Chamber newsletter distributed
through the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the first
Tuesday of each month to approximately 120,000
subscribers as well as the entire membership.
Latest Edition - May 2004
Vernon Bryant column
We're moo-ving along at the Fort Worth Chamber with our first ever Total Resource Campaign to raise funds for Chamber programming by selling sponsorships and memberships. Our goal is $800,000. We're making progress, but we're not there yet. As chair of this ambitious campaign, I want to ensure that local business people understand just what the Chamber means to them.
The Fort Worth Chamber is working daily to bring new jobs to Fort Worth as well as make sure those we already have stay, to provide advocacy for our members at the state capital and work with other cities and organizations to deal with issues we all face such as improving air quality and transportation and the current round of base realignment and closure.
The Chamber also provides valuable networking opportunities and business leads generation venues to help local businesses do business with each other and the opportunity to hear speakers ranging from political leaders to local CEOs and other top notch business people.
The end of the campaign is in sight, but we still have a way to go. Our team members, led by my co-chairs and the team captains, are out there making calls. When a Krewe of Kowtown member calls on you, I urge you to show your support of the Fort Worth Chamber. Find the sponsorship that best suits your business and join the Krewe.
Speedway Impact
Impact Study: Speedway Revs Economy
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| NASCAR excitement and popularity has the Fort Worth economy racing. |
For those who think that NASCAR is just cars driving around in circles, think again.
Area organizations with a vested interest in the economic impact of the Texas Motor Speedway complex recently released the results of an impact study conducted by Insight Research Corporation. And the bottom line is that, since 1995, the economic impact of construction and operation of the Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) complex has been $2 billion. Forecasts expect that figure to reach $3.26 billion by 2008.
Recent visitor records show approximately 900,000 visitors per year to TMS events, with about 60 percent of these being non-local visitors. That generates about 85,000 hotel room nights per year. More than $28 million is generated in gate admissions; food and beverage sales account for $5 million and merchandise sales provide another $12 million in sales taxable activity.
"This study supports what we at the Chamber have long known," said Bill Thornton, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber. "That Texas Motor Speedway is a huge economic engine, not just for Fort Worth, but for the entire region. Along with our historic Stockyards, beautiful downtown and our world-class museums, Texas Motor Speedway really makes Fort Worth a true all-around tourist destination. Coupling that with the national TV coverage it brings, the Speedway is priceless."
A second NASCAR Cup event is planned for TMS. According to the report, the addition of this event would boost attendance by approximately 430,000 additional visitors to the Speedway Complex, generating an additional $37.8 million in annual sales taxable gate admissions, food and beverages and merchandise by 2008, with another $4 million in area hotel room revenues to be added annually. The total projected impact of a second race alone and its related visitors to the region could add $295.7 million from 2005 to 2008.
Speaking at last month's Chamber Day at the Speedway, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief noted the roar of racecar engines in the background saying, "That's music to my ears."
The study was commissioned by the Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, the Denton County Economic Development Corporation, the Denton Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Lewisville, the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Town of Northlake Economic Development Corporation. It includes current findings of economic, employment and tax revenue impact generated by TMS and shows how its activities have benefited the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, the Northwest Independent School District and the State of Texas from the project's inception. The report also forecasts the complex's potential.
Publicly owned by the Fort Worth Sports Authority and operated by the Texas Motor Speedway organization, TMS currently hosts three major nationally sanctioned race weekends each year along with other minor racing events, auto fairs and swap meets. Other activities such as concerts and regional events are held there. The Speedway accommodates in excess of 200,000 spectators, including infield, grandstand and luxury seats in the Speedway Club.
Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
New Developments
The Siratt family purchased 143 acres in west Fort Worth last year and plans to turn the acreage into an exclusive estate development called Montserrat. Homes should begin going up by May with completion near the end of the year. Of the 75 lots available, 20 have already been reserved.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 26
Next month a 12-acre area on the southwest corner of Rosedale and Hemphill, bounded by Alston and Rosedale, will become the first of seven city-designated "urban villages" to begin development. As a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, Magnolia Green has received $1.2 million in federal and city grants to assist in site preparation, infrastructure and landscaping.
Fort Worth Business Press, Feb. 27-March 4
Arlington-based Choice Homes, one of the top 20 builders in the country, has announced a 300-lot community in south Fort Worth. Mission Village, located two miles east of I-35, is one of the largest communities Choice has developed in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Business Press, February 27-March 4
...Workers are bustling to turn that land where I-30 and I-20 merge -- known as the Walsh Ranch -- into a master-planned community of homes, schools, parks, businesses and a town center. In the next few decades, more than 40,000 residents are expected to call the area home, lured from throughout the region by the close-in location, acclaimed Aledo schools and open spaces. It would be one of the largest single developments in the region, with more residents than the nearby city of Benbrook.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 15
Expansions and Moves
ConAgra Foods, one of North America's largest food companies, is expanding its giant Fort Worth facility with the addition of 304,500 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space in the Railhead Business Park. The building, at 350 Meacham Blvd. will serve as a warehouse and distribution center for customers throughout the Southwest.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 15
The Container Store has occupied a new 1.1-million-square-foot office and distribution center at 500 Freeport Parkway. The 49.6-acre location gives the Container Store 75,000 square feet of office space, 575,000 square feet of warehouse space and an option to add 150,000 square feet more distribution space over the next three years. About 400 employees will relocate from the company's current headquarters in Farmers Branch to the new facility. The Coppell location will serve as the distribution center for all of the company's 30 stores.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 15
First Financial Bankshares Inc. is adding two new branches in the area, one in Willow Park and another in Mansfield. The Willow Park branch will be the fifth financial center for Weatherford National Bank, a subsidiary of First Financial. It will be located at Interstate 20 and Annetta Road.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
Autobahn Motorcars will add a Volkswagen dealership at 2815 White Settlement Rd. this summer. Fort Worth Business Press, Feb. 27-March 4
No Quitters, a gym that features specialized fitness classes and sequences of personal training classes, has moved from 5718 Locke Ave. to 3426 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 5-11
Spiral Diner, a vegan restaurant located inside the Fort Worth Rail Market, is moving to a building near the intersection of Bryant Irvin and Camp Bowie.
Fort Worth Business Press, Feb. 27-March 4
Motheral Printing, a 70-year-old Fort Worth business, has moved to new headquarters at 4251 Empire Road in the CentrePort Business Park.
Fort Worth Business Press, Feb. 27-March 4
Millard Refrigerated Services has expanded its facility at 5200 Gold Spike Drive. The Omaha, Neb.-based company recently added 55,000 square feet to its frozen food distribution center, bringing it to 425,000 square feet.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 8
Gamma Engineering, an aerospace parts manufacturer, is adding 16,000 square feet to its building at Airport Drive. The warehouse addition will include a fire access road and additional paved parking. d/b constructors of Fort Worth is designing and building the addition. Frank W. Neal & Associates is the structural engineer. Construction has begun and is expected to end by May.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 8
The Fort Worth project management office of Dallas-based SHW Group, an architecture firm specializing in designing schools, has leased the 6,000-square-foot third floor of an office building on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets. The 12-member office moved from an Airport Freeway location in North Richland Hills.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 15
Rita's World furniture store at 5032 E. Belknap St. in Haltom City is moving about a mile north to 3804 N.E. 28th St. in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 29
Under Construction
Neighbors gathered for the Riverside Wal-Mart Supercenter groundbreaking ceremony at the intersection of Beach Street and the Airport Freeway in Fort Worth. The store signifies economic revitalization and retail development for the area, after its scheduled opening in May it will create approximately 450 new jobs.
Fort Worth Business Press, Feb. 27-March 4
Sterling Jewelers, Inc. has begun construction of a 5,800-square-foot Jared Galleria of Jewelry superstore at 4750 S. Hulen St., the former site of Colter's Bar-B-Q.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 12-18
Vought Heritage Community Credit Union has broken ground on a branch in Cedar Hill.
Fort Worth Business Press, February 27-March 4
Ridgemont Commercial Construction of Irving is building the Fossil Creek Tech Center at Sandshell and Stratum drives. The office building is expected to be less than 44,000 square feet and is expected to be completed Aug. 1.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 29
Openings
Dvine Wine of Texas, a franchised, personalized wine-making company, opened Dvine Wine on Camp Bowie.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
Nolan and Zandra Lewallen opened the family-owned Christal's Coffee at Ridgmar Mall last month. Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
David Sparks recently opened the only Birkenstock shoe store in town. The store, called Take 5, is at 6108 Camp Bowie.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
The Home Depot opened its newest Texas store in Fort Worth at 7100 North Freeway.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
David Wing, president of Stone Ventures, a Dallas-based wholesale distributor and retailer of custom flooring, has opened a 12,600-square-foot Fort Worth store at 5708 Airport Frwy.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 19-25
Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors has opened Golden Beach Market Place, a shopping center development at the southeast corner of Golden Triangle Boulevard and North Beach Street. Ten tenants pre-leased 23,016 square feet.
Fort Worth Business Press, March 26-April1
Marriott International has opened a 92-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel at 6530 West Freeway in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 8
Irving-based Commercial Metals Co. held a grand opening for its 42,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse for its new Lofland-Shepler's division at 2450 N.E. 35th St. in north Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 29
Did You Know?
Fort Worth officials recently met to discuss financing options to help bring a 200,000-square-foot Cabela's to north Fort Worth. Cabela's says its stores, located mainly in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, had an average 4.4 million customer visits apiece last year. Its Kansas and Minnesota stores are among those states' top visitor attractions.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 31
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Dateline: Fort Worth
Urban South: Fort Worth, Texas
In the past few decades, this Cowtown exploded into a cultural phenomenom.
A bowlegged cukaroo, wearing skintight, dark Wranglers and a wide-brimmed Stetson, cranes his neck to study Andy Warhol's 1986 Self Portrait, which is edgy and neon green. Sound like a Hollywood movie scene? It's not. It's the new Fort Worth.
Known as the city "Where the West Begins," Fort Worth has long mastered bovine bartering and redeo roping. In recent years, though, this Texas Cowtown has added fine arts to its repertoire. Today, it's freshwater pearls and suede chaps. Here a John Deere knocks rearview mirrors with a shiny new Mercedes-Benz as cowboys and high culture join.
You can still see evidence of the city's historic origins in the Stockyards, an intersection of 19th-century stock pens.
That legacy endures at the Stockyards Championship Redeo, hosted by the Cowtown Coliseum every Friday and Saturday night. And at Billy Bob's Texas, "the world's largest honky-tonk," people daily celebrate the facxt that it's okay for your babies to grow up to be cowboys.
Named for Butch Cassidy's famous sidekick, Sundance Square is the hub of downtown Fort Worth, where folks go to shop, dine, and be entertained. Much of the entertainment takes place in the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, an opera, symphony, ballet, and music house of stunning beauty. Drawn by a healthy offering of loft apartment surrounding Sundance Square, plenty of locals live in this hip, walkable, friendly area.
Southern Living,
April 2004
Krewe on the moo-ve
TRC Team Members Packing for Mexico
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| Robert Molloy of TexasBank receives his TRC commission check from the $800K Monkey and TRC chair Vernon Bryant at the Fort Worth Zoo |
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Kip White of TXU received $100 and his Mexico trip beads from Vernon Bryant at Joe T. Garcia's |
As the Total Resource Campaign progresses, team members are selling their way to Mexico. At recent campaign reporting luncheons at the Fort Worth Zoo and Joe T Garcia's, Krewe of Kowtown sales people earned cash, airline tickets and an all-inclusive stay in Mexico. The $800,000 monkey even dropped in on the luncheon at the zoo.
There are still great sponsorship opportunities available through the Total Resource Campaign. For more information, contact Netty Matthews at 817/336-2491, ext. 250.
DC Summit
Chamber Delegation Attends D.C. Summit
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| Participants in the Chamber's Congressional Summit paused prior to heading to the Capitol for meetings with Texas representatives. |
A delegation of twenty-three business and community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. in late March to participate in the three-day Fort Worth Congressional Summit hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. The summit program consisted of a series of top-level meetings, briefings and networking receptions, including:
- Texas Office of State-Federal Relations briefing with OSFR Executive Director Ed Perez who detailed the function and priorities of the office. As Texas' primary advocacy organization in Washington, OSFR focuses on five priority public policy issue areas - health and human services funding and flexibility, transportation reauthorization and appropriations, defense and homeland security funding, higher education and restoration of the sales tax deduction.
U.S. Department of Transportation briefing with Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Jeffery Shane who addressed the group on the US DOT's national transportation policy agenda as well as on transportation issues impacting the Fort Worth area.
- U.S. Department of Defense briefing with Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Pete Geren and Secretary of the Navy Gordon England. Issues included the value of the F 35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F 16 and the V 22 Osprey programs to the military. They also noted that BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) is in its early stages, but added that NAS JRB FW is a successful example of joint military training.
- U.S. Department of Treasury - Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) briefing with Kit Ragone, Associate Director and COO of the BEP Washington D.C. which covered external functions of the BEP such as governmental relations and educational programs.
Summit participants had the opportunity to meet with Fort Worth's Congressional delegation as well:
- Breakfast with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison who emphasized that the war on terror is the most important federal priority and requires increased spending on defense and security. She also touched on other issues important to Fort Worth including gang-related crime, expanding public transit and the importance of AMTRAK.
- Meeting with Senator John Cornyn who reviewed his policy priorities including both economic and homeland security as well as his support for a proposed prescription drug benefit will to aid senior citizens.
- Individual meetings were also held with U.S. Representatives Martin Frost, Kay Granger, Michael Burgess, and Joe Barton and included such important topics to Fort Worth as transportation funding and air quality, funding support for the V 22 Osprey, F 22, and the F 35 JSF, BRAC and the pending Energy Bill.
Participants included Cathy Batky, BNSF Railway; James Bradbury, Jackson Walker, L.L. P.; Doug Cook, Healthpoint, Ltd.; Eric Fox, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.; A.J. Fuqua, Fort Worth Chamber; Carl Harris, Bell Helicopter; Albon Head, Jackson Walker, L.L. P.; Tim Keleher, Fort Worth Chamber; Danny Jensen, UNT Health Science Center; Mark A. Mitchell, DFB Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Emily Moss, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.; Janice Payne, TimeSavers Data; Jim Roberts, Fidelity Investments; Pollard Rogers, Cantey & Hanger LLP; Dick Ruddell, Fort Worth Transportation Authority; Thuy and James Saliba, Thuy Saliba Fine Arts; David Tesmer, Texas Health Resources; Mary Weaver, Fort Worth Chamber; Jenny Westermann, Sanders Travel Centre; Charlene Williams, Bureau of Engraving & Printing; and Jon and Marjorie Williams, AERCO Components, Inc.
FWISD career fair
Help a FWISD Grad Find a Job this Summer
The Fort Worth ISD is holding its annual job fair for recent graduates of FWISD high schools. This is a terrific opportunity for area businesses to meet many young people looking for work and perhaps make a few important hires. The event is held in conjunction with the Fort Worth Chamber, Work Advantage for Tarrant County and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth.
- What: Fort Worth ISD - Graduate Placement Center Hiring Fair 2004 for Recent FWISD Graduates
- When: Wednesday, June 2, 1-4 p.m.
- Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive
- Cost: No charge for admission or parking
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| Students get information on available jobs at last year's Graduate Placement Center Hiring Fair |
There is also no charge for businesses wishing to have a booth at the job fair. "This is a great opportunity for both our graduates and businesses looking to hire young people," said Lila Boydston, FWISD Hiring Fair coordinator. "We have businesses in need of employees and young people who may be a little overwhelmed at the job-hunting process. But here, they can meet with several employers at one time in the space of a couple of hours. We expect approximately 900 applicants." Types of jobs available include a variety of entry-level positions - fulltime, part time and seasonal.
"There is still plenty of time for employers to get involved," said Cynthia Fisher Miller, director of workforce and education for the Fort Worth Chamber. "It's important that we help our graduates find gainful employment and help our local businesses find qualified help." Employers wishing a booth should contact Boydston at 817/871-3264. Deadline is May 14. For more information, contact Boydston or Miller at 817/336-2491, ext. 240.
Annual Meeting
Financial Guru Headlines Chamber's 122nd Annual Meeting
In Elizabethan times, only the court jester - the fool - could tell the king the unvarnished truth without risking the chopping block. In that spirit, Tom and David Gardner founded The Motley Fool, a leading financial media company. Tom Gardner will be the featured speaker at the Fort Worth Chamber's 122nd Annual Meeting, June 4. This year's presenting sponsor is XTO Energy, last year's Spirit of Enterprise Award winner. This year's Spirit of Enterprise winner is Sundance Square.
- What: Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
- When: Friday, June 4, 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 200 Main Street
It all started with chocolate pudding.
When they were young, brothers David and Tom Gardner learned about stocks and the business world from their father at the supermarket. Dad, a lawyer and economist, would tell them, "See that pudding? We own the company that makes it! Every time someone buys that pudding, it's good for our company."
The lesson stuck. The brothers, along with college friend Erik Rydholm, founded the one of world's premier multimedia financial education company, The Motley Fool.
Today, Tom and David Gardner are best-selling authors and radio co-hosts known for their financial expertise delivered in their trademark irreverent style - note the jester cap. The Motley Fool offers a snapshot view of business and the financial markets. At the Annual Meeting, Gardner will do some crystal ball gazing into the impact of the presidential election and other world events on the markets. As an added bonus, Tom's newest book -- "Investing After 40" -- will be hot off the presses and autographed copies will be available for purchase.
In 1994, they launched www.Fool.com, their website, which hosts over three million monthly visitors. The brother also oversee The Motley Fool's nationally syndicated newspaper column, which appears in more than 225 papers and host the Motley Fool Radio Show, a syndicated joint venture with NPR airing weekly on more than 150 stations nationwide.
For more information contact:
Beverly
Rozanski
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 263
Membership Luncheon - NAC
Ross Perot Jr. Talks Global Strategies
From global strategic alliances to overviews of how companies are managed in the future, Ross Perot Jr., president and CEO of Perot Systems is an international player. In 1988, Perot founded Hillwood Development Corporation, a real estate development and investment firm recognized globally for its projects, including its largest project, Alliance, a master-planned international business center know as one of the world's most technologically advanced trade complexes.
Perot will be the featured speaker at the Fort Worth Chamber's next Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council. The event is sponsored by Wells Fargo.
- What: Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council in association with The Petroleum Club
- When: Friday, May 14, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m
- Where: The Petroleum Club, 777 Main St., Wildcatter Room, 39th floor
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40
Perot will discuss current events at Perot Systems as well as his company's future global strategies.
For more information, contact Jeanean Herod at 817/336-2491, ext. 275 or go to www.fortworthchamber.com/events.
Women's Golf
Women's Challenge 100 Tees Up Again
Save the date - Monday, June 14, to tee it up at Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills for the third annual Women's Challenge 100 Golf Tournament hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth Women's Business Center. Proceeds of the tournament benefit their women's programming.
And remember, you don't really have to be a golfer to play.
- What: Women's Challenge 100 Golf Tournament
- When: Monday, June 14, 7:30 a.m. registration and continental breakfast; 8 a.m. tee-off and 12 p.m. lunch and awards program
- Where: Iron Horse Golf Course, 3200 Skylark Circle, North Richland Hills
The tournament format will change somewhat this year asking participants to raise at least $125 each in pledges to qualify to participate. All pledges must be collected in advance. Prizes will be awarded and there will be goody bags and door prizes. For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
Get to Know Your Chamber
Get to Know Chamber and Fellow Members
The next "Getting to Know Your Chamber" session is coming up so plan on a little fun, education and networking courtesy of the Fort Worth Chamber. The event is sponsored by FutureNet Solutions.
GTKYC sessions are held bi-monthly for new as well as long-time Chamber members. Everyone is welcome. At GTKYC, members can meet Chamber staff and learn about programs, benefits and events available to Chamber members. These lively sessions are jam-packed with useful information served up with light snacks and beverages. Attendees also get an opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members and learn what's new at the Chamber.
- What: Getting To Know Your Chamber
- When: 3:30-5 p.m., Thursday, May 13
- Where: The Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh St., 12th Floor
There is no cost to attend these informative sessions, which are open to Chamber members only. Reservations are required by May 10 and may be made by calling Doris Becker at 817/336-2491, ext. 288 or by email at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com.
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
Ribbon Cuttings
Recent Ribbon Cuttings
Take 5 Birkenstock, a retail footwear outlet, recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at its 6108 Camp Bowie Blvd. location. For more information on the store, contact David Sparks at 817/989-2475.
Wal Mart Supercenter at 6300 Oakmont Blvd. marked the grand opening of its expansion with a ribbon cutting on April 21. Ann Perdue at 817/263-4065 can provide more information.
A new service has been added by Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation - for sale by owner assistance. To mark the roll-out, the mortgage company located at 2940 Hemphill St. held a ribbon cutting on April 27. For more information, contact Tatiana Azpiri at 817/921-4665.
Evergreen at Hulen Bend Apartments, which opened to residents in November, held a grand opening on April 28. The independent living community for seniors 55 and over is located at 6301 Granbury Cut Off. For more information, call Debbie Clark at 817/370-4400
Ozone Season
Ozone Season Brings New Opportunities to Clear Air
The days are longer. The weather's heating up and folks are driving more. That must mean summer's on its way and with it comes Ozone Season. For the fifth consecutive year, the Fort Worth Chamber is involved with helping clear the air over North Texas. As part of the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (NTCAC), the Chamber supports efforts by businesses and individuals to do their parts for cleaner air.
To that end, NTCAC has announced a new program that provides national recognition to local employers who offer outstanding commuter benefits to their employees. NTCAC is partnering with the U.S. EPA to honor employers who achieve the status of "Best Workplaces for Commuters."
Businesses and organizations that provide commuter benefits such as employer-provider transit passes, vanpool subsidies and telework programs may already qualify for the list. For businesses that don't do any of these things, NTCAC can help them implement these programs.
Why is air quality important to North Texas?
Excessive ground-level ozone is a threat to public health. High accumulations of ozone in the lower atmosphere near ground level can be harmful to people, animals, crops and other materials. In fact, health specialists say that ground level ozone can cause serious lung damage and difficulty in breathing, especially among children, older adults and people with respiratory problems.
Excessive ground-level ozone is also a threat to our economy. Federal Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 outline severe restrictions that may be imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on regions, which fail to comply with certain specific air quality standards.
What geographic areas are affected by these air quality concerns in North Texas? Currently, Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties are included in the non-attainment region. Since Texas officials believe that large-scale transport of ozone and its precursors may impact D/FW's air quality, they may consider mandating certain additional clean air measures outside of the current four-county non-attainment area.
North Texas has a mobile workforce.
The NTCAC has developed several programs to assist businesses in publicizing commuting alternatives to employees including:
- Commute Solutions Month - June 2004
- The Commuter Challenge - June, July and August 2004
- The Commute Solutions Toolkit
NTCAC is working to provide local employers with the resources needed to help everyone do their share for cleaner air. For more information on the programs, go to www.northtexasair.com or contact Tim Keleher, vice president of governmental and urban affairs for the Fort Worth Chamber at 817/336-2491, ext. 264.
The NTCAC is made up of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Greater Dallas Chamber, the North Texas Council of Governments, the North Texas Commission, DART and The T.
Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for February 2004
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Cecil Nutall,
Action Ambassador,
February 2004 |
The Fort Worth Chamber's top Action Ambassador for February 2004 was Cecil Nutall, an Ambassador since February 2001. Nutall is an agent/representative for Allstate Insurance & Financial Services.
Action Ambassadors keep busy on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and working as greeters at various Chamber functions. Currently, the program is recruiting new members, however, Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. The Action Ambassador program is a great way to learn more about the Fort Worth Chamber and plug in to all of the programs it offers. It is also a great networking tool allowing ambassadors to contact Chamber members on the Chamber's behalf. Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
Business After Hours
Museum Hosts Tonight's BAH
Head for the Amon Carter Museum tonight and view the spectacular exhibit, "Hudson River School Visions," at the May Business After Hours. The event is co-sponsored by Panera Bread who will provide the food.
- What: Business After Hours, hosted by the Amon Carter Museum
- When: Tuesday, May 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.
- Cost: Chamber members only, $10; Gold members, no charge. Reservations are required.
Join your fellow Chamber members for some artistic networking.
RSVP to Doris Becker at ext. 288 or dbecker@fortworthchamber.com.
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
April 2004 Edition
March 2004 Edition
February 2004 Edition
January 2004 Edition
December 2003 Edition
November 2003 Edition
September 2003 Edition
August
2003 Edition
July 2003
Edition
June 2003
Edition Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
