September 2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Business Journal

SEPTEMBER 2021 FREE • Vol. 40 • No. 9

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WILSON REPRESENTING FORT BEND ONE PERSON AT A TIME

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EDITOR’S PREVIEW Volume 40 • Number 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 Landan Kuhlmann Lead Reporter

Katie Wilson serving clients to fullest extent Katie Wilson believes in one thing above all else – serving those around her, and doing so in every way possible.

Her whole life, Wilson said she wanted to help people – and told me she believes she has found her true calling as a defense attorney. In that role, she said she often comes across clients at one of the most stressful times in their lives.

It is a role that she continues to thrive on to this day.

Wilson is a native of Houston and now lives in Fort Bend County, but spent much of her childhood living in Saudi Arabia – an experience that taught her she should aim to do whatever she could to serve the public in whatever way possible.

Even though it was not her initial aim for a career – she was working through a master’s degree in applied psychology at Texas State

University – she discovered that it was the best way she could serve people around her in the most meaningful way.

And from my conversation with her, there is no fluff to her argument. She believes in being honest and straight shooting – and in this writer’s estimation, it all comes from a place where she has the best intentions and best interests of whoever she’s representing in mind.

Her mantra is that she is serving Fort Bend County as a criminal defense attorney one person at a time. It is one she believes has served her well in helping more than 200 clients, and that she does not plan to abandon any time soon.

So read this month’s cover story inside on Page 8, and see if Wilson is the right lawyer for you or your loved one. And if so, she’s ready and waiting to get started.

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 3944 Bluebonnet Dr., Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy FREE

PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Frank Vasquez GENERAL MANAGER John Sazma EDITOR Adam Zuvanich LEAD REPORTER Landan Kuhlmann ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Brooke Nance ACCOUNTING Lisa Long

CONTENTS COVER STORY WILSON REPRESENTING FORT BEND ONE PERSON AT A TIME

SEPTEMBER 2021 FREE • Vol. 40 • No. 9

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WILSON REPRESENTING FORT BEND ONE PERSON AT A TIME

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B U S I N E S S C A R D D I R E C T O R Y ................................................................................... 12 SERVICE

- 13 D I R E C T O R Y ...........................................................................................................19 - 20 The Fort Bend Business Journal H September 2021

WILSON REPRESENTING FORT BEND ONE PERSON AT A TIME

©2020 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

1

Homebuilder opens new model in Sienna

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com Houston-area developer Coventry Homes has opened new homes in several Houston-area neighborhoods, including one in the Sienna subdivision in Missouri City, according to an August news release from the developer.

The new two-story floor plans in Sienna boast more than 3,600 square feet of living space, the release said. Among home options showcased include a two-story covered patio, a game room with popcorn bar, children’s retreat, gourmet kitchen, game room and a second media room.

“Our building programs in these communities have been very successful,” Paul Blackburn, region president for Coventry Homes parent company McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc., (MHI) said in the release.

“We look forward to showing buyers our latest designs, structural options and upgrades so they can get the home they want in communities known for delivering exceptional lifestyles.”

Coventry Homes opened a new Sienna model in August. (Contributed photo) The new plans are now among 12 total floor plans offered in Sienna, the release said, with prices beginning in the low $600,000s.

Features in the homes include island kitchens, sweeping staircases, game rooms,

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Microsoft to buy energy from Fort Bend solar center

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com A solar center in Fort Bend County will soon be sending power to one of the world’s biggest computer and technology companies.

The Microsoft Corporation entered into an agreement Aug. 10 to buy power from Danish company Ørsted’s 430 MWAC solar energy center Old 300 in Fort Bend County, according to a news release from Ørsted.

Old 300 Solar Center is located on approximately 2,800 acres of privately owned land at 102 J C Wicks Rd. in Needville.

“Microsoft has ambitious sustainabiity objectives for their Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, and we’re thrilled to support their targets,” Ørsted Onshore Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Vishal Kapadia said in the release. “Given the strong alignment in focus on emission reductions between our two organizations, I’m excited about our continued collaboration.”

In the news release, Microsoft Senior Director of Renewable Energy Adrian

Anderson said the agreement is a crucial step in Microsoft’s journey to utilizing 100 percent renewable energy.

“We recognize that innovation and collaboration are fundamental in how we fight against climate change,” Anderson said. “We’re grateful for our collaboration with Ørsted to deliver renewable energy in ERCOT and look forward to continued progress towards a net-zero carbon future.”

For more information on Ørsted, visit its website at orsted.com/.

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NewQuest acquires more land for Fort Bend Town Center

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com Houston-based NewQuest Properties has purchased additional land that will be utilized for apartments as well as commercial businesses and other mixed-use developments, according to an Aug. 23 news release from the property developer.

According to NewQuest, the company has completed a triple land play for nearly 100 more acres at Fort Bend Town Center in Missouri City, setting the stage for the development of 589 urban apartments and another 200,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial business and retail space.

The acquisition comes mere weeks after NewQuest broke ground on Phase II of the development in Missouri City, which sits on the southwest corner of Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway and just north of the city’s Sienna subdivision.

“We want Fort Bend Town Center to be the premier lifestyle hub for shopping, dining, entertainment and high-end apartments in southwest Houston,” NewQuest senior associate

Q:

A:

Shown are some of the tenants for Fort Bend Town Center in Missouri City.

(Photo from NewQuest) Andrew Alvis said in the release. “This will be the first multifamily development to come out of the ground at that intersection.”

According to the release, the full build-out of the development will give the intersection nearly 1 million square feet of mixed-use and business space on roughly 180 acres at three corners.

“Fort Bend Town Center will be one of the largest mixed-use developments at completion west of Medical Center,” Alvis said.

For more information on Fort Bend Town Center, go to newquest.com/property/ft-bendtown-center/.

ASK THE EXPERT Is there really a difference between Devices Purchased On-Line and Hearing Aids Purchased by an Audiologist?

Electronic companies are trying to get in the hearing aid market and have been selling products online for years. These companies are Terry Snook AuD, FAAA downplaying the importance of finding a licensed hearing care provider. Selling these products on-line is illegal in most states. All of the advanced features and settings of the FDA approved hearing aids dispensed by an Audiologist must be programmed and adjusted precisely for each patient’s needs. Hearing care is HEALTHcare and licensed hearing aid providers must maintain and calibrate their equipment to make sure you are diagnosed and treated correctly. They also must attend Continuing Education classes each year to make sure they are qualified to program and fit these advanced circuits correctly for each patient. By purchasing devices without seeing a professional, patients are bypassing these FDA requirements put in place to protect them. The electronic manufacturers want patients to believe that these services are not needed so they are able to sell you a product, whereas most hearing professionals are educated and trained to provide individualized care and services to treat a condition.

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ASK THE EXPERT Hypotension: A Risky Health Problem

While high blood pressure (hypertension) is a major concern thatcan lead to various health risks, low blood pressure (hypotension) can be a cause for concern as well.

A low blood pressur e reading isdefined as a systolic blood pressure less than or equal to ninetymillimeters of mercury, over a diastolic blood pressure reading of lessthan or equal to sixty millimetersmercury (90 mmHg/60 mmHg).Some people may get hypotensionfrom not drinking enough water orstarting a new medication. A sudden drop in blood pressure cancause a person to feel dizzy, nauseous, thirsty, tired, and breathefast. Hypotension is more common in athletes, pregnant women,Addison’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and certain heart conditions.

Most people do not need medications to raise a low blood pressure. Adding more salt to the dietor drinking lots of water are natural ways to increase blood pressure. A doctor may prescribe certain medications like fludrocortisoneto people with low blood pressure. This medication increases blood pressure by increasing water retention. It can also raise blood sugar levels which may be aconcern in people with conditionslike diabetes. Midodrine (Orvaten) increases blood pressure in peoplewho experience a sudden drop inblood pressure when standing, after they have been lying down.

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Richmond-based chicken restaurant expanding operations to Missouri City

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com A new Cajun-inspired chicken restaurant is set to make its way to Missouri City next month for those with adventurous palates.

Family-owned and operated Swamp Chicken is planning the soft opening of its second Fort Bend County location at 8035 Hwy. 6 in Missouri City for Oct. 15-16, according to Operations Manager Terrie Mason. The restaurant has another area location at 6611 FM 1464, Suite G in Richmond, according to its website.

The restaurant’s website says Swamp Chicken is known for specializing in boudin-stuffed chicken wings and many other “southern delectables.”

They also serve offerings of crawfish etouffee, chicken and waffles, jambalaya and wings, among other delicacies such

Pictured are just a couple of chicken-based offerings at Swamp Chicken, which is opening a Missouri City location in October. (Photos from Facebook)

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On the side, customers can choose from sides such as Cajun red beans and rice, fried rice, regular fries and a Cajun boudin link. Dessert offerings are a homemade cake of the day that is baked on-site and homemade pudding.

as chicken sandwiches for the main course.

Swamp Chicken also offers fried fish strips, a grilled cheese sandwich and chicken tenders on the kids’ menu, according to the website.

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WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOUR FAMILY? Life Lesson: You cannot control what the future will bring, but you CAN control the LEGACY you will leave your family.

Margie Connolly, Attorney Legacy: The fundamental purpose of estate planning is to leave a legacy for the living. It is not that death and taxes are unimportant, they just pale in significance to the legacy you leave behind.

Unfortunately, numerous studies show that over 50% of Americans have no estate plan, no will and no medical directives. Why do so many people fail to properly plan for what happens at the end of their life? Procrastination, fear of the unknown, superstition are answers I hear often.

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Wilson representing Fort Bend ONE PERSON AT A TIME COVER STORY

LANDAN KUHLMANN BY

Katie Wilson said she initially didn’t know what she wanted to do for a career when starting college – she just knew she wanted to be of service to others.

And though she may have found her niche as a defense attorney later than most, she said it hasn’t made her journey any less fulfilling.

“The thought to be a lawyer didn’t come to me until I was about halfway through a master’s degree,” said Wilson, a Fort Bend criminal defense attorney who was born in Houston but lived in Saudi Arabia for much of her childhood. “My love for service to other people grew from my time there and traveling the world when I was younger. So when I went to college, I was just searching for the right fit… I just knew I wanted to be of service to people.”

While working on a master’s degree at Texas State University, Wilson began exploring ways to work more directly with people in a meaningful way. She worked with Upward Bound, a college prep program that serves at risk high school students, and designed and completed a research project for a healthcare nonprofit looking to increase prenatal care among low income neighborhoods in Austin.

But while fulfilling, the fit wasn’t quite right.

“It occurred to me that I didn’t want to spend my whole life doing research. I wanted to be more one-onone,” she said. “So I started talking to a friend… who was pre-law, and it occurred to me how much lawyers can do.”

Soon after, Wilson began working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Travis County – and it all clicked.

“Growing up I had sort of a different view of lawyers, so when I started exploring it, I realized how many opportunities a lawyer has to be of service to people in the community,” she said. “As soon as I started doing (CASA), I knew this was where I wanted to go.”

From there, Wilson received a full ride scholarship to the University of Denver College of Law, where she graduated in 2010. She worked with the Weld County District Attorney’s office until 2017, where she handled

more than 10,000 criminal cases and tried more than 60 cases to a jury as a prosecutor.

From 2018-2019, she moved back home to work as a prosecutor with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office before opening her own criminal defense law firm in June 2019. Wilson credits her years as a prosecutor, working alongside law enforcement, and confidence standing before a jury for her success in representing her clients.

“As much as I loved prosecuting, I love defense even more – because now I have an actual human sitting on the other side of my desk from me,” she said. “I see these cases as human beings. They’re not just numbers anymore.”

What’s more, she has found a real family in the Fort Bend County defense bar which she says ultimately helps provide the best representation for those seeking her help.

“I think every attorney could stand and muscle through everything on their own, but I don’t think it’s the best practice for our clients. So I think it’s great to have a community of other attorneys,” she said. “(The practice of law) is really an art, so I think that collaboration benefits our clients.”

Since opening in June 2019, Wilson said she has served about 300 individual clients who have come to her for help. And she said it’s not just about getting them in the door – it’s about getting them on the way to the rest of their lives.

As someone who was always eager to be of service to the community, she said she could not imagine a more fulfilling profession.

“I get to be with human beings in one of the most difficult times of their life – they have a lot riding on the outcome of their case,” she

said. “It’s a huge speed bump in people’s lives, and I get to be there and guide them through it, to be their champion and representative in the entire thing. I’m blown away that I get paid to do this work.”

It can be a delicate balance, she said, as she is often with people at a time with significant “emotional heaviness” due to the circumstances surrounding her representation. And throughout the process, she said she strives to provide her clients with the support they need in one of the heavier moments of life – whether it’s something she can provide as an attorney, or a service she can help her clients find.

After all, it’s what she’s there for.

“Knowing how to prepare them, how to find resources in the community to help them deal with the stress is important,” she said.

“We have to be sensitive to our clients and what they’re going through, and know what resources are available to them.”

As she builds her brand in Fort Bend County, Wilson said it is about fully serving each person who comes in the way she believes everybody deserves to be represented.

“I never anticipated the difference in how rewarding it is. I love what I did (as a prosecutor), but I find a lot more meaning and satisfaction in my work now in serving the people of Fort Bend County,” she said.

“I represent Fort Bend County – one person at a time.”

We’re in this together.

Your team and ours.

Katie Wilson (832) 802-3322 katie@katiewilsonlaw.com www.katiewilsonlaw.com

FOCUS The recent market volatility has affected just about everybody’s financial and investment situations.

So, if you were planning to retire soon, will it still be possible?

Of course, the answer depends somewhat on your employment situation. With so many people’s jobs being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, your retirement plans may also have been thrown into confusion. But assuming your employment is still stable, what adjustments in your financial and investment strategies might you need to make for your retirement?

Here are a few areas to consider, and some questions to ask yourself: Retirement Goals Now is a good time to review your retirement goals and assess your progress toward achieving them. You may want to work with a financial professional to determine if the current environment has materially affected your goals or if you need to make modest adjustments to stay on track.

Retirement Lifestyle You probably created your investment strategy with a particular type of retirement lifestyle in mind. Perhaps you had planned to become a world traveler when your working days were over. Of course, in the near term, extensive travel may not be possible, anyway, but once we move past the pandemic, your freedom to roam will likely return. But if your investment portfolio is not where you thought it might be, can you (or do you want to) adapt your lifestyle plans?

And can you accept the same flexibility with your other lifestyle goals, such as purchasing a vacation home, pursuing hobbies, and so on?

Tradeoffs Based on your retirement goals and your willingness to adjust your retirement lifestyle, you’ll want to consider your options and tradeoffs.

For example, would you be willing to work more years than you had originally planned in exchange for greater confidence in your ability to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle? By working longer, you can continue adding to your IRA and

10

Nearing Retirement?

What Questions Should You Ask?

401(k) or similar retirement plan, and you may be able to push back the date you start receiving Social Security to receive bigger monthly benefits.

You might also review your budget for opportunities to reduce spending today and potentially save more toward your retirement goals.

Social Security You can file for Social Security benefits as early as 62, but you can get 25% to 30% more if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. As you created your retirement plans, you likely also calculated when you would take Social Security, but you may need to review that choice. If you postpone

retirement a few years, what effect will that have on when you choose to take Social Security and, consequently, the size of your benefits? You won’t want to make a hasty decision, because once you start taking Social Security, you can’t undo your choice.

This is certainly a challenging time to be entering retirement, and you’ll have some questions to answer. But even in the midst of uncertainty, you still have many choices.

Consider them carefully and make the decisions that work for you.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

September 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

Pre-packaged franchise coming to Missouri City

W H E N D EAT H S T R I K E S C A L L

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com Fort Bend County residents who want to eat healthy or watch their portions but are often on the go have a new resource for meals to take that stress off their hands in Missouri City.

Balanced Foods of Missouri City opened its doors in late July at 9101 Sienna Crossing Dr. #185, according to a post on the company’s Facebook page. It is the company’s fifth Houston-area location and first in Fort Bend County.

According to its website, Balanced Foods aims to “create fresh, fit, and fast grab and go meals that support those who have a busy lifestyle and want to improve their health and obtain their fitness goals” by putting

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Tesla sets up training program in Fort Bend

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com College students at a local campus will soon have the opportunity for hands-on workforce experience courtesy of the world’s premiere electric car company.

Texas State Technical College’s campus at 26706 Southwest Fwy. in Rosenberg will host the Tesla START training program this fall, according to a news release from the school. It will be the program’s second location in Texas, joining the program in place at TSTC’s campus in Waco.

The 12-week training program is aimed at helping students gain the hands-on experience needed to help expedite their transition from school into the business world and workforce,

TSTC in Rosenberg will be home to Tesla’s second training program this fall. (Photo from Facebook) according to the release. As a Tesla-paid hourly intern, students would develop technical expertise and earn certifications through a blended approach of in-class theory, hands-on The Fort Bend Business Journal H September 2021

labs and self-paced learning.

It would cost $2,700, the release said, though students would be paid $15 per hour and receive full health benefits while in the program.

The program is open to all college students, and prospective students can find admission requirements and more information at tstc. edu/workforce/tesla-start/.

All students who successfully complete the nationwide program are eligible to work at a Tesla Service Center in the United States. TSTC senior executive director of Workforce Training Kari Bowen said the program represents a noncredit workforce training to begin a career with the cutting-edge company.

“Tesla helps place them not only in Texas, but all over the nation,” she said.

13

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September 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY A/C AND HEATING TAURUS MECHANICAL,INC Cell (832) 731-5256 www.houstonheatingandcooling.com Taurus Mechanical, Inc. is a locally-owned business and has been serving customers in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, and Katy in the state of Texas for the last 33 years since 1986. We provide residential services. We provide Quality and Integrity in our service.

ADOPTIONS AND COUNSELING RAINBOW OF LOVE 281 438-6588 www.rainbowoflove.org Rainbow of Love is a Social Services non-profit that specializes in Adoption, Counseling and Parenting Classes.

The agency was founded in Fort Bend County in 2003 and continues to have a Fort Bend office in Missouri City.

The Adoption program works with families and expectant parents from all over Texas and most states of the United States.

The Counseling, Parenting Classes, Case Management and Charity programs focus on local Fort Bend and Harris County communities.

ADVERTISING 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.

Fort Bend Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com The Fort Bend Business Journal is a monthly magazine that focuses on the business community of Fort Bend County.

It is home delivered to 10,500 homes in Sugar Land and Missouri City , 500 copies to businesses in Fort Bend, and online for readers at no charge. The Business Journal features news stories about businesses, people, and events of importance to the local business community.

ALTERATIONS & TAILORING LIZ’S TAILOR and ALTERATIONS 281-242-3193 www.lizstailor.com 3626 Highway 6 South (In the Luby’s/Big Lots Shopping Center) Sugar Land, TX 77478

Our Alterations Service for Ladies and Gentlemen include: Full resizing of your dress or prom to make a perfect fit; hem pants & jeans, taper in and out; shorten jacket sleeves and zipper changes. We fix your clothes at affordable prices. We offer professional tailoring. We will make your clothes from a catalog or pattern.

For one-day or immediate service, please call Liz at 281-242-3193. We offer free estimates or visit us at www.lizstailor.com or email us at liz@lizstailor.com.

AUTO REPAIR / MAINTENANCE 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: 281-4991694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

CHIROPRACTOR Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com 3425 Hwy 6, Suite 101 Sugar Land,, TX 77478

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE Alliance Garage Doors 832-768-1897 www.alliancegaragedoorstx.com Alliance Garage Doors has been locally owned and operated for the past 25 years in the Sugar Land/Missouri City/Richmond/ Rosenberg/Katy area. We install, repair, and sell all makes and models of garage doors and openers and provide free estimates on request. For all your garage door needs, please feel free to give us a call!

INSURANCE AGENCIES Goosehead Insurance 281-643-0996 www.gooseheadinsurance.com/ andrew-haley-insurance “Goosehead Insurance brings years of experience and expertise in serving your Auto, Home, Life & Commercial Insurance needs. As your Risk Management Advisor, Andrew Haley understands the value of safeguarding what matters most to you and will work on your behalf to bring you the best insurance options based on your The Fort Bend Business Journal H September 2021

individual needs. You will be met with unmatched customer service, integrity and expediency.”

Tracy Walker Agent ChFC, CLU, CASL, CPCU

15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. P Sugar Land, Texas 77478-4173 Bus. 281-265-0711 Toll 888-850-8491 Fax 281-466-4260 Cell 281-380-7786 Tracy@agentwalker.com JEWELERS Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net We are a full-service jewelry store in your neighborhood. We offer diamonds, gold and silver jewelry and watches. Repairs are done on our premises. Custom design is our specialty. We offer front door parking for your convenience. Our hours are M-F from 10:00-6:00 pm and again on Sat from 10:00-4:00 pm. We are located at 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, 77406. Come see our fabulous inventory!

MACHINE TOOLS Schofield Company 281-217-4799 The Schofield Company, has been in business since 1980, in Fort Bend County, specializing in American Made Machine Tools. Primary products are Wellsaw metal cutting bandsaws, made in the Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1926. Also McEnglevan, (Mifco), melting furnaces made in Danville, Illinois, for melting non-ferrous metals such as Brass, Bronze, Aluminum, Gold, and Silver. Used primarily in college art departments to make sculptures from wax art work. Contact Mike Schofield for further details.

NETWORKING Fort Bend Chapter - BNI Fort Bend Business Network International, the oldest networking chapter in the Fort Bend Chapter - BNI network, is a group of like-minded business owners who meet to network every Thursday morning at 7 am on Zoom meeting. Membership is limited to one professional per category. However, the organization does have some open categories and is looking for entrepreneurs who want to connect with a great group of people and grow their business! For CONTINUES

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information on how to come visit, please email jsazma@fortbendstar.com The Oyster Creek Rotary Club www.OysterCreekRotary.org This local club has been a member of Rotary International since 1979 and is a volunteer organization dedicated to serving the Missouri City and Stafford communities.

The club’s mission is to promote world peace, eradicate polio and to support various organizations within our servicing area, through our annual fund raiser. Our volunteers come from many walks of life in the business world. We welcome your visit the first Friday of every month, 12 p.m. at the City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta Dr. Missouri City, TX. 77459.

OPTOMETRIST My Eye Dr. 6026 Hwy 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-2600

PEST CONTROL Integrated Pest Management, Inc. 281-341-1761 1118​E. Highway 90A Richmond, TX 77406

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

PHYSICIANS The Immunization Clinic Be wise, test and, immunize 281-313-7468 office 281-313-7470 fax www.houstonvaccines.com houstonvaccines@gmail.com 3727 Greenbriar Dr. #403 Stafford, TX 77477 CDC certified Yellow fever provider of domestic and travel vaccines, Flu vaccines, TB skin tests, Drug testing and titer testing for adults and children for college, work, travel, immigration, pre-employment and post-accident testing. Open for appts M-F and 2 Saturdays a month.You can come to our site TB skin tests, Drug testing and titer testing for adults and children for college, work, travel, immigration, pre-employment and post-accident testing. Open for appts M-F and 2 Saturdays a month.You can come to our site or we come to you for mobile testing and administration of

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vaccines for groups and churches.

PREGNANCY RESOURCES Pregnancy Resource Medical Center 281-232-2375 www.prmcfortbend.org The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center is a nonprofit that helps women by offering free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, peer consultations, classes and parenting resources. We are looking for volunteers, financial partners and church liaisons to help us reach our community. You can share the joy of helping hurt hearts and saving lives. We are located at 4411 Avenue N Rosenberg, TX 77471

REAL ESTATE Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kolbe.curtice@colliers.com Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 & State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment and Tenant Representation, 30 years experience in Fort Bend.

Johnson Development Corp.

713-960-9977 www.johnsondevelopment.com More top-selling communities than any other developer in America.

Larry Johnson 5005 Riverway Dr., Suite 500 Houston, TX 77056`

RESTAURANTS AKI Steak and Sushi 281-565-1110 www.akisteakandsushi.com 510 Highway 6, Suite #180 King’s BBQ 832-532-7816 Kingsbbqcatering.net 9920 Hwy 90A Suite # D- 120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill 281-240-3060 LasHaciendasGrill.com 12821 Southwest Freeway Stafford, TX 77477

COUNTY’S LARGEST SCRAP DEALER serving Fort Bend and surrounding counties for the past 31 years. As a proud and responsible member of the Fort Bend, Texas business community, we accept aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, vehicle radiators, air conditioning coils, lead and other scrap metal. We seek to protect the environment through our intake and processing of scrap metal product usually destined for landfills. Our friendly staff values you as a customer and provides the VIP treatment to make your experience with us a profitable and efficient one. If you’re not selling me your metal, we both lose money!

VETERINARIAN Sugar Creek Animal Clinic 281-242-9070 www.sugarcreekanimalclinic.com​ 14015 S.W. Freeway, Bldg. 2 Sugar Land, TX 77478

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!

Every Home Every Week

Your County-wide newspaper 281-690-4200 fortbendstar.com Stafford football is postseason bound - Page 4

SCRAP DEALER/METAL RECYCLING Julius Metals 281-499-6400 www.juliusmetals.com 3018 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477 Julius Metals has been FT. BEND September 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

Honoring Our Veterans on pages 2 & 3

WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 12

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Nehls tops Kulkarni to succeed Olson in Congress

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

We Cook! You Eat! Family Holiday Package Call for Details

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RUSTIKACAFE.COM • 281-494-4230 3227 HWY.6 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

One of the most hotly-contested and high-profile races in Fort Bend County history is over.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, a Republican, defeated Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni to assume U.S. Rep. Pete Olson’s seat in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, which includes Fort Bend County and parts of Harris County and Brazoria County.

Per the Texas Secretary of State, Nehls prevailed by a margin of 50 percent to 45 percent, or 155,809 votes to 138,694 votes.

“I want to personally send heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who made calls, worked the polls, and served on advisory committees,” Nehls said in a Nov. 8 Facebook post. “This is a tremendous team effort and I could not be more appreciative to you. I’m especially proud of our interns for getting involved and learning more about

the political process. Lastly, thank you to all who cast votes.

I will work tirelessly to represent

the best interests of all residents in our district.”

In a Nov. 6 message to his supporters on Facebook, Kulkarni said he was “not done fighting for our future.”

“Our campaign in (Texas’ 22nd Congressional District) has always been about bringing real representation to our communities and ensuring everyone has a voice in our political system,”

Kulkarni said. “Over the past three years, we built the most diverse and inclusive grassroots campaign for Congress Texas has ever seen, with more faiths and ethnic and linguistic communities than anything we have ever seen before. This campaign was about all of us, not any one person running for office, and about the potential we have to restore reason, compassion and

Safe haven

SEE NEHLS PAGE 7

We Are Building Solutions

NOW HIRING Assemblers, Operators, and Material Handlers

for our East Bernard facility located at 16856 Cabinet Road, East Bernard, Texas 77435.

If interested email lperaza@leedo.com

Fort Bend couple to open winery, bistro

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Candice and Eric Elliott are no ordinary business partners.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout the various stages of their new business venture, the two have learned a lot about each other both personally as a married couple and professionally.

Together they are franchising a Waters Edge Winery & Bistro location in Richmond, which is set to open Nov. 24.

“I think it’s kind of like

Kids residing at Parks Youth Ranch, a nonprofit homeless shelter in Richmond, hold “thank you” signs to honor volunteers and donors who helped them with snacks and activities in July. (Contributed photo)

Parks Youth Ranch offers respite for homeless kids, teens

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Nearly 7,000 children, or 2 percent of all students in Fort Bend County, are affected by or are in some proximity to experiencing homelessness, according to data from the Coalition for the Homeless.

executive director of the Parks Youth Ranch in Richmond, the county’s only nonprofit emergency shelter for children ages 7-17.

The organization’s mission, Stavinoha said, is to “serve abused and neglected youth by providing a safe and supportive environment.”

The Parks Youth Ranch is

over the past few years to exceed that mark,” Stavinoha said.

“So this year if we could make $100,000, I would just be over the moon.”

Those who are interested in sponsorships or volunteering can visit parksyouthranch.org.

The children served by the Parks Youth Ranch, which has a capacity of 28 beds, come from

(3,607 students) had as well.

Through interviews with students, the coalition determined 1,091 FBISD students and 88 SMSD students were in doubled-up or unsuitable housing, meaning the number of occupants exceeded the number that was designated for the type of dwelling or it did not contain electricity.

to find another voucher so they can live in Fort Bend County,” Stavinoha said. “It’s a struggle.”

In addition, she said the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to track down students who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Social workers and truancy officers are reporting to the last known address of the student if

RE/MAX Hall of Fame RE/MAX Titan Club 2018 RE/MAX Chairman’s Club 2017 & 2019 RE/MAX Platinum Award Winner 2015, 2016 RE/MAX of Texas Top 250

Looking to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home?

JERRY FLOWERS Simplifying the Process Real Estate Agent MBA, CNE, ABE Retired Army Veteran 832-702-5241 Jerry@dreamhomesbyjerry.com www.Jerry.HoustonTxHomeSearcher.com

4500 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR. STEVE HARRIS, DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC WHERE PAIN RELIEF COMES NATURALLY

NEW EFFECTIVE SHOULDER TREATMENT

C

by Sara Adams

athy Evert teaches at a local Christian academy. In March, she went from the classroom to the “Zoomroom,” teaching her students over the internet from her computer at home. One day during screen time, she reached for a book from the bookshelf at her right side and realized she couldn’t lift the book off the shelf. She had injured her rotator cuff, and the pain and limited range of motion made it difficult to perform such an easy task.

In typical, heroic teacher fashion, Cathy finished the school day and made plans to see her favorite chiropractor, Dr. Steve Harris, as soon as she could. Through a recommendation from her pastor, Cathy first visited Dr. Harris for her back pain in 2012. She had such success back then that she immediately called Sugar Land Health Center to see about her shoulder pain.

During her latest round of treatments, Cathy had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dr. Zack Brazzell.

Sugar Land Health Center provides chiropractic treatment for people of all ages. Dr. Steve Harris opened his center in 1982, and last April he welcomed his son-in-law, Dr. Zack Brazzell, to the practice. Together, they offer a safe and holistic approach with a wide variety of chiropractic care modalities and associated therapies to help people with chronic pain and/or help improve their overall Dr. Steve Harris and the newest member of SLHC, Dr. Zack Brazzell

Follow us! sugarlandhealthcenter @sugarlandhealthcenter DrSteveHarrisDC Check out our new look!

www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com

musculoskeletal function and health.

“Dr. Brazzell is incredibly conscientious and very serious about treating you, and that you get better through your treatment. He explained Pressure Wave Therapy and recommended it as part of my treatment. He tested my range of motion before we started; I was in pain and couldn’t raise my arm above my shoulder. Today, I am pain free and I have full range of motion,” says Cathy. “Now I have two favorite chiropractors. In my opinion, Dr. Steve Harris and Dr. Zack Brazzell are the world’s best chiropractors!”

CODE: CATHY21BUSINESS Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 3425 Highway 6, Suite 101 (behind McDonalds near Williams Trace Blvd) Sugar Land, TX 77478