May 2012 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 30 • No. 5

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

May 2012

Experience Matters to Memorial Hermann Southwest Surgical Patients Kimberly Evans, M.D., Steven Maislos, M.D., Nelson Uzquiano, M.D., David Galvan, M.D., Zvi Schiffman, M.D., Nancy Magsino, M.D., Tom Nguyen, M.D., and Kevin Nickell, M.D., all utilize the da Vinci® Si Surgical System to perform minimally invasive procedures at Memorial Hermann Southwest.

(Larry Pullen Photography)

INSIDE FEATURE / STORIES

Fort Bend’s Rising Stars Window With A View Levees Are Up, The Feds are Coming - May 9 & 10 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

May brings elections, community planning and celebrations

M

ay is a month for elections, community planning and celebrations, so research and call all of the candidates and finalize your choices, participate in improving your community for the near future expected growth and celebrate with the many university and high school graduates who are preparing to take their first steps into the business world.

It’s a proven factor: States with low tax rates experience high job creation. I’ve heard it said that even in our global economy, a state’s stiffest and most direct competition often comes from other states. As examples look at the film, automotive, oil and gas, and chemical industries. We need to all work at creating a safe and stable environment for businesses to grow and expand. And speaking about future growth, let’s take a look at the future of our Gulf Coast.

Calling it People, Places and Prosperity, the Houston Galveston Regional Plan is about us. The Houston Galveston Area Council recently became the recipient of a $3.75 million grant to develop a regional plan for sustainability. It includes each and everyone of us, as well as, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Galveston, Liberty, Harris, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties in preparation of the expected growth by 2040 and the six million people who presently call themselves our neighbors.

Included among the topics are clean air and water, housing, transportation, infrastructure, the environment, economic development, education, job training, safe and attractive neighborhoods, and open spaces and parks. The two-year project has just begun so to participate take a

2

The Editorial Advisory Board Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

look at www.ourregion.org or www. ideas.ourregion.org. Public involvement is important.

All this sunny weather and seasonal rainfall brings us to the opening of the Richmond Farmer’s Market. Set for May 25 and continuing every Wednesday and Friday, the market will be located at 90A and Second with public parking available on Third Street. Don’t forget you have choices now. Imperial Farmer’s Market in Sugar Land is open every Saturday. Here’s to local product and wellness!

I recently heard, “You don’t get the government you pay for. You get the government you elect.” So don’t forget to use your privilege to vote this month in school board, city and national elections.

Check your local newspapers for locations and dates.

This month the Journal highlights Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and their 35 years of experience and continuous service to the community.

Be sure to catch up on their many latest high-quality care and high-tech surgical accomplishments. We also highlight our Fort Bend’s Rising Stars the top young, movers and shakers in Fort Bend County.

Thank you for all the nominations you sent us.

Enjoy the entire month - from Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day and including Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and whatever other holiday you may support.

Next month summer begins.

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

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

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Contact:

Keep the cash registers ringing.

Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com

Sharon K. Wallingford

Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com 281.690.4204

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Weichert Realtors Wayne Murray

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CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story Experience Matters to Memorial Hermann Southwest Surgical Patients

Volume 30 • Number 5 • May 2012 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

pg.

24

Special Features

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

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

Fort Bend’s Rising Stars............................................................. 16

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford

Inside Stories

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl

Levees Up, Feds Coming............................................................. 10

MARKETING

Stollesis Named County Engineer.............................................. 28

CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas

TxDot Says Drive Smart................................................................ 38

Ann Sturrock

Title Change: State Law Requires 30 Days.............................. 39 Texas Green Electronic Recycling Opens in Stafford............ 40

Monthly Columns

Diane Strehl

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

Alan Sandersen

Leland Irwin

Tax Smart

Law and Business

Discusses Transfer Of Winning Lottery Ticket To S Crop Creates Unlucky Gift Tax....... 9

Discusses Home Property Rights Upheld By The Texas Supreme Court.............. 13

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

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Commercial Real Estate Discusses Window With A View ..................... 11

Monthly Departments Names in the News................................................................................................. 28 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................29-36 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................38-39 Data Beat...........................................................................................................42-43 Service Directory...............................................................................................44-46 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide............................................46-47

4

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

ON THE COVER Experience Matters to Memorial Hermann Southwest Surgical Patients

©2012 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Transfer of winning lottery ticket to S corp creates unlucky gift tax A lottery winner recently tried to get lucky twice with a failed maneuver around the IRS. It all started when an Alabama waitress received the lottery ticket as a regular tip from a particular patron and then won big. Her first challenge was to avoid the patron’s recollection of his original intentions, along with avoiding claims of her co-workers who had developed a theory of a sharing agreement. After protracted litigation, the state courts ruled in her favor.

During that time, however, she took steps to spread some of her new-found wealth around to family members, assuming at the time that she would ultimately win in state court. She formed an S Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code with herself as the president and several family members listed as shareholders. What she didn’t count on that maneuver accomplishing was the IRS issuing a deficiency notice for $771,000 to her for gift tax she now owed.

Moral of the Story: Some Deeds go Partially Punished While the court found for the IRS, the taxpayer was not totally out of luck. At the time the gift was made to the S Corp, there was still that competing and yet un-resolved claim to the lottery prize made by the coworkers. A hypothetical buyer would not have paid full value for the ticket given the uncertainties surrounding the possibility of collecting at the time of transfer. The tax court discounted the ticket value which reduced the $2,4 million gift value to $1.1 million.

This illustrates the importance of seeking good advance professional advice (tax as well as legal) to avoid unintended consequences later.

Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-2423232. www.sktx.com. H

There was no dispute as to the applicable income tax liability.

You Can’t Have it Both Ways The Tax Court eventually determined that the taxpayer’s transfer of a winning lottery ticket to a family-controlled S Corp was a gift. The court found there was no enforceable contract among family members to transfer the lottery ticket to the S Corp.

A transfer of property to a corporation for less than adequate consideration represents gifts to the other individual shareholders of the corporation to the extent of their proportionate interests. The court did not buy the taxpayer’s argument that there was no gift because a family contract required transfer of the ticket and determined that there was no pooling of money, no predetermined sharing percentages, and no implied partnership. At most, the family had an unenforceable “agreement to agree” similar to that of the now unhappy co-workers.

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www.colliers.com/markets/sugarland May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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The levees are up; the feds are coming- May 9 & 10

F

ort Bend County will receive a group of long awaited visitors May 9 and 10. FEMA representatives are coming. May 9 is on the calendar as an all day field trip to show them the levees in the Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area. On May 10 at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel a more formal public meeting will open up the dialogue to levee related issues across the state.

The invite is the product of discussions that began last year when counties and cities such as Fort Bend flagged the issue and protested rising costs in federal flood insurance and additional changes to the 100-Year Flood Plan maps. As a result of those protests the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requested the National Academy of Science (NAS), established in 1863 and rests under the umbrella of The National Academies, to study FEMA policies regarding levees in America. NAS accepted and will

provide advice on how levee-related policies within the National Flood Insurance Program can be improved.

Completion is expected in 2012.

So as the National Research Council’s Water Science and Technology Board conducts a review of its treatment of levees within the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and provides how these levees-related policies and activities can be improved, the study conducted in five visits across America will mainly address how levees are considered concerning risk analysis, flood insurance, risk reduction, and risk communication, states Andre McDonald, Sugar Land resident and NAS member. The study and report will examine the efficacy of practices and policies, and analyze options for improving FEMA’s treatment of levees within the National Flood Insurance Program. It may offer recommendations to improve technical aspects of these practices but will not offer specific policy recommendations. As this

committee continues to meet four or five times over a 20-month period to acquire information, visit relevant sites, deliberate on issues, and develop its report, the committee hopes the study will seek to build upon relevant findings from NRC reports such as Flood Risk Management and the American River Basin: An Evaluation (1995), Improving American River Flood Frequency Analysis (1999), and Risk Analysis and Uncertainty in Flood Damage Reduction Studies (2000), and A Levee Policy for the National Flood Insurance Program (1982).

The committee is interested in hearing the local and regional perspectives on the NFIP and unique local conditions that make setting uniform national policy difficult. Thus, the goals of this meeting are to learn about levees in Fort Bend County, and the Houston and greater Texas area and how parties at the local, state, and regional level grapple with issues relevant to the statement of task, says McDonald.

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R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Window with a view It’s six-thirty on a late Friday afternoon in April in Sugar Land. Sugar Land Town Square is beginning to come to life. From my office window, I can see that the sidewalks are filling up and that most of the restaurant patios are already nearing capacity. What recession? This is a very different view than the one from the same window three to four years ago.

Although only a micro barometer of the economic climate in the area, this afternoon’s activity in Town Square mirrors what I have been seeing in the local commercial real estate market. Our activity pipeline is as full as it has been in quite a while. Investors are beginning to buy again, companies are starting to expand, and, more importantly, lenders are lending again. For the first time since before the recession, we are receiving calls from lenders requesting times to come in to show us loan packages that they have available for our clients. One

aggressive local lender has even been plying our office with weekly donut deliveries (you know who you are – and it is working!) This was unheard of a few years ago. Most local banks all but froze their commercial lending, and the ones that did have funds available did very little to pursue new opportunities.

I have written these business journal articles for a number of years and I admit to being somewhat of a Fort Bend “homer”. It was difficult not to be, with the robust economic activity that Fort Bend experienced in the decade leading up to the 2007/2008 collapse. Much of that activity was “developer” or “investor” activity. In other words, it was due to the activity of investors and developers purchasing land and then building shopping centers, office buildings and warehouse projects to lease speculatively. That is not the case today.

There is almost no speculative development

occurring. We are now seeing a growing volume of user activity. These are individuals and companies looking to lease space, purchase existing buildings, or purchase land to construct facilities for their own use. In the office market, the majority of that activity has been oil and gas or healthcare related. Activity has also increased in the retail market, which has been relatively dead for regional and national tenants for several years.

We have a long way to go, but it looks like a good year for Fort Bend. Based on the view from my window this afternoon, it looks like a very good year.

Kolbe Curtice is a licensed Texas real estate broker. He is the Managing Director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company located in Sugar Land Town Square. He can be reached at 281-494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

A T T O R N E Y - A T - L A W

Law and Business

By Leland Irwin

Attorney-At-Law Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P.

More property rights upheld by the Texas Supreme Court The Texas Supreme Court is on a streak issuing rulings favoring private landowners over business and government interests. Last month we discussed the Court’s February ruling that landowners have a constitutionally protected and compensable interest in the groundwater beneath their property that may outweigh the power of government created groundwater districts to regulate and manage that groundwater. This March, in Texas Rice Land Partners, Ltd. v. Denbury Green Pipeline-Texas, LLC, the Court again sided with private landowners in a case involving a private pipeline company’s ability to use eminent domain power to build a pipeline over privately owned land.

Denbury is a private pipeline company that owns a carbon dioxide reserve in Mississippi. They sought to build a CO2 pipeline

from the Texas-Louisiana border to oil wells in Brazoria and Galveston counties. To obtain eminent domain authority, Denbury filed a one page application with the Texas Railroad Commission. The application contains two boxes for the applicant to indicate whether the pipeline will be operated as a “common carrier” or as a “private line.” Denbury marked an “x” in the common carrier box. Denbury also indicated on the application that the gas would be owned by others but transported for a fee. Eight days after the application was submitted and without a hearing or notice to any landowners along the proposed pipeline route, the TRC approved the application and granted Denbury common carrier status, giving Denbury eminent domain authority.

When Denbury came to survey land owned by Texas Rice Land Partners in prepa-

ration for condemning a pipeline easement, Texas Rice Land Partners refused to allow entry onto their land. A lawsuit ensued, Denbury seeking to enforce access and Texas Rice Land Partners challenging Denbury’s common carrier status. The lower courts sided with Denbury reasoning that the TRC’s approval of the one page application conclusively established Denbury as a common carrier.

The Texas Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that private landowners may challenge a private pipeline’s common carrier status granted by the TRC, placing the burden on the pipeline carrier to establish its common carrier credentials beyond merely checking a box on a one page form.

LELAND IRWIN... continued on page 48

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

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Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars intrigued by the incredible growth of Fort Bend County and began discussions with family and close friends, and with an initial investment, he led the founding of Imperial Performing Arts, Inc., incorporated and designated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 2008. In February 2012 he signed a performance agreement with the Rosenberg Development Corporation to relocate Imperial Arts’ activity to Historic Downtown Rosenberg. In 2014, the Cole Theater will be re-opened and Imperial Arts’ mainstage productions, concerts, and films will be presented there. He serves as Vice-President of the Board of Young Associates for Hardin-Simmons University, and as a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Opera America, Chorister’s Guild, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He resides in Sugar Land.

Nathan DAGLEY

Adam BARTLING Why is Adam Bartling successful? Where did his success begin? His background includes being a Lamar CISD graduate, an Eagle Scout, earning a BBA at Sam Houston State University, and serving as an Army National Guard Officer with two deployments to Iraq with 13 years of service. Today, he is the co-owner of Mike Davis Signs along with his Adam Bartling wife Angel Atnip-Bartling. They bought the company from Mike and Mary Davis in February 2012. Adam’s professional background is in B2B sales in technology and Internet advertising. His leadership established Mike Davis Signs as the first company in Richmond and Rosenberg to be a registered dealer for Optec L.E.D signs. He has also added printing services to include business cards, flyers, brochures, letterheads, and personalized pencils and pens. Be on the look out for vehicle wraps and large interior wall graphics in the near future as they are awaiting a shipment for a six-foot printer/plotter.

Edward CROWELL III Edward Crowell is the founder and executive director of Imperial Performing Arts, Inc., Fort Bend County’s resident professional arts organization. He is a professional singer by education and training. He studied vocal performance at Hardin-Simmons University, receiving the Bachelor of Music degree.

He continued in post-graduate work there in opera, Edward Crowell III while serving as the assistant to the Director of Abilene Collegiate Opera. While in Abilene, he served on the staff of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, the Historic Paramount Theatre, and several churches as Music Director and Soloist. In 2007 he was

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Nathan Dagley possesses a superior commitment to business ethics, overall excellence in the field of insurance and financial planning, vision in starting multiple companies, as well as being a leader to the Dagley Insurance & Financial Services Organization.

In 2006, 2010 & 2011, he achieved the highest level of honor “President’s Conference All-Star” Nathan Dagley which recognizes the top twelve Nationwide Insurance agencies in the country. His organization has offices in Katy, Houston, Dallas and Colorado. The combination of his selfless attitude, high work ethic, vision for organizational growth and innovative business practices, place Nathan among the elite CEO’s in the Fort Bend County and Houston area.

Sollie DAVIS Sollie Davis is Vice President/Senior Banking Center Manager at First Victoria Bank. He earned a Bachelors in Business and is a former US Marine.

He and his wife are proud dog owners. For his civic involvement, he volunteers on the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and Fort Bend Family Health Center boards. He is an active member of the Sollie Davis Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance where he was selected “Leader of the Year” for the Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2011.

Matthew DRAVIS Sugar Land resident Matthew Dravis incorporated Dravis Landscaping Group, a business he began in middle school, this year. And just like Texas yards, the business has never stopped growing. As president, he is currently looking for someone who can manage his crew, while he focuses on expanding the company. Matthew is very involved in his Matthew Dravis church and often gives of his time to assist with missionary work.

Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars

Brian ELLIS

Brian Ellis

For the past five years Brian Ellis has been a banking officer and commercial loan officer with Houston Community Bank, N.A. in Sugar Land – Greatwood. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and is active in the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, the Young Professionals Division and the Ambassadors committees. Brian enjoys golfing and hunting.

Corey FERGUSON Sugar Land resident Corey Ferguson is founder and president of Raintree Commercial, a boutique firm providing brokerage, development and investment services in the Greater Houston and Fort Bend areas. Prior, he was with The Staubach Company, where he specialized in industrial, land and investment real estate. He has more than $200 Corey Ferguson million in real estate transactions to his credit. Most recently, Corey completed the sale of a 66k-SF build-to-suit craneserved facility on 38 acres, valued at approximately $10 million. He is near completion of the 155-AC Highway 90 Industrial Park.

Corey earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2003 and served on the board of directors of the Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter for eight years. In 2005, he received the CCIM Houston Rising Star Award. Corey served as President of the CCIM Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter in 2007. He supports Younglife and actively volunteered as a leader for high school students, from 2000-2006. He also served on the Breeders’ Greeters Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from 2002 to 2006.

Michelle FRANKLIN Michelle Franklin is director of sales and marketing for Southern Ice Cream in Stafford.

A native Texan, she moved to Sugar Land in 2007 from San Jose to help grow and manage the family business. She is responsible for developing a strong following in special events and catering in Harris and Fort Bend County. Her attitude when booking Michelle Franklin events is that ice cream is for all ages and it should be easy and fun for everyone to enjoy! She is focused on community contributions and has participated in numerous events locallysuch as the Stafford City Wide Clean Up, Richmond Rotary Club and Girlfriends Giggle! Michelle enjoys spending her free time home with her family and two dogs! She is also active in yoga, Pilates and running.

Jason GRIGGS Jason Griggs began his career in the Financial Service Industry as a Mortgage Finance Specialist. He spent 3.5 years with JPMorgan Chase Bank as a banker. He’s currently working with Kevin Patton State Farm in an apprentice role as a Risk Management Specialist to one day open his own agency. Griggs is currently a council member with the Fort Bend Central Alliance Young Jason Griggs Professional Division. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge #506 in Rosenberg, where he serves the community through their many community service efforts. He serves in the Media & Marketing ministry at Higher Dimension church, where he’s a member.

Melaine HEATHCOCK Melaine Heathcock is Director for Greatwood Retirement and Assisted Living. Since May 2007, she has managed 20 staff members, cared for 50 residents and served as an advocate for their families. The position has its challenges but it is a great opportunity to get to know the residents and their families while providing the highest level of care with lots of love, Melaine Heathcock respect and dignity. She assists family members and residents in making the transition of leaving home to begin a new adventure in their golden years. Although, transitions are sometimes tough, she is honored that she gets to be the first person in assisting with making life care free, exciting and more enjoyable with lots of activities and new friends. In addition to her healthcare background, she gathers all resources for families and residents to make the best decision for their loved ones, which in turn provides peace of mind and happiness. As a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, she is an active member in the Young Professional Division. I am currently a council member and enjoy the all the growth opportunities that are presented.

I also spend my time volunteering and helping out my peers with word of mouth referrals, education, and support or throwing in a hand and sponsoring items for their business needs. Married to Joe Baladez, the couple enjoy their two sons.

Josh HOWELL Josh Howell began a career in insurance and then in 2009 became vice president of Rockland Insurance.

He helped Rockland grow from two employees and $100,000 in premiums to 12 employees and almost $5 million in premiums in a short period of time.

Rockland has also been recognized as one of the most innovative and fastest growing insurance agencies in Josh Howell Texas and was recently featured in Texas Monthly magazine. The company is expanding to locations in Sugar Land, The continues...

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Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars Woodlands, and Texarkana. Josh is also actively involved in several charities, church ministries, and organizations around the Fort Bend area. Reared in Sugar Land, he currently resides in Sugar Mill with his wife Alicia and their two children, Grace and Brady.

Christen JOHNSON Christen Johnson is proud to be a 35-year resident of Fort Bend County and a graduate of Dulles High School and the University of Houston. As the marketing director for Johnson Development Corporation (no relation) for over 11 years, she oversees marketing of Riverstone, a 3700-acre community along SH 6 – now one of the fastestChristen Johnson growing communities in the nation - and also the marketing for Fall Creek in Houston - home of the Shell Houston Open. She is part of a JDC marketing team along with Susie Goff and Jaime Virkus. JDC has eight active communities in the Houston region including Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, Fall Creek, Woodforest, Edgewater, Tuscan Lakes, Cross Creek Ranch, and the new Imperial development in Sugar Land. Christen is a past winner of “Marketing Director of the Year” for both the Texas Association of Builders STAR Awards and also the Greater Houston Builders Association’s ‘Houston’s Best’ Prism Awards. She is married to Dave Johnson and they have twin girls: Piper and Kindall Tate.

Lindsay KIRK Sugar Land resident Lindsay Kirk is the event marketing director for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

With the city of Sugar Land on the verge of having the best minor league baseball launches, Lindsay is a big reason for that success. In less than a year she has had to move into a new market and assemble a team to fill every seat inside the stadium. She has created Linksay Kirk events that will be enjoyed at the stadium for years and has an absolutely bright future with the team and in the industry.

Brian KNIPLING Fort Bend native Brian Knipling practices oil and gas law, predominantly serving land and mineral owners in transactions including leases, seismic options, and pooling agreements covering minerals throughout Texas, including the Eagle Ford and Wolfcamp Shales. He also handles real estate, property management, water rights, and estate planning.

Brian Knipling Upon graduation from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2005, he served as Counsel to the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture in Washington, D.C. where he worked closely with legislators on bills pertaining to agriculture, energy, and eminent domain reform. He lives in Richmond with his wife and their two children. They attend St. John’s United Methodist Church in Richmond and are active in the

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community. Brian currently serves as a member of the Supreme Court’s Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, as Committee Chairman for Fort Bend Ducks Unlimited, as a Fort Bend Historical Commission member, Rotary Club of Richmond, and the Fort Bend Archaeological Society.

Jen LOWRANCE Beginning with a concept drawn on a napkin, Jen Lowrance has developed Briscoe Manor into one of the premier wedding / event venues within the Houston area within a short five year period. As executive director, she has attained awards within the industry that include – Wedding Wire, Bride’s Choice Award – 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009. The Jen Lowrance Knot, Best of Weddings – 2012, 2011, 2009. And Click2 Houston’s Best, Best Wedding Venue – 2010, 2009. More than 500 happy brides and grooms have held her sharp focus and eye for attention. She works, together with an executive team, to make each bride’s special day one that becomes the most memorable day of her life. Briscoe Manor is a setting that reflects true Texas elegance and sophistication at each event; and, Jen works tirelessly to protect and enhance this image.

Jorden MAHLER General Manager Jorden Mahler has developed Briscoe Manor into one of the premier wedding / event venues within the Houston area within a short five year period. Awards attained within the industry include – Wedding Wire, Bride’s Choice Award – 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009. The Knot, Best of Weddings – 2012, 2011, 2009. Click2 Houston’s Jorden Mahler Best, Best Wedding Venue – 2010, 2009 and, over 500 happy brides and grooms with a focus on attention, as general manager Jorden, works together with an executive team, have strived to make each bride’s special day one that becomes the most memorable day of her life. Briscoe Manor is a setting that reflects true Texas elegance and sophistication at each event; and, Jorden has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance this image.

Christopher MORALES Christopher Morales has established the Morales Law Firm PLLC. As a previous Assistant District Attorney with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office or the principal in his own law firm, he has devoted himself to the greater good of the community. His guiding philosophy is to provide service above all else. Yet this philosophy does not Christopher Morales end with business. He devotes his time and energies to multiple philanthropic organizations. He currently serves as vice chairman of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Young Professionals and is in the Leadership program for the Fort Bend Chamber.

Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars

Justin MORALES

Matt ONTIVEROS

Justin Morales is vice president and general manager of GreenScape Associates, a commercial and residential landscaping company in Rosenberg offering design and construction services along with commercial property management. A native of Fort Bend, he is a 2010 graduate of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Leadership Program, Justin Morales a graduate of the Fort Bend Master Gardener program, a Licensed Irrigation Designer within the State Of Texas, and is a founding member of the CFBCA Young Professionals Division and currently serves as chairman. He supports many Fort Bend community organizations (Fort Bend County Fair, Fort Bend American Red Cross, Child Advocates, Sugar Land Heritage, LEAF, Texana Fort Bend). He attended Houston Community College and WCJC and is continuing his education as he resides in River’s Run with his wife Brooke.

Matt Ontiveros is director of sales for SpringHill Suites

by Marriott in Brazos Town Center in Rosenberg.

While attending Sam Houston State University from 2004 through 2009, he accepted his first hotel job, and quickly moved into management of hotel operations and sales. At SHSU, he became a founding father of the Epsilon Pi Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Matt Ontiveros Fraternity, serving as its first vice-president and recruitment chairman. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, he joined SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Rosenberg in 2010.

He increased revenue by over 41%, year over year since opening. This set the highest revenue growth of any SpringHill Suites property within Marriott, and brought recognition from Marriott in February. The hotel is also a Silver Award Winning Hotel for guest service satisfaction. Less than 50 awards were presented among all 286 SpringHill Suites properties that are currently open in the U.S. He is a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Young Professionals Division, as well as the Hispanic Business Division where he is a council member, serving as secretary. He is also on the Partner’s Campaign Board of Directors for the T.W. Davis YMCA in Richmond. He is a guest lecturer for the University of Houston - Sugar Land satellite program of the Conrad Hilton School for Hotel/Restaurant Management.

Sheena NAVARRO A stranger to no one, Sheena Navarro is busily pursuing a challenging position in a corporate environment that allows her to build on her education and expand her business experiences.

As office manager for GreenScape Associates, an administrative assistant for Wellstream International and Capital One, she has worked Sheena Navarro diligently to broaden her skill base and better her community. A strong advocate for the Fort Bend County Fair, she has volunteered on the Sales and Marketing and Sponsorship committees every year since 2006. She is a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber and provides numerous volunteer hours to the Young Professional’s Division and the Hispanic Business Division. She has served as an assistant to the Mayor of Rosenberg since 2011.

Vy NGUYEN Fort Bend County resident Vy Nguyen is a working mom, law professor, female entrepreneur and a practicing attorney. With many of her clients from Stafford, Sugar Land, RichmondRosenberg, Meadows, and the Mission Bend area, her Greater Houston law firm is a member of the Better Business Bureau and specializes in family Vy Nguyen law, civil litigation and business law. She claims a respectful rapport with the honorable judges in Fort Bend County and continues to represent clients from all types of socioeconomic backgrounds. She feels Fort Bend County is one of the greatest places for an entrepreneur to thrive.

Daniel ORNELAS Chef Daniel Ornelas is proud graduate of the Le Cord En Blue Texas Culinary Academy. His passion for food and love for the culinary arts was cultivated through working with his mother in the kitchen as a child. He prides himself in creating delicious food from the simplest ingredients. Daniel has had the pleasure of working with some of the best Daneil Ornelas establishments in Texas from the Marriott Renaissance, Pecan Grove Country Club, The Hollows Resort, The Houstonian, Buckner Residential and MD Anderson. Chef Daniel brings with him a multitude of experience in purchasing, menu planning, restaurant management, customer service and fine cuisine.

He is excited to bring his vision for a casual and delicious eatery to the Historic Vogelsang Building and the residents of Rosenberg.

Trent PARTEN

Trent Parten

Trent Parten is a partner with the national accounting firm BKD, LLP. He was recruited by the firm’s Houston office to lead its Construction and Real Estate practice. He relocated from Arkansas to Houston in 2008. Trent has more than 15 years of experience providing audit and management consulting services to real estate developers, construction contractors, architecture and continues...

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Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars engineering firms, and other businesses. He is dedicated to staying informed of the issues that affect the construction industry by serving on the board of the Houston Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association. When not providing solutions for his clients, Trent is recruiting “the best of the best” as lead Recruiting Partner for the Houston office. He is passionate about the Sugar Land community in which he and his family lives. He is a member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum.

Minesh & Nimesh PATEL Within three years, brothers Minesh and Nimesh Patel of RE/MAX Fine Properties have quickly risen to become the MVPs of Fort Bend-area real estate.

Starting with 40 agents, RE/MAX Fine Properties has skyrocketed to almost 100 agents, all drawn to the Patels’ forward-thinking approach and Minesh & Nimesh Patel demonstrated results. As Director of Opportunity, Minesh added a state-of-the-art training center and high-tech conference rooms to ensure all agents are highly proficient in cuttingedge technology. The office is entirely paperless. Last year, office production totaled almost $200 million in sales, and 2012 is on track to reach $25 billion. The office dominated the local First Quarter standings in closed units and closed sales volume – even beating another national brand’s office that has almost three times the number agents. This caught the attention of RE/MAX of Texas, who recently named Minesh and Nimesh as 2011 Statewide Broker/ Owners of the Year.

Joel POND Joel Pond is president of Rockland Insurance Agency in Richmond. Since its inception in 2009, Rockland has grown from one employee and $100,000 in premium to 12 employees and nearly $5 million.

Rockland has been recognized as one of the most innovative and fastest growing insurance agencies in Texas and has been featured in Texas Monthly Joel Pond magazine. The company is expanding to locations in Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Texarkana. Joel is actively involved in several charities, church ministries, and organizations around the Fort Bend area. He grew up in Richmond and currently resides in Greatwood with his wife and their two children.

Justin RING

Justin Ring

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Justin Ring is an associate with EHRA. As a senior project manager, he is responsible for supervising engineering design, plan production and approvals from regulatory agencies for municipal utility districts, county and city projects. His experience in the design of water, sanitary sewer, wastewater lift stations, storm water drainage and paving facilities Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

for land developments as well as government agencies has worked well on projects for Fort Bend County, the City of Richmond and City of Rosenberg as well as numerous private clients in surrounding areas. Justin is a leader in the Houston engineering community on utilizing Low Impact Development “LID” design techniques and how it can be implemented to enhance the operations and appearance of developments throughout the region. He has designed several LID projects, including an in-town re-development, a suburban residential project in Fort Bend County and other private commercial developments. He is a frequent speaker at conferences around the state of Texas regarding Low Impact Development and how it can be implemented in the design of Gulf Coast projects. Ring is active in the Fort Bend County community. He is a member of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, chair of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Infrastructure Committee, and is a board member of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 106. He is treasurer for the Association of Water Board of Directors.

Michael SACHS After beginning his career with a national investment firm, he partnered with Kyle Todd to open Wallstreet Texas in 2002. Michael has been chosen for the Reader’s Choice Award, conducted by the Fort Bend Sun, as the Best Financial Advisor in Fort Bend County multiple times. In Texas Monthly magazine, Michael was recently awarded the Five Star Award: Michael Sachs Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Managers for 2009 and 2010. The Houston Business Journal selected Michael as one of the 2009 inaugural recipients of the 40 Under 40 award.

Michael serves on the Fort Bend County Investment Advisory Committee. Michael has been very active in the community, holding political office in Stafford, serving as a Divisional Vice Chairman on the Fort Bend Chamber, and the Greater Fort Bend Board of Directors. He is a life member of the National Eagle Scouts Association, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Houston Alumni Organization. Wallstreet Texas has been awarded the Better Business Bureau Winner of Distinction multiple times.

Priscilla SALAS Since 2004, Priscilla Salas has played a vital role in preparing students for college. As a Financial Aid Counselor for Wharton County Junior College’s Richmond Campus, she coordinates numerous outreach efforts with Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and community organizations throughout the year and is available on Priscilla Salas campus for individuals wishing to pursue higher education. Her extensive knowledge has given her the opportunity to forge many relationships and impact many lives in Fort Bend County. Priscilla is a 2002 graduate of the University of Houston earning a degree in psychology. She was president of the West Fort Bend Optimist Club in 2011. She serves as co-chair of HOPE (Hispanics Offering People Education) and will serve on the board of

Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars directors of the Richmond Rotary Club for 2012-2013,. She serves on the Fort Bend County Fair Sponsorship committee. Her most significant role is rearing her two sons while balancing her dedication to WCJC and community service.

Shay SHAFIE

James Sawyer set a mission to help his community and supply jobs for as many people as possible.

When the economy caused him to close the doors to the recycling company he had operated for six years, he reacted quickly and purchased all assets of the company. He formed Texas Green Electronic Recycling Company and relocated the business to James Sawyer Stafford. His action saved the jobs of the 10 employees. and created a “green” company for the Gulf Coast area.

His goal is to build the company to 50 -80 employees. By offering the area free electronic scrap recycling, James Sawyer hopes to save the landfill one electronic at a time.

Shay Shafie is the general manager for The Johnson Development Corporation. Prior to joining Johnson, Shafie served as Vice President of Community Development for Southern Land Company. In this position, Shafie was responsible for the residential development and all infrastructurerelated activities in support of the Imperial Shay Shafie Redevelopment Project located on the former Imperial Sugar Refinery site and the State of Texas General Land Office Tract 3. One of the largest projects while with Johnson Development Corp. was Riverstone, a 2,800-acre master planned community in the City of Sugar Land/City of Missouri City. Shafie received his bachelor of science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas in 1992. He became a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas in July 1998. He is a Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum Graduate and currently serves as a board member for the Harris County Utility Municipal District No. 360.

Jeni SCARBOROUGH

Pritesh SHAH

For over four years Jeni Scarborough has been making a difference in Fort Bend’s senior citizens lives and giving them a new beginning. As the Community Relations Director at Oyster Creek Manor Senior Living, she has taken the responsibilities to a new level. She has truly become a community advocate, volunteer ing and making a Jeni Scarborough difference, not only with seniors, but anyone she meets. Her involvement with the Fort Bend Women’s Center, Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and several other organizations has made Jeni a person you can count on. Since Jeni’s arrival to Oyster Creek Manor, the community has been the talk of the town in Fort Bend County. Her reputation is held in high regard to anyone who speaks her name. She is a woman of integrity, compassion and honesty.

Oyster Creek is truly blessed to have her and privileged to call her a friend.

Sugar Land resident Pritesh Shah is heavily involved in the community as a Real Estate broker, developer, manager and property tax consultant. Since 1995, Shah Companies, Inc. has completed more than 15 major commercial Fort Bend developments which have included the planning, design, building, owning, and managing the properties. The Park at Pritesh Shah Rosenberg, Cottonwood Travel Plaza, Lexington Plaza Retail Center, and Lexington Point Office Building are examples. He is a member of the Houston Realtors, Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend Chamber, Central Chamber Alliance, Sugar Land Citizen’s Police Academy, Asians Against Domestic Abuse, Fort Bend Literacy, India Cultural Center, Indo-American Political Action Committee, and Fort Bend Grand Wine & Food Affair. He serves on the board for the Imperial Redevelopment District.

Mark SCHMID

Aaron SLATER

Mark Schmid remains a kid at heart and no wonder.

Mark grew up in the McDonald’s system beginning at the young age of 11 years. He began his career by cleaning the lobby, taking out the trash and completing other odd jobs that needed tending. At 16, he came on board and earned his first paycheck taking orders and generally keeping the rest of the Mark Schmid crew in stitches with his antics. He worked his way from crew to management to supervisor and today is a McDonald’s Owner/Operator. Mark is known for his heart of gold. He is supportive of his employees and is always ready to lend a helping hand - be it a personal crisis or just a shoulder to lean on.

Lieutenant Aaron Slater is the Commanding Officer over the City of Rosenberg Patrol Division that consists of Patrol, S.W.A.T., Criminal Interdiction / K-9 Unit, Traffic Investigation Unit, Field Training Program, Bicycle Unit, Honor Guard, and Detention Division. He is in command of 41 employees including 8 Sergeants, 32 Officers, and one Jailer. In Aaron Slater addition, he is currently the Department’s Fitness Program Coordinator, CompStat Manager, and Police Explorers Program Commander. Slater started his law enforcement career in 1998 as a patrol officer and was later assigned as a Field Training Officer and

James SAWYER

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May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars S.W.A.T. Operator. In 2003, he was assigned to the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, an H.I.D.T.A. initiative, as an Undercover Narcotics Detective. In 2006, he promoted to the rank of Sergeant and developed the Department’s Narcotics and Reoccurring Crimes Squad (N.A.R.C.S.). In 2008, he took command over the Patrol Division at the rank of Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, he commands the Emergency Communications and Criminal Investigations Divisions. He is a Magna Cum Lade graduate of Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is also a graduate from the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, Leadership Command College. He has been awarded “Chief’s Award” in 1998, “Officer of the Quarter” from the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association in 2001 and 2002, Rosenberg VFW’s 2006 “Officer of the Year”, City of Rosenberg’s “Employee of the Year” 2006, Rosenberg Police Officers Association “Supervisor of the Year” 2007, and recognized by Rosenberg Police Officers Association for “Outstanding Leadership Award” 2010.

Bradley STAVINOHA Needville resident Bradley Stavinoha graduated from Texas State University in 1991 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. In 1990-1991 he served in the Texas Army National Guard based in Rosenberg.

He is a Leadership Fort Bend graduate, Leadership Excellence for nonprofits graduate, 2006-07 president Bradley Stavinoha of the Rosenberg Rotary Club, and a 2000-2007 Commander of the Needville American Legion and is a legion college graduate. In 1998, he became Sales Rep for Acetylene Oxygen Company and in 2002 became Salesman of the Year. He sells welding supplies, industrial and specialty gases for AOC. He also sells industrial supplies.

Bradley feels he knows the county’s economy better than anyone else and has called on almost all business in this area for 15 years. He has helped grow sales and dominates the market having two competitors leave the area. Since 2000 to present he has been an insurance sales agent for RVOS and has quadrupled customers in 10 years. Considered one the company’s elite salesman, he likes to remember his great grandfather, grandfather and father were all involved in RVOS.

Justin VICKREY Justin Vickery is vice president of First Community Bank Fort Bend and offices in Sugar Land Town Square. A natural leader, he is actively engaged with the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and serves as a great asset to the community through the YMCA. The Katy resident serves as chairman for the T.W. Davis YMCA board and helped raise more than $200,000 Justin Vickrey towards the Y Partners Campaign so under privileged children can participate in YMCA programs and camp throughout Fort Bend county.

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Andi WALLIS Texana Center’s Community Relations Manager, Andi Wallis, is proud to call Fort Bend County home. As a Bay City native, she can remember portions of Fort Bend County before development; especially First Colony Mall since it was the closest mall to her hometown. After graduating from Southwest Texas State University, she held marketing Andi Wallis positions for several acute care hospitals and an urgent care center in the Houston area before entering the nonprofit sector. Since starting at Texana 2.5 years ago, she has been heavily involved in the local young professional groups. She is a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Young Professional Division, serving as chair in 2011. In January 2012, the CFBCA awarded her the Committee Member of the Year Award.

Andi is a graduate of the Leadership Excellence for Non-Profits Class of 2011 and has volunteered for the last two years with the Youth In Philanthropy program sponsored by The George Foundation and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. She is also a mentor for the Exchange Club of Rosenberg; a club dedicated to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. This club is the first of its kind in Texas and the second in the United States. She mentors the members on volunteerism which she is very passionate about.

Andi lives in Sugar Land with her husband, Michael, and their 4 month old daughter, Peyton.

Chris WHITE Chris White is the owner of Fit with Chris in Missouri City. Many claim Chris takes his clients interest at heart. provides training based on his customers physical condition, and designs the workout program there. If he is your personal trainer, then he also includes his boot camps at no additional cost. He always provides a plan to help Chris White maximize the results of his training program. Chris was a college All American, and a professional, who really takes pride in watching his client’s health and well being improve.

William WILCOX, JR Katy resident William Wilcox, Jr. is employed with CenterPoint Energy (CNP) as a service consultant to provide electrical power to new customers.

Recently he worked the breakpoint sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, receiving “Best Breakpoint Award” for the 2010 MS150. He is a member of William Wilcox, Jr. Rotary International in Richmond and served on the 2011 scholarship committee, helping to oversee the selection of the scholarship winners. He currently serves as the Programs Chair, arranging speakers for the weekly meetings. He volunteers

Special Feature: Fort Bend’s Rising Stars annually at the Richmond Rotary Fish Fry and Turkey Leg Booth, helping to raise scholarship money for local high school students. He is a Paul Harris Fellow. He is also a board member of the Coastal Conservation Association-San Bernard Chapter and recently volunteered at the annual CCA Kid Fish, assisting kids and weighing their fish.

Elliott WOOD Elliot Wood is the president of Silverstream Southwest & Associates in Sugar Land and owner of Lounge Restaurant Partners LLC. He is an active member of the community with significant roles in various organizations including the Susan G. Komen Young Professionals Council, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Central Fort Elliott Wood Bend Chamber Alliance Young Professionals Division (Founding Member & Vice Chair ‘09, ‘10, ‘11), CFBCA Leadership 2010 Graduate, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County’s Wine & Music Committee, the Fort Bend Professionals Network and the Fort Bend Symphony Advisory Council. He is also a Board Member for the Fort Bend Family YMCA. Elliot attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied both Economics and Mathematics. Elliot was named 2009 committee member of the Year by the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys running, grilling, live music, his dog Scooter and spending time with his wife Loryn and daughter Madison. The couple are expecting a new addition to their family in June with daughter Ellie Jo.

Bradley Stavinoha 979-793-7411 Office 979-739-2386 Cell spjst@earthlink.net

Congratulations to all

experience commitment BKD congratulates Partner Trent Parten for being selected to the 2012 Top 40 Under 40 by the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal. Trent earned this honor for his involvement in multiple professional and community organizations. Our firm’s reputation may be expanding nationally, but as Trent demonstrates, our heart is always in the communities where we work and live.

Houston 713.499.4600

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May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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COVER STORY

Experience Matters to Memorial Hermann Southwest Surgical Patients

F

or over 35 years and with more than 10,000 minimally invasive procedures performed, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital continues the tradition of offering high-quality care along with the most innovative technology in its surgical suites. CONTINUES....

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

General surgeons Michael Kleinman, M.D., Kulvinder Bajwa, M.D., Tammy Lee, M.D., Charles Aramburo, M.D., George Peterkin, M.D., Guillermo Ponce de Leon, M.D., Ese Otah, M.D., John Fisher, M.D., and Michael Todd Wood, M.D., celebrate receiving yet another HealthGrades Excellence Award. (Larry Pullen Photography)

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

25

New Robot Expands Surgical Options for Patients

Innovative Procedure for Chronic Sinus Issues

Memorial Hermann Southwest is enhancing the surgery experience through the use of a new surgical robot that minimizes risks and complications, while maximizing patient safety and quality of care.

The hospital’s new da Vinci® Si Surgical System is the only surgical robot of its kind in use in southwest Houston. This third-generation robot offers technological advancements, including unparalleled precision, dexterity and control. These advancements enable physicians to take a minimally invasive approach for many complex surgical procedures, including myomectomy, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, Heller myotomy and pyeloplasty.

Using the surgical robot benefits patients through smaller incisions and less blood loss, which leads to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Sinusitis affects 37 million Americans each year, making it one of the most common health problems. With sinusitis, the cavities of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen and prevent normal mucus drainage, causing mucus and pressure to build up. “The impact of chronic sinusitis on a person’s quality of life could include throbbing facial pain or headaches, difficulty breathing and sleeping, bad breath, irritability, fatigue, nausea and loss or reduced sense of taste,” says Mark Nichols, M.D., an ENT affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest. Sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks is known as chronic sinusitis.

When a chronic sinusitis diagnosis is made by an ENT physician, patients are treated with medication, e.g., nasal steroid sprays, antibiotics or oral steroids to relieve symptoms. It is estimated that up to 60 percent of chronic sinusitis sufferers are not successfully treated with medication. These patients then become candidates for sinus surgery.

Balloon sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure performed at Memorial Hermann Southwest that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. “With balloon sinuplasty, a specially designed catheter is inserted into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus,” says Dr. Nichols. A small balloon is slowly inflated, which widens and restructures the walls of the sinus passage without cutting and with minimal bleeding, helping to drain mucus from the blocked sinus and restore normal mucus flow. The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinuses open. Balloon sinuplasty opens blocked sinuses yet preserves their natural structure of the sinuses. This procedure is less invasive than conventional sinus surgery and allows patients to quickly return to normal activities.

Top 5 Percent in the Nation for General Surgery At Memorial Hermann Southwest, quality and patient safety are core values that drive the staff to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. This relentless commitment has led HealthGrades® to rate the hospital’s General Surgery department among the top 5 percent in the nation for seven years in a row.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD Seminar Surgical Options for Heartburn and Acid Reflux Surgeons affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest have laparoscopically repaired hernias and the valve between the esophagus and stomach. These valve repairs treat heartburn or GERD. A procedure known as the Nissen fundoplication aims to recreate the natural angle of the valve to stop the backward flow of stomach fluids.

Dr. Wood said this procedure resolves symptoms for approximately 94 percent of patients within one year and allows most to stop taking their acid reflux medication.

The newer transoral incisionless fundoplication, or TIF, is performed through an endoscope inserted into the mouth. This reduces the risk of developing a hernia at the incision site and allows patients to more rapidly resume their normal activities. To schedule an appointment with one of our affiliated heartburn physicians, or for more information, call 713.456.HBRN (4276).

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Wednesday, May 23 6 – 7:30 p.m.

HBU’s Bradshaw Fitness Center Upstairs Classrooms 7731 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77074 If left untreated, chronic heartburn can lead to more serious conditions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new alternatives to medication, and innovative procedures that can provide long-term relief.

This event is free, but registration is required.

To register or for an immediate referral, call the Heartburn Hotline 713.456.HBRN (4276).

A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed

For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today!

281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard

Centurion Advisors Corp. offers the following services: • Investment Services • Portfolio management based on your risk assessment • Fee-only variable annuities (no up-front commissions or surrender charges) • 401(k) / 403(b) portfolio management • 401(k) plan development and benchmarking • Comprehensive wealth management Investment Advisory Services offered through Centurion Advisors Corp.

Paul B. Jackson, CFA, CIPM President

19901 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land 281.207.5485 paul@centurionadvisors.net www.centurionadvisors.net

Vy

NGUYEN

Democrat For A Stronger Texas

Candidate for State Representative HD 26 www.VyForTexas.com Pol Ad paid for by the Vy Nguyen Campaign, Treasurer Gordon Quan

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

27

NAMES IN THE NEWS County and city announce changes Stollesis named county engineer Richard Stolleis has accepted the position of Fort Bend County County Engineer. His official first day will be May 1, following the retirement of the current County Engineer Jesse Hegemier.

“Jesse Hegemier has been an outstanding asset to the county for many years,” says County Judge Bob Hebert. “While we hate to see Jesse leave, we understand that retirement Richard Stollies comes for everyone. We look forward to working with Richard and the experience he brings to the position.”

As a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Stolleis brings over 40 years of civil, municipal, hydraulic and construction engineering experience to the County.

He has experience working for public agencies and in private business as a consulting engineer and, he brings to the county a broad variety of experience related to public works including long range planning; utility, drainage and infrastructure design; code

Early Voting April 30th to May 8th Election Day May 12th

Jenny

Bailey

For FBISD School Board of Trustee Position 6

Accountability and Transparency...

These two principles are what will guide my decisions as a Board of Trustee. The residents of this district – parents, teachers, students, taxpayers, and employees – deserve no less from their trustees.

We need to do things differently. As your elected representative I will offer fresh perspectives with innovative ideas focused on the classroom and on district operations. To learn more about me and my priorities go to www.jennybaileyfbisd.com. Together we can make a difference.

POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY JENNY BAILEY FOR FBISD SCHOOL BOARD, JAMES BAILEY, TREASURER

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

compliance, and public works operations.

Stolleis has been a resident of Fort Bend County for 29 years.

Throughout these years he has been dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer activities with the Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Sugar Land and Fort Bend Exchange Clubs. Richard and his wife Annette are members at Sacred Heart Church in Richmond, where he has served on the building committee and contributed his engineering abilities to complete church projects.

The Fort Bend County Engineering Department provides engineering services, including road and bridge engineering and inspections of construction projects throughout the county. The department also assures that developers and development within Fort Bend County meet county requirements.

Harman Center honors Sugar Land’s first mayor Sugar Land City Council named the Senior Adult and Community Center after the City’s first mayor.

The T.E. Harman Center, 226 Matlage Way, is being reconstructed to accommodate senior programs in addition to activities previously offered at the Community Center.

Harman was elected the first mayor of Sugar Land in 1959 and served until 1961.

T.E. Herman He served a second term as mayor from 1965 to 1967. During the 1950s with the City of Houston annexing everything in sight, I.H. Kempner went on the offensive with annexation plans for his company town.

To ramp up for incorporation beginning in 1957, company houses were sold to employees living in them, creating homeowners who could vote to become a “General Law” city. Imperial Sugar recruited Harman, the manager of the mercantile dry good store and a Presbyterian Church trustee/elder, to run for mayor.

An election was held in 1959, and Harman became the City’s first mayor. He and five new aldermen held their first City Council meeting on Jan. 19, 1960. The newly incorporated City spanned four square miles with a population of approximately 2,500.

Throughout the 1960s, the company began transitioning services to the new City government. Under Harman’s leadership, the City hired its first City employee - City Secretary Hazel McJunkin - and scheduled two Council meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, a practice that continues today.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

This is your opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a variety of topics.

“I highly recommend the Leadership Forum to anyone that wants to get a strong foundation in Fort Bend County for participation on boards, employment, volunteerism & project facilitation, while building relationships. The relationships that I developed have been integral in my being elected to public office & have lead to key business opportunities.”

-Ron Reynolds, Texas State Representative “In 2012, Classic will graduate itʼs fourth executive from Leadership, and I intend to send at least one employees every year...more if I can spare them! I love this program so much that I am now the primary sponsor. It is a terrific program exemplifying all the best about Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

If you want to build personal and business relationships that last, while learning about the unique, special place we live, then enroll in Leadership...it works!”

-Don Kerstetter, Owner, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land “It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

-Christopher Breaux, Principal, Null-Lairson “The Leadership Forum allowed me to gain valuable insight into many different aspects of Fort Bend County. The relationships, networking opportunities & leadership skills I gained were priceless. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance their careers.”

-Himesh Gandhi, Attorney, Hrbacek & Gandhi, PC

For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org

www.FortBendChamber.com

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

29

Membership

For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218

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 AFLAC

Bombay Pizza Co.

DWG CPA PLLC

318 Autumn Creek Lane Houston, TX 77406 281-743-2543 Financial Services

636 Highway 6, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-1131 Restaurants

All About Cakes

BrandExtract

Managing Member 12808 West Airport Boulevard, Suite 320 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-201-8348 Financial Services

CEO and Master Cake Designer 13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-532-7034 Caterers

Chief Operating Officer 3406 Lakefield Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-924-7959 Marketing, Advertising

Allstate - Joe McGee Insurance

Brightson Document Review, LLC

13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-1266 Financial Services

3900 Essex # 555 Houston, TX 77027 713-337-2222 Professional Services

Azul Plastic Surgery

Churrascos

Christa Rollock, Agent

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Michelle Stalling,

Joe McGee, Agency Owner

Ravi Somayazula, Owner 3531 Town Center Blvd S., Suite 102 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-8111 Physicians, Plastic Surgery

Blu

Amy Karnani, Owner 2248 Texas Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-903-7329 Restaurants

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Viral Patel, Owner

Sean Burnett,

Jack Trott, Program Manager

Chris Prazak, General Manager 1520 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-532-5300 Restaurants

Collins Air & Heat

Gordon Wayne Collins, Owner 1411 Windloch Richmond, TX 77469 281-382-0522 Air Conditioning and Heating/Sales and Service

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Darrell Groves,

IMG Financial Group

Austin Cox, Financial Advisor

4550 Post Oak Place Dr, Suite 125 Houston, TX 77027 832-369-9403 Financial Services

Jan-Pro of Houston Michelle Goodman,

Nora Anne’s Flower Shoppe Nora Sim,

Owner and President 5858 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-491-5858 Florists, Retail

Retail on Mobile

Star Cinema Grill

Keval Patel, Attorney at Law 14090 SW Freeway, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-340-2026 Attorney(s) at Law

920 Murphy Rd, Suite C Stafford, TX 77477 281-397-2299 Remodeling

13134 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-1960 Restaurants

Mobile Marketing Consultant Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-638-2111 Advertising Services

Law Office of Keval Patel, P.C.

Randy Rose, Owner

Ken Siegel, Manager

Jalal Rasiyani,

Account Sales Executive 4407 Alamo Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-921-9000 Janitorial Services

Level Pro Home Services, Inc

Murphy’s Deli Sugar Land

Gustavo ‘Gus’ Vazquez, VP of Operations 4811 Highway 6 S. Missouri City, TX 77459 832-539-2675 Entertainment

Strayer University Nicole Baum,

Campus Director 11451 Old Katy Road Houston, TX 77079 281-701-5333 University www.FortBendChamber.com

INVESTMENT IN YOUTH LUNCHEON

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

15TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 11:30am -1:15 pm Safari Texas Ranch - Texas Ballroom 11627 F M 1464, Richmond

Austin Bush Calvary Clements Dulles Elkins Foster George Ranch Hightower Kempner

YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY Lamar Marshall Needville Ridge Point Stafford Terry Travis Willowridge

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • 445 Commerce Green Boulevard • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 www.FortBendChamber.com • david@fortbendcc.org • 281.491.2497 • Fax 281.491.0112

Education Division Community Outreach- Why the Need? with Pamela Shaw May 4, 2012 7:30 am – 9:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Business and Professional Leveraging Social Media 2012 May 8, 2012 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE MAY 15th Annual Luncheon Investment in Youth Luncheon Youth in Philanthropy May 9, 2012 11:30 am – 1:15 pm Safari Texas Ranch - Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Governmental Relations Governmental Luncheon (TBD) May 14, 2012 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Infrastructure Division City Manager Allen Bogard, City of Sugar Land May 24, 2012 7:30 am – 9:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

JUNE Healthcare Division Small Business Finances with Robin Ward June 6, 2012 11:30 am - 1:00pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

www.FortBendChamber.com

Governmental Relations Governmental Luncheon - TBD June 11, 2012 11:30 am - 1:00pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Business and Professional How a Healthy Computer Can Grow Your Business with Charles Swihart June 12, 2012 11:30 am - 1:00pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year

Living Magazine Elysse Carpenter, 800-296-6020 A Time and Place for Everything Lisa Giesler, 832-277-1745 Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Gary Yan, 281-242-0432 Smart Financial Credit Union Shana Scott, 713-407-4352 Julia F. Thompson, Inc Jacqueline Watson, 713-256-5223

4 Years

Emerus 24 Hour Emergency Room Toby Hamilton, 281-277-0911

Milestone Member 5 Years

Amani Engineering, Inc. H. Prasad Kolluru, 713-270-5700 MedCare Pediatric Rehab Center, LP Paige Kinkade, 713-773-5100 MDN Enterprises II Jennifer Flanery, 979-387-3180

Advanced Nutrition Jason Phillips, 281-242-7322

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Champion Energy Services Jocelyn Gordon, 281-653-0059 DeVry University Stephanie Ross, 281-566-6000 ITR Technologies, LLC Elizabeth Taylor, 713-344-1618 Trinity Risk Solutions, LLC Todd Tauzin, 713-252-3556

2 Years

Hygeia Enviro-Clean, Inc. Dan Leone, 281-970-1500

3 Years

Tuscany Room Julie Trudeau, 281-565-5566 Heritage Executive Realty Naomi Lam, 281-980-7361

9 Years

Miracle Method Surface Restoration Paul Barnett, 281-240-2284 Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Javier Contreras, 281-980-7482 (RITA) Summus Industries, Inc. Rodney Craig, 281-640-1765

6 Years

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

Primrose School of Greatwood Bill Brown, 281-343-8889

Milestone Member 10 Years

Icenhower Consulting, LLC Kim Icenhower, 713-504-4378

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

ERA Benes Realty Joseph Benes, 281-240-6110

7 Years

Rubicon Realty Group, LLC G. Peter Jacob, 281-313-0000

The Mills Agency Nancy V. Mills, 281-491-2369 Fertility Specialists of Houston Cristina Treadway, 832-553-5483

MD Anderson Cancer Center Sugar Land Annie Starkey, 281-566-1800

8 Years

Mission Burrito Chad Lindsey, 281-325-0033

Emeritus at Sugar Land Jeri Krauss, 281-491-6257

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

Newmark Homes Houston, LLC Mike Moody, 713-346 0200

State of Texas, District 17 Joan Huffman, 512-463-0117

The Preserve at Colony Lakes Creekstone Management Adrienne Johnson, 281-499-4007

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Houston Community Bank -Stafford Jeff Smith, 281-208-2111

Stafford Run Apartments Melissa Flores, 281-499-9534

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Bain & Barkley Steve Bain, 281-980-3100

11 Years

328th District Court Judge Ronald R. Pope, 281-341-4406 Amica Mutual Insurance Company Katie Ware, 800-532-6422 Wal-Mart Charles Smith, 281-340-0900

12 Years

Frost Bank Ken Hutto, 713-388-1022

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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

Leonetti Graphics Donald Leonetti, 281-499-4959

Fort Bend Christian Academy Pamela Jacobsen, 281-263-9175

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

IDC Engineering Jim Gonzales, 713-541-5591

First United Methodist Church Missouri City Lynne Settlemyre, 281-499-3502

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Jeanne Gregory, 281-344-8918

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful Vicki Gist, 281-313-5752 Murphy Road Self Storage Gloria McClellen, 281-208-5623

13 Years

Brookstreet Barbecue Louie Roukab, 281-313-4000 Safari Texas Ranch Allison Wen, 281-277-7888

14 Years

Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. Dale Conger, 713-462-3242 Junker Financial Advisors, LLC Rebecca Beard Junker, 281-342-9476 The State Bank of Texas Nicki Black, 281-494-6686

16 Years

Chick-fil-A at Sugar Land Brent Kubala, 281-494-3800

18 Years 19 Years

Milestone Member 25 Years Freedom Automotive Services, Inc. John Miller, 281-499-4797 Richmond State Supported Living Center Claire D. Chipman, 281-344-4335

Rozell Realty Michael D. Rozell, 281-980-9100

Ronald K. Rich, DDS, MAGD Ronald Rich, 281-980-2537

Contract Land Staff Brent Leftwich, 281-340-3309

Wal-Mart Matt Ware, 281-933-7800

Milestone Member 20 Years

AT&T Mike Flanagan, 713-987-9356 Indermuehle & Co. Commercial Real Estate Larry Indermuehle, 281-240-9090

21 Years

Republic Services Todd Fawcett, 713-726-7300 Fort Bend Real Estate Corporation E.G. “Bud” Friedman, 281-242-2200

29 Years

Nalco an Eco Lab Company Jeremy Alberty, 281-263-7000

Milestone Member 30 Years Frost Bank - Stafford Shelby Campbell, 713-388-7600

Helfman Ford, Inc. Nason M. Feldman, 281-240-3673

33 Years

Bailes Bates & Associates, LLP Robbie Bates, 281-565-6400

22 Years

34 Years

17 Years

24 Years

38 Years

Fort Bend County, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, 281-238-1400

Living Improvements Roland Younger, 281-499-7000

40 Years

South Grand at Pecan Grove Madonna Turner, 281-342-9414 APAD First Colony LLC Allison Woodall, 281-243-7000

Charter Title Company - Fort Bend Sharon Peterson, 281-242-1700 Coldwell Banker United Realtors Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS, 281-414-8400

Truitt Insurance Agency Jim Truitt, 281-499-5499

www.FortBendChamber.com

Sugar Creek Country Club Kelly Buettner, 281-494-9131 VCA SW Freeway Animal Hospital Harvey S. Brannen, Jr., 281-491-VETS Frost Bank - Sugar Land Chris Biasiolli, 713-388-7890

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Ribbon Cuttings

JAM Tennis & Fitness 14019 Southwest Freeway, Suite 202 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 242-6000 www.jamtennisandfitness.com

T Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

he co-owners of JAM Tennis and Fitness, which opened in September of 2011, are friends, tennis partners, and new business partners.

“We wanted to open a store that sells what we like to buy! We sell gear that we love and clothes that aren’t just for tennis but for yoga, running, and working out, too.”

The three owners, Margaret Diano, Janelle Pearce, and Amanda Thompson, and Store Manager, Lito Diano are also athletes. When you shop at JAM Tennis and Fitness you benefit from the knowledge of seasoned athletes and

fitness fanatics. The store, which is located in Sugar Land at 14019 Southwest Frwy Suite 202 does its part in supporting the community, as well. They sponsor local athletes, teams, and tournaments. You may also drop off used racquets for donation to youth in Zimbabwe. Birthdays are always special at JAM Tennis and Fitness. Stop in the week of your birthday and receive $20 off your purchase of $50 or more.

Medifast Weight Control Centers 15281 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-2296 www.medifastcenters.com

M

edifast is a clinically proven weight control center that is recommended by over 20,000 doctors and used by over 1 million people since 1980. Medifast is scientifically formulated to be safe, filling, nutritious, and designed for fat burning.

Our Medifast members enjoy a weight loss of 2-5 lbs a week. With our one-on-one weekly support and motivation from our certified weight loss counselors and registered dietians, our Medifast members learn how to keep the weight off and live a healthy lifestyle.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Medifast is conveniently located at the Southwest Freeway and Williams Trace intersection inside the First Colony Commons shopping center. Call Medifast for a complimentary weight loss consultation and begin your weight loss journey today! (281)-491-2296. 15281 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse 12000 Southwest Freeway Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-277-9292 www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com

T

radicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new 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.

Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sun 12pm-3pm. Dinner: Sun-Fri 5pm-9:30pm, Sat 4pm-10pm.

Phone 281-277-9292. 12000 Southwest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX 77477. www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com

AXA Advisors, LLC 19901 Kingsland Blvd., Suite E Katy, TX 77094 281-221-9497

S

pecializing in Retirement Plans and Financial Strategies for Businesses and Retirement Planning Services for Individuals, Dale works to understand your goals, concerns, and risks, and puts the most taxefficient strategies in place to help accomplish them.

AXA is the 11th Largest Firm in the World in gross revenues and maintains its strong “A” rating among the

www.FortBendChamber.com

major Rating Agencies. If you have not taken time to see how comprehensive financial planning may benefit you or your business, then contact Dale Shaw for a complimentary Discovery meeting.

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 36

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

www.FortBendChamber.com

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Kaitlin Noser

Congratulations to Kaitlin Noser, a senior at Terry High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for May! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check.

Kaitlin’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities include three sports teams - volleyball, swim and water polo, where she is a 3 time varsity letterman in swimming and holds the title of MVP swimmer.

Kaitlin has been named Academic All-District for the past 3 years. She is in the top 10% of her class. She was elected to Girl’s State and is active in student council, Junior Acheivement, the Little League. as well as teaching kindergarten Sunday school at her church. Kaitlin was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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NEWSWORTHY TxDOT encourages motorists to drive smart and arrive safely Most folks realize that barreling through a work zone can have consequences. But, for those who don’t, Texas has a message -- “Drive Smart and Arrive Alive.”

Work zones can be hazardous for motorists and crews working to improve Texas’ highways. However, TxDOT has seen a decrease in work zone fatalities in 2010 from the previous year because of increased safety measures and public outreach efforts.

In 2010, 100 people were killed in highway construction and maintenance zones in Texas, down from 108 the previous year. While work zone fatalities and crashes have declined, there is still work to do.

“Each year, Texas sees fewer work zone fatalities than the year before largely because of coordinated efforts to educate motorists on the dangers of speed and distracted driving in work zones,” said John Barton,

TxDOT’s deputy executive director.

“Each of us has the power to protect lives as we drive. We just need to put our cell phones down, stop adjusting the radio and focus on driving safely.”

TxDOT maintains approximately 80,000 miles of highway and oversees more than 1,000 construction or maintenance projects at any given time. With so much construction, motorists frequently encounter work zones. In 2010, there were 3,073 distracted driver crashes in work zones, involving 7,468 vehicles. These distracted driver crashes resulted in 14 fatalities.

In 2010, 61 percent of work zone fatalities were male.

Forty-five percent of all work zone fatalities for 2010 were 35 years old or younger.

Nine out of every ten work zone

Cancer survivors invited to celebrate life at free concert in Sugar Land Cancer Survivor and Musician, Charlie Lustman, Will Perform Cancer survivors and their families are invited to celebrate life at the “Peace, Hope, Survive” event on Thursday, May 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Houston Sugar Land. Musician and cancer survivor Charlie Lustman, as part of his Musical HOPE Campaign, will be the special entertainment at a free concert. The event is sponsored by Texas Oncology, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, University of Houston-Victoria School of Nursing, American Cancer Society, and Amgen.

“We are with our patients during their most difficult times as they fight cancer,” said Nancy Wells, practice administrator, Texas Oncology–Sugar Land. “We believe that it’s equally as important to celebrate survivorship with them.”

Charlie Lustman brings hope and humor to cancer survivors through his music, which is inspired by his own journey with cancer.

38

Lustman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in his upper jaw bone in July 2006. After successfully undergoing treatment, Lustman returned to his love of creating music with a focus on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Today, he visits cancer centers, wellness communities, and schools throughout the U.S. and internationally on his Musical HOPE Campaign to uplift spirits of those affected by cancer.

“We encourage all cancer survivors and their families to join us for this inspiring concert and an opportunity to meet other survivors,” said Steven J. Brockman-Weber, MSN, RN, MS, FACHE, NEA-BC , chief nursing officer/chief operating officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

“Space is limited so please call 713-222CARE (2273) to reserve your space for this free event.”

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

fatalities are motorists traveling through the work zone.

One in three work zone crashes is a rear-end collision.

Of the 100 work zone fatalities in 2010, 54 were drug and alcohol-related.

Barton said everyone should take responsibility for work zone safety, from engineers and planners to drivers and pedestrians. For more information go to www.txdot.gov, search work zone.

Texas hot spots for foreign investment Houston and Austin are both hot spots for foreign real estate investment, according to a recent survey.

Top U.S. Cities for Foreign Real Estate Investment 2012 1. New York 2. Washington, D.C. 3. San Francisco 4. Boston 5. Los Angeles 6. Seattle 7. Houston 8. Austin 9. Miami 10. Chicago Source: The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate

Best States for Jobs Texas leads a winter 2011 Moody’s Analytics ranking of states projected to add the most of jobs over the next five years.

Forbes reports employment in Texas will rise 2.9 percent annually until 2015, netting 1.6 million new jobs for the state.

1. Texas 2. Nevada 3. Arizona 4. New Mexico 5. North Dakota Sources: Moody’s Analytics, Forbes

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

State law requires private sale vehicle buyers to title in 30 days or face financial penalties Not transferring a vehicle in 30 days can cost Fort Bend County residents big money.

A new state law requires those who purchase vehicles in a private sale, whether it’s in or out of state, to obtain a new title within 30 calendar days or face financial penalties.

“In some counties people are finding they owe hundreds of dollars in title penalties for failing to title within a month of purchasing their new car or truck,” said Patsy Schultz , the tax assessor-collector for Fort Bend County. “Please don’t let this happen to you,” Schultz added.

Failure to title within the 30 days results in an automatic $25 penalty, plus another $25 for each month the title is late. There are no waivers for these penalties, which means the Fort Bend County tax office and

the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles cannot reduce or forgive what you may owe.

The law does grant an additional 30 days to active-duty military personnel, which gives them 60 days to transfer the title before facing late title penalties.

While the penalties may seem harsh, it’s important to remember this helps to protect you when you go to sell a vehicle. “When vehicle buyers don’t put the title in their name when you sell them a car or truck, anything they may do with that vehicle is going to trace to your name,” Schultz explained.

Sellers don’t have to rely solely on the buyer to do the right thing. Whenever you sell a vehicle yourself or even trade one in to a dealer, it is important to file the free Vehicle Transfer Notification on

Comptroller Susan Combs distributes $489 million in monthly sales tax revenue to local governments Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has announced that state sales tax revenue in March was $1.87 billion, up 16.9 percent compared to March 2011.

“The latest sales tax revenue numbers mark a continuation of recent trends we have seen in sales tax receipts,” Combs said. “Strong collections continued in

oil and gas-related sectors, while growth in revenue from the retail sector and restaurants also accelerated.”

Combs will send April local sales tax allocations totaling $488.7 million to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 17 percent compared to April 2011.

Local Sales Tax Allocations (April 2012) The sales tax figures represent monthly sales made in February.

For details of local sales tax allocations in April to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose

districts, locate the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s website at www. window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/ compsum.html.

April 2012 Allocations

Change from April 2011

Year-to-date Change

Cities

$321.8m

p15.1%

p9.2%

Counties

$32.8m

p22.8%

p15.5%

Transit Systems

$110.1m

%

p17.5

p10.6%

Special Purpose Taxing Districts

$24.1m

p35.6%

p24.6%

Total

$488.7m

p17.0%

p10.5%

Recipient

the TxDMV website, www.TxDMV. gov. “Sellers must file the Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days to receive the state- guaranteed protection from liability,” Schultz said. “This way you cannot be held responsible for anything the buyer does with your old vehicle.”

Buyers need to realize that titling the vehicle in their name also offers protection.

“When a vehicle is titled in your name it gives you proof of ownership,” Schultz said.

Schultz offers these tips for people planning to buy or sell a vehicle.

Texas Buyers • For your protection, never buy a vehicle in a private sale without receiving the title.

• Be sure the seller gives you the title. If the title is from Texas, you can go to Title Check at www.TxDMV.gov to see if it’s a clean title.

• The seller must sign, date and enter the odometer reading on the title back.

• Be sure the seller signs, dates and enters the sales price on Form 130-U. If you are purchasing the vehicle out of state, have the seller download the form from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, www.TxDMV.gov.

• Go to your local county tax office within 30 days to title the vehicle in your name.

Texas Sellers • Sign, date and enter the odometer reading on the back of the title.

• Fill out your section of the mandatory Form 130-U. The buyer needs this to title the vehicle out of your name.

• Take off the license plates and transfer them for free to the new vehicle you buy.

(That plate number ties directly to your name.)

• File the Vehicle Transfer Notification online at www.TxDMV.gov to remove your liability for the vehicle in the event the buyer does not transfer the title. You only have 30 days to file the Vehicle Transfer Notification to receive this state-guaranteed removal of liability.

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

39

Texas Green Electronic Recycling Company to serve Gulf Coast in Stafford

T

exas Green Electronic Recycling Company was developed to solve one of the fastest growing problems facing our country.

With more than 12 years combine experience, TGERC management opened the doors of the new company in the Stafford so they could continue their goals of supplying people with honest jobs while providing a location to discard materials that could make landfills harmful to future generations.

Located at 10225 Mula Road, TGERC uses the developed processes that allow DE manufacturing to melt them back into their original forms and reuse the material to make new products. Thus, creating a a win/

win situation and a cleaner environment.

“We are able to help our neighbors and at the same time we can do our part in helping prolong the life of the earth itself,” says Manager James Sawyer.

“We feel we are a central location for the entire Gulf Coast area.

“Our facility is a 28,800 SF building which was built in 2009. Stafford is able to offer us with a small town community which offers outstanding security and protection while still allowing us to be very close and connected to the big city life.”

The TGERC facility uses a highly advanced database which handles all tracking and reporting throughout the process at our facility. Employees can offer an estimate of costs or payments based

Recycling increases 200% in Sugar Land

R

ecycling increased more than 200 percent during the first four months of Sugar Land’s new solid waste program.

Residents recycled more than 850 tons of materials in December, 700 tons in January, 915 tons in February and 1,290 tons in March. More than 30 percent of the waste has been diverted from landfills since the program’s implementation in December.

Sugar Land’s curbside recycling program was expanded to include all colors of glass bottles and jars. The addition of a green waste program ensures all green waste -- grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. -- will be taken to a composting facility and recycled into mulch or compost rather than sent to a landfill.

March is typically the month when green waste placed at the curb significantly increases. More than 735 tons of green waste was collected and recycled into mulch or compost last month.

40

Guidelines for green waste placed at the curb follow: • Loose materials such as grass clippings and leaves should be placed in reusable containers or bags that are securely tied.

• Clear or translucent bags are recommended. Compostable bags are not required.

• Brush and tree limbs must be less than 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length.

• Brush and tree limbs must be stacked in small piles (3 feet high and 3 feet wide). Bundling of tree limbs is not required, but recommended.

• Green waste should be set out at the curb at least four feet from other objects.

• Do not place green waste in City issued garbage or recycle carts.

• Lawn care professionals should be asked to service yards prior to collection days.

For more information about the green waste program, contact Republic Services at (713) 726-7307 or email solidwaste@sugarlandtx.gov.

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

per pound. Once material arrives at the facility, it is immediately weighed and received into our database. TGERC can provide you with receiving documents the same day and after processing return a copy of your receiving paperwork followed by a Certificate of Destruction and a processing report with invoice.

TGERC has established a high tech process for dismantling all materials. We are able to record make, model and serial number along with size and weight and a brief description for all materials if needed.

Materials run through the database then follows our dismantle line which includes several workstations for employees to dismantle the material and send it down our 160-foot conveyor system. From the conveyor the pieces left of the material are determined whether they will go to one of our five bailers or if we will segregate for further shredding. All material processed at the facility is destroyed and recycled.

MD Anderson Sugar Land sponsors Breast Friends focus and support group

A

Breast Friends Focus and Support group is forming for the Fort Bend County community. The breast cancer support group is hosted on the St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital campus and takes place the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Meetings are open to all breast cancer patients or survivors, regardless of where they are receiving or received treatment. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12 and will cover the topic of survivorship, with a discussion led by Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of Behavioral Science in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“Breast Friends offers outreach for women all over the community and provides the opportunity to find support and information from both MD Anderson clinical experts as well as people who are going through the same thing they are,” said Breast Friends Group Facilitator Laurie Hughes, an advanced practice nurse who specializes in caring for patients with breast cancer and is a breast nurse navigator at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land.

“Through education and support, patients are able to develop skills and be introduced to resources to guide them through this challenging time.”

Each group meeting consists of a guest speaker, often a cancer survivor or MD Anderson physician or nurse, to open the session and provide information on a variety of topics. Small group discussion follows as well as a question and answer period and light refreshments. MD Anderson physicians from the Regional Care Center in Sugar Land, including breast surgical oncologist Susan Hoover, M.D., oncologist Janet Tu, M.D., and radiation oncologist Isidora Arzu, M.D., Ph.D., attend each meeting to answer questions and interact with guests.

Nurses Claudine Jreissaty RN, in Medical Oncology and Vanessa Baird RN, in Medical Oncology are also involved as planners and facilitators for the program.

Meetings take place in the first Sugar Land floor conference room of the St. Luke’s 8410 Hwy 90A Sugar Land campus at 1327 Lake Stafford Pointe Parkway. No pre-registration is 3531 S. Main Missouri City required. For more information contact 3600 FM 1092 Laurie Hughes at (281) 566-1908.

(713) 388-7600

ote

Republican

BRENDA

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

F OR

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

387th Judicial District Court www.MullinixForJudge.com “Board Certified in Family Law”

Pd. Pol. Ad by Brenda Mullinix Campaign, Mark Mullinix, Treasurer, 310 Morton #134, Richmond, TX 77469

FrostBank.com May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

41

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 March 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 488 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of March. There were also 100 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Belin J Scott (+) J. Scott & Company 2495 S Mason Rd Apt 424 77450 Mcdonald John Wayne Law Dog Will Travel 2922 Valiant Elm St 77454 Mcdonald John Wayne Law Enforcement Youth Jump-Start Program 2922 Valiant Elm St 77454 Metzgar Jeremiah P Big Sarge Home Inspection 25902 Crestford Park Ln 77494 Ngo Ida Sugar Land Donuts 2575 Eldridge Rd 77478 Bravo Milhko (+) The Bravo Group (+) 4042 Brenner Ct 77478 Woods John A (+) John Woods (D.B.A.) House2home Yard Services 16347 Sierra Grande 77083

Sadiki Lee A (+) Lee Sadiki, Voice Over Talent 5126 Cedard Springs Dr 77459 Sadiki Lee A (+) Las Judgment Recovery Associates 5126 Cedard Springs Dr 77459 Deleon David Dod Automated 409 Present Street 77489 Bryant Etta B&L Express (+) 4144 Grewstone Way #609 77479 Smiles Betty (+) Smiles On Lake Erie 11438 Scotland Ave 16428 Floyd Mary Hollins The Littlest Ones 1139 Mossridge Drive 77489 Patterson Lashonda (+) Southern Belle Hair Studio’s 4114 Lilac Ct 77477

Garza Anita Heaven Sent Cleaning 1818 Center Street 77469

Washington Barbara Lola’s Lathers P O Box 68 77459

Montalvo Ignacio S Pecan Grove Barber Shop 1421 FM 359 77406

M & M Investment LLC Juice Lounge 5211 Highway 6 S Ste A 77459

Onuigbo Hyacinth Affam Citi Care Ems 419 Taskwood Drive 77469

Allen Rosalind L Rla Photography 20111 Windsor Trace Ln 77407

Brown Lazorus Vankeith B (+) Vankeith Grilled Kitchen 2507 Landover Lane 77493

Gray Efren (+) All Things Athletic P O Box 372 77459

Ajayi Rachael Oyewale Canaan Enterprises 3326 Kale Ranch Drive 77494

Ansari Nazim Inventive Technical Solutions 8314 Blossom Bell Ln 77489

August Paul B August Capital Management 2903 Nancy Bell Lane 77459

Kajani Muneer (+) Impulse Wholsale & Distributer 8000 Harwin #450 77036

Ni Salon LLC Salon One 2248 FM 1092 77459

Smith Robert E Soldiers Basketball 2910 Commercial Center Blvd Suite 103-137 77494

Onowu Ifeyinwa I Wellpharm Inc 420 Sartartia Rd 77479

42

Sosa Miriam N Knm Rentals And Events 4815 Lake Wichita Ln 77407

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Sombilla Patrick Superpix 16515 Smooth Pine Ln 77498

M & M Investment LLC Juice Lounge and Grill 5211 Highway 6 S Ste A 77459

Ochoa-Cabrera Francisco J Top Flooring 8727 Pointpark #416 77095

Metz James (+) Lyons Of The Earth 3506 Ustinik Rd 77471

Osuala Tina (+) C.J. Healthcare Community Service, Inc 7610 Harvest Mill Ln 77407

Warthan Jayne The Prissy Penguin (+) 16823 Ribbonridge 77498

Mcelveen Mark (+) Mark Mcelveen P O Box 64 24106 Hwy 36 77430 Robinson Kathryn (+) Kathryn Robinson 17119 Pecan Acres Dr 77498 Mcghee Dominique (+) The Monster Lifestyles Food Monsters (+) 3623 Brush Lake Dr 77459

Osuala Tina (+) Cc’s Healthcare Services, Inc 7610 Harvest Mill Ln 77407 Norman Tia (+) Paw Pause 3914 Climbing Rose Ct 77459 Galloway Densel Cornel Gng Car Sales 3724 South Post Oak Blvd 77545

Adunbarin Olufemi K Ok Motors 2026 Feather Ridge Dr 77489

Garcia Allison M Amg Services 3306 Becker Glen St 77545

Chiang Chen L (+) Eauto Group 1146 Cambrian Park Ct 77479

Montz James Keith Motm Business Consultants 206 Aberdeen St 77477

Brehm Don (+) Brehm’s Feed Co., Inc. 4325 FM 359 77406 Purwanti Endah (+) Phone Guru 713 20418 Coleridge Ln 77407 Chambers Barry Jc Machine And Weld 1326 Wiedner Dr 77494 Byerly Allen C Acb Surveying 4518 Weston Dr 77441

Mcqueen Lisa Mcqueen’s Healing Hands CPR Courses 12700 Stafford Rd Apt 1022 77477 Berrios Mario E Millennium Maid 22115 Skyridge 77469 Ozomah Clement Ifinity Products and Services 15002 Turphin Way 77498

Wilson Robert Ramsey Kenneth M Strictly Electrical Services Lake Abstract 21919 Castlewalk Trail 77407 1929 Country Club Blvd 77479 Roberson Kimberly Sepahan Enterprise American Security Auto Max #3 7209 Castleview 77489 6615 FM 1464 77083 May Robert Berry Delores Robert May Consulting Divine Living 12202 Doe Meadow 77477 Transportation 1406 Lazy Spring Dr 77489 Taylor Edward E Hulon Farm Jones Steven Y (+) 14121 Blidel Rd 77469 Fruit Of Love Fellowship Church Beard Andero (+) 2310 Broadgreen Dr 77489 Integrity Security Systems 1415 Waterside Village Dr 77407

R Ochoas Construction LLC Robert Ochoa Roofing 13031 Bates Lane 77477 R Ochoas Construction LLC Ochoa’s Fence Company 13031 Bates Lane 77477 Shutter-Up LLC Shutter-Up Blinds & Shutters 62 Grassy Knolls 77479 Wright Caleb M (+) Big Tex Scoopers 8319 Galler Rd 77469 Johnson Margaret Turkey Me Crazy 1923 Grand Willow Ln 77469 Clear Solution International Big Shots Basketball 4418 Bluebonnet Dr #208 77477 Powell Damion L Powell Printing and Design 3255 Hunters Glen Dr 77459 Davis Vernon Jr Heart Throb-Cpr and Safety Solutions 4723 Plantation Colony Dr 77459 Le Ly (+) Select Nail 1055 Eldridge Rd #200 77478 Carson Clifford P Ii (+) Carson Lawn Care 9702 Piney Point Circle 77461 Patton Brenda C Alexander’s Down Home Favorites 1618 Dusty Ridge 77459 Dewint Lori My Massage Room 2693 Cartwright Rd Ste A 77489 Rashid Naved Ali Rashid Insurance Agency 1800 Austin Pkwy #1101 77479

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MEADOWS PLACE 12202 South West Freeway 12220 South West Freeway

Commercial Fence Commercial Buildout

$252,000 $334,993

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

03/01/12-03/31/12

$638,993

MISSOURI CITY 14043 S Gessner Rd 4971 Hwy 6 6245 Hwy 6 300 13443 S Gessner Rd 13513 S Gessner Rd 8720 Hwy 6 100 Res D 13221 S Gessner Rd 5819 Hwy 6 225 4401 Sienna Cir 13223 A1 Stafford Rd

Commercial Addition Commercial New Commercial Lease Space New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Lease Space New Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$80,000 $495,000 $65,000 $2,679,040 $2,104,960 $125,000 $2,000,000 $37,000 $49,500 $48,300

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

03/01/12-03/31/12

$7,683,800

ROSENBERG 7145 Reading Rd 23503 Brazos Town Crossing 6601 Fm 762 7145 Reading Rd 25707 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$54,000 $1,980,000 $753,760 $23,410 $201,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

03/01/12-03/31/12

$3,012,170

STAFFORD 4330 Bluebonnet Dr 609 Dulles Ave 600 12735 Dairy Ashford 4655 Wright Rd 100 13800 North Promenade Blvd 13000 Murphy Rd 130 3950 Greenbriar Dr

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$189,000 $49,450 $36,000 $49,000 $3,500,000 $20,000 $5,500,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

03/01/12-03/31/12

$9,373,355

SUGAR LAND 525 Industrial Blvd 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 150 1441 State Hwy 6 Ste 200 16305 Kensington Dr Ste 270 16545 Southwest Fwy Ste 210 12551 Emily Ct. 3119 Sweetwater Blvd 14777 Voss Rd 4634 State Hwy 6 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 320 3549 State Hwy 6 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 2004 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 700 12559 W Airport Blvd 3613 State Hwy 6 16549 Southwest Fwy 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 310 125 Pierre Schlumberger 12810 Jess Pirtle Blvd 14121 B Southwest Fwy

Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout 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

$793,760 $72,000 $90,000 $78,780 $92,000 $650,000 $605,970 $220,549 $30,000 $320,000 $47,000 $26,057 $122,223 $36,340 $133,500 $84,000 $61,413 $674,000 $85,375 $343,111

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

03/01/12-03/31/12

$4,906,176

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Texas Direct Auto / Hurricane Fences Helfman Ford / Teal Construction

Stock Building Supply of Texas/Aftermath Services, LLC To Be Determined SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC/Provest Group E.E. Reed Construction L.P E.E. Reed Construction L.P Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD/Architechtural Construction Group Burton Construction Rotunda LTD/Reliance Property Resources Asho LP/Ashton Construction Pike Road-Stafford LP/Bearden Management, Inc.

Dolce Living Investments Brazos Town Center Tract 6 Triumph Christian Center Dolce Living Investments Hitec Power Protection

KOT Wholesale, Inc/Gemco Air ARG Enterpises, LLC/Provest Group PBV-USA Inc/Meridian Constructors LLC Baro Controls/StarTex Construction Eli.fin Development/Structura Nelson Environmental Technologies Inc/Village Drywall Services Tyco Valves Controls/Mission Construction LP

Flow Loop Land/EE.Reed Construction, LP Methodist Hospital/Gen-Tech Construction, LLC Officix, LLC/Francisco Cruz Construction Co. Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Covington Renovation Houston Specialist Alliance LTD/Camden Construction, Inc. Sahu, Inc./Nirman Inc. Ft Bend ISD/Jamail & Smith Construction Ft Bend ISD/Jamail & Smith Construction CAP First Colony, LLC/Superior Services First Colony Mall/LLC/Seven Hills Commercial LLC Global New Millenium Partners/Anthony Drywall First Colony Mall, LLC/McCroskey Construction Co Inc GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/O’Donnell/Snider Construction Avera Commerce Center Sugar Land/Angler Construction Eqyinvest First Colony Owner/Southwest Texas Construction Coastline Development Inc/Floyds Seafood Cajun House NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Hermes Commercial Contractors Schlumberger Tech Corp/Burton Construction Company Allen Real Estate, LP/ I-Deal Contracting, LLC Guarranty Federal Bank FSB/HM General Contractors

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

43

Advertising

Economic Development

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Fort Bend 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.

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair.

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

First Tire & Automotive - 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner,3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-9802666 (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!

The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org - 281-396-2200 The Katy Area Economic 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.

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.

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com A private golf and country club providing the area’s finest golf course and golf practice facilities along with fitness, pool, tennis, spa and dining amenities. Golf and Club (non-golf) Memberships are currently available.

Banks

Fire Extinguisher Service

Vista Bank - 281-325-5000 www.vistabank.com Fax: 281-325-5050. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 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!

Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential 281-342-6969 www.GillenServices.com Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service.

Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.

Financial Products & Services Sugar Creek Financial Group - 281-565-2266 www.sugarcreekgroup.com robroy@windstream.net. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #430, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC - 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 508 F.M. 1092, Suite D, Stafford, TX 77477. 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.

Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters

CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. - 281-494-1164 Scooters by CBC - 281-494-3454 www.cbcgolfcarts.com chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar).

CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Fairplay and Pride Mobility products. fax 281-494-1189

Home Health Care Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344 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”

Insurance Agencies 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. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises.

Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking.

206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300 44

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

JDT Lawn Care • 281-435-5408 Commercial property maintenance and landscaping service, fully insured professionals offering superior customer service and accountability, owner/operator and all employees were born and raised in Fort Bend County. High quality service from the ground up!

Magazine Fort Bend 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 Pearland 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.

Medical Billing

Complete Business Solutions - 1-888-445-8609 cbsolutions@callmykate.com www.cbsbillingservices.com Complete Business Solutions, the medical billing professionals, is dedicated to improving your cash flow results. Our goals include: lower billing costs, savings of up to 50% by outsourcing with us, reduced rejection rates, faster payment of claims, average of 14 days response. To find out more about this and other services, visit our website for a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee.

Medical Supplies Synicare Medical - 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240.

Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC.

Nails P&L Nails – Sugar Land • 281-277-5072 PL Nails – Sienna Plantation • 281-778-8558 PL Nails - Katy • 281-347-1122 www.plnails.com Providing the most luxurious service available, PL Nails has Fort Bend county covered with locations in Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, and Katy. Whether it be nails, body waxing, massage, or lots more, the expertly trained staff at PL Nails is committed to making your experience most pleasurable! Located at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd in the Kroger Shopping Center, Sugar Land, 281-277-5072. Located at 8880 Hwy 6 South, Suite 110 in the HEB Center, Missouri City, 281-7788558. Located at 25681 Nelson Way in the HEB Center near Katy Mills Mall, Katy, 281-347-1122.

Newspaper

Physicians

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 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.

Pediatric Therapy MedCare Pediatric Group, LP • 713-773-5100 www.medcarepediatrics.com Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy at home or at Rehab Center located at 12371 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477. We also provide in home nursing services.

All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)

Pest Control - Commercial / Residential Gillen Pest Control 281-342-6969 - Fort Bend 979-532-5701 - Wharton www.GillenPestControl.com Family owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!

Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations. Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

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

Real Estate / Residential Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 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 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend.

Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-4998704, Luxury 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.

See more on page 46

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

To be listed call at 281-690-4204 May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

45

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Landscaping / Lawn Care

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.

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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 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.

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking Technical ProSource Meeting Your IT Staffing Needs 713-272-8800 www.TechnicalProSource.com Serving Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract to hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes which allow you to move faster through the interview process. Recognized in Forbes magazine as a leading Staffing Firm Provider.

Recognized in Texas Monthly as Most Dependable Staffing Firm and voted Best of Staffing by CareerBuilder.

We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.

Video Services Star 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!

Windows / Sidings Aaron Schneider 832-878-7444 www.savemoresidingandwindows.com Save-More@Hotmail.com Business overview: Save-More Siding & Window Company is a premiere James Hardi Siding and Simonton Window firm. Our professionalism and attention to detail has set us apart from the rest. Call 832-878-7444 and deal direct with Aaron Schneider owner.

46

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.

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant! Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indian-style Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (Tues-Fri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-0432. www.alingshakka.com. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner MonThurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB BLU Restaurant | Lounge BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing. Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues - Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! Visit www.blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive - 281.903.7324. $$ • WB Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm.

This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm.

Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open TuesSat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-2389300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between.

We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing.

23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030.

Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www. lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB 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 Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twentythree of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their

food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Takeout, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281265-6556. $ • WB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners.

The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds.

The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools.

Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:002:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new 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. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm.

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.

GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to sharon@FortBendStar.com We love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit

www.fortbendstar.com

May 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

47

BLU brings Euro-Asian tastes to Sugar Land

A

new restaurant with international style and global flavors has landed in Sugar Land Town Square. BLU

RESTAURANT | LOUNGE

SUNDAY BRUNCH from 11AM - 3PM

Chef Jett’s featured signature items using farm fresh eggs include Crab Cake Benedict, Roasted Wild Mushroom Omelet with Truffle Oil, Gruyere & Cheddar Quiche, Salmon and more!

One Complimentary Mimosa per Entree

Live Jazz on the Patio

2248 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 Located in Sugar Land Town Square 281.903.7324

www.blusugarland.com

dives into new terrain with a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan and Pastry Chef and wife, Jira Hurapan.

Before making his mark on Houston at Gigi’s Asian Bistro, Jett hit culinary heights on the East Coast working with some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurateurs and as the executive chef of groundbreaking eateries like Ruby Foo’s in New York and Buddakan in Atlantic City.

With a diverse background that spans cuisine from his native Thailand to French Vietnamese, New American and Mediterranean; he brings a world view to BLU and has devised a menu that offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates.

Signature dishes include: Massaman Beef Short Ribs, a Thai-influenced entrée with potato, peanut and coconuttamarind; Meatball Lollipops, a Mediterranean dish with sweet chili glaze; Sweet Potato Samosas, a dish of Indian origins with chili tamarind sauce; and Crispy Peking Duck, with steamed buns, scallion, cucumber and chili plum sauce.

Pastry Chef Jira Hurapan’ s dessert standouts include: Hand-rolled Chocolate Truffles, in dark chocolate, champagne, pistachio and almond flavors; Molten Chocolate Cake, with drunken cherries, raspberry coulis and

vanilla ice cream; and the Banana-Rum Raisin Bread Pudding, with vanilla ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce.

The sophisticated and internationally inspired dining and lounging concept, is located at 2248 Texas Avenue and offer an airy and dramatic, 5,600-square-foot dining room, punctuated by soaring ceilings and a wall of retractable windows that open onto a 1,400-square-foot patio, where Chef Jett has already been treating guests to impromptu cooking demos.

The east side of the restaurant features a sinuous installation of elevated vignettes that serve as the perfect escape for an afternoon cocktail and snack or a night out aerie with a group of friends.

The western perimeter was designed to accommodate events and parties with a dedicated bar and flexible seating and standing configuration with a capacity of up to 60.

BLU is located at 2248 Texas Drive and serves lunch and dinner Tues - Sun 11am to 10pm with continuous service between meal periods. Happy hour is Tues - Sun 4pm to 7pm featuring a $4 food menu and a $2-$5 drink menu, and live entertainment kicks off at approximately 10:30 pm Wed to Sat. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! For more information, please visit their web site at www.blusugarland.com.

LELAND IRWIN... continued from page 13

The Court noted that while pipeline development is indisputably important to Texas, freedom itself demanded strong protections for individual property rights, and that one of the most important purposes of government is the preservation of property rights.

If that wasn’t clear enough, the Court went on to say that “our Constitution and laws enshrine landownership as a keystone right.”

While the Denbury decision involved a CO2 pipeline, it is unknown if lower courts will interpret the ruling to also include all

48

Fort Bend Business Journal • May 2012

other types of pipelines as well. If so, some say this could be disastrous for the oil and gas industry. Given the Court’s strong language favoring the rights of private property owners and the likelihood that courts will apply the Denbury decision to other types of pipelines, we will very likely see legislative action on this issue in 2013.

Leland Irwin is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and a partner at Ellis & Irwin, L.L.P. He can be reached at (832) 595-1242 or at leland@ei-law.com.

WHY THE BEST TIME T O F I N D A H O S P I TA L I S BEFORE YOU NEED ONE.

You may not need a hospital now, but some day you might. Choosing the right hospital can make the critical difference. St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital is a full service, acute care hospital, delivering quality care in Sugar Land. We offer many of the services you might need, backed by a name you know and trust, and delivered with a special brand of caring, we call Faithful, Loving Care®. Don’t wait until you need us to find us. We’re here for you.

StLukesSugarLand.com

Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000

generated at BeQRious.com

MEDICAL SEMINARS & EVENTS

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Wednesday, May 16

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WOMEN’S HE

Celebration and Luncheon

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Join us for a W omen’s Health Seminar about Gynecological Disorders and Minimally Invasive Treat ments.

Presented by D r. Katherine D iase, Dr. Duc Le, Dr. Jagjit Khairah and Dr. Jane S tarr.

Tuesday, May

22 • 6 p.m.

Conference Cen

Refreshments

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• Door Prizes

RSVP: 281-2747500 or SLRSVP@tmh s.org.

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 MethodistSugarLand.com

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR’S DAY Methodist Sugar Land Cancer Center welcomes cancer survivors, caregivers, community leaders, physicians and anyone passionate about the cause to join us as we honor America’s cancer survivors.

Friday, June 1 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Conference Center

RSVP to Frances Goerlich 281-274-7930 or FGoerlich@tmhs.org.