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January 2007

2006 Tops 2005’s Fast-Paced Economic Growth

Fort Worth’s much-envied downtown.

On the heels of a high-energy economic climate in 2005, Fort Worth Chamber officials and community leaders found themselves wondering if 2006 could continue at the brisk pace of last year. As we add up the year’s activity and events, the initial response is a resounding yes. By all accounts, 2006 will not only match the numbers put up by 2005, but will most likely surpass them.


The record-setting single family housing permit pace set in 2005 will be eclipsed by 2006 with over 10,000 new single family housing permits issued by the City of Fort Worth’s Development Department.


These permit numbers are a reflection that, according to North Central Texas Council of Governments and U.S. Census figures, Fort Worth is currently the 18th largest city in the nation with over 680,000 residents. The increase in rooftops and substantial growth in the population have had a direct impact in commercial, retail and service businesses as well as local job expansion.


City of Fort Worth Director of Development Bob Riley said his department is starting to shift from mostly residential to commercial permits. Until recently, permits had been running at about 60 percent residential and 40 percent commercial.


“In the past eight months, it’s been 52 percent residential to 48 percent non-residential. In fiscal year 2006, we permitted just under 11,000 new homes. That’s compared to only 3,200 in 2000,” said Riley. “It shows how many people are choosing Fort Worth as we continue to see a strong housing market, despite some leveling off.”


Another area where Fort Worth continues to defy national trends is the downtown office occupancy rate.

Downtown Occupancy
“Downtown Fort Worth’s much-envied central business district is maintaining an occupancy rate of nearly 96 percent,” said David Berzina, executive vice president of economic development for the Fort Worth Chamber. “In May 2006, downtown Fort Worth was named the strongest central business district office market in the U.S. for the second quarter in a row, according to Moody’s Investor’s Service quarterly assessment of U.S. office markets. That’s phenomenal.”


And the market for office space shows no sign of cooling off. 2006 saw the announcement of two new Class A office locations in downtown Fort Worth:

  • The Klabzuba facility will add at least 50,000 square feet;
  • The Carnegie Office Tower, recently announced by Sundance Square, will add another 300,000 square feet of office space.


Additionally, PNL Properties recently held a ribbon cutting announcing plans to retrofit the two office towers that were once home to RadioShack Corporation. Together, those towers will surpass 700,000 square feet. The north tower will be transformed into offices with mixed use capacity. The south tower is currently slated to become residential condominiums.


The current 7 million-plus square feet of downtown office space will be increased by approximately 1 million square feet by these and other projects announced in 2006, a 14.2 percent increase.


“In addition to growth in such hot spots as the central business district, designated industrial parks and residential growth areas, the City has participated in and incentivized economic development projects and redevelopment opportunities in portions of the city that have been historically depressed, such as the Masonic School and the Sierra Vista development,” said Jay Chapa, assistant director of economic and community development for the City of Fort Worth.

Setting ‘Sites’
A growth spurt like Fort Worth’s has not gone unnoticed nationally. In March 2006, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex was named the runner-up “mega-market” of the year -- second only to Chicago – by Site Selection Magazine. According to Berzina, the criteria for that award required that projects involve at least $1 million in investment, 20,000 square feet of building and at least 50 new jobs created. The criteria excluded governmental, medical and retail projects.


Site selection professionals have definitely taken notice of Texas in the past year as the entire state has been recognized as the top state in the union in terms of economic activity for two consecutive years, also by Site Selection. Fort Worth is again leading the way for Metroplex communities. In 2006, Fort Worth supplied 40 qualifying projects to the area’s overall total. Based on preliminary numbers for 2007, it looks like another record year for Fort Worth, surpassing last year’s total with 67 projects which will be submitted for consideration in the Site Selection annual survey – an increase of more than 50 percent.


“The 67 projects represent a diversified and growing climate here in Fort Worth representing more than 15 million square feet, 5700 jobs and over $1.3 billion investment,” said Berzina. Noteworthy projects include:

  • CUNA Mutual Group’s 110,000-square-foot, 500 job project currently under construction at CentrePort Industrial Park
  • Whirlpool Corporation’s 850,000-square-foot distribution center in Carter Industrial Park
  • ConAgra’s 850,000-square-foot food processing plant in Railhead Industrial Park.
    Another major coup for Fort Worth was ACME Brick’s decision to locate its new corporate headquarters facility in southwest Fort Worth, kicking off the Clearfork at Edwards Ranch development.


“ACME’s decision to build their new headquarters in Fort Worth is significant in many ways,” said Bill Thornton, president of the Fort Worth Chamber. “The name ACME is synonymous with Fort Worth and we sincerely wanted the company to remain part of the community’s corporate family. We were extremely grateful when ACME officials notified us that they were studying their real estate options several years ago. We immediately made offering them any assistance we could a priority. We knew ACME had many options outside the Fort Worth city limits and were delighted that they placed a premium on maintaining a Fort Worth address.”


The new ACME headquarters will be the first project in the Clearfork at Edwards Ranch development in southwest Fort Worth. “That’s the icing on the cake,” added Thornton. “ACME’s investment is the first in the Edwards development and will go a long way in defining this wonderful new amenity.”


New projects are always sought after; however, the Chamber recognizes that over 80 percent of new jobs come from existing employers. That is why the Chamber has continued its aggressive business retention program, visiting more than 100 companies in 2006. Findings from this visitation process indicate that 31 companies plan a physical expansion in 2007, while 32 plan to hire more personnel. Companies interviewed represented 45,000 employees in Fort Worth and a broad cross section of businesses involved in manufacturing, distribution, retail and service.

The Year Ahead
In 2006, the Barnett Shale natural gas play emerged as Fort Worth and the region’s new economic development benefactor. Locally headquartered energy companies and other providers will be employing thousands in Fort Worth and the 12-plus counties comprising the Barnett Shale. Fort Worth and surrounding communities are seeing additional office space demand as a result of the increased action of the nation’s largest and most viable natural gas play.


The Fort Worth Chamber has commissioned noted economist Dr. Ray Perryman to conduct an economic impact analysis on the Barnett Shale to better understand and predict the future revenue stream for independent school districts, counties, cities and other entities. Results will be released in May 2007.


Not only Fort Worth, but Arlington, Dallas and surrounding Metroplex suburbs are all enjoying strong economic growth and diversification. Early indications from national economists predict that national gross domestic product growth will range between 1.6 - 2.5 percent in 2007, signifying a slowing economy in the coming year.


The Fort Worth Chamber and its economic development allies will continue to focus efforts on retaining existing employers and marketing to new outside interests. “While we cannot predict the future, we can look back on the past year and thank our allies – the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., the Metropolitan Black Chamber, the Hispanic Chamber, the development community, and countless other community volunteers and leaders – for working individually and collaboratively to ensure our community’s viability,” said Berzina.

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Chamber Sets Priorities for 2007 Legislative Session


With the approach of the 2007 Legislative session, the Fort Worth Chamber has pus forth issues it finds most pressing as well as its positions on those issues.

Economic Development
The Fort Worth Chamber supports increased funding of the Texas Enterprise Fund, a statewide economic development incentive program created by the 78th Legislature. The Texas Enterprise fund has a successful record of stimulating job creation, encouraging infrastructure development, attracting capital investment and providing for job skills training.


The Chamber supports local control of economic development incentive programs that are financed with local revenue. We support the continued implementation of the Texas Economic Development Act to attract jobs and capital intensive industries to the Fort Worth area and to the state.

Education and Workforce Development
The Chamber is continuing to analyze information related to public school funding and state tax code revision and is working with other business organizations to monitor the legislation passed in the recent Legislative Special Sessions.


The Chamber supports increasing excellence funding to assist our area public universities in national competition for engineering and science research funds. We also support the appropriations requests, including special items and tuition revenue bond programs if applicable, of the University of North Texas and UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, the University of Texas at Arlington and UTA Fort Worth, and Tarrant County College. The Chamber urges state support for scholarship programs which increase access to public and private higher education opportunities.


The Chamber supports the continuation and enhancement of the Skills Development Fund job training program. The Skills Development Program, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, supports local economic development and allows employers and Tarrant County College to work in partnership to effectively address local job training needs.

Environmental Quality
The Fort Worth Chamber supports the continued funding and implementation of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) that provides for a state-funded, incentive grant program and local option tools in Fort Worth and other federally designated non-attainment areas to reduce mobile source emissions and achieve compliance with federal air quality standards. We also support additional changes to the statutes and program guidelines that are designed to enhance TERP programs and increase small business participation. The coalition urges the legislature to allow TERP funding to continue beyond 2008 to assist the D/FW Metroplex which must address the new federal 8-hour air quality ozone standard and a new federal requirement that the Metroplex achieve compliance with air quality standards by 2010.


The Chamber urges the legislature to continue funding the Texas Environmental Research Consortium and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to perform scientific research in support of the development of air quality attainment plans under the new 8-hour air quality standard.


The Chamber supports statutory revisions allowing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to exercise greater flexibility in the fair evaluation of the compliance histories of businesses permitted and regulated by the agency. Current laws and regulations relating to compliance history rating and classification place an unfair burden on small businesses and create a disincentive to business growth and investment.

Water
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce supports Texas’ statewide water plan, keeping the proposed plan intact during the legislative session and opposing any legislation removing any water management strategies from this plan. Additionally, designate as unique reservoir sites the potential reservoirs identified as recommended water management strategies in the 2007 Texas Water Plan, preserve reuse as a water management strategy when taking any action in protecting environmental flows, and amend Section 11.085, of the Texas Water Code to facilitate permitting of inter-basin transfers.

The chamber specifically supports the Region C Water Plan as a balanced, cost effective plan, including a broad range of water management strategies including increased conservation, reuse and recycle projects, connection of existing supplies and development of needed new sources of water, including reservoirs.

Healthcare
The Fort Worth Chamber urges the legislature to restore funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid programs to a level which increases the state’s receipt of federal matching dollars and ensures that uninsured children in low-income, working families receive appropriate and needed care. Adequate state funding will ensure that healthcare costs are not shifted to overburdened local governments and healthcare delivery providers.

Transportation
The Fort Worth Chamber supports legislation that will enable the Fort Worth and Tarrant County area and the D/FW Metroplex to address essential transportation projects including additional roadway capacity, the development of a regional commuter rail system and improvements in freight mobility.


We urge the legislature to preserve all transportation resources and revenues and the authority and flexibility achieved with HB 3588 and other transportation bills enacted by the 78th and 79th Texas legislature. The Chamber also supports legislative action that would allow the motor fuels tax to adjust according to economic trends by tying the rate to an appropriate economic index. We support allowing the Metroplex region to enact a voter-approved, local option transportation tax. And we urge the legislature to reverse current diversions of transportation revenues to non-transportation uses.


The Chamber supports legislation to allow Metroplex counties to collectively address projected increases in population, employment and traffic congestion with the creation of a regional commuter rail system throughout the region, with funding provided by additional sales tax capacity, approved by local option election.


For more information, contact Brinton Payne, government affairs, at 817/336-2491, ext. 264.

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President’s column
Bill Thornton
Fort Worth Chamber
President

In 1997, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce honored the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show with our “Spirit of Enterprise” Award, which recognizes local companies that have made significant contributions to the development of our community. Selected by the four most recent chairs of the Chamber, Spirit of Enterprise recipients are selected for their contributions to the advancement and prosperity of the city, as well as their commitment to the preservation of the American private enterprise system. It was an excellent choice.


Remarks made during that presentation nearly a decade ago praised the Stock Show for “helping to build a modern Fort Worth, boosting agribusiness education with grants and scholarships, and demonstrating a strong spirit of enterprise.” Little did we know then how prescient those remarks would be. According to a recent economic analysis, the Stock Show generates an economic impact in excess of $100 million for the Fort Worth area annually.


Who would have dreamed that a one-day show featuring a few head of cattle would burgeon into a three-week extravaganza? Apparently the visionaries who have been associated with the Stock Show since its inception, that’s who.


It all started with a couple of friends shooting the breeze; rancher Charles McFarland and Stock Yards marketing manager Charles French dreamed of such an event as a way forward in the quest for better meat for the nation.


In the early 1900s, the Stock Show was held at the North Side Coliseum (now the Cowtown Coliseum). Various aspects have come and gone over the years including the brief addition of a Wild West Show. And local historian Tom B. Saunders, III, a one-time Stock Show vice president who died in 1974, once recalled that it was Stock Show directors, looking to name the so-called cowboy contest, who came up with the Spanish term rodeo. And the Fort Worth Rodeo was born.


Over the decades, the Fort Worth Rodeo has continued to be a source of innovation for the sport including bull riding and side release chutes for bucking stock. It moved to the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in 1944.


In the intervening years, the Stock Show has worked with the City of Fort Worth to continually improve facilities for the show, thus ensuring they have year-round use. In 1984, the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall was added. The world-class Will Rogers Equestrian Center came in 1988. The Kit and Charlie Moncrief Building opened in 1996 and the Ticket Office and Visitors Center in 1999.


Perhaps the Stock Show’s greatest legacy will be its contributions to livestock education. Founded as an educational showcase for the livestock industry, that mission continues today. Since 2000, the Stock Show has provided over $1,600,000 in educational grants. Many recipients use these grants to embark on careers in agriculture or related fields.
The Stock Show’s dedication to Fort Worth is unwavering and this year’s events run Jan. 12- Feb. 4. I know I’ll be there with my boots on and I hope to see you there.

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Industry Leaders to Reveal 2007 Tarrant County Outlook for Commercial Real Estate

Will 2007 be a boom or bust year for the Tarrant County commercial real estate market? What market trends will in play? Will leasing rates for office, industrial, and retail properties go up, down, or remain flat? What can we expect regarding occupancy rates? What are the prospects for market growth? What makes sense for investments?
So many questions, however, industry leaders will reveal what they expect to happen during the coming year at the 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast.

  • What: 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast
  • When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, 7-11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St., 76102, Ballroom B
  • Cost: $55


Topics and speakers include:

  • How Tarrant County Rates Nationally: Ben D. Loughry, MAI, managing partner, Integra Realty Resources DFW, L.L.P.
  • Infill/Residential Development: Rob Sell, partner, Village Homes, L.P.
  • Industrial Market: Robert J. Scully, principal, Trammell Crow Company
  • Legislative Update, Susan A. Halsey, partner, Jackson Walker L.L.P.
  • Retail Market: James M. Makens, president, The Makens Company
  • Office Market: George Duncan, senior vice president, southwest corporate services, The Staubach Company


Keynote speaker Robert M. White, Jr., CRE, is founder and president of Real Capital Analytics, Inc., the national research firm based in New York, N.Y., that publishes Capital Trends Monthly. His topic: “Trends in the Commercial Real Estate Capital Markets and How Tarrant County Relates to the Rest of the World.” White’s firm provides real-time data concerning the capital markets for commercial real estate and the values of commercial properties. Proceeds will benefit the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Program.


Presenting sponsors are Alamo Title Company (Advertiser); Brazos Tax Group, L.L.P.; Fort Worth Business Press; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; Integra Realty Resources DFW, L.L.P.; Jackson Walker L.L.P.; Red Oak Realty, L.L.C.; Society of Commercial Realtors; The Staubach Company; Texas Capital Bank; and Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P.


AllianceTexas – A Development of Hillwood; Compass Bank; Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council; and Southland Property Tax Consultants, Inc., are supporting sponsors.
Check in between 7-7:55 a.m. for networking and a continental breakfast.
Presentations will begin at 8 a.m.


For information, contact Beth Gates at 817/336-2491, ext. 232. Register online by Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007.

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Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works

The Tower will add Cantina Laredo, an upscale Mexican food venue, the third restaurant to open in the condominium redevelopment of a downtown office tower at Fourth and Throckmorton streets. Dallas-based Consolidated Restaurant Operations, which operates El Chico and other chains, has leased 6,500 square feet in the northeast corner of the building and plans to open in late March or early April, said Bill Watson, the company’s vice president for marketing. Star Telegram, Nov. 3, 2006.

Elysium Enterprises has bought 2,619 square feet of office condo space at 7625 Bellaire Drive, according to the real-estate company that represented the seller. Star Telegram, Nov.6, 2006

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Modis, the information technology staffing unit of MPS Group, has leased 2,500 square feet of downtown office space at 777 Main St.
Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

Spectrum Properties, a Dallas-based developer of senior-living and multi-family communities, now owns property on the near west side. Under the name Bailey 600 Properties, Spectrum bought the Chase Bank building at 600 Bailey Ave. in August. The company bought the two-story, 45,959-square-foot building, which sits on 2.1 acres, from Jagee Properties, which bought it from The Bombay Co. in October 2005. It was part of a land deal with Bombay that included 4.7 acres at that location.
Jagee bought 11 acres for and is developing Museum Place off University Drive and West Seventh Street, an urban village of residences, shops and restaurants. Star Telegram, Nov. 13, 2006

Colleyville-based developer Rland Properties has purchased seven acres at the southwest corner of North Beach Street and Timberland Boulevard in north Fort Worth and has plans for a retail and office development. The retail center, scheduled for completion in late summer 2007, will be called The Springs, and will be located in the Woodland Springs neighborhood. The development will have two buildings with a combined 30,000 square feet of retail space, as well as an office pad site. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 13, 2006

The Markeen Apartments stand at West Daggett and St. Louis avenues in the near south side in the same place they’ve been since 1910. Only now, one of the oldest apartment buildings in Fort Worth and the city’s sole remaining example of prairie style multifamily architecture has been reclassified as condominiums. Units at the two-story brick property, renamed The Markeen, were put on the market. The starting price for a 750-square-foot unit is $130,000. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 20, 2006

The developers of Trinity Bluff plan to break ground early next year on a six-story building with 23 luxury condominiums overlooking the Trinity River at the northeast edge of downtown with some units costing more than $1 million. The development in the historic Samuels Avenue neighborhood will be called Villa de Leon, for its European villa style of architecture and for Alonzo de Leon, a Spanish explorer credited as the first European to see the Trinity River in 1690 and who gave it its modern name. The condos will sell for an average of $350 a square foot, meaning the units, at 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, will likely range between $875,000 and slightly more than $1 million. Villa de Leon will have an underground parking garage. The building will have some common areas among its amenities, including a catering kitchen, grand living area, workout room and pool. Star Telegram, Nov. 29, 2006

Expansions and Moves

Paulie Ayala has leased 4,000 square feet of retail space at 3817 Southwest Blvd. in west Fort Worth for his boxing and fitness gym, Paulie Ayala’s University of Hard Knocks. Ayala, a two-time world champion boxer, opened the gym in 2004, and has moved from a 1,200-square-foot facility on Williams Road. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

Hollingsworth Capital Partners in Clinton, Tenn., has bought the 734,000-square-foot industrial building on Everman Parkway in the Carter Business Park that was built 20 years ago as a General Motors parts plant. The building, at 1101 Everman Parkway, is being used by Whirlpool Corp., the largest U.S. seller of home appliances. The company moved into the building in January after signing a two-year lease. It uses it as a distribution center, employing about 60 workers. Star Telegram, Nov. 6, 2006

Technical Diagnostics Services has bought 4.6 acres on Trinity Boulevard at Grand River Road, where it plans a 16,800-square-foot facility. The company will use about 11,000 square feet. The company will move from near Interstate 20 and Matlock Road when the building is completed in the spring. It has about 6,300 square feet. Star Telegram, Nov. 20, 2006

On the Dotted Line

After a year-and-a-half of strategic planning, the collaborative efforts of TECH Fort Worth (TFW), the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (UNTHSC), the City of Fort Worth and the local business community have paid off in the form of a first biomedical tenant. The technology-based occupant is the first for the business incubator and the medical school, and the life sciences research firm – one of the initial recipients of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) program – will be the first to open an office in Fort Worth. College Station-based CorInnova Inc., an early-stage medical device company founded in 2004, will open a satellite office and laboratory on the third floor of the Center for BioHealth on the UNTHSC campus. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors has bought eight acres in the Gateway Station shopping center development that is mostly in Burleson on the southwest corner of McAlister Road and Interstate 35W. It bought the land in two tracts, in July and August. Weingarten develops anchored, neighborhood, community, specialty and mixed-use shopping centers. The firm said that it is in the planning stages for the land but that it could involve construction of an Academy Sports & Outdoors store that would open in 2008. Star Telegram, Nov. 6, 2006

The Regus Group in Dallas has leased the 19,764-square-foot third floor of the office building at 5601 Bridge St. and has turned the floor into an executive suite. Regus is a provider of fully equipped offices, meeting rooms, videoconferencing studios and business lounges. It has renamed the floor CEO Fort Worth Centre. The lease was one of nine in the Metroplex for executive-suite locations. Star Telegram, Nov. 6, 2006

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., known for its Black Hawk helicopter, has leased 24,000 square feet of office space at 4800 Overton Plaza, also known as First Command Plaza, in southwest Fort Worth. The Connecticut-based company, a United Technologies Corp. subsidiary, designs and manufactures helicopters for commercial, industrial and military use. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

Cummings RE Venture 1 acquired 5.4 acres at the southwest corner of High River Road and Grand River Road, where it apparently plans a 70,000-square-foot facility. Star Telegram, Nov. 20, 2006

Two new leases have been signed for the shopping center at 5000 S. Hulen St., across from Hulen Mall. The new tenants are Edible Arrangements, a fruit and floral design gift store, and WineStyles, a wine and accessories store. The stores total 2,887 square feet. The shopping center is now 95 percent occupied. Star Telegram, Nov. 20, 2006

Five tenants have signed for office space at 8205 Camp Bowie West, bringing the building to 87 percent occupancy. The new tenants include Apollo Arts Community LLC, which leased 1,400 square feet. Zamora Construction and Segars Medical Group both signed leases for 700 square feet, and Sharry Tipps-Mach signed for 700 square feet for her therapy practice. Pony Express also signed for 700 square feet. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 20, 2006

A&R Transport, a Morris, Ill.-based bulk-transportation, packaging, distribution and logistics company, has leased 128,669 square feet of industrial warehouse space at 2550 Downing Drive, near Meacham Boulevard. The location will better serve customers in the Metroplex and beyond. Star Telegram, Nov. 27, 2006

Openings

April Lane Exquisite Footwear opened its 1,000-square-foot boutique at the Village at Camp Bowie on Nov. 1. The store will offer shoes, belts, scarves and handbags from designer lines like Badgley Mischka, Loeffler Randall and Charles David. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

Movie Tavern, which combines a movie theater with a full restaurant menu, has six locations and plans to add at least eight in 2007. One theater joining the Movie Tavern fold is the United Artists theater at Hulen Mall. Plans are to spend $2 million renovating the theater, starting in January and finished in time for an April 15 reopening. The renovations will include adding a kitchen to bring full-service dining to the 10-screen venue. The lobby of the stand-alone building will have a restaurant and a bar. Star Telegram, Nov. 6, 2006

Around Town

When Grupo Zócalo, purchased the Fort Worth Town Center at Interstate 35 and Seminary Drive in April 2004, it was spiraling downward – and at an alarming rate. The 1.2-million-square-foot mall was at just 22 percent occupancy, and three of its anchor department stores, Dillard’s, J.C. Penney and a Sears – had moved out. Today, the mall hardly resembles its former self. Renamed La Gran Plaza, it is two years into a $43 million renovation. Already, occupancy has jumped to 77 percent, and leases are pending for two department stores that will cover more than 100,000 square feet. Nov. 15, Boot Town/Western Wear opened a 9,000-square-foot store. A seven-story office tower and the third floor of the former Sears, which was remodeled into office space, are at 80 percent occupancy. Plans are also being finalized for a 5,000 seat rodeo arena and concert venue, which will front I-35. The former Dillard’s space has been converted into the 210-shop, two-story El Mercado, where customers can shop for anything from clothes to fruit to car bumpers. Already, 150 shops have been leased since opening in May. The former Sears Auto Service Center, which fronts I-35, has been remodeled into a Spanish colonial-style retail center, and is filled with tenants such as T-Mobile, Washington Mutual and Sonic. By next summer, when the mall is scheduled for completion, its exterior will resemble a rustic Spanish colonial plaza. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 6, 2006

The developers who bought the vacant St. Joseph Hospital in the city's Medical District last year have bumped up the amount of office space they initially considered in the property's redevelopment. The decision is a move to tap into a market segment that has garnered high demand in the past few years.The property is the site of Tarrant County's first hospital, which a group of San Antonio nuns founded in 1885, and is less than a mile south of the central business district where office vacancy rates have stayed low -- between 4 - 5 percent -- for the past five years. The development, which will be called Joseph's Garden, is also in an area with few large office spaces. Star Telegram, Nov. 25, 2006

Did You Know?

For the first time, Fort Worth has a comprehensive study of the entire downtown market, on everything from the increasing residential options to the office market and its ever-narrowing vacancies. “State of Downtown 2005,” a publication of Downtown Fort Worth Inc. (DFWI) and the Downtown Fort Worth Improvement District, details downtown trends and activities in the office, residential, hospitality and retail markets, and also highlights downtown. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 20, 2006

Activity is picking up at Montgomery Plaza. Gloria’s, the Salvadorian Tex-Mex restaurant, opened on Oct. 8, and shortly after, the Marquis Group announced it would develop 240 high-end condominiums on the second through eighth floors of the development, to be known as One Montgomery Plaza.
Currently, 77 percent of the Seventh Street Montgomery Plaza development, in both the 133,000-square-foot Montgomery Ward building and the 366,000-square-foot retail addition, is leased. Retailers in the Montgomery Plaza addition include Target, Ross, Marshalls, Famous Footwear, Office Depot, PetSmart and Pier 1 Imports, among others.
Additionally the Montgomery Ward building is filled with an eclectic mix of regional and local boutique-style retailers such as Uncommon Angles, and a couple national tenants, such as Starbucks and Pei Wei Asian Diner.
In the coming months, WineStyles, Edible Arrangements and Seventh Street Villa Day Spa will open. A high-end florist, steak and seafood restaurant, sushi bar and a cigar shop will also be added to the mix. Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 27, 2006

Data provided by Strategic Insight Group --Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

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Tarrant County Gets Its Day at the Capitol


Would you enjoy an up close and personal look at the Texas Legislature in action, and would like to visit with your Texas Senators and Representatives at an informal reception, at breakfast and in their Capitol offices? Then you ’re your calendar now for Tarrant County Day at the Capitol in Austin, presented by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition of Tarrant County Chambers of Commerce.

  • What: Tarrant County Day at the Capitol
  • When: Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 27-28
  • Where: Texas State Capitol, Austin
  • Cost: $50 (includes events only)


This year’s Capitol includes a reception honoring members of the 80th Legislature, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the mezzanine of The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos.


Wednesday morning, a breakfast honoring the members of the Fort Worth and Tarrant County State Legislative delegation, 8-9 a.m., at the Austin Club, 110 E. 9th St.
Sponsors for the event are AT&T, BNSF Railway, Chesapeake, EnCana, Fidelity Investments, and Lockheed Martin.


These events provide excellent opportunities to meet and talk one-on-one with your state legislators. For more information, call A.J. Fuqua
817/336-2491, ext. 251.

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Mike Moncrief to Deliver State of the City Address

Mayor Mike Moncrief

Save the date!
Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief will deliver his fourth annual State of the City address to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and there will be much to talk about – the successful compromise on the Wright Amendment, continued downtown and neighborhood revitalization, area water issues, and the Trans Texas Corridor may be among the potential topics. The luncheon is presented by Southwest Office Systems.

  • What: Annual State of the City Address by Mayor Mike Moncrief
  • When: Thursday, Feb.8, noon-1:30 p.m. Networking and registration begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Fort Worth Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 1201 Houston St., 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and corporate tables - $550.


Platinum sponsors are: Chase, EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Integra Realty Resources DFW, and Kelly, Hart & Hallman.
Gold sponsors include: Cantey & Hanger, LLP; Compass Bank; Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T); Jackson Walker, LLP; and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.
Silver sponsors include: Carter & Burgess, Inc; Haynes and Boone, LLP; Hillwood; OmniAmerican Bank; Summit Bancshares, Inc.; The Struhs Companies; and Weaver & Tidwell LLP.
Bronze sponsors are: Citizens National Bank; Cook Children’s Health Care System; TXU Electric Delivery; Wells Fargo - Executive.


Register online. For more information on the State of the City Address, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Action Ambassador of the Month: Debbie Vesti

Debbie Vesti
Action Ambassador
of the Month

Congratulations to Debbie Vesti, Action Ambassador of the month. An ambassador since June 2006, Vesti is a senior sales executive with LandAmerica Commonwealth Title Company.


“I originally got involved with Action Ambassadors to help increase my client base,” said Vesti. “I wanted to get in front of people I might not meet otherwise. But now I’ve learned so much about Fort Worth and I’ve met a great group of people who care about Fort Worth. Action Ambassadors is a great program.”


Action Ambassadors make up an important group of up to 65 dedicated Fort Worth Chamber members who devote their time and energy to assisting members, with a focus on membership retention. A critical arm of the Membership Department, Action Ambassadors attend ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies, assist with member-retention calls and act as greeters at various Chamber functions. Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber.


Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.

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Membership Luncheon Wings Its Way East

Plan on a flight of fancy at the next Chamber Membership Luncheon hosted by the East Area Council when members gather at American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum presented by Wells Fargo.

  • What: Membership Luncheon hosted by East Area Council
  • When: Monday, Jan. 29, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: American Airlines C. R. Smith Museum, 4601 Hwy. 360, 76155
  • Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; table of eight - $250.
American Airline’s C.R. Smith Museum

The American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum is much more than a museum. It's a sight-and-sound, hands-on, window-seat look at the world of flight. It's an adventure offering you a chance to hear, see, touch and be a part of the exciting aviation industry. And the museum’s director Jeff Johns will lead us through the fascinating facility.


The C.R. Smith Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated solely to commercial aviation. The museum opened in July 1993 and is dedicated to past and present American Airlines employees and C.R. Smith, longtime American Airlines president and aviation pioneer.


Register online or contact Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

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BAH Honors ‘Rising Star’ Awards Finalists

After poring over the applications, judges for the Fort Worth Chamber’s 2007 Small Business of the Year Awards have chosen the finalists in five categories. The Small Business of the Year Awards recognize and honor best practices from exemplary small businesses. The finalists will be honored at a special Business After Hours, Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Hilton Fort Worth. The awards are presented by Citizens National Bank.
This year’s finalists include:


Emerging Business Category
Crypto Security Systems, LLC
Edward Jones- Don Marable
GBT Enterprises

1-10 Employee Category
Martin & Company Printers
Schwarz Hanson Architects
Technology Team, LLC

11-50 Employee Category
Perfect Touch Day Spa
Rassai Interactive
Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics

51-100 Employee Category
C.M Architecture, P.A.
Huckabee and Associates
RPM

101-250 Employee Category
Higginbotham & Associates, Inc.
SKIHI Enterprises, LTD


Platinum sponsor is the Neeley School of Business – TCU. Gold sponsors are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pro Staff Personnel Services. Silver sponsor is hireMax. Media sponsor is the Fort Worth Business Press.


For more information on the awards, contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext 272.

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Calendar of Events

January

1 Fort Worth Chamber offices closed for New Year’s Day.


2 Tarrant County Business Breakfast, 7-8:30 a.m. Networking for small, minority and women owned businesses. No reservations necessary. Radisson South, formerly Holiday Inn South, 100 Alta Mesa Blvd. 76134. Full breakfast - $10, continental breakfast - $7. For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.


4 Business After Hours – Small Business of the Year Finalists, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St., 76102. Chamber members only. Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members, no charge, but reservations required. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


15 Fort Worth Chamber closed for Martin Luther King holiday.


18 Livestock Appreciation Day and presentation of the W.A. “Bill” King Award, noon, Will Rogers Memorial Center Round Up Inn, One Amon Carter Square, 76107. Cost is $40. Register by calling the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo office at 817/877-2400.


25 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast, 7-11:30 a.m., Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom, 1201 Houston St., 76102. Cost: $55. Register online by Jan. 18. For more information, contact Beth Gates at bgates@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 232.


26 Foreign Trade Zone Seminar, 9 a.m.-noon, presented by the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center, 808 Throckmorton, 76102. Cost: TBD. For more information, contact Beth Gates at bgates@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 232.


25 Leads Explosion, sponsored by Thumbtechs, 5-8:30 p.m., Green Oaks Hotel, 6901 West Freeway, 76116. Chamber members only, $30. Limited to 90 companies; no more than five from each industry. Gold and Preferred members are free, but must register with a credit card, which will only be charged a $30 non-refundable charge for a no-show. Payment must be received by noon, Friday, Jan. 19. Register with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288. For more information, call Diana Dugan at ext. 258.


29 Membership Luncheon hosted by the East Area Council, presented by Wells Fargo, American Airlines’ C. R. Smith Aviation Museum, 4601 Highway 360, 76155. Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and tables of eight - $250. Register online or contact Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

February

8 State of the City Address with Mayor Mike Moncrief, presented by Southwest Office Systems, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking at 11:30 a.m. Fort Worth Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 1201 Houston St. Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and tables of eight - $550. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


15 Membership Luncheon hosted by North Area Council, “Transportation and Logistics Panel,” Stockyard Station, 130 E. Exchange, 76106. Presented by Wells Fargo. Noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking, 11:30 a.m. Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold & Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and tables of eight - $250.Register online. For more information, contact Pennie Blossom at 817/336-2491, ext. 267.


15 Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ferguson Enterprises, 3433 W. 7th St., 76107. Chamber members only. Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members, no charge, but reservations are required. . For more information, contact Doris Becker at 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


19 Fort Worth Chamber closed for Presidents’ Day.


21 Small Business Council Breakfast, “Small Business of the Year Best Practices,” presented by Citizens National Bank. Registration and breakfast, 7:15-7:45 a.m. Program, 7:45-10 a.m. Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St. Cost: Chamber members - $20; Gold and Preferred membes - $15; non-members - $30; and table of eight - $200. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


23 Leaders in Business featuring Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., presented by Weaver & Tidwell LLP, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. The Petroleum Club, 777 Commerce St. Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and tables of eight - $350. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Anything You Ever Wanted to Know about Fort Worth

Looking for information about Fort Worth? Need to reach Fort Worth business owners? Will economic facts about Cowtown help round out that report?


From newcomer’s and relocation information, to background on the area’s major employers and media, the Fort Worth Chamber puts vital Fort Worth info right at your fingertips. This comprehensive list of publications and other services can be purchased online through the Chamber’s secure website.

  • 2005-06 Newcomer Packet -- Includes Newcomer's Guide, Countywide Street Map, and Education Directory. Call for volume discounts. Member - $6 / Non-member - $8
  • 2005-06 Newcomer’s Guide (included in Relocation Pack) -- Glossy, color magazine with maps and practical information on economy and business, transportation, housing, education, health care, shopping, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and amenities and attractions. Member - $2 / $4
  • Area Council Labels -- $50 base fee + $.05 per label. Isolate or combine five geographic areas. Call the Chamber to determine the number of labels and the final cost. Members only. Member - $50
  • Book of Lists -- Compiled and published by the Fort Worth Business Press, this directory includes lists of top companies in more than 60 industries in Tarrant and Denton counties. Updated annually. Member - $10 / Non-member - $30
  • Business Relocation Packet -- Includes Fort Worth and Tarrant County Community Economic Report, Newcomer's Guide and a City Map. Member - $10 / Non-member - $15
  • Economic Report -- A business-to-business, color magazine featuring Fort Worth and Tarrant County economic statistics, cost-of-living comparisons, demographics, industry sector profiles, a guide to Tarrant County business resources, and more. Updated annually. Member - $5 / Non-member - $10
  • Fort Worth Street Map -- Four-color foldout street map covers Tarrant County. Includes special inset of DFW International Airport in proximity to Fort Worth and Dallas. Published every two years. Member - $2 / $Non-member - $3
  • Job Search Package -- Includes Newcomer's Guide, Countywide Street Map, Education Directory, and Major Employers Directory CD-ROM. Member - $ 35 / Non-member - $45
  • Major Employer’s Directory -- 600 businesses and organizations that employ 100 or more. Annually updated purchasing and personnel contacts, indexes based upon number of employees, city and zip codes, SIC codes, and e-mail and web addresses. Member - $40 / Non-member - $60
  • Major Employers Directory and CD-ROM (combo) – Same as above. Also in Excel format either on CD-ROM or can be e-mailed. Member - $60 / Non-member - $80
  • Media Directory (printed version) -- The Metroplex's only comprehensive media directory for the Fort Worth area, covering print media for the Fort Worth metro area (Tarrant, Johnson, Parker and Hood counties), as well as television and radio contacts for the entire Metroplex. Listings include e-mail addresses, fax numbers, circulation figures and distribution areas. Member - $30 / Non-member - $40
  • Media Directory CD-ROM -- Same as above available on CD-ROM in Adobe Acrobat PDF file and Excel. Can also be e-mailed. Updated annually. Member - $30 / Non-member - $40
  • Media Directory & CD-ROM (combo) – Same as above printed version and CD-ROM in Adobe Acrobat PDF file and Excel. Can also be e-mailed. Updated annually. Member - $55 / Non-member - $65
  • Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide -- Includes a guide to Chamber services and area resources, the Fort Worth and Tarrant County Economic Report 2006. Includes the membership directory and buyer's guide, with a categorical listing of the Chamber's membership. Updated annually. Member - $30 / Non-member - $60
  • Membership Mailing Labels (Members only) -- Mailing labels for all Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Members. Not available electronically; one-time use only. Member - $300
  • Prospective Residents List (Members only) -- List of individuals contacting the Chamber who are considering moving to Fort Worth, or have already decided on such a move. Sent twice monthly by e-mail. Member - $40


Click Here to order online Or call 817/336-2491, ext. 242.

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Chamber Thanks North Texas Cutting Champions Club Members

The importance of the equine industry to Fort Worth both for its economic impact and for its continuation of our Western heritage cannot be overstated. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the members of the North Texas Cutting Champions Club for their support of our efforts to keep the National Cutting Horse Association’s three major events here. The Champions Club’s mission is to ensure that these events never leave Fort Worth. Those members include:

Triple Crown Champion Members:
Burnett Ranches, Ltd., Mr. & Mrs. John L. Marion
City of Fort Worth
Coors Distributing Co., Jeri McMillan
Fine Line, Inc., Edward P. Bass
Fort Worth Business Press, Richard L. Connor
Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show, W. R. Watt
Sundance Square, Johnny Campbell
Waltons Rocking W Ranch, Alice Walton
Western Bloodstock LTD, Mary Bradford
XTO Energy, Inc., Robert Myers

Grand Champion Members:
David McDavid Auto Group, David McDavid
Dean Sanders Cutting Horses, Diamond Spur Ranch
First National Bank of Weatherford, Zan Statham
Justin Brands Inc., Randy Watson
Larry Hall Cutting Horses, FLP, Elaine Hall
Luther King Capital Management,Bryan King
Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, Tammy Gazzola
Weatherford National Bank, Jean Bryan

Reserve Champion Members:
Bank of America, Mike Pavell
Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob & Nan Kingsley
Brad Barnes
Beggs Cattle Co.,George Beggs IV
Cantey & Hanger, LLP, Pollard Rogers
Carter & Burgess, Inc., Fred Evans
Chase, Danny Smith
Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Julie H. Wilson
Citizens National Bank, Ray Dickerson
Mac A. Coalson Real Estate, Mac A. Coalson
D.L.R. Ranch, Chris & Vickie Benedict
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Steven Feiner
Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Douglas Harman
Frost Financial Management Group, Harva Kuykendall
Gerschel & Company, Inc., Patrick A. Gerschel
Kincaid’s Grocery Inc., Ron Gentry
Longhorn Thoroughbreds, Jeffery Matthews
Miller Beer, Dan Craine
Neiman Marcus, Deb McGinnis
Pier 1 Imports, Marvin Girouard
Texas State Representative Charlie Geren
Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Bob Jameson
Harry L. Tennison
Texas Christian University, Dr. Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
TXU Electric Delivery, Mike Guyton

Social Members:
4B Ranch, Dick Brown
Jerry’s GM, Inc., Jerry Durant

Special thanks to the following for their support:
ARAMARK
Barbara Jett
Dos Gringos
Jim Gunter Audio & Video
Jon Magill
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
Riscky’s Bar-B-Q
The Western Gallery

Membership levels in the NTCCC range from $150 for Tradeshow Exhibitor Member or $500 for Social Member (3 Bar Saloon privileges for two), to $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 memberships which all include Futurity Semi-Finals and Finals tickets, advertising opportunities, 3 Bar Saloon privileges and much more.


For more information on membership, call 817/341-0930.

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Fort Worth: Where the Best Begins

Fort Worth is Texas at its best. From its rough-and-tumble cowboy heritage has evolved a dynamic metropolitan area that is poised for even greater economic and social achievement. While the historic, cultural, and recreational offerings are notable, the city’s business development and economic opportunities are equally impressive.


Fort Worth: Where the Best Begins, a new hardcover volume commissioned by the Fort Worth Chamber, tells the story of the city’s remarkable growth from army outpost to major cowtown, on to transportation hub and oil center, and then to a high-tech metropolis with a varied global economy.


Fort Worth: Where the Best Begins introduces the area’s long tradition of enterprise, achievement, and opportunity to a national and international audience. This interesting, richly photographed hardcover volume, written by Kathryn Hopper and Worth S. Wren, Jr., presents an overview of the area’s history, lifestyle, diversity, and major industries. It also describes the ways Fort Worth is furthering new economic growth in the 21st century through renewed entrepreneurial focus and thoughtful strategies.


Each business discussed in this volume is a Texas tale of success—of bold thinking and effective implementation, of hard work, smart planning, and getting the job done right.
Price is $59.95. To order, contact Lauren Turner, publications sales, at 817-336-2491 x 242

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting marking the grand opening of a First Horizon Bank location at 7317 Oakmont was held recently. To learn more about the financial institution, contact Cyndi Colburn at 817/294-4822.

Milagros Frames and Gifts marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the 851 Foch St. location. Contact Margaret Pepin at 817/332-1818 for more information.

Berger Transfer and Storage, a moving and storage company, held a ribbon cutting at its new location, 14850 Grand River Rd. Find out more about the company by calling John Bazaco at 214/638-3980.

Clay Cooley Isuzu of Fort Worth held a grand opening at its 8900 Camp Bowie West location. Contact Dennis Furguson at 817/244-0000 to learn more about the dealership.

For more information contact:
Arden Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259

Archive

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2005

 

2004

 

2003


 


 

  
         
       
         
   
     
 
         
 
777 Taylor Street, Suite 900   Fort Worth, TX 76102-4997   817.336.2491