10/07/2007
New President named at the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce
Erin
Al-Salman has been named the new President of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber
of Commerce according to Chairman of the Board Jennifer Pittman .
“We are delighted that a home grown talent will be at the helm of the Chamber as we move into 2008,” Pittman said.
“ Erin will bring a fresh perspective and new energy,” Pitman added.
Al-Salman will begin a three-week transition period on November 5 and current President Darcy Mingoia ’s last day will be November 30.
“I am thrilled that Erin has been selected by the Board of Directors. She has already been an asset to our organization as a committee chair and an active participant,” Mingoia said.
“I expect a successful transition and a wonderful 2008 for our Chamber,” she added.
Al-Salman is a product of the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD graduating from Jersey Village High School . She continued her education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville , TX where she received her B.B.A. in Marketing.
Just out of school she returned to Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union were she worked her last two years of high school as the Administrative Assistant. Soon after she returned to Cy-Fair FCU she was promoted to Business Development Coordinator and then to Marketing Director. Her most recent promotion and the position she last held at Cy-Fair FCU was Vice President of Marketing and Business Development where she was oversees the advertising, marketing activities, public relations and business development for the Credit Union.
Al-Salman’s community involvement has included working with the American Heart Association, serving as a co-chair for the Cy-Fair FCU Spring Swing Tournament as well as numerous events and activities within CFISD including mentoring, Bus Buddies and Salute to the Stars. Erin also supports and volunteers at Boys and Girls Country in Waller. In addition, she is a graduate of Leadership North Houston, Class of 2006.
Al-Salman and her husband Mazin live in Jersey Village with their one year old daughter Caroline Grace.
When Al-Salman is not working her favorite things to do are travel and to spend time with her family.
10/07/2007
Update for November General Membership Luncheon
The brand new TowneLake Texas development, located north of Cy-Fair College at West and Barker-Cypress, is the topic of the November General Membership Luncheon.
Fred Caldwell of Caldwell Companies will discuss plans for the 2,400 acre community on November 13 Luncheon at Crowne Plaza Brookhollow, 12801 Northwest Freeway, from 11:30 am – 1:15 pm.
A wide variety of housing options and recreational amenities in addition to retail and office space is planned within the development.
Reservation must be made by Friday, November 9 at noon for the luncheon.
10/07/2007
Cy-Fair Chamber Herd Stampedes into 2008
Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber Herd”is gearing up to raise a record $15,000 in 2008 in order to make a stellar showing at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District’s annual FFA Livestock Show and Sale on Saturday, February 2 at the Cypress-Fairbanks Exhibit Center, 11206 Telge Road.
10/07/2007
Non-profits join forces to raise funds for barrier-free playground at Matzke Park
Located at the corner of Jones and Grant roads, Matzke Park is a prime example of community groups joining hands with local government to create a shining example of a community park that is accessible to everyone.
The next effort to enhance Harris County Precinct 4’s Matzke Park also requires the help of residents and businesses in the Cy-Fair area.
Two non-profit organizations – the Be An Angel Fund, Inc. and Association for Better Community Schools – are spearheading an impressive effort to raise close to $237,000 to build a barrier-free playground open to children with and without disabilities at Matzke Park .
The Norchester Garden Club and Cy-Fair Chamber are also aiding in fund-raising efforts.
With $50,000 already in hand, the groups are planning a Fun Run on Nov. 17 to give another boost to the project’s piggy bank.
“We have always wanted to build a playground, and we thought we would do something really special,” said Tracy Torma, president of the community association. “A barrier-free playground is something all children can enjoy.”
The Association for Better Community Schools is a local non-profit group organized about 13 years ago to save the 20 acres of green space at the corner of Jones and Grant roads from commercial development. Their fervor captured the attention of Precinct 4 Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole, who spent $2.15 million to purchase the land for a county park in 1999.
ABCS has raised over $250,000 to build Matzke Park . Compaq Computer gave an initial gift of $100,000, and over the years more than $150,000 has been raised through smaller donations (from $25 to $1,000) by area residents, Torma said.
Be An Angel was formed 21 years ago by a concerned parent who wanted to help meet the overwhelming needs of the multiply handicapped and profoundly deaf students at T. H. Rogers School in the Houston Independent School District. The organization began as a Christmas Program, which still provides gifts to students during the holiday season.
One of Be An Angel’s first major projects was the construction of a barrier-free playground so that students could play together and develop friendships instead of sitting on the concrete walkway and watching other children play. The organization has constructed 18 of those playgrounds in Houston-area school districts as well as at Precinct 4’s Lindsay Lyons Park in Humble.
“Barrier-free playground projects have been an enormous success and have exceeded all of our expectations in terms of benefits to children,” wrote Marti Boone, Be An Angel’s Executive Director, in a letter about the Matzke Park Barrier-Free Playground project. “It allots for increased mobility, which in turn is an excellent way for the ongoing development needed that their immobile bodies require.”
The groups hope to raise the money in time to order the equipment in June 2008, and then complete the playground project by summer 2008.
Precinct 4 recently completed a project at Matzke Park – Phase one – that added an 80-space asphalt parking lot along Copeland Road; water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure for the park; a restroom with two water fountains; and a 4,500-foot asphalt multipurpose trail, soccer fields, and a cricket field that can be converted in to two soccer fields when not in use.
The list of Harris Count Precinct 4 and community contributions for the Matzke Park project has surpassed $434,000 to date. In addition to the county’s contribution, community groups have donated the following:
- ABCS contributed funding toward Precinct 4’s construction costs
- The Norchester Garden Club donated pavers, soil mix, labor, and picket fence for a butterfly garden at the park
- The Home Depot partnered with Norchester Garden Club by providing materials and labor, and Westco Grounds Maintenance Co., Inc. provided supplies and labor for installation of the irrigation system for a butterfly garden
- The Triggers Cricket Club, installed cricket field amenities
- Cy-Fair Youth Soccer Association holds a concession agreement and maintains the four soccer practice fields
Individuals and companies can participate in the Matzke Park Barrier-Free Playground project by sponsoring a piece of playground equipment ($500 - $15,000), a brick paver that will be included in the sidewalk at the park, or other sponsorship levels ($100 - $1,000). Those interested in participating in the Fun Run, and/or contributing to the playground project, should contact Be An Angel Fund, Inc. at 281-319-3313.
10/01/2007
Chamber announces 2008 Board Officers
Moving in to the final months of 2007, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2008 leadership team of board officers and directors.
2008 Board Officers:
• Reginald Lillie, Reginald Lillie Insurance Service – Chairman of the Board
• Jennifer Pittman, AmegyBank of Texas – Immediate Past Chairman
• Rhonda Welch, CenterPoint Energy – Vice Chair Administration and 2009 Chair Elect
• Dr. Diane Troyer, Cy-Fair College President – Vice Chair Community Development
• Jim Fordice, Maid Brigade – Vice Chair Member Services
• Martha Torres, Capital One Bank – Treasurer
• Fred Koetting, Schulte Building Systems – Secretary
The group will be honored at the chamber’s annual Cy-Fair Celebration Installation on January 24 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Houston – Brookhollow, 12801 Northwest Freeway. Sponsorships range from $500 - $3000, and general admission is $55 per person.
Reginald Lillie, current Vice Chair Community Development, will be sworn in as Chairman of the Board at that time.
Lillie joined the chamber 10 years ago, and has chaired the Membership and Governmental Affairs committees, helped launch the Lead Exchange Committee - currently R.A.D., and has served on the Economic Development, Education and Transportation committees.
Lillie has served on the Board of Directors and as the Chamber's ANHOC Representative since January 2004. He has been the board’s Vice Chair Community Development since January 2006.
“The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce is a great chamber because of the quality and character of its member businesses and leadership,” Lillie said. “This is evident in our current Board Chair Jennifer Pittman, and the Chamber’s past board chairs and past/current directors. And, of course, our Chamber President Darcy Mingoia has made an invaluable impact on and contribution to our Chamber and community. And I cannot say enough about the great staff that serves our chamber membership.
“I am both honored and humbled by the privilege of being chosen to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2008,” Lillie said. “With the support of our very accomplished and committed community leaders that will serve on our 2008 Board of Directors, I look forward to the challenge and opportunity to continue the tradition of greatness at our Chamber.”
Jennifer Pittman, the Chamber’s 2007Chairman, will assume the role of Immediate Past Chairman in January.
Pittman has been a Chamber member since 1988, and has served as an Ambassador, as a member of the education committee, as co-chairman for two years of the Spring Swing Golf Tournament, and on the board, as Vice Chair Special Events.
10/01/2007
Chamber members urged to support CFISD bond election
Two months ago the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber Board of Directors passed a resolution supporting the passage of Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District’s $807 million bond referendum, which will go before registered voters in the Nov. 6 general election.
The Cy-Fair area is booming. New housing developments along Highway 290 and major arteries break ground on a regular basis, and families with children are moving in to those new homes. In the next five years, an additional 24,000 students are expected to move in to Cy-Fair ISD.
That means about 116,500 students will need classroom seats, science labs, lockers, athletic facilities, and transportation to and from school by the 2011-12 school year.
Cy-Fair Chamber members strongly believe that the need is great for new schools to house those students, and a solid investment in technology to keep them in tune with the world in which they will live and work in the 21 st Century.
And, with almost half of Cy-Fair ISD’s schools built over 20 years ago, many buildings are in need of basic renovation work and continued maintenance that will keep their foundations strong for years to come.
Pam Wells, Cy-Fair ISD’s associate superintendent for general administration, said that the district’s 2007 bond study committee – made up of parents, teachers, business owners, administrative staff and concerned citizens - put in countless hours researching and analyzing the district’s needs, and crunched numbers for hours on end. Then the committee revised the numbers and went through the analysis all over again.
The end result was a bond recommendation that reflects the district’s basic needs. The bond study committee even cut out recommended projects or items that were considered needs, but that could be delayed until a future bond election. It was a painful process for many.
The bond proposition voters will see on the ballot includes about $500.5 million for the construction of two high schools, eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and a second alternative learning campus, the purchase of 10 school sites and 275 new and replacement buses.
It also includes $238.5 million to upgrade and revamp several old school and district facilities and about $68 million to buy and replace computers, software, network equipment, printers and other classroom technology.
The $807 million bond issue could raise the district’s debt service tax rate as much as 6.5 cents as the bonds are sold and debt is repaid. However that is a worst case scenario. A 6.5-cent raise would equate to about $8 a month more on a tax bill for a home valued at $150,000.
With the district’s continued solid financial management, and low operational costs, it is possible the debt service tax rate will not climb by that amount.
And, on the bright side, the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate was lowered this year to $1.024 per $100 property valuation, and the debt service tax rate remained steady at $0.30. The overall tax rate was set at $1.324 per $100 of property valuation—a drop of $0.33 from last year.
Cy-Fair ISD has one of the lowest tax rates in the Gulf Coast area after the 20 percent homestead exemption is applied. Only Spring Branch ISD and Houston ISD residents pay less.
Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Dr. David Anthony said different members of the Cy-Fair community have different interests in the bond election.
Parents with children in the district are interested in the quality education their children are receiving. Most of those without children are concerned with education, but possibly more so with the impact the school district’s reputation has on their property values and quality of life.
Employers are concerned with the education their future workforce receives, as well as the tax impact.
It all boils down to one thing – the Cy-Fair ISD school district is the heart and soul – and foundation – of the Cy-Fair community, and it is the responsibility of the community to help support that foundation.
“We want to encourage all registered voters to get out and vote,” said Kelli Durham, Cy-Fair ISD spokeswoman.
Durham said the district will hold an educational forum for residents about the bond referendum on Oct. 30 at 7 pm in Cy-Fair ISD’s board room, 10300 Jones Road . The same presentation that will be given at that meeting is online at www.cfisd.net , as well as all materials utilized by the 2007 bond study committee to reach their recommendation.
10/01/2007
Group launches campaign supporting Cy-Fair ISD bond election
The Citizens FOR CFISD 2007 Bonds political action committee is forging ahead with a solid campaign to show strong community support for the $807 million bond referendum that residents in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District will vote on Nov. 6.
The Citizens FOR CFISD 2007 Bonds PAC, chaired by Chamber member Butch Milks and President Darcy Mingoia, held a press conference Oct. 2 to launch that campaign. Former Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Rick Berry (?????) and several former board members came out to support the group’s efforts.
The group is working to raise about $90,000 fund the campaign to spread the word about the need for school district’s urgent need for bond funds. The Citizens’ campaign will include direct mailings to registered voters in Cy-Fair ISD, signs (on private property only) supporting the bond election, and newspaper advertisements.
Citizens’ members say it is important to get the word out about the pressures that Cy-Fair ISD faces due to tremendous growth in the district, as well as the district’s strong commitment to providing a top-quality education while being fiscally responsible in daily operations and in its building program.
Cy-Fair ISD school officials are able to educate the voting public on the district’s rapid growth rate and coinciding need for bond funds to build new schools, renovate aging facilities and invest in technology. However, district employees are not able to promote the bond election so they have to limit their communications to the facts of the bond proposal and upcoming election.
Milks said the Citizens’ campaign will focus on four key points: Cy-Fair ISD’s track record of building larger, quality schools at a lower cost-per-square foot than many Texas school districts; the district’s position among the lowest in school property tax rates after the 20 percent homestead exemption is applied; the district’s high graduation/completion rate; and the tremendous growth the district faces in the next five years.
Mingoia said the Cy-Fair Chamber Board passed a resolution supporting Cy-Fair ISD’s bond election.
“When it comes to issues that affect the economic development of our area, the Chamber needs to take a stand,” Mingoia said. “We need new facilities for the 24,000 students who will be coming to our area. We can’t house them all in temporary buildings.”
The Citizens FOR CFISD 2007 Bonds PAC committee meets every Wednesday at the Cy-Fair Chamber office (11050 FM 1960 West, Suite 100 ) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Donations (made payable to: Citizens FOR CFISD 2007 Bonds/Employer Identification Number 26-0680500) can be mailed to: Citizens FOR CFISD 2007 Bonds; 9597 Jones Road, #280 ; Houston , TX 77065 .
For more information contact Butch Milks at 832-912-8005 or Darcy Mingoia at 281-955-1100.
10/01/2007
H-E-B Cypress Market Set to Open Oct. 24
A “next generation” H-E-B store – offering the best of the chain’s food and drugstores with the best of Central Market – is opening at the Highway 290/Barker-Cypress intersection in October.
“I am honored to have been appointed General Manager for the new Cypress Market,” said Joe Scala, a new Cy-Fair Chamber member. “The new Cypress Market is an ‘Ultra Fresh New Concept’ store. It is a hybrid of a Central Market and H-E-B large format store. Our store consists of 2000-plus wine choices, 400-plus types of cheese, 900 varieties of produce, a coffee roasting station, chefs on duty throughout the store, and a state-of-the-art seafood department with fresh deliveries everyday from all over the world.”
Scala said the store will also feature convenient sub-departments such as “Do It Yourself,” Automotive, Card & Party, Pharmacy, and Cook & Grill. He said the new Cypress Market Team is committed to educating the community on how general merchandise products relate to, and enhance the food experience.
“Food is my passion - helping and educating others on food is what I love to do!” Scala said.
The 112,000-square-foot store, located at 24224 Northwest Freeway store, will employ 564 employees – or “partners” – and will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight .
Other features include:
• A Healthy Living department with large bulk food offerings
• A cheese shop
• A Tortilleria
• H-E-B Own Brand lines including Creamy Creations, Bravo detergent and fully-cooked meats
• Central Market Café on the Run and catering
• A floral department with a delivery service and over 100 varieties of fresh flowers and plants
• A bakery with breads made from scratch
• An expanded cosmetics department
• A full-service sushi bar
• Gas station/carwash
• A pharmacy with a two-lane drive-thru
Scala started his career with H-E-B in 1999 as a Team Leader in Austin , and managed multiple units. He relocated to Houston and eventually was assigned Unit Director of Indian Springs in The Woodlands before he was chosen to open the Cypress store.
10/01/2007
Commuters are catching on to Cypress Park & Ride
One month after its grand opening, about one-third of the spaces are typically filled at the newly-opened, permanent, Cypress Park & Ride at Highway 290 and Skinner Road .
Sandra Aponte-Salazar, a Metropolitan Transit Authority spokesperson, said the average ridership Monday through Thursday is between 400 and 500 customers. Consistent with commuter services, there is a marked decrease in ridership on Friday, she said, which could be attributed to passengers working for firms that have compressed work week schedules.
The 1500-space parking garage opened after Labor Day weekend. Prior to that, 290 commuters parked in a lot Metro leased from Hewlett Packard while the permanent facility was under construction. That lot had space for about 620 cars, so the new facility has opened the door to almost a thousand new commuters who need a convenient place to park in order to ride Metro’s 217 Cypress route.
The 217 Cypress Park & Ride operates Monday through Friday from 5:15 - 7:40 am (inbound) and 3:15 – 7:05 pm (outbound). Rush hour service will have a peak frequency of 15 minutes. There will be no midday service.
The bus strip begins at the Cypress Park & Ride station and stops at the Northwest Transit Center , Smith at Preston , Smith at Rusk, Smith at Dallas and Smith at Jefferson . Outbound stops include: Louisiana at Pease, Louisiana at Lamar , Louisiana at Capitol, Louisiana at Congress, and the Northwest Transit Center . The stop at the Northwest Transit Center provides connectivity to the Galleria area, Greenway Plaza and the Texas Medical Center.
Officials say the opening of Metro’s first parking garage brought changes that affect how people park and ride. They say these changes are needed to ensure that METRO patrons have first priority for safe and convenient parking.
- All patrons with a Q Card park for FREE at the Cypress garage. Q Cards must have a minimum value of $3.50.
- Parking garage hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Please remove your vehicle before 9 p.m.
Metro has a $16.3 million agreement with NewQuest Properties to further develop that Park & Ride facility. NewQuest is working on a 79,550-square-foot retail/office development, and an apartment complex with 273 units on 11 acres leased to the company by Metro.
For more information, including a map, on the 217 Cypress route, go to http://www.metrosolutions.org.
Archived News
08/28/2007 Volunteers help Bus Buddies program during first day
08/09/2007 Cy-Fair Chamber will lend a hand in FM 1960/Highway 6 mobility study
07/24/2007 Search Committe for President Position Appointed
07/13/2007 Chamber to Sponsor “Bus Buddies” Program for Cy-Fair ISD Kindergarten and First Graders
07/12/2007 HPD Beat Station Opens in Willowbrook Area
06/19/2007 Darcy Mingoia resigns as chamber president
02/01/2007 ANHOC Heads to Austin