January 2010 Archives

Thank You!

By Irving on January 29, 2010 11:23 AM

On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to all who made last week's State of the City Address possible.

Thanks to:

Presenting Sponsors

-ACE Cash Express

Platinum Sponsor

-Flowserve Corporation

Gold Sponsor

-First Southwest Company

-Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau

Silver Sponsors

-Atmos Energy

-TXU Energy

-Time Warner Cable

-RIM

-Optim Energy

-Walmart/Sams Club

-Cotten Schmidt and Abbott, LLP

-Verizon

-Irving Professional Fire Fighters

-TIAA CREF/The Towers at Williams Square

Table Sponsors

-CMW FInancial

-Reliant Energy

-Baylor Medical Center at Irving

-NEC Corporation of America

-Azteca-Omega

-Calvary Church

-City of Irving-Preservation and Redevelopment Board

-DART

-Fluor

-Dean International

-DCURD

-Freese and Nichols

-Irving Hispanic Chamber

-Irving Arts Center

-HMS

-Irving ISD

-Las Colinas Association

-EF Johnson Technologies/EADS

-McDougal Properties

-North Lake College

-Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas

-Boyle and Lowry, LLP

-Oncor Electric Delivery

-NeighborsGo

-Aviall

-The City of Irving-TIF Board
-Microsoft
-Urban Hills Church

Special Thanks

-Outstanding Productions

-Westin DFW Airport North

-FASTSIGNS Irving

-Mario Molina and Irving Color Guard

-Kerry Jones

-Kroger

Cane's Construction in Irving Coming Along Nicely

By Irving on January 27, 2010 5:43 PM

Louisiana-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers will move into the former site of a Krispy Kreme Donuts and Coffee at 7955 N. MacArthur in Irving. The restaurant chain, which operates 80 locations in 13 states, was nice enough to share via their twitter account, this photo. Construction is coming along!

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A Board of Directors Meeting, A Mixer and One Heroic Dog

By Irving on January 27, 2010 3:04 PM

It was business as usual at the Chamber's January Board of Directors Meeting with lots of updates and information. Among the highlights, Microsoft provided a video glimpse into the future and Richard Naslund, Chairman of the Chamber's Technology Leadership Council accepted an award for the Technology in Business Bus Tour.

While many from the Board made their way over to the Chamber's After Hours Business Mixer at the brand new Element Hotel, we had just enough time to stop into Irving Fire Station No. 11 for a special ceremony honoring Winston, a dog who saved his family's life Christmas Eve! WFAA has the scoop, and we snapped this picture of Representative Harper-Brown, Chief Molina, Winston and the McKee family.

Winston 001.JPG Then it was off to January's After-Hours Business Mixer at the Element Hotel. The folks at Element were gracious hosts, providing an informative presentation on the hotel, tours, food and drink. If Feb. 23 is not already circled on your calendar, circle it now and make plans to attend February's Mixer at Reserve Wines. Some photos from this month's mixer:

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Microsoft Corporation Offers a Glimpse Into the Future

By Irving on January 27, 2010 10:54 AM

Chamber Investor, Microsoft Corporation, shared at yesterday's Board Meeting, a brief video highlighting new technologies in development at Microsoft. A look at what life could look like in 2019 follows:

Orange Line Construction Update January 25, 2010

By Irving on January 25, 2010 5:47 PM

Major Activities, Upcoming Road Closures and Lane Restictions:

1) For those of you in the area by North Lake College, Archstone at MacArthur Apts., or anyone who drives along MacArthur Blvd, there will be a major lane restriction of MacArthur Blvd near the North Lake College entrance the night of Feb. 2 (9pm to 5am). No street will be closed but lanes will be limited due to the beginning of construction in preparation for the aerial crossing of MacArthur Blvd.

2) For businesses along Hurd Drive near Walnut Hill, please be aware that beginning next week, crews will be working during day time on utility relocation with flaggers directing traffic for minor lane/shoulder restrictions. No driveways will be blocked, but it is recommended to bring in trucks from Hurd instead of Brangus for deliveries in this area.

As DART Orange Line construction increases, you may wish to sign up for the Weekly Construction Alert List from DART.org to receive the latest information on construction activity. To sign up directly from DART's Web site, just click on the "envelope" icon to get started at www.dart.org/about/expansion/orangeline.asp.

Legislative Update

By Irving on January 25, 2010 5:00 PM

SMALL BUSINESS NATION. Small businesses account for three-quarters of all new jobs in this country and embody the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and individual initiative. The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber is encouraging its members to join the Small Business Nation, an initiative by the US Chamber of Commerce for the open exchange of information and ideas, while creating the opportunity for small businesses to speak with a unified voice. Chamber members may participate in the Small Business Nation by going to www.USChamberSBN.com. By joining, (free of charge for Chamber members), business leaders will (1) be kept informed of key legislation impacting them, (2) be provided an easy tool for communicating their support or objection to legislation, (3) have a "toolkit" available to help resolve business issues, and (4) have a forum for the exchange of ideas related to specific business issues. For more information, visit the website, www.USChamberSBN.com, or contact Don Williams (dwilliams@irvingchamber.com) or Keith Murray (kmurray@irvingchamber.com).



KEY DATES IN THE 2010 ELECTION CYCLE. The last day to register to vote in the primary election is Monday, February 1. For a voter registration form or for more information, visit www.txprosperity.com. Key dates in the 2010 Election Cycle below:

February 1:                   Last day to register to vote in the primaries

February 16:                  Early voting in primaries begin

February 26:                  Early voting ends

March 2:                       Primary elections

March 15:                      Last day to register to vote in primary runoffs

April 13:                        Runoff elections, where necessary

June 11-12:                   State Republican Party Convention in Dallas

June 25-26:                   State Democratic Party Convention in Corpus

                                    Christi

October 4:                     Last day to register to vote in the general election

November 2:                ELECTION DAY

Weekly Business Briefs - A Business Development Activity Report by the Irving Economic Development Partnership

By Irving on January 25, 2010 4:53 PM

INDIANAPOLIS LOOKS TO LAS COLINAS AS MODEL FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. Discussions are under way in Indianapolis on how to create a mini-city of business, retail and lodging in the mold of Las Colinas, adjacent to Indianapolis International Airport. Airport consultant John D. Kasarda, a professor at the University of North Carolina, who recently met with officials in Indianapolis, believes this country will see future "aerotropolises" - an approach for future development with the same goals that are prized by business: speed, agility, innovation and global access. The concept has gained favor in Asia and Europe, while Las Colinas, North Texas' largest Office Park and one of the first master-planned business communities in the world, is an innovative model in the U.S., years ahead of this trend. According to Kasarda: "Cities have evolved in 'postmodern urban developments' such as Las Colinas just east of Dallas-Fort Worth airport, with global headquarters for four Fortune 500 companies."

BROADVIEW SECURITY ACQUIRED BY TYCO INTERNATIONAL. Irving-based Brink's Home Security Holdings, now operating as Broadview Security, has been acquired by Tyco International Ltd., in a deal that combines two of the premier companies in the North American residential and commercial security industries. The cash and stock transaction is valued at $42.50 per share or approximately $2.0 billion.

EIGHT CHUCK E. CHEESE'S TO OPEN IN CHILE. Chilean development firm, Inversiones Las Docas, has reached an agreement with Irving-based CEC Entertainment, Inc., Chuck E. Cheese's parent company, to develop eight Chuck E. Cheese franchises in Chile over the next seven years. Currently, Inversiones Las Docas operates a single franchise in Chile's capital city of Santiago.

CARIS DIAGNOSTICS ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF PARENT COMPANY'S NAME TO CARIS LIFE SCIENCES. Irving-based Caris Diagnostics has announced that its parent company's name has been changed to Caris Life Sciences, Inc. The new name reflects the company's successful evolution into a multi-faceted organization that is pioneering precision healthcare, leading to improved patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs. In conjunction with the name change, Caris Life Sciences has launched a new Web site, www.carislifesciences.com.

BUXTON CO TO WORK WITH RED WING SHOE COMPANY. Chamber Investor, Buxton Co., a customer analytics firm, has reached an agreement with Red Wing Shoe Company to assist with the company's market expansion and analytics strategy. The boot and shoe manufacturer operates a retail location in Irving at 2542 North Belt Line Road.

WALMART CONTRIBUTES MILLIONS TO HATIAN RELIEF EFFORTS. In response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti, Chamber Investor, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are responding to bring relief to the millions of people affected by this disaster. Support for relief efforts stands at more than $1 million. This includes direct financial support from Walmart operations around the world, as well as in-kind contributions, such as donations of pre-packaged food kits, blankets and face masks. In addition, through various in-store and online fund-raising campaigns, Walmart associates and customers globally have contributed nearly $1.9 million to date for the relief effort.

TUSCAN CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER NOW OFFERING NEW, NON-SURGICAL VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT. The Brummitt Group reports the availability of a new non-surgical treatment for varicose veins in Irving. Irving-based cardiologist, founder of the Tuscan Cardiovascular Center in Las Colinas and also primary cardiologist for the Medical & Surgical Clinic of Irving, Dr. J. Douglas Overbeck, is now performing a procedure known as endovenous laser therapy. Less than a one hour procedure, patients are able to return immediately to normal activities, a vast improvement over the previously available treatment -- vein stripping, a painful and invasive surgical procedure with a lengthy recovery period. More information, including video of the procedure, is available at www.tuscancardio.com.

DALLAS COWBOYS HEAD COACH AGREES TO TWO YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION. Wade Phillips, head coach of the Irving-headquartered, 5-time Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys, has agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2011 season. Phillips just completed his third season with the team and has guided the club to a record of 33-15 with a pair of NFC East titles.

VERIZON FOUNDATION SEASONS READINGS CAMPAIGN BENEFITS IRVING ISD. Schools and nonprofit organizations throughout Texas have received more than 2,100 children's books that were donated through the Verizon Foundation's recent Season's Readings campaign. The Irving Independent School District was among those receiving books from Verizon, a company which maintains a regional headquarters in Irving.

EXXONMOBIL COMPLETES WELLS OFFSHORE OF RUSSIA. Irving-headquartered ExxonMobil continues to bolster its Russian operations, having announced the completion of the first two (of seven) extended-reach wells at the Odoptu field offshore of eastern Russia and the Sakhalin Islands, one of the most challenging sub-arctic environments in the world. The company operates one of the world's most powerful land-based rigs on behalf of the five-company Sakhalin-1 Consortium.

BEHAVIORAL INNOVATIONS EXPANDS TO SAN ANTIONIO, OTHER NORTH TEXAS LOCATIONS COMING SOON. Behavioral Innovations, an Irving-based provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders has announced the opening of a new San Antonio location, which will begin offering services February 1. The company is in the process of expanding to Fort Worth and Wichita Falls where they will begin serving families in the spring.

DECEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN IRVING COMPARATIVELY LOW. The unemployment rate in Irving inched up slightly to 7.6 percent from 7.5 percent for the month of December. This compares favorably to the unemployment rate in Texas of 8.3 percent and 10 percent at the national level.

TEXAS BACK TO WORK OFFERS $15 MILLION TO TEXAS EMPLOYERS. Texas employers can receive monetary incentives for hiring unemployed workers under a two-year, $15 million program promoted by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and funded by the Legislature last session. Texas Back to Work offers employers subsidized-wage reimbursement, retention bonuses and other incentives for hiring qualified out-of-work Texans, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Employers interested in participating should contact their local workforce development boards to learn about all options available in their areas. Employers also are encouraged to take advantage of WorkInTexas.com, TWC's online job matching Web site where more than 250,000 employers already are registered to post job openings. Local workforce board contact information can be found on the TWC Web site at www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdbs/wdbmap.html or by calling 512-463-8556.

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS DEDICATES NEW RESIDENTIAL HOUSING. The University of Dallas recently completed construction on the first new residential housing facility built on campus in the past 30 years. The new 128,000-square-foot facility, dedicated last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offers four floors of rooms (two bedroom units as well as three bedroom suites). The facility features underground parking and can house about 300 students.

CITY MANAGER PROMOTED TO COLONEL. City Manager Tommy Gonzalez has been promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.

DEEP END DEBUTS, STUDIOS AT LAS COLINAS FILMS PSA FOR IRVING CARES. Seven million viewers tuned in to see the Thursday night debut of ABC's new legal dramedy, "The Deep End," filmed at the Studios at Las Colinas, in its Thursday debut. That total was fourth for its 8 p.m. time slot. While the Studios awaits word on whether the series will be continued, Justin Muller, the managing director of the Studios at Las Colinas, reached out to Irving Cares Executive Director and Chamber Board member, Teddie Story, for the filming of a PSA to increase awareness of Irving Cares, and the continuing need for food donations. To learn more about Irving Cares, visit www.irvingcares.org.

DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR SEVERAL AWARDS. The Dallas Business Journal is seeking nominations for several awards which Irving businesses may claim. The North Texas Business Ethics Awards recognize leading companies in business ethics; nominations will be accepted until January 29. The Heavy Hitters Awards recognize the area's top commercial real estate professionals with nominations due by February 5. And, the DBJ is compiling its list of "Best Places to Work," with nominations due by April 30. To make a nomination, visit dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/nomination/.

Chamber / Community Report -- A Report on Member Businesses and Chamber Activities and Events

By Irving on January 25, 2010 4:27 PM

THIS WEEK'S NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY. The Chamber's After-Hours Business Mixers are moving to Tuesdays! The first After Hours for 2010 will be Tuesday, January 26th, and will be hosted by the Element by Westin DFW Airport North, 3550 Highway 635 at the intersection of I-635 and Belt Line Road in Irving. Go west on Regent off Belt Line and turn north behind McDonald's. Bring plenty of business cards and develop new business relationships in an informal environment. Door prizes may be donated to spotlight your business during this event. If you are interested in hosting an After-Hours mixer, contact Don Williams at dwilliams@irvingchamber.com.

CHAMBER LAUNCHES PROGRAMS TO ENGAGE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS. The Chamber has announced its Young Professionals Program, a group for young professionals ages 23-40 who are interested in growing their social and professional networks and in giving back to the community. They will launch with a mixer on February 11 at 5:30 PM at the Las Colinas Country Club.

RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE AT WAVE TWO TECHNOLOGIES. There will be an Open House and Ribbon Cutting on February 10 at Wave Two Technologies at 1431 Greenway, Suite 200. See the full invite from Wave Two below:

NEW CITY SPECTRUM ON-LINE NOW. The January City Spectrum is available on-line now and features a redesign for 2010! Get it here: http://www.cityofirving.org/corporate-communications/pdfs/city-spectrum/2010/january.pdf .

IRVING HERITAGE SOCIETY MEETING JANUARY 26. The Irving Heritage Society meeting on January 26 will feature Brenda McDonald, Director of Real Estate and Development for the City of Irving, who will discuss the many new development projects throughout the city including Heritage Crossing. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Central Library Auditorium at 801 W. Irving Blvd.

COFFEE BREAK SEMINARS ON YOUTUBE. The business seminars presented monthly during the Coffee Break Networking Group have been recorded compliments of Reach Agency and are available for the public's viewing. You may view past videos by going to www.reach-agency.com/coffeebreak. Topics have included common legal issues faced by small business, frequently asked accounting questions, marketing for success and a forecast for 2010. The Coffee Break meets the second Tuesday of each month, 8:15 a.m. at Glory House Catering, 109 S. Main Street.

LA JOYA FINE MEXICAN DINING NOW OFFERING BREAKFAST: La Joya Fine Mexican Dining has announced they will be offering breakfast February 1 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.

FIRST FRIDAY BOOK SYNOPSIS. The next meeting of the First Friday Book Synopsis will be February 5, 2010 at La Cima Club, 5215 N. O'Connor - 26^th Floor. In just one hour, two books will be presented cover to cover by Randy Mayeux and Karl Krayer of the Creative Communications Network. In the first book, How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profits, Growth, and Social Good, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a Harvard Business School professor, offers cutting-edge insights on corporate competitiveness and an assessment of what it takes to succeed in the face of rapid technological, cultural and economic change. The second book, The Design of Business: Why Design Thinking Is the Next Competitive Advantage by Roger Martin shows how leading companies such as Procter & Gamble, Cirque du Soleil, Irving-based Research in Motion (BlackBerry), and others use design thinking to push knowledge through the stages in ways that produce breakthrough innovations and competitive advantage. To register, visit www.irvingexpress.com.

CHRISTINA GEARS TO SPEAK AT NEXT WOMEN'S ALLIANCE: Make plans to join the Chamber's Women's Alliance as they welcome "Ms. Biz" Christina Gears with CMW Financial as they discuss business and finances. Luncheon meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month and the costs are: Members - $15/person in advance or $20/person at the door; Non Members - $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Education Report -- A Report from the Chamber's Education Committee Highlighting News, Events and Volunteer Opportunities for the Schools that Serve Irving.

By Irving on January 25, 2010 1:44 PM

IRVING HIGH SCHOOL RENAMED FOR FORMER TRUSTEE. Irving School trustees have voted to rename the Union Bower Center for Learning after former trustee Barbara Cardwell. The high school will become the Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center, effective this school year.

LEADERSHIP IRVING-LAS COLINAS CLASS OF 2010 RAISING MONEY FOR IISD SCHOLARSHIPS. The Leadership Irving-Las Colinas Class of 2010 is selling chance drawing tickets to raise money to fund four scholarships for graduating Irving seniors. Tickets are $10 and enter you to win one of the following prizes: Two (2) $250.00 gift cards for Southwest Airlines, one (1) $100.00 American Express gift card, one (1) complimentary night stay at the Westin, One (1) suite rental for 20 people at a 2010 Grand Prairie AirHogs Baseball Game (Food and Beverage NOT included), two (2) tickets and one (1) parking pass to the March 3, 2010 Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings game.

DEVRY INVITES EMPLOYERS TO NETWORK CONNECTIONS CAREER FAIR. The Career Services Team at DeVry University would like to cordially invite our Chamber member businesses to attend the "Network Connections Career Fair" on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The event is free for employers (lunch provided) and will be at DeVry's Irving campus, 4800 Regent Blvd, Irving, TX 75063.This Job Fair is for part time, full time degree related positions for DeVry students, current graduates, alumni and Keller Graduate School of Management students and alumni. Registration is required to attend. Space is limited, so please reserve you booth as soon as possible with Joan Long, Associate Director of Career Services at 972-929-9354 or emailing jlong@devry.edu.

IRVING ISD DESIGNING NET ZERO SCHOOL. SEEKING PARTNERS. Since identifying the need for an eighth middle school, Irving ISD administrators have announced they are designing the "net zero" concept for the new facility. A net zero energy building is one that produces as much energy as it consumes. Through efficiency technologies and on-site power generation, the use of renewable energies allows the building to produce as much energy as it consumes from the electric grid. The net zero school will reinforce teaching and learning as it becomes an extended classroom where students can gain hands-on experiences working to explore geothermal science, rainwater collection, solar panel usage, wind turbine efficiency and other issues related to energy conservation. In order for the project to become a reality, IISD is exploring alternative funding options. For more information regarding the net-zero concept, or to discuss partnering with IISD in the concept, contact Scott Layne at 972-600-5400.

CHAMBER'S EDUCATION FOUNDATION RAISING FUNDS TO HELP IRVING HIGH. The Chamber's Education Foundation is raising funds for an inflatable school-themed tunnel and helmet for their football team. If you would like to make a contribution, please send a check made out to the 'Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation' to 5221 N. O'Connor Blvd. Suite 100, Irving, TX 75039. Thank you for your school spirit and support!

Photos from the Chamber's 29th Annual State of the City

By Irving on January 23, 2010 10:43 PM

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"Two Hours with the Irrepressible Mayor Gears!"

By Irving on January 23, 2010 1:40 PM

As Thursday night's 29th Annual State of the City Address presented by ACE Cash Express concluded, we posted this recap of the Mayor's updates on topics ranging from economic development to the city's legislative accomplishments.

From the comedic elements of the production to the Mayor's travels to India, the Mayor's fifth State of the City, has been a hot topic of conversation...

On D Magazine's popular Frontburner blog, in a post entitled "Two Hours with the Irrepressible Mayor Gears," Glenn Hunter recently shared some of the more entertaining aspects of the Address.

Dallas Morning News reporter Brandon Formby offered his perspective and highlights.

The Chamber's Facebook news feed, also saw some interesting post event discussion. Setting the over at 70 minutes as a strategy for shortening the address? Really? How'd that work out? Charles Cotten we're looking at you!

State of the City Highlights Irving Progress and Development

By Irving on January 21, 2010 9:45 AM

IRVING (January 21, 2010) - New economic development, transportation and infrastructure improvements and the many awards realized by Irving in 2009, set the stage for the 29th Annual State of the City hosted by the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber and presenting sponsor, ACE Cash Express. The event, held at the Westin DFW on January 21, featured Irving Mayor Herbert Gears as he delivered the State of the City Address to over 600 civic and business leaders.

Guests enjoyed an overview of the many achievements attained in Irving this past year while learning of what's in store for the city in 2010. Mayor Gears addressed many topics, among them:

Awards and Recognition for Irving

·         City and Chamber staff have been very busy earning numerous achievements including being named a finalist for the Dallas Business Journal Real Estate Deal of the Year for the Convention Center; Best Performing Arts Center in Texas for the Irving Arts Center; Best Overall Government Programming in the State for ICTN; City and County Cooperation Award for the Irving Health Center; Achievement Award for the city from the Quality Texas Foundation and the Chamber's Five Star Accreditation (first Chamber in the state to earn this prestigious designation).

Economic Development

·         In 2009, the Chamber-managed Irving Economic Development Partnership handled 26 new economic development projects which yielded more than 3,100 new jobs and approximately 780 retained jobs in our community. These projects also yielded millions of dollars in positive economic impact for our City and school districts in the form of sales tax, property tax and utilities. Some of the high-profile companies that relocated and expanded in Irving include: Omega Environmental Technologies, Forward Air, ESPN Radio, Shermco Industries, Hostess Brands, GKN Aerostructures and HMS.

·         Water Street: The reclamation of an acre of Lake Caroline and the construction of a new lake wall to prepare the Water Street site for development will be complete in June of this year. Gables representatives have indicated the company's intent to begin its Phase 1 construction by year end. The Phase 1 project will include Phase I for Water Street -- 320 apartment units (located in 2 buildings) and 140,000 SF of retail (located in 3 buildings).

·         The Convention Center: On time and on budget, General Manager (Thom Connors) is in place, and has begun building his staff. Starting January 2010, there's a 12-month window for starting to book tradeshow events. Interest is high with approximately 12 proposals that are now pending/tentative and more than 20 are out on the streets.

The Economy

·         Both Texas and the Metroplex are faring better than the nation with unemployment 3 percent below national rates and with residential real estate unaffected by the housing bubble.

·         Irving's diversified economy which is not reliant on one major employer or business sector for employment or city revenue, is home to 4 Fortune 500 world headquarters.

·         2010-11 is expected to be the bottom of the recession.

·         Property tax decline is driven by commercial sector at a normal rate due to devaluation of property associated with the percentage of leasable space. Since the commercial sector makes up 75 percent of the tax base, a 5 percent decline is within an expected range.

·         Residential property values are up slightly.

·         Sales Tax declines have been less than projected (-$2 million in prior year, -$1 million in current year). However, due to operational efficiencies and cutting 100 positions, city is operating on a balanced budget.

·         Hotel occupancy taxes saw a sharp decline due to national recession. Driven by business travelers, this is expected to recover as recession eases.

·         The City of Irving's financial status remains strong with a structurally balanced budget for 3 years in a row and a Double AAA bond rating affirmed in December 2009. Only 2 cities in Texas have this rating and only 20 in the U.S.

·         Decline in revenues offset by cost savings and efficiencies -- no layoffs or furloughs for city employees, no reduction in city services.

·         City staff is already planning next year's budget to avoid surprises and rate shocks.

Legislative Successes

·         Protected the UFCR Rider during Oncor Rate Review.

·         Helped defeat revenue caps and red light camera bans.

·         Blocked unfunded mandates and assaults on sovereign immunity.

·         Significant tax refunds for Convention Center Hotel/Entertainment Venue.

·         Obtained Ambulance Fee Authority.

·         Incorporated Studios at Las Colinas into the Film Incentive Bill.

·         Allowed apartment managers to be cited for code violations.

·         Authority for a vacant structures registration program.

·         Received 10 State Resolutions honoring Irving and City programs.

·         Governor's support for IWIN Program.

·         Secured a Federal Appropriation for Irving Blvd in February.

Transportation and Infrastructure

·         The current project cost for the Diamond Interchange is approximately $224 million with a current estimated completion date of Sept 2012.

·         183 Expansion: Sound wall designs for State Highway 183 are completed. Used to buffer road noise for residential properties that back up to the roadway corridor, the walls will be 10 feet tall with designs for the ornamentation and aesthetics prepared by the Facility Development Department in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation. Sound wall construction is expected to begin next spring, with completion during fall 2010.

Texas Stadium, redevelopment in the Heritage Crossing district, the West Irving Aquatic Center and the impact of Super Bowl XLV in Irving and in the North Texas Region were also key topics of the Mayor's presentation. He highlighted accomplishments relating to city parks such as Veteran's Memorial Park and the Cottonwood Creek Park Miracle League Field, an ADA accessible playground and field, and spoke of achievements in workforce development with North Lake College and the Chamber's Business Resource Center at the new North Lake South Campus.

Thanks to presenting sponsor, ACE Cash express, and the many sponsors who made this event possible, the 29^th Annual State of the City is sure to go down in the books as one of the most successful ever. Just three weeks into 2010, momentum is at a high, with promise of prosperous times ahead for those who live and work in Irving.

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Irving Celebrates a Day of Community Service on Martin Luther King Day

By Irving on January 18, 2010 2:23 PM

Today, January 18, people of all ages and backgrounds are coming together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the "Beloved Community" that Dr. King envisioned. Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life's work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. Dr. King's teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation's most pressing needs -- poverty, economic insecurity, job loss and education.

In Irving, the business community, Irving ISD teachers and students, community members, non-profit groups and Chamber personnel, all pitched into make this a rewarding day of service. Below are just a few examples of some of the groups that dedicated themselves to helping advance the Irving community this Martin Luther King day.

Allstate Insurance Company

Employees of Allstate Insurance Company observed the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a "day on" instead of a "day off," by picking up their paintbrushes and volunteering in Irving. In honor of Dr. King's legacy, Allstate's Irving-based employees continued a 25-year tradition of volunteering in the city by activating the Second Annual Allstate Give Back Day, a national day of service that offers the opportunity for employees to serve in the communities where they work and live.

On Give Back Day, approximately 45 Allstate employees participated in "Painting with a Purpose," volunteering to paint a 5,500 square foot building, benefiting the Irving Women's Network. The city of Irving provided the building for the Irving Women's Network to use for receiving, sorting, storing and distributing new clothing to teens in need.

Irving Mayor, Herbert Gears, presented Allstate a key to the city and read a proclamation honoring the company for their service.

Irving Mayor Herbert Gears Honors Allstate for their community service to Irving.

Sam's Club

In honor of Dr. King's birthday anniversary during an employee meeting at the Sam's Club at 1213 Market Place in north Irving, employee, Melodie Palmer, presented a check for $1,477 for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Accepting the check for the UNCF, Marvin Bond, Director of Membership Services for the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, emphasized to attendees that today's minority students are tomorrow's teachers, the doctors and nurses who care for us, the scientists whose discoveries will make our lives better, even a future President of the United States. Bond also commended Sam's Club for its support of the UNCF's mission to provide all Americans equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service. Since 1944, more than 350,000 students have graduated from UNCF member institutions.

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Melodie Palmer, Sam's Club, and Marvin Bond, Chamber.

Community Days at Nimitz High School

Irving ISD, the City of Irving, Habitat for Humanity, Irving Cares, Parents for Latinos Stand Up, the Internal Revenue Service and the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, were among the groups that came together for an inaugural community-wide day of service at Nimitz High School funded in part by the $80,000 Learn & Serve Texas Grant awarded to Nimitz.

The purpose of the grant, and the event, to help students apply their skills to solve the needs of the community, was accomplished through scheduled activities include a teen pregnancy discussion; Habitat for Humanity home frame construction; drug and alcohol awareness; North Lake College educational classes; shredding of personal documents and electronics recycling by City of Irving, and library card registration from Irving Public Library with childrens' reading time in the Nimitz library.

The event will set the stage for the Global Youth Service Days April 23-25. As a Learn & Serve Texas grant recipient, students will travel to San Jose, California, for the National Service Learning Conference March 25, where they will present service learning projects at a conference showcase.

Keith Murray and Teddie Story.jpg Keith Murray, Executive Director of the Chamber's Workforce Development Center at North Lake College and Teddie Story, Executive Director of Irving Cares, volunteer at Nimitz.

Your Legislative Update -- Heard on the Senate Floor...

By Irving on January 17, 2010 6:19 PM

Your Chamber provides legislative advocacy for Irving businesses on the local, state and national levels. We're proud to report that in Washington, the Chamber's position on matters of critical importance to business, such as card check legislation, carries weight and are being heard.

The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, along with several other Texas Chambers, was recently name-dropped by Senator John Cornyn on the Senate Floor:

"I have heard the same story from the Chamber of Commerce in Lubbock, Texas, that represents more than 2,100 businesses that employ more than 57,000 workers. But it is not just the Lubbock, TX, Chamber, but the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, the Greater Austin Chamber, the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber, the Harlingen Area Chamber, the Liberty-Dayton area Chamber, the Tyler Area Chamber, the Bryan/College Station's Chamber, the Port Aransas Chamber, the Northwest Houston Chamber, the Odessa Chamber, the Deer Park Chamber, the Henderson Area Chamber, the West I-10 Chamber, the Crowley Area Chamber, Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber, Granbury Chamber, McAllen Area Chamber, and the Washington County Chamber. You get the idea. These are job-killing policies, and this bill is perhaps the biggest of them all."

For more info, on Card Check legislation, please visit the U.S. Chamber. Video of Senator Cornyn's remarks are included below:

Leadership Irving Class Enjoys Business and Economic Day

By Irving on January 16, 2010 6:57 PM

The Leadership Irving-Las Colinas Class of 2010 met earlier this month for their Business and Economic Development day, sponsored by HMS. The class spent the morning at the Sheraton Grand DFW, where they heard tourism and Convention Center updates from Maura Gast, the Executive Director of the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau. Leanne Weymouth and Don Williams, Directors of Economic Development for the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, presented the class with updates on current developments throughout the city. The class was then treated to a behind the scenes tour of Microsoft, followed by a presentation from site director Ed Jolly. Schnee-Morehead was the next stop for the class, who toured the manufacturing facility in small groups. After travelling to the Chamber of Commerce Information Center, which featured a presentation on Irving Boulevard Redevelopment by Kevin Kass, Program Director with the Chamber, the class completed the day with a presentation (and milkshakes) at Big State Drug given by owner Bryan Smith.

The class meets again on February 5 for a day focused on local education, which will highlight both program alumni as well as the current four principals in the Class of 2010: Angie Gaylord, Cynthia Bean, and David Saenz from IISD, and Walter Peterson from CFBISD. The class of 2010 will meet again in March and April, and the program will proudly graduate 27 outstanding business and community leaders in April.

A special thank you again to title sponsor, HMS, morning host Sheraton Grand DFW, lunch sponsor Microsoft, and all of the presenters and tour guides!

If you would like more information about Leadership Irving-Las Colinas, or would like to apply or nominate someone for the Class of 2011, please contact Alysia Bell, VP of Human Resources and Administration, at abell@irvingchamber.com.

Irving Recognized for Commercial Real Estate Deals, Top Small Businesses Nominated for Prestigious Award.

By Irving on January 15, 2010 3:50 PM

Five Irving projects have been named as finalists for the Dallas Business Journal's annual Best Real Estate Deals Award program and 11 small businesses from Irving are under consideration for recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Best Real Estate Deals

The following Irving projects are on the Dallas Business Journal's prestigious list of the most outstanding real estate deals in the Metroplex:

Forward Air, Inc.
Hines Las Colinas Riverside Village
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
Parc 114
Riverside Commons

Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel consisting of real estate veterans, emerging players and other industry experts. Several were nominated by the Chamber. Irving is not only well represented well in this list, but has been for many years with previous winners including Fluor Corporation, Research in Motion, Maxim Integrated Products, Amazon.com and Hines Las Colinas Land Ltd. All finalists appear in today's DBJ.

Small Businesses of the Year.

The following Irving businesses are under consideration for recognition by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

Big State Drug Store
Car Concepts Inc.
Cooksey Communications
eBM Corp
Fastsigns Irving/Las Colinas
Fig Design
George-McKenna Electrical
Mart Inc
Reach Marketing
Teo Tios
Parents for Safe Technology

In the last two years alone, Irving has claimed nine of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Blue Ribbon winners (more than any other city in the nation) and the U.S. Chamber's Southwest/South Central Small Business of the Year. Last year, six of the 56 recognized businesses were based in Irving. This year's Blue Ribbon award-winning businesses will be announced in early March.

Texas Stadium Set to Implode April 11

By Irving on January 14, 2010 4:29 PM

Texas Stadium Implosion Date Set for April 11

As you have likely heard, Irving City Council has approved a date for the implosion of Texas Stadium: Sunday Morning, April 11.

Stadium Demolition

Concrete is being removed from the lower bowl (the portion below the surface) and 95 percent of the material removed will be recycled and used for the reconstruction of the State Highway 183 and 114 interchange. Upon the completion of the excavation, the area will be filled with dirt used from the DART Orange Line station construction. Asbestos removal will be completed inside and outside the structure, followed by the soft demolition (removal of all materials) until only the structural concrete and steel remains.

After Texas Stadium

The site presents a rare opportunity for future development. The area is in the heart of the Metroplex and surrounded by key highway infrastructure, and will provide easy access to the DART Orange Line, as well as both airports.

Click on the following links for more information:

Video Story from the Irving Community Television Network

Live Web Cam

January is School Board Recognition Month, a Great Time to Recognize IISD's Recent Accomplishments

By Irving on January 12, 2010 5:04 PM

January 2010 is School Board Recognition Month in Texas. Irving ISD students, staff and community members are honoring school trustees who volunteer countless hours each year to ensure quality education for Irving's children.

As citizen leaders, they face complex and demanding challenges in providing effective public schools. This annual recognition is a way of saying "thank you" to our trustees.

During 2009, IISD Board of Trustees and superintendent worked with other staff members and volunteers to update the district vision and mission statements and refine major goals.

Significant district accomplishments throughout the past year include:

Three elementary schools -- FarineElementary School, JohnHaleyElementary School, and StipesElementary School -- were rated Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Fourteen IISD schools were named Recognized by the TEA: Barton Elementary School, Britain Elementary School, BrownElementary School, DavisElementary School, GilbertElementary School, GoodElementary School, ThomasHaleyElementary School, HanesElementary School, KeyesElementary School, SchulzeElementary School, TownleyElementary School, TownsellElementary School, LamarMiddle School, and JackE.SingleyAcademy. All other schools were rated Academically Acceptable.
Twenty-four IISD schools earned 60 Gold Performance acknowledgements from the TEA during 2008-2009. Irving ISD also received a district-level acknowledgement, commended in social studies.
Advanced Placement test results indicate 690 IISD students earned scores of 3, 4 or 5 and 110 students were recognized as AP Scholars during the 2008-2009 school year.
IISD Trustees adopted an average four percent pay raise for employees, bringing the beginning teacher's salary to $48,300.
The Partnerships in Education Program has more than 200 active alliances with businesses and other organizations and over 1,500 volunteers.
Approximately 33,750 IISD students -- a district enrollment record -- are receiving a well-planned education in a safe and secure school environment.

A.D. Jenkins.jpg Heather Ashley.jpg Jerry Christian.jpg Nancy L. Jones.jpg

A.D. Jenkins        Heather Ashley     Jerry Christian    Nancy L. Jones
Trustee                Trustee                President           Secretary
2 Years of            1 Year of              6 Years of          2 Years of
Service                 Service                Service              Service

Nita Patrick.jpg Ronda Huffstetler.jpg Valerie Jones.jpg

Nita Patrick      Ronda Huffstetler    Valerie Jones
Trustee            Trustee                  Vice President
6 Years of        9 Years of              4 Years of
Service            Service                   Service

Business Weekly -- A business activity report by the Irving Economic Development Partnership for the week ending January 8, 2010

By Irving on January 11, 2010 1:12 PM

DARLING INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES SANIMAX USA. Irving-based Darling International Inc., the largest publicly traded, food-processing by-products recycling company in the United States, has completed the acquisition of Sanimax USA Inc.'s rendering, grease collection, and trap servicing business for collection routes in the states of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

EXXONMOBIL FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES $500,000 TO TEACH FOR AMERICA. The ExxonMobil Foundation has announced that it will contribute $500,000 to Teach For America to recruit and train teachers for public schools in low-income communities in North Texas, Houston, Southern Louisiana and Washington, D.C. The ExxonMobil grant will be used to recruit more than 1,500 top college graduates from across the United States to teach middle school math and science. The funds will also support Teach for America's program of pre-service training, on-going professional development and mentoring for these teachers.Irving-based ExxonMobil, a long-standing supporter of math and science education, invested more than $90 million in education initiatives in 2009 and has been a supporter of Teach for America for 16 years.

REATA PHARMACEUTICALS ENTERS INTO LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT DRUG. Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an Irving-based company, has entered into a $272 million licensing agreement that provides exclusive rights to develop and sell its lead product for the treatment of chronic kidney disease to Japanese bio-pharmaceutical company Kyowa Hakko Kirin. The drug, bardoxolene methyl, has shown promise to be a treatment for chronic kidney disease.

VHA AND MEMBER HOSPITALS PUSH GS1 STANDARDS. VHA, an Irving-based organization focused on supply-chain solutions, and 12 of its member hospitals are pressing federal officials to mandate adoption of GS1 supply-chain data standard tools. The group also is calling for lawmakers to allocate money to help fund the effort.

WONDER BREAD INTRODUCES ON-LINE SANDWICH BUILDER. Wonder Bread, a brand of the Irving-based company, Hostess Brands, has introduced the "Sandwich Wonder-izer", a new on-line tool, available at www.wonderbread.com. The tool enables consumers to create unique sandwich combinations from a list of more than 120 ingredients while calculating the sandwich's nutrition values in real time with each added ingredient.

CITY MANAGER TOMMY GONZALEZ ACHIEVES SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION. City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez, has completed his Six Sigma Black Belt Project and was certified by the University of Texas, effective January 6, 2010. The project successfully reduced the workload by 924 hours and saved $31,000 in hard savings for the city's water services disconnects process. The project also increased revenues associated with late payments by $310,000 annually.

ROSS STORES, PROBUILD SOUTH, VERIZON DATA SERVICES AND SATTERFIELD AND PONTIKES CONSTRUCTION LEASE IN IRVING. Ross Stores has renewed its lease of 30,000 SqFt of retail space at 7700 N. MacArthur Road in Irving from Farmers New World Life Insurance Company. CBRE's Bob Ginsburg represented the tenant. Probuild South has leased 117,000) Sq Ft of industrial space at 8701 Sterling in Irving from Cobalt Industrial REIT II. CBRE's Bob Scully negotiated on behalf of the tenant. Verizon Data Services has expanded its lease by 6,000 SqFt and expanded its lease for an additional 36 months in Gateway II at 2901 Gateway Drive. Mickey Meyer-Sturgis represented the landlord, Richland Investments, and JLL's Andy Leatherman represented the tenant. Satterfield & Pontikes Construction leased 4,000 SqFt of office space at 6220 N. Beltline Road in Irving from BREOF AIP Dallas L.P. CBRE's Michael Chiocca and John Fancher negotiated the lease on behalf of the landlord and JLL's Campbell Henry represented the tenant.

EXXONMOBIL AND QATAR PETROLEUM SIGN DEAL FOR PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX. Irving-based ExxonMobil has signed a deal with state-run Qatar Petroleum to develop a $6 billion plant to produce chemicals for export to Asian markets, the biggest energy project engineered in the Persian Gulf country in three years. The plant is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES OMNI DALLAS HOTEL APPOINTMENTS. Irving-based Omni Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointments of top operations and sales and marketing positions for the Omni Dallas Hotel, the 23-story, 1000-room hotel slated to open in early 2012. Ed Netzhammer - a regional vice president of operations for the brand overseeing hotels in California and Texas - will now also serve as the general manager for the hotel. Kimy Piland was promoted to Director, National Accounts; Harold "Q" Queisser was named Director of Sales & Marketing for the hotel; and former Director of Sales for the Omni Mandalay Las Colinas and Ramses Meijer was appointed Director of Sales for the new hotel.

FLUOR COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION ON LUMINANT'S OAK GROVE 1. Fluor Corporation, headquartered in Irving, has announced completion of the 800-megawatt (MW) Unit 1 and all common facilities of the two-unit complex at Luminant's new supercritical Oak Grove Power Plant in Robertson County, Texas. Oak Grove Units 1 and 2, when complete in mid-2010, will have lower emission rates than any existing lignite plant in Texas, and are expected to be at least 70 percent lower than the average coal plant in the U.S. The two units will be capable of generating 1,600 MW, enough to power nearly 850,000 Texas homes.

HEALTHVISION SOLUTIONS ACQUIRED BY LAWSON SOFTWARE. Lawson Software Inc. of St. Paul, Minn. a maker of corporate software, has acquired Healthvision Solutions, a software integration business based in Irving. Healthvision Solutions, a company with annual revenue of more than $60 million, has about 300 employees; Lawson has approximately 3,700.

SHERMCO INDUSTRIES EXPANDING IN AUSTIN. Irving-based Shermco Industries, a company which services industrial electrical equipment and wind turbine parts, is expanding its Austin operation and building a new service building. Shermco has acquired more than 2.5 acres in Cedar Park, 17 miles northwest of downtown Austin, and plans to build a 10,000-Sq Ft training and service center there.

FLUOR CONSORTIUM WINS EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS IN ROUND 3 OF UK OFFSHORE WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT. Fluor Corporation has announced that its UK division, Fluor Limited, and SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy plc), have been awarded exclusive rights by The Crown Estate to develop the Round 3 offshore wind farm zone in the Firth of Forth, off the east coast of Scotland. The zone has a potential installed capacity of up to 3.4 gigawatts (GW) which would almost double Scotland's entire existing renewables capacity.

COINMACH SERVICE CORP RESTRUCTURES, EXPANDS IN MARYLAND. Coinmach Service Corp. has successfully completed a series of transactions that resulted in a consensual restructuring of various debt agreements. The company, a leading laundry equipment service provider based in Irving, has also signed a long-term lease in Elkridge, MD to occupy more than 26,000 square feet of a 65,600-square-foot industrial building.

ADVOCATES FOR HOMELESS TEENS OPERATING ON MAIN STREET. The Advocates for Homeless Teens, a group of Irving Women's Network members, has set up shop in a 5,000-square-foot building on Main Street in downtown Irving. With 31 boxes of new clothing to open, thanks to Dignity U Wear and Stein Mart, the women plan to offer the clothing to Irving students through Toni Gallego, who is the school district's homeless liaison. The dream is to set up a program whereby teens earn the privilege to come to the boutique to be outfitted by volunteer image consultants who will help start students on the path to changing their lives.

BEHAVIORAL INNOVATIONS ANNOUNCES INSURANCE RELIEF FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. Irving-based Behavioral Innovations, a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders, has announced its partnership with key insurance carriers to offer in-network insurance coverage for several ABA therapy programs. The company is now accepting insurance from Aetna. Behavioral Innovations is the first behavioral therapy center in the Metroplex to offer in-network insurance for select treatments, the first ABA therapy center in Texas to join Aetna's network and the first to partner with United Behavioral Health, providing in-network services.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB OFFERING NEW TREATMENT. The Spa & Salon at Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas has announced it is offering Phytomer's Essential Sculpting Care Cellulite Reduction Treatment. This new, innovative 80-minute treatment, one of 40 available at the Spa, features an oxido-reduction cellulite mask which has a direct action on dimpled skin, the appearance of cellulite and excess weight. To learn more, call the Spa Reservations line at 972-717-2555.

TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL EARNS TOP RECOGNITION

By Irving on January 8, 2010 2:15 PM

The Chamber's Technology Leadership Council, a division of the Chamber which connects business technology resources with opportunities at local educational institutions and in the community, was recognized by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Association for the "Technology in Business Bus Tour."

Teachers Explore NEC's Executive Briefing Center.jpg

The unique program brought IISD teachers to Irving businesses, Aviall, NEC America (NEC's Executive Briefing Center is pictured above) and Microsoft, to learn about technology in the workplace. Following the tour, teachers instructed students to work on their own real world technology solutions which students recently presented to Microsoft executives. The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives awarded the Chamber a 2009 Outstanding Chamber Program Award, recognizing the Chamber for "new and innovative programming and execution."

IISD Student Presenters at the Microsoft Technology Center in Las Colinas.JPG IRVING ISD STUDENT PRESENTERS AT THE MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY CENTER.

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