Now he’s an author.  Jan Collmer, former chairman of this Dallas Regional Chamber Chairman, 1988-1990. Has just published a great little read for budding entrepreneurs, Go Start Something! Live Life on the Edge.

In only 122 pages Jan lays out life’s lessons for aspiring risk takers who want to own their own businesses with all of the challenges and opportunities such ownership delivers.

He suggests 50 rules he has identified since he began his adult life in the mid 1950s, a life which has included to date becoming a US Navy pilot, years of night school at UT Arlington with a degree in math and physics, his tour of duty at TI, at Varo Inc. and Varo Semiconductor where he was chairman and ceo.

It was at Varo Semiconductor that he begain thinking he would become an entrepreneur because as he says, “my semiconductor operation made a huge profit…but it was for someone else’s account!”l

Enough of that he thought as a mentor confided that real “wealth flows only from a personally owned business, never from a job.”  His friend urged him to forget the corporate world and to go start something of his own.  He did and with the application of a lot of smarts, good luck, what he refers to as “control,” persistence and good employees he founded Collmer Semiconductor which became a very successful company.

In a real way Go Start Something! Is a “how to” book, well organized into brief chapters that describe the essentials of successful entrepreneurship.  It is not a college textbook, but many of the “rules” he writes of came right from his teaching notes for classes he has conducted at UT Dallas where he teaches an MBA leadership class.

He urges his readers to use his rules “as a checklist before you attempt to start a new business.”  Many who read this book will be glad they will have so as to have make the learning process less painful, but then as Jan says, “When I got my MBA 45 years ago there were no courses in leadership. So everything I’m going to teach you, I learned along the way by “screwing up,” ie, taking a risk.

So, Going to Start Something?  Get a copy of this book.  Learn, his 12 most important rules, 12 good habits for starting a business, 7 cautionary rules, and 19 leadership rules.  He will give you his take on  what makes great entrepreneurs as he easily pilots you through his life experiences in business (and relationships) at which he achieved remarkable success.

Who knows, a few years after reading this and going into business, you too may end up becoming the chairman of the Dallas Regional Chamber!

Dear Members,

When did you last see a headline like that?

The Dallas ISD Trustees have earned an A for their selection of Mike Miles as the finalist in their search for a new Dallas ISD superintendent.  Read all about him in the Dallas Morning News article here.

For a much more in depth read click here to see an article from the Colorado Springs Gazette.

One begins to get a feeling of real hope for the Dallas ISD developing around the trustees’ choice for superintendent, given his clear caring for students and his expressed desire for changing the status quo.  He knows that the students’ futures are not well served by doing things the same old way.

But this letter is not about the new superintendent.  It is about a transformation that is underway in the thinking of the trustees of the Dallas ISD.  They too, as a whole, seem to have a much clearer understanding of the way forward and in recent months they have not been shy is establishing policies and making personnel decisions that prove it.

The Dallas ISD board president Dr. Lew Blackburn has proven to be a quality leader.  Thank you, Dr. Blackburn, for leading the board on the journey enumerated below.  And thank you, trustees, for championing the following.

First, the trustees chose an interim superintendent, Alan King, to address the district’s financial problems and to make very tough recommendations given reductions in education funding.  Everyone in the business world sympathizes with how hard it is to adjust one’s size to fit a budget.   King has served the district with distinction during really tough times.

Second, the trustees did not hesitate to act on policies that relate to how reductions in force would be implemented.   Before, policy was based largely on seniority, whereas now teacher performance is the dominant factor.

Third, the trustees have embraced the presence of a group known as Teach for America, whose best practices not only replicate well, but also have been proven to lead to an increase in student achievement.   Everyone can learn from Teach for America.

Fourth, the policy of forced placement of teachers on campuses was eliminated.  Principals now have more control of their campuses and greater flexibility in their leadership roles.

Fifth, the trustees decided to conduct a national search for the best superintendents from which to choose. Clearly, that process and search was well worth the effort as we now have a proven change agent superintendent candidate poised to lead the district forward.

Sixth, the trustees voted to endorse the formation of Commit!, a new community education collaborative.  Commit!, which was initially incubated by the Chamber and is now a separate entity, has also been enthusiastically embraced by Mayor Mike Rawlings.

But all of this positive progress is fragile because good policies depend on good trustees.  Without good trustees, all of the positives can be put at risk.

We are encouraged by the amount of attention that the school board elections are receiving this year.  And we believe EducateDallas, an entity the Chamber created, is having a positive impact on the process.

You can make a difference and be a part of the positive changing happening in Dallas ISD if you choose to participate in the school board elections this year.  We encourage you now to get involved in the process.  The students, our schools and our workforce of the future are at stake.   Its time for those of us in business community to stand up and make our voices heard.   Elections are May 12.

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President & CEO
Dallas Regional Chamber

We are writing this very important and special message to you about one of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s most important initiatives, EducateDallas.  Never before in our history has the DRC been so committed to changing the direction of the Dallas ISD and the futures of the students within it.  A large part of that commitment includes the formation of EducateDallas, our political action committee (PAC), which is focused solely on electing high-quality leadership to the Dallas ISD school board.  EducateDallas is the midst of its first election year and is experiencing a tremendous amount of attention from the community and support from individuals that have had enough of the status quo in our public education system.

However, due to the political nature of EducateDallas, we need your permission to keep you updated on some of the PAC’s political events in which the Dallas Regional Chamber cannot participate.  We urge you to click here in order to be eligible to receive news about EducateDallas, invitations to exclusive events with candidates and elected officials, and information on our efforts in the upcoming elections.  These are exciting times for Dallas ISD and we want you to be involved with all of our efforts.  More than ever, we need your support to help move the district forward.

Education is the second priority set forth in our five-year strategic plan, and EducateDallas is one of the ways we will achieve our goal of driving improvements in public education.  A good education system starts at the top, and in order to improve Dallas ISD’s graduation rate from 65% to 80% we need great leadership!  With your help, we can make the Dallas region the best place to live and work in the United States.

The Dallas Regional Chamber’s Strategic Plan, launched in 2010, identifies the DRC’s primary role: economic development.  Every DRC  initiative will support the Dallas region’s economic growth, thus fulfilling our mission:

Together, we will lead the Dallas region to become the most economically prosperous region — and the most desirable place to live and work — in the United States.

The DRC’s economic development team, including industry clusters and  innovation, as well as business information and research, work vigorously to help support that mission.  Each month we’ll provide an update on these initiatives and projects that support our strategic plan goals.

CURRENT ACTIVITY

Nancy Davis, Director of Economic Development, will be visiting Chicago this week  to visit with several site location consultants.

Economic Development representatives from area communities and Blueprint Investors will meet with California-based business relocation coach Joseph Vranich on March 7^th.

Planning is underway for a Welcome Reception honoring companies that relocated their headquarters to the Dallas area as well as Dallas area companies that have had a CEO change in the past year.

RELOCATIONS & EXPANSIONS

“U.S. Concrete to move headquarters from Houston to Euless” – Dallas Business Journal, February 2012
U.S. Concrete plans to relocate its headquarters from Houston to Euless, where it will co-locate with its regional headquarters of Redi-Mix Inc.

“Nissan opens new training center in Irving” – Fort Worth Star Telegram, February 2012
Nissan North America has opened a new $2 million, 25,000 SF training facility in Irving that double the number of trained services technicians.

“Trucking company moving its headquarters to Fort Worth” – Star Telegram, February 2012
Tulsa-based LinkAmerica, a traditional over-the-road trucking company, anticipates creating about 100 jobs and relocating 40 positions with its HQ move.

“FAA to build $160M HQ on Alliance land” – Dallas Morning News, January 2012
The Federal Aviation Administration is planning to move its southwest regional headquarters and Air Traffic Organization’s central service center to about 45 acres of Hillwood Properties land near Alliance Town Center.

“Kohl’s confirms DeSoto distribution center” – Dallas Business Journal, January 2012
Kohl’s  is set to build a 951,000 SF fulfillment center  at Interstate 35 and Centre Park Boulevard at Hillwood’s Crossroads Trade Center in DeSoto.

“Christus Health to bring 650 jobs to Irving in HQ move” – Dallas Business Journal, January 2012
After a four-city search, Christus Health will consolidate its corporate offices in Irving in a move that will add about 650 jobs in North Texas.

“Telecom firm says it will build huge Dallas-area data center” – Dallas Morning News, January 2012
CyrusOne, a subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell,  will develop the 700,000 SF data center in Carrollton making it the largest data center facility in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.

ACCOLADES

Texas No. 1 for State Exports for 10th Consecutive Year
Dallas Business Journal – Link

Texas No. 1 State for Business
Chief Executive Magazine – Link 

Dallas-Fort Worth ranks No.4 as top moving destination – Penske Truck Rental Survey
Dallas Business Journal – Link

The Best Cities for Manufacturing – Dallas ranked 15^th
Forbes.com - Link

Texas No. 1 – 2011 Top State Business Climate Rankings
Site Selection – Link 

CyberCoders Top 10 Cities for Tech for 2012 – Dallas ranked 4
MarketWatch – Link

Milken Best-Performing Cities 2011 – Dallas in top 25
The Milken Institute – Link

Four U.S. Cities Classified as Having ‘World Class’ Recoveries (including DFW)
The Brookings Institution – Link

DFW Metro is the Southwest’s Largest Wholesale Trade Center – US Conference of Mayors 2012 Outlook
The United States Conference of Mayors – Link

Texas in Top 10 – State Business Tax Climate
Tax Foundation – Article Link

16 of top 20 fastest growing mature cities will be in North America – DFW ranked at 10 – Growth 2012 -2020
Jones Lang LaSalle – Article Link

Forbes Names Tech Wildcatters 10 Hottest Startup Incubators
Forbes.com – Article Link

Former Ambassador James C. Oberwetter, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber said,

“We are indeed very sympathetic with the position of American Airlines, with its people and all of those who are affected by the restructuring process.

“ We believe that the plan, which American’s chairman Tom Horton has set out,  will successfully reconstitute the airline transforming it into an outstanding competitor which meets the needs for domestic and world-wide flights to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“The airline business is a very competitive one.  Other more recently formed or previously restructured airlines have had distinct advantages over American.  We are confident that American’s leadership team along with those who lead and comprise its workforce will find ways to overcome the challenges in the times ahead.

“We are a region of 6.5 million people, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the fastest growing.   We can be exceptionally pleased that American Airlines has announced its plan to become a profitable, growing and even stronger member of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region and a great global world-class airline.”

(Aside:  DRC President Oberwetter serves on the board of the Greater Dallas Workforce Solutions board.)

The Dallas area is home to a large and diverse set of corporate headquarters, for good reason.  Our region has a tremendous set of assets that companies look for when choosing where to base.  We have much to sell, and our pitch is a good one, especially right now.

The U.S. economy and corporations are resetting.  The difficult business climates in California, Illinois and other key states are viewed in stark contrast to the operating environment in the Dallas area, and in Texas.  In the past few days, both leading corporate location magazines, Site Selection and Area Development, have named Texas the top State for doing business.

The Chamber’s strategic plan recognized this opportunity, and established the recruitment of corporate headquarters as a priority for our economic development program.  Already, populated by economic development investors, committees are assembled and working to identify, target and recruit best prospects in a highly organized fashion.

Manny Fernandez, KPMG, chairs the headquarters committee, which is further divided into four regional subcommittees; the West (chaired by Debra von Storch, Ernst & Young), Midwest (chaired by Phil Puckett, CBRE), the Sunbelt (chaired by Dwaine Saalman, Furniture Marketing Group), and the Northeast (chaired by Steve Good, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP).

Working with committee members, staff has developed a model to identify prospects for recruitment.  The model scores corporations as candidates for a move here based on criteria that impact corporate headquarters location.  Beyond objective scoring, subjective analysis is applied to refine our targets and the methods for contacting each.  Our goal, of course, is to engage corporate executives and market this region as the place to be, and from doing so win those jobs, taxpayers, community investments and other uplifts caused when a company chooses to move here.

Our committees are providing an invaluable service to the search for new companies to move to Dallas and the region.   But it is important to note that some of our best prospects, and some move ins, have arrived through calls we have received from individuals and companies who have great contacts across the country.   We want to know of companies you are aware of that are serious about making a move.   Let us hear from you if you have solid leads, we will do the follow up and together we will help grow North Texas.

On behalf of the Dallas Regional Chamber, I am writing to urge you to voice opposition to a White House proposal to reduce the federal deficit by charging more taxes and fees to the U.S. airline industry and the traveling public.

Airlines lost fifty-five billion dollars over the last decade and will no doubt try to offset additional federal airline taxes by raising air fares or reducing service. Passengers will be left with fewer choices for when and where to fly. To many of our member companies, having the most service options and affordable pricing are imperative to the success of their businesses. They need these options to continue to keep and increase economic prosperity in our region.

Nearly eleven million U.S. jobs are tied to commercial aviation. U.S. airlines have already shed 160,000 jobs over the last decade. Further increasing federal airline taxes and fees would eliminate hundreds of thousands of additional good-paying airline jobs. Having two major airline companies headquartered in the DFW area means that many jobs would be lost here in our region, making this proposal of significant importance to Dallas Regional Chamber.

The airline industry, which is struggling in today’s economy, simply cannot take another round of new taxes without reducing service and losing jobs. I urge you to take all steps to ensure that this proposal is not included in any deficit reduction package that goes before Congress for a vote.

Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if we can be helpful to your efforts.

Sincerely,

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President and CEO
Dallas Regional Chamber

Dallas Regional Chamber President & CEO Jim Oberwetter has fielded a call from the President of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Dick Fleming. Fleming wagered a case of Anheuser Busch products (made in St. Louis) to celebrate a World Series victory by the Arlington-based Texas Rangers or a case of Tums (whose global production is made next to Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis by GlaxoSmithKline) if the Texas Rangers lose.

Oberwetter countered with a case of Kimberly- Clark Corporation’s (headquartered in the Dallas area) Kleenex ™ facial tissues for all the tears to arrive when the Cardinals lose and a case-equivalent of 7-Eleven, Inc.’s (headquartered in Dallas) Slurpee® drink  should the Cardinals pull off a victory.

Oberwetter  and Fleming are colleagues on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and active baseball fans.  Prior to heading the Dallas Regional Chamber Oberwetter served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia under President George W. Bush, and prior to becoming CEO at the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, Fleming was CEO of the Greater Denver Chamber and their economic development organization.

For further information contact:

Lauren Parsons
Managing Director, Communications
Dallas Regional Chamber
lparsons@dallaschamber.org

Gary Broome
Vice President of Communications
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association
gbroome@stlrcga.org

The trip begins with a direct flight on Qantas Airways from DFW International Airport to Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, and the capital of Queensland. Brisbane is home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and an assortment of national parklands. With a population of over two million it is the largest economic center between Sydney and Singapore.

After leaving Brisbane the trip moves to Sydney, Australia’s largest and most famous city, which boasts attractions such as the world-renowned Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. One of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Sydney has something to offer for everyone. With a population of over four million people, this city has plenty of opportunity for your next big business deal.

Along with airfare and hotel accommodations, this executive Australia trip offers attendees guided tours of several local tourist destinations and business meetings set up by the Chambers. Additional time is included in the itinerary to explore and sight-see on your own. Some meals, taxes and gratuities are also included.

For more information, including the full itinerary, pricing & booking, please visit: www.qantasvacations.com/dfwtrip

Don’t delay, visit the website & book your seat today!

Congratulations to the NBA Championship winning Dallas Mavericks.  It was a quadruple win:  1. A winning team of champions whose coaching and ownership are of equal championship quality; 2. A winning arena, (a big city project that pays off 17 years ahead of schedule); 3. Winning fans that love the Mavericks thru thick and thin; and 4. A global win, with players who have proudly put us on the international stage.   Hats off to the Dallas Mavericks.

It is time to vote for Mayor

On Saturday, the citizens of Dallas will choose their next Mayor to lead the city for the next four years. We are fortunate to have two fine candidates to consider in the run-off election.  David Kunkle and Mike Rawlings, just as Dallas did, rose from humble beginnings and they have worked hard, one in business, one in public service, to achieve great success.  They are great examples of the American Dream with compelling life stories.

Both recognize the importance of economic growth on our city’s continued success.  The next Mayor must maintain a strong business climate leading to growth of existing companies, new corporate relocation and to the creation of jobs.  Similarly our neighborhoods are vital elements which enhance the city’s greatness and they need attention as well.

These are challenging times throughout the country and here at home.  However, Dallas is positioned for growth due in large part to our low taxes and reasonable regulations.   We need to take advantage of the times and market our city’s attributes around the nation and the world.

In a runoff election, especially during the summer months, people simply forget to vote or become otherwise engaged and fail to do so.  It is extremely important that you cast a ballot in the Mayor’s race and in the District 12 council runoff (for those of you in Far North Dallas).  I look forward to working with the new Mayor and city council to take advantage of the opportunities before us.

Be sure to exercise your right to vote on Saturday, and encourage your employees to do so as well.  The polls will be open from 7am to 7pm.

It is our time to visit Australia

We are exceedingly pleased to announce that the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce will undertake a joint trade mission to Australia, October 21-31, 2011.  And, because you are a chamber member, you and yours are invited to come along! 

This first ever arrangement of its kind will showcase our two large cities, this entire region and its companies to our counterparts in Sydney and Brisbane, the Australian arrival and departure points for the new  Qantas Airways direct flights to and from “Downunder,” and DFW.

We intend to do some business in Aussie Land as we see the sights and have some fun as well.   Since we almost speak the same language, it will make it comfortable on those who prefer an “easy, safe and language friendly overseas experience,” with so much to see and do.

The planning for this trip has been underway for some time.  Qantas Vacations, Australia’s most prestigious agency, has been chosen as our premier travel host.  The trip website is active so visit www.qantasvacations.com/dfwtrip and you will see why we are so excited about the trip.  Use it to learn more, to ask questions and then to make your reservation.

Within the next day Chamber members will receive an email from us that provides you with details of the trip.  Suffice it to say that the two Chamber staffs have worked very hard to provide you with a fantastic trip at a most affordable price, $4,595 air and land and other benefits.  (One person has already asked, “You mean that really includes airfare?”)  Yes, it does include airfare!  Be watching for the email and then respond as soon as you can so Qantas will provide us with enough seats on what will be a most popular adventure.

DFW Airport is calculating that the arrival of Qantas here will boost the local economy by more than $200 million a year in tourism, new business and trade.  It is more than worth noting that the economy in Australia is booming, with business needs of all kinds. It’s a perfect time for North Texas businesses to explore new exporting avenues abroad, in a place that is suddenly much more convenient to access.

We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to travel with some like-minded business men and women to the marsupial kingdom of the world.   It should be most enjoyable as DFW International Airport and Qantas now provide us with non-stop connections to another continent. Don’t delay, visit the website and book your space!

For more information on the trip, please contact Shannon Nail, email.