Blog entries tagged Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County Ranked No. 5 in Job Growth in the US

Daphne Hager — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:11:01 +0100

CNN/Money Magazine has just honored Fort Bend County with the No. 5 ranking of all US counties in job growth. Having seen consistent growth over the last nine years, the county has risen one more step, up from the No. 6 spot last year and showing a 55% growth from 2000-2009! The low regulatory and tax burdens of Texas overall help the area, and the population growth, low crime rate, and great area amenities like La Centerra, Brazos Town Center, and Sugar Land Town Square all draw attention and provide local family fun.

Fort Bend County has been a settled area since at the early 1820’s, and saw a dramatic growth from 2000-2004 of 28.5% - measured by the US Bureau of Census -which predicts the same or greater growth for the next measurement due soon. And not only has the area seen high job and population growth, all while amenities grew, Fort Bend County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state.

Congratulations Fort Bend County!

Source: The Fort Bend Star

Free July 4th Family Holiday Concert at the Stafford Centre

Daphne Hager — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:34:00 +0100

On our great nation’s birthday, July 4, 2010, at 5 p.m. the Stafford Centre will be hosting a free family concert by the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra - “Freedom Rings 2010”. The concert is sponsored by the City of Stafford and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with Impact a Hero, a non-profit veteran’s support organization.

Impact a Hero is a vital organization with a simple mission, to emotionally and financially assist our wounded and disabled veterans. This assistance encompasses everything from counseling to refitting homes and cars for wheelchairs, and is a great program to both honor and help our veterans.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1992, and is a full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwind, percussion, and string. It is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, and consists of over 60 musicians, mostly from the Fort Bend area. For more information, please visit UltimateFortBend.com.

The beautiful Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477. For more information or to get free tickets visit StaffordCentre.com or call 281-208-6900.

2010 Summer Programs for Budding Fort Bend Area Child Singers & Performers

Daphne Hager — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:03:50 +0100

Registration is open now for Fort Bend Theater’s Kids’ Summer Musical Camp, but some classes are already full—so act fast!

Kids from 6-14 will learn acting, singing, and dancing over a week (either mornings or afternoons), performing on the last day to an audience of family and friends. The available summer musical camps with openings this season run from June through August are Oliver, Cinderella, Jungle Book, Annie, Wicked, and HSM II are run $200 each.

For more information on pricing, ages, casting availability and performance openings, see FortBendTheatre.com or call 281-208-3333.

Fort Bend Theater is located at 2815 N. Main, Stafford, Texas, but has a long history of supporting arts and theater in the Fort Bend area since being founded in 1989. There’s always a new play or musical to see, and the summer musical camps are just another reason to enjoy the fun and beauty of the Fort Bend Theater!

Fort Bend Named Best Place to Get Ahead

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:18:09 +0100

Not only has Fort Bend
County, Texas been named one of 10 places for professionals get
ahead in business, but it “topped” the list developed by the
trusted online financial magazine, Forbes.com.

Forbes narrowed down their list to only include counties “where
the median household income was $75,000 per year or higher, to
focus on places where you can earn a solid salary and move up
quickly, rather than ones that went from low to average
incomes.”

The success of this Houston suburb is solidly based on a 10%
growth in income between 2007 and 2008 with an added 5% spike in
employment since 2007, bringing up the numbers to 5,913 new jobs.
The reason why this success was possible is due to the overall
diversity of Texas’ industry sectors, including energy, education
and hospitality, which in turn have fueled rapid population growth
over the past several decades. Many of Forbes’ 400 Best Big
Companies also make their home in Texas, particularly Baker Hughes,
Texas Instruments and Thermo Fisher.

Fellow residents commented that “Fort Bend County is an economic
powerhouse that is very family-friendly, surprisingly international
and diverse, and seem[s] to care about [its] history.” “It is
probably one of the best places to live and bring up a family.
Excellent all around.”

So reconsider Wall Street or Silicon Valley as the nation’s
leading centers of business and take a serious look at Fort Bend
County, Texas, the #1 place for growing business.

Source: Forbes.com

Volunteer Fort Bend Seeks to Recognize Fort Bend County Outstanding Volunteers

Greg RIvera — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:19:15 +0100

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.’

All volunteer work must be done in Fort Bend County, without any monetary compensation, and cannot be confined to a specific religious denomination or be part of partisan political work.

To nominate someone you know that deserves to be honored for their extraordinary heart and commitment to volunteerism, please go to www.VolunteerFortBend.org and fill out the nomination form, or contact Volunteer Fort Bend at 281-499-9102. All entries must be received by February 1, 2010 at midnight.

Fort Bend County Job Growth Strategy

Greg RIvera — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:24:55 +0100

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.

One commercial focuses primarily on Rosenberg’s growth, illustrating the true potential for the strategy’s success. Other advertising includes online banners, radio commercials, Twitter and Facebook ads, and a billboard.

Fort Bend County Job Growth Strategy

Greg RIvera — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

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.

Fort Bend CORPS Seeks Sponsors For Second Annual Gala

Daphne Hager — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

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.

Sponsorship levels are as follows:

Three Hearts Level - $10,000 - includes two
tables of 10 guests, priority seating, special recognition at event
and in program, media coverage.

Two Hearts Level - $5,000 - includes two tables
of 10 guests, priority seating, special recognition at event and in
program, media coverage.

Two Hammer Level- $2,500 - includes one table
of 10 guests, priority seating, special recognition at event and in
program.

One Hammer Level - $1,200 - includes one table
of 10 guests, priority seating, special recognition at event and in
program.

For more information please visit their website at FBCorps.org or call Mandi Bronsell at
281-282-7476.

Source: Fort Bend Now

Fort Bend Ranks in Top Ten Best Job Growth

Daphne Hager — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

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.

Currently there are 250,000 jobs in Fort Bend county, according to CNN/Money. The variety of industries range from traditional agriculture like cotton and cattle, oil, to even tech industries. A new industrial distribution center was built housing a number of industries as well. Even in these tough economic times, Fort Bend stands on top.

Source: Houston Biz Journals & CNN/Money

New Local Jobs in Sight

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Those looking for a new job in the Greater Fort Bend and Rosenberg area have some good news. Biotics Research Corp. has a $2 million project that is expanding its facilities with an additional 35,000 square feet being built, creating 25 new jobs upon completion. The new area will expand the warehouse and manufacturing end of the company.

Denis DeLuca, president of Biotics Research Corp., had this to say, "Biotics has been a leading manufacturer of vitamins and dietary supplements with a global market for its products for over thirty years. Going forward with this expansion, with the help of the incentives from the city and county, we are very confident our market share will continue to increase”.

Barkley Peschel, Vice President Development & Operations of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council states that “Rosenberg represents a fresh new wave of business expansion and relocation potential for Fort Bend County,” and that “although Rosenberg is a well established commercial center in Fort Bend, the continued growth of the area and of Greater Houston is creating many new business opportunities on the forward edge of that growth, and Rosenberg is that forward edge in the southwestern sector of the region.”

Prospects for the new jobs will be happy to hear that Biotics plans to retain jobs at the site for at least 10 years. Workers can feel safe and secure knowing this is not a short term position. Great news for the city of Rosenberg and River Park West community. Could this be a sign of greater things to come? You can view the full report at fortbend.org.

Source: Fort Bend Herald

15 LCISD Schools Achieve Exemplary Rating By State

Melissa Burnham — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Great news for Fort Bend residents! Nearly all of the Lama Consolidated Independent School District's ratable schools received either "Exemplary" or "Recognized" status by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) this year. The ratings were revealed last Friday, showing 15 LCISD schools with the highest rank of "Exemplary", which is 3 more than last year's 12.

This is no simple feat since, according to TEA information, schools must achieve a 90% or better passing rate in all Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test subjects “for all students and all student groups that meet minimum size criteria, and a completion rate of at least 95% and an annual dropout rate of 2% or lower”. This is nothing short of remarkable for all of these schools.

11 other schools within the district received the “Recognized” rating, which is the second highest score given out by the TEA. This is up from 7 schools last year.

Here is a list of the Exemplary Schools:

Navarro Middoe School
Wertheimer Middle School
Bowie Elementary
Jane Long Elementary
Travis Elementary
Taylor Ray Elementary
Williams Elementary
Austin Elementary
Dickinson Elementary
Pink Elementary
Campbell Elementary
Frost Elementary
Hutchison Elementary
Velasquez Elementary
McNeill Elementary

LCISD Schools ranking Recognized status are:

Terry High School
Foster High School
Lamar Junior High
George Junior High
Wessendorff Middle School
Beasley Elementary
Smith Elementary
Huggins Elementary
Meyer Elementary
Seguin Elementary
Jackson Elementary

Congratulations go out to LCISD for a job well done in excelling school performance throughout Fort Bend.

Source: FortBendNow.com FortBendNow.com

Fort Bend Gets Social

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Social networking is all the rage today in the younger generation of America, but many cities and counties, like Fort Bend, are catching this trend for themselves.

The Community Resources Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will be presenting “Social Networking—Conversing with Your Community” in an effort to take advantage of ‘now media’ sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Recently, businesses and organizations have realized the potential and benefits of engaging in social exposure through these networks, especially in terms of advertising. But local government agencies have followed suit as well, spreading community and emergency information immediately and efficiently.

“Conversing with Your Community” will touch on these aspects, as well as “look at how to engage [the] community in a meaningful way that will build loyalty, boost confidence in a company brand or organization and allow for quick dissemination of news.”

The event will be hosted by Lach Mullen, a self-taught technology enthusiast who has also worked with Fortune Global 10 companies both domestically and internationally dealing with day-to-day and crisis communication issues. Currently Mullen is in charge with developing an online communications network, which will allow federal and local agencies to communicate more effectively during a crisis.

The social workshop will take place on August 21st from 8-11:30 am at the Fort Bend Camber of Commerce located at 445 Commerce Green Blvd. in Sugarland. The cost in $25 for members and $35 for non-members, and includes breakfast and materials. To register, please contact program director Ellen Bush at 281-491-0277 or ellen@fortbendcc.org.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Fort Bend Makes Travel Plans

Melissa Burnham — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

With the money that has been pouring in from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Fort Bend County officials have decided to use the $3.35 million federal fund for the creation of a new Park & Ride facility, along with the integration of eight new buses and a high-tech transportation information and communication system.

The station facility site is planned for the county’s fairgrounds in Rosenburg, off Texas 36 and just south of US 59. With this new facility, the county will be able to expand the commuter bus program, and will include stops along its routes at the most popular and pedestrian-heavy areas, such as the University of Houston-Sugar Land and the Texas Medical Center.

Preparation and installation for the high-tech transportation data processing equipment has been secured with the federal funding. Features of the new technology applications include a “smart card” system using electronic fare payment, mobile data terminals for all buses, and automatic vehicle locators.

Integration and completion of the planned transportation enhancements are scheduled to be fully operational within two years. To learn more, click here to read the full article.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Music That's Good for the "Sole"

Melissa Burnham — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A local Sugar Land resident has taken it into her own hands to help Fort Bend children get new shoes. Or rather, she’s taken it onto her own feet.

Leola Anifowoshe is the founder of Shoes4School, a division of Keep Kids in School, Inc., a 501 (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, the only shoe charity of its kind in the Fort Bend area and surrounding counties. She and a group of volunteers strive to provide new shoes for area homeless and low-income children.

In order to spread awareness of the cause, Leola and her husband organized the “Sole Fest Concert 2009,” the organization's first ever music festival and health fair held at Oyster Creek park located at 4033 Hwy 6 in Sugar Land, only about 8 miles from the RiverPark West community.

Events will last from 4-8pm on August 15th, with local artist performances by Carlos Huey, Juda Myers of Judah for Praise, Tquan Moore and the Lazer Vision Band. Songwriter and producer Carlos Huey will be the MC of the event, and will sing an original song he composed specifically for Shoes4School, called “Bless My Sole.” All proceeds from the song will benefit the organization. Fun activities for children will also be available, including moonwalks, an activity zone and giveaways.

Shoes4School is still looking for food and water vendors for the event, as well as ‘Sole Mates’, which are businesses, organizations or individuals “who want to stand and make a difference by helping to collect shoes, supplies and donations,” said Anifowoshe. “Currently the organization receives about 1,000 pairs of shoes a month, but seeks to collect 5,000 shoes per month to meet the needs in the community.”

Shoes4School only accepts donations of new shoes. “People ask us why we only accept new shoes and we tell them that many of these children have always only received used shoes,” she said. “One little girl who received shoes from [us] described it as the first time she owned anything new and said she had always received hand-me-downs from her older sisters.”

The “Sole Fest Concert 2009” will also be providing backpacks and other school supplies. Shoes4School also encourages children to adopt active lifestyles to combat childhood obesity through its Mission for Nutrition Program.

Tax deductible contributions can be made to Keep Kids in School, P.O. Box 2692, Stafford, TX 77497. To learn more about this worthy cause, or to register as a ‘Sole Mate’, please visit www.shoes4school.org. You can also contact info@shoes4schools.org or call 281-947-0466 for more information.

Read the full article at Houston Community Newspapers.

Source: Fort Bend Sun

Fort Bend Hosts Master Naturalist Training

Melissa Burnham — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Want to learn more about your environment and the Texas landscape? Then the 2009 Fall Texas Master Naturalist Program, Coastal Prairie Chapter, is the perfect opportunity for you.

This program is a series of volunteer training courses that offer specific training in natural history, wildlife and the ecosystems of the area, including specialized study in birds, ecology, fish, mammals and soil science. “The goal is to help improve volunteers’ understanding of natural resources and related management activities, enabling them to earn Master Naturalist certification.” All volunteers perform these training duties in their own communities, “providing natural resource education and participating in community service and outreach projects.”

The Texas Master Naturalist Program is sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and AgriLife Extension. Classes will be held on eight consecutive Thursdays beginning September 10th from 9am to 3:30pm. The group will meet at various locations throughout Fort Bend and Waller counties. To learn more about this program, please visit their official website at www.coastalprairie.org or call 281-663-7042. Fall 2009 applications and training schedules are also available for print.

The Texas Master Naturalist Program is a wonderful chance to learn and love the great and diverse land that is Texas. By participating, you can volunteer and “help ensure that people will be able to enjoy the natural Texas landscape for generations to come.”

Source: Houston Chronicle

Fort Bend Seeks Funds To Extend Westpark Tollway

Melissa Burnham — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The current 20 miles of the Westpark Tollway stretch from the southwest 610 Loop to the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County. But the county has recently requested state funding to help extend the Westpark Tollway corridor from its endpoint at Grand Parkway west into the city of Fulshear, TX.

The plan calls for an initial fund total of $36.7 million, starting with the construction of a two-lane frontage road. This asking price is part of a $300 million allocation for statewide toll road projects authorized by the state Legislature, assures County Judge Bob Hebert. The next phases will require an additional $101 million for the development of the actual toll road, with possible financial assistance from the city of Fulshear and its developers.

County Commissioner Andy Meyers is pushing for the plan and permission for state funding. He states that the goal of “the project is to improve the mobility of the area [and] if we can get the state money, the project can move forward faster.” This means mobility in Fulshear as well as its surrounding communities, like nearby River Park West of Richmond, TX.

Fort Bend County is geared up for the expansion and has already submitted its application for funding to the Texas Department of Transportation on May 12. The application was initially prepared based on the county’s pledge of $3.4 million toward the project, but was later proposed to reduce the commitment to $1.4 million by Commissioner James Patterson due to some concerns of other county officials. The remaining commissioners approved the application and are currently waiting for the state transportation agency make its decision in about two months.

Meyers said the county’s application for the expansion funds will be competing with those from other areas of the state. If successful, Fort Bend County would advance the project and seek state reimbursement later.

Source: Houston Chronicle