March 2014 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Volume 32 • No. 3

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

MARCH 2014

Know What You Should Expect From A Bank

see page 24

Jim Ogonosky, Senior Vice President and Manager of Business Banking, Mike Jiang, Vice President of Business Banking, Frank Yonish, Chairman of Fort Bend County and Mei Mei Jow, Branch Manager of Sweetwater Branch, Bank of Texas.

INSIDE STORIES

Is your financial advisor a fiduciary? Seniors Helping Seniors: A way to give and receive Julie’s Cakes: A thriving mom & pop shop in Missouri City Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information

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Preview by Sharon Wallingford

March brings information on people, ideas and technologies Sharon Wallingford

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now is no longer a phenomenon. March is a kinder month and often serves to soften the freezing Arctic blasts and freezing rains until Spring arrives on March 20. We begin the changes on March 9 when Daylight Savings Time (Spring forward; Fall back) provides an extra hour of light to our evenings. Begin thinking green, Saint Patrick’s Day arrives on March 17. World Water Day will be celebrated on March 22 and Pakistan Day on March 23. There’ll be plenty of activities to add to anyone’s activity list. This month our issue reflects on personal and business banking. We feature Bank of Texas and “Know What You Should Expect from a Bank.” You’ll have the opportunity to meet Jim Ogonosky, Mike Jiang, Frank Yonish and Mei Mei Jow, who stand ready to work with you as a business partner and be an extension of your team because they’re involved in your business plan. Reach out and learn more about your community players and the activities they step up to undertake. Fort Bend county is home to more than 1,500 not-for-profits that are constantly improving our community and their neighbors way of living, making the world an even better place to live. Check out the newly opened Pinnacle Senior Center that we share

with our neighbors to the east, Child Advocates, who daily protect abused and neglected children, and how our senior residents are helping other seniors. Or become better acquainted with Leap into Service through Compassion Katy. As we splash into the nine months left of celebrations (receptions, weddings, graduations, showers, and retirements) yet to come, remember Julie’s Cakes, a small business owned by Julie and Ron Clifton. Your voice is needed. As our county grows (our old count of 606,953 is six months old) we face transportation dilemmas that need solving. Distribution of goods becomes an issue. Safety is another. Gulf Coast Rail District is attempting to help as it moves forward with yet another study. TxDOT is working with county commissioners and officials and with cities to improve traffic flow and patterns. There is no denial, Fort Bend is constantly moving. The need for public transportation is expanding. That takes us to the doors of the newest Costco to open at I-10 and the Grand Parkway in West Katy. Keep the cash register ringing. Sharon Wallingford

The Editorial Advisory Board

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Jacqueline Baly President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Alan Sandersen Certified Public Accountant Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendBusinessJournal.com 281.690.4200 - Office

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NTENTS Volume 32 • Number 3 • March 2014

COVER STORY KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM A BANK pg.

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

PUBLISHER Michael Fredrickson

Inside Stories Hemorrhoids: What you want to know, but don’t want to ask.......................................6 Fort Bend County Pinnacle Senior Center opens..................................................... 7 Is your financial advisor a fiduciary?........................................................................... 9 Seniors Helping Seniors: A way to give and receive..............................................10 Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces 2014 Gala plans..................................12 Leap into Service offered by Compassion Katy.....................................................13 Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land continues investments in local community........14 Gulf Coast Rail District moves forward with study.................................................15 Fort Bend Masters Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, April 14.................16 Port of Houston Authority reports record tonnage.................................................17 Wharton County Junior College named among the Top 150................................18 Julie’s Cakes: A thriving mom & pop shop in Missouri City..................................19 Tom Wilcox retires after distinguished career.........................................................20 COSTCO open in West Katy...................................................................................29 Big Shots: Fort Bend Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala...............................................30

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Diane Strehl Jessica Kij Jerry Poscovsky John Sazma ACCOUNTING Lisa Long EDITOR Jean Sandlin CONTRIBUTORS Karen Daniels Betsy Dolan Sharon Wallingford ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB Jan Carlo Arcillas

Departments Names in the News...................................................... 20-23 Newsworthy................................................................. 28-29 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter............ 31-38 Data Beat..................................................................... 40-43 Service Directory........................................................ 44-46 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide.................................................. 47-48

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ON THE COVER Jim Ogonosky, Senior Vice President and Manager of Business Banking, Mike Jiang, Vice President of Business Banking, Frank Yonish, Chairman of Fort Bend County and Mei Mei Jow, Branch Manager of Sweetwater Branch, Bank of Texas.

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Hemorrhoids: What you want to know but don’t want to ask Free Colorectal Cancer Seminar & Screening set for March 27

lthough it’s rarely the topic of polite conversation, it appears that Americans are itching to know more about hemorrhoids. It was the top trending health issue on Google in 2012, and the National Institutes of Health estimates that 75% of people will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. If you have questions about hemorrhoids, we have the answers. “Increased pressure in the veins around the anus or lower rectum, often from straining during bowel movements, can cause the blood vessels to become swollen or inflamed,” says Ali Mahmood, M.D., board certified colorectal surgeon on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Pregnancy, age, obesity, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and sitting on the toilet too long can contribute to hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may be internal and form inside the rectum, or external (located near the anal opening). Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when they stretch outside of your anus.” Internal hemorrhoids may cause bleeding but are usually painless, while external and prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching, irritation and sometimes bleeding. Signs of hemorrhoids may include: • Pain and itching, particularly when sitting or during bowel movements • Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet • Hard, sore lumps near the anus Several at-home remedies may help relieve symptoms, and hemorrhoids often subside on their own after a week or two. Applying hemorrhoid creams, soaking in warm water and cleaning the area with a wet cloth can help improve comfort. “If symptoms persist, we can help,” says Dr. Mahmood. “Medical

Dr. Jorge Darcourt, Hematologist/Oncologist; Dr. Ali Mahmood, Colorectal Surgeon and Dr. Nitesh Vachhani, Gastroenterologist.

treatments include ligation, cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid using a small rubber band; sclerotherapy, injecting a chemical to shrink the hemorrhoid; and coagulation, using heat to reduce its size. Surgical removal, called hemorrhoidectomy, may be an option for especially large, persistent or prolapsed hemorrhoids.” The key to preventing most cases of hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation. These tips can help: • Eat a diet high in fiber. Good sources of fiber include fruits and vegetables and whole grains. • Drink a lot of fluids. Aim to consume at least eight glasses of water a day. • Exercise and avoid sitting for long periods of time. • Use bulk-forming laxatives and fiber supplements when necessary. Blood in your stool is a common sign of March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of other, more serious gastrointestinal conditions. If you’re concerned about bleeding, or discomfort continues or worsens after at-home treatment, call 281.274.7500 to make an appointment with Dr. Mahmood or another colorectal surgeon in your area. Join them on Thursday, March 27, for a free Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar presented by Dr. Ali Mahmood, Colorectal Surgeon; Dr. Jorge Darcourt, Hematologist/Oncologist and Dr. Nitesh Vachhani, Gastroenterologist. Attendees will receive a free colorectal screening kit to take home. The presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center. Call 281.274.7500 or register online at houstonmethodist.org/events to reserve a seat.

Joint project between Fort Bend and Houston

Fort Bend County Pinnacle Senior Center is now open

ort Bend County leaders opened for the newly constructed Fort Bend County Pinnacle Senior Center, at 5525-C Hobby Road, Houston, across from Christa McAuliffe Middle School. “We are delighted about the construction of this new state of the art facility and that we can provide a place that Fort Bend County senior’s will be proud to visi,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage. “District K Council member Larry Green, Neal Rackleff, Director City of Houston Housing and Community Development, City of Houston Health and Human Services Department representatives and

other distinguished members of the City of Houston and Fort Bend County were on hand to offer a few remarks regarding the PINNACLE Senior Center of Fort Bend County and assist with the ribboncutting which was held in February.” The 10,000 sq. ft. LEED facility, a first for Fort Bend, officially opened its doors to the public and is operated by Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Department under the direction of Mary deVignes- Kendrick, MD. The Center amenities include a fully equipped exercise room with treadmills, ellipticals, full circuit training stations, Wi-Fi internet café and library, a large multi-purpose room, kitchen, as well as dental, and wellness clinics.

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The City of Houston Health and Human Services Department is partnering with Fort Bend County to provide Public Health Nursing, Wellness, and Dental Services. Services offered at the Center are for Fort Bend /Houston residents 50 plus and will include: preventive healthcare, dental services, physical/social activities, and access to other county resources. The center is open from 7:30 am4:30 pm Monday – Friday. “This facility along with the available programs and services will assist our seniors to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. A place that is accessible for active seniors as well as those with disabilities, where they can get services in a safe comfortable environment,” says Prestage.

Johnson Development announces agreement to develop 55 acres at Imperial Sugar Land

DC, one of America’s leading commercial real estate development and investment firms, and The Johnson Development Corp. recently announced an agreement to market and develop 55 acres of commercial land in the

master-planned community of Imperial, the largest remaining development opportunity in Sugar Land. “We are excited to partner with a world-class developer, The Johnson Development Corp., to market these sites in Imperial for Class A, build-to-suit office space,” said William Peeples, KDC’s

Houston Partner. “There is a tremendous demand for new office space in the area, both for headquarter locations and smaller, middlemarket tenants.” Located at Highway 6 and Highway 90A, Imperial will incorporate retail, residential, entertainment and office components to create a premier destination to live, work, shop and play. Most recently, The Johnson Development Corp. announced the first residential neighborhoods in Imperial Sugar Land: 116 patio homes, some with waterfront views, and 27 single and two-story townhomes from Sitterle Homes, Partners in Building, Darling Homes and Trendmaker Homes.

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The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center recently completed a successful fundraising effort to open a year-round children’s museum in Imperial while Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, remains a popular attraction for families in the area. Construction also has started on luxury-style, one-and twobedroom multi-family residences. “We’re very pleased with the progress made with Imperial,” said Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of The Johnson Development Corp. “Our partnership with KDC is certainly another positive step in creating a premier destination community in Fort Bend County.” Sugar Land has been a hub of corporate activity with recent announcements by Fluor Corporation of a new, 50-acre corporate campus, Texas Instruments’ development of a 160,000-squarefoot business and development center, and Nalco Champion’s new headquarters building on a site at Imperial. Additionally, the Energy Corridor has played a significant role in driving more companies to Sugar Land seeking Class A space at more affordable rates. “Companies are taking notice of what’s happening in Sugar Land,” says Regina Morales, director of Economic Development for the City of Sugar Land. “The ability to offer new, Class A office space gives us a tremendous advantage when it comes to attracting new businesses to the area.” For more information and updates on Imperial Sugar Land, visit www.imperialsugarland.com.

Is your financial advisor a fiduciary?

rust is consistently ranked as the most important characteristic of the relationship between a financial advisor and his clients. However, many investors work with an advisor who is not required to act as a fiduciary. Fiduciaries are people bound to act for another’s benefit above and beyond their own interests. They are placed in positions of trust, and must make recommendations and decisions that are in the best interests of the people they serve. For example, a lawyer must act as a fiduciary when representing clients. The executor of an estate must act in the best interests of both the estate and beneficiaries. In contrast, salesmen are usually not required to be fiduciaries, as they may make decisions that serve their interests over their clients’ interests. In general, if an advisor is selling you a product, whether it is insurance, an annuity or an investment, he or she is not required to be a fiduciary. If you want to work with someone that will act in your best interests, consider your local fee-only financial advisor. WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us at wj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Seniors Helping Seniors: A way to give and receive By Karen Daniels

here comes a time in everyone’s life when they must ask for help. For Mike Alexander, this time came when his mother could no longer live alone in her home. Living in different cities, it became complicated relying on church members and neighbors to look out for her. At the time, the only alternative Mike had was to move his mother into a retirement home so she could receive help if needed. A few years later, he read an article about a business called Seniors Helping Seniors and set out to learn more about the company that would have provided the extra help his mom required to stay in her home. After spending two days at their Pennsylvania headquarters “to see the company in action” Mike and his wife opened their own Seniors Helping Seniors two years ago, helping all of Fort Bend and southwest Harris County with short term and long term assignments. When asked what sets his company apart from the others, Mike said it was their affordable help and their extensive vetting and matching process. “We personally match you with senior companions who fit your personality and needs.” Each client receives a custom schedule that meets their lifestyle requirements. A story was shared about two gentlemen—one the caregiver, one the care receiver—who have become friends. Both enjoy golf, though one can no longer play. On nice days the two go to the golf course and critique the golfers, attaining fresh air and exercise in the process. Some of the services provided by Seniors Helping Seniors are transportation, doctor’s appointments, shopping, errands, cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, respite care, and mobility services. And you don’t have to be a senior to receive their care. A recent client was new to the area and required knee surgery. A short term plan was created to drive him to and from out-patient surgery, stay with him that first night, and if the healing process was routine, reduce visits

Mike Alexander of Seniors Helping Seniors.

Mike Alexander of Seniors Helping Seniors

to daily check-ups over the next several days. Often their clients are adult children who live out of town and want additional attention given to mom or dad in an assisted living facilities. A stroll in the garden, a favorite book read, a facility spot-check. These caregivers supply peace of mind when you can’t be there. If any concerns come up, the situation is handled promptly while March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

keeping the loved ones constantly informed. In addition to the level of detail when completing the needs assessment, Seniors Helping Seniors conducts thorough background and driving record checks, plus they bond all of their care providers. When a match is made, a permanent caregiver is assigned to the client so a connection can be formed with that person. This way the care receiver is not dealing with getting to know a lot of different people. Hobbies and prior careers help determine the perfect match. There are teachers helping teachers, nurses helping nurses, pet lovers helping pet lovers, and of course, golfers helping golfers. Seniors Helping Seniors is always interested in finding other seniors who want to help and enrich someone’s life. Times, schedules, and assignments are flexible. Want to work weekends? That can be arranged. Don’t want to work weekends? That too can be arranged. Whether you want an assignment that is very active or one that is more stationary, a great match can be made for you as well. Call Seniors Helping Seniors at 281-261-8107 or email at shsftbend@ gmail.com for more information.

Foshan, China exchange students visit Fort Bend

ort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert joined Dr. Thomas Randle, Superintendent of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, the Fort Bend Global Initiative and many LCISD students and host families to welcome exchange students from Foshan, China. The students visited Fort Bend County and attended classes at George Ranch High School for two weeks as part of an exchange program between George Ranch and Foshan No. 3 school. The exchange is an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding between the schools and the districts signed by officials in March 2013. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert and the Fort Bend Global Initiative began this relationship between the

county and the Chancheng District of Foshan, China with a Sister Community Relationship Agreement signed by Foshan

Government Officials and Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert in November of 2012.

In Center: Sugar Land City Council Member, Himesh Gandhi; Global Initiatives Vice Chair, Chris Breaux; Fort Bend County Judge, Bob Hebert; Lamar Consolidated Superintendent, Dr. Thomas Randle; George Ranch High School Principal, Leslie Haack; Lamar CISD Board President, Julie Thompson.

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Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces 2014 Gala plans

hild Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) invites you to polish your glass slippers, press your best suit or slip into your ball-gown and join us May 3, in the Ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square beginning at 6:00 pm. From the minute you step out of your carriage and into the Marriott, it promises to be a magical evening of inspiring stories, fine food and entertainment and a live and silent auction filled with glamorous opportunities and beautiful objects. CAFB is thrilled to have Diana & John Null serving as Honorary Chairs for The Cinderella Ball. Michele Fisher of The New 93Q and Michele Fisher Voice Overs will serve as emcee. Randolph Holford will be the auctioneer. “The work Child Advocates of Fort

American Business Women's Association brings conference to Sugar Land

he American Business Women’s Association, ABWA, will host their 2014 Western Regional Conference at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas, on April 10-12. Members from the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to name a few, will be attending this conference. The focus of this year’s regional conference is to ensure that Association leaders have the knowledge, attitude, skills and habits they need to thrive in today’s business environment. Ty Bennett, author of The Power of Influence and The Power of Storytelling, will share his philosophies, down-to-

earth examples, and tools for increasing attendee’s influence and impact as a leader during his Friday presentation. His humorous, insightful, and interactive presentation will send attendees home as better leaders; making for better and more profitable businesses. Saturday’s seminar presenter, Sherry Darden, is often called “The Business Plan Lady” because she has personally coached and trained thousands of entrepreneurs to business success. She is the real deal and the advice, tips, and techniques she shares from the podium are worlds away from feel-good fluff. To register for this conference, call ABWA at 800-228-0007. The cost is $335 and includes breakfast on Friday, April 11, and lunch on Saturday, April 12. March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Looking forward to a great Gala 2014 are L to R: Honorary Chairs Diana and John Null, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford.

Bend does has such tremendous impact on so many children and their families. Diana and I are honored to be part of this event,” says John Null. “At the very heart of this event is the belief that every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. Community participation in our gala fundraiser is a crucial part of our mission to help children and families affected by child abuse,” says Ruthanne Mefford, executive director at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Want to join in the fun? Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities are now available and range from $1,500 to $10,000. Individual tickets are available for $125. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, volunteering or attending the event, please call 281-344-5108 or visit http:// www.cafb.org for more details.

Leap into Service offered by Compassion Katy

hen most of us think of Katy, Texas, we think of master-planned communities, awardwinning schools, and wealth. Not many of us are aware of the dire needs of low or no-income children and families in our community. Does your heart hurt for these people? Do you have a passion to help? There are many opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of individuals right here in our community. Leap into Service, offered by Compassion Katy, brings local charities together to emphasize the needs and how you can help. Leap into Service is an annual breakfast where local charities come together for an expo of how and where to get connected. On April 9, beginning at 7:30am, the breakfast will showcase over 30 Katy-area non-profit organizations. You will have the opportunity to hear about the mission, vision, and heart of each organization as well as learn about the diverse needs of our community and ways you can help. The guest speaker is Eric Swanson, co-author of the book, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To Transform A City.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He has a passion for inspiring communities to work together for the betterment of their cities. Leap into Service is free, but registration is required. Registration will be available in early March at www. compassionkaty.org/leap-into-service. Seating is limited - register early. The event is sponsored by Compassion Katy, Katy YMCA, and Katy ChickFil-A. The event will be held at Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church, 6035 S. Fry Road, on April 9 at 7:30am.

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Largest dealership in Houston market gives back as it grows

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land continues investments in local community

s Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land grows, so does their giving footprint and investment within the local community. Over the past 10 years, MBSL has partnered with well over 20 community groups, schools and non-profit organizations, culminating in over a $2M investment directly benefiting the local area. “Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land has been a proud supporter of the Fort Bend community since our inception,” said Ken Enders, Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Owner and President. “We view giving back to Sugar Land as well as the local areas we support as our way of serving the community where we live and work.” Most recently, MBSL has demonstrated their commitment to philanthropy through a significant sponsorship toward making the new Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center in Sugar Land — a special project of the Children’s Museum of Houston – a reality. This Fort Bend landmark will house a dynamic learning environment for children, from birth to 12 years of age, and their families. Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land will be named as the permanent sponsor of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center’s largest and most popular exhibit, Kidtropolis. Within a special section of the exhibit will be the Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Precision Center that will offer visitors the opportunity to simulate, in a child-appropriate way, MercedesBenz’s innovative and precision approach to the manufacturing and design of its vehicles. Emulating Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land’s state-of-the-art facility, the

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Precision Center will use experiential interaction strategies to reinforce learning in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and math) disciplines demonstrating the concepts behind car design, manufacturing, inspection and safety. The exhibit activities will include a Car Design station where children will use design tools to express their new car ideas, an Assembly Bench to build models of steering and suspension mechanisms, an Inspection Bay to examine the car for “flaws” and a Crash Test Simulation to evaluate model cars for their ability to withstand a variety of scenarios. “It’s a tremendous gift for the families of Fort Bend County,” says Tammie Kahn, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. “When children step into Kidtropolis, they will experience what it is like to live and prosper in a community. We are honored to partner with Mercedes-Benz of Sugar March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Land.” families and children.” Aside from their high-profile involvement with the Discovery Center, Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land is also committed to numerous additional charitable organizations including, but not limited to, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston, CASA for Children, Clements High School, Commonwealth Elementary, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Dress for Success, Elkins High School, Fort Bend Cares, Fort Bend Junior Service League, Fort Settlement Middle School, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, The Shriners Children’s Hospital-Houston/ Galveston, Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, The Sickle Cell Center at Texas Children’s Hematology Center, Toys for Tots and the United Cerebral Palsy Fund, just to name a few. The dealership is nearing the completion of a transformational multimillion dollar renovation and expansion, which has been an area mainstay since 2003.

Gulf Coast Rail District moves forward with study By Karen Daniels

he Gulf Coast Rail District signed a contract to report on the next level of work concerning the future of rail in Fort Bend County. Some say mobility in and around Greater Houston is moving towards a crisis level and our traffic could soon equal Los Angeles. Two options have been mentioned as potential solutions in Fort Bend County: Passenger rail or Double-decking of Hwy 59. Recently, Channel 2 analyzed 200 commute times from outlying suburbs and found that 85% of the routes have had an increase since 2011. In 2013, Houston was identified by the U.S. Bureau of Statistic as the top American city for job creation. For these reasons, mobility alternatives need to

be examined. Maureen Crocker, executive director of the GCRD said, “the ‘Southern Bypass’ is one piece of the puzzle” they will consult on. The freight bypass would begin just prior to the Richmond/Rosenberg area and “would remove the opportunity for a rail/vehicle accident” along the current Hwy 90A track, also known as the Glidden Subdivision. The freight rail traffic would then reconnect to existing tracks on the east side of Houston. “There are three options,” Maureen explained. “Two rails currently belong to BNSF and would require upgrading.” The third option is Green Field that does not have a track. This study will record the costs involved, travel times, safety, quality of life, benefits to rail and benefits to the public. If freight rail is moved, the current track on Hwy 90, after

receiving updated grade separation, could be available for passenger rail. Mayor Leonard Scarcella is on the GCRD Board and is pro passenger rail. “Fort Bend County has an extremely promising future. One of its most significant challenges will be mobility for its residents. While no panacea, the most significant benefit to address the looming congestion presented by the exploding population is passenger rail.” The GCRD was created in 2007 by the City of Houston, the Port Authority of Houston and five surrounding counties: Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, and Waller County. The report is expected to be completed by the “end of summer” 2014, and according to Maureen Crocker, “the next big challenge will be how to pay” for it.

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Fort Bend Masters Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, April 14

Shown from left: Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford; Gary Finnegan, Finnegan Auto Group; Chris Anderson, Fort Bend Toyota; Shanta Kuhl, Central Fort Bend Chamber; Virgil Skinner, Fort Bend Kia; Aldo Cortes, Gillman Honda of Fort Bend and Jeff Haley, SiEnvironmental.

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he Central Fort Bend Chamber and the RosenbergRichmond Auto Mile will proudly present Fort Bend Masters on April 14 at Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club in Richmond. The tournament, which is scheduled for the day following the Masters, is the Chamber’s 29th annual Golf Classic. It will take on a new and exciting format in 2014, with each hole featuring games, food, beverages, entertainment or prizes, which will be provided by the hole sponsors. The four-person scramble tournament will be broken into two flights. The cut-off line for each flight will be determined after scores are submitted. The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile is the Presenting Sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. The Auto Mile is comprised of five local auto dealerships: Finnegan Auto Group, Fort Bend Kia, Fort Bend Toyota, Gillman Honda and Legacy Ford. The limited sponsorship opportunities are selling rapidly, and it is anticipated those opportunities, as in past years, will sell out well before the tournament. For sponsorship information, contact Shannan Stavinoha at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@ CFBCA.org. Silver Eagle Distributors is the Beverage Sponsor. Birdie Sponsors are Allegiance Roofing, EHRA, Gurecky Manufacturing, Greater Fort Bend EDC, Johnson Development Corp., McCall Gibson Swedlund Barffot, PLLC, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Republic Services, Inc., and Severn Trent Environmental Services, Inc.

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Port of Houston Authority reports record tonnage

ort Bend businesses and surrounding counties rely on the The Port of Houston for importing and exporting. As a result,the Port of Houston Authority generated record container movement and cargo tonnage in 2013. Record throughput of container TEUs (2 million) and an unprecedented 36 million tons of cargo handled were primary contributors to the remarkable year. The Port Authority’s 6-percent increase in movement of loaded containers outpaced all other U.S. ports in that category. Improved grain and coal exports over the prior year enabled the Port Authority to post a 13-percent increase in bulk cargo (11 million tons).

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Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston -- the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston. com.

2014 Fort Bend Masters Presented by

Great food, beverages and live zydeco music!

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The Port Authority recorded $231 million in operating revenue in 2013, the highest ever. That figure is $8 million (4 percent) higher than the record attained in 2012, and it marks the fourth consecutive year that year-over-year increases have been recorded. “This is a benchmark we can all take pride in,” said Port Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther. “It reflects positively on the efforts of Port Authority staff under the guidance of the Port Commission to increase the commerce moving through Port facilities, bringing more jobs and economic opportunity to the region. It is important we continue making capital investments in our facilities to help meet the growing needs of global commerce.” For nearly 100 years, the Port of

VISION

www.CFBCA.org

Don’t miss the 2014 Fort Bend Masters, Monday, April 14 at Pecan Grove Country Club. Team registrations, hole tents and sponsorships are available at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@cfbca.org.

Fat Tuesday, March 4 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Legacy Ford 27225 SW Freeway, Rosenberg Celebration is Open to Anyone!

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Wharton County Junior College named among the Top 150 in the country

ighlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has named Wharton County Junior College as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million dollars in prize funds. The prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges and recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and lowincome students. The Aspen Institute identified the top 150 community colleges through an assessment of institutional performance, improvement, and equity on student retention and completion measures. Together, the 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the Prize represent the diversity and richness of the entire sector: • They are located in 37 states across the nation; • They represent urban, rural, and suburban markets; and • They encompass big community colleges and small community colleges—from Miami Dade College in Florida serving over 100,000 students to Carver Career Center in West Virginia serving fewer than 500 students. A full list of the 150 community colleges is available at www.AspenPrize.org. Prize winners will be announced in early 2015. Wharton County Junior College and 149 other community colleges were selected

from a national pool of over 1,000 public two-year colleges using publicly available data on student outcomes. The formula used to select the colleges was devised by expert analysts at the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems in consultation with an expert advisory committee convened by the Aspen Institute. The data focus on student retention and completion, considered from three perspectives: • Performance (retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 “full-time equivalent” students) • Improvement (awarded for steady improvement in each performance metric over time) • Equity (evidence of strong completion outcomes for minority and low-income students) To ensure full representation of the range and diversity of the sector, adjustments were March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

applied with respect to mission, size, and minority representation. Wharton County Junior College has been invited to submit an application containing detailed data on degree/ certificate completion (including progress and transfer rates), labor market outcomes (employment and earnings), and student learning outcomes. They must demonstrate that they deliver exceptional student results for all students – including those from racial minority and/or low-income backgrounds – and also use data to inform decisions and continually improve over time. Ten finalists will be named in fall 2014. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data from states and transfer data from the National Student Clearinghouse. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner and a few finalists with distinction in early 2015.

Julie’s Cakes: A thriving mom and pop shop in Missouri City By Betsy Dolan

her. Tom Cruise. Goldie Hawn. Sure, Julie Clifton has baked cakes for famous people. “But our real stars are the every day people in the community.” said Julie Clifton, who, with her husband Ron, owns of Julie’s Cakes at 3424 FM 1092, Suite #230, in Missouri City. Take Baylor students, Adrianna and Ben, who came into the shop to pick out a wedding cake. Within minutes of Adrianna explaining that her colors were pink and gold, that she liked flowers and had always dreamed of a tall wedding cake, Clifton had sketched a multi-tiered confection that made Adrianna smile. (Ben was busy sampling cake but he looked pleased too) Add flowers, two different fillings and a plain layer for picky college friends and Adrianna and Ben had their dream cake. “My mom taught me to love the customer,” Clifton says. “And that cakes are

memories, family and traditions.” Clifton grew up working alongside her parents and nine siblings in their familyowned ABC Bakery, in North Houston. She was always artistic and eventually cakes became her canvas. The Cliftons moved to California during the 1970’s where Julie trained Mark Rival, who was one of the pastry chefs on the television show, “Amazing Wedding Cakes.” The couple returned to Houston in the 1990’s to be closer to family and friends. They purchased what was Krispy’s Bakery in 1995 and eventually decided their focus should be a high-end cake boutique. “A cake that has been made for you, means you are singled out and that you are number one for those few hours,” Clifton says. “A cake can tug at your heart strings.” Clifton’s artist’s eye means that there isn’t anything she can’t make out of cake. She made a castle for a Beauty and the Beast production where attendees could peek through the windows and see the dance floor. Or the six-foot cowboy boot that she made for the Houston Rodeo.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Ron & Julie Clifton.

“It took six men to carry it inside,” Clifton recalls. Running such a specialized mom and pop has not always been easy. The economic downturn in 2008 derailed the Clifton’s expansion plans and they had to close their Katy and Champions locations. The Cliftons are grateful that their Missouri City customer base stayed with them, acknowledging that their cakes are luxury items and could be purchased more cheaply at any of the seven grocery stores that surround them. But Clifton is a stickler for customer service and says they have very few mistakes because her five employees must meet six checkpoints before a cake ever leaves the store. There is also the store’s motto: Do it right the first time, on time, every time. And then there is the icing, a butter cream marvel that Clifton calls “out of this world.” After being in business for almost 20 years, the Cliftons are seeing a generational tradition that pleases them. “We have people who had their childhood birthday cakes made here and now we are making their wedding cakes,” Clifton said. As for the future, Clifton isn’t worried. She intends to keep doing what she has been doing. Her husband handles the selling, she handles the cakes. They’ll continue to adhere to standards of excellence in their ingredients and customer service. “When you see someone carrying one of our cake boxes, you know there is something special in there,” Clifton said. Julies Cakes is located in Township Center. They can be reached at 281-2618229.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Johnson Development names Reichert general manager Tom Wilcox retires after distinguished career Trey Reichert has been named vice president and general manager of Fort Bend’s Riverstone development, one of the nation’s top-selling masterplanned communities. He Trey Reichert replaces Tom Wilcox, who has been with Riverstone since its inception and is now retiring. “Tom has been instrumental in the visioning, planning and development of several of the most successful master-planned

Teresa Cox Reading named as one of 50 Most Influential Women of 2013 Teresa Cox Reading, RN and Practice Administrator for the Offices of William H. Reading, MD has been named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2013” by Houston Woman Teresa Cox Reading Magazine. Each honoree was first nominated for inclusion on the “50 Women” list by a current subscriber of Houston Woman Magazine and then selected by the staff of the publication. According to Beverly Denver, publisher, “Those selected as Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2013 are individuals with vast networks of social and professional connections. They have earned an enviable reputation for possessing an expertise in a particular field or arena. They are considered knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy. The thoughts and actions of these women influence the thoughts and actions of others. It is our distinct privilege to be able to honor these remarkable women to our community.”

communities in the Houston area,” said Doug Goff, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “His contributions to the quality of life in Johnson communities during his Tom Wilcox distinguished career have been truly significant.” Wilcox has been with Johnson Development for 20 years, serving as vice president and general manager of both Riverstone and Silverlake. Previously, he was senior vice president of operations for Newland Communities and was responsible for the creation and initial development of Greatwood and Cinco Ranch. Wilcox also has been active in numerous organizations, including the Fort Bend Family YMCA, Fort Bend Green, Fort Bend Senior Citizens, the Fort Bend Independent School District Foundation, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Urban Land Institute. He is the former chair of the Fort

Bend Chamber of Commerce and now serves on the executive committee of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. Reichert has been development manager of Riverstone since 2005 where he has been responsible for the development of more than 3,000 homesites and an array of amenities, landscaping and infrastructure. Previously, Reichert worked as a project engineer for a large Houston consulting firm, specializing in master-planned community development. He holds a degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. Reichert is an active community volunteer, serving on the board of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend and the Fort Bend Chamber. He also was co-vice chair of the Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Forum from 2008 to 2012. A project of The Johnson Development Corp., Riverstone is ranked No. 6 among the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities and No. 2 among Houston developments.

Fort Bend Chamber President to serve on Board of Directors of Texas’ Leading Business Organization Keri Schmidt, President and CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber, was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Business, the state’s leading organization for employers. Schmidt fills a two-year leadership position that began in January, 2014. “TAB is thrilled to have Keri Schmidt as part of our leadership team,” said Bill Hammond, TAB President and CEO. “ The more involvement from our members, the more effective we will be in championing free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Texans.” Schmidt leads the largest single county chamber in the Houston region. The Fort Bend Chamber is the foremost resource, providing relevant, innovative March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Keri Schmidt is shown with Aaron Cox, Vice President - Chamber Relations with The Texas Association of Business.

and impactful programs, initiatives and services that enhance the business climate, and thus, quality of life throughout Fort Bend County.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

City of Richmond hires former Greater Houston Partnership official to lead economic development Rob Tobias, a former Greater Houston Partnership official, has joined the management team of the City of Richmond as the Director of Economic Development. According to the City Manager Terri Vela, “Tobias will work to attract new capital investments and jobs, which will lay the foundation for increased prosperity and growth for the City of Richmond.” Tobias brings over 20+ years of economic development experience that started at the Partnership, plus some Corporate America experience with Southwestern Bell and Conoco. He has worked for both large and small cities, and has a strong track record of success at attracting industry, commercial, and retail to each of the communities in which he has worked.

Tobias noted that recent changes in the City’s governance structure, has opened the door to begin to more effectively plan and prepare for the attraction of higher quality investment Rob Tobias and higher-skilled jobs to Richmond’s ETJ and Historic Downtown. “Richmond and other Fort Bend County communities and Economic Development organizations are already working in close collaboration, and if we do our job right, the City will realize significantly more property and sales taxes, as well as more tourism revenues over the next five years. After all, Richmond is the County seat of Fort Bend and the Brazos River is in its backyard.

With these unique advantages, coupled with I-69, SH-99 and other public and private infrastructure at its doorstep, Richmond has many opportunities to explore.” The 4B Corporation created by the City in 1995 has also been frugal and has reserves that will be leveraged to partner in the attraction of new investments and high quality, higherpaying jobs. Tobias noted that Richmond is blessed by its strategic location in Fort Bend County, having two local foundations and an emerging vision to build upon the city’s historic background, balanced with quality growth. Richmond is truly “where history meets opportunity.” For additional information, please contact City Manager Terri Vela at (281) 342-5456.

Sugar Land Director of Parks & Recreation Jim Browne named Director of the Year The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) named Sugar Land Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Browne its “East Region 2014 Parks and Recreation Director of the Year.” Browne was recognized for professional leadership, public service and quality-of-life enhancements in Sugar Land. The award was presented Jan. 25 at the East Region TRAPS Workshop. Under Browne’s leadership in Sugar Land, the city opened the Imperial Park Recreation Center, a facility that includes a full gymnasium, an exercise room, two multipurpose rooms, a video gaming room, a kitchen and a beautiful patio/garden area. His team was also responsible for doubling program space for senior citizens at the newly renovated T.E. Harman Center. The building includes a computer room/ library; game rooms; an arts and crafts room; a teaching kitchen; and multipurpose rooms for classes, movies, exercise, dance,

bingo and other forms of entertainment. Other accomplishments include the following: • The City opened the first phase of Sugar Land Memorial Park with walking/jogging/biking Jim Browne trails; picnic pavilions; a playground; the City’s first dog park and mountain bike trail; and a lake stocked with Florida Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish. Voters recently approved the second phase of development that will include parkland, canoe launches, a festival site and more. • Sugar Land Parks and Recreation implemented a Senior Ambassador program that averages more than 400 volunteer hours a month. • The City’s Hike and Bike Trail Master Plan was updated to encourage transportation choices that promote a

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

healthy, active lifestyle and well-designed, well-maintained infrastructure that is safe for residents. More than 10 miles of interconnecting trails and bridges were approved by voters last year. • The department greatly expanded its award-winning special events with offerings that include New Year’s Eve, Halloween Town, Cultural Kite Festival, Memorial Day and more. Browne brings more than 35 years of progressive parks and recreation management experience to Sugar Land. Approximately 50 of his park projects, recreation programs, special events, master plans, designs and professional service as an administrator have been recognized by professional organizations as state and national award winners -- 17 as national or international award recipients. Browne currently serves as TRAPS president-elect and will be sworn in as president at the TRAPS Annual Institute and Trade Show.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Yeung attends Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit Bridget Yeung recently attended Barron’s Magazine’s annual Top Women Advisors Summit, aimed at promoting best practices, generating new ideas across the industry, and promoting the value of advice to the investing public. Yeung was one of approximately 500 financial advisors, designated as top 1% producers of their firm, to attend the event. “Because one size does not fit all, it is critical that clients understand the importance of having a comprehensive financial strategy in place, and the different components required to build those strategies in order to ensure that each client’s financial

future can match their goals,” says Bridget Yeung, registered representative of Lincoln Financial Securities, Corp. and principal with Fort Bend Financial. “My team’s tailored Bridget Yeung approach to financial planning is centered on listening to our clients then translating their wants, needs and principles into a plan that preserves and enhances their wealth, helping to create the life they value and the legacy they envision,” said Yeung. A 25-year industry veteran, Yeung has been a principal with Sugar Land-based Fort Bend Financial since 1996. Through-

out her career, she has received several awards including the annual Climbers Award by the Houston General Agents and Managers Association, the National Quality Award and the National Achievement Award by the National Association of Life Underwriters. Yeung is actively involved with in the community. She helped establish the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and was presented the coveted Vicki Hamilton Award for “strong commitment and outstanding service.” More recently, in 2012, she was the recipient of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Gold Deeds Award for “service to her community.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital welcomes Dr. Melida Tellez

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome Melida Tellez, M.D., to the staff of Methodist Family Medicine Group. Dr. Tellez provides hands-on, compassionate care for the entire family, with a special focus on health and wellness. She provides a full range of health services, including annual health physicals, women’s health, diabetes and blood pressure management, thyroid disorders and other illnesses. Dr. Tellez also provides check-ups and ongoing care for children, and she is fluent in English and Spanish. Dr. Tellez is a graduate of The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and she completed her post-doctoral training in family medicine. She is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Methodist Family Medicine Group is a

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

fantastic practice that is very patient-oriented, and I am excited to be part of it,” says Dr. Tellez. “The physicians at Methodist Family Medicine Group are committed to Dr. Melida Tellez providing personalized, indepth care and they focus on creating longterm relationships with patients. It is a great fit for me and for my patients.” Methodist Family Medicine Group is located in Suite 400 of Medical Office Building Three on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, 16605 Southwest Freeway. To make an appointment with Dr. Tellez, call 281.275.0800 or email HYPERLINK “mailto:familymedicine@houstonmethodist. org” familymedicine@houstonmethodist. org. For more information visit, methodistsugarlanddocs.com.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

Sugar Land promotes Callaway, Goodrum to Assistant City Managers Executive Directors Jim Callaway and Mike Goodrum were recently promoted to assistant city managers for the city of Sugar Land. The promotions were part of a City reorganization to address the loss of two assistant city managers who accepted positions as city managers in other cities. Karen Daly left for Hutto, and Karen Glynn took a position in Bunker Hill Village. Callaway’s management responsibilities now include community development, permits and inspections, planning and engineering, while Goodrum will oversee finance, human resources, information technology, parks and recreation and public works. First Assistant City Manager Steve Griffith will continue to manage fire, police, municipal court, public safety dispatch and aviation. Callaway joined the City of Sugar Land in November 2001 as development services director. He was instrumental in the

development of policies for providing city services to Municipal Utility Districts (MUD) in Sugar Land’s extra-territorial jurisdiction and annexation policy for undeveloped property. Jim Callaway Callaway led successful negotiations with 10 MUDs serving Riverpark, Greatwood and New Territory, providing for annexation and service agreements with the districts. In 2009, he managed Mike Goodrum annexation for Riverpark, which included the dissolution of Fort Bend MUD No. 1. Prior to joining Sugar Land, Callaway served as development services director for the City of College Station. He holds bachelor and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University. Goodrum has been with the city for more

than 12 years and most recently served as executive director of management services, a position responsible for finance, parks and recreation, information technology and human resources. He joined Sugar Land in 1999 as an intern and progressed to several leadership positions with the city, including community and environmental services director and director of public works. During Goodrum’s tenure, he managed a citywide debris cleanup initiative during Hurricane Ike, post-disaster FEMA reimbursements, a new rental registration program to address neighborhood decline, construction of a new animal shelter that accommodated an expanded adoption program, increased recycling efforts and a new automated trash collection program that saved taxpayers’ money. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.

Katy’s Jamie Wolman receives Keep America Beautiful’s Sue Smith Leadership Award Jamie Wolman, executive director of Keep Katy Beautiful (KKB), was presented Keep America Beautiful’s Sue Smith Leadership Award at KAB’s National Awards ceremony, which recently took place during its National Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The Sue Smith Leadership Award is KAB’s highest professional honor and is given annually to KAB affiliate leaders who have built and sustained an affiliate program with outstanding success. Those honored have established model programs and fostered long-term partnerships between the public and private sector. The award is named after KAB’s long-time affiliate trainer Sue Smith, who retired in 2013 after a 25-year

career with KAB. “Simply put, Jamie is an exemplary affiliate coordinator, providing leadership, innovation and inspiration to members of the Katy community, Keep Texas Beautiful staff and coordinators, as well as the Keep America Beautiful affiliate network,” said Keep America Beautiful President & CEO Jennifer Jehn at the awards ceremony. For many people in Katy, Jamie Wolman is the face of Keep Katy Beautiful. Wolman spent her early career as a teacher, and later counselor at the Junior High and High School levels. Katy named a new elementary school for her and her husband in 2012. After finishing her teaching career, Wolman joined the Parks and Recreation

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Department as the Community Specialist. She became involved in Keep Katy Beautiful more than 20 years ago and has been leading the local affiliate since 2000. Under Wolman’s leadership, KKB exemplifies the KAB model, managing sustainable partnerships with numerous civic groups, government entities, and businesses. Keep Katy Beautiful has received four Governor’s Community Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious environmental awards in the state. At the statewide level, Wolman serves as the affiliate representative on the Keep Texas Beautiful Board of Directors for a two-year term and is currently the President of the Board.

KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM A BANK LONG LIVE YOUR MONEY.SM

COVER STORY

oes the word ‘partner’ come to mind when you think of your bank? If not, it should-especially for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Your bank can become an extension of your team with the people, products and services to enhance your business and simplify your day. Here are some tips on how banks can help small businesses achieve their dreams – both financially and otherwise. Do business with a bank that’s tech-savvy. In today’s business environment, utilizing the latest and best technological advances can mean not only financial savings and increased earnings, but also increased customer satisfaction and more efficient use of time and resources. Be sure your bank is up to the challenge of ensuring your business is as technologically advanced as it can be.

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Frank Yonish, Bank of Texas Chairman of Fort Bend County

“A common request I get from small business owners is to learn how to utilize the best technology,” said Frank Yonish, Bank of Texas Chairman of Fort Bend County. “They want to decrease paper and find ways to move and process payments on a digital platform. Many already use online banking. But not all utilize their bank’s mobile app on an iPhone, Android or iPad.

Jim Ogonosky, Senior Vice Presidnet Manager of Business Banking, and Mike Jiang, Vice President of Business Banking of Sweetwater Branch Bank of Texas.

It’s the simplest way to make your office mobile. From the palm of your hand, you can make and receive payments and track the status from pending to paid. You can set up automated alerts to send notifications about your account.” Think about how your business receives payments. More and more small businesses want to take payment on smart phones and tablets. Opening a merchant account with your bank lets you accept credit and debit card payments for purchases and the funds deposit electronically into a designated deposit account. There are numerous methods for accepting and processing card payments including smart phones, touch-tone phones, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, Internet virtual terminals, Internet gateways and POS software, as well as custom integration. Your banker can help you determine your best options and also educate you on how to stay compliant when processing credit and debit card payments which can quickly become a legal problem if done improperly. Of course check payments are still common. There are several tools to help

with depositing checks without having to go to the bank. One such tool is mobile deposit, which allows for greater availability of funds with later deposit cut-off times while providing a detailed image record of each item deposited. If you receive a high volume of payments via checks, a lockbox product may be ideal for you. A lockbox service provides quicker receipt of funds while reducing clerical expense like opening envelopes and processing the paperwork.

Make sure your bank can offer safety features to give you peace of mind. As we’ve learned from recent headlines, a fraud attempt on a business operating account is not a matter of “if” but “when.” Many small businesses do not know that they, not their bank, will be liable for loss as the result of fraud if they do not have the proper prevention measures in place Your bank can help you put appropriate safeguards in place to provide leading-edge Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

technology with robust fraud controls to safeguard your company’s information. If you do business banking online, make sure your bank allows you to access your activity history for review and offers free malware protection. “I have seen an increase in the implementation of our fraud prevention solutions like Positive Pay, which helps detect check fraud by identifying items presented for payment which the customer did not issue,” Yonish said. “Another popular option for our clients that deal in a great amount of cash, such as those in retail, is our Safesource product. It allows a company to deposit cash funds into an on-site safe in which they get an immediate deposit credit at the bank and never have to leave their place of business to make the deposit.” Choose a bank that can be involved in your business plan. Your banking partner should be able to help with challenges outside of the day-to-

CONTINUES...

day financial issues that arise. If you have a quality bank working with you, you should be able to bring challenges with employee payroll, equipment leasing, or even how to sell your business or leave it to an heir. Find a business banking partner and consider them an extension of your team the way you do an accountant or lawyer. Talk with your banker about your business plan and work with them to put together a recommendation on how they can support your unique business needs.

Michelle Tran, Senior Mortgage Banker of Sweetwater Branch Bank of Texas.

In Houston, your bank should be an expert in the Energy industry. Houston is an energy town – almost every single business, in some form or fashion, deals with the energy industry and its subsidiaries or their clients. Any way you shake it, your bank must be well-versed in the frequently changing, highly volatile world that is the energy industry. “We are a local bank backed by a regional powerhouse that has a century of energy experience,” Yontish said. “With a deep commitment to the energy industry, we have a strong and growing corporate presence through our banking operations in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico, as well as every producing basin outside our core geographic footprint. “ In fact, Bank of Texas is unique in that it’s part of BOK Financial, a financial services holding company with $27 billion in assets and more than $4.7 billion in energyrelated commitments. For the past 100 years, the bank has partnered with exploration and production companies to create nationally competitive, tailored banking solutions designed to help businesses grow. From acquiring a new business to transitioning a business to a new owner, the bank offers a wide variety of financial services that support most sectors of the industry at various stages of the business life cycle. Although BOK Financial principally focuses on oil and gas reserve-based lending opportunities in the $3 million to $75 million range, the energy lending team also has the capability to arrange larger, multibank syndications up to $500 million, or

participate in multi-bank syndications upwards of $1 billion. In addition, the bank is also now offering financial products and services to the energy services industry, as well. “This will really help us expand our capabilities in the energy services industry,” said Yonish, who is part of the commercial banking leadership team at Bank of Texas. “The energy services sector is critical to keep energy production going, and Bank of Texas is glad to be able to provide services to this important industry.” BOK Financial provides hedging for more small and medium sized oil and gas producers than any other bank in the country. The derivatives team works closely with customers to offer hedging products that are ideal for their business models. This includes dynamically priced swaps, options, and blends for crude oil,

natural gas and other refined products. These hedging products dampen market volatility and can provide profit margin capture.

Know you have an experienced team ready to help All the technology and planning is great, but having a core group of people involved in your business is what will really make a difference at the end of the day. ”Our team is comprised of bankers, engineers, industry analysts, hedging specialists and technical assistants, and many other talented individuals with decades of business experience” Yonish said. “This expertise provides a unique synergy aligned to meet our clients’ needs.”

For more information contact the Bank of Texas branch near you at: 4555 Sweetwater Blvd, Sugar Land Texas 77479, 281-693-8750 or 15245 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, 281-693-8755

www.bankoftexas.com Bank of Texas, a division of BOKF, NA, Member FDIC

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

COMING MAY 2014

Top Entrepreneurs & Executives

UNDER 40

Fort Be n Raisin d’s g Star NO MINAT

ARE OP

IONS

EN!

We’re celebrating the Top 40 Entrepreneurs and Executives in Fort Bend County! But we need your help in determining just who they are! Take a few moments to fill out the form below and e-mail it to Diane@FortBendStar.com. Deadline for nominations is Friday, April 4, 2014. Results will be published in the May issue of the Fort Bend Business Journal! 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 Diane@FortBendStar.com.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to editor@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Houston Community College Board of Trustees begins new year The Houston Community College Board of Trustees held a ceremony recently to swear in newly elected HCC Board members that begins a new year. Those sworn in include Trustees Zeph Capo (District I), Adriana Tamez (District III), Robert Glaser (District V), and reelected trustee Neeta Sane (District VII). Trustee Dave Wilson (District II) also joined the remainder of the Board for the regular meeting. Embarking upon a new year, the Board of Trustees elected new officers. Based on the results, Trustee Neeta Sane will serve as board chair, and Trustees Christopher Oliver (District IX) and Robert Glaser will serve as vice chairman and secretary, respectively. A consistent theme emerging from the governing board is the high priority of student success and workforce programs. The Board also identified the importance of selecting a permanent chancellor to lead the institution. Chair Sane and her colleagues are committed to increasing student graduation, developing more offerings of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-related programs and strengthening partnerships that will help Houston’s economy grow with workforce-ready graduates. The HCC Board of Trustees meetings are streamed live online at hccs.edu/ livestream and are available afterwards at hccs.edu. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities for 75,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the greater Houston area’s diverse

communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today’s increasingly

international and technological society. To learn more go to hccs.edu.

At the Swearing-in ceremony were: HCC Board Chair Neeta Sane with Deepak Sane, Senator John Whitmire, Munir Ibrahim, Parvin Bagherpour and Alief ISD Board President Rick Moreno.

Fort Bend is recipient of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding for grants, contracts and loans is distributed by the federal government to various entities within the states including states government, local government entities, local non-profits and other organizations. Fort Bend’s map of funding: Here is Recovery Act activity in Fort Bend as reported by recipients. Funding is allocated across eleven categories: Contracts, education, energy, environment, health and human services, housing and community development, labor, public safety, research, transportation, and other. Total for State of Texas Recovery Act Funding - $29,203,600,116.28

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Fort Bend County total: $315,259,987 Funding Breakdown: Category........................................Amount Energy..................................$161,635,475 Education...............................$88,977,946 Transportation........................$56,509,952 Health and Human Services........................$3,622,211 Contracts..................................$2,258,329 Public Safety.............................$1,048,219 Housing and Community Development...............................$681,542 Environment................................$410,000 Research.........................................$99,879 Other.............................................$16,434

NEWSWORTHY

Costco opens in West Katy Costco has opened a 152,000-squarefoot warehouse located at 23645 Katy Freeway, at the southwest corner of Interstate 10 and Grand Parkway.

Previously, residents of the area had to drive approximately 16 miles east to Bunker Hill, 24 miles southeast to Sugar Land, 25 miles southeast to Houston or

Katy ISD to host Jazz with a Latin Flair April 24 The Katy ISD Education Foundation will host its first annual Jazz with a Latin Flair on Thursday, April 24, 6:30 P.M Reception / 7:30 P.M. Dinner. The event will benefit the foundation and its Inspiring Imagination teacher grant program. Last year, in its inaugural grant cycle, the foundation awarded more than $88,000 to one hundred seventeen Katy ISD teachers for inspiring, innovative classroom projects that have been implemented this school year. The foundation’s second grant cycle began this past November with grants awarded to teachers in May 2014. Jazz with a Latin Flair will feature an evening of jazz music performed by nationally known artists with an added opportunity to contribute to the

foundation’s Adopt-a-Grant initiative. Find more information and RSVP at www. katyisdeducationfoundation.org or contact the Katy ISD Education Foundation at 281-396-6031, foundation@katyisd.org. About the Katy ISD Education Foundation The Katy ISD Education Foundation unites people and companies with big hearts and a big belief in Katy ISD teachers and students to provide unprecedented opportunities for both. To join us in helping extraordinary teachers create extraordinary classroom experiences visit www.katyisdeducationfoundation.org. The Katy ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for which contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

26 miles northeast to Willowbrook to shop. “We are thrilled to bring Costco’s low warehouse prices to the residents of Katy,” said Warehouse Manager Dan Leonhardt. “They have been asking us to open here for a long time, and we already have made an impact on the local job market. We look forward to contributing to the community in many ways.” In the Costco tradition, the West Katy warehouse offers quality, name-brand and private-label merchandise at incredible values. Costco helps businesses save money on supplies and on items for resale, and provides a wide range of products and services for personal use as well. This new Costco location features a variety of convenient specialty departments, including a gas station, fresh bakery, fresh meat, fresh produce, fresh deli with rotisserie chicken, optical department with independent Doctor of Optometry, 1-Hour Photo, pharmacy, tire center, hearing aid Center, food court, and fine wine & liquor. Members also can save on Costco Services such as travel and auto buying. This 23rd Costco warehouse in Texas is the 462nd in the U.S., and 649th worldwide. Costco has 72 million cardholders throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Wales, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and Japan. The company has been recognized throughout the country for providing its employees with real living wages – the highest in the industry – and for its ethical business practices. The Costco home office is located in Issaquah, Wash. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol COST.

FORT BEND Fort Bend Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala 2014 was out of this world Photos by Larry Pullen

hat a way to blast-off 2014! The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce held the annual CHAIRMAN’S GALA Friday, January 31, at Safari Texas Ranch. The night was filled with spaced-out celebrations, and guests experienced the extraordinary sounds of Fried Ice Cream Band. This fun-filled event is held each year to honor the leaders and volunteers of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Outgoing Chairman, Stewart Jacobson, recognized the Chamber’s immediate past Chairman, Bruce Mercer, First Victoria Bank, who is also a retiring board member. Jacobson recognized retiring board members Aaron Clark, Si Environmental; Phil Davis, Community Bank of Texas; Bill Hickl, UHY Advisors; Dana Atkinson, Anson Aviation, LLC, also honored for retiring as External Committee Chairman; Dave Johnston, Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc.; Trey Reichert, Riverstone Development Co.; Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet, also honored for retiring as Internal Committee Chairman; and Rick Staigle, Fort Bend County. Also recognized were the retiring Vice Chairs: Matt Fielder, City of Rosenberg; and Christopher Morales, The Morales Law Firm, PPLC were honored for their outstanding service to the Fort Bend Chamber in 2013. Jacobson also thanked his Executive Officers including Glenn Smith, The Growth Coach; Bruce Mercer, First Victoria Bank; Bill Hickl, UHY Advisors; Carl Favre, Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey; and Keri Schmidt, Fort Bend Chamber.

Bruce Mercer, Stewart Jacobson, Carl Favre, Keri Schmidt, Glenn Smith, and Bill Hickl.

Rick Staigle, Stewart Jacobson, Dave Johnston, Aaron Clark, and Trey Reichert.

Stewart Jacobson, Ursula Coates winner Mike Dobert, and Glenn Smith.

Jacobson presented the Ursula Coates Award to Mike Dobert, HR in Alignment. This award is given to an individual who has been a true resource and an asset to the Chamber and Chairman of the Board during their tenure. Aaron Clark, Si Environmental, was awarded the Community Spirit Award. Clark has immersed himself in community service, and is a person that deeply cares about making our community a special

place for all. The Chamber Partner of the Year award is given to a Partner who is a very dedicated volunteer, and warmly welcomes and mentors new members. Ted Volf, Hold Fast Industries, was awarded 2013 Chamber Partner of the Year. After the awards presentation, the over 500 guests made their way to Jupiter Lounge for music, photo booth fun, cotton candy, and casino and garage games.

BIG SHOTS

23rd-27th

April

2014

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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.c r i a f f A d ndFoo

Membership 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.

Welcome New Members Baker Mortgage Company

East Fort Bend County Optimist

New York Life Insurance Company

BalletForte Guild

Firehouse Subs

Oasis Outsourcing Inc.

Benevides & Associates, Real Estate

GC Health Services, Inc.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Cathy Baker, President 14090 Southwest Fwy Suite 540 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-6683 www.bakermortgage.com Financial Services

Katherine Douglass, President 16551 Old Richmond Rd Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-799-7554 www.balletforte.org Dance School / Studio

John Benevides, Broker/Owner 16525 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-903-7253 www.asknancyb.com Real Estate, Residential

DEFINE body & mind

Elizabeth Whitehead, Owner 16525 Lexington Blvd., Suite 170 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-903-7335 www.definebody.com Health & Wellness

Donatti Translation & Interpreting

Diana Donatti, President 12239 Monticeto Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-9491 www.dtitranslation.com

Karen Kovar, President 610 Live Oak Stafford, TX 77477 281-208-4524 Associations Raj Patel, Owner 3135 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-7827 www.firehousesubs.com Restaurants Ihuoma Ayozie, Administrator 9898 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77036 713-776-3309 www.gchealthservices.com Home Health Care

JPR Commercial Real Estate Jennifer Raymond, President 4611 Holts St. Bellaire, TX 77401 713-817-4590 www.jprcommercial.com Real Estate, Commercial

Legacy Fitness

Jan-Michael Jenkins, Founder & Coach 15300 S. University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-381-5658 www.LegacyFitness1.com Fitness Center

Ramesh Cherivirala, Partner 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd, Suite 550 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-295-2726 Financial Services Adeel Akhtar, Professional Employer Consultant 400 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 320 Houston, TX 77060 281-940-8430 www.oasisadvantage.com Professional Employer Organization

Prime National, Inc Credit Repair

Bryant Kyle, Principal Consultant Three Sugar Creek Center Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 886-6809 www.primenational.com/consultant/ bryantkyle Financial Services

Ranch Fence And Access, LLC Darrell W. Gast, Owner 140 Serrato Lane Richmond, TX 77469 281-343-1114 Fence Company

Star Learning

Tarik Celik, CEO 3828 Hwy 6 South Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-999-4921 www.starlearning.com Educational Services

Strategic Employer Services March 2014 H Fort Bend Business Journal

Craig Inabnet, CEO 1400 Sugar Grove Stafford, TX 77477 281-277-3006 www.strategicemployerservices.com Human Resource Services

Tate Moerer & King, LLP Richard Tate 206 South 2nd Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-0077 www.tate-law.com Attorney(s) at Law

TranSystems Corporation

Frank Cox, Senior Project Engineer 3200 SW Freeway, Ste. 1350 Houston, TX 77027 713-807-0600 www.transystems.com Engineering, Civil

Worldwide Oilfield Machine Revati Puranik, Executive Director Finance 11809 Canemont Houston, TX 77035 713-729-9200 www.womusa.com Oilfield Equipment

For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 jan@fortbendcc.org www.FortBendChamber.com

THE

FORT BEND INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT

Presented by the Fort Bend Chamber & the Katy Area Chamber

MARK YOUR CALENDAR... Friday, April 11, 2014 from 7:30am - 1:30pm Safari Texas Ranch.11627 FM 1464 Rd.Richmond,TX Title Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsors:

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING EVENT

EMAIL David Crowl

David@fortbendcc.org 281 . 491 . 2497

connections

MAIL Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478

FAX

ATTN: David Crowl 281 . 491 . 0112 Credit card only

New Advertising Opportunities with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Visit our newly launched website for more information.

www.FortBendChamber.com www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Business Journal H March 2014

Success is just around the bend 1 YEAR

Whataburger Jenny Pisio, 281-494-4298 Richmond Tire & Automotive Chris Shields, 281-342-8473 Photobooth Rentals of Houston Sean Wolfson, 832-642-5761

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Knile Center, LLC Betsy de Vega, 281-682-4573

ACE Endodontics Mauricio Ceballos, 281-491-0069

Lone Star Pet Lodges of Missouri City Walter Darr, 281-403-7700

Paychex, Inc. Nim Patel, 215-896-1555

9 YEARS

Jericho Foundation Repairs, Inc. Cindy Duffy, 713-772-7522 Barrett Health Centers Rick Barrett, 281-499-4810

4 YEARS

Bearden Management, Inc. Bill Hall, 281-568-4185 Johnny’s Custom Cabinets Johnny Guerrero, 281-498-8950 The Fort Bend Church Frances Jordan, 281-980-8322

Brazos Senior Villas Jela Henderson, 713-955-1155

Seniors Helping Seniors Michael Alexander, 281-261-8107

The Reserve at River Park West 281-232-3680

Edward Jones / Harrell Sandra Harrell, 281-261-2000

Fort Bend County District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott, 281-633-7632

Trustmark National Bank Jason Bray, 281-637-4000

All-Terra Engineering, Inc. Hugh Durlam, 713-574-2371

Sweetwater OBGYN Associates Shannon Crowe, 281-242-1400

2 YEARS

Texas Direct Auto Jessica DeMarr, 281-499-8200

Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center, P.A. Rajesh K. Bindal, 281-313-0031

The Medical Executives Ken Pratt, 713-432-7916 Seyfarth Shaw Linda Schoonmaker, 713-225-2300

ACHIEVE Fort Bend County Lucia Street, 281-340-1991

6 YEARS

Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency Debbie Richards, 713-779-8877

Gee Eye Care Kevin L. Gee, 281-778-9912

First Community Bank Sugar Creek Tim Stubenrouch, 281-242-2255

Best Western Sugar Land Inn Nick Bhakta, 281-232-0680

Stadia Sports Grill Randall Sjolander, 281-265-4889

Andreason Law Firm, PLLC Kurt Andreason, 281-265-1561

The Arc of Fort Bend County Laura LaVigne, 281-494-5959

Waterstone Place Apartments Marta Garcia, 281-261-7775

ProFound Staffing, Inc. Marie Mikelson, 713-568-1909

St. Michael’s Emergency Rooms Shannon Orsak, 281-980-4357

Nothing Bunt Cakes Thu “Twee” Pham, 281-491-2253

Telfair Life Nicki Raimondo, 281-207-6895

Mitton Media, Inc John Mitton, 281242-HIRE 4473

3 YEARS

Centurion Advisors Corp. Paul Jackson, 281-207-5485

7 YEARS

PCD Management, LLC Wende Lewis-Buckley, 281-276-6000

8 YEARS

Apollonia Dental, P.A. Isabel Vahedi, DDS, 281-565-4321

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

TRS Staffing Solutions Jeff Southworth, 281-263-3560 LoweryBank Alina Gonzalez, 281-263-1100 First Colony Aquatic & Rehabilitation Center Sean M. Hayes, 281-325-0188

Milestone Member 10 YEARS Linens by Lisa Lisa Anhaiser, 281-498-0021

Pebble Creek Ranch Karah Carrillo, 281-495-8746 Reserve at Woodbridge Karrah Karrillo, 281-494-2200 Fishers of Men Lutheran Church Jerry McNamara, 281-242-7711

11 YEARS

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Jimi D. Cagle, 281-313-8650

www.FortBendChamber.com

26 YEARS

Texas Oncology, PA Nancy Wells, 281-277-5200

Eyring, Leavitt and Draney, PLLC Bill Leavitt, 281-201-2877

Charlton’s Auto Sales and Body Repair Chuck Charlton, 281-499-1126

Links/Fort Bend County Chapter Jeanette Anderson, 281-980-1611

Wharton County Junior College Betty A. McCrohan, 979-532-6400

27 YEARS

Houston Federal Credit Union / Sugar Land Tracy Stabenow, 281-243-0500

17 YEARS

The Millis Group, Inc. Mark W. Millis, 281-343-1400

Exchange Club of Sugar Land Patrick Welsh, 281-242-0890

Texas State Technical College Chuck Abshier, 281-239-1549

Drury Inn & Suites - Sugar Land Rosielee Frank, 281-277-9700

12 YEARS

13 YEARS

HEB Food & Drugs Gary Olsen, 281-403-2172 Houston Community Bank - Fort Bend Claude Leatherwood, 281-343-7700

14 YEARS

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Amy Floyd, 281-276-9642 W.S.S. Tri-County Child Development Council, Inc Helen Wright, 281-239-3414 City of Rosenberg Robert Gracia, 832-595-3310 Sweet Tomatoes Connie Contreras, 281-240-1400 J. P. Impex, LLC. Ashok K. Bhagat, 281-303-5475

Milestone Member 15 YEARS RG Miller Engineers, Inc. Andrew Paderanga, 713-461-9600 City of Arcola Evelyn Jones, 281-431-0606

www.FortBendChamber.com

Vanguard Insurance Brokers Albert Glover, 713-779-7232

20/20 Eye Clinic & Optical Edward Chan, 281-277-6100

TeeRoo’s Private Label Beverages Mark Poley, 281-242-6444

18 YEARS

Pan Tech Engineering Corporation Terry Brooks, 281-240-1220

19 YEARS

University of Houston Sugar Land Angela Cowan, 281-275-3340

Milestone Member 20 YEARS

Fort Bend Republican Women’s Club Karen McCarter, 281-467-8039 Keller Williams Southwest Andi St. Jean, 281-265-0000

21 YEARS

Stephen De Young, MD Vianne De Young, 281-494-1314

AccessHealth Carol Edwards, 281-342-4530

Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council Jeffrey C. Wiley, 281-242-0000

28 YEARS

EPCO, Inc-Seminole Pipeline Ralph Winkler, 281-325-3200 Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital Sandy Seamans, 281-980-3737 KenWood & Associates, PC Kenneth J. Wood, 281-243-2300

32 YEARS

Will K. Blakemore, PC Will K. Blakemore, 281-240-2727

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

15 YEARS

Home Helpers Fort Bend Ronald Norsworthy, 281-207-5359

Milestone Member 35 YEARS Marshall J. Brown Company, Inc. Leah Malloy, 281-495-4800

36 YEARS

Sugar Creek Country Club Nicole Scarbrough, 281-494-9131

Milestone Member 40 YEARS

VCA SW Freeway Animal Hospital Harvey S. Brannen, Jr., 281-491-VETS

24 YEARS

NALCO Champion Nell Ciancarelli, 713-627-3303 Charter Title Company - Fort Bend Sharon Peterson, 281-242-1700

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

41 YEARS

CenterPoint Energy Dominic Robinson, 281-561-3201

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Ribbon Cuttings

PhysiciansERâ&#x201E;˘ 8910 Highway 6 South (Between Beechnut & Bissonnet) 281-258-6339 www.physicianser.net

hysiciansERâ&#x201E;˘ is a new freestanding emergency center now open 24 hours a day at 8910 Highway 6 South between Beechnut and Bissonnet. Licensed by the Texas Department of Health Services, the Center is owned and operated by Houston area physicians. With 11,000 sq. ft, the facility includes a comfortable environment and capabilities of a hospital ER without the wait.

On the average patients will be seen by a physician in 10 minutes or less. PhysiciansER has 11 exam rooms and diagnostic capabilities such as a CAT scanner, X-Ray, and in-house lab for pediatric, adult, and worker injury patients. Medications that may be needed in case of an emergency, including injections and I.V. therapy for pain or antibiotic treatment as well as breathing treatment medication, are available. Since emergencies such as sudden illness, chest pain, breathing problems, cuts and falls cannot be planned, PhysiciansER is inviting Fort Bend residents to stop in for a visit and quick tour. Additional information can be found at www. physicianser.net. PhysiciansER will also be a positive part of the community by supporting efforts related to overall health and safety.

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

Learning RX of Sugar Land 14015 SW Freeway, Suite 10 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-774-8382

Pitchfork Bar and Steakhouse 12914 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 281-494-1165

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Transamerica Agency Network 1 Sugar Creek Center Blvd. #320 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-4999

Get Your Business Ribbon Cutting Call Juliette Bloomer for more information at 281-566-2161 or email Juliette@fortbendcc.org

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Upcoming Chamber Event 17th ANNUAL LUNCHEON

INVESTMENT IN YOUTH LUNCHEON Wednesday, April 9, 2014 11:30am - 1:30pm Safari Texas Ranch | Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, The George Foundation, and Safari Texas Ranch invite you to join us in our special recognition of students from Calvary Episcopal College Prep, Fort Bend Christian Academy, Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Needville ISD, Katy ISD and Stafford MSD participating in the 17th annual Youth in Philanthropy program. Ticket proceeds, donations and all contributions benefit Youth in Philanthropy Scholarships to be awarded at the luncheon. We encourage your attendance at the luncheon to validate the importance of studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteer accomplishments.

Austin Bush Calvary Cinco Ranch Dulles Elkins Fort Bend Christian Academy Foster

YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

George Ranch Hightower Lamar Marshall Needville Ridge Point Stafford Terry Travis Willowridge

H M & N

HRBACEK MARTINEZ & NESTOR ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

SPECIAL FEATURES April 2014 H FORT BEND / KATY BUSINESS JOURNAL

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Fort Bend County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in the country. Make the readers aware of the Engineering and Construction services you can offer right here at home. There is no need to shop for professionals outside of Fort Bend County Texas!

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS In this growing county, along with the need for the professionals that design and create the buildings, there is a huge need for Real Estate Professionals to sell the properties. Put your real estate services in front of 11,000 business owners with one ad in the Business Journal.

EMERGENCY ROOMS AND URGENT CARE The medical services available in Fort Bend County are state of the art! Many new emergency and urgent care facilities have become available just within the last couple of years. Put your name in offices and homes throughout Fort Bend County by being featured in the April Business Journal.

AD SIZE 1/2 Pg. 7.25 x 4.75 Full Pg. 7.25 x 9.75 Spread 15.5 x 9.75

YOU GET A FREE STORY + PHOTO(S)

AD COST

200 word story + 1 Photo 300 word story + 2 Photos 400 word story + 2 Photos

795 $ 1,395 $ 2,385

Call your Marketing Consultant Today!

281-690-4200

Fort Bend/Katy

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for January 2014. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 476 Assumed Names for month of January. Elias Jose I K & V Painting Services & More 3211 Windemere Park Ln 77494

Rock Star U LLC The Cheerlead Interactive (+) 8603 Royal Retreat 77469

Bumpers Terri J (+) Sign Designs 2906 Ave I 77471

Visible Ventures LLC My Teacher’s Attic 5826 New Territory Blvd #327 77479

Razzano Michele (+) Galore Planning Houston 24410 Cobble Canyon Ln 77494

Gilmore Robert Jr Clearview Cleaning 7406 Castleview Ln 77489

Faraway Inc Elegment 4303 Hoatzin Ct 77459

Crofton Walter Jr Chosen Few Connections 7047 Mccullum Rd 77489

Visible Ventures LLC Azis 5826 New Territory Blvd #327 77479 Barry Richard (+) Creationworks Publishing 16438 Ember Hollow Ln 77498 Mdtempleton Inc Live 2 B Healthy Senior Fitness 1910 Foster Leaf Ln 774406 A F Esani Inc Diamonds & More Diamond Outlet 5000 Katy Mills Circle Ste 510 77494

Radzvilowicz James (+) Aggie Turf 16107 Kensington Dr #277 77479 Shuler Lamonica E.C. Training Company 1647 Cartwright Rd 77489

Anderson Arnold (+) Chosen Investors 8910 Emerald Heights Ln 77083 R&D Hennigan LLC (+) Bridgeway Tutorials 16602 Quiet Quail Dr 77489 Price Nicholas L (+) CCITS 24333 Cinco Terrace Dr #733 77494

Coats Jerica Childrens Place Academy 16315 Quail Park 77489

Tibbs Albert Roy Jr Theobold and Company Realty P O Box 17151 77496

Reiners Donna Mae (+) New Day Image 22706 Johndale Ct 77494

Robinson Keilt (+) Launch Athletics 20602 Dademount Ct 77407

Bowen Deborah (+) American Bowen Printing Co 15227 Ensenada Dr 77083

Phan Dung Thi Royale Retreat Nail Spa 4638 Highway 6 77478

Mccaulley Heidi (+) Belco Media 22107 Emerald Run Ln 77469

Hall Tasjah D Goldyn Applle 15000 W Airport #135 77498

Noel Siaha National Benefice Group 14206 Andrea Way Ln 77083

Dedear Donald Jr (+) Freeflood 4771 Sweetwater Blvd #225 77479

Greggs Freddie Freddie’s Antique’s Coins & Collectibles 1014 Main St 77581

Bosah Elizabeth Anene Mrs B’s Chin Chin 3914 Hollow Cove Ln 77469

Chen Hsiu (+) Steve’s Home Repair 4430 Topaz Trail Dr 77479

Willis Ashley (+) Houston Training Solutions 20115 Turtle Brook Ln 77407 Sarabia Jose M J & M Landscaping and Construction 3814 Marzia Ave 77545 El-Diraoui Douaa Dme Construction 25135 Clover Ranch Dr 77494 Idea Prints LLC Idea Prints 5901 HiLLCroft St 77036

Methvin Eric (+) Methvin Structural Design 26322 Richwood Oaks Dr 77494

Bashir Ali Quality Aircraft Maintenance 5914 Hollowbank Ln 77479

Hope Nhulien Allen Chad T (+) Spirit Alteration Ch Janitorial Services & Tailoring B2bu Fashions 11114 April Drive 77461 1660 S. Dairy Ashford Dr 77077 Sifuentes Allyson Jones Gwendolyn Shanti Warriors A Date With Your Space 1214 Colonial Heights Dr Loc 8787 Sienna Springs Blvd 77406 #721 Missouri City Meza Gabriel Hughes Idris Merchant Meza Upholstery Uae Music Group 2019 Ave M 77471 3118 Ann Arbor Ct 77478 U Itv S Ljy Schomburg Chrisitan F F --Vi I Schomburg Pools 903 Robinwood 77477 Siddiqui Rafatullah Texas Grill Express Ferrera Lopez Jorge 11920 S Highway 6 Ste 900 Again Transport 77498 7447 Marison Dr 77083 Lopez Joe Okorie Eunice M&L Waterproofing Caring Angels LLC & Contruction Co. 4243 Custer Creek Dr 77459 1109 Trenton 77469 Chnook Consulting Services Xpress Urgent Care Loc 10581 Hwy 6 S #103 Sugar Land Perkins Rodrick (+) The Place (+) Loc 1927 Marble Stone Ln Richmond Patton Audrey (+) Precise Consulting & Logistics 17424 W Grand Parkway S Ste 134 77479 Conrad Daniel W Rose-Rich Driving School 1912-D Avenue H 77471

Rivera Esteban A Rivera Nursery 9755 East Creekbend Dr 77461

Shannon Bobby Sunshine Landscaping P O Box 35948 77235-5948

Ezebuiro Prince Petrotech Services 19515 Stetson Heights Ln 77407

White Louisa (+) Louisa White Insurance 1126 San Jacinto 77471

Sheppard Theresa Covergirlz Hair Xtensions 3218 Woods Canyon 77459

Atlantic Furniture Distributions LLC Prime Teak & Wicker 16831 Whighams Place 77407

Brown Cottingham Kelli L Kelli’s Sweet Creations 2702 Valley Forest Dr 77489

Skoro Enterpises LLC Xmed Oxygen and Medical Equipment 203 S Ector Dr Ste A 76040

Hickerson Dejuan (+) Division One Barber and Beauty 19510 Keystone Falls Ct 77407

Black Ronald R (+) Path Trucking 2223 Mountshire Dr 77489

Levy Referral LLC Www.Stoptaxlevynow.Com 1539 S Mason #66B 77450 Santos Jose L Perfect Painting and More 203 Shiloh Drive 77469 Wyckoff Tarmera Renee Llw Clothing Co 17424 W Grand Pkwy #517 77479 Joe L Salvide LLC Joe L Salvide LLC 1041 Hagerson Road 77479 Obison Valentine Valcons Global Resources 14001 Fondren Rd Apt 829 77489 Gassama Haja Kaday Jenny Seven Shades Of Artistry 5826 New Territory #705 77479

Scott Yoshunda Elite Styles By, Yoshi 15315 Southwest Fwy 77478

Epitome Homecare Assistance, Inc Amazing Grace Health Services 2435 Creek Meadow Dr 77084

Conrad Delia G Dandee Things 1912-D Avenue H 77471

Faniel Chad (+) Airport 12310 Robin Meadow 77477

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

DBA(Assumed (AssumedNames) Names) DBA

Data Beat = More Names (+)(+) = More Names

Faniel Chad (+) Hair Guru 12310 Robin Meadow 77459

Mullins Pranee K Tavener Acres 1546 Pilcik Rd 77435

Rogers Tammi International Hair 7702 Bayou Green Ln 77479

Broussard Zina L Discrete Decor 6615 Flowermound Dr 77479

Trigo Roger (+) Action 1 A/C & Heating 2911 Pisces 77469

Broussard Zina L Discrete Dorm Decor 6615 Flowermound Dr 77479

Nelson Curtis Nelson Investments 13835 Templar Ln 77498

Archer Brian C4 Bug Systems 2810 Jordens Road 77084

Long Christopher M (+) Ct Properties 3350 Hwy 6 # 225 77478

Ibarra-Vazquez Jazmin L.V Electric and Plumbing 4423 Gassner Rd 77423

Olivares Antonio Olivares Quality Services 403 Hawkins 77037

Angelle Mary (+) Avn Company/Automation. Video. Network Co. 2234 Murphy Rd 77477

Vaculik Elizabeth Libby’s Quilting Creations 134 Camellia St 77478 Bolivar German Stonehill Enterprise Loc 1713 Village Court Dr Rosenberg Onega Michael Onega Tools Authorized Cornwell Dealer 16703 Rippling Mill Dr 77498

Maldonado Samuel A&S Partnership (+) P O Box 1801 77406 Gritczek Barbara Richter-Gritczek Gallery (+) 1827 Runaway Scrape Court 77406 Wireless Advocates LLC Wireless Advocates LLC 23645 Katy Freeway 77494

Sandoval Ariel Gustavo El 8 Negro Paint & Body Shop 10522 #B Belknap Rd 77498

Gonzalez Jose Adrian Jr Nacion Fitness 11902 Gardner Park Ln 77498

Cortez Kristalin G.P. Logistics 20418 Verde Canyon Dr 77450

Harrington Deron Deron Harrington 4 Fbisd 5777 Sienna Parkway Ste 400 77459

Marcos Silvano Fast Construction 10202 Club Creek #2107 77030 Tripp Robert Laurence Tejas Connections 2014 Echo Ridge 77478 Schlitzkus Sandy Sandy Jones Rmt 1923 Maple Dale Ln 77406

Bailey David D (+) Home Services and Investments 21138 Lilac Meadows Ln 77407 HBL Cruises Inc Cruise Guzs 10498 Fountain Lake Dr #113 77477

Burist Karen Outlaw Cycles Incorporated 3419 Bedford Forrest Ct 77459

Reid Devonna Exclusive Events 12919 Whittington Dr #1407 77077

Ramos Maria E (+) Maria Ramos Insurance Agency 2420 Ave C 77471

Smith Dorretta Blissful Caregivers, LLC 3903 Hawthorn Glen Ct 77545

Estrada Julian J’s Mobile Welding Service 3214 Indiana St 77545

Gryska Odore A (+) Two Men and A Truck 12703 Capricorn St Suite #900 77477

Asia Link Company Dynasty Company 7118 Adobe Meadows Ct 77479

Smith Eulin (+) Jdl Home Care Services 16743 Quail Park Dr 77489

Jones Devon Maximum Development and Construction 3947 Oak Plank Rd 77545

NM Associates Inc Oarsman Publishing 915 Goldfinch Ave 77478

Hernandez Nelson Megatron Trucking 15231 Lynford Crest Dr 77083

Diaz Carlos E Cm Pawn 6840 Hwy 6 Suite C 77459

6400Sh6 Storage LLC Locktite Storage Missouri City (+) 6400 Highway 6 77459

Garrett Estella The Place Of Grace (+) 15839 Baybriar Dr 77489 Copeland Rodney A Copeland’s Paint Restoration 20825 Sw Frwy 77479 Brooks Alonge (+) Die Hard Records 12903 Sugar Ridge Blvd #4303 77477 Nguyen Quynh (+) Serenity Company 867 Dulles Ave Se F 77477 A & Sq United LLC Rita’s Ice-Custard - Happiness 1226 Museum Square Suite #600 77478 Ghaem-Maghami Trina (+) Twinkle Twinkle Bling Bling Earrings 16906 Summer Hollow Dr 77498

Loya Antonio C Speedy Freight Broker 2322 Walnut Ridge Dr 77489 Baudoin Randy J Cajun Oaks Farm 10707 Hwy 79 West 75846 Porter Dean P Md (+) First Colony Optical 4977 Sweetwater Blvd 77479

PDS Solutions LLC PDS 1800 Austin Pkwy Apt 207 77479

Daniel George Jr Business Redesign Couriers 24427 Dartford Springs Ln 77494

Rare Roses Usa Lp University Plaza 11929 University Blvd 77479

DRM Medtec Solutions Inc (+) Gtd Medical 22826 Parkwalk Ln 77494

Amkay Corporation Ichiban Sushi & Tapioca 16200 Kensington Dr #300 77479

Williams Rita Tee’s Data Entry & Tax Services 2302 Walnut Ridge Dr 77489

Brust Curtis Wayne Curtis Brust Dc 501 N Sarah Deel #1612 77598

Prochazka Carlos E Equilibrium Home Services 3911 Stove Pipe 77479

Abet LLC Abet Inspections 1617 County Rd 244A 77422

Grand Parkway Business LLC Brite Touch Cleaners 8019 Grand Parkway Suite 1015 77407

Abet LLC Abet Termite and Pest Control 1617 County Road 244A 77422

Tata Ronald (+) Houston Tax Pro’s 17927 Golden Canyon Ln 77407

Salazar Santos Nery Straight Edge Cleaning Srvc 224 Collins Rd 77469

Hudson Insurance Group LLC Hudson Insurance Group, LLC. 5807 Crestview Cove 77469

Brooks Darryl (+) Transition Church P O Box 254 77406

Reyes Antonio Prestige Tree Service 19107 Rustic Stone Ct 77407

Ali Deborah All Peoples’ Funeral Home 5315 Fm 521 77583

Ventura Cloud LLC Ventura Information Systems 937 Eldridge Rd 77478

Ali Deborah The Peoples’ Mortuary 5315 F M 521 77583

Aljubair Ebtisam Abdullah A Bessa Interior Designers and Decorators 2020 Eldridge Pkwy #3904 77077

Brice Carol Cj Racing Snacks 3350 Hwy 6 So #214 77478

Jaynes Rose M Komar Jaynes Hay Account 106 Thompsons Oil Field Rd 77481

Shilloh Incorporated Shilloh Medical Transportation 8806 Sunrise Terrace Ln 77407

Stadler Jenny G Jenny G. Stadler, Ph D 101 Southwestern Blvd #109 77478

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Johnson Barbara R Barbee J Cleaning Services 16110 Rapidcreek Dr 77053 Lewis Clarence D (+) Mint Trucking 811 Derby Lane 77489 Shilloh Incorporated (+) Shilloh Medical Transportation 8806 Sunrise Terrace Ln 77407 4660 Sweetwater Professional Centre Partners LP Sweetwater Professional Centre 4660 Sweetwater Blvd Suite 300 - 77479 Hubbard Yvonne Christanity Financial Services 2601 Cartwright Rd Ste D #131 77459 Robinson Shelia (+) Sweet Cookie Drops 4806 Crestmill Lane 77545

Data Beat

DBA (Assumed Names) February 2014 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

(+) = More Names

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 monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current 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. County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

Percent Change

2014 Payments To Date

2013 Payments To Date

Percent Change

Arcola Beasley Fulshear Kendleton Meadows Place Missouri City Needville Orchard Pleak Richmond Rosenberg Simonton Stafford Sugar Land Thompsons

41,796.16 9,991.69 105,306.57 1,259.85 118,855.78 843,036.59 48,275.80 5,628.42 5,438.29 474,426.77 1,806,237.92 9,229.07 1,593,701.87 5,695,894.78 2,981.22

41,642.41 6,714.64 72,180.47 688.14 108,345.94 769,126.10 40,925.58 4,013.17 4,768.26 96,025.98 1,423,767.61 14,146.73 1,438,797.70 5,066,630.69 0.00

0.36% 48.80% 45.89% 83.08% 9.70% 9.60% 17.95% 40.24% 14.05% 394.06% 26.86% -34.76% 10.76% 12.41% U/C

81,025.63 20,523.04 170,610.21 2,249.71 194,278.38 1,417,907.23 80,511.51 9,477.23 9,562.56 823,989.63 3,046,070.11 19,849.39 2,780,960.11 9,564,423.20 3,757.55

82,891.59 16,575.91 127,884.72 1,546.08 188,458.70 1,297,668.35 72,831.46 7,759.26 8,153.24 434,111.47 2,380,560.61 26,496.49 2,688,714.63 8,288,431.08 0.00

-2.25% 23.81% 33.40% 45.51% 3.08% 9.26% 10.54% 22.14% 17.28% 89.81% 27.95% -25.08% 3.43% 15.39% U/C

COUNTY TOTAL 10,762,060.78

9,087,773.42

18.42%

18,225,195.49

15,622,083.59

16.66%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - February 2014 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state. City

Houston San Antonio Dallas Austin Fort Worth Arlington El Paso Corpus Christi Plano Amarillo Round Rock McAllen Frisco Lubbock Midland Irving Sugar Land Laredo Tyler Grand Prairie

Net Payment This Period

67,016,158.07 32,291,722.63 26,427,421.21 18,482,877.36 13,416,181.08 9,417,364.28 8,674,190.83 8,354,927.17 8,853,590.11 7,798,488.70 6,591,104.33 7,719,969.30 6,986,288.44 6,899,223.45 6,540,295.98 6,301,778.66 5,695,894.78 4,520,468.71 4,871,480.97 4,493,936.30

Comp Payment Prior Year

61,454,961.42 26,280,722.08 25,062,547.53 17,523,318.40 12,487,637.34 9,430,906.76 8,503,364.99 7,631,550.48 7,841,240.20 7,407,538.28 6,528,898.68 7,438,677.40 6,547,330.73 6,593,150.56 6,009,611.67 6,169,875.60 5,066,630.69 4,310,206.40 3,953,117.15 4,382,053.24

% Change To Date

9.04% 22.87% 5.44% 5.47% 7.43% -0.14% 2.00% 9.47% 12.91% 5.27% 0.95% 3.78% 6.70% 4.64% 8.83% 2.13% 12.41% 4.87% 23.23% 2.55%

2013 Payments To Date

115,003,203.92 55,182,500.18 45,228,973.74 33,030,640.15 22,621,964.48 15,825,942.77 15,035,572.31 14,606,530.40 14,362,911.85 13,281,176.36 12,908,475.79 12,821,214.48 11,875,782.21 11,404,003.49 11,334,615.03 9,975,131.27 9,564,423.20 7,884,301.73 7,821,217.19 7,679,671.11

March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2012 Payments Change

106,337,090.32 44,669,040.45 41,963,977.56 30,069,883.60 20,755,616.18 15,548,858.48 14,551,923.02 13,128,841.22 12,378,748.23 12,578,285.17 12,426,930.24 12,633,714.13 10,594,475.19 11,040,473.29 10,446,131.80 9,510,365.24 8,288,431.08 7,480,766.35 6,687,221.08 7,643,369.93

Percent

8.14% 23.53% 7.78% 9.84% 8.99% 1.78% 3.32% 11.25% 16.02% 5.58% 3.87% 1.48% 12.09% 3.29% 8.50% 4.88% 15.39% 5.39% 16.95% 0.47%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY

953 Pheasant Valley Dr 2207 Texas Pkwy 6200 Hwy 6 5754 Hwy 6 5 13513 100 S Gessner Rd 4729 Hwy 6 13721 S Gessner Rd 200 10401 S Sam Houston Pkwy S

Commercial New Commercial Remodel Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$270,500 $90,000 $1,400,000 $225,000 $150,000 $48,000 $340,000 $399,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

01/01/14-01/31/14

$3,100,000

503 FM 2977 #2 2510 B F Terry Blvd 5302 FM 1640

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$100,000 $1,000,000 $1,200,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

01/01/14-01/31/14

$2,200,100

13715 Murphy Road 13340 Pike Road 13843 North Promenade Boulevard 12220 Murphy Road 13330 Pike Road

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$42,000 $44,000 $1,200,000 $37,000 $250,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

01/01/14-01/31/14

$1,632,750

13425 University Blvd Ste 700 13425 University Blvd Ste 200 520 State Hwy 6 Ste 300 17003 Southwest Fwy Ste 300 1226 Museum Square Dr Ste 558 108 Telfair Central Blvd 1601 Industrial Blvd Ste 200 1110 Lakeview Dr 7616 Branford Pl 320 State Hwy 6 1210 Museum Square Dr 8034 US Hwy 90A 945 Eldridge Rd 345 State Hwy 6 2277 Plaza Dr Ste 400 1600 State Hwy Ste 260 1415 State Hwy 6 Bldg D-400 3618 State Hwy 6 130 Industrial Blvd Ste 200 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 500 1600 State Hwy 6 Ste 360 820 Park Two Dr 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 70 14141 Southwest Fwy Ste C600 9920 US Hwy 90A Ste 150C 3527 State Hwy 6 Ste 190 One Fluor Daniel Dr Bldg A

Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel

$73,500 $47,000 $173,153 $113,480 $45,000 $300,000 $500,797 $2,343,887 $4,000,000 $480,000 $1,984,415 $68,000 $75,310 $348,000 $42,806 $48,000 $43,500 $49,000 $567,775 $75,000 $65,000 $500,000 $205,000 $68,140 $417,605 $49,060 $756,357

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

01/01/14-01/31/14

$14,004,828

Yeh David/Millis development & Const Restaurant Units Corp Winborne R & C Frost Ranch Investors LP/Sundance Construction Corvus Construction Q Nails & Spa/Pinnacle Construction Industries E E Reed CConstruction, LP Arch-Con Corporation

ROSENBERG

Taco Cafe/Designed with Flair LLC FMC Dialysis/Wier Enterprises Stripes Convenience Store/Suntech Building Systems Inc.

STAFFORD

Sunny Chang Stafford Business Park Ltd/Clay Development The EADS Company/Smith Commercial Contracting Chrissy Nguyen/Isidro Paez Drywall TRI Tool Inc/SBPDevelopment V. LTD/Clay Development

SUGAR LAND

NNP-Telfair, LP/TX Design & Construction LLC NNP-Telfair, LP/TX Design & Construction LLC Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Med Tech Construction Turnbow Design, Inc NNP-Telfair, LP/TJ Builders NNP-Telfair, LP, Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC Realco Texas 001 LLC/Newport Construction Bobby English/New York Real Estate Inc Ft. Bend LID #17/American Commercial Contractors Hwy 6 & 90 LTD/Arrowmont Constructors The Construction Corporation KO-AM Investment, Inc/PL Construction Inc Sugar Mill Plaza/JR D Construction Wal-Mart Real Estate Business/Sheek Builders LLC Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’Donnell/Snider Construction KBS Offices at Kensington, LLC/Cannon Enterprises, Inc Davita First Colony Dialysis/Eyezcom Construction Atlantic Building Consultants 130 Industrial, LP/Sundance Construction Co (GC) NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Cannon Enterprises, Inc KBS Offices at Kensington, LLC/Cannon Enterprises, Inc Fort Bend Baptist Academy/Star Tex Construction Mgmt First Colony Mall, LLC/Sajo Inc DBA Montreal Sajo Inc Houston Sugar Creek, LLC/Turner Construction Company Dallas Mini No 46, LTD/Professional Construction Srvs Market at First Colony Partner/Hon & Ping Remodeling Lakepointe Assets, LLC/Hammonds Construction LLC

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Advertising Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Fort Bend Focus 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions. Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper. Alterations & Tailoring

SERVICE DIRECTORY

LIZ’S TAILOR and ALTERATIONS 281-242-3193 www.lizstailor.com 3626 Highway 6 South (In the Luby’s/Big Lots Shopping Center) Sugar Land, TX 77478 Our Alterations Service for Ladies and Gentlemen include: Full resizing of your dress or prom to make a perfect fit; hem pants & jeans, taper in and out; shorten jacket sleeves and zipper changes. We fix your clothes at affordable prices. We offer professional tailoring. We will make your clothes from a catalog or pattern. For one-day or immediate service, please call Liz at 281-242-3193. We offer free estimates or visit us at www.lizstailor.com or email us at liz@lizstailor.com.

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz AutoCentral@verizon.net. 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair. ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Monday-Friday 7-6pm. Saturdays by Appt. only. Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, 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 P - 281-980-4440 F - 281-261-0048 www.colonyoneauto.com Are you tired of searching for a AAA approved auto repair center? Colony One Auto Center is a familyowned and operated business, having serviced more than 210,000 vehicles since 1991. The BBB has rated Colony One Auto Center its highest score, capturing an A+ rating. Angie’s List has designated Colony One Auto Center its highest rating as a “Super Service Provider,” also garnering an A+ rating. Colony One Auto Center has a complete state-of-the-art automotive repair and maintenance facility. Your search is finally over. Bring your vehicle to Rod Tate at 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, 77477. First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig 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 The State Bank of Texas 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747. Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! Economic Development The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org 281-396-2200 The Katy Area conomic Development Council (Katy Area EDC, a 501 (c) 6 non-profit corporation, is a full service economic development corporation representing the Katy ISD area (Katy Area). Katy Area EDC : recruits new businesses, helps retain and expand existing businesses, helps create new businesses, facilitates the construction of business infrastructure and helps improve the quality of place and quality of life of the Katy Area. Catering Salata www.salata.com Salata is a fresh and unique way to eat healthy and create your own freshly prepared hand tossed salad or salad wrap. Offering over 50 toppings of fruits and vegetables with the option to add chicken or seafood. Salata’s Signature Dressings, Soups and Sauces are March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

made in house and are Gluten Free. We cater and deliver for any occasion including business meetings or training sessions. In a hurry? Go to Salata.com and we’ll have your order prepared and ready to go. We are conveniently located across from the Marriott and in the corridor of the Coca-Cola/ Minute Maid building. For catering service contact Vilma (cell) 832-2795323, Fax: 832-886-4591, Email: Sugarland@salata. com. Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459. Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. 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. Dialysis Stafford Dialysis 281-568-9911 www.StaffordDialysis.com 12220 Murphy Road, Stafford, Texas 77477 Quality Care for A Quality Life. Stafford Dialysis promotes the highest quality care and treatment for patients with chronic renal disease. State of the Art technology and certified professionals provide patients the highest ethical standards and education related to kidney failure. Certified through Private Insurance, Medicare and the Texas Department of Health, you can trust your care to Stafford Dialysis.

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 13230 Murphy Road, Suite 400, Stafford, TX 77477.

Foundations / Sprinklers Root Wall Pro 832.776.2338 www.RootWallPro.com 3346 East T.C. Jester D-47, Houston, TX 77018. Stop! Before you uproot your mature trees as the solution to your foundation issues, call us! Simply adding peers to a faulty foundation is a misguided, incomplete solution when trees are also a part of the puzzle. One needs to also address mature tree roots. We can handle any size job in solving deep root foundation structure issues. Adding a deep root watering systems to your sprinkler system or any Root Wall Pro foundation watering system is crucial. With more than 20 years experience, Root Wall Pro offers the perfect solution to faulty foundations with our perfected barrier system and root watering system. Keep your mature trees (at a distance from your home) that add value to often your biggest investments--your home and business. Root Wall Pro is endorsed by Randy Lemmon and other local engineers. We also offer financing. We’ll alleviate your worries and give you the solution you need. Call us. You won’t be disappointed and will see the results quickly! Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. 281-494-1164 Scooters by CBC 281-494-3454 Fax 281-494-1189 www.cbcgolfcarts.com; www.mobilityscooters.com chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar). CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals (daily, monthly or yearly) and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Merits and Pride Mobility products. We rent all sizes of golf carts from 2-8 seaters and also shortand long-cargo boxes. Glass Block/Showers/Windows South Texas Glass Block 281-355-8882 www. stglassblock.com We offer complete glass block solutions, providing excellent service and product to all of our customers. We have been in business since 1995, serving the entire Houston and surrounding areas. Our excellent workmanship is unmatched both in the commercial and residential arena. No job is too big for South Texas Glass Block.

Home Health Care Texas State Healthcare & Hospice Care 281-208-4344 or 979-323-7099 www.txstatehealthcare.com What 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” Home Inspection Services Armadillo Home Inspection Services 281-342-9955 Stan Snyder Licensed Professional Inspector TREC # 5285 inspectorstan@sbcgloal.net “A Home Inspection Saves You $$$!”

Ice Cream Specialties Southern Ice Cream 281-499-9837 www.SouthernIceCreamTX.com Great for all occasions! Reward your employees, clients or families. Serve delicious ice cream specialties from Southern Ice Cream in Stafford, Texas. Do you have a special fundraising project or marketing project on your mind? Schedule a push cart, ice cream truck or vintage ‘Original Good Humor’ truck to deliver these speciality deserts. Southern Ice Cream prides itself on personalized service delivering frozen treats efficiently to cool down even the hottest Houston days! It’s easy to book this unique and rewarding ice cream experience, just visit www.SouthernIceCreamTX.com or call Michelle at 281-499-9837.

Insurance Agencies Prince Benefits Group 281-325-0384 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Insurance Agency, that works with individuals & companies to purchase health, dental, vision, life & 401K. We represent Aetna, BCBS, United Healthcare, Guardian, Humana, Principal and many others. Don’t pay a 2014 TAX Penalty for being uninsured due to the new Healthcare Reform laws. Call us for affordable credible coverage. Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay 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. 281-3415060, Fax 281-341-5558.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300 Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

Jewelers Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net We are a full-service jewelry store in your neighborhood. We offer diamonds, gold and silver jewelry and watches. Repairs are done on our premises. Custom design is our specialty. We offer front door parking for your convenience. Our hours are M-F from 10:00-6:00 pm and again on Sat from 10:00-4:00 pm. We are located at 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, 77406. Come see our fabulous inventory! Live Music musicSource, Inc. 281-242-3049 281-204-7716 - Cell ramusica@windstream.net Set the mood with LIVE MUSIC at your next event. Vince Ramos and The Continental Combo will provide music for your Gala Event or a casual Oldies Party. One Man Band to 8 pc. MusicSource, Inc. will provide Acoustic Music and any genre including Rock-n-Roll, C&W, Jazz, Dixieland and Holiday Music. European and Hispanic International Theme Music? Luau, Pool Party, Margarita Party....... etc. Let’s have Fun. Give us a call. Outdoor events? No problem, we have portable power. Call or e-mail Vince Ramos 281-242-3049 ramusica@wndstream.net.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

281-208-8681. 2011 CMUS Power Award Winner – Internet Customer Service Award. Beautiful Flowers for all occasions, Weddings, Events, Funerals, Plants, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets. Member of the Better Business Bureau and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Mention the Fort Bend Business Journal for a special discount.

Magazine Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to reach the vital Fort Bend County business community. Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 Focus on Women - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions. Nature’s Pest Control Nature’s Own Pest And Lawn Service 281-656-2847 www.naturesownpestcontrol.org 18035 W. Little York Rd. Ste. F, Katy, TX 77449. Using an exterminator that will practice the safest and most natural techniques for pest control can be reassuring and December be the only consideration for those who are determined to live green in every way. Natural pest control with the best guarantee in the business. At Nature’s Own, we will eradicate your bugs and make your home bug free once again. Don’t lose any sleep over these pesky bugs. Call continued, on page 46

Nature’s Own today. Mention Fort Bend Business Journal and receive a special discount. Newspaper Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper. Open MRI Upright MRI of Sugar Land 281-494-0505 www.mri911.com CLAUSTROPHOBIC? 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

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases. The office has a large selection of fashion frames.

Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088. Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.houstonvaccines.com houstonvaccines@gmail.com. 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 onsite clinics available for churches and corporations. We are now in network with Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Printers / Graphics Star Printing - 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We professionally design and print flyers, postcards, brochures, magazines, newspapers and catalogs in high-quality digital graphics. Real Estate / Residential Angie Snyder 281-787-8718 Office: 281-265-5533 X 1282

Hall of Fame, ABR, BROR, GRI, SRES RE/MAX Fine Properties. Angie@HoustonHomeSales.net Celebrating 20 years in Real Estate Home Staging Specialists!

Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 & State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment and Tenant Representation, 25 years experience in Fort Bend. Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tomw@johnsondev.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxurious waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979. Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements - 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 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 March 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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 5,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. Tree Removal / Stump Grinding / Professional Pruning and Tree Feeding R. H. Tree Service - 832-277-6947 Tree removal, stump grinding, pruning and tree feeding are procedure specific and the result can be cost prohibitive when hiring a service that does only “surface” work and lacks proper expertise. With 20 years of experience, you can count on our consistent, reputable and professional crew. We are both insured and have excellent references. We handle all commercial and residential tree services, tree removal (no matter its height), proper procedural stump grinding, professional tree pruning and we have the experience and knowledge how to feed your trees that are undernourished or at a distressed level. Call the professional crew that you can count on! No job is too big or too small. Video Services Star Digital Studios 281-690-4280 www.starvideoproductions.com A full service video production studio providing all phases of video production including professional writing, videography, editing, DVD duplication, distribution; also video deposition services to the legal community. For video needed for a TV commercial, website posting, employee training, promotional DVDs, special presentations, coverage of live events/ trade shows, or corporate videos, give us a call. If you are interested in something you do not see on our website, let us know and we’re ready to accommodate your needs! Water Softening and Purification Systems RS Water Service 281-416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com info@rswaterservice.com R & S Water Service is a Full Service Licensed Water Treatment Company. We offer Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting Water Softeners. We are 30%-50% less expensive than other water softening companies and we offer the best customer service even after the sale! Sales, Service and Installation of Water Softeners, No Salt Conditioners, Reverse Osmosis Systems, Well Water Systems, Ambassador II Chem-Free Iron Filter Systems and Chloramine Removal Systems. We also can test and repair Back Flow devices. For other services or any questions please contact us. 281-4169353 or info@rswaterservice.com. **List with the BBB. **Licensed members of the TWQA Texas Water Quality Association.

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE 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.

Bombay Palace Do you want to savor some of the best Indian food in all of Fort Bend, surrounded by elegant furnishings, a Bombay majestic mahogany full-service bar and soothing Palace background music? You can also book your very own private wine room that seats up to 14. Bombay Palace offers fine dining at affordable prices. Savor two of their finest dishes: Rack of Lamb that is skillfully marinated with ginger, garlic and our secret spices or the fabulous Chilean Sea Bass that is topped with a garlic spinach. Both dishes are served for under $20. Bombay Palace is open seven days a week for lunch: M-F – 11:00-2:00 and on Saturday-Sunday – 11:30-3:00; and then again for dinner every day from 5:30-10:00. On Saturday and Sunday, come in and enjoy either the delicious Tawa Special or Chat Corner. We cater for any sized party! Book your holiday party now. We promise you won’t be disappointed! 15295 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, 281.325.0071, www.bombaypalacesugarland.com. $$ • FB Cafe India Come enjoy the best Indian food in Fort Bend County! Sultan Momin is not only the friendly owner but also one of the experienced chefs in this quiet, very clean familyowned restaurant. Cafe India offers an excellent, fresh lunch buffet selection from 11:00-2:45 every day (except closed on Tuesday). From Monday-Thursday, come in and have an a-la-carte dinner and then enjoy a free dessert! Cafe India has not only received excellent reviews but is affordable and specializes in catering for any event. There is no better Tandoori Chicken, flavorable vegetable samosas, lamb dishes or biryani in town! Cafe India offers an excellent meal selection for two or four people. Cafe India is also open for dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:00-9:30 p.m., and then on Friday and Saturday from 5:00-10:00 p.m. Affordable, fresh, authentic Indian food while also offering wine and beer in a relaxed atmosphere. Cafe India is located at 2319 Williams Trace, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Call 281-565-5881 or visit www.cafe-india-restaurant.com. $ • WB Hoggs n’ Chicks At Hoggs & Chicks, we have a casual atmosphere for everyone’s dining pleasure. We serve a delicious and original French/Southern influenced cuisine that

satisfies those with ‘Small Bites’ to those with a Larger Appetite. As we like to say; “Southern Fried with a French Twist” – Frédéric Perrier (chef)! Hours MondayThursday 11:00am – 8:30pm, Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am – 9:00pm, Sunday 10:30am – 8:00pm. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:30 – 2:00pm. We now have Shakes, Smoothies, and Frozen Lemonades. 8817 Highway 6, Suite 900, Missouri City, Texas 77459. 281-778-4644. Visit us online at www.hoggsnchicks.com/. $$ Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB QQ China Cafe QQ China Cafe, a family owned Restaurant, has been serving a variety of oriental cuisines for over 3 years, Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, and Mongolian. Only 100% vegetable oil is used and you will never find MSG. Located between Sienna Pkwy. and Fort Bend Pkwy. on Highway 6 in Missouri City., QQ China Cafe is open 7 days a week. Visit for a quiet, quaint, enjoyable lunch or dinner and take out is always available. Sunday - Thursday, 11AM - 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 11Am - 10:30PM, 10330 Hwy. 6 #G Missouri City, TX . 77459. Call 281-431-7777 or 281-431-7773. www.QQchina.webs.com $ Veritas Steak & Seafood The Rios family invites you to come and experience a superb quality cuisine and impeccable service combined with an elegant and warm ambiance at Veritas Steak & Seafood. Join them for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring USDA certified prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads and an outstanding wine selection. They are open for both lunch and dinner Monday – Thursday 11:00 – 10:00 pm, Friday 11:00 – 11:00 pm, Saturday 4:00 – 11:00 pm, and closed on Sunday. Partake in their happy hour specials from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday – Saturday. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 500, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www. VeritasSteakandSeafood.com. $$ • FB

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H March 2014

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the premier steakhouse in Fort Bend. Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Private dining and catering is available. Tradico would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm and Sun 123pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com. $S • FB

Salata Salata is a fresh and unique way to eat healthy and create your own freshly prepared hand tossed salad or salad wrap. Offering over 50 toppings of fruits and vegetables with the option to add chicken or seafood. Salata’s Signature Dressings, Soups and Sauces are made in house and are Gluten Free. We cater and deliver for any occasion including business meetings or training sessions. In a hurry? Go to Salata.com and we’ll have your order prepared and ready to go. We are conveniently located across from the Marriott and in the corridor of the Coca-Cola/ Minute Maid building. We are attached to Lone Star parking garage with FREE parking. For catering service contact Vilma (cell) 832279-5323, Fax: 832-886-4591, Email: Sugarland@salata.com. $

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