With the holiday spirit making its way into hearts around the country many Richmond residents are taking time to celebrate, from spending time with family to reaching out to the community. Volunteer Fort Bend, an organization that matches volunteers and agencies, is seeking to honor the “most outstanding volunteers” of Fort Bend County. They are looking for those individuals that have made a significant difference and impact in their community by volunteering for an organization or a group of individuals.

Volunteer Fort Bend is looking for nominations for exemplary volunteer work in the following areas: working with youth, civic volunteer work, volunteer work for health or education, social service volunteer work, community development, volunteering with/for groups, and work in the cultural and performing arts.

All nominations received will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the top five outstanding volunteers in the community will be honored along with their accomplishments with a celebratory breakfast on Thursday April 29 and by Fort Bend County Judge, Robert Hebert, at the ‘2010 County Judge’s Volunteer Fort Bend Awards.’

With the county’s incredible job growth-rate, ranked third in the nation, the Greater Fort Bend County Economic Development Council (FBEDC) introduced a new marketing strategy in hopes of continued growth by expanding, or branching, existing businesses from Houston into surrounding areas such as Sugar Land and Rosenberg.

Rosenberg, with a growth of 33 percent in the last six years, invested $25,000 into the marketing strategy and has already reserved the same amount to contribute in 2010.

September 28, 2009 premiered local commercials to the Houston community promoting growth and benefits of further developing Fort Bend. The campaign’s slogan, “You can’t hold down the fort,” shows unyielding optimism and encouragement for the continuing growth.

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With the county’s incredible job growth-rate, ranked third in the nation, the Greater Fort Bend County Economic Development Council (FBEDC) introduced a new marketing strategy in hopes of continued growth by expanding, or branching, existing businesses from Houston into surrounding areas such as Sugar Land and Rosenberg.

Rosenberg, with a growth of 33 percent in the last six years, invested $25,000 into the marketing strategy and has already reserved the same amount to contribute in 2010.

On February 5, 2010 Fort Bend CORPS will hold its Second Annual Hearts and Hammers Gala at Safari Texas Ranch, raising funds for the organization. The Fort Bend CORPS is a 501 c (3) non-profit corporation that was established in 1999. The organization completed home repairs on over 400 homes within Fort Bend County, all free of charge with no obligation. This is all made possible by grants, donations, and by the work of hundreds of volunteers.

Half of the funds for the gala will go towards the capital campaign, which supports a permanent Fort Bend CORPS office and warehouse space. The other half goes to the Hearts and Hammers Program, which restores the exteriors of homes within Fort Bend County.

Founding members Bob and Carole Brown, Bill and Susan Jameson, Herb and Emelia Appel, Barkley and Jill Peschel and David and Sharon Sabom will all be co-chairs at this event, which is also the 10 year anniversary for Fort Bend CORPS.

Need another reason to move to Fort Bend? Then we have great news for you. CNN/Money Magazine (Money Magazine August Issue) lists the county of Fort Bend, Texas as 6th for the most job growth over the past eight years in a nationwide list of counties.

Fort Bend has seen a 61.3% growth in jobs from 2000 to 2008. This staggering growth is said to be attributed to the county's low crime rate, low cost of doing business, and low taxes, according to the president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Jeff Wiley. The county has worked hard on improving its infrastructure to attract employers and growth among the community.

One business bringing its success to Fort Bend is Minute Maid, who recently relocated to Sugar Land, Texas. This single move brought 275 jobs to the Fort Bend community. Another project, Kansas City Southern/CenterPoint Properties, is starting just west of Rosenberg, and is bringing over 750 jobs. Biotics Research Corp is also expanding its facilities with an additional 35,000, bringing more jobs to Fort Bend, as well.