October 2007

• Bob Simpson
• Trade Show
• President's Column
• Navy Ball
• Economic Update
• New Employees
• Omni
• ACCE
• TEAM FWISD
• Small Business of the Year Awards
• Annual Golf Classic
• Chamber Receives Awards
• Stockyards
• Star Ambassador
• Calendar of Events
• Ribbon Cuttings
  

Simpson Named 2007 Business Executive of the Year

With daily news of the constant activities connected to the Barnett Shale, it comes as no surprise that this year’s choice of Fort Worth’s Business Executive of the Year comes from the natural gas industry. The 2007 award recipient is Bob Simpson, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of XTO Energy, Inc. one of the nation’s largest and most successful independent oil and gas producers. The award will be presented at the annual Business Hall of Fame dinner on Tuesday, October 2 (see sidebar). The event is being sponsored by Texas Wesleyan University, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth Business Press.

The Business Hall of Fame, founded in 1970 to honor the Business Executive of the Year, chooses an individual who has made a profound impact on the business world.

“Bob is one of the most focused business leaders in this community,” said Bill Thornton, president of the Fort Worth Chamber. "His leadership in the development of the natural gas industry, and to preserving and revitalizing our downtown, make him a priceless resource. He’s well deserving of this honor.”

Simpson served as CEO or held similar positions with XTO Energy and its predecessors from 1986 until July 1996, when he was named chairman and chief executive officer of XTO Energy, Inc. Prior to founding XTO, Simpson was tax manager and then vice president of finance and corporate development at Southland Royalty Company.

Simpson credits the performance of XTO, a company he co-founded more than 20 years ago, on the simple strategy that has guided its operations—own the best assets and make them better. For the more than two decades the company has been in business, Simpson and his team have acquired the highest quality oil and gas assets throughout the United States and attacked them with what he describes as old-fashioned hard work and innovation. Both have paid off in spades. Company stock held by the shareholders has increased by more than 50 times over the years.

Under Simpson’s leadership, XTO’s reserves and production have grown in each of 12 straight years and shareholder returns, since the company’s initial public offering in 1993, have outpaced its peers. Shares have risen nearly 50 fold, and in 2005, the company posted a 66.4 percent total return, up from a 56 percent return in 2004. XTO Energy Inc. has posted second-quarter net earnings of $432 million versus an adjusted $319 million from the same period a year earlier. During the same period, the company’s production rose to a record 1.698 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) per day, up 12 percent from the second quarter 2006 rate of 1.516 Bcfe per day. Revenue increased 25 percent to $1.33 billion in the second quarter. The company also adjusted its 2007 production growth target from 15 percent to 17 percent.

Many honors and accolades for the success of the company have come to Simpson and the XTO Energy family. XTO ranks as the fourth-best performing stock on the NYSE since its initial public offering in 1993.  As a result, Mr. Simpson has been recognized by Barron’s as one of its “30 Most Respected CEOs in the World” for three years in a row. Oil and Gas Investor magazine named Simpson its 2006 Executive of the Year. Additionally, Institutional Investor magazine named him in its Best CEOs issue in January 2006.

Equally important to Simpson is his ability to contribute to the community and the heritage of the city. Along with First Lady Laura Bush and three others, Simpson was honored in June 2007 at the Fifth Annual National Trust/HGTV Restore America Gala at Union Station in Washington, D.C. They were honored for their leading efforts to preserve, restore and revitalize their communities. XTO has acquired older buildings in downtown Fort Worth and committed to preserving and revitalizing these buildings.

He was selected by the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers as the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Legends Medal. XTO is also aiding the youth by purchasing the grand champion steer at the Fort Worth Stock Show with the proceeds going to educational scholarships. Simpson serves as a trustee at All Saints’ Episcopal School of Fort Worth. He and his wife, Janice, served as co-chairs of Careity events, including the Celebrity Cutting and Branded western style show, which raise funds for cancer research and services.

The Texas native and the youngest of four brothers, Simpson grew up on a Cisco ranch. He attended Baylor University on a bank scholarship where he earned a BS degree in Accounting and then an MBA. Simpson served in the Texas Army National Guard after graduation and then earned his CPA designation. He is married and the father of seven children.

The Annual Business Hall of Fame dinner will also recognize the recipient of the Thomas H. Law Scholarship, to be chosen at the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. Established in 1998, the scholarship was named in honor of the1987 recipient of the Business Executive of the Year. Thomas H. Law Scholarship recipients are chosen annually by Wesleyan’s business faculty.

Reservations are required as seating is limited. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, contact Texas Wesleyan’s Office of the President at (817) 531-4401.

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Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show Offers Excellent Exposure

Would you like to accelerate your product into new markets?  Do you have a plan to achieve qualified leads for personal follow-up?  Have you been working to attract new sales?  Will you be strengthening your distribution chain in 2008?  Perhaps you would like to change or improve the perception of your organization?
Business expansion goals like these are among the top reasons your business needs to be represented at the Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show on November 1, presented by twenty-two Chambers of Commerce from Tarrant County and beyond.  Sponsored by Worth National Bank, more than 1,500 area professionals are expected to browse nearly 200 booths showcasing business solutions from financial services to home improvement and office equipment to employment outsourcing.

According to The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)*, trade shows provide a unique opportunity that cannot be replicated in any other type of venue, highlighting these facts about the average trade show:

• 88% of attendees have not been seen by a member of your company’s sales staff in the preceding 12 months.
• Seven out of ten attendees plan to buy one or more products.
• On average, 76% of attendees ask for quotes and 26% sign purchase orders.
• 72% of show visitors say the show influenced their buying decision.
• 87% of attendees will share some of the information obtained at an exhibition.
• 64% of attendees tell at least six other people about the event.
• It costs 22% less to contact a potential buyer at a show than it does through traditional field sales calls.

*Skyline Exhibits

For more than 15 years, local businesses have been reaping the benefits of this marketing extravaganza.  From small to large, every type of industry has a place at the Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show 2007: 

“Royer & Schutts Commercial Interiors participates because it is a great way to support the chamber and interact with other businesses in the community.”
- Honor Byrd Rowe, Royer & Schutts

“I love the interaction and feedback from the hundreds of attendees I speak with and meeting with the other vendors. I usually get jobs from the trade show that help pay for the show.”
- Nancy Degenkolb, Nancy Degenkolb Photography

“We love the Chamber show! It’s just one day, we always get new customers and it’s a great way to showcase some of our products other than our well-known Mapsco Street Guide.”
- Fran Sparks-Fuller, MAPSCO Map and Travel Centers

Don’t miss Tarrant County’s premier business-to-business trade show!  Exhibit booths are available now, with Early Bird discounts offered through October 19.  Prices for booths are:

Gold Member - $395 Early Bird; $495 after October 19*
Chamber Member - $425 Early Bird; $525 after October 19*
Prime Booth (Members Only) - $600 Early Bird; $600 after October 19*
Non-Member - $600 Early Bird; $700 after October 19*
*Payment must be received by October 19 to receive Early Bird pricing.
Non-refundable payment is required to process registration and assign booth space.

Each booth includes one 10’ x 10’ booth with 8’ back draping and 3’ side drapes, one skirted 6’ table with two chairs, one 7” x 44” printed company name sign, your business listing in the Trade Show program and 20 complimentary admission tickets for your clients and associates. 

For a floor plan, go to www.fortworthchamber.com and click on the 2007 Trade Show under What’s New on the home page. 

To learn more about how your company can gain extraordinary exposure at the Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show 2007, contact Beverly Rozanski at brozanski@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext.263.

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President’s Column

Bill Thornton

The Fort Worth Chamber recently commemorated our 125th anniversary at a sold-out party at Billy Bob’s Texas with more than 1300 member guests. However, we’re cognizant that milestones require much more than celebrations to move an organization forward. 
Like the Chamber, the Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) is also marking its 125th anniversary this year.  On November 6, Fort Worth citizens will be asked to approve a $593.6 million bond program that will benefit every school in the District over the next five years.  The proposed capital improvement budget allocates 91.5 percent of the funds to go straight into the classroom, and will pay for new schools, classroom additions, technology upgrades and building renovations.
The most respected company in school facilities assessment studies, Magellan K-12, conducted a two-phase analysis of the Fort Worth ISD’s infrastructure over the past 18 months.  According to this audit, approximately 60 percent of existing school buildings – that’s at least 75 schools – are now over 50 years old.  While Magellan concluded that Fort Worth’s facilities are in better condition than most urban districts, there is significant overcrowding and insufficient technology infrastructure.

The Fort Worth ISD has 11.3 million square feet of space in 569 permanent buildings – roughly two and one-half times the size of the Pentagon – valued at $1.4 billion today.  Under the proposed Capital Improvement Plan, Fort Worth ISD would gain:

• 221 new classrooms in six new schools
• 122 new classrooms in eight existing schools
• Needed renovations to existing schools
• Improved technology instruction in every classroom

The bond measure would also result in a significant reduction in the more than 900 classrooms in portable buildings.
All of us are valuable stakeholders in the Fort Worth ISD. Superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson and the FWISD Board have taken great pains to be transparent and collaborative in their planning. Community input was a critical foundation, and will remain a key element of the fund’s use.  Earlier this year, a broad cross-section of citizens helped educators design the future of public education.  Parents, as well as leaders of faith-based groups, the business community and higher education joined teachers and administrators to discuss a dozen topics relating directly to instruction and classroom management. 
Fort Worth businesses need better qualified employees, and this is an important step toward that goal. How can we produce a workforce educated in critical Fort Worth industries like energy, life sciences, aerospace and logistics without the infrastructure of updated labs and technology? As a Chamber, how can we continue to recruit companies paying high-wage jobs if we cannot compete globally by offering our most valuable asset -- intellectual capital?

Tomorrow’s community volunteers, board members and company presidents are sitting in today’s classroom.  We have a responsibility to assist our school district in carrying out its mission for an enhanced learning environment, and believe that the planned capital improvements to be funded by the bond program will significantly boost the quality of education and classroom performance. 

Vote on November 6th for the future of Fort Worth, and I’m sure we’ll have many more milestones to celebrate.

For more information about the bond election, the Citizen’s Review Committee and other FAQs,, go to http://www.fortworthisd.org/.

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Navy Ball Celebrates 231 Years

The Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort worth will be hosting the 2007 Navy Birthday Ball Friday, October 12 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 6 p.m.

Cocktails and dinner will be followed by entertainment -- a “Living Heritage” presentation -- and dancing. Black tie??  

Help show the men and women of our Naval Forces how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service to our nation.

Call Lt. Keith Morris at (817) 782-6342 or keith.morris@navy.mil for more information.

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Recap of Tarrant County Economic Updates

In the Works

A new mixed-use project called West 7th is planned for the old Acme Brick site, near the Cultural District.  More than 340,000 square feet of retail space will provide space for shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and office space.  More than 300 apartment-style homes are also planned for the pedestrian-friendly West 7th.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 6, 2007

Fort Worth restaurateur Adam Jones will lease 10,000 square feet on the ground floor of Carter Burgess Plaza, for his new restaurant, Grace.  Scheduled to open in Spring 2008, Grace will have a large open dining room, several private dining rooms and a cocktail bar. The restaurant’s menu is described as a wide range of modern American classics, including chicken, steaks and fish.
Star-Telegram, August 28, 2007

The former Transport Life Insurance Co. building at Seventh and Main Streets is being gutted and rebuilt.  The 180,000-square-foot interior and historic 24-story office building has been renamed 714 Main.  Built in 1921 for the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank, the building has been vacant since 1997.  Jim Finley, president of oil and gas producer Finley Resources, bought the property in late 2003 and will occupy the top four floors of the redeveloped building.
Star-Telegram, August 31, 2007

Expansions and Moves

Milan Gallery has spent 14 years as a presence in downtown Fort Worth. After a brief absence and a temporary west-side showplace in Ridgmar Mall, the gallery has resumed its downtown presence at a new address, 505 Houston Street.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 6, 2007

On the Dotted Line

Two new tenants have leased a total of 75,000 square feet at Two City Place, site of the one-time Tandy Center in downtown Fort Worth.  First American Payment Systems Inc., a privately-held credit-card processing and equipment leasing firm, will relocate its headquarters from a nearby office building.  LegacyTexas Bank of Plano will open a new regional headquarters in the development as part of the bank’s planned expansion in the area.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 6, 2007

Longtime Fort Worth insurance brokerage Wm. Rigg Co. and its affiliated businesses were sold on Aug. 1 to Hub International Ltd. in a deal that will see Rigg become the Southwest arm of the growing Chicago-based firm.  Rigg will become a new regional platform for Hub, doing business as Hub International Rigg (HUB Rigg) with offices in Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 6, 2007

Oak Hollow and Villa del Rio Apartments, 5901 and 5817 Boca Raton Blvd, have been sold to the city of Fort Worth.
Star-Telegram, August 27, 2007

Tandy Leather Factory has bought a 194,764-square-foot industrial building at 1900 S.E. Loop 820.  The building has 17,223 square feet of office space and is on 29.78 acres.
Star-Telegram, August 27, 2007

Openings

At Dynamic Barbell Club, a new gym at 3649 N. Beach Street in Fort Worth, no cellphones are allowed on the training floor and prospective members must pass an interview and physical-fitness test.  The no-frills atmosphere leaves little risk of the facility being confused with a social club.  Dynamic Barbell teaches clients muscle-recovery tactics and offers nutritional counseling.
Star-Telegram, August 13, 2007

The Cullen Davis mansion opened in August as a banquet facility called Stonegate Mansion.  The two-story, 19,000-square-foot property at 4100 Stonegate Boulevard has been extensively remodeled The building can accommodate groups of up to 350 people for events such as corporate meetings and wedding receptions.  The Ashton Hotel, BK's Creative Catering, Bravo and Reata Restaurant have been secured as catering partners.
Star-Telegram, August 14, 2007

Burlington Coat Factory has opened two Tarrant County stores – one located at the former Sack 'n Save off Northeast Loop 820 in North Richland Hills and one taking over the former Mervyn's store south of Fort Worth's Hulen Mall.  Both retails establishments are approximately 70,000 square feet and stock discount clothing, shoes, baby gear and housewares. Each store will have about 100 employees.
Star-Telegram, August 27, 2007

Around Town

The Tarrant County Medical Society is scheduled to break ground September 5 on its $6.3 million headquarters.  The organization bought 1.47 acres in January 2005 at the northeast corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Hemphill Street in Fort Worth for the headquarters. The new building is scheduled to be completed in late summer 2008.  Plans include a two-story, 26,500-square-foot facility with non-medical tenants leasing the second floor.
Star-Telegram, August 27, 2007

The landmark Green Oaks Hotel in west Fort Worth will be torn down in December to make room for a three-story office building and possibly another hotel.  Construction will begin on am 185,000-square-foot office building in January. The speculative offices should be ready for tenants in late 2008 or early 2009, the company said. 
Star-Telegram, August 28, 2007

Out of Town Reporting

The U.S. Army has awarded a $2.52 million contract to EFW, Inc. for aircraft gunnery fire control components.  The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command, Rock Island, Illinois.
US Fed News, August 17, 2007

A movie crew descended on Fort Worth recently to detail the Western Hills High School and Arlington Heights High School production of "High School Musical." The special stage production of Disney's popular movie was a joint project of the two schools.  Filmmakers taped the auditions, rehearsals and performances for a special documentary set to air this fall on the Disney Channel.
Targeted News Service, August 16, 2007

Cook Children's Health Care System welcomed new CEO and president, Rick W. Merrill, Wednesday, August 15, 2007.  Merrill, a respected leader in the pediatric health care industry, replaces Russell K. Tolman, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service.
PRNewswire, August 15

XLG, a product design studio based in Dallas, announces a new design collaboration with Fort Worth- based Novikoff to develop a high-end casegoods line, Twenty One. Novikoff is working with XLG to create a series of modern, versatile workspace furniture pieces, including desks, open office units and a reception desk. The first unit is a flexible, modular workstation system that configures to provide additional desktop space.
Business Wire, August 13, 2007

Did You Know?

The U.S. Postal Service has closed its desk on the second floor of the former Stripling & Cox department store at 6370 Camp Bowie Boulevard.  Solicitations for a new contract postal unit in the 76116 or 76107 ZIP code will be sent out soon.
Star-Telegram, August 13, 2007

The Neeley School of Business at TCU has been named one of the Best Business Schools by Forbes magazine in the publication’s fifth biennial ranking of business schools. The Neeley School was No. 52 on the list.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 27, 2007

A planned $390 million commuter rail line from southwest Fort Worth to northeast Tarrant County could be up and running as soon as 2012, spurring economic development around the stations on the route. 
Fort Worth Business Press, August 27, 2007

For the fourth consecutive year, BNSF Logistics LLC has been named one of the top logistics providers in Inbound Logistics’ annual “Top 10 3PL Excellence Award” survey.  Through a reader nomination process, Inbound Logistics identifies the top third party logistics providers. More than 400 companies were nominated.
Fort Worth Business Press, August 27, 2007

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

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New Employees Join the Fort Worth Chamber

Renee Parker has joined the Fort Worth Chamber’s regional aerospace industry cluster team as the aerospace cluster marketing coordinator for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. She will help create future workforce supply for the aerospace industry.

In office space provided by the Chamber, Parker will support the ongoing work of the aerospace industry cluster in communicating project plans and accomplishments and accelerating the pace of the “Gotta Jet” marketing outreach to K-12 students.

Tiffany Clinkscale has joined the Chamber as an administrative assistant and accounts payable. She will be responsible for administrative duties connected to the Chamber’s committee meetings, annual budget and other duties in the Administration department.

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Omni Owner to Share Highlights of Luxury Hotel & Condos

As breathtaking a West Texas sunset, the new Omni Fort Worth will offer everything from the rustic to the refined.  Scheduled to open in the Fall of 2008, construction on the luxury convention hotel and high-end condominium project is progressing along the southern end of downtown.

With 68,000 square feet of meeting space and an 18,788-square-foot ballroom, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel will be big enough for guests to waltz across Texas!  Boasting 29 meeting rooms, the hotel will offer built-in pre-function areas along with 6,500 square feet of outdoor space.  Each of the 607 guest rooms and suites will feature natural linens, plush bedding, saddle blanket throws and stitched pillows.

Eighty-nine luxury condominiums at 1301 Throckmorton will sit above the hotel, ranging in size from 873 square feet to a four-bedroom penthouse that is over 4,500 square feet.  Residents will have stunning views of the Fort Worth skyline from oversized balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.  The residential project is equipped with a private pool and terrace, a fitness center and multi-purpose entertainment room.  Exclusive amenities for condo owners include access to the 7,500-square-foot hotel spa, in-room dining, housekeeping, business center, concierge services and valet parking. 

Join the Chamber as we welcome Robert B. Rowling, owner and Chairman of TRT Holdings, Inc. (Omni Hotels), to the next Leaders in Business luncheon, presented by Weaver & Tidwell, LLP.

Monday, October 22
11:30 a.m. registration
Noon lunch
Petroleum Club of Fort Worth, 777 Main St, 76102
Members-$35; Gold and Preferred members-$30; Non-members-$60.

Owner of the luxury Omni Hotels chain, Rowling is a distinguished business professional with numerous awards and honors, including serving on corporate boards for J.G. Boswell Company, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, the St. Paul and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals and NationsBank of Texas.  A native of Corpus Christi, Rowling graduated with honors from The University of Texas in 1976 and earned a juris doctor degree with honors in 1979 from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. 

Online registration is available through October 18.  For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Small Investment Can Pay Big Dividends

When Dawn Brace joined the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, she expected to do some networking and get a little visibility for her business, Navis Pack and Ship, but what she discovered was so much more.

“I met other business owners and people in my area who can help with my business and even some who have become my customers,” said Brace, who is a partner in the local franchise. “I have been so impressed with the quality of the programs they offer. I went to the Texas Franchise Tax Panel, and along with a lawyer and CPA, they had a state senator speaking to us. Those opportunities for business owners are hard to come by but are possible because of the chamber.”

Her experience mirrors the results of a new study commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), IBM, Administaff, Small Business Network, Inc., and Market Street Services. The study results indicate businesses joining the chamber of commerce can boost their image among consumers and other businesses, increase overall favorability, consumer awareness and reputation and the likelihood of future patronage.

When respondents were told a small business was a member of its local chamber, they were 44 percent more likely to rate it favorably than study respondents who were not told of the chamber affiliation. Respondents were also 63 percent more likely to want to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a chamber member.

The positive impact of perceived chamber membership is felt also by big businesses. When consumers believed a restaurant chain was a member of the local chamber, they were 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the future. If a consumer believed a major automobile manufacturer was a member of its local chamber, that consumer was 20 percent more favorable toward the company.

More than 82 percent of respondents indicated that a local chamber of commerce creates jobs and promotes economic development.

“We discovered that informing someone about a company’s chamber membership opens the door to substantial increases and positive perceptions of that business,” said Alex Trouteaud, Ph.D., senior strategist for The Schapiro Group, who conducted the study. “There clearly is a feeling by our respondents that chamber membership is synonymous with quality and desirability.”

Brace agrees. “It’s worth the investment of my time in the programs that are offered because I always learn a lot.”

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Join the Team that Keeps Kids in School

Everyone knows there are no guarantees when picking a winning sports team; however, you can bet that TEAMFWISD is a sure thing!  A school-based mentoring program located at 18 campuses throughout the Fort Worth Independent School District, TEAMFWISD is designed to encourage and motivate students towards high school graduation by improving relationships, academic performance and school attendance.

TEAMFWISD mentors are corporate employees, college students, senior citizens, teachers and interested community volunteers. Participating corporate partners include Alcon Laboratories, AmeriCredit, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, City of Fort Worth, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, EECU, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Lockheed-Martin, Omni American and UNT Health Science Center.

Willie Hill, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers at Lockheed-Martin, shared about his mentoring experience.  “One of the best decisions I have made since relocating to Fort Worth is to enroll in TEAMFWISD.  I admit I was initially hesitant because I was concerned that I would not have enough time, and I was out of touch with many of the concerns and thoughts of today’s students.

“My student and I instantly clicked; realizing we had many of same interests and goals.  We are always sharing a good laugh and his energy is inspiring,” continued Hill.  “I went into this opportunity hoping that my student would be able to learn something positive from me.  Now I am proud to say that we’ve both been able to learn from each other.”

TEAMFWISD mentors must be 18 years old and commit to meeting two to four times each month during the school year.  And if going solo is not for you, businesses, departments or groups of friends can mentor together.  Examples of mentoring activities include assistance with homework, reading, having a quiet conversation, engaging students in sports, music, or art projects.

For more information about TEAMFWISD, go to www.fortworthchamber.com and click on Education/Stay in School, or call 817/871-2291 or 817/871-2947. 

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Small Business of the Year Awards Offers Credibility and Public Awareness - September 28 Deadline for Nominations

Don’t forget!  If you’ve been intending to nominate your own or another company for the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award, you only have until September 28 to complete the nomination process.

Award categories include: 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees, 51-100 employees, 101-250 employees and emerging business (in business less than three years and not a buyout of an existing business). Nomination criteria include:

• Any for-profit business headquartered in Tarrant County.
• Applicant must be owner, partner or major shareholder of the business and active in its day-to-day operations.
• Business must be financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years with the exception of the “emerging business.”
• Businesses providing a current member of the Fort Worth Chamber Board of Directors will not be eligible for consideration.
• Businesses must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber at the time award is presented.

If your business was already nominated for the 2008 Small Business of the Year, you have until November 16 to submit your formal application. Judging elements include:

• Business growth and performance
• Sound business strategies and practices
• Business challenges
• Unique and innovative approaches
• Community involvement and contribution.

Finalists will be announced December 26.  For a nomination form, go to www.fortworthchamber.com, or contact Lydia Hall at lhall@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 272. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Becky Matson at bmatson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 243.

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Chamber Golf Classic was Fun Fore All
Click here to see the winners!

Thanks to the following generous sponsors, the 21st annual Chamber Golf Classic was definitely above par! 

Presented by Wachovia, the following individuals and organizations provided tremendous support:

Platinum Sponsors included Balfour Beatty Construction, Compass Bank, Double Diamond Resorts, Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) and TDIndustries.

Gold Sponsors included Bank of Texas, Integra Realty Resources DFW, JPS Health Network-Partners Together for Health, KPMG, LLP, Lockheed Martin, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee USA, Southwest Bank, Speed Fab Crete Corp. International, Tarrant Regional Water District and Wells Fargo.

Bronze Sponsor was PlainsCaptial Bank.

Couse-Pitality Sponsors included Coca-Cola bottling Co. of North Texas, Coors Distributing Company of Fort Worth, Miller Distributing of Fort Worth, Reddy Ice, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.

Hole-In-One Sponsors included Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet, Frank Kent Motor Co., Jerry’s GM, LTD, Mac Churchill Acura, Moritz Kia and Roger Williams.

Beverage Cart Sponsor – HOLT CAT
Goodie Bag Sponsor – North Texas Specialty Physicians
Goodie Bag & Door Prize Contributors – Charlie Geren, Pacific Dynasty International, Penguin Promo, Inc., Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart
Graphics Sponsor – Design Works
Photography Sponsor – Legacy Texas Bank
Printing Sponsor – Martin & Co.
Sign Sponsor – Maze Signs
Travel Sponsor – American Airlines

Special thanks also go to Ridglea Country Club as well as Keith Davidson, Norma Ham, and Christina Toups.

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Fort Worth Chamber Recognized with Two Awards

We don’t like to brag, really – but as valuable members and business partners, we thought you would appreciate knowing that two benefits offered by your Chamber have recently received prestigious awards. 

The 2007 Barnett Shale Expo project was recently honored with the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission’s (IOGCC) Stewardship Award in the Energy Education category. Nominated by Encana Oil and Gas, the project was recognized during the general session of IOGCC’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans in September.   

Heralded as the energy boom of our generation, the Barnett Shale means opportunity for North Texans for decades to come. The primary purpose of last May‘s Expo was to educate the various stakeholders of the energy partners, bringing together resources to answer questions such as how to negotiate mineral rights, how drilling sites are selected, and how the environment and water resources are being protected.  Additional information was shared regarding jobs and business prospects, as well as presentation on the Barnett Shale’s incredible, long-lasting economic impact by famed Texas economist, Dr. M. Ray Perryman.

Back by popular demand, next year’s Barnett Shale Expo will be held March 28 and 29, 2008. 

The Fort Worth Chamber’s Newz-E-Letter won a 2007Award of Excellence from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in August.  Each year, ACCE honors, rewards, and celebrates the achievements of outstanding communication programs, campaigns and projects of chambers of commerce.  These awards encourage chambers to strengthen member communications through creativity, high standards and leadership.

For members and about members only, the electronic newsletter is written by the eclectic and ever-popular Mr. B.  Newz-E-Letter is distributed to approximately 4,200 members each Wednesday.  According to member surveys, this weekly communication enjoys a high and loyal readership. Newz-E-Letter is the only Chamber e-newsletter of its kind nationwide, written with an amusing take on Fort Worth business and offering prize giveaways and cyber-interaction to connect the chamber community.

Newz-E-Letter is archived on the Chamber website under Publications. Sponsorships are available in.

For more information about the 2008 Barnett Shale Expo or regarding sponsorships in the Newz-E-Letter, contact Becky Matson at bmatson@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 243.

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Stockyards Saloons Get Jazzed Up

Jock Ewing, patriarch of TV’s Dallas would sometimes say, “J.R., Bobby! Let’s go over to Fort Worth,” and the scene would cut to the famous, sparkling Cattlemen’s Steak House sign on North Main.

Just goes to show how the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District has long been the symbol of Cowtown, for tourists and residents alike. But have you visited lately?

Steve Murrin, iconic Stockyards spokesman, will bring us up to date on a new entertainment complex called West Exchange, developed with Spencer Taylor, featuring piano, blues, sports and karaoke bars, as well as the country-western venues that bring the area fame and fortune.

After the luncheon, a brief tour of the newly remodeled facilities will be available.

Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council featuring Steve Murrin. Presented by Wells Fargo.

Thursday, October 18, 11:30 a.m. registration; Noon lunch; 12:30 p.m. program. 
West Exchange (Old Longhorn Saloon), 100 W. Exchange Avenue, 76164.
Members-$25. Gold and Preferred members-$20. Non-members-$40.  Table of 8-$250. 
Register online by 10/17.  For more information, contact Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

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Charles Cox named Star Ambassador

Congratulations to Charles Cox, owner of Charles Cox Insurance, who has been named this month’s Star Ambassador.

Cox has been a Chamber Ambassador since 1985. “I am very committed to the Chamber and Fort Worth.  I enjoy meeting new people and love to see new businesses open and thrive,” he said. “Even though I have received business through being an ambassador, my primary reason for being an ambassador was to support the Fort Worth community.”

Action Ambassadors is 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 part of the Membership Department, Action Ambassadors attend ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies, assist with member-retention calls and act as greeters at various Chamber functions.
           
Any Chamber member interested in becoming an Action Ambassador, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.

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Calendar of Events

Click here for the Chamber Calendar of Events

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings
           
Dentures and Dental Services
6316 Azle Avenue, Suite 200, Lake Worth, 76135
Contact Sam Romero at 817/237-7377

Land Ventures, LLC
405 Jim Wright Freeway South, #90, Fort Worth, 76108
Contact John Ratliff at 817/246-5900

Randstad Work Solutions
360 W. 5th Street, Suite C, Fort Worth, 76102
Contact Rob Hill at 817/820-0808

Republic Self Storage
7201 North Freeway, Fort Worth, 76131
Contact C.A. Hall at 817/232-7883

Southwest Bank
4809 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 76107
Contact Courtney Cox at 817/763-9900
 
Ticor Title Insurance
6323 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Suite 104, Fort Worth, 76116
Contact Dawn Hailey at 817/763-5149

Young & Associates - Digital Mapping Services
9601 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 76116
Contact Margaret Young at 817/292-7600

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Archive

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