Safari Texas Ranch by announcing a new plan to get more water for the county’s ever-increasing population, instead of giving his usual State of the County address.

“Planning for too little and managing for too much will guarantee the economic well being of Fort Bend County for decades to come,” Hebert told this attentive crowd of municipal officials and movers and shakers.

He noted : • Water supplies beyond 2040 don’t

exist. • No local sponsor exists to procure that

water.• Projected water supplies in the Region

H Water Plan may be impractical or impossible to achieve.

“People just keep coming to this county,” the Judge stated, “and we may have 2 million people here by 2050.” U.S. Census figures placed the county’s 2010 population at near 600,000.

Hebert’s proposed solution? Creation of a Conservation & Reclamation District which would represent all present and future water retailers in Fort Bend. Its sole focus would be to identify and obtain “a firm yield water supply beyond 2040.” It would be funded by a surcharge on water revenue only—no taxing authority.

Hebert already has discussed this new district cretion proposal with our local legislative delegation, including State Senator Glenn Hegar and Representative John Zerwas (who have responded positively), urging that a bill be drafted, developed and approved in this Legislative Session, if possible. The judge admits that there may be a “small window” of opportunity to create the district in this session but that “consensus for

County Judge seeks to quench the future thirst of Fort Bend County

action must be built, ” before a bill could be submitted.

Future steps: If the bill passes, continue public education and prepare for a county election. If voters approve the district, establish a board of directors and initiate work. The judge recognizes that consensus is important, but he knows that the three major players in water distribution in this county are aware of a need for future planning. The three entities are The City of Missouri City, City of Sugar Land and the North Fort Bend Water Authority, which currently is contracting with the City of Houston for surface water.

Hebert emphasizes that Fort Bend County doesn’t have one major municipality to lead the way such as Harris County does in the City of Houston.

“We can’t depend on the City of Houston to provide our water needs forever,” the judge stated. They have needs of their own for 2040 and beyond.”

The answer to meeting the county’s water needs after 2040 may come from a variety of sources. There are improvements in desalinization processes, there is ground water available in some areas, a relatively small reservoir might be feasible, and perhaps water could be acquired from the Toledo Bend Reservoir. A new Conservation & Reclamation District is the judge’s suggestion for weighing these and other options, and

pursuing the best options available. The judge also noted the importance of

the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) becoming solvent. “If the NFIP were a private business, it would be in Chapter 7,” he said.

NFIP currently has $3 billion in revenue and more than $18 billion in unfunded liabilities, mainly due to all of the funds being spent to repair property in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, plus as series of floods in the Midwest. Congress is preparing to rewrite legislation by the end of this September to “adjust a revenue stream, and the rules for setting up premiums. “ He urged “aggressive support of federal legislation recognizing the full value of our levees when setting future premiums.” He also urged FEMA certification of all existing levees. He pointed out that all 22 levees in Fort Bend County have full FEMA certification.

Hebert has had 40 years of experience in the public water business, beginning in 1972 when an Alief water district convinced him to set up an operating company, which he named ECO Resources. When he sold ECO in 1985 it managed 58 water districts. ECO’s successor, SouthWest Water, now manages some 250 water districts, most of them in Fort Bend County. Hebert has served as vice president of the Brazos River Authority, was president of the Fort Bend County Surface Water Supply Corporation prior to becoming county judge. He currently serves as a member of the Region H Water Planning Committee, and is a member of the Texas Water Conservation Association and the National Water Resource Association. He’s now in his third four-year term as county judge after being reelected last Fall.

Hebert has noted that the year 2040 may be the benchmark and challenge year for water in Fort Bend County. “God willing, I would be 99 years old at that time and others will be using the water that we procure in the next decades to help secure their future,” he said.

“As long as I am in good health and mind I hope to promote good use of water,” he said. “ If I didn’t, I feel that way I would be neglecting my job.”

By Wayne Chandler

COVER STORY By Nancy V. Mills, APR | Photos by Larry Pullen Photography

Comprehensive neuroscience program provides expert diagnosis and treatment for brain, spine and nerve disorders

Talking, touching, thinking, moving, experiencing emotions – these are just a few of the daily functions aided by the human nervous

system – and key reasons why spine, brain and nerve problems can be so life changing.

Dedicated neurologists and neurosurgeons affiliated with the Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital are available around the clock to diagnose and treat brain, spine and nerve disorders. Some common conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, brain and spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, degenerative spine disease, epilepsy, head injuries, migraines, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

Memorial Hermann Southwest’s comprehensive neuroscience program includes a 20-bed hospital unit specifically designed for neurology patients and neurointensive care capabilities that ensure groundbreaking treatments can be delivered faster than ever before. Here, the hospital’s highly skilled and compassionate staff helps patients and their loved ones manage the challenges posed by neurological disorders.

FINDING RELIEF FROM BACK PAIN

Back pain is a common medical problem, affecting eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives. Overuse injuries account for many of these incidents and generally heal within a week. However, when back or neck pain persists for weeks, and particularly when it is accompanied by weakness or pain in the arms or legs, or

numbness or tingling in the extremities, this may signal a more serious condition.

Ajay Bindal, M.D., is a neurosurgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest. He often sees patients who suffer from back pain caused by herniated discs, spinal fractures, degenerative spine disease and spinal cord compression, among other neurological disorders. While noninvasive procedures are the preferred first line of treatment for back pain, not all patients

benefit from rest, medications and physical therapy. Now, because of major breakthroughs in neurosurgery, patients can experience significant pain relief from minimally invasive procedures.

“In the past five years or so, spine technology advancements have made it possible for the majority of patients to resume nonphysical work within two weeks following surgery,” says Dr. Bindal.

In addition to the ability to perform

Ajay Bindal, M.D., a neurosurgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, uses the latest Leica OptiChrome surgical microscope in the hospital’s neurosurgery operating room for improved magnification. The microscopes feature advanced technologies to improve patient safety.



spinal surgery through small openings, Dr. Bindal says some of the greatest advancements include bioengineered discs and fusion grafts embedded with growth factors that promote bone growth and healing.

As one of the most advanced neuroscience centers in Houston, Memorial Hermann Southwest utilizes several technologies that provide a higher level of patient safety. Frameless stereotactic technology allows surgeons to navigate more precisely through the spine and cranium. With images of the surgical field in the computer, a digitizing camera senses the position of the surgeon’s instruments and shows them in real time on a computer monitor.

The unique NuVasive® technology, used during all spinal surgeries, provides real-time

feedback about nerve health, location and function, helping to reduce the risk of nerve damage. Leica OptiChromeTM surgical microscopes give surgeons an expanded range of movement and greater magnification.

“Memorial Hermann Southwest offers the highest quality of perioperative services in the city,” says Dr. Bindal. “I have operated in most of the operating rooms in the city and I prefer this hospital for my patients.”

NEW NON-DRUG THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is another common condition treated at Memorial Hermann Southwest. Seizures occur because of a malfunction in the brain’s electrical system, affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. Epilepsy is also called a seizure disorder.

When relatively healthy individuals have a single seizure, they have a low risk of experiencing a second one. However, once the second seizure occurs, the risk of subsequent seizures is substantially increased. That’s why someone who experiences two or more unprovoked seizures is considered to have epilepsy. Almost 3 million Americans have some form of epilepsy.

Steven Croft, M.D., a neurologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, specializes in the treatment of epilepsy and other nervous system disorders. For the majority of his patients, antiepileptic drugs, taken as prescribed, are successful at preventing or reducing the frequency of seizures.

Because epilepsy patients respond differently to antiepileptic medication, careful monitoring by the physician and vigilant patient cooperation are required. Patients whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by anti-seizure medications may be candidates for vagus nerve stimulation therapy (VNS TherapyTM).

This breakthrough non-drug therapy works like a pacemaker to help treat seizure disorders that are not controlled with medication alone, significantly improving the quality of life for those with epilepsy.

The VNS Therapy system is implanted during a minor surgical procedure that takes about one hour. One incision is made in the upper chest area or under the arm to insert the pulse generator. A second incision is made in the neck to insert the thin, flexible wires that connect the pulse generator to the vagus nerve. Patients go home the day of surgery.

The pulse generator automatically delivers electrical pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve in accordance with a physician-directed schedule. A special magnet empowers patients and caregivers to deliver an extra dose of stimulation, when needed, at the start of or during a seizure. Because the magnet is small and discreet, it is easily worn like a watch or pager.



“Home caregivers particularly appreciate VNS Therapy because it provides them with an additional measure of support to help their loved ones gain control over an unpredictable situation,” says Dr. Croft.

VNS Therapy is usually used in addition to medication, but does not have the side effects one might experience from drug therapy. Studies have shown VNS Therapy reduces seizure frequency and duration and improves the recovery periods after seizures. Also, a large number of patients can reduce their number of antiepileptic medications once VNS Therapy is started.

More than 60,000 patients worldwide have used VNS Therapy, helping improve the way they feel and the things they are able to do.

MEMORIAL HERMANN SOUTHWEST – A NATIONAL LEADER IN STROKE CARE

Stroke is the nation’s third leading cause of death. It is also the leading cause of disability, with an estimated 15 to 30 percent of stroke survivors living with some type of permanent functional disability. It takes just minutes for brain damage to occur after a blood vessel is blocked or bursts. To prevent or limit damage to the central nervous system, stroke victims must receive proper care within the critical three hours following the onset of symptoms.

The Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest offers proven protocols for quickly identifying and treating stroke, including clot-dissolving drugs like tPA that can limit brain damage and improve recovery. On average, in the last six months, patients requiring tPA received the medication within 90 minutes of arrival at the hospital.

Memorial Hermann Southwest is recognized by The Joint Commission (TJC) as a Primary Level 2 Stroke Center and has earned TJC’s prestigious Gold Seal of Approval as a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital has also earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Gold Award Recognition for stroke. Additionally, Memorial Hermann Southwest is ranked in the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals in the treatment of stroke by HealthGrades®, a leading, independent healthcare ratings organization.

COMPREHENSIVE, COMPASSIONATE NEUROLOGICAL CARE

Diseases of the nervous system can be painful as well as frustrating for both patients and caregivers. The Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest and its affiliated neurologists and neurosurgeons stand ready to help. From thorough and comprehensive diagnoses to breakthrough treatments, award-winning compassionate care means our patients can live well.

To learn more about treatment for brain, spine and neurological disorders at the Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest, visit memorialhermann.org/southwest or call 713.222.CARE (2273) for a physician referral.

For some post-stroke patients who experience functional impairment, a surprising new treatment is providing relief.

New research shows that receiving Botox after a stroke reduces spasticity, or painful muscle spasm, and reduces pain in the arms and legs, thereby enabling patients to more easily tend to their daily care.

Shahin Shirzadi, M.D., a neurologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, says Botox is not for everyone and it won’t totally restore the range of motion of an affected muscle.

“If patients complain of cramps and muscle pain, and muscle-relaxing drugs aren’t working or are making them drowsy, we can consider adding Botox while lowering other medications,” he said.

Additionally, Botox injections are administered every three months to reduce the risk of antibody formation which would make the medication less effective.

BOTOX® TREATS MORE THAN WRINKLES

continued from page 17

Shahin Shirzadi, M.D., a neurologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, is using Botox to help post-stroke patients who suffer from spasticity, or painful muscle spasms.


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Keri Curtis Schmidt, president & CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, embodies executive leadership demonstrated by her meteoric rise to the top post after about only 11 years. Calling the shots for several of the Chamber’s successful signature programs she previously directed, as head chief she’s a role model to those aspiring to

accomplish what she has done. Now at the administrative helm of The Grand Wine & Food Affair she’s overseeing its success as the event enters its eighth year among the Chamber’s distinctive projects.

When Schmidt arrived at the Chamber, she came with over 16 years experience as a senior vice president with a national bank having also managed branch operations.

She is a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management, a premier four-year professional development program, at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Schmidt also received a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Design and Business from the University of Northern Iowa. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and schooled in San Juan, Puerto Rico and later Iowa, she has lived in Fort Bend County for the past 17 years.

Veronica Wasek, owns VM Wasek CPA, LLC. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Quick Books ProAdvisor. Reinventing the traditional CPA firm and changing how business owners view their relationship with their CPA, she’s an outside-the-box thinker with over 20 years, hands-on experience working with small businesses. A unique perspective is what has allowed her to carve a niche in

the Quick Books consulting arena. Wasek has been referred to as being creative and innovative as a resource to clients and as a business advisor. She is a member of the Texas Society of CPA’s and the Houston CPA Chapter. She is also an approved third party reviewer by the Peer Review committee of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Veronica is a certified Advanced Quick Books® ProAdvisor.

Quite personable, this Sugar Land executive with highly developed technical skills is active in her church, the community, networking groups, and social media. She was recently appointed to the board of directors of Shape Up Sugar Land, a non-profit organization. Wasek is committed to fitness and even boasts of exercising five days a week. Sharpening her tools, she belongs to Toastmasters and loves public speaking. She balances her work career with other important things in her life. She also sings and works on crafts.

A fraternity member of the accounting honors Beta Alpha Psi in college, Wasek is a graduate of the University of Houston and has a BBA in Accountancy and Taxation.

The Fort Bend Business Journal salutes these women for their professional roles of distinction setting them apart and for their selection as Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011.

Keri Curtis Schmidt

Veronica Wasek

Fort Bend Women to Watch 2011continued from page 14

WORKS!To: Ann Sturrock and Michael Fredrickson

I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all of your support and expertise with regards to handling our advertising account. Ann, you have handled our account for over 3 years, with great results increasing our traffic and getting Plantation our weekly exposure in the Fort Bend Star. Our Article in the Fort Bend Journal received tremendous exposure, and thanks to Michael Fredrickson’s beautiful photos for the article it resulted in several new prospects moving to our community. In today’s economy you have to make sure that every advertising dollar is well spent, and our dollars spent with you have been a marketing dream come true. We see increased traffic and leases which results in $ signs and advertising money well spent. Thank you again for making my decision to continue to advertise with you an easy choice.

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The Texas Senate unanimously passed a bill that would provide fair voting representation on the Gulf Coast Water Authority Board of Directors.

Sen. Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 683 to add Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties on the GCWA board, an agency responsible for conveying surface water throughout the region. A companion bill -- House Bill 3621 -- was filed by Rep. Dennis Bonnen in the Texas House of Representatives.

The GCWA owns and operates canals (i.e., creeks and man-made channels) that provide surface water in Galveston, Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. The management and control of the authority is vested in its board of seven directors who are currently appointed entirely by the Commissioners Court of Galveston County.

With the passage of SB 683 on a 31-0 Senate vote -- which includes senators representing Galveston County -- the House is expected to consider HB 3621 in the near future. The GCWA has hired a lobbyist to block the bill.

Since the water authority’s creation in 1965, it has grown in both capacity and customer base, and the authority no longer supplies water to just the citizens, municipalities and industries of Galveston County. Today, 40 percent of the authority’s total contracted water volume is from outside Galveston County in Brazoria and Fort Bend counties.

SB 683 provides fair voting representation for both Brazoria and Fort Bend counties by adding two members to the board of directors of GCWA, bringing the total number of board members to nine. One new member would be appointed by the Commissioners Court of Brazoria County, and one new member would be appointed by the Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County. Fort Bend and Brazoria counties representation, as proposed would only be 22 percent of the board where nearly 40 percent of the GCWA’s total contracted water volume is from these two non-voting member counties.

Some additional facts:In 1988, Galveston County Water Authority purchased the State

of Texas’ Brazos River Authority’s canal system across Fort Bend and Brazoria counties.

In 1991, the Texas Legislature changed the name of the Galveston County Water Authority to the Gulf Coast Water Authority to reflect operations in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. This change was made at the GCWA’s request.

On April 18, 1996, the GCWA approved “Amended and Restated By-Laws” stating “After the authority has contracted to sell at least 10 MGD of water to be used for potable water for customers in Fort Bend or Brazoria Counties, it is the intention of the Board to seek to have the Texas Legislature amend Article 8280-339, Vernon’s Texas Civil Statues, as amended, in order to add two additional positions to the Board of Directors of the authority to be filled by directors representing such counties so that they might participate fully in the policies and decisions of the Board.” This milestone was met in 1997. SB 683 simply ensures the commitment is honored.

On May 14, 1996, the GCWA sent a letter to the Fort Bend County judge confirming the board’s action to allow for future voting representation on the board of directors.

Senate unanimously passes fair water bill

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Mother Diane Lundell and Jenneth Watson

BookKeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on bookkeeping services, has signed a franchise agreement with Fort

Bend residents Diane Lundell and Jenneth Watson to open an office in Sugar Land serving the city, including Richmond, Katy, Stafford, and West Houston. The new BookKeeping Express office opened in April and is the brand’s second to open in Texas.

“A void exists locally for skilled bookkeeping services that focus on the small business community,” said Lundell, a bookkeeper with 18 years of experience with QuickBooks and Peachtree Accounting Software. “We look forward to bringing professional bookkeeping services to the Sugar Land area and becoming part of the Bookkeeping Express family. BookKeeping Express has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and their proven business model will provide experience in the industry and its proven business model will provide us with the marketing and operations support we need to help grow the business, which will allow us to help others grow theirs.”

Lundell, who has owned and operated her own bookkeeping training company in the Sugar Land area for more than 17 years, and Watson, who has more than eight years of sales and marketing experience for a luxury hotel management company, were looking for a new challenge in their professional careers. When the mother-daughter team learned about BookKeeping Express, they knew that opening their own office locally would be a perfect fit for them to partner on; it provided them with the opportunity to each bring their expertise to the company.

“Joining the BookKeeping Express family gives us the support we need to reach our goals,” said Watson. “And, at the same

time, gives us the ability to offer local businesses the expertise, support and resources they need without the large firm cost.”

With more than 10,000 small businesses throughout the Sugar Land area, BookKeeping Express offers a much-needed service to companies that are not equipped or do not wish to handle accounting responsibilities such as setting up charts of accounts and general ledgers, monthly data entry, processing and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, producing monthly reports and tax reporting. Plus, BookKeeping Express utilizes an alternative pricing model that is based on the clients’ needs instead of a one fits all, hourly billing approach.

The expansion into the Sugar Land area is part of the company’s aggressive national development plans which call for more than 400 new territories throughout the United Sates.

“The small business community is growing in Texas and around the country, and BookKeeping Express is expanding with it, providing qualified franchise investors with a niche franchise option that caters to this growing segment,” said Greg Jones, CEO of BookKeeping Express. “We are looking to grow with franchise partners such as Diane and Jenneth who are serious about

owning a business and sincere about their desire to fill a void in their communities with our distinctive services.”

Prior to opening their BookKeeping Express office, Lundell and Watson will earn the company’s certification after several days of training at the company’s headquarters in Vienna, Virginia.

As part of the BookKeeping Express franchise model, local BKE office owners have the support of the BookKeeping Express Service Center to take care of any outsourced bookkeeping needs so they can focus their attention on their business and client consultation. This gives business owners the ability to grow their business without hiring additional employees. The Service Center also serves as a new sales channel for BookKeeping Express franchise offices. Local BKE office owners can sell the service in their communities to CPA firms and independent bookkeepers.

In addition, all BKE franchise offices will offer the BKE Connect system, which allows businesses access to all bookkeeping files remotely through an outside server, as well as a dashboard that clearly and visually ‘sums’ up the business’ operations for thorough analysis. Plus, small to mid-sized business owners can synchronize their QuickBooks and enjoy convenient, anytime access to their financial documents through BKE EDocs, a new electronic filing system designed to provide secure, online storage of financial documents.

BookKeeping Express, a national company focused on providing professional bookkeeping practices to small businesses, was founded in 1984 in California and grew to over 150 locations through licensing agreements. In 2007, Greg Jones, along with Bob Stocker and Merritt Green, purchased the company and launched the new business model in January 2008.

BookKeeping Express inks franchise agreement to open office in Sugar LandLocal mother daughter entrepreneurial team opens second BookKeeping Express franchise in Texas


We Texans have known for a long time that life is just better in Texas. Not that we needed any science to

prove it, but apparently, the economic numbers agree.

As of the end of February, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in Texas was 8.2 percent, or 15 percent lower than the national average. Heading into the worst recession in decades, Texas was on par with the rest of the nation, but has since separated itself with a strong pro-business environment and healthy energy sector.

Not only are more Texans working, they’re keeping more of that income. The consumer price index (CPI) is a measure of the cost of goods and how they change. The CPI for Texas is currently 9 percent lower than the national average, which means Texans are paying less, particularly at the pump and grocery store.

And more Texans are buying new homes. Our real estate market remains

consistent and strong. According to the Hanley Wood Builder Market Health Index, Texas has five of the top 15 healthiest homebuilder markets in the nation. The study compares home prices, employment data and median income in 100 of the largest housing markets in America; Texas towns making the grade are Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and El Paso.

One reason housing sales are so strong is that Texas housing is affordable. As of the third quarter of 2010, the Texas Housing Affordability Index was 8 percent above the national average. This measure compares median family income to the typical income requirements for a fixed-rate mortgage. First-time homebuyers in Texas finished even better, 43 percent ahead of national totals.

Compared to the rest of the nation, Texas workers have jobs, costs are low and the real estate market is healthy. Life really doesn’t get much better than in Texas.

WJ Interests is a fee only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] 281-634-9400.

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RIBBON CUTTING AROUND THE BEND

Chairman’s Council New Member Champion Energy

Ribbon Cutting with Candelari’s Bar


The Champion Gang - Director of Sales – Jeff Colvin; CEO – Scott Fordham; Energy Origination Manager Jocelyn Gordon, Cindy Smith – Marketing Manager Nicole Wilson – Marketing Assistant. CEO Scott Fordham, is holding the scissors.

Greatwood Retirement and Assisted Living Community (7001 Riverbrook Drive • Sugar Land): Front row, from left: Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; Karla Mejia, Greatwood; Melanie Heathcock, Greatwood; Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO; Lesha Vaccaro, Greatwood; Ana Ortiz, Greatwood; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant; Andi Wallis, Texana Center.

SIG – McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance (611 Morton Street, Richmond): Amber Stevenson, SIG; Jennifer Guitierrez, SIG; Cathy Pitts, SIG; Austin Evans, SIG; Richard Pollard; Dan McDonald, SIG; Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant; Teresa Nolasco, First Community Bank; Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, and Alicia Davis, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance.

Newmark Homes (6135 Harmony Park, Cross Creek Ranch, Fulshear): From left: Levi Bennett, Newmark Homes; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; Cheryl Stalinsky, City of Fulshear; CJ Snipes, City of Fulshear; Charlie Braun, bizINTOUCH; Rob Bamford, Trendmaker Homes; Jeff Dye, Newmark Homes; Mike Moody, Newmark Homes; Mike McCroskey, First General Services of Fort Bend; Lisa matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Alicia Azuara, Newmark Homes; Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Georgia Flynn, Avant-Garde Solutions, Inc., Suzanne Stieber-Loehr, Stieber Insurance Group, LLC.

Highland Homes – Summer Lakes: From left: Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Georgia Flynn, Avant-Garde Solutions, Inc.; Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO; Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant; Joe Imperial, Highland Homes; Frank Burdick, Ameriprise Financial; Andi Wallis, Texana Center; Randy Berry, Highland Homes; Lou Jackson; Denise Dimicili

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Ribbon Cuttings

R E A L E S T A T E

Commercial Real EstateBy Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend


One of the more polarizing topics lead-ing into the city elections in Sugar Land this spring has been the land use debate in Johnson Development’s Imperial Sugar development at the NE corner of Hwy 90 and Hwy 6. That debate has been over whether the city should allow Johnson to construct apartments in the development. If approved, the apartments would be beyond those that were identified in Sugar Land’s land use plan adopted in No-vember, 2004. A portion of the apartments would be constructed around the city’s new minor league ballpark, with the remaining units constructed around the Imperial Sugar factory re-development.

Opponents of additional apartments have voiced concerns about the potential for decreas-ing property values in the area due to increased crime and traffic that they feel will result from

the higher density and lower priced develop-ment. Supporters, however, have stressed the need for additional affordable housing as an option for singles and young professionals. They stress the importance of this option to provide a young professional workforce that is critical to attracting new companies and furthering economic development in the city.

With exponential growth in the city over the past two decades, the amount of remaining undeveloped land has been rapidly absorbed and only a small amount remains. Surrounded by Stafford, Missouri City, Houston, and Richmond Rosenberg to the west, the city is basically “landlocked”. Because of this, Sugar Land has expended a great deal of time and effort to attempt to identify the best use for the remaining undeveloped land. In 2003 and 2004, the city’s Planning and Zoning

Commission and staff worked to incorporate input from a wide array of interests, includ-ing property owners, homeowners and broad public interests such as economic development and future infrastructure needs to develop the land use plan. The land use plan has spurred dialogue between current city officials and the candidates in the upcoming city election. Some feel that the 2004 land plan should not be amended. Others I have spoken to feel the plan should be dynamic and that reasonable deviations suggested by land owners deserve to be given appropriate due diligence.

There are few residents that have been opposed to economic development in Sugar Land. We enjoy the quality of life that we have in Sugar Land today because of past our success

KOLBE CURTICE...continued on page 53

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Stroke Committee

Receiving the award are BJ Patel, Stroke Program Coordinator, Jody Noirot, Joe Freudenberger, Dr. Amitabh Shukla, Sue McCarty and Peggy Smith.

Rapidly expanding OakBend Medical Center responds to the need for community cardiovascular care - provides

recognized specialists, and state-of-the-art technology to Fort Bend County

Again, OakBend Medical Center scores recognition for excellence in cardiovascular care and their state-of-the-art Stroke Center with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

Providing the latest technology and treatment options to the Fort Bend community, OakBend Medical Center is the only designated primary stroke center in Fort Bend County.

As a recognized Gold Plus Performance

OakBend Medical Center receives American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award 2010-2011

Achievement Award Hospital, OakBend has met the Gold Plus Performance standards established by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association - achieving 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Performance Achievement indicators for consecutive 12 month intervals and 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Quality Measures to improve quality of patient care and outcomes.

According to OakBend’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberger, the award confirms the commitment that OakBend has made to Fort Bend county and serves as a standard for all areas of care the center brings to the community.

“We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. We are

working hard to provide the highest standard of care to families in our community and are pleased when the excellent work of our center is recognized,” said Freudenberger.

To better serve the needs of the community, OakBend Medical Center now has two campuses within the county and a new emergency care facility at Grand Parkway and West Bellfort.

After providing healthcare to Fort Bend families for over 50 years, it stands today as Fort Bend’s only accredited Cancer Center, Advanced Trauma Center and multi disciplinary Wound Care program with Hyperbaric treatment. The center also has a recognized Women’s Center with full-service pediatric care, an integrated Health and Wellness Center and a top-rated laboratory onsite.

To learn more go to www.oakbendmedcenter.com.

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Last year, the possibility of a rise in indi-vidual tax rates had many business owners questioning whether so-called “pass-through” entities were still viable. The Tax Relief, Un-employment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 put on hold any such concern until 2013 - maybe. 2013 is when individual rates are now scheduled to rise, instead of 2011 – under current rules. Given that, now is a good time to size up your business structure to review its strengths and weaknesses.

There are many good reasons for incorpo-rating your business and operate under either the C or the S corporation structure. Incorpo-ration generally offers greater protection than a partnership does against legal claims that can’t be satisfied with assets of the company. Also, corporations can add new shareholders and

transfer business shares more easily in some cases. From a tax perspective, C corporations often get a bad rap because they’re subject to double taxation. That is, the corporation pays taxes on its income, and then that income is taxed again when it’s paid out in dividends or liquidating distributions to its shareholders. The impact of that second level of tax was reduced but not eliminated when qualified dividends began to be taxed at a lower rate (generally 15%). Another tax downside of a C corporation is that C corporation share-holders don’t build up additional tax basis when income is recognized by the business. S corporation or LLC owners do.

Double taxation and no basis build-up still drive many business owners to make an “S election.” If you’re considering doing so, be aware that there are eligibility requirements.

For example, you must have no more than 100 shareholders, all of whom must be U.S. citizens or residents. Also, partnerships, LLCs, certain trusts and other corporations generally don’t qualify as shareholders. S corporations are referred to as “pass-through” entities because income and losses pass through the corporate structure to the shareholders, who must then report the income or loss on their tax returns. Those shareholders pay tax on the income and may deduct losses only to the extent of their tax basis. Losses may also be subject to passive activity loss limitations. In addition, “dividend” distributions of company income to S corporation shareholder-employees aren’t subject to employment taxes, but shareholder-

Will your corporate tax structure stay right under the new tax rules?

ALAN SANDERSEN...continued on page 53


Kenny and Cheri Bumbera, and their three hard-charging, auto racing children have taken the family’s exciting venture

-- Bumbera’s Performance Associates – a full family auto repair, recreational vehicle and high performance facility - to the City of Katy. Eldest daughter Kristin outlined the family’s plan to serve the North Fort Bend area before a full house at the Katy Area Economic Development Council breakfast in April.

The new location is at 6103 Highway Blvd., formerly the home of the Lopez family’s historic ABC Feed and Supply. The Bumberas bought the store a year ago, spending $135,000 in improvements and spreading that throughout the 12,000 square foot facility. After only a week in operation, the Bumberas now plan to construct an additional 2,500 square foot annex to handle a growing demand for automotive repairs and upgrades.

“The first day that we were open, we took in 43 cars by noon,” Kristin said. “We’re excited to be bringing close to $2 million in business to the Katy community annually,” she told the EDC group.

There’s enough space for the annex on the 1.25 acre site. They presently have 11 employees and “are hoping to hire more in the very near future.”

Since 1992 , Kenny and Cheri have had their business on SH6 just south of I-10. Kenny, who has been in the Greater Houston automotive industry for more than 35 years, began his career by working for a local engine builder who supplied engines for racers such as Hall of Famer A.J. Foyt.

Kenny has been involved with racing throughout his entire life and the entire Bumbera family has had outstanding racing careers in Texas and throughout the U.S. Kenny acts as the children’s mentor, car builder, mechanic, crew chief and car owner.

The Bumberasrace to KatyBy Wayne Chandler

He and Cheri own Next Generation Racing, Inc., a NASCAR team that is located at the new facility.

The Bumberas have made a name in the Greater Houston area for specializing in high performance upgrades and repairs. Recently, the Bumbera name made its way into Chevrolet dealership showrooms with plans to expand to Ford and Dodge. Their line of upgraded BAD FAST Camaros and Corvettes is available on the new models. “We’re proud to be serving the third generation of our customers, “ said Kenny. “But because customers see so many show cars, hot rods and race cars around the place, they think that’s all that we do. Instead, they learn family auto repair always has been a big share of our business.”

“We do love racing,” Kenny said. “The whole family does.”

Kristin, 23, has been racing some sort of vehicle since she was 8, starting her career with go-carts. She already has an impressive national record in a sport where virtually all of her competitors are men. Since 2007, she already has made racing history with 16 wins, 52 Top Five, and 94 Top 10 finishes. She was named NASCA Diversity Driver of the Year in 2008.

Most of her races have been on concrete and asphalt one-mile tracks in grueling 150-

and 200-lap races in California, Arizona, Iowa and Texas. She’s a veteran of the raceways in Houston and in Kyle, Texas, near Austin.

Kristin has a multiyear endorsement deal with Epilady, and is the personality and face behind that company’s newest EPILADY SPEED, a personal electronic hair remover. To learn more about her accomplishments in this male-dominated world, visit www.kristinbumbera.com.

Kristin’s sister Kendall began her racing career a little later, at age 14, but quickly earned her own Rookie of the Year title in 2007, and after advancing to a more competitive class was again named Rookie of the Year in Texas Late Model Racing in 2009.. Both girls are the only female athletes in their series.

Brother Boyd began his racing career at age 8, driving a bandolero car at 70 mph-plus around a 3/8-mile oval track. “ Even his older sisters have a hard time watching their little brother racing door to door at these speeds,” said mother Cherie, who, herself raced stocks in the 1990s. She was the first female to earn Rookie of the Year title in Texas Stock Car racing in 1990. Her two daughters are the only females to earn that title since.

The Bumberas opened at this Katy location last month with 400 persons attending the grand opening. “The response has been great,” Kenny said, “and we’re glad that we decided to relocate here.”

Lance LaCour, president and CEO of Katy Area EDC, said, “Bumbera’s is a welcome addition to the Katy business community, both in business generated and for the Katy residents Bumbera’s will hire. And we’re pleased at the property location, too.”


As with any real estate investment, the same principles hold true for land: buy quality, well-located properties for long-term value...but there’s an additional principle of investing in ranch land: enjoy it!

Kelly Ferguson, CCIM is a principal of Fort Bend Real Estate Corporation (www.fbre.net), a boutique firm that has offered specialty services in commercial and residential real estate since 1974. Call Bud Friedman

or Kelly at 281.242.2200 for more information on ranches and other real estate investments.

We hear the same story frequently: “We lost our hunting lease; we have to find another one.” Many

lease (and improve) acreage for hunting or other recreational purposes for years, only to lose it because of changes in the landlord’s situation or a change in ownership. The idea of land ownership may be daunting, but thoughtful and creative consideration may reveal that there are a number of investment and ownership options to make owning land attainable--and quite profitable.

Acquisition - In addition to working with individual investors to purchase land, we have also advised investors in structuring groups to acquire large land tracts. Acquisi-tions by such groups can be structured for either shared or partitioned ownership.

Shared-ownership structures have some of the same attributes of hunting leases and provide economy of scale. For example, they could provide the ability to acquire a better piece of property than one might afford individually, and land improvements and facilities (lakes, lodging, etc.) may be on a larger scale. They could also involve hiring a ranch manager and be run in the same manner as a hunting club on leased land.

Partitioned land tracts have individual ownership. The original land parcel is partitioned among owners at closing. Owners can choose to run their properties entirely separately or they can pool certain aspects of the property with neighbors. For example, Bud Friedman structured a purchase of 1100 acres in Gonzales County. He brought together three investors who purchased the property, which was partitioned into separate tracts at closing. Advantageous “pooling” aspects adopted by the owners include joint efforts in a wildlife management program and rights of first refusal when an owner decides to sell.

Holding Costs - Texas ranch land with agricultural exemptions in place is taxed with only a fraction of normal property-tax rates. Farming and ranch-ing provide means to generate income on land and obtain property-tax exemptions. However, these “ag” tax exemptions are not limited to farming and ranching; more and more ranches are obtaining wildlife exemptions by providing inten-tional habitat for certain species. This can be a rewarding experience, both finan-cially and through personal enjoyment.

Maintenance of and improvements to land can be tax deductible. The extent that holding costs can be offset by exemptions, income and deductions can be surprising.

Investment - History demonstrates that land offers a stable investment and hedge against inflation. Texas is the fastest-growing state in the nation, and investors have the opportunity to pur-chase land within or around the powerful Houston-San Antonio-DFW triangle.

Through the Great Recession Texas land transaction volume declined, but prices remained relatively firm. Bob Roy, Manager of the Rosenberg branch of Capital Farm Credit, reported that quality, well-located ranches maintained their value through our recent recession. Many of them actually appreciated during this time.

A tremendous advantage to purchasing land in today’s environment is the fact that favorable financing terms are available. Lending programs created specifically for agricultural and recreational land offer flexible terms that may not be available from other lenders. 80% financing is available with a variety of interest rates and terms to meet borrowers’ requirements. Further, many cooperatively owned lenders pay sizable patronage refunds (similar to dividends). Rural land can also qualify for a 1031 tax-deferred exchange.

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Exploring Texas land optionsRural land offers real estate investors a rare opportunity: to buy property for investment and run it for recreation

By Kelly Ferguson, CCIM

Data Beat


DBA (Assumed Names) (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for March 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 512 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of March. There were also 83 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Koleva IvankaHronos6419 N Shore Bend 77469

Shaw Salena (+)Glam Divas Events15035 Four Winds Dr 77489

Quality Wrecker Service IncQuality Rental Car513 Pecan St 77545

Jackson JaquaX10did-Family2118 Peachwood Dr 77489

Shadle SheilaGlobal Tech1414 Meadow Glade Ct 77479

Cherian VinilVj Truckline3755 Country Place Dr 1019 77477

Hartfiel Scot AHartfiel Architecture & Design Llc1000 Austin Ste E 77469

Beaman Michael SM. S. Beaman Remodeling (+)3350 Hwy 6 SouthSte 104 77478

Blair ScottNetera Group3810 Lamplighter Circle 77459

Johnson Eurica DemetriceCoordinating Designs By Ej1315 Noble Glen 77545

Jackson Jennice LSalvation After Hiv5930 Southridge 77033

Black Kenneth LReliance Senior Services634 Winston 77479

Davis Terrence E JrDoe 2 Doe Ink6630 Mccullum 77489

Ross Gwen (+)Town & Country Equities519 Main 77498

Ross Gwen (+)Phoenix Ii519 Main 77498

Aziz RasheedCity Wide Make Ready2218 Heatherwood Drive 77489

Fatani YusufFafy International4619 Blakes Ridge St 77545

Alfred Johnny IiiApartment Blitz3134 Jenny Drive 77479

Van Rooy Willem T M (+)Willem T. M. Van Rooy Consulting2314 Madera Canyon Ln 77469

Mir Abid MohamedVice And Virtue (+)642 Meadow Knoll Dr 77477

Ma TheaSnowflake Donuts29615 Fm 1093 Ste 1 77441

Tydlacka JoshuaX Gear 1011802 Auborn Trails Ct 77479

Akhtar Muhammad N (+)Showtimeusa902 Frostwood Dr Ste 246 77024

Green Lula BookerCeramic, And Decor3322 Shady Glen Ln 77459

Cavazos NormaLola-Rose Richmond Candles1009 Winston Dr 77469

Ajsri Industries LlcAnchor Machine Works6211 Evergreen 77081

Wu ZhoutaoKumon Of Katy-Pin Oak Village8610 Rising Oak Ln 77494

Prilucik Albert Edward JrHigh Profile16818 Tranquil Dr 77498

High ProfileShop 1 Direct16818 Tranquil Dr 77498

Beeby John JoelMedia Rotation16902 Tibet Rd 77546

Lindsey Ventures IncSouthwest Renovations1122 Wildwood Ln 77494

Essix JerrySovereign TransportationP O Box 951 77406

Dickinson Matthew CGglea Class 261410 Williams Way Blvd 77469

Virkus MichaelVirkus Consulting Group3962 Inglewood Circle 77459

Antia Ini EdetIny Global Ventures15770 Bellaire Blvd Ste 316 77083

Demazeliere Mouton BarbaraBarbara Demazeliere-Mouton Enterprise16811 Quail Crest Court 77489

Demazeliere Mouton BarbaraChildren Service Unlimited16811 Quail Crest Court 77489

Hashim JafraniMedical PracticeConsultants1006 Mockingbird Way 77478

Jimenez SergioDesign Woodworks Inc.2603 Hodges Bend 77479

Rice DebraSimply B Photography21711 Venture Park 77406

Karim RahmatM&M Locksmith Services (+)13406 Naples Bridge Rd 77498

Perez Lee RoyHottest Deals In Rosenberg.Com5050 Hwy 36 South 77471

Madry RyszardMadry Realty16136 April Ridge Dr 77083

Leinen Kyle RLeinen Consulting Services2903 W Autumn Run Cir 77479

Jorjay IncAlways Best Care Senior Services6906 Spring Run Lane 77494

Dutkosky KimStudio13eleven (+)3003 Shady Ridge Trl 77498

Delaney PrestonStraight Line Systems9401 Line St 77461

Wenzel DavidCountry Side Inspection15112 Quail Covey 77444

Barrett JanCross Way1613 Chestnut Lane 77469

Hall RodnekkaPatty’s Hair Salon10539 S Post Oak 77035

Sung SteveSteve Sung Realty12221 S Kirkwood #2334 77477

Rodriguez MariannaNo Gotta Team Kookers12811 Folkcrest Way 77477

Fernandez Elda GElda Salon2745 D Town Center 77479

Ambriz DeannaAmbriz Pediatric Therapy3006 Hampton Dr 77459-3207

Malveaux TommyTmia Tommy Malveaux Insurance Agency2318 Ashmont Dr 77489

Bosarge Joshua CodySerene GreenPo Box 17854 77496

Kauffman LisaKauffman Custom Designs20630 Garden Ridge Canyon 77407

Rundgren HelenHome Decor By Helen6407 Morningside Dr 77479

Smith Josh LeonardoJ.L. Smith Transportation Inc6934 Gettysburg 77469

Cook Thriedria ASafe In His Arms15911 Beechnut 77083

Coleman Ray A L JrRay Coleman ConsultingPo Box 1279 77459

Whitfield StevenHardriders Of Ft. Bend Co.3760 Cartwright Rd 77459

Mitchell TraciExorbitant Designer Shoes And AcessoriesPo Box 35182 77235

Epic Ministries IncThe Fort (+)28003 Barberry Banks Ln 77441

Epic Ministries IncDebt Free Music28003 Barberry Banks Ln 77441

Tai WeiOne Red Blossom25318 Springwood Lake Dr 77494

Harris SophiaThe Purple Page Foundation For N.I.A. (+)P O Box 920539 77292

Reed Jarad GOne Touch Glam Squad15411 W Antone 77071

Perez MelindaDesign-A-Tee Of Fortbend9427 Hwy 6 77083

Austin AntonioU Move Me Moving Company6814 Navidad Rd 77083

Everitt Gayle W (+)Everwest Enterprises1958 Fm 1463 77494

Ward FrancesProsperity Global Holdings5555 New Territory Blvd Suite 4303 77479

Gardner Roberts Group LlcCrossfit Elevate3750 S Mason Rd Ste 500 77494

Tate Debra MCreations By Revelation400 Solomon Rd 77469

Wimberley AndreaProficient Home Entertainment24710 Lakecrest Creek Dr 77493

Solis William AlexanderWillie’s Tex Mex1111 Falcon Park Dr Suite 10206 77494

Solis William AlexanderWillie’s Mexican Restaurant1111 Falcon Park Dr Suite 10206 77494

Data Beat


DBA (Assumed Names) (+) = More Names

Mcintyre Vermice JrThe Cartwright School (+)1647 Cartwright Rd 77489

Taymoori Leyla (+)Floor Chem Carpet Care2823 Meadowcreek Dr 77459

Winston GlendaLove & Care Place6847 Chasewood Dr 77489

Gay DonaldThe Gulf Coast Basketball And Training Academy (+)16748 Quail Park Dr 77489

Miller Robert GlennAtm Management Service1527 Tilman 77406

Calloway KelesiaMezmoreyez By Kellie2423 N Main 77477

Gonzalez Luis AngelBest Price Construction10002 Trey Dr 77461

Davis MarlinPeggy Davis Foundation2803 S Main 77477

Willowridge Christian Academy PtoWillowridge Christian Academy Pto2803 S Main 77477

Meyers LoriSassyfrass Hair Design17314 Woodfalls Lane 77407

Jones EulaE & J Business Consulting16527 Lacey Lane 77489

Solis William AlexanderRuthie’s Tex-Mex1111 Falcon Park Dr Apt10206 77494

Hamdieh MalekItsm Works26110 Pointer Ridge Ln 77494

Lopez Santiago (+)Twin City Driver Education School405B South Second St 77469

Fisher Gerald SFisher Oil Recycling Service5022 W Davis 77583

Jensen Heidi (+)Heidi’s House28506 Pewter Knolls Dr 77494

Matthews David BNfinity & Byond8422 Orchard Mist Ln 77407

Shah RasikShah Consulting Engineers21011 Indigo Field Ln 77407

Boyd Beth ALady Savory Spice CompanyP O Box 2528 77497

D & C Nail & Spa LlcStar Nails Spa22720 Bellaire Blvd Ste 3 77469

Ayers Willie RoyThresh Evangel Ministries (T.E.M.)15915 Val Verde Dr 77083

Monroe Gerry WMr. V.I.P. Sports Foundation, Inc.2911 Acacia Fair Ln 77545

Casada ChristopherBooyah Marketplace1602 Morton League Rd 77406

Casada ChristopherBooyah Outdoor Products1602 Morton League Rd 77406

Manek Kishan GX. J. Diamonds14910 Alderwick Dr 77498

Burnett JohnSpices For Life2103 Parkview 77459

Washington DarnellBlack Stone Bbq Catering1307 Mossridge 77489

Hicks KenPinnacle Pool And SpasPo Box 387 77545

Lopez CarlosAir Control Solutions4517 W Columbary Dr 77471

Momin AhmedTexas State Properties30 Rippling Creek Dr 77479

Oboh-Ogbeide Philip SonnyNation Car Center13806 Wilde Forest Ct 77498

Mcstravick Paul RMcstravick’s Debris-Free Hauling2114 Musket Ridge Dr 77406

Mcstravick Paul RMcgreen Recycling2114 Musket Ridge Dr 77406

Sonii Hamzatu AGoderich Pharmacy15044 Beechnut St 77083

Thomas CliffordLincliff Business Solutions15523 Indian Woods 77489

Spencer JenniferThe Perfect Find (+)6211 Royal Hollow Ln 77450

Spencer JenniferThe Emerald City Of Oz (+)6211 Royal Hollow Ln 77450

Garza Stephen (+)On Duty Apparel1415 Brady Creek Ln 77406

Crawford Walter (+)Solar Plus4434 Bluebonnet Dr 77477

Roberts Darrell (+)Wildcat Auto Broker’s20825 Southwest Frwy Suite 18 77479

Farris Carl DBread Of Life Prison MinistryP O Box 1202 77487-1202

Chacko TobinFuse Fitness13522 Schumann Trail 77498

22nd Century Health Home Care IncCentury Health Home Care2826 Greeen Fields Dr 77479

Toma-Mirro DonnaAngels In Action Home Care Consultants5406 Moss Meadow Ct 77479

Sbr Hwy 90 LllAutochek #31141 E Highway 90A 77406

Sullivan Creg CUniversal Source Code3906 Pleasant Run Ct 77545

Okereke MichaelMeridian Autos And Spares1907 Appleton Dr 77489

Ndukwe Chidinma AC - Med Pharmacy And Health Care Services Llc5633 Avenue I Ste C 77471

Ongaga Evaline OmariRescue Tows15734 Boss Gaston 77498

Halani Anisha B (+)Anisha’s Boutique2114 Black Oak Dr 77479

Anthony AmberPic Of The Party6607 Ginger Lily Ln 77494

Miller Misty (+)Little Angel’s Learning Center4719 Reading Rd 1201 77471

Group H LlcTexas Realty Connect2415 Town Center Dr 77478

Murray John WJsm & Assocates7323 Windy Port Ln 77407

Adams MichonJuz Jo E7707 Chasewind Dr 77489

Farzaneh ParichehrPari’s Gallery Hair Salon & Day Spa24219 Kingsland Blvd 77494

Jocob MathewTop Furniture5314 Autumn Rose Ln 77479

Arthur ClaxtonCommunity Medical Laboratory5200 West Loop South 2Nd Floor Ste 204 77401

Fuentes BlancaFive Star Commercial Cleaning13103-A Stafford Rd 77477

Garza JoshuaJk Custom Framing19715 Lark Orchard Way 77407

Flores Heather F (+)Extreme Clean23615 Windhurst Rd 77494

Moore Bryan XEmage Inc.12660 Stafford Rd Ste 214 77477

Alaniz Robin (+)After Care Houston16442 Hidden Gate Ct 77498

Stewart Joanna ElizabethJoanna Stewart Photography7606 Grand Pass Ln 77494

Trevino JoseJtx Construction Co.2507 Bluemist Dr 77498

Fernandez JosephShammah Ministries8220 Wateka Cir 77074

Scott Grant LStraight Up Fishing Co.5711 Silkbay Meadow Dr 77494

George Joshua MIdea Unlimited7007 Brazos Lakes Drive 77469

Rudd DonnieEmmajean Medical Supply3102 Shawnee Dr 77479

Wells Geri JWells Consulting4531 Bermuda Drive 77479

Igbinoba Idahosa (+)Bawo Consult15515 Waumsley Way 77498

Fleeks Andrea C (+)Abiding Faith Sitter Services1710 Carriage Run Ct 77545

Sonii Hamzatu A (+)Goderich Pharmacy15044 Beechnut St 77083

Cordero ThomasCpm4103 Cedar Bend Dr 77459

Hung - Thien - Mi LlcK K & B Gold Silver Buyer3599 Hwy 6 South 77478

Fitts Bobby D (+)Unique Services Inc.1818 Grove Court Dr 77489

Mickens MarkellAccurate Healthcare Services4002 Highland Vale Ct 77545

Jaramillo E J (+)C I A Investments12819 Bexley Dr 77099

Cortez-Grace VickiGulf Coast Direct901 Hwy 90A Ste 100 77469

Mcdonald Waterwork Insurance Services Llc (+)Sig/Mcdonald & Wessendorff Insurance611 Morton 77469

Hashmi Syed SamiullahIllustrated Math Series11226 Ramp Creek Ln 77498

Data Beat


Commercial Building Permits

Some significant building permits in cities in Fort Bend during the month of March

ADDRESS TYPE OF PERMIT VALUE OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY727 Cravens Rd Commercial New $80,500,000 Ben E Keith Foods3320 Double Lake Dr Commercial Remodel $144,532 First Colony Community Service/Millis Development & Const8331 Copper Creek Ln Commercial New $1,500,000 Stone Development Group9119 Sienna Ranch rd Commercial Remodel $713,643 Colony Baptist Church5011 Hwy 6 112 Commercial Lease New $80,000 Sugar Land Sweetwater Enterprise/Excel Buildouts8711 Hwy 6 Res D Commercial New $545,000 Sienna 1688 LP/Tyhan Construction Inc.6215 Hwy 6 100 Commercial Lease New $175,000 SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC/Krell Commercial Const4811 Hwy 6 Commercial Remodel $200,000 McKinney Real Estate Properties8740 Hwy 6 150 Res E Commercial Lease New $196,650 Hwy 6 Sienna Parkway LTD/Henderson Quality Construction10220 Hwy 6 Commercial New $375,000 A-S 91 Ft Bend Parkway-Hwy 6L/Global New Millennium Partners6302 Hwy 6 S Commercial Building $100,000 Missouri City & LP/A2Z Builders

Grand Total Valuation (of Listed) 03/01/11-03/31/11 $84,529,825

ROSENBERG3316 Avenue H #A Commercial Building $47,000 Warwick Construction445 Highway 36 Commercial Building $1,968,155 City of Rosenberg/KDW LTD6902 Industrial Pkwy Commercial Building $111,535 Warren SW. Refrigeration1001 Ave G Commercial Building $64,000 FW Walton, Inc3801 Ave H Commercial Building $19,650 City of Rosenberg/Tricon Construction Inc4310 Highway 36 Commercial Building $82,450 City of Rosenberg/Remedy Roofing819 Lane Dr Commercial Building $26,000 AG Investments LP/Church Services

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential) 03/01/11-03/31/11 $2,843,867

STAFFORD13011 Mula Ln Commercial Remodel $15,000 JC Stonewall Constructors LP12613 Executive Dr 712 Commercial Remodel $30,000 Service Master/ US Construction Services4167 Bluebonnet Dr Commercial Remodel $22,000 EV Tex Management Co/Joe Evans/ Vision Contracting13823 North Promenade Blvd 300 Commercial Buildout $1,600,000 Revolution Foods/ Corvus Construction10311 West Airport Blvd 111 Commercial Buildout $18,500 Le Nguyen/ TK Design & Construction10315 West Airport Blvd 6 Commercial Buildout $25,500 Crown Trophy/ TK Design & Construction


SUGAR LAND1550 Lake Pointe Pkwy Ste 500 Commercial Addition $62,325 Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/Accent Sign & Awning15625 Southwest Fwy Commercial Addition $66,000 Fort Bend MB Land LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy Ste 515 Commercial Buildout $118,444 Dr. Hernandez/Black Mountain Construction9722 US Hwy 90A Ste 111 Commercial Buildout $250,000 Nguyen Family Partnership, LTD/JTK Construction Inc.19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 220 Commercial Buildout $44,950 KM-TS Greatwood, LLC/PLK Services2701 Town Center Blvd Ste 22 Commercial Buildout $137,789 Weingarten Realty Investors & JMJ Contractors Inc.11420 Dair Ashford Rd Ste 104 Commercial Buildout $51,231 Stafford Dorothy/Bey Commercial Construction16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 530 Commercial Buildout $162,518 Methodist Hospital/South Coast Cont Services Inc16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 250 Commercial Buildout $332,739 Methodist Hospital/South Coast Cont Services Inc16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 520 Commercial Buildout $106,716 Methodist Hospital/South Coast Cont Services Inc15591 Creek Bend Dr Ste 200 Commercial Buildout $100,000 LPTC, Inc./Super Tech Construction101 Parklane Blvd Ste 202 Commercial Buildout $161,306 APAAR Sugar Creek LP/Precon Construction Services17510 W Grand Pkwy Ste 190 Commercial Buildout $95,991 Memorial Hermann Hospital/Forney Construction4690 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 200 Commercial Buildout $168,000 FBC Fort Bend Holdings. LLC/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC12682 Cardinal Meadows Dr Commercial New $12,200,000 API Realty, LLC/Kingham Dalton Wilson, LTD716 State Hwy 6 Commercial New $695,000 Fadi’s Telfair, Inc/Richland Construction510 State Hwy 6 Commercial New $600,000 Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Williams Development & Constr550 State Hwy 6 Commercial New $550,000 Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Williams Development & Constr16540 Southwest Fwy Commercial New $200,000 Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Global New Millennium Partners351 State Hwy 6 Commercial Remodel $1,131,920 Sams Real Estate Business/Journeyman Construction Inc2323 State Hwy 6 Commercial Remodel $300,188 Kensinger Properties, LTD/Benchmark Building Contractors165100 Southwest Fwy Commercial Remodel $53,925 Inland Western Sugar Land Colo/Chance Construction14100 Southwest Fwy Ste 100 Commercial Remodel $756,750 Trademark Construction & Remodel2735 Town Center blvd N Ste N Commercial Remodel $48,000 Weingarten Realty Investors & Hood Masters500 Dulles Ave Commercial Remodel $40,000 Fort Bend ISD/Jamail & Smith ConstructionOne Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 250 Commercial Remodel $214,032 Parkway Portfolio I LLC/Forney Construction2145 Lone Star Dr Commercial Remodel $56,384 Town Center Lakeside, LTD/D E Harvey Builders, Inc224 Terminal Ln Commercial Remodel $49,923 City of Sugar Land/CZS Developers, LLC


Data Beat


April 2011 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous month’s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare cur-rent year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends.

Arcola 20,200.90 15,380.82 31.33% 89,798.18 76,883.69 16.79%Beasley 5,343.56 4,830.20 10.62% 22,344.52 23,078.99 -3.18%Fulshear 27,778.40 21,836.93 27.20% 131,456.69 109,089.45 20.50%Kendleton 1,334.69 1,223.35 9.10% 6,206.36 5,299.41 17.11%Meadows Place 62,271.91 71,819.87 -13.29% 290,541.38 310,670.55 -6.47%Missouri City 382,753.14 405,116.48 -5.52% 1,875,846.57 1,893,302.50 -0.92%Needville 25,938.46 23,968.03 8.22% 112,238.83 104,653.30 7.24%Orchard 3,021.11 2,209.69 36.72% 13,398.67 13,772.54 -2.71%Pleak 3,020.12 15,112.24 -80.01% 18,464.57 37,219.30 -50.38%Richmond 249,603.78 262,112.31 -4.77% 1,245,672.88 1,294,538.35 -3.77%Rosenberg 795,792.28 775,968.36 2.55% 3,681,692.48 3,453,754.00 6.59%Simonton 7,881.27 4,435.68 77.67% 32,218.96 26,184.45 23.04%Stafford 911,160.83 854,871.71 6.58% 4,207,111.57 4,017,834.11 4.71%Sugar Land 3,301,740.68 2,568,983.67 28.52% 13,535,381.06 12,842,966.64 5.39%Thompsons 1,658.96 2,405.38 -31.03% 4,937.62 12,318.19 -59.91%

COUNTY TOTAL 5,799,500.09 5,030,274.72 15.29% 25,267,310.34 24,221,565.47 4.31%

County/City Net Payment Comp Payment % Change 2009 Payments 2008 Payments PercentFort Bend This Period Prior Year To Date To Date Change

Houston 34,990,748.44 32,360,773.27 8.12% 162,067,242.27 152,782,902.49 6.07%San Antonio 14,997,329.81 14,394,282.72 4.18% 70,485,926.40 66,620,937.74 5.80%Dallas 14,621,100.82 13,768,980.09 6.18% 68,252,541.47 66,164,453.71 3.15%Austin 9,773,194.54 9,768,310.31 0.05% 47,003,854.08 45,042,212.52 4.35%Fort Worth 6,954,833.59 6,686,134.29 4.01% 34,261,699.90 31,686,670.25 8.12%Arlington 5,803,577.71 5,552,593.00 4.52% 26,854,200.86 26,208,733.53 2.46%El Paso 5,291,509.49 5,031,520.36 5.16% 23,832,066.13 22,673,351.27 5.11%Round Rock 4,518,082.84 4,192,692.37 7.76% 21,526,978.22 20,409,918.53 5.47%Plano 4,534,159.96 3,885,200.51 16.70% 21,361,053.85 19,166,936.07 11.44%Amarillo 4,251,878.75 3,970,751.16 7.07% 19,846,421.04 18,188,142.24 9.11%Corpus Christi 4,457,637.96 4,574,842.13 -2.56% 19,465,118.59 18,334,710.21 6.16%McAllen 3,923,247.18 3,924,481.33 -0.03% 19,200,053.27 19,532,692.35 -1.70%Lubbock 3,548,951.95 3,480,682.30 1.96% 16,946,179.75 16,106,437.21 5.21%Irving 3,015,421.21 2,779,951.69 8.47% 15,401,438.60 14,008,672.22 9.94%Frisco 2,878,990.65 2,533,576.59 13.63% 14,133,525.62 12,832,980.34 10.13%Midland 2,922,198.76 2,557,461.81 14.26% 13,953,710.31 11,028,456.30 26.52%Sugar Land 3,301,740.68 2,568,983.67 28.52% 13,535,381.06 12,842,966.64 5.39%Mesquite 2,597,626.60 2,372,931.06 9.46% 12,197,822.98 11,066,749.82 10.22%Abilene 2,548,763.14 2,388,324.64 6.71% 11,768,588.31 10,783,164.48 9.13%Tyler 2,437,669.36 2,394,554.39 1.80% 11,600,379.45 11,268,290.50 2.94%

City Net Payment Comp Payment % Change 2009 Payments 2008 Payments Percent This Period Prior Year To Date To Date Change

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - April 2011Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state.


Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston recently received the 30-acre Rio Bend community

located at 1500 Pultar Road in Richmond as a gift for its foster care program. Rio Bend, established in 2005 as a community for foster children and their foster families, includes eight single-family homes, a chapel and playground.

“We are so grateful to be entrusted with this gift,” said Bonna Kol, Catholic Charities president and CEO. “It allows us to expand our work supporting the care of foster children in Fort Bend County and provides the opportunity to serve vulnerable children

in a safe and loving community setting.”Children will begin moving to the new

community in early June. When Catholic Charities fills Rio Bend to capacity, it will serve 48 children, those of whom may be referred from the state foster care system, refugees separated from their parents, or orphans and trafficking victims from countries as far as Burma, Congo and Central America.

Catholic Charities has provided foster care services since its inception in 1943, helping children who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment. Today the agency serves these children through both group foster homes and individual foster families, depending on the children’s needs.

Rio Bend will offer group and individual family settings.

Catholic Charities works with foster parents across the Greater Houston and Fort Bend areas to provide their foster children with strong family connections and experiences, and benefits such as life skills training, medical care and mentoring. The agency also serves children in a group foster setting. Here, children who are victims of human trafficking or refugees who have been separated from their parents receive a comprehensive evaluation of their needs in a nurturing setting and are provided with special services such as English classes, ongoing family tracing and legal assistance.

Donation of Rio Bend community allows Catholic Charities to expand foster care services in Fort Bend County

B ering Exploration, Inc. has begun the process to be licensed by the State of Texas to conduct drilling and

operations in Texas. The company expects to receive the approval in the next thirty days.

Bering recently announced that drilling operations have begun on its Gulf Coast prospect with potential revenue valued at $29 million over the life of the prospect. Additionally, Bering announced that it will initially drill four test wells on

its Eagle Ford shale play in Central Texas targeting $11 million in gross potential reserves and will utilize the results to help with the design and development of a more in depth drilling program for the remaining 116 potential well locations targeting gross potential reserves of more than $300 million. The figures above are based upon the current price of oil and gas and assume all wells are drilled and successful.

“We expect our application for an operator’s license with the Texas Railroad Commission to be approved in the next

thirty days,” stated Steven Plumb, VP of Finance of Bering. “This license will allow Bering to enter the first phase of our drilling program on our Eagle Ford prospect.”

Headquartered in Houston, Bering Exploration, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company that focuses on identifying, evaluating, developing and acquiring potential natural gas and oil wells in the Gulf Coast onshore region. Additional information about Bering can be found on the web at www.beringexplore.com.

Bering Exploration announces process to become licensed

May 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal 35 www.fortbend .com • May 2011 79

Tickets & Sponsorship opportunities 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

u Doris Gurecky u

u Pat Hebert u

Luncheon, Style Show and Champagne Reception

Magazine

proudly announces the 2011

u Judy Schmid u

u Lucia Street u

u Cari Middaugh u

Join us as we honor these

Thursday, September Twenty Two, Two Thousand and Eleven • 11:00 am - 1:30 pmSafari Texas Ranch u 11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas

Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels’ Contributors

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

BENEFITING

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue

Pamela Printing - Official Printer

Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon

J Loggins Jeweler - Official Jeweler

Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer

May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Entertainment

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Nancy Olson


The Houston Chapter of Credit Unions donated $100,000 to the new Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus,

Houston’s first community hospital designed, built and equipped exclusively for children.

The Houston Chapter of Credit Unions’ focus on families mirrors that of West Campus, which began admitting and treating patients at the hospital early March, while the outpatient clinic facility has been open since December 2010.

Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress and built on 55 acres with ample free parking spaces, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus will serve one of the nation’s fastest growing pediatric populations –the area from Sugar Land to Bryan-College Station, and will provide access to the same unsurpassed standard of care that parents have come to expect from Texas Children’s. The 515,000-square-foot hospital houses the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in the Greater West Houston area; two operating rooms, expanding to four in summer 2011; 24 intermediate and acute-care patient beds, with a planned increase to 48 beds; advanced imaging services including MRI and CT scans; a neurophysiology sleep lab; a pathology lab and a full-scale pharmacy.

Photo by Texas Children’s Hospital – Allen S. Kramer

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus receives $100,000 donation from The Houston Chapter of Credit Unions. Back, from left: James Tuggle, Steve Gilman, and Greg Storch. Front, from left: Julirey Velasquez, and Jennifer.

Houston Chapter of Credit Unions provide $100,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus

A ztec Oil & Gas, Inc. has announced the recent filing of its financial results for the quarter and six months ending

February 28, 2011. For the three months ending February 28, 2011, Oil and Natural Gas Sales increased to $474,804 versus $34,118 for the comparable three months ending February 28, 2010, or approximately a 1,292% increase. The Company has achieved further significant improvement over the year end results of six months ago, August 31, 2010. A quick summary of the filings show that Aztec’s Total Assets more than doubled to $22,884,268. Cash (as reported in Current Assets) increased approximately 54% to $7,596,283. On a related basis, Current Liabilities decreased approximately 23% to $1,670,879 and Total Liabilities decreased from $3,115,185 to $2,505,362, or approximately 20%. In the foregoing regard, Aztec maintains a significant line of credit with a major Houston bank, but has paid down the outstanding balance on that line to the minimum of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Also, during the current six month reporting period, Total Equity for Aztec increased to $20,378,906 from $8,318,708, or approximately 145%. All of the latter foregoing percentages are compared to the period for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010, and all percentages are rounded to the nearest full number.

“Aztec has been substantially ramping up its operations, and those efforts are beginning to show in its corporate financial results. With oil prices posting very dramatic increases, and our drilling focus being principally on oil for over 3 years now, we anticipate a very nice year in 2011,” stated Waylan R. Johnson, President of Aztec Oil & Gas, Inc.

Johnson further stated, “Our people have worked very hard establishing Aztec’s reputation for quality, reliability and performance in both our corporate endeavors plus our public drilling programs. When we do offer our drilling programs, they have been gaining popularity with broker dealers and investors.”

Houston-based, Aztec is an experienced oil and gas exploration, development and production company focusing on Texas plus other areas of the U.S. Its interests are highly diversified between exploration drilling and development drilling; however, when it offers drilling/production partnerships, Aztec focuses primarily on shallow, Texas, low risk, development wells. When offered, those programs/partnerships are placed only by FINRA registered Broker Dealers and Registered Investment Advisors with accredited investor partners, and are focused primarily on oil, with natural gas normally a secondary target.

Aztec entered the sponsored drilling program industry in 2006. In 2008, it was ready to substantially expand its sponsored drilling program activities, primarily for oil in Texas.

Since 2008, Aztec has, indeed, focused most of its drilling partnerships on oil wells in Texas. In addition to its early, initial three small Appalachian natural gas drilling partnerships mentioned above, Aztec has, intermittently, sponsored and closed eight other drilling/production partnerships (all of the latter focused on drilling for oil in Texas). Aztec Energy LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aztec, is the Managing General Partner of all Aztec drilling partnerships and another wholly-owned Aztec subsidiary, Aztec Drilling & Operating, LLC, is the drilling contractor and operator for such partnerships.

Aztec announces six months results, strong growth and doubling of total assets


Fort Bend meets with Consul General Gao Yanping of China

County Judge Bob Hebert met with Consul General Gao Yanping, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Houston. Judge Hebert invited the Consul General to attend a private welcome reception and

luncheon prepared by Allison Wen of Safari Texas Ranch. Others who attended with the Consul General included the Consul & Director of the Education Office and the Consul & Director of Economic Development. Fort Bend representatives attending with the Judge included the Fort Bend County “Friendship Committee” and representatives of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council.

The Fort Bend County Friendship Committee was created to explore and facilitate a “Sister Community” relationship that will our understanding of the Chinese culture and heritage, while benefitting the Fort Bend economy with opportunities for future business recruitment and the development of key industry ties in business sectors complimentary to Fort Bend County. Members who

participate on the Friendship Committee include George Chang, Michael Liu, Gary Lo, Howard Paul, Allison Wen, Jeff Wiley and Daniel Wong.

Consul General Gao received a crystal bridge from Judge Hebert as a token of friendship. Herb Appel, CEO of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, presented an overview of local economic conditions and the strengths of Fort Bend county for the benefit of Consul General Gao and her staff.

“As we look to the future development of mutual friendship and respect, we envision a growing awareness and appreciation of each other’s culture and people,” said Hebert. “As we move forward, we hope this partnership will provide a means of fostering educational, economic, and professional exchanges.”

Judge Bob Hebert


OakBend Medical Center recently held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at Safari Texas

Ranch. The theme of the event was Volunteers Have All the Right Ingredients.

Joe Freudenberger, C.E.O. personally thanked each volunteer for the hours they contributed and for making the hospital a better place. In 2010, the hospital volunteers donated over 15,000 hours of service.

From funds raised through the hospital gift shop, bake sales, book sales, and other various fundraising efforts, the volunteer auxiliary President Goldie Leinweber, presented Freudenberger with a check for $11,000 to be directed to the hospital’s

capital campaign.Marketing Manager Cindy Reaves

installed the incoming auxiliary board of directors for 2011/2012. Betty Humphrey will serve as president, Carolyn Culpepper - president-elect, Donna Schulze - treasurer, Dianne Williams - secretary and Bobbie Scott - historian.

The Auxiliary President’s Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Peggy Kriehn, who volunteers in the Labor and Delivery Department and has served 1,098 hours over the past year. “Peggy is such a wonderful addition to this team. She assists the staff and takes care of each and every patient as if they were her own family. We are very lucky to have her,” said Jannice Phillips, department director.

Joe Freudenberger, C.E.O. and Goldie Leinweber with the check $11,000 to the hospital capital campaign.

Goldie Leinweber, left, Joe Freudenberger, C.E.O. right, present Peggy Kriehn with Volunteer of the Year Award. Over 15,000 hours of service were contributed in 2010.

OakBend Medical Center celebrates with its volunteers

Auxiliary Committee Chairs were also recognized for their service: Carolyn Todish-Gift Shop chair, Anita Filip- Telephone Committee chair, Dianne Williams - Sunshine Cards chair, Harriet Karnei - Membership Committee chair, Bill Fulton - Blood Drive chair, Carolyn Todish – Recruitment & Orientation Committee chair, and Sandra Sanborn - Scholarship Committee chair. The 2010-2011 Board of Directors included Goldie Leinweber – president, Carolyn Culpepper – president elect, Donna Schulze – treasurer, Carolyn Todish – historian and Dianne Williams as secretary.

“The volunteers are an inspiration to us all, not only do they donate their time to serve and assist our staff in so many ways, but they also raise funds which they donate year after year to the hospital. We are extremely grateful to have such outstanding people in our community and as part of our team at OakBend,” said Freudenberger.

In keeping with the theme, each volunteer was given an embroidered apron and the centerpieces contained assorted cooking utensils.

To become a volunteer at OakBend Medical Center call 281-633-4015 to find out more about the opportunities available.

J essica D. Brown has joined the City of Sugar Land as tourism and marketing manager to oversee its new tourism marketing pilot program.

Brown has in-depth knowledge of Texas tourism initiatives and programs and an accomplished history in destination sales and marketing. Her 14 years of experience includes the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism and the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The city initiated the tourism marketing pilot program to establish itself as a regionally, nationally and internationally recognized destination for conventions, meetings, events, trade shows and leisure travel. Sugar Land’s hotels, attractions, restaurants and retailers will all benefit from the sales and marketing efforts.

Major components of the three-year program include developing a branding and marketing initiative; facilitating synergy between hoteliers, event facilities, retailers and other destination partners; and providing marketing and support for events.

Funding for the tourism marketing pilot program is generated by the City’s Hotel

Occupancy Tax (HOT), the use of which is restricted to tourism/marketing programs and historic preservation. This program is focused on increasing visitors to Sugar Land which

will have the added economic benefit of increased sales tax revenues, stimulating economic growth and development of the community.

As a regional employment center, the city is home to numerous high-profile regional and international corporations housed in over 22 million square feet of commercial space, including Minute Maid, Schlumberger, Fluor Corporation, Bechtel EO and Aetna.

Sugar Land has also uniquely positioned itself as a hub for premium shopping, dining and entertainment. Venues such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, the recently announced StarTex Power Field, as well as the future concert/performing arts center and Sugar Land Heritage Museum will further establish the community as a cultural and historical destination.

Sugar Land begins tourism marketing effort

Jessica Brown


Where Family Memories are made...Exceptional Location • Championship Golf • Fantastic Amenities

Call Jennifer Rushlo, Membership Director, 281.494.9131, ext. [email protected] • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com

420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 281.494.9131

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Third Annual

St. Patrick’s Day Street Party in

Downtown FulshearGilbert Lomones, First Victoria National Bank, works the prize wheel at the Chamber booth.

.B. Collins, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Fulshear, Randy Parker, Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO, Cheryl Stalinsky, City of Fulshear, and CJ Snipes, City of Fulshear.

The Vick Viorde Jazz Trio provided entertain-ment in front of Ray’s Gourmet Country.

Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO, and Donna Lamb, Cross Creek Ranch.

Ray’s Gourmet Country was the epicenter of the Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party.


Redstone begins planning with Johnson Development on Imperial

The Redstone Companies, who own a host of luxury properties in the Houston area, has agreed to consult with Johnson

Development on the exploration of renovating the historic Char House and developing a new hotel and conference center as a part of the new Imperial project. With a reputation for upscale hotel, resort and clubs in the industry, Redstone properties include The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Lakeway Resort and Spa and Houstonian Lite Fitness Clubs. Their golf properties include Shadow Hawk Golf Club, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, Redstone Golf Club - Home of the PGA TOUR’s Shell Houston Open, BlackHorse Golf Club and Vanderbilt Legends Club.

“With The Redstone Companies, we are looking at the feasibility of developing a hotel and conference center along with the possible reuse applications of the Char House,” said Shay Shafie, general manager of Imperial. “Redstone’s superior track record in hospitality and mixed-use projects makes them the perfect choice to examine all opportunities for Imperial. Their reputation for the finest in luxury hotel accommodations, private fitness clubs and golf properties is stellar, and we are enthusiastic about working with them to explore all options for the redevelopment of

Imperial.”The proposed hotel conference center

will be located in the Historical District of Imperial along Highway 90A. Imperial’s goal is to integrate the smoke stacks and other artifacts from the Imperial refinery into the complex to preserve the heritage of the area, as well as turn the historic Char House into executive offices.

“Redstone has had a successful partnership with Johnson Development in the development of the Fall Creek community which surrounds Redstone Golf Club. When they approached us about consulting on this project, we were thrilled with the opportunity,” expressed Mark Yanke, president of Redstone Companies Hospitality. “It’s a wonderful property that could enhance the economic landscape in Fort Bend County, where we currently operate Shadow Hawk Golf Club and The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, while maintaining a special historical reference for Imperial.”

The proposed hotel and conference center will serve as a complement to the StarTex Power Field, the stadium for the City of Sugar Land’s new minor league baseball team. It will also compliment the other entertainment-oriented venues featured in the700-acre master-planned community located in Sugar Land.

Imperial plans to include the redevelopment of the historic Imperial Sugar Company refinery site and the preservation of several of the iconic structures dating back to the early 1900’s. Just over a year ago, Johnson Development was selected as Imperial’s development manager by Cherokee Sugar Land LP and the State of Texas General Land Office. Johnson’s charge is to bring life back to the old Imperial Sugar Refinery site with a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, restaurants, office and urban residential land structures. The master plan also includes a significant amount of land across from the Sugar Land Regional Airport being dedicated for the city’s next professional business and technology park.

For more information about Imperial, visit www.imperialsugarland.com.Dennis Palmer and Shay Shafie

L evi Strauss & Co. has agreed to pay $1,011,413 in overtime back wages to 596 employees nationwide after the U.S.

Department of Labor found that the company violated overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

An investigation conducted by the San Francisco District Office of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division determined that the San Francisco-based company misclassified several groups of workers, including assistant store managers of newly acquired stores, as exempt from overtime. Although their counterparts at previously existing stores were exempt from overtime compensation, the newly hired employees were not.

“Misclassification of employees has serious and adverse consequences for employees, as well as for corporations,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “When violations of federal labor laws are discovered, this department will take appropriate action to ensure that workers receive the wages they deserve.”

This investigation covered back wages for time worked over a two-year period. Levi Strauss has agreed to pay the back wages and committed to upgrade its time and attendance system, as well as maintain future compliance with the law. The applicable employees are now treated as non-exempt under the FLSA.

Founded in San Francisco in 1853, Levi Strauss was the first company to manufacture blue jeans. Today, the company operates 164 retail stores and employs more than 4,000 workers in the U.S., and its global operations span more than 100 countries.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 for all hours worked, plus time and one-half their regular rates of pay, including commissions, bonuses and incentive pay, for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

Levi Strauss to pay more than $1 million in overtime back wages to nearly 600 employees


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Michelle Huang, an eighth-grade student at the Quail Valley GT Academy, entered her oil painting, “The Long Way Home,” in the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Contest and won the “Junior High Champion” prize. She was the only student, among 300,000 students representing 100 school districts and more than 60 private schools throughout Southeast Texas, to receive the award in the Junior High School division. Students were asked to submit artwork based on Western culture, history or heritage.

Michelle’s artwork originally won “Best of Show” and was among 662 pieces of art-work that advanced to the Grand Prix judg-ing after winning top awards at the district level of the competition. This was the third year that Michelle has won “Best of Show” for artwork entered in the competition. Her 2011 winning painting was displayed at the Reliant Center’s Hayloft Gallery throughout the rodeo season.

Pictured (from left) are: Thomas Heinly, principal at Quail Valley Middle School; Michelle Huang, contest winner; and Carl Stockman, art teacher.

The Long Way Home,” an oil painting by Michelle Huang that was awarded the “Junior High Champion” award in the 2011 HLS&R Student Art Contest.

FBISD art student first to win Junior High Champion Award

State Representative Charlie Howard (R-Sugar Land) proposed House Bill 1187 before the House Committee on Ways and Means. House Bill 1187 makes permanent the current tax exemptions for businesses who generate $1 million or less in revenue annually.

In 2009, the Texas Legislature temporarily exempted businesses from paying the franchise tax if they generated $1 million or less in revenue. Previously, the exemption applied to businesses that generated $300,00 or less in annual revenue. The current tax exemption is set to expire this year.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state and our nation,” stated Howard. “ The million dollar exemption has provided much needed tax relief to our state’s small

business community.”According to recent data from the U.S.

Small Business Administration (SBA), there are approximately six million small

businesses in the United States. Of these six million businesses, 386,422 are in Texas. These businesses represent more than 98 percent of the state’s employers and more than 46 percent of its private sector employment.

“Under the current economic conditions that we face, it is imperative that we provide small businesses with an environment that encourages their job growth and success,” said Howard. “The continued success of small businesses will produce new jobs, additional prosperity, and a better Texas for us all.”

Charlie Howard

State Representative Charlie Howard fights to maintain small business tax cuts

Atos Origin, Inc. has chosen Sugar Land for the location of its North American headquarters. The company — a leading international information technology services provider — will bring a minimum of 55 leadership jobs to the city this August.

To attract Atos Origin, the Sugar Land Economic Development Department crafted an incentive package which was recently approved by Sugar Land City Council. The incentive is based on the company locating to Sugar Land in the Offices of Kensington, maintaining a certain number of jobs and generating new sales tax revenues for the city.

Paul Stewart, EVP and CEO North America, Atos Origin, Inc. states: “The City of Sugar Land’s approach to planning and development is a cultural match to our high tech industry and will make a great partnership.

They are forward thinking, with ample amenities and acclaimed schools that

match our well being at work (WB@W) initiatives for our employees.”

As one of the Top 10 international IT service providers in the world, Atos Origin generates annual revenues of $7.2 billion dollars and employs 49,000 people. Its international headquarters are located in France. From Sugar Land, the firm will oversee 800 employees in the United States and Canada.

Among its clientele of large multi-national groups and organizations is the International Olympic Committee, for which it is the Worldwide IT Partner and in charge of the IT for the Olympic Games.

“The City of Sugar Land welcomes this successful global firm,” said Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson. “We are proud that Atos Origin has chosen our city for their national headquarters location. Our stable local economy provides an excellent location for the firm to continue to thrive.”

Sugar Land attracts national headquarters of Atos Origin, Inc.


Rose-Rich Auto Mile: From left: Marvin Marcell, Fort Bend Toyota; Vince Finnegan, Finnegan Auto Group; Chris Gillman, Gillman Honda, and Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford .

26th annual Central Chamber Golf Classic May 23 at Houstonian

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club in Richmond is one of the most prestigious tracks in the region, and, because of its partnership with the Houstonian, the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Golf Classic has grown into one of the area’s most recognized team tournaments. Scheduled for May 23 at the Houstonian, it is one of 10 tournaments they schedule each year. The Rose-Rich Auto Mile is comprised of four local auto dealerships: Finnegan Auto Group, Fort Bend Toyota, Gillman Honda and Legacy Ford.

The Houstonian, which was conceived by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Rees Jones, offers more than 7,100 yards of pristine play, with five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. The golf course engages approximately 50 acres of lakes and waterways along with 43 bunkers. Fairways of 419 Tif-way Bermuda and Tif-eagle greens are meticulously maintained for championship golf course conditions year round.

The limited sponsorship opportunities are selling rapidly, and it is anticipated those opportunities, as in past years, will sell out

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is coming soon to Sugar Land Town Square. Flying Saucer features appetizers, hot sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, salads, wraps and an extensive array of micro and imported beers on tap, along with a full-service bar.

Flying Saucer will open its second Houston-area location at 15929 City Walk in the fall of 2011. The eatery will occupy 5,059 square feet of space and will feature the same eclectic design elements found at other Flying Saucer restaurant locations. The walls will be covered with collectable plates scoured from garage sales and antique malls around the country.

“We chose to open in Sugar Land Town

Square because we were impressed by the growth of the development in the past few years,” said Flying Saucer Owner Shannon Wynne. “We believe Flying Saucer will be a valuable addition to a community that already recognizes great food and entertainment.”

Charles Adams, vice president of retail for Planned Community Developers, Ltd, represented PCD in the transaction; James Namken of The Weitzman Group, represented Flying Saucer.

For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square retailers visit SugarLandTownSquare.com.

More information about Flying Saucer can be found at www.beerknurd.com.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium coming soon to Sugar Land Town Square

well before the tournament. For sponsorship information, contact Chamber Development Director Angie Sanders at 281-342-5464 or [email protected].

Sponsors already committed are: Gift Sponsor – Silver Eagle Distributors; Birdie Sponsors – Amegy Bank of Texas, JE Dunn Construction, Landtech Consultants, Inc., Republic Services, Inc., and Trendmaker Homes; Tent Sponsor – JE Dunn Construction; Beverage Cart Sponsor – Servpro of West Fort Bend County.

Four companies that consistently demonstrate their commitment to improving the environment were recognized at the April 18 City Council meeting with Missouri City’s 2011 “Golden Tree Award”.

TXU Energy donated 10 trees for 5th Street esplanades, sponsored and planted a tree grove at the Edible Arbor Trail, and donated gloves, lip balm, and LED nightlights to volunteers. In addition, 10 TXU staff members spent a collective 20 volunteer hours planting plum trees. The company’s contributions total an estimated value of $4,800.

Apache Foundation is the first business to receive this honor two years in a row. They donated 795 trees during the last three years. This year they have also sponsored a mulberry tree grove at the Edible Arbor Trail. The company’s contributions total an estimated value of $19,875.

Kroger has demonstrated a commitment to helping our community through volunteerism and sponsorship of a tree grove at the Edible Arbor Trail. The Highway 6/Murphy Road Kroger team gave six volunteers and 12 collective hours of time to help plant a persimmon grove at the Edible Arbor Trail. The employee’s contributions total an estimated value of $2,400.

HEB/Sienna promoted energy conservation in its business facility and operations, demonstrating leadership in green building by achieving LEED certification, including using locally made materials, and certified wood, low water usage fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens, energy reducing devices in heating and cooling systems, and promoting recycling during construction and in daily operations.

“These awards are given to local businesses that really have taken a leadership role in conservation and urban forestry support in Missouri City in the last year,” said City Forester Paul Wierzbicki. “They set an example for other businesses to follow.”

Four Companies earn Missouri City’s Golden

Tree Award


NEWSWORTHY


Getting ready for this year’s Surf’s Up with a game of beach volleyball are Long Elementary teachers Kristie Belmarez and Tiffany Andel, Long Principal Jill Nehls, OakBend Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberg, Sue McCarty, Jody Jones Noirot and Susan Carruth.

Beat the heat is to grab your friends and get ready to party, because Surf’s Up!

OakBend Medical Center is the title sponsor for the 2011 Surf’s Up, School’s Out, with the Triumphs, benefitting the Lamar

2011 Surf’s Up, School’s Out set for May 6

Congressional Update

New traffic signals with Flashing Yellow Arrows (FYAs) for left turns have been installed at nine intersections on Eldridge Road and two on Burney Road. Flashing yellow instinctively implies caution, which is the preferred reaction when drivers make judgment calls about turning left into a gap in traffic. The signals were successfully utilized during a pilot project in the Sugar Land Business Park, where the flashing yellow arrows resulted in reduced wait times and fuel usage at intersections.

So, how do the signals work? When

approaching the intersection, a solid red arrow indicates a required stop -- left turning drivers must wait. Drivers must also stop at a solid yellow arrow. A flashing yellow arrow requires motorists to first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding cautiously to turn left. A solid green arrow permits drivers to turn left while oncoming traffic stops.

According to the City of Sugar Land, the FYAs have the potential to greatly benefit air quality and reduce accidents. A national research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation has identified

FYAs as the preferred option for left-turn movements.

“Research data has shown that retiming traffic signals can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and reduce mobile emissions by up to 22 percent,” said Assistant Director of Public Works David Worley.

A U.S. Department of Transportation report has shown that intersections using FYAs compared to circular lights have fewer crashes -- a 30 percent reduction in crashes over an eight-year period as compared to the circular green “ball” indication.

Sugar Land first in region to install flashing yellow arrows

Educational Awards foundation (L.E.A.F.).The dinner, dance and auction is set for

May 6 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Dinner is served from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a live dessert auction following immediately. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m. with entertainment by Fort Bend County’s favorite party band, The Triumphs.

Funds raised at Surf’s Up go to underwrite grants for Lamar CISD teachers. More than $193,000 was awarded by the L.E.A.F. “Grant Express” in 2010. Since 2000, L.E.A.F has awarded more than $1.25 million dollars in grants for innovative classroom projects.

Individual tickets are $25, which includes a chicken-fried steak dinner catered by Vincek’s. Tables for groups of 10 or can be reserved for $250.

For ticket information or to reserve tables for Surf’s Up, contact Janice Knight at 832-223-0334.

From left: Gerald Andrews, GRA-Gulf Coast Construction; Charles Hewitt, OCuSOFT; Sue Herreth, OCuSOFT, Cynthia L. Barrett, President/CEO OCuSOFT; Dorothy Eakins, OCuSOFT, Thomas Mason, OCuSOFT, Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, and Joe Milton, Milton Architects.

CYNACON, Inc. a company founded in 1986 as a research and development company by Nat G. Adkins, Jr., Chairman and Cynthia L. Barratt, President-CEO. Shortly thereafter, a second corporation, OCuSOFT, Inc., was formed to market over-the-counter (OTC) ophthalmic products. The two companies were merged in 1993. OCuSOFT, Inc. (dba CYNACON / OCuSOFT) is the leader in the development and commercialization of

novel products for the treatment of ocular surface disease. The company now services the ophthalmic industry with a complete selection of pharmaceutical supplies and continues to market its proprietary brand of OTC products. The Fort Bend-based company recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction of its new corporate headquarters at 30444 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg.

Congressman Pete Olson recently provided a congressional update at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance. With the Congressman are Gail Parker, Executive Director of the Chamber and Elsa Malakoff Maxey of the Fort Bend Star.

OCuSOFT, Inc. breaks ground at new corporate headquarters

May 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal 45www.FortBendChamber.com

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“I thought I knew everything. This program took me outside my box. Connected me with the city and county division and leaders. In the ten months I learned so much more. The workings of my city and how it makes all things work. I know now how to give back effectively as I grow with it. Thank you Chamber of Commerce for putting it together.”

—Namita Asthana, President,Verum Solutions

“It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

—Christopher Breaux, Principal, Null-Lairison

for the Fort Bend Leadership ForumClass of 2012

The Fort Bend Leadership Forum presents the opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program, August through May, consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a wide variety of topics.

For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or [email protected]

LEADERSHIPFORT BEND

F O R U M

LEADERSHIPFORT BEND

F O R U M

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 201146 www.FortBendChamber.com

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The following firms have realized the importance of economic growth and development for the Fort Bend County area. They have pledged their support to the cause by investing their time and efforts in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Please support your community by calling on these organizations when you have a need for products and services.

Membership

Welcome New MembersAling’s Hakka Chinese CuisineGary Yan, President15425 Southwest FwySugar Land, TX 77478281-242-0432Restaurants

Alpha Eyecare AssociatesPhilip Aitsebaomo, CEO12401 South Post Oak #DHouston, TX 77045713-721-9000Optometrists

Balanced Brain ChiropracticSophia Bekiaris, Chiropractor/Owner4610 Sweetwater, Ste 210Sugar Land, TX 77479713-301-6216Chiropractors

Benefit Concepts, Inc.Josh Pipes, Broker1173 Brittmoore Rd.Houston, TX 77043713-728-7200Health Care

bizInTouchCharles Braun, President4510 Devonshire St.Sugar Land, TX 77479713-443-8061Marketing Services

Gateway to CareTom Hemingway, Health Provider Network Manager3611 Ennis St.Houston, TX 77004713-783-4616Health Care

GlobalSpex Web & Graphic DesignChristina Hawkins, President19901 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, TX 77479281-940-7002Internet Solutions

The Goddard SchoolGina Vu, Owner9722 US 90 A, Ste 111Sugar Land, TX 77478713-382-8387Child Care

Greer Wealth Management CompanyBlake Greer, Owner311 Morton StreetRichmond, TX 77469281-785-2104Financial Services

The Interface Financial GroupKyle Davison, CEO15 Berenger PlaceSugar Land, TX 77479832-886-4970Financial Services

J. Michael Bennett M.D. P.A.James Bennett, Doctor/Owner4690 Sweetwater BlvdSugar Land, TX 77479281-633-8600Physicians, Orthopedics

La Escondida Mexican GrillSergio Espinosa, President7270 Highway 6Missouri City, TX 77459281-403-3306Restaurants

La Fonda RestaurantMartin Moreno, Owner13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 600Sugar Land, TX 77478281-277-0338Restaurants

Living MagazineKristen Ford, Advertising Consultant6 Horizon CourtRockwall, TX 75032800-269-6020Advertising, Magazines

MuzakAshley Harris, Account Executive8280 Willow Place NoHouston, TX 77070713-397-7286Advertising Services

Blue Bee Promotions, LLCPatricia Harris, President16107 Kensington Drive, #274Sugar Land, TX 77479800-558-7145Advertising, Promotional Specialties

Candyland Vacations, LLCCandy Smits, Owner3350 Hwy 6, #212Sugar Land, TX 77478281-980-3289Travel Agencies

City Publications HoustonDarren McClimans, Owner1910 Crisfield DrSugar Land, TX 77479281-723-8160Advertising Services

Clean as a WhistleHoward Partridge, Owner808 Park Two DrSugar Land, TX 77478713-784-4648Carpet Cleaning

Direct TVFernando Delgado, General Manager16126 Southwest Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77479281-491-3888Cable Television


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Newman Regency GroupMike Kowalick Secretary and Treasurer12705 S. Kirkwood, Ste 140Stafford, TX 77477281-980-7448Recycling, Waste Disposal

Nino RealtorsGloria Nino, CEO3 Greenway Plaza, Ste 110Houston, TX 77046713-964-4700Real Estate, Residential

Phenomenal Products, Inc.Howard Partridge, CEO808 Park Two DrSugar Land, TX 77478281-634-0404Business Coaching

Riverbend Country ClubChuck Cox, General Manager1214 Dulles AvenueSugar Land, TX 77478281-269-2526Country Clubs

Sienna DentalBrian Reeder, Doctor4225 Sienna Parkway, Ste 130Missouri City, TX 77459281-778-5330Dentists

Smart Financial Credit UnionJuan Ramirez, Branch Manager9810 Hwy 90-ASugar Land, TX 77478713-407-4352Credit Unions

States Health Inc., Home Health AgencyRosemary Ekeh, Administrator6666 Harwin Dr., #540Houston, TX 77036713-532-6800Home Health Care

Sugar Land Courier ServicesJohnnie Anderson, Owner13126 Stafford RdStafford, TX 77477281-403-0022Courier & Delivery Service

Techno ChaosJeanette Breton 7320 Hwy 90, Ste 210Sugar Land, TX 77498281-410-1768Educational Services

Texas Sports Medicine InstituteWayne Horak, Administrator7830 W. Grand Parkway S.Richmond, TX 77406832-223-9200

The Law Offices of Sal Momin, P.L.L.C.Sal Momin, Attorney at Law12750 S. Kirkwood Road, Ste 100Stafford, TX 77477281-402-3660Attorney(s) at Law

Total Chiropractic and Wellness CenterYvette Nadeau, President14873 SW Fwy, Ste. A -105Sugar Land, TX 77478281-242-4476Chiropractors

May

JUNE

Education DivisionUnderstanding School Finance With David ThompsonFort Bend ISD Annex BuildingMay 6 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Government Relations DivisionMayor Joe Gurecky City of RosenbergLuncheon Fort Bend Chamber of CommerceMay 9 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Chamber Young Professionals (CYP)Lunch & Learn – LinkedIn with Glenn SmithFort Bend Chamber of CommerceMay 11 - 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Business & Professional DivisionLunch & Learn – Managing Generational Differences with Mike DolbertFort Bend Chamber of CommerceMay 18 - 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Infrastructure DivisionInfrastructure Monthly Breakfast MeetingFort Bend Chamber of CommerceMay 26 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

An Economic Outlook: Stability in the Face of Uncertainty – Michael KrachSugar Creek Country ClubJune 2 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Infrastructure DivisionInfrastructure Monthly Breakfast MeetingFort Bend Chamber of CommerceJune 23 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Government Relations DivisionState of the City – Missouri City Mayor Allen OwenSugar Creek Country ClubJune 24 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Network NitesSweetwater Country ClubJune 30 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

UpcomingEvents

Save

the date


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Milestone Member

The TrestlesChris Sandblom, 281-208-2779

Broadstone New TerritoryNora Butcher, 281-340-5555

Miracle Method Surface RestorationPaul Barnett, 281-240-2284

Crossmark Development & Construction, LLCJeffrey A. Anderson, 281-313-1383 x2

Paradigm Consultants, Inc.Brent Lapsley, 713-686-6771

Gringo’s Mexican KitchenJavier Contreras, 281-980-7482 (RITA)

9 YearsSummus Industries, Inc.Rodney Craig, 281-640.1765 ext 100

Newland Real Estate Group, LLCTed Nelson, 713-575-9000

Ad Valorem AdvisorsJeff Simmons, 281-491-4445

Merrill LynchBart A. Reese, 281-490-1600

RE/MAX Southwest RealtorsCurtis Warren, 713-303-1111

10 YearsHalff Associates, Inc.Raul Wong, 713-523-7161

Wal-MartCharles Smith, 281-340-0900

First Community Credit UnionNancy Trennel, 281-856-5300

Milestone Member

1 YearHR GreenMark Gehringer, 713-338-8001

Family Practice of Fort BendRobert McClendon, 281-265.3456

Sugar Land Spine and DiscStacy Croft, 281-491-3472

The Language FactoryBelinda Bentahar, 281-261-2302

2 YearsESE Partners,LLCErin Clark, 281-501-6100

West End RanchMai Olaussen, 281-265-3200

Mission BurritoChad Lindsey, 281-325-0033

American Property Tax Service, Inc.Ali A. Gilan, 281-240-0101

Charlie’s Restaurant & CateringCharles Irving, 281-778-5222

Harmony School of ScienceHuseyin Sari, 281-265-2525

3 YearsNAMI Fort BendLarry Davis, 281-980-7463

Buffalo Wild WingsCliff Sadowsky, 281-313-9464

Ester Buentello Flores, Inc.Ester Buentello Flores, 281-499-1223

4 YearsSouthern Ice CreamMike Johnston, 281-499-9837

Amani Engineering, Inc.H. Prasad Kolluru, 713-270-5700

Nationwide Insurance/MortgageTony May, 713-807-8264

MDN Enterprises IIJennifer Flanery, 979-387-3180

4 YearsPCD Management, LLCWende Lewis-Buckley, 281-276-6000

5 YearsDiagnostic Cardiology of HoustonMatt Mahoney, 713-776-9500

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.Kim Stensvaag, 281-637-6200

6 YearsThe Mills AgencyNancy V. Mills, 281-491-2369

Fertility Specialists of HoustonCristina Treadway, 832-553-5483

Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc.James Rice, 713-482-2300

Champion Contractors of TexasBrent Mikeska, 713-898-9817

7 YearsThe Preserve at Colony Lakes Creekstone ManagementAdrienne Johnson, 281-499-4007

Tuscany RoomJulie Trudeau, 281-565-5566

8 YearsBen BridgeJohn Reyes, 281-313-8900

Houston ChronicleLiz Mortenson, 713-362-3045

We Believe in you. Thanks for Believing in US!


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Milestone Member

Milestone Member

Milestone Member

Become a memBer Today!For membership information contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins • 281.491.0218

22 YearsSouthwest Lincoln-MercuryCarl Bilsky, 713-981-3500

23 YearsTejas Surveying, Inc.Randy McClendon, 281-240-9099

Truitt Insurance AgencyJim Truitt, 281-499-5499

24 YearsFreedom Automotive Services, Inc.John Miller, 281-499-4797

Wal-MartMatt Ware, 281-933-7800

25 YearsCity of StaffordLeonard Scarcella, 281-261-3900

27 YearsUnited Way Service Center/Fort Bend CountyJan Ridings, 281-207-2300

28 YearsNalco CompanyDon Comer, 281-263-7391 direct

30 YearsPlanned Community Developers, Ltd.Les Newton, 281-242-2000

32 YearsBailes Bates & Associates, LLPRobbie Bates, 281-565-6400

39 YearsTexas Instruments, Inc.Fran Dillard, 281-274-2000

11 YearsRE/MAX Southwest RealtorsVirginia Mack, ABR, CBR, 281-491-1776

Fort Bend CountyJames Patterson, 281-980-2235 x204

Harry M. Green Interests, Inc.Harry M. Green, 713-953-9800

Leonetti GraphicsDonald Leonetti, 281-499-4959

Millis Development & Construction, Inc.Jason Millis, 281-240-6066

JRM Architects, Inc.Jim Merriman, AIA, 281-242-5255

Keep Sugar Land BeautifulVicki Gist, 281-313-5752

Southwest Irrigation Systems, Inc.Peter Hudson, 281-494-3700

12 YearsFort Bend CountyRobert J. Kern, 281-238-3290

Brookstreet BarbecueLouie Roukab, 281-313-4000

Houston Community College Southwest-Missouri CityAndrew Johnson, 713-718-2900

13 YearsCobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc.Dale Conger, 713-462-3242

Wharton County Junior College - Sugar LandRobert Wolter, 281-243-8411

PGALPaul Bonnette, 713-622-1444

The State Bank of TexasNicki Black, 281-494-6686

14 YearsBrooks & Sparks, Inc.Frank Brooks, 281-578-9595

American Red CrossSandra Startz, 281-342-9480

15 YearsWindfield Townhomes/RockwellYvonne Saenz, 281-240-7700

South Grand at Pecan GroveMadonna Turner, 281-342-9414

East Fort Bend County JayceesKaren Kovar, 281-431-0759

Gables Lions Head ApartmentsDonna Anderson, 281-980-6723

The Resort TownhomesSusan Murillo, 281-240-9700

17 YearsFirst Colony Community AssociationDoug Pepping, 281-634-9500

La Quinta InnPeter Cruickshank, 281-240-2300

18 YearsContract Land Staff, LPBrent Leftwich, 281-340-3309

J Loggins JewelersJan Loggins, 281-242-2900

19 YearsEarthman’s Funeral Directors SouthwestSusan N. Moody, 281-240-3300 21 YearsAECOMStephen G. Berckenhoff, 713-267-3266


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rRibbon Cutting

Service King Collision Repair CentersClayton Geisendorff, Store Manager

10475 Southwest FwyHouston, TX 77074

Phone: 1.866.730.KING or 713.773.5000www.ServiceKing.com

Service King began in Dallas in 1976 & has grown to 32 locations throughout Dallas Fort Worth & Houston with further expansions on the horizon.

They are the largest independently owned multi-shop operator in the nation. They, also, offer a full-service collision repair provider. With 9 locations in Houston, they are available to serve the community Monday

through Friday, 7 am to 6pm and Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm. 9 out of 10 insurance companies recommend Service King and they are a local collision center of choice to many local dealerships. At Service King they don’t just fix wrecked cars, they help repair peoples lives!

Alexandre’s Etiquette Advantage, LLC 9203 Hwy 6, South, Suite 124-404

Houston, TX, 77083 281-879-9663

www.alexandresetiquette.com

A lexandre’s Etiquette Advantage, LLC is an etiquette consulting firm that delivers seminars to clients ranging from individuals to CEOs. Our

program is a combination of seminars and workshops designed to ensure that learning about etiquette is both educational and entertaining.

Good social skills are absolutely essential to professional success and can make the difference between getting ahead and getting left behind. Learn the teachings of business etiquette, social skills, good manners and all the necessary tools to make a good impression. Alexandre

Etiquette Advantage offers workshops in a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. You will learn things you’ve always wanted to know. You can be cool, calm and collected, under any circumstances. Also you will learn how to build the best possible business relationships by applying the principles of etiquette. To learn more about the services, visit www.alexandresetiquette.com or you can contact Alexandre Wood at 281-879-9663


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www.FortBendChamber.com

Staybridge Suite11101 Fountain Lake Dr.

Stafford, TX 77477 281-302-6535

www.staybridge.com

Staybridge Suites® is an innovative all-suite hotel brand designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests. It is ideal for travelers seeking a residential-

style hotel that is perfect for business, relocation and vacations. Staybridge Suites was ranked the highest in guest satisfaction among extended-stay hotel chains, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. Amenities include: three suite types (deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/2 bath) with fully equipped kitchens, highly functional work areas, two-line speaker phone with voicemail and direct dial access and free high-speed Internet access. Staybridge Suites offers free “Wireless Anywhere,” complimentary daily deluxe breakfast buffet

and evening Sundowner receptions three days a week, and 24-hour business services featuring complimentary PC work stations and free Internet access. Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) named Staybridge Suites best in customer satisfaction within the upscale hotel segment several times over the past few years. Staybridge Suites has continually surpassed more than 20 other hotel brands in this category. The new Staybridge Suites Houston Stafford-Sugar Land, at 11101 Fountain Lake Drive in Stafford, close to the Southwest Freeway – US Highway 59 – and behind the Fountains Shopping Center.

LEADERSHIPFORT BEND

F O R U M

LEADERSHIPFORT BEND

F O R U M

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

texana centerThe Arc of fort bend county • Bank of Fort Bend

Trustmark Bank • Kilowatt Consultants

premier wireless • Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

CLASS OF 2011

health/human

services session


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Mayor Allen Owen

Cancellations must be received in writing and confi rmed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Thereafter full payment is due.Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • 445 Commerce Green Boulevard • Sugar Land, TX • 77478

[email protected] • 281.566.2152 • Fax 281.491.0112 • register online at www.fortbendchamber.org

State of the city

FriFriday, June 24, 20day, June 24, 201111Sugar Creek Country Club

420 Sugar Creek Blvd - Sugar Land11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are availableCorporate Table for 8 - $350

Individual Reservation for Member - $30Corporate Table for 8 - $350

Individual Reservation for Member - $30Corporate Table for 8 - $350

Individual Reservation for Non-Member - $40

Leveraging the Power of

to Build Your Personal Brandw/ Glenn Smith,The Growth Coach

May 11th 11:30 am -1:00 pm

at

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Register online at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Jan at 281.491.0218 or [email protected]

Lunch & Learn Seminar & Mixer

Strategically Working the Room

w/ Christine Spray

June 22nd 4:00 pm-5:00 pm

&

Happy Hour Mixer5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

at

M Lounge


S ix Memorial Hermann hospitals have been named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters, a leading

provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Memorial Hermann’s hospitals were the only ones in the Houston-area to earn the recognition.

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals® study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study has been conducted annually since 1993.

For the second year in a row, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital was recognized in

the medium community hospitals category. And, for the first time, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital was awarded in the small community hospitals category.

“Memorial Hermann is gratified that six of our hospitals were rated by Thomson Reuters to be among the Top 100 U.S. hospitals in 2011,” said Michael Shabot, M.D., chief medical officer for Memorial Hermann. “Thomson Reuters provides an objective evaluation based on calculations made on publicly reported quality, safety and patient satisfaction measurements from all hospitals in the country. The result of those calculations is that six Memorial Hermann hospitals were ranked in the upper 1 percent of all hospitals in the country. We want only the best for our patients and this recognition indicates we are delivering it.”

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 2,914 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public

Six Memorial Hermann hospitals named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Thomson Reuters

information — Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor. The winning hospitals were announced in Modern Healthcare magazine.

“This year’s 100 Top Hospitals award winners have delivered exemplary results, despite volatility from healthcare reform,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president at Thomson Reuters. “The leadership teams at these organizations have dealt with enormous ambiguity, yet remained focused on mission and excellence, which drove national benchmarks to new highs.”

More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com. For more information on Memorial Hermann, visit www.memorialhermann.org.

KOLBE CURTICE...continued from page 25

in attracting new companies and businesses; businesses that pay local taxes and bring an employment base which invests in the local economy by buying houses, shopping in our stores, eating in our restaurants, etc. Both Sugar Land and Fort Bend Economic Development employees have structured incentive plans to lure companies to the city. Those incentive plans are based on the projected economic impact that new employees bring to our com-munity.

At the same time, no one that lives here wants to add development that would increase crime, traffic, etc.. That goes for area develop-ers as well. The principals (and employees) of the master planned communities in the city are residents of the city as well. Not only do they risk their capital in the community, but they have raised their families here and have as much at stake in the quality of our community as anyone.

The land use plan for the city should be dynamic and should be able to adapt to cur-rent economic trends and conditions. Because it is dynamic, however, does not mean that it should sacrifice quality. Appropriate due dili-

employees must take “reasonable” wages to avoid potential penalties. What is “reason-able” depends on the facts and circumstances and therefore opens the door for a controversy.

Because of possible tax rate increases for individuals in 2013, many S corporation owners are starting to ponder whether con-verting their companies to a C corporation would be beneficial.

When you consider all of these variables, don’t forget to consider corporate and indi-vidual income tax rules in all of the states in which you operate, as well as whether federal corporate tax rates are expected to change. Remember that if your business is expected

to generate capital gains (whether in the nor-mal course of business or as part of your exit strategy), those gains won’t result in favorable federal tax treatment within a C corporation structure. Finally, bear in mind that while terminating an S corporation election is rela-tively simple (additional tax reporting may be required), you must generally remain a C corporation for five years after converting before electing S status again.

Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx.com. H

ALAN SANDERSEN...continued from page 27

gence can and should identify the positives and negatives associated with a change in land use.

If the positives warrant a change in the plan, it should then be determined if the negatives associated with the change can be eliminated. Doing less than that would be a disservice to

both the land owner and the community. Kolbe Curtice is a licensed real estate broker.

He is the Managing Director of Colliers Interna-tional – Fort Bend, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company located in Sugar Land Town Square. He can be reached at 281-494-4769 or [email protected]. H


NAMES IN THE NEWS


Dr. Randeep Suneja, medical director of Cardiol-ogy Center of Houston, PA, reached a monumental milestone in April by seeing the 50,000 patient in his 18 years of solo practice. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Dr. Suneja donated $1,000 to the Katy Christian Ministries.

Dr. Suneja is one of only a few Quadruple Board Certified cardiologists in the nation. He moved his practice from Houston to Katy almost five years ago. Practicing from his 9,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility at 20710 Westheimer Parkway in Katy, Dr. Suneja continues to provide excellent, compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients with the help of his dedicated staff. Dr. Suneja has been nominated as one of the leading physicians of the world and has received the Best of Katy Physician and Surgeons Award three years in a row. Dr. Suneja can be reached at 281-646-9000.

Foster High School student Stephanie Tsai took 1st place at the State Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) competition, earning a trip to the National Competition in Anaheim, California in June.

Stephanie bested 20 other students in the Emergency Preparedness Epidemiology in Corpus Christi, April 14-16. Stephanie won the Area II HOSA competition to advance to State.

Stephanie’s contest requires students to study the effects of health and disease in

populations, to improve their scientific literacy and provide insight into public health careers. Students in this event take a written exam of concepts related to the study of epidemiol-ogy. The contest includes

an 80-queston exam and detailed written responses to a case study.

Terri Johnson is Tsai’s instructor at Foster.

Bryan J. Hargis has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital (SLSLH) and Vice President of St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System (SLEHS). Hargis will be responsible for all aspects of hospital operations at SLSLH.

“We are excited to have Bryan Hargis join our management team at St. Luke’s and we look forward to his leadership in Sugar Land as our hospital continues to grow in this important community,” said David Koontz, senior vice president, SLEHS.

Hargis is accomplished in leading mid-sized community hospitals to prominence and good financial health. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Missouri, a member facility of Capella Healthcare since 2008. Prior to Mineral Area Regional Medical

Center, Hargis served as CEO of facilities in other for-profit health systems. In 2005, he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by Community Health Systems for best performance among the 72

hospitals in the corporation for year-over-year financial improvement. Hargis’ background has provided him a strong, interdisciplinary skill set, including operations, business development and financial analysis.

Hargis, a Certified Public Accountant, completed his Master of Business Administration at Auburn University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and received a Bachelor of Science in both Accounting and Marketing at Arizona State University.

Bryan J. Hargis

CEO named for St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital

Dr. Randeep Suneja

Suneja celebrates seeing 50,000

patients in 18 years

Lamar’s B.F. Terry High School head athletic trainer Kevin Roberts is the unanimous selection as the Greater Houston Federation of Coach’s Association’s Bobby Gunn Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2010-11.

The trainer will be honored at a special ceremony Wednesday, May 4 at the University of Houston’s Moore Athletic Complex.

Roberts named Greater Houston Federation of

Coach’s Association Athletic Trainer of the Year

Stephanie Tsai

Tsai places first in national HOSA competition

GOT NEWS?Fort Bend/Katy

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477 • 281-690-4201

Email your news or press release to [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com

Ideas & suggestions are also welcome.

May 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal 55 www.fortbend .com • May 2011 69

Register now and win a

www.fortbendfocus.com

SCHOLARSHIP!

$1,000Find complete details and forms at

CONGRATULATIONS!Alise Isaksen

Congratulations to Alise Isaksen, a senior at Lamar Consolidated High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for April! Isaksen is currently President of the Lamar Technology Student Association, member of the National Junior Honor Society and has attended prestigious, invitation only Engineering Camps at University of Houston, Texas A&M University and University of California-Berkeley, all while maintaining a top 10 rank in her class. She plans to further her education at The University of Texas majoring in Mechanical Engineering.


The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority awarded $20 million for security-related contracts, including installation

of fiber optic cable, TWIC implementation and security gate services. The Port of Houston Authority received a new, three-year certification for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 28000 security management, following successful completion of its security management systems audit.

“I congratulate you on being the leader in the security management field,” said Patti Macon, Environmental, Health & Safety Certification Manager for ABS Quality Evaluations, Inc. “We consider the Port of Houston Authority our partner in security management system evaluation.” Macon noted that the Port Authority has achieved continual improvement with each audit.

In February 2008, the Port of Houston Authority set a standard for security as the first port authority in the world to receive the international designation of ISO 28000:2007 certification for its Port Police and perimeter security operations. The SMS was modeled after the Port Authority’s highly successful Environmental Management System, which made it the first port authority in the U.S. to attain ISO 14001 certification in 2002.

In his monthly report, Chief Executive Officer Alec G. Dreyer said March was strong in all commodity categories, calling it the best month since he joined the Port Authority in September 2009.

“Ship arrivals at our container facilities were up a strong 22 percent for the month, regaining what was lost in February due to the short month and fog-related impacts,” he said.

Twenty-foot-equivalent unit (TEU) volumes and container tonnage were both up

16 percent for the month, Dreyer noted. Year-to-date, TEUs are up 6 percent and tonnage is up 7 percent.

“Steel also had an excellent month in March, with tonnage up 112 percent or 192,000 tons to a monthly total of 363,000 tons,” he said. “Year-to-date, steel is at 863,000 tons -- ahead of last year by nearly 400,000 tons. Turning Basin revenue is up 43 percent - 31 percent for the first quarter - which is directly related to the increase in steel.

“Container volumes for April also look very strong through the first three weeks of this month,” he said. “We had two 8,000-TEU ship arrivals-- the largest container ships that have ever come into the Gulf (of Mexico).”

Engineering & Real EstateThe Port Commission approved a $3.7

million construction contract with Southeast Underground Utilities, Inc. for security fiber optic cable installation in the Turning Basin Terminal area. The project will include cabling to the existing wireless security equipment at various Turning Basin and Clinton Drive area locations. The project qualifies for federal reimbursement of up to 75 percent of its costs.

The Port Commission approved a $1.5 million construction contract with Texas Technical Services, Inc. for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) implementation at the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminal gates. The project will install upgraded TWIC-compliant readers and associated equipment and qualifies for federal reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the project cost.

The Port Commission approved a $1.15 million contract with APS Technology Group, Inc. for Phase 3 entry gate optical character recognition (OCR) system to Bayport Terminal. The Bayport exit gate

Port of Houston approves $20 million for security contracts

Port of Houston Authority awarded new, three-year certification for Security Management System; CEO Dreyer reports on strong increases in all commodities for March

currently uses an OCR system by APS. To ensure full compatibility, efficient operational performance and ease of use by operations, Phase 3 of the Bayport Terminal entry gate will use the same system.

OperationsThe Port Commission approved a three-

year, $14.8 million contract with U.S. Security Associates, Inc. for unarmed, uniformed, security gate officer services at Port Authority facilities, including Turning Basin, Barbours Cut, Bayport ,Manchester, Woodhouse and Care terminals, beginning July 1, 2011.

About the Port of Houston AuthorityThe Port of Houston Authority owns

and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, there are more than 7,700 vessel calls at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in overall total tonnage.

The port authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston’s development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001.

The second recertification of those facilities in 2009 included an extension for the state-of-the-art Bayport Container Terminal. The port authority is the first port authority in the world to receive ISO 28000:2007 certification for its port police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee “C” futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade’s Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com.


Governor’s small business forums begin second series

T he Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is joining forces with the Office of the Governor’s Economic

Development and Tourism division and other local economic development partners throughout the state to present a second series of Governor’s Small Business Forums in 2011. Forums have been planned for: Bay City (May 12), Brownwood (May 17), San Marcos (June 16), Giddings (June 22), Eagle Pass (June 28), San Antonio (July 21), Waco (August 9), Lufkin (August 24) and Corpus Christi (August 26). Other cities hosting the events include Abilene, Arlington and Fort Bend with dates to be determined.

The Governor’s Small Business Forums provide businesses employing fewer than 100 workers with valuable information on workforce development, training grants, expanding markets and other business growth opportunities.

“Small business is a major reason Texas has been home to more new jobs than any other state over the last 10 years,” Gov. Rick Perry said. “These forums will help ensure business owners have the tools necessary to survive and thrive, which will mean more

jobs and stronger communities throughout Texas.”

The first series of small business forums were held in 19 communities throughout Texas between August 2010 and January 2011. More than 5,500 people attended the events.

“We are excited to build on the momentum from last year,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “These events, along with our new Skills for Small Business job-training initiative, underscore the state’s commitment to serving the more than 430,000 small business employers in Texas.”

TWC will provide comprehensive information on workforce programs designed to support Texas’ small businesses. Presentations on workforce programs and services include:

Workforce Solutions – Local workforce development board offices provide employers and workers the opportunity to benefit from recruitment and training of new employees and to access job-matching, training, resume preparation help and more. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdbs/wdbweb.html

WorkInTexas.com – Thousands of employers are registered to post jobs on WorkInTexas.com, TWC’s online job-matching tool, saving thousands each year in

recruitment and hiring costs. www.WorkInTexas.com

Skills for Small Business – TWC’s Skills for Small Business provides grants to community colleges that small businesses can access for employee training needs. http://ssb.texasworkforce.org

Texas Back to Work – Texas Back to Work provides wage subsidies of up to $2,000 for each qualified employee hired who had been receiving unemployment benefits. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/txback2work.pdf

Texas Veterans Leadership Program – TWC’s Texans Veterans Leadership Program assists veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with locating resources, services and other tools in their communities to help them lead productive lives and enjoy the full benefits of the society they have so willingly served. www.twc.state.tx.us/tvlp/tvlp.html

Work Opportunity Tax Credit – TWC assists employers accessing the valuable Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) on their federal business tax return when they hire new workers from specific groups that face challenges finding employment including veterans, recipients of temporary government assistance and others. www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/wotc/wotc.html.

More information about the Governor’s Small Business Forums is available online at www.txsbs.com.

T he Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County has issued a burn ban for the entire county. The order prohibits

or restricts outdoor burning in general or of a particular substance in all or part of the unincorporated area of the county. The Texas Forest Service has determined that drought conditions exist in all of Fort Bend County.

Mental Health America of Fort Bend County will present its sixth annual Beacon of Hope banquet

from 6:30- 10:30 p.m.on Friday, May 20 at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land.

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is the scheduled guest speaker and Jacquie Baly Chaumette is mistress of ceremonies. Co-chairs for the event are Teresa Reading and Deanna Clappsaddle.

“Come to hear an inspirational message from Mack and enjoy a great line-up of

Burn ban issued for all Fort Bend County

entertainment as we raise funds to help MHAFBC further its mission of linking

Fort Bend County residents to mental health providers and social services,” said Laura

Richard, executive director of MHAFBC.This year 10% of all dollars given to

this event will benefit the Parks Youth Ranch serving at risk and homeless youth by providing a safe and supportive environment.

Unmasking the Promise of Mental Health Wellness

Jim McIngvale


March 2011 February 2011 March 2010C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate

United States 153,022.0 138,962.0 14,060.0 9.2 152,635.0 138,093.0 14,542.0 9.5 153,660.0 137,983.0 15,678. 10.2 State of Texas 12,216.1 11,231.7 984.4 8.1 12,152.4 11,160.3 992.1 8.2 12,074.6 11,076.7 997.9 8.3 Abilene 81.3 76.0 5.3 6.5 83.1 77.7 5.4 6.5 83.3 78.0 5.3 6.4 Amarillo 132.4 125.2 7.2 5.4 132.2 124.9 7.3 5.5 130.9 123.5 7.4 5.7 Austin - Round Rock - San Marcos 913.5 851.0 62.5 6.8 908.4 845.7 62.7 6.9 907.4 842.2 65.2 7.2 Beaumont - Port Arthur 190.4 169.4 21.0 11.0 188.8 168.0 20.8 11.0 186.7 166.5 20.2 10.8 Brownsville - Harlingen 157.5 138.6 18.9 12.0 159.7 140.5 19.2 12.0 157.4 140.2 17.2 10.9 College Station - Bryan 117.3 110.3 7.0 5.9 116.1 108.9 7.2 6.2 115.3 108.3 7.0 6.0 Corpus Christi 216.9 199.7 17.2 7.9 213.3 195.8 17.5 8.2 212.9 196.3 16.6 7.8 Dallas -Fort Worth - Arlington 3,237.8 2,976.2 261.6 8.1 3,222.8 2,960.7 262.1 8.1 3,190.7 2,922.0 268.7 8.4

Dallas - Plano - Irving MD 2,160.8 1,985.3 175.5 8.1 2,157.7 1,981.7 176.0 8.2 2,128.2 1,948.6 179.6 8.4 Fort Worth - Arlington MD 1,077.0 990.9 86.1 8.0 1,065.1 979.1 86.0 8.1 1,062.7 973.5 89.2 8.4

El Paso 322.8 290.5 32.3 10.0 322.3 289.7 32.6 10.1 316.8 287.4 29.4 9.3 Houston - Sugar Land - Baytown 2,917.4 2,675.6 241.8 8.3 2,905.5 2,662.2 243.3 8.4 2,873.6 2,627.4 246.2 8.6 Killeen - Temple - Fort Hood 169.5 156.2 13.3 7.9 169.5 156.0 13.5 8.0 166.2 154.1 12.1 7.3 Laredo 94.5 86.7 7.8 8.3 95.3 87.3 8.0 8.4 95.7 87.0 8.7 9.0 Longview 112.9 105.2 7.7 6.9 112.0 104.1 7.9 7.0 110.9 102.6 8.3 7.5 Lubbock 145.7 137.0 8.7 6.0 145.8 136.9 8.9 6.1 146.4 137.6 8.8 6.0 McAllen - Edinburg - Mission 312.6 275.4 37.2 11.9 311.3 273.4 37.9 12.2 306.1 270.1 36.0 11.7 Midland 78.4 74.8 3.6 4.6 77.7 74.0 3.7 4.8 75.9 71.7 4.2 5.6 Odessa 74.1 69.4 4.7 6.3 73.2 68.4 4.8 6.6 71.6 65.7 5.9 8.3 San Angelo 55.3 51.9 3.4 6.1 54.9 51.4 3.5 6.4 54.6 51.1 3.5 6.4 San Antonio - New Braunfels 996.0 923.2 72.8 7.3 984.4 911.1 73.3 7.4 984.4 913.2 71.2 7.2 Sherman - Denison 58.0 53.1 4.9 8.4 57.2 52.4 4.8 8.5 57.1 52.2 4.9 8.6 Texarkana 65.1 60.3 4.8 7.4 65.4 60.5 4.9 7.5 64.8 59.8 5.0 7.6 Tyler 101.4 93.7 7.7 7.6 101.4 93.5 7.9 7.8 100.7 92.7 8.0 7.9 Victoria 58.9 54.6 4.3 7.3 58.7 54.4 4.3 7.4 59.0 54.3 4.7 7.9 Waco 117.3 108.6 8.7 7.4 115.3 106.6 8.7 7.5 114.6 106.2 8.4 7.4 Wichita Falls 71.6 66.5 5.1 7.1 71.9 66.7 5.2 7.3 72.7 67.0 5.7 7.9

Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical AreasNot Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands)

Feb. '11 to Mar. '11 Mar. '10 to Mar. '11

INDUSTRY TITLE Mar. 2011 Feb. 2011 Mar. 2010 Absolute Percent Absolute PercentChange Change Change Change

TOTAL NONAG. W&S EMPLOYMENT 10,526,100 10,488,900 10,275,000 37,200 0.4 251,100 2.4 TOTAL NONGOVERNMENT** 8,662,200 8,625,800 8,426,500 36,400 0.4 235,700 2.8 GOODS - PRODUCING

Mining & Logging 229,800 225,500 198,700 4,300 1.9 31,100 15.7 Construction 598,800 596,600 564,200 2,200 0.4 34,600 6.1 Manufacturing 821,500 817,500 809,400 4,000 0.5 12,100 1.5

SERVICE - PROVIDINGTrade, Transportation, & Utilities 2,073,900 2,071,600 2,040,000 2,300 0.1 33,900 1.7 Information 187,500 188,400 196,100 -900 -0.5 -8,600 -4.4 Financial Activities 622,300 621,600 623,400 700 0.1 -1,100 -0.2 Professional & Business Services 1,312,700 1,301,900 1,258,900 10,800 0.8 53,800 4.3 Education & Health Services 1,418,400 1,417,000 1,376,000 1,400 0.1 42,400 3.1 Leisure & Hospitality 1,028,400 1,018,500 1,000,400 9,900 1.0 28,000 2.8 Other Services 368,900 367,200 359,400 1,700 0.5 9,500 2.6 Government 1,863,900 1,863,100 1,848,500 800 0.0 15,400 0.8

TEXAS NONAGRICULTURAL WAGE AND SALARY EMPLOYMENTSEASONALLY ADJUSTED+

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org

Texas unemployment rate drops to 8.1 percentEmployment increased by 37,200 in March

T exas total nonfarm employment was up by 37,200 jobs in March for a total gain of 251,100 jobs

from a year ago. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March is 8.1 percent, down slightly from 8.2 percent in February and well below the U.S. unemployment rate for March of 8.8 percent.

“The Professional and Business Services industry led Texas’ job growth in March with an increase of 10,800 jobs,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “This industry has shown positive monthly growth for the past year with a total employment increase of 53,800 jobs.”

Leisure and Hospitality employment increased by 9,900 jobs in March for a total of 28,000 positions added over the year; Manufacturing added 4,000 jobs in March for its fourth consecutive month of expansion and a total of 12,100 positions added over the year.

Employment in Mining and Logging increased for the fifth consecutive month, adding 4,300 jobs in March. The annual growth rate for this industry was more than 15 percent as employers have added 31,100 jobs over the past year.

“More jobs and more Texans working are the bottom lines,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Our labor force, strong and diverse, continues to grow, but our goal is a job for every Texan who wants to work.”

Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,300 jobs in March, representing the addition of 33,900 jobs over the year; Construction employment increased in March by 2,200 jobs and has had six consecutive months of annual growth for a total of 34,600 jobs since last year.

“The Texas labor market continues to make positive gains with the addition of

jobs and a decline in the unemployment rate,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “These job gains occurred across most major industry sectors.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest March

unemployment rate in the state at 4.6 percent.

The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in March at 5.4 percent, followed by the College Station-Bryan MSA at 5.9 percent (not seasonally adjusted).


H Local AgentH Local AdvertisingH Local Results

Real estate agentsthat SELL HOMES advertise them in The Star

281.690.42004655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477

U.S. News & World Report named four hospitals within The Methodist Hospital System to its inaugural Best

Metro Area Hospitals list. The Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was recognized as 18th among the best in the Houston area based on a record of high performance in key specialties.

“This impressive showing by our hospitals, and our consistent ranking by U.S. News over the past two decades, highlights our commitment to our patients throughout the Houston area,” said Ron Girotto, president and CEO of The Methodist Hospital System. “Having all of our eligible hospitals ranked is an honor and a testament to the quality of health care our physicians and staff provide our community every day.”

U.S. News ranked hospitals within all 52 U.S. metro areas with populations of one

Four Methodist hospitals make U.S. News & World Report’s Best Metro-Area Hospitals list

million or more, using existing data from the 2010-11 Best Hospitals list. The metro rankings identify hospitals that scored in the top 25 percent among its peers and performed nearly as well as the nationally ranked Best Hospitals in at least one of 16 adult specialties.

The new rankings add 490 of these high-performing hospitals to the 132 nationally

ranked Best Hospitals in the metro areas. The metro area rankings will be updated in July at the same time the 2011-12 national Best Hospitals rankings are posted online.

The metro rankings are online at www.usnews.com/hospitals.

For more information on The Methodist Hospital System, see methodisthealth.com.

http://www.fortbendstar.com


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Advertising

Fort Bend Business Journal281-690-4200www.fortbendstar.comFort Bend’s ONLY business publication.

Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242www.fortbendfocus.comFort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

Fort Bend Star - 281-690-4200www.fortbendstar.comWe have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.

Auto Repair / Maintenance

Auto Central-Automotive Service & [email protected]. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair. Charlton’s Body Repair - 281-499-1126www.charltonsbodyrepair.com. Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

Colony One Auto Center - 281-980-4440www.colonyoneauto.comRod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility.

First Tire & Automotive - 281-313-2886www.firsttireandauto.comCraig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks

Founders Bank - 281-325-5000www.foundersbanktx.comEmail: [email protected]. Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479

The State Bank of Texas - [email protected]. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!

Sterling Bank - Fort Bend - 281-277-010012840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owner-operated businesses with local decision makers.

Blinds / Window Coverings

Budget Blinds - [email protected]. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832-220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

Country Clubs

Riverbend Country [email protected]. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong.

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club281-494-4245www.houstoniangolf.com Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Private golf & country club, *Limited membership available.

Fire Extinguisher Service

Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential281-342-6969www.GillenServices.comGillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service. Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.

Financial Products & Services

Sugar Creek Financial Group - [email protected]. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #430, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.

Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters

CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. - 281-494-1164Scooters by CBC - [email protected], 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar). CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Fairplay and Pride Mobility products. fax 281-494-1189

Home Health Care

Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344www.txstatehealthcare.comWhat we do: Skilled Nursing - Home Health Aide Physical/Speech/Occupational Therapies - Medical Social Worker assisting with durable medical equipment needs and helping to provide Resources & Services in the Community - Wound Care - Catheter Care - Diabetic Care Lab Services - IV Therapy and more... “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People”

Insurance Agencies

Insurance Solutions of Texas281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.comJay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

Jewelers

The Gold Connection Jewelers281-344-9900 • We Buy Goldwww.goldconnection.netFull service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises. Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking. 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

Locksmith

B&B Locksmiths • 281-392-5500www.bandblocksmiths.com.bblocksmiths@consolidated.net. 624 S. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450, Fax 281-395-5625. Full service locksmith including safe sales & service: Commercial, Residential, and Automotive.

Magazine

Fort Bend Business Journal • 281-690-4200www.fortbendstar.comFort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to teach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242Pearland Focus - 281-690-4242Focus on Women - 281-690-4242www.fortbendfocus.comFort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

Medical Billing

Complete Business Solutions1-888-445-8609cbsolutions@callmykate.comwww.cbsbillingservices.comComplete Business Solutions, the medical billing professionals, is dedicated to improving your cash flow results. Our goals include: lower billing costs, savings of up to 50% by outsourcing with us, reduced


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rejection rates, faster payment of claims, average of 14 days response. To find out more about this and other services, visit our website for a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee.

Nails

P&L Nails – Sugar Land • 281-277-5072PL Nails – Sienna Plantation • 281-778-8558PL Nails - Katy • 281-347-1122www.plnails.comProviding the most luxurious service available, PL Nails has Fort Bend county covered with locations in Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, and Katy. Whether it be nails, body waxing, massage, or lots more, the expertly trained staff at PL Nails is committed to making your experience most pleasurable! Located at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd in the Kroger Shopping Center, Sugar Land, 281-277-5072. Located at 8880 Hwy 6 South, Suite 110 in the HEB Center, Missouri City, 281-778-8558. Located at 25681 Nelson Way in the HEB Center near Katy Mills Mall, Katy, 281-347-1122.

Newspaper

Fort Bend Star281-690-4200www.fortbendstar.comWe have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.

Open MRI

Upright MRI of Sugar Land281-494-0505www.mri911.comCLAUSTROPHOBIC? Upright MRI is the only True OPEN MRI in Sugar Land. We scan patients standing, sitting, or lying down. For the first time, patients can be scanned in weight-bearing postures and in their position of pain. It is ideal for patients who have

difficulty lying down due to respiratory or cardiac problems. Mention this ad and receive $25 off your first scan. 2655 Cordes Drive #150, Sugar Land, 77479. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Optometrists

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist, in house optical with a large selection of frames and contact lenses, medical management of eye infections and diseases.

Pediatric Therapy

MedCare Pediatric Group, LP • 713-773-5100www.medcarepediatrics.comOccupational, Physical, Speech Therapy at home or at Rehab Center located at 12371 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477. We also provide in home nursing services. All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)

Pest Control - Commercial / ResidentialGillen Pest Control281-342-6969 - Fort Bend979-532-5701 - Whartonwww.GillenPestControl.comFamily owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!

Pharmacies

Ed’s Pharmacy281-499-4555Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088.

Physicians

Immunizations & Drug TestingIMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic281-313-7468 [email protected]. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations. Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

Printers / Graphics

Star Printing - 281-690-4200www.fortbendstar.comWe professionally design and print flyers, postcards, brochures, magazines, newspapers and catalogs in high-quality digital graphics.

Real Estate / Residential

Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate [email protected]. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend.

Riverstone Development [email protected]. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions.

Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI [email protected]. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation.

Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI281-207-5037www.jenniferweaver.comRE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.

Janet Williams, Realtor 832.724.4894Realm Real Estate Professionalwww.har.com/[email protected] 14090 Southwest Frwy, Ste 102. Sugar Land, TX 77478, It’s a great time to buy a HUD foreclosure with FHA financing because you just pay $100 down payment + closing cost. Call for details. Providing services for buyers, sellers, renters. Also specialize in short sales for residential and commercial.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living

Living Improvements281-499-7000www.living-improvements.comAWARD WINNING - 2010 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 4,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking Technical ProSourceMeeting Your IT Staffing Needs713-272-8800www.TechnicalProSource.comServing Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract to hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes which allow you to move faster through the interview process. Recognized in Forbes magazine as a leading Staffing Firm Provider. Recognized in Texas Monthly as Most Dependable Staffing Firm and voted Best of Staffing by CareerBuilder. We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.

Video Services Star Video Digital Production Services, 281-690-4280Full-service video taping, editing and special effects for your business. Professional writing to finished commercials, training DVD’s, and corporate videos.


Rupak Rauniar, a UHV assistant professor of management, said he found the news difficult to believe. “In the short time I have been with UHV, I found him a gentleman with high moral character, a friend who cared, and a mentor who was concerned about the well-being of all his faculty members,” Rauniar said.

Sardessai was born in Margao, Goa, India. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Bombay University in Bombay, India, in 1963. He was awarded his master’s and doctoral degrees in management from the University of North Texas in 1969 and 1977, respectively.

Sardessai began his teaching career in 1969, working at Tennessee State University, the University of Texas-Tyler and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, before settling in Victoria in 1985.

A bit of restaurant history is now in “Old Sugar Land”

Vassudeo “Ron” Sardessai, a management professor at the University of Houston-Victoria since 1985, died April 20 at his

home in Missouri City. He was 70 years old.“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a

dedicated colleague and friend of the School of Business Administration,” said Farhang Niroomand, dean of the UHV School of Business Administration. “He has contributed in many ways to the school’s growth and success, from educating students, to hiring faculty and staff, to helping out with day-to-day activities.”

Two faculty members will fill in so students can complete his “Contemporary Management Issues” graduate class this semester.

Sardessai began teaching at UHV in

1985 as an assistant professor of business, later becoming an associate professor, then chair of the UHV Division of Business, which preceded the School of Business Administration. He taught courses in

contemporary issues in management as well as organizational behavior.

He was a former task force committee member for the G-7 Economic Summit in Houston and a former member of the International Visiting Accreditation team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He served as president of the Texas Council of Collegiate Education in Business, an association of deans of schools of business administration. He was well-regarded by faculty and students alike.

Vassudeo Sardessai

University of Houston-Victoria grieves loss of former head of business studies

Teresita’s décor is warm and slightly familiar. Greeted by owner Jaime Crespo, you may be suddenly transported back in

time to a place called Jalapeno’s, which was a Houston restaurant tradition on Kirby for many years. Teresita’s is located at 939 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land and has been open since early March of this year.

The menu of this popular new restaurant sports many Jalapeno’s favorites, such as the famous Spinach Enchiladas (yes, the same ones that Emeril Lagasse showcased on his cooking show), as well as exciting new offer-ings. Jaime’s wife and co-owner Theresa Cre-spo explains, “Think of it as New Age Tex Mex.” Gone are the lard and fried taquitos, now replaced with a slightly healthier versions of the classics. “Sure, we still have all the greats such as Cheese Enchilada with Chili Gravy, but you can also get a terrific salad, or one our specials like the Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken served with a salad and grilled sweet

Photo courtesy of restaurant

Theresa Crespo (left) is seen with Paul Dean (center), when she enjoyed being a guest at her home. Crespo went to Savannah, Georgia with Dana Grubich (right) of Sugar Land’s Aldo’s Gourmet for an event at Dean’s residence benefitting the Bethesda Boys Home.

potato fries.”Try the delightful Mexican pizza – you’ll

be glad you did. It’s topped with Teresita’s signature Cilantro Pesto, fajita meat and grilled onions and finished with the just-right-spiced pico de gallo. And oh, those fajitas! They are melt-in-your-mouth. Yummy. Yes, they are the same fajitas that were once voted

Best in the State by Texas Monthly. And by the way, it was nice to hear a little Robert Earl and some vintage latino music playing.

Why Sugar Land? Says Theresa: “We have been residents here since 1985. It is a very close-knit wonderful city. In fact, this town was built on hard work and a feeling of community. We get that, being that we are one of the few ‘ma and pa’ restaurants in town.” You’ll notice when you dine at Tere-sita’s that many of the customers know each other. It has a real local feel to it, but is also very welcoming to newcomers. You’ll feel like a regular after your first visit.

Your Teresita’s experience won’t be com-plete until you come back to try the Sunday brunch. The buffet provides some of Teresi-ta’s most popular dishes, and the price is a very reasonable $11.95. Don’t forget to try the pecan chicken and save room for the out-of-this-world bread pudding for dessert.

Teresita’s is opening a patio in time for Cinco de Mayo, and currently offers beer, wine and Margaritas.



WHERE TO EAT NOW - The following is a list of exceptional restaurants throughout in Fort Bend County & Katy Area. Prices reflect the average cost of a three-course dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax and tip. $$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up). $$$=Expensive ($40-$60). $$=Moderate ($20-$40). $=Inexpensive (Under $20) . FB=Full Bar. WB=Serves Wine & Beer.

Aristotle GrillThe Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the

best Greek dishes in the area! Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads, to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, Chicken Shawarma & Kafte Kabobs, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. 2109-B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787. $ WB

AURA RestaurantChef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

Candelari’s PizzeriaAlbert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB

Fernando’s Latin CuisineWe are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic

culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB

Gringo’s Mexican KitchenSince 1993, we strive to provide the highest quality Mexican food at the lowest price possible. Gringo’s

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENTGUIDE

offers dine-in, take out and customized catering to fit your needs. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 9pm and Fri-Sat: 11am – 10pm. Join us for Happy Hour (Mon-Fri: 2pm – 6pm) with $2.99 Margaritas and $1 Draft Beers. Some favorites include the Pollo Marisco, Smokin’ BBQ Pork Quesadillas, Sizzling Fajitas and Silver Star Margaritas. Located at 12330 Southwest Freeway in Stafford (59S & W Airport). 281-980-7482 (RITA) gringosmexicankitchen.com. $ • FB

J & L CaféHomestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile! Joy Smith, co-proprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Juneor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served Tuesday-Saturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $


Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB

La Magia Cafe & PizzaIf you are looking for casual dinning with an easy

atmosphere then La Magia is just the place for you! La Magia Café & Pizza recipes and menu are based on almost 30 years of Italian cooking. The dishes served at La Magia are prepared and cooked in the traditional Italian way, using fresh ingredients and herbs, giving them a home cooked flavor since 1980. In addition to authentic Italian cooking, La Magia offers popular American dishes. The pizzas are made with medium crust and cooked in a stone oven. This cooking process gives the dough a slow rise, for a true pizza flavor. All meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil and the freshest ingredients and herbs. Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. Lunch menu specials Mon – Fri. 3699 Highway 6 @ Settlers Way Blvd, Sugar Land. 281-565-0366. $ WB

Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & GrillSantos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB

Lupitas Mexican RestaurantJaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go

continued on page 64 to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB

Mantra Fine Indian CuisineDiscover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB

Outback SteakhouseInspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB

Panda GardenPanda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County,

located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB

Post Oak Grill Restaurant & BarThe Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB

Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & CateringThe “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $

Tornado BurgerHome of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/archives/2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

See some of the ads in print in the Star every week.

Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast

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back pain? neck pain?

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-274-7000 • MethodistSugarLand.com

Stop enduring pain. Call today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225).

Spine Center

The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the comprehensive, coordinated option for you in Fort Bend County.

For back and neck pain, there’s only one premier choice – Methodist

Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine center. Whether you’ve had pain for just

a few days or several long years, you’ll find everything you need to

diagnose and treat your condition in a convenient location, with

access to premier spine specialists and a complete range of

treatment options.

Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a

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plus, physical therapy, occupational therapy,

and the most advanced imaging and surgical

technologies in the world are available on-site.

L EADING M EDICINE ®

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Documents

May 2011 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition