July 2011 Archives

As many as 85 families are displaced from their homes due to a fire last night at The Heights apartments in Irving. These apartments are located at the intersection of Pioneer Dr. and Irving Heights. The fire destroyed 24 units at this complex. Reportedly there were no serious injuries related to this fire. Some 80 residents of the complex will have to be relocated; the other 40 are from a nearby building that lost utilities due to the fire.

This has affected a number of students who attend Irving ISD schools.  Tomorrow, Friday July 29, and possibly into next week, breakfast and lunch will be available to these families at Gilbert Elementary School.  For anyone 18 years of age and younger meals will be provided free of charge.  Adults will be charged $1.75 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch.  For now, many of these families will be staying at the Senter Park Recreation Center on Senter Rd. with assistance from the Red Cross.

Join the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Michaels Stores as we celebrate our teachers in Irving with the Back to School Luncheon. For 56 years, the Chamber and Irving ISD have hosted a luncheon welcoming teachers and introducing them to the Irving business community.  

As one of the most accommodating business communities in the region, Irving businesses can continue to support the Irving ISD and their teachers by standing beside them. Donate a give-a-way item for our Chamber goody bag, become a teacher sponsor, or an event sponsor to truly show off your school spirit. Lets start off the school year by giving Irving's teachers the welcome they deserve. Click Here to print the sponsor flyer or click the image above to register for the event. Sign up today!

For more information, please contact Alysia Bell at 214-217-8484.

More than 70 business leaders interested in the expansion of SH-183 gathered for lunch at Los Lupes Mexican Restaurant in Irving Mall for an update from the City of Irving. 

City Councilman Roy Santoscoy was emcee for the luncheon and updates were presented by State Representative Linda Harper-Brown, Dan Vedral, Traffic Director for the City, and Doug Janeway, Real Estate Director for the City. 

The event was organized by the Chamber to keep business leaders informed on progress of the SH-183 project.

Irving residents are encouraged to come out and meet with newly elected Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne and City Council members from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at one of three upcoming Town Hall Meetings.

• July 27, Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St.
• Aug. 2, Irving Mall, 3880 Irving Mall (lower level, food court entrance)
• Aug. 10, Ranchview High School, 8401 Valley Ranch Parkway East

The interactive meetings will be facilitated by City Council members and will allow residents to weigh in on community matters including the 2011-12 Strategic Plan, Heritage Crossing redevelopment, proposed entertainment venue, city budget and public safety.

"This town hall meeting format breaks new ground and allows for more interaction with the residents and their elected officials," said Van Duyne. "We want to hear from our residents and are hopeful that those who have not had the opportunity to be as involved in the community will join us for one of the Town Hall Meetings."

For more information, call (972) 721-2521.

US Pan Asian-American Chamber of Commerce - Southwest Region (USPAACC-SW) will celebrate the chamber's 10^th Anniversary Asian-American Business EXPO on Aug. 17, 2011.  The EXPO will be held at the Arlington Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This year's EXPO will feature a Transportation Summit with speakers from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways (BNSF), American Airlines, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and DFW Airport which will provide critical insights on doing business with the transportation industry. During the award luncheon, top executives from Verizon Business, Lockheed Martin, Texas Health Resources, and Texas Instruments will share a View from the Top, a discussion about the latest trends and minority procurement opportunities in their respective industries.  The EXPO will once again feature the popular One-on-One Business Matchmaking session which connects Asian-American suppliers with corporate and government buyers.

Over the past 10 years, the EXPO has provided a compelling and informative platform for hundreds of Asian-American suppliers and entrepreneurs to connect with buyers and key decision-makers from corporate America and government agencies. The EXPO will bring individual consumers, Asian-American suppliers, non-profit organizations, government agencies and major corporations together under one roof for business-to-business matching and networking opportunities.  To register for the EXPO, view the agenda, and learn more about the event, visit www.uspaacc-sw.org.

EXPO corporate sponsors include Verizon Communications, Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, Texas Health Resources, Baylor Research Institute, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, WinStar World Casinos, Arlington Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Atmos Energy, Texas Instruments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, City of Dallas, Tarrant County College District, University of Texas at Arlington, Army & Air Force Exchange Services, Ironstone Bank, the Coca-Cola Company, Coldwell Banker, and Methodist Health System. Asian sponsors include iTech, Quasitum, Software Professionals Inc., Hypernet Solutions, Global Resource Management Inc., MSL Express, SHI, Meridian Office System, and Polytronix, Inc.

About USPAACC-SW
USPAACC-SW is a non-profit organization affiliated with national USPAACC headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to represent all Asian-American groups in business by promoting and nurturing professional development. Since its inception, USPAACC has been the preeminent voice for Asian-Americans in the area of supplier diversity advocacy and Asian-American business certification.  

For additional information please contact:

Sophia Kwong
sophia@uspaacc-sw.org

+1.682.367.1393

Research In Motion (RIM) announced that it has received FIPS 140-2 certification for the new BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet, making the BlackBerry PlayBook the first tablet certified for deployment within U.S. federal government agencies. No other tablet on the market has gained Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) certification from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is required under the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA).

"RIM is pleased to announce that the BlackBerry PlayBook is the first tablet approved under FIPS for use within the U.S. federal government," said Scott Totzke, Senior Vice President, BlackBerry Security at Research In Motion. "This certification demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of security-conscious organizations and enables the U.S. federal government to buy with confidence knowing that the PlayBook meets their computing policy requirements for protecting sensitive information."
 
BlackBerry PlayBook is a powerful, ultra-portable tablet that fits comfortably in one hand. It has a stunning 7-inch high resolution display, offers true multi-tasking capabilities and a high-fidelity web experience. It also allows for secure pairing with BlackBerry® smartphones via the BlackBerry® Bridge™ app, which enables users to access their BlackBerry smartphone's email, calendar, address book, memo pad, task list, BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) and browsing functionality using the larger display on the tablet.

The FIPS-certified BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is being showcased this week in Washington DC at FOSE - the largest Federal government information technology conference in the U.S. - where BlackBerry PlayBook has just been awarded Best in Show, and also Best of FOSE in the Handheld Devices category.

More information about the BlackBerry PlayBook is available at www.blackberry.com/playbook.

The Chamber's Second Education Forum for Residential Realtors featured the Superintendents, Principals, Administrators, and Parents of Irving ISD and C-FB ISD. The forum offers education advancements and answers hot topic Q&A for local residential realtors wanting more tools to sell homes in Irving. 

The second forum in the three-part summer series hosted over thirty of Irving's Residential Realtors, HR Relocators, and Education Stakeholders on July 19th. Speakers highlighted charter school education, featuring representatives from all three of Irving's charter schools:  North Hills Prep (Uplift Education), Universal Academy, and Winfree Academy. 

A special thanks to the charter school forum sponsors, including Home Warranty of America, Hexter-Fair Title Company, and Lighthouse Engineering.  The group was invited to return on August 25, 2011 for the final forum revisiting public education and featuring Irving ISD and C-FB ISD.

Interesting in attending the third forum? Contact Alysia Bell at 214-217-8480 for more information.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Wal-Mart announced Irving, Texas, as the next stop for its national Green Builds Business Program. The two-day Green Builds Business program will focus on the retail/restaurant industry and car dealerships and will be led by Bill Roth, Founder of Earth 2017. The training will take place at the Studios at Las Colinas on Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28, 2011.

The Green Builds Business Program is a full day of coaching on best practices adopted by business owners in an effort to lower operating costs, increase revenues, and motivate workers by incorporating sustainable efforts into their overall business models.

"The Green Builds Business program would not be possible without the support of Walmart who joined us in this effort to educate business owners on how to grow their businesses by going green," says Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO. "We are also very proud to collaborate with the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to make this program a success for their members."

The USHCC Foundation will select 20 small businesses from Irving to participate in two one-day workshops on best practices for:

• Pricing, marketing, and branding that grow green revenues.
• Reducing environmental footprint and operating costs.
• Motivating work associates with opportunities that help the company and the planet.

Your company will also:

• Have the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching/technical assistance (valued at $6000).
• Obtain a 'Certificate of Completion' from the USHCC.
• Obtain a great deal of visilibity as part of a National Training Program. 

Asusena Resendiz, President of the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce says, "The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation is leading the way in creating a stronger environment and helping make our city more environmentally sustainable through its Green Builds Business Program and we anticipate a lot of participation, as well as significant benefits from the program in the future."

For more information, please contact the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 972.721.2273.

 Download the application here

The October issue of D CEO will include a feature on the Coolest Work Spaces in Dallas. They are asking designers, brokers, and property owners to tell about some of the most unusual and/or stunning interiors--spaces that are so cool, employees love coming to work every day.

All Chamber members and Irving businesses are invited to apply. If you know of work environments that are anything but ordinary, whether it's your own office or your client's, feel free to send in your suggestion. Please submit by July 25 to christine.perez@dmagazine.com.

The 26 foot tall banner that stretches across the front of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C., spells out our nation's biggest challenge and our highest priority in one word-J-O-B-S. That banner has served as a reminder to us and to all of Washington for nearly 15 months where our focus must be.

But over that same time period, we've seen the economy sputter. The June jobs report showed a discouraging rise in unemployment-9.2%. It's more than 16% when you include part-timers who can't find full-time work and those who have dropped out of the workforce altogether. A new survey released by the Chamber shows that 64% of small business executives say that they are not expecting to add to their payrolls in the next year. Another 12% plan to cut jobs.

That's the bad news. The good news is that the fundamental can-do spirit of the American people hasn't changed-neither has its free enterprise principles. We saw that firsthand at the Chamber's second annual Jobs Summit on July 12, bringing together businesses large and small to brainstorm what it's going to take to keep and create jobs and to turn around the economy.

The Chamber believes that stronger and faster economic growth is the best way to successfully put Americans back to work. For the past two years, however, we've treated the symptoms with few results. We must clear away government impediments and the resulting uncertainty that has strangled businesses, stifled our economy's ability to grow, and slowed job creation. With government out of the way and the principles of free enterprise driving growth, we can deliver more customers for businesses, more revenues for government, and, most importantly, more jobs for Americans.

How do we do that? We must increase domestic energy production and reinvest in our nation's crumbling transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. We must expand trade to send more American goods to customers across the globe, starting with ratification of free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama. Regulatory burdens that hamstring American businesses must be eliminated so we can bring certainty back to the markets. And we must make long-term investments in our workforce, in our capital markets, and in technology innovations that will keep us globally competitive.

America has strong demographics, abundant natural resources, the world's most productive workers, and a long history of picking ourselves up when we are down. We can do it again-and we must do it again to ensure our future prosperity.

Tom Donohue

President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Following are highlights from the City of Irving Operations Update which outlines city activities and results over the past few weeks. The entire Operations Update is available here.

Strategic Goal No. 3: Economic Development

Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Honors - The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) received the 2011 Pinnacle Award from "Successful Meetings" magazine and the 2011 Award of Excellence from "Corporate & Incentive Travel" magazine. Both awards celebrate hospitality excellence by identifying the convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, and conference centers that set the industry standard for others to follow. Recipients of both awards are selected by loyal subscribers, based upon real-life meeting experiences and travel programs.

Strategic Goal No. 4: Safe and Secure City

Police No Refusal Weekend Results - During the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Irving Police Department partnered with approximately 200 law enforcement agencies across Texas for DWI enforcement. Motorists arrested for suspected DWI were transported to the Police Department for a blood test. A judge was present to authorize a warrant for a blood draw on all refusals. A total of 31 DWI arrests were made by officers, which includes six arrests by officers working their normal patrol shifts.

Strategic Goal No. 6: Effective Communications

Online Video Views - Irving Community Television Network has averaged more than 10,000 views of online videos per month via YouTube and ICTN on Demand combined for the past six months. Some of the most popular videos have been Wild Pigs in Irving, Facebook Leads to Pet Adoptions and West Irving Aquatic Center Grand Opening. Online videos can be viewed at www.ictn.tv or www.youtube.com/thecityofirving. New videos are posted on a regular basis.

Strategic Goal No. 7: Cultural, Recreational and Educational Environments

West Irving Library - The West Irving Library continues to see tremendous growth in program attendance, especially in events for children. Storytimes have experienced an increase of 200 percent in average storytime attendance with 117 people visiting Friday morning storytime. Children's special event family programming also experienced a record 200 visitors in June.

Genghis Khan Exhibition Attendance - During the first month of opening, "Ghengis Khan: The Exhibition" has welcomed visitors from 861 ZIP codes. Through July 24, two Mongolian artists, N. Ashid, a horsehead fiddle player and throat singer and member of the Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia, and B. Batmend, a two-stringed lute player and traditional long-song singer, are performing within the exhibition. Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays, at the top of each hour between noon and 5 p.m. For a complete listing of upcoming events, visit www.khanirving.com.

The Dallas Business Journal is hosting a luncheon in September to announce the Winners of the Best Places to Work for 2011. Congratulations to Irving-based Shermco Industries, Insperity, and Darling Homes for another nomination.

Here is a brief summary of Reminder Items, Notices, Special Messages, and Major Street/Lane Restrictions coming up soon:
 

• Nights of July 18 and 19 - Night restrictions of the two right lanes of the westbound SH 114 frontage road from Loop 12 to Cistercian (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
• The nights of July 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 - Expect restrictions of the westbound SH 114 frontage road, including the onramp to SH 114 at Cistercian from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On August 13, social media, blog and traditional journalism experts will broaden the depth and scope of TEXSOM, solidifying its position as the country's preeminent wine conference.   As in years prior, leading wine professionals and connoisseurs from across the nation will gather at Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas on August 13-15 to share wine knowledge.  However, this newly added Media and Technology Symposium will take that spirit a step further by teaching attendees how to stay better connected with each other and consumers as the wine subculture becomes increasingly mainstream. 

For the Symposium, seating is limited to 50 guests.  For more information or to register, visit http://texsom.com/.  In its seventh year, the conference's core values and focus remains the same:  top-notch wine education at affordable prices.   

In addition to the daylong Media and Technology Symposium on August 13, TEXSOM offers two days of wine seminars led by the world's top experts and a grand tasting.  Wine lovers of any level will appreciate the Monday, August 15 Grand Tasting (150 wines, $75) and the Sunday, August 14 classes ($150 for five seminars and lunch).  Although open to the public, these classes are also appropriate for those working in the industry-- such as distributor representatives, sommeliers, restaurant managers and servers. 

Through Sept. 30, the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., is hosting Genghis Khan: The Exhibition. Attendees will relive Khan's epic rise to power. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children. Discounts are available for groups, seniors and Art Connection members. To purchase tickets, visit www.khanirving.com or call (972) 252-2787. View ICTN footage from Gengis Khan: The Exhibition on YouTube. 

The Irving Heritage Society will be expanding their list of docents for tours at the Heritage House. Tours are offered on the first Sunday afternoon of the month, March-December, plus special group tours.  There will be a docent information meeting on August 2, Tuesday, at 2pm in the Heritage House, 303 South O'Connor.  

Men or women docents are needed on the substitute list as well as serving on a more scheduled basis.  Next year will be the 100^th anniversary of the Heritage House.  It was built in 1912 and is a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark.  For more information, contact 972-252-3838.

Irving-Las Colinas Chamber Investor HOLT CAT, the Caterpillar® Equipment and Engine dealer for South, Central, North and North East Texas announces an upcoming job fair here in Irving to fill more than 20 positions.  The job fair will be held on Saturday, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at HOLT CAT's facility at 2000 E. Airport Freeway in Irving.

HOLT will be interviewing for shop and in-the-field Heavy Equipment, Engine and Truck Service Technicians. Positions are available in Irving, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lewisville and at other HOLT CAT locations across Texas.  HOLT CAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be given equal consideration regardless of race, age, gender, religion, nation origin, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.

For a complete list of job openings and information on HOLT CAT, visit holtcat.com.

This workshop will prepare you for a lifetime of less pain. A panel of experts including orthopedic surgeons, a neurosurgeon and a rheumatologist will help you to indentify signs of bone and joint degeneration and disease before it is too late. The program will include advice on how to protect your joints, how to minimize pain and when and who to contact regarding diagnosis and treatment of your back, bone or joint related issues.

July 20^th at 6 P.M.

Las Colinas Medical Center

6800 N MacArthur Blvd

Irving, TX 75039

For more information:

Visit: http://lascolinasmedical.com/spirit/

Or call: 972.969.2626

The Sounds of Mexico Concert held Friday July 8, 2011 at the Irving Arts Center, which was organized by the Irving Sister Cities program, was a resounding success as attested by the smiling faces of the attendees! 

Joe Chapa, Executive Director of the Irving Sister Cities Program, kicked off the evening with a brief welcome to all on behalf of the Irving Sister Cities Board, the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber and the City of Irving, and an introduction of official government dignitaries visiting from Leon, Guanajuato.

The crowd, who appeared not to want the evening to end, pleaded for and was rewarded with several encores.  Many sang along with the performers in the grand finale.  The evening event feted local tenor, Miguel Lopez.  Lopez sang a range of pieces including Italian classics from the 1600's and finishing with the ever popular songs of Maria Grever, the prolific writer who hailed from Leon, Guanajuato. 

In the commentary between songs during the concert, Lopez spoke of his admiration for the cultural contribution of Maria Grever who was whisked from Leon to New York in 1916 by her American husband, whom she had met only four days before when he visited Guanajuato to be best man at Maria's sister's wedding. Maria lived in New York until her death in 1951 at age 57. 

Although she had composed some widely successful songs before her marriage, one of which sold over one million copies, it was while in New York that she composed the majority of her work.  It is estimated that she wrote over 800 pieces.  Many of her compositions have been internationalized and are easily recognized. 

In addition to Lopez performance, soprano Olga Pelaez' sweet and clear voice complemented and balanced the evening with musical selections presented in Italian, French, English and Spanish.  The audience's applause, including several standing ovations, made it clear they appreciated and enjoyed Olga's impressive range and polished performance. 

Internationally renowned "Maestro" Felipe Ramirez who also performs with ENVISO, the Irving Symphonic Orchestra, was a critical part of the concert.  The Spanish born pianist offered several world-class solos, including one of his own compositions.  His symphonic virtuosity was evident throughout the performances and accompaniment of the arias.  Particularly impressive was his ability to skillfully exert the piano presence while accompanying the tenor, whereas subtly and masterfully flowing in a more nuanced accompaniment of the soprano numbers.  

Miguel Lopez was helped during the commentary he made in Spanish by translator, Carlos Gallegó, who attempted to provide a concise English translation of this cultural bonus in the program; however, Carlos appeared at times to be awe-struck by the enthusiastic and verbose spontaneity of Miguel's effusive commentary.  On several occasions all that Carlos could say was "Wow!"  He did do a creditable job, though, and was duly applauded by the joyful crowd.

The evening was a great success, leaving the happy crowd wishing for more. 

Irving Sister Cities spokesman, Joe Chapa, commented that they will work to bring to the Irving community more events of this caliber and appeal, and suggested that those interested stay tuned to the Calendar of events posted on the website of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce (www.irvingchamber.com).

The program was funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Center.  Irving's Sister City of Leon, Guanajuato, also helped fund the program by covering the expenses to fly soprano, Olga Pelaez, to Dallas to participate in the program.  Generous sponsors include:  Univison, El Heraldo News, Cressman Tubular Products Corp., Bitmore Technologies, KPMG, Mito Financial, Omega Environmental Technologies, My Website Pronto, U.S.-Mexico Cultural & Educational Foundation and the Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas.

For additional information about the concert or other Irving Sister Cities activities, please contact Joe Chapa by telephone at 214-217-8484 or by email at: jchapa@irvingchamber.com.

Congratulations to Jeremy Taylor for being nominated as the June Ambassador for the Chamber.

Ambassadors are responsible for reaching out to new members that join the chamber to welcome them, get them involved and make sure that they are receiving everything they need. He is very active and committed to attending events and supporting the chamber.

• Nights of July 11, 12, 13, 14 - Night restrictions of the two right lanes of the westbound SH 114 frontage road from Loop 12 to Cistercian (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
• Night of July 11, full closure of the southbound 161 frontage road between Gateway and Belt Line (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
• July 12, left lane closure of the northbound SH 161 frontage road.
• July 14, left lane closure of the southbound SH 161 frontage road.

As you may have heard, recently the House Transportation Committee leaders rolled out a new six-year transportation reauthorization proposal. Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL) and Committee leaders presented a framework for a six-year reauthorization of federal highway, transit and highway safety programs.

 The Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, along with the City of Irving, has been following this issue for more than a year and we wanted to forward on to you this statement from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Chamber Statement on House Transportation Reauthorization Proposal

'Addressing the Nation's Transportation Challenges is Key to
Economic Growth and Output,' Kavinoky Says 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Transportation and Infrastructure, Janet Kavinoky, issued the following statement today regarding the House Transportation and Infrastructure transportation reauthorization proposal:

"We commend Chairman Mica on his new direction for surface transportation and the outline of changes that can deliver a more effective and efficient federal transportation programs. We agree with the Chairman that 'the American people want the federal government to ensure their hard-earned tax dollars are wisely and effectively invested in improvements for the nation's infrastructure.'

"Unfortunately, while his legislation tracks the Chamber's recommendations for reauthorization, it does not in terms of funding.  It is clear the Committee has been constrained by the House-passed budget as the investment levels are unacceptable. Cuts will destroy - rather than support - existing jobs and will not enable creation of the additional jobs needed to put the 16.3% of unemployed workers in the construction industry back to work.  The 35% cut from current funding as laid out in the House budget will be devastating to construction and related industries-materials, equipment, design and engineering. As important, in the long run, disinvestment results in a less competitive economy and a drag on GDP due to underperforming infrastructure.

"Regardless of reforms, allowing a 35% cut in highway and transit investment will affect the availability and condition of infrastructure, the quality of service, and the capacity to handle future growth. Transportation needs will not disappear but conditions will get worse, and the cost to address them will be higher as materials, labor, and land get more expensive.

"An alternative exists.  Recently members of the Senate Environment and Public Works outlined a surface transportation proposal that includes needed policy and program reforms and maintains funding levels at current services.  Doing this for two years requires identifying $12 billion in additional resources over the next two years.

"Addressing the nation's transportation challenges is key to economic growth and output. The United States cannot get back on its feet economically if the surface transportation networks cannot move people and goods efficiently. If doubling exports in the U.S. is going to be an achievable objective to help create jobs, we need to be able to move those exports.

"As the process moves forward, the Chamber pledges to work with the Chairman and the House to advance bold reforms while identifying the resources needed to prevent these drastic funding cuts."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

The City of Irving received three first-place state awards from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) for its communications programs.

The resident newsletter "City Spectrum" was recognized with a TAMI award for the second consecutive year. The other two TAMI awards honored Irving Community Television Network's "City Source" news show and a Texas Stadium feature. The awards were presented June 10 during TAMIO's annual conference in Frisco.

"City staff does an outstanding job at getting the word out about city events, activities and services in as many ways as possible," said Mayor Pro Tem Rose Cannaday, chairwoman of the council's Communications Committee. "To receive first place in three categories is very impressive, especially considering the fact that Irving's products are compared with larger cities across Texas."

"City Spectrum" is mailed to every household in Irving and posted to www.cityofirving.org monthly. Irving residents can view ICTN programming on ICTN 1 (Time Warner Channel 16 or Verizon Channel 30); ICTN 2 (Time Warner Channel 95 or Verizon Channel 31); or ICTN 3 (Time Warner Channel 96 or Verizon Channel 32). Internet users can access the complete ICTN schedule and on-demand programming 24/7 at www.ictn.tv or www.cityofirving.org.

As the 82nd legislative session drew to a close, the Texas State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1420, which authorizes Irving to accelerate the expansion of State Highway 183. The bill allows the Texas Department of Transportation to negotiate with private partners to complete funding for long-anticipated improvements to the nine-mile corridor from State Highway 161 to Interstate 35E.

The bill, which was introduced by State Representative Linda Harper-Brown, provides the final component for roadway funding. The lane expansion plan calls for the construction of two- to three-lane frontage roads, four non-toll main lanes and two managed toll lanes in each direction.

"The local support for the expansion of State Highway 183 has been overwhelming, which is why it was a top priority for me this session," said Harper-Brown. "The authority provided in this bill will allow State Highway 183, a critical artery in the movement of people and materials through Irving and North Texas, to be expanded in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The completion of this project will greatly benefit Irving families and businesses."

Irving Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Rick Stopfer led the City of Irving's pursuit for legislative approval, and also chaired the State Highway 183 Stakeholders Coalition that brought surrounding local governments and businesses to the table for a joint advocacy effort.

"Working together, the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, the cities of Dallas and Irving, along with elected officials in Austin are moving forward with a great opportunity by improving east/west connectivity, relieving congestion and maximizing development along the State Highway 183 corridor," said Stopfer.

Local firms already have expressed interest in participating in the State Highway 183 project and the city is moving forward with plans to review possible contract options. Support for the bill was broad and included significant assistance from Irving's business community.

"A public/private partnership will ensure an accelerated construction timeframe, which means minimal disruption to our businesses along the corridor and greater access points for the many businesses that distribute products from the State Highway 183 area," said Chris Wallace, president/CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.

If you are a business along the Airport Freeway corridor, there will be a Business Leader Update luncheon on July 25th at the Los Lupes in the Irving Mall. The luncheon is to update business leaders on the current status of the 183 expansion and construction activity. Contact the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce at 214.217.8484 for more information.

The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) released its 2010 Visitor Impact Studies, an annual survey of visitor contributions to the community. With a mission to market and promote Irving as a premier destination, the results of the ICVB directly enhance the city's economy and quality of life.

Visitor Spending

In 2010, Irving welcomed 2.66 million visitors, up 2.8 percent from 2009. Visitors spent $1.24 billion in the city, an increase of 3 percent. Nearly $350 million of that spending was in Irving restaurants, and for many, that represented more than 60 percent of their annual revenues.

On the average day, Irving sees 19,519 visitors who spend $3.4 million. More than 12,142 jobs are supported by the Irving visitor industry. Visitor spending backs an estimated 3,720 hotel industry jobs and 5,585 jobs in restaurants and food-related industries.

New Convention Center

The new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is already enhancing visitor impact, driving new visitors to the city particularly on the weekends. Visitors contribute immediate cash spending in Irving, supporting hundreds of businesses large and small, complemented by unbiased word-of-mouth reviews about their experience. In the first four months the convention center has been open, it has welcomed more than 103 events, more than 65,000 people and filled more than 12,000 hotel rooms.

Revenue Generated

Taxes directly generated by the visitor industry include revenues from hotel tax, sales taxes and property taxes paid by hotels. The hotel industry generates the majority of this revenue, with the combination of hotel tax and property taxes on hotels creating more than $38.1 million in revenue. Hotel occupancy taxes not only support the sales and marketing operations of the ICVB and the convention center, they also fund the Irving Arts Center, City Archives, and Jackie Townsell and Mustangs of Las Colinas museums. A portion of the hotel taxes generated also support the city's budget through an administrative fee charged to hotel occupancy tax recipients.

Benefit to Residents

Sales and property taxes generated by visitor spending and Irving's hotels go directly to the budgets of the city and school districts. That number totaled $21.9 million in 2010. The contribution makes it possible for Irving residents to enjoy city services that would cost every Irving household an additional $461 a year in taxes. Irving's direct investment in tourism is through the operating budget of the ICVB, an investment which sees a return in a multitude of ways: a $215-to-$1 return in visitor spending, $47-to-$1 return in industry payroll and $6-to-$1 return in tax revenues. Increasing the spending strength of visitors in the community helps the city achieve its vision to be the model for safe and beautiful neighborhoods, a vibrant economy, and exceptional recreational, cultural and educational opportunities.

Contributed by City Spectrum a publication from the City of Irving.

Time Change: Saturday, July 9 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) - Full closure of MacArthur Blvd between Hidden Ridge and Windsor View.

From 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, a 100-feet section of Hebron Parkway (Country Club) between SH-66 and Commerce Street will be closed to all through traffic. Access will be maintained for all local businesses on Hebron Parkway. The public is asked to follow all posted traffic control signage and traffic control channeling devices.

Want to find out more about DART Construction updates? Click here to view DART construction activity.

Below are a few of the highlights from Irving's most recent Operation Update. You can read the entire report by clicking here.

Strategic Goal No. 4: Safe and Secure City

No Refusal Weekend - The Irving Police Department was among 200-plus law enforcement agencies to participate in the statewide No Refusal July 4th weekend. The No Refusal program is an enforcement strategy that allows jurisdictions to obtain search warrants for blood samples from suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath tests. Every year, more than 1,000 Texans are killed as a result of impaired drivers and the Irving Police Department is committed to using all available means to change this alarming statistic.

Strategic Goal No. 8: Sound Governance

TAPE Award Presentation - The City of Irving made history by becoming the first municipality to receive the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, the highest level of quality and performance, from the Quality Texas Foundation. City Manager Tommy Gonzalez accepted the award on behalf of the organization during the awards dinner June 27 at The Westin DFW Hotel in Irving. The honor recognizes exceptional performance in areas of management, leadership, customer service, workforce focus, process management, results and strategic planning. On June 28, city staff presented three training sessions at the Quest for Excellence Conference showcasing various Irving programs that led to the receipt of the award. Local businesses sponsoring the awards dinner tickets were Cooksey Communications, Boyle and Lowry, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Hillco Partners and AT&T. Watch video from the award-winning night.

Every year, the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE), the oldest organization in the country for training and educating chamber professionals, presents awards for excellence in media design at their Annual Conference. Intended to create a benchmark for other chambers of commerce with similar budgets, the media contest spotlights six classes of communication: directories/magazines, maps, newsletters/newspapers, websites, brochures and new in 2011 - social media.

Of over 600 local chambers of commerce in Texas, only a few innovative chambers received one of the top three placements in the media contest. One of those chambers, the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, received two awards in the Brochure and Map divisions. Chamber President and CEO, Chris Wallace, and Director of Communications and Technology, Ryan Pafford, received the awards in front of some 300+ attendees of the TCCE Annual Conference, held at the Four Seasons in Irving-Las Colinas from June 26-28, 2011.

TCCE is an organization of chamber executives from across the state, working together to improve the business climate in Texas, while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they represent. Since 1906, TCCE has been enhancing and promoting the professional growth of chamber executives, by providing leadership for chamber employees through its many publications, resources, and conferences.


Photo from left to right - Royce Hickman - Board Chair TCCE, Ryan Pafford, Chris Wallace - President/CEO Irving-Las Colinas Chamber

The new Del Taco, located at 3301 N. Belt Line in Irving, will open today and is the first restaurant for franchisee Taco Supremo Management, LLC. The Irving Del Taco is the first of six locations Taco Supremo has planned over the next twelve months.

"We are excited to open our first Del Taco and to expand this great food to consumers in the Dallas market, an area we know very well," said Guillermo Perales.

The new Del Taco restaurant will have some new touches for the chain, including updated colors, interior changes and a new seating package. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru.