Leadership Dallas Class is Heavy on Responsibility

By Fred Halfpap, Leadership Dallas Class of 2012

I’m one of 53 people in the Leadership Dallas Class of 2012. Leadership Dallas is designed to engage leaders through education about the current state and needs of our community. On Friday February 3rd, 2012 I attended my sixth day of class. Classes are monthly and run from September through June. Each class focuses on one area such as education, government, criminal justice and most recently, human services.

The human services day was designed to inform class members, discuss the connectedness of human services and inspire action. Many of our speakers encouraged us to learn more about the issues that tug at our heart.

We heard from many passionate speakers and the great work they are doing. Larry James of City Square (www.citysquare.org) discussed poverty and homelessness and the importance of neighbors helping neighbors. Larry quoted national research that suggested 87% of homeless people could recover if they had sustainable housing to get back on their feet. We were encouraged to have more discussions around poverty and homelessness during the upcoming elections and to speak to our lawmakers and include questions on poverty. Continue reading

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Welcome January’s New Members

Welcome the 28 companies that joined the Dallas Regional Chamber in January. Want to know more about them? Click on the link below to visit their websites.

Life Benefits, Inc.
Guidance Moving Co., LLC
JP Realty Partners
Faith Camp Communications
Nasher Sculpture Center
Zamlin Corporation
FranklinCovey
Reading Partners
Copyblogger Media, LLC
Allen Moving, Inc.
White Rock Dental Care & Orthodontics
Preston Hollow Dental Care
Dough Bro’s Italian Kitchen
Buyers Barricades, Inc.
Walton Development and Management (USA), Inc.
Paragon Outlets
AccessMedia 
Security Finance Corporation
PROVISTA
Copart
Fatboy USA, LLC
CyrusOne
NightHawk Investigations, Inc.
Animato
MDI Group
Johnson Controls Inc.
Abbott Labs
Protiviti, Inc.

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Public Policy Pulse 2/7/12

Scattershooting while wondering whatever happened to super weatherman Troy Dungan.

Redistricting 7.0 “Keep Hope Alive”

Earlier this week, the State released newer maps with the hope they will allow the court to finalize them in time to have primary elections in April.  The three federal judges in San Antonio will meet on February 15th. The new maps show more resemblance to those approved by the Texas Legislature than the maps drawn the three judge panel.  The new Texas House map includes 97 districts out of 150 where Senator John McCain beat President Obama.  The Texas Senate map includes 20 out of 31 districts won by McCain.  The U.S. House map has 24 of 36 districts where voters chose Sarah Palin over Joe Biden as Vice President.

Déjà vu all over again, again – Federal Reauthorization of the transportation program at a crossroads

The DRC signed on in support of a US Chamber letter to Congress encouraging them to pass legislation for a new transportation program.  Meanwhile the House and Senate made progress last week on long-term surface transportation bills but it appears their routes may not intersect.  Each bill is different in terms of cost, length, and funding.  They will have to work out their differences by the end of February in order to avoid yet another short-term fix.

Water is Worth Fighting For

The Tarrant Regional Water District is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court the dismissal of a federal lawsuit that seeks access to water supplies in southeastern Oklahoma.  Tarrant Regional is seeking to purchase excess water from Oklahoma before it enters the Red River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.  They want to invalidate Oklahoma laws which pose burdens on interstate commerce.  The water district remains eager to negotiate with Oklahoma to purchase new supplies of water.  In related news, the Oklahoma Sooners 2012 Football recruiting class includes 7 young men from Texas and 3 from Oklahoma. Continue reading

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Introduction to IP Basics – Part 3: Issues in IP Ownership

By Jeremy Vickers, Director, Innovation

If I file for a patent in the U.S. does it cover international patent claims?

When filing for a patent in the U.S. it is important to think through the different market applications of your product or service. Will you do business in a foreign country? If so, which countries? If not, would someone in another country using your IP be a barrier to your company’s success?

Filing for a U.S. patent does not cover your claims internationally, but rather gives you the right for a given amount of time to pursue international coverage. It is important to weigh the risks of filing fees vs. not being covered in another country.

What are the costs associated with filing internationally?

The cost to file internationally depends significantly on the country in which you file, how many countries, and whether you file through the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty). The costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over one hundred thousand dollars if you decide to file with dozens of countries. It is also important to note that filing a PCT may cost more than filing in each country individually, but it should streamline the process. As well, it will allow for a 30 month window (from initial application in U.S.) for filing rather than a 12 month window under the Paris Convention. Continue reading

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Member Insight: Smashburger

By Kristine Mansour, Director, Member Services

Smashburger, a nationally acclaimed industry-leading “better burger” restaurant, joined the Dallas Regional Chamber as a top investor member in early 2011.  To highlight Smashburger after its first full year of active membership, our chamber wanted to get to know local Smashburger franchise owner, Tye Williams, a little bit better.

Smashburger

My favorite part of Dallas is… the Meyerson Symphony Center.  My wife and I truly enjoy the many performances of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the special entertainers that perform throughout the year.  Continue reading

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How Well Do Americans Know Their U.S. Senators?

By Fred Guerra, Director, Public Policy & Education

US Capitol

Test Your Knowledge

Did you excel in civics or government in high school? Do your children know more about our Federal Government than you? Let’s find out……What well-known U.S. Senator has been recognized for his/her outstanding public service by the following ten diverse, distinct groups? Continue reading

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Five Questions with CIO Magazine Editor in Chief, Maryfran Johnson

Posted By: Erica Flores, Industry Clusters and Economic Development

Maryfran Johnson was named Editor in Chief of CIO magazine and events in January 2009. A longtime journalist and editor, she brings more than 20 years of experience covering IT leadership, technology and business trends to her role, along with an extensive network of CIO contacts from previous leadership positions at Computerworld and CIO Decisions magazine.

The Dallas Regional Chamber is proud to partner with CIO Magazine for CIO Perspectives, a one-day IT executive event packed with informative sessions and professional networking opportunities.  Maryfran will moderate the February 16th event in Dallas, and we were fortunate enough to catch up with her to ask a couple questions about the latest buzz. Continue reading

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Dallas Regional Chamber’s Statement on American Airlines’ Proposed Job Plan

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.)

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News Release: Startup Texas expands with the launch of Startup DFW

The Startup America region of North Texas will create a collaborative ecosystem to empower entrepreneurs and spur innovation.

Dallas/Fort Worth area entrepreneurs and the Dallas Regional Chamber announced the launch of Startup DFW, a regional initiative of the Startup Texas chapter working with the Startup America Partnership, the national organization dedicated to helping young companies grow in order to spur job creation across the country.

The Dallas/Forth Worth Metroplex launch of Startup Texas is the first step in helping create a collaborative ecosystem for the entrepreneurial community in North Texas. Along with partnerships with key organizations such as The Dallas Regional Chamber and the North Texas RCIC, Startup DFW will focus on uniting entrepreneurial leaders across the entire DFW metroplex, encouraging the use of shared resources, and creating a community of innovation and cooperation. Texas is one of the initial eight states that have launched Startup America regions across the country, and will be joined by nine additional regions today on Startup America’s one-year anniversary.

“The DFW area is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity, from new technology startups to Fortune 500 corporations encouraging innovation in their current businesses.  We believe now is the perfect time to inject the resources, relationships, and capital that Startup DFW can provide,” said Jason Illian, CEO of Rethink Books and Co-Chair of Startup DFW.  Leveraging the national resources of Startup America, the goal of Startup DFW and Startup Texas is to create jobs and spur entrepreneurial activity across the state.

There will be a local event held in February for companies in the DFW area that would like to participate or support Startup DFW.  More details on this will follow as the event nears.

“We are excited that Startup DFW has launched as a part of the Startup Texas Region,” said Scott Case, CEO of the Startup America Partnership. “We are encouraged to see the collaborative spirit that the DFW metroplex is demonstrating as an example of how the entire state of Texas will work together to facilitate resources, relationships, and benefits to its thriving entrepreneurial community.”

By combining the power of the Startup America Partnership’s national network along with the local resources and capital opportunities across Texas, entrepreneurs will be able to access key tools which will provide business with a high potential for growth creating more jobs and a boom to the local economy.

Startup Texas will work to provide assistance to entrepreneurs in the following areas:

  • Expertise: Connect entrepreneurs with training, mentors, advisors and accelerators
  • Services: Provide entrepreneurs access to critical services at reduced costs
  • Talent: Assist entrepreneurs in recruiting and training the people that can help them grow
  • Customers: Help to scale startups through new and existing markets
  • Capital: Highlight sources of capital available to entrepreneurs in various regions and sectors

“I am confident that by fostering a collaborative ecosystem through a solid network of resources, availability of capital and a strong community of entrepreneurial leaders that Startup DFW will propel the growing entrepreneurial community in DFW to a global stage,” said Trey Bowles, serial entrepreneur and Co-Chair of Startup Texas.

To get involved with Startup Texas and Startup DFW communities throughout North Texas, young companies, entrepreneurial leaders and potential partners should visit www.startuptx.us and http://www.startupdfw.org

About The Dallas Regional Chamber
The Dallas Regional Chamber(DRC) is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The DRC works to ensure the Dallas region will become the most economically prosperous region – and the most desirable place to live and work – in the United States. The DRC recognizes that an innovative economy is at the core of our region’s vitality and quality of life and is committed to developing, promoting and sustaining the Dallas region as a global leader in technology and innovation. Its activities bring together business leaders, universities, entrepreneurial organizations, accelerators and incubators, policymakers, and capital providers to engage in a dialogue on how best to build on regional industry cluster strengths while fostering new innovation and ideas. These initiatives, if successful, can attract capital investment into the Dallas region, create new companies or expand existing ones, and create substantial new job growth while increasing the region’s competitiveness and productivity. For more information, please contact the Dallas Regional Chamber at (214) 746-6600 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.

About the Startup America Partnership
The Startup America Partnership was launched at the White House in response to President Obama’s call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. The Partnership is bringing together an alliance of major corporations, funders, service providers, mentors and advisors working to dramatically increase the prevalence and success of high-growth enterprises in the U.S. AOL co-founder Steve Case chairs the Partnership and the Kauffman and Case Foundations are founding partners. American Express OPEN, Dell Inc., Intuit Inc., and Microsoft are sponsors. The Partnership will identify, measure and report on the effectiveness of cross-sector collaboration in support of entrepreneurial ventures and its effect on job creation and growth. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.startupamericapartnership.org.

Media Contact
Trey Bowles
Startup DFW/Startup Texas
917.362.4231
trey.bowles@startupdfw.org

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Texas Entrepreneur’s Network Releases 2011 Startup Capital Report

By Jeremy Vickers, Director, Innovation

Thanks to our friends at TXEN, we got our hands on this outstanding report today. We’ve attached a link for your review, but in case you don’t have time we’ll summarize the highlights.

First, North Texas rocks at getting startups investment as compared to other regions in Texas. Second, North Texas may not rock quite as much as we thought, especially if you remove the outliers (a $300M deal and a $645M deal). So which is it? Both of the large deals do skew the averages a bit, but they resemble a great trend that we are growing successful companies here. If we remove the two large deals, we were competitive with Central Texas/Austin and far above Gulf Coast/Houston. While we are seeing more deals funded in our region by a wide variety of investors, we are still not seeing as many early stage deals raise the capital they need to grow. Continue reading

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