The May 6 general meeting of the Irving Heritage Society was conducted by President Mary Moorman from the porch of a 100 year old house.  Built in 1912 for the C.P. Schulze family, the house was designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986.  The Heritage House, as we now know this home, was the location for the recent election of officers, installation conducted by Patty Landers Caperton, and an ice cream social including several homemade flavors in the front yard under the large shade trees.

Chris Wallace, President and CEO of the Greater Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, was elected as the Irving Heritage Society 2012-2013 President.  Chris, along with Mary Oberlin, has served as co-chair of the Heritage House 100th Anniversary celebration for the past several months. 

Other newly elected board members include:

·         President Elect - Janice Carroll

·         First Vice-President (Membership) - Lorraine Taylor

·         Second Vice President (Programs) - Patty Landers Caperton

·         Third Vice President (Projects) - Kaye Ward

·         Recording Secretary - Pam Engman

·         Corresponding Secretary - Connie Gifford Herrington

·         Treasurer - Diane Mannon

·         Historian - Kevin Kendro

·         Parliamentarian - Mary Moorman

·         Directors:  Sigrid Canto, Doug Fox, Jo Ann Goin, Joy Goodrum, Stacey Martin, and Elizabeth Philipp

The group will continue the yearlong celebration of the Heritage House 100th Anniversary as well as other special fall programs.  During the summer, the focus is on the tours of the Heritage House on the first Sunday of each month from 3pm-5pm.  Group tours may be arranged for alternate times. 

For more information, visit www.irvingheritage.com or call 972-252-3838.

·         Various lane closures at the Green Park Drive/Meadow Creek Dr. and Walnut Hill Lane/Brangus Drive intersections, May 14-18

·         Single left (inside) or right (outside) lane closure on northbound Belt Line Road between Valley View Lane and Gateway Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day from May 14 - May 18, May 21- May 25, and May 29 - June 1.

·         Single left (inside) lane closure on southbound Belt Line Road between Valley View Lane and Gateway Drive, Closed continuously from May 14 to June 15. (Closure may be picked up as needed)

·         DART will continue to run test trains from Bachman Station to the Irving Convention Center as needed for dynamic live wire testing. Please be aware of brand new traffic signals which are now operational at the following rail crossings: Riverside, Las Colinas Blvd, California Crossing, O'Connor Rd,  and Lake Carolyn Parkway curve.

·         Safety Reminder:  Please DO NOT WALK OR JOG ALONG THE PAVED SECTIONS located next to the DART Orange Line tracks down the center of Lake Carolyn Parkway at any time as the overhead wires are now live and any activity on rail property by unauthorized personnel is considered trespassing and very dangerous.

·         Bus Operations:  2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship beginning Monday, May 14, at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas.

·         Bus Route 302 operates weekdays and Saturday between North Irving Transit Center and South Irving Station via Story Road, serving the Four Seasons Resort with a stop at Leland Boulevard and Byron Nelson Way. Also, Route 303 provides weekday service only between the same locations via MacArthur Boulevard, stopping at Byron Nelson Way and MacArthur Boulevard. Neither route operates on Sunday.

The Irving Fire Department asks that everyone please keep these ELECTRICAL safety tips in mind:

• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles.
• Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

To view this or previous IFD Safety Topics go to: www.cityofirving.org/fire/fire-safety.asp

Yesterday, Irving City Council unanimously approved the economic development incentive agreement.

The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, through the Irving Economic Development Partnership, have worked with the VHA team and their brokers reps, Jones Lang LaSalle, represented by Paul Whitman and Larry Toon, since fall 2011 on the need to relocate their corporate headquarters.

As a long-standing corporate citizen of Irving-Las Colinas, VHA initially considered a multitude of building locations within the DFW Metroplex, but came to a decision on 250/290 E John Carpenter Freeway which is currently owned by Behringer Harvard.  "We are please VHA has chosen to continue to grow its operations in our pro-business city," stated Chris Wallace, President and CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber. 

The 250/290 E John Carpenter Freeway address was formerly the headquarters for The Associates and then later Citigroup.  Wallace indicated that the property had been challenging to re-tenant due to the fact it is under parked in today's office environment.

VHA is leasing a minimum of 280,000 square feet for 17 years minimum and through the agreement, they are required to maintain 850 existing jobs, create 34 new jobs and occupy 2,750 Irving hotel rooms nights annually during the 15-year incentive term.

Additionally, VHA and Behringer Harvard are both required to create and maintain established levels of increase in taxable assessed valuation in both real property and business personal property over the incentive term.  The maximum value of the combined incentive benefits over the 15-years is $3.2 million, providing all requirements are met each year.

"We listened to those in the community who are concerned that a $170 million bond issue is too large of a commitment for the City," said David S. Margulies, a spokesperson for LCG. "Research in the investment community shows that TDI can finance more of the transaction, which will make it easier for the City to fund its portion of the costs of the IEC."

"This is the most exciting project I have worked on in 30 years," said Bobby Page, TDI Managing Partner. "I went to work for Ben Carpenter more than 30 years ago and I have been in business here in Irving since 1980. The IEC is the best way to complete Mr. Carpenter's vision of making the Urban Center a place to live, work and play."

"The introduction of TDI, with its top notch executive team and decades of experience in Irving, has already led to great strides in moving the IEC forward," said Margulies. "TDI is actively involved in the IEC and has been a vital contributor on a number of important fronts including: restaurant leasing, naming rights, food and beverage concessions and on-site entertainment and promotion."

"TDI and LCG are working closely with the City Staff to continue progress on the IEC and address issues necessary to proceed in a businesslike manner," said Margulies. "TDI asked for meetings with the City Manager and Mayor, as well as key City Council Members, to explain the new financing plan and the progress that is being made on key elements of the IEC."

TDI opened an Entertainment Center Discovery Center at its offices at 600 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1800 in Irving, Texas, to showcase the IEC to interested community leaders, residents and business partners. They also established a website forirvingsfuture.com to provide the community with additional information going forward.

IEC Called Vital to City's Economic Development

"This project remains vital to the city's economic development and commercial tax base," said Page. "Other cities are growing while Irving's commercial development is stagnant."

Irving is lagging in commercial development primarily because of a lack of amenities in the Urban Center, which caused reduced occupancy rates and lower commercial valuations for the buildings there. Without commercial development, the tax burden falls more heavily on homeowners.

"The Urban Center is a critical component of the future success of Las Colinas and the City of Irving," said Bernard L. Weinstein, who prepared an economic impact study of the IEC for LCG. "When fully developed, the vacant land in the Urban Center will support thousands of additional residents and daytime workers and billions of additional tax base dollars for the City," said Weinstein's report. The report goes on to caution that it is unlikely this development will materialize unless the Las Colinas Urban Center is perceived as a more vibrant locale.

The report also states that an improvement in the City's commercial property tax base would potentially reduce property tax rates by 10 to 15 percent.

Under the new proposal the City would retire its bond debt based on income from the 2 percent Hotel Occupancy Tax plus City and State sales tax rebates and a rebate of the City's portion of the IEC mixed beverage tax, which are already dedicated to the IEC. TDI's investment will be repaid from operating revenues from the IEC. The City will be requested to repeal the Parking Tax and Admissions Tax it previously passed, which would have been pledged to pay taxable bonds the City will no longer issue under the new proposal. LCG and TDI would have a maximum of six months to fund and close the transaction after the City receives its investment grade bond rating.

"TDI executives have decades of experience raising funds for projects throughout the United States, and after meeting with investment bankers and potential investors, are confident they can raise the necessary financing for this proposal," said Margulies.

"The biggest risk for Irving is letting this opportunity fall by the wayside and having the Irving Convention Center operate on a stand-alone basis," said Margulies. "This new proposal takes into account many concerns that have been expressed about the IEC while providing an opportunity to get the dirt moving on the IEC sooner."

SOURCE: Las Colinas Group

Comprised of approximately 50 education thought leaders from across the country, the NCDC is supported by Microsoft in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education and Topics Education.

"Clearly, at a time when technology use is so pervasive, it is important for educators to help students understand the principles that should govern their behavior as digital citizens. I think the knowledge and skills that come with citizenship are vital," said Jill.

With the help and leadership of Jill Galloway the NCDC will assess attitudes and current practices among their education peers within their district and beyond. 

The Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration is a time to say thank you and honor the volunteers who serve our community and who help the Chamber in fulfilling its five-star mission. The event is dedicated to all who have invested their time and energy into empowering the 5-star chamber and growing the Irving business community. Together, the chamber and its hundreds of volunteers create economic activity for Irving, advance more than 1,600 business investors who represent 145,000 employees and promote all of its investors.

This year's annual awards were in celebration of the Chamber's 80th anniversary of helping businesses grow in our great city.  This year also marks the Irving Heritage House's 100th, Irving-Las Colinas Rotary Club's 75th, Fluor's 100th, Kimberly-Clark's 140th, and the U.S. Chamber's 100th Anniversaries.

Below is a list of Awards and Winners from the event on May 3.

Outstanding Chamber Corporate Partner: AT&T

The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce has several partners that improve the city's quality of life and business community. 

Commercial Real Estate Broker of the Year / Deal-Project: Mark Collins, Dean Collins, Cushman & Wakefield for the KidKraft deal in Irving

This award goes to a broker team who has facilitated the lead representative's services to bring a new business to Irving.

Technology Leadership Council Innovation Awards: Alan Benitez, Cody Patton

This award recognizes science, technology, engineering, and math students who are working toward bringing innovative ideas to life using technology. The high school students below have creatively developed a concept or solution that will enhance technological growth and development.

The Clayton Dobson Irving Sister Cities / International Trade Development and Assistance Center Award: Thom Davis, Omega Environmental Technologies

The Clayton Dobson Irving Sister Cities / International Trade Development and Assistance Center Award recognizes an advocate of the Chamber's international business development initiatives and helps promote the vision of our six sister cities and international partnerships and exchanges worldwide.

Ambassador of the Year Award: Leo Hull

This award recognizes a member of the Ambassador Committee, an important group of volunteers who promote the value of chamber membership and are actively engaged with the chamber.

Commercial Construction / Project of the Year Award: Sfuzzi

The Commercial Construction / Project of the Year Award goes to a business who has completed new construction in Irving.

Residential Real Estate Professional Award: Beth Phillips, Ebby Halliday Realtors

The Residential Real Estate Professional Award goes to a real estate professional who exemplifies outstanding customer service during the home-buying process and who actively participates in the community, and promotes Irving as a great place to live.

Economic Development Partner of the Year: Four Seasons Resort and Club

The Economic Development Partner of the Year Award is given to an organization who has participated in economic development recruitment, retention and expansion, resulting in the growth of businesses in Irving.

Small Business of the Year: Larsen Dye Architects

This award recognizes a small business who exemplifies successful entrepreneurship through their innovation, civic engagement, financial stability and perseverance in continuing to enhance their products, services and employment opportunities in the community.

Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Ricky Stephenson, Rick's Car Kare

The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a chamber member who has made significant contributions to the Irving business community and to chamber programs and services through their outstanding 5-star volunteer service and leadership.         

MVP / Employee of the Year: Ryan Pafford, Director of Communications and Technology

The Camber's Employee of the Year or MVP Award recognizes a member of the Chamber's team who has demonstrated 5-star service for our investors and a commitment to go the extra mile in helping the team.

Chairman's Award: David Park, Atmos Energy

This award recognizes a person who has gone above and beyond, in his or her commitment to the chamber and who has shown exemplary service to the community.

The Chamber would also like to thank our sponsors for their continuing support:

·         Allstate

·         Atoms Energy

·         AVIALL

·         City of Irving

·         Cotten, Schmidt & Abbott

·         Creating & Managing Wealth

·         Dallas County Utility & Reclamation District

·         DART

·         HMS

·         Irving Flood Control # 3

·         Irving Hispanic Chamber

·         Irving Independent School District

·         Irving Sister Cities

·         Kiewit

·         Kroger

·         Las Colinas Medical Center

·         Microsoft

·         Oncor Electric Delivery

·         Reliant an NRG Company

·         RIM

·         Time Warner Cable

·         TXU Energy

Make-A-Wish North Texas is celebrating 30 years of granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions and will unveil a public service announcement (PSA) that Texas Rangers' infielder Ian Kinsler participated in this off-season before the Texas Rangers' game on Monday, May 14th.

Make-A-Wish North Texas President & CEO, Scotty Landry, will present Ian Kinsler with an award for his involvement in the PSA which is a reminder of the renewed hope that heroes; like Kinsler, give to wish children everyday. The 30, 60 and 90 second spots star Ian alongside past wish recipient Sam, age 8, who received his wish to go to a Space Shuttle launch in May of 2010 and has since helped the Foundation with a number of similar promotional projects.

Make-A-Wish families and volunteers compliments of the Texas Rangers will enjoy a night at the ballpark as a North Texas Wish Child throws the evening's first pitch. A pre-game media photo opportunity with Kinsler and Make-A-Wish North Texas President & CEO, Scotty Landry, will take place at 2:00pm and will include a first look at the PSA.

With 18 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region, North Texas ranks sixth among metropolitan areas with the most companies, according to data compiled by the North Texas Commission following the May 7 release of the Fortune 500 list.

Total revenue for the 18 firms in North Texas topped $782 billion, an increase of more than $111 billion or 16.6 percent from last year's total. North Texas ranked second in total revenue behind only the New York metropolitan area.

Irving-based Exxon Mobil ousted Wal-Mart as the top-ranked company. Exxon Mobil, an NTC member since 1991, posted nearly $453 billion in revenue in 2011. Other North Texas companies include AT&T ranked No. 11, American Airlines at No. 123, Fluor at No. 124, Texas Instruments at No. 200 and Energy Future Holdings at No. 357. For the complete list of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, click here.

"The last few years have been rough for all businesses in our country and we're proud of all the corporate citizens who are highlighted," said Mabrie Jackson, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. "It's impressive to see that our Fortune 500 companies continue to make a significant contribution to our region's economy."

Richardson-based MetroPCS Communications is the lone newcomer on the list of North Texas companies. Last year, North Texas had 20 Fortune 500 companies.

New York led all metro areas with 68 Fortune 500 companies, followed by Chicago with 29, Houston (25), Washington D.C. (20), and Los Angeles (19). North Texas tied with Minneapolis at 18 companies.

Texas statewide is home to 52 Fortune 500 headquarters, up from 51 in 2011. Texas ranks second behind only California's 53 companies. The Houston metro area and North Texas combined for 43 of the 52 Texas companies, while San Antonio had five and Austin had two. El Paso and Corpus Christie each had one company on the list.

The Grand Finale from the "Celebrating Irving:  The City and The Man" activities was held May 5th at the Valley Ranch Library.  The 5th Annual Irving Trivia brought a new team champion......the Henry Holmes Breakfast Forum - Jim Bullock Team!!!

A determined set of four teams were present as well as family and friends in their cheering sections.  The four final teams were:  Entertainment Series of Irving, Greater Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Henry Holmes Breakfast Forum - Jim Bullock team, and the La Cima Heritage Committee.  The teams had to win by a margin of 2 correct answers to move on to the next round.  All in all, 22 tie breakers were used.  The teams were extremely well prepared!!!    The Henry Holmes team, which consisted of Jim Bullock, Troy Kelley, Stacey Martin and Kaye Ward finally defeated the La Cima Heritage Committee in the last round and is the new champion.  The trophy will be engraved and will be theirs to keep for a year along with bragging rights.

The Celebrating Irving:  The City and The Man April activities were presented by the Irving Heritage Society along with the Irving Public Library and the Irving Independent School District.  The program was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.  It was funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board. 

For additional information on other Heritage Society, visit www.irvingheritage.com or call 972-252-3838.