Luncheon Set for May 30, 2013

The Best Southwest Partnership announces its first Best Southwest Scholars Luncheon on May 30, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at the MCM Grande Hotel, 1515 N. I-35E, DeSoto, TX 75115. BSW Board Chair Dr. Kevin Fegan said in describing this outstanding luncheon, “if you don’t have your ticket yet, you better hurry – because this luncheon will be packed!”

The BSW scholars Luncheon will honor 11 students with scholarships from 11 BSW Communities. The BSW Partnership Area encompasses 200 miles, with over 250,000 citizens, and 50,000 students in 7 school districts. There will be 11 Mayors on the dais during the luncheon representing all 11 communities.

University of North Texas System Chancellor Lee F. Jackson will be the featured speaker, and will be introducing outgoing UNT Dallas President Dr. John Ellis Price, and incoming President Ronald T. Brown.

A high point in the luncheon will be 11 Mayors introducing their 11 BSW Scholars and awarding each a scholarship, funded by the BSW Partnership. Education is a Core Initiative of the BSW, and is a way to increase the Quality of Life in the Best Southwest Area, along with the Mission to promote Economic Development and Tourism.

The Best Southwest Partnership is a 27 year-old association consisting of Core Cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, and Associate Cities of Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak and Wilmer.

For more information contact:
Joe Johnson, IOM, Executive Director
Best Southwest Partnership
Director@bestsouthwest.org
214-535-1883

May, 2013 – In the early morning hours of April 10, 2013, a cold front with rain and wind was forecast to hit the Best Southwest area between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and it came exactly as predicted.  But never mind the cold, rain and wind – the Best Southwest Partnership’s leaders  were on a mission to visit with as many Texas elected leaders as possible to discuss BSW’s Core Initiatives, and to have face-to-face meeting with our state’s leaders.   We were excited that our very first meeting that day was at 9:20 a.m. with the Governor of Texas, the Hon. Rick Perry.    The “BSW Day at the Capitol” had begun!

After going through security we were greeted by Robin Butler with K & L Gates Law Firm, and Dr. Kevin Fegan, Chairman of the Board of Best Southwest Partnership, who led us to    the Governor’s reception area, closed off just for us, where we had a very pleasant private meeting with Governor Perry, lasting about 25 minutes.  Of course we were there to discuss our priorities: BSW Core Initiatives Transportation, Education and Health Care, and the resulting favorable Legislation needed.  He touched on all those initiatives and added a big one to the list – Water!  After a round of picture taking, we headed for a photo session at Lt. Governor David Dewhurst’s office.

Next on the agenda was a trip to the Floor of the House of Representatives for the reading of a Resolution, spearheaded by Representatives Helen Giddings and Yvonne Davis, recognizing the outstanding work done by the 27 year-old Best Southwest Partnership.  A similar trip to the floor of the Senate was next on the agenda, where Senator Royce West authored a Resolution which was read and approved by the Senate.  Chair Fegan, immediate Past-Chair Mayor Knight, Chair-elect Galliford, past Chair Mayor Franke, and Executive Director Johnson were ushered to the Senate Floor for this honor, while the rest of the BSW group witnessed from the Gallery area.

Without a moment to spare, we were ushered to the office of House Speaker Joe Straus, for more recognition, conversation and photos.  And since most us had been up since 4:30 a.m., we were ready for our lunch break in Members Lounge, where we were divided into two groups.  Over delicious box lunches, Hon. Steve Mason and Amanda Skinner headed up the first group in a discussion on “Path of a Bill”, aided by our friends Mance Zachery with EFH, and Angela Ross with AT&T.  Both of these individuals spend a great part of every week during the Legislative Sessions following bills, and they were invaluable in the discussion.  During lunch in Members Lounge, Representative Giddings popped in unexpectedly, and not to be outdone, Senators West and Hancock stopped by to answer questions from the BSW leaders – a decided plus for the day!  While this was going on, Health Care Chair Jonathan Davis and his group visited with staff of Rep. Raymond, chair of Health and Human Services Commission.  Another group led by Legislative Chair Kenneth Govan visited with staff of Rep. Phillips, chair of House Transportation Committee.

At 1:30 p.m. we moved to the John H. Reagan Building, just behind the Capitol, where we had an appointment with Lizzette Reynolds, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Texas Education Agency.  She agreed with most of our Talking Points for Education, with the exception of number of tests, now at 15 or 16, and BSW’s Education leaders were suggesting 3 or 4.   She emphatically held up 8 fingers, saying that is what the commissioner will agree to.  (The next day the Senate voted to move that number to 6.  The final decision awaits a vote.)  

Next up in the Reagan Building was Arturo Alonzo, Deputy Commissioner, Business and Finance, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  His message was that we need “Access and Success” for kids seeking higher education.  We must make higher education available, hence Access.  And after they are enrolled, they need to have Success.  Then the discussion centered on the fact that a huge percentage of incoming college or university students – 40 to 60 % – require remedial education of some kind.  The Universities and Colleges in the BSW area are all facing similar circumstances.

At 3 p.m. a briefing was set for Phil Wilson, Executive Director of TxDOT, and a 3:30 p.m. scheduled briefing with Maureen Milligan, Deputy Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, were both delayed by committee meetings down the hall in the Reagan Building.  This was our first time to relax and discuss the various meetings we had experienced with our State Legislative leaders, and we felt proud to have been received so well in Austin as Best Southwest Partnership leaders.

We boarded the motor coach at 4 p.m. for the return trip to the BSW Area as a tired but satisfied group who had accomplished much during our “BSW Day at the Capitol”.

To view Capitol Trip Photos, go to “Best Southwest Partnership” on Facebook

For more information:
Joe Johnson, IOM
Executive Director
Best Southwest Partnership
www.bestsouthwest.org
Director@bestsouthwest.org
214-535-1883

to be held at the Lancaster Chamber & Visitors Center

Held at Northwood University

The 1^st Quarter Best Southwest Partnership Luncheon focused on Transportation and held on March 28, 2013 at the Hilton Garden Inn, was a huge success by any measure.  The pre-meeting Regional Partners Connector in the Ballroom’s Reception Area was jammed with networkers from all BSW cities and communities – the tables in the ballroom were set elaborately – the food was good – the service was very attentive – the audio/visual part of the program worked perfectly – the speaker Hon John C. Terrell, mayor of Southlake and VP of Commercial Activities at DFW International Airport, was very informative – and finally, the 11 Mayors or Councilmembers who filled the head table were very impressive!  The emcee and BSW Chair Dr. Kevin Fegan brought it all into focus as he re-capped Mr. Terrell’s address when he said “this is truly a Regional Partnership, not unlike what DFW Airport and the adjacent cities have created”.

Dr. Fegan continued that thought by commenting on how wonderful it was that all 11 cities or chambers in this BSW Regional Partnership were represented at this luncheon.   The 1^st Quarter BSW Luncheon emphasized Transportation and was headed up by Cedar Hill Mayor Rob Franke, and coordinated by the Cedar Hill Chamber’s Amanda Skinner.  Mr. Terrell reviewed some points that the team at DFW Airport use to promote their brand, including Visioning, Customer Service, Partnerships, Tourism, Creating a Destination where people want to go, and finally, thinking Regionally.  Dr. Fegan tied that all together by indicating how many of those same traits will be implemented by the BSW Board.

He also announced the 2^nd Quarter BSW Luncheon to be all about Education, to be held on May 30, 2013, headed up by Dr. Michael McFarland and coordinated by the Lancaster Chamber.  It will be a Best Southwest Education Luncheon featuring 11 scholarships for 11 outstanding students from 11 communities – truly a Best Southwest Scholars Luncheon.  Dr. Fegan concluded the March 28^th BSW Luncheon by saying “You better get your tickets now to this May 30^th Education Luncheon – it’ll be a sell-out!”

BSW Day at the Capitol

April 10, 2013 will be the BSW Day at the Capitol, a one-day trip to Austin to meet with elected officials, including the Governor, Lt. Governor, and our own Legislators.  Recent additions to the day’s schedule include a photo op with the Governor at 9:20 a.m. and a meeting with the Executive Director of TxDOT at 3 p.m.  The full schedule is available on www.bestsouthwest.org.

Each head of BSW’s Core Initiatives will lead their respective areas with talking points: Transportation – Hon. Rob Franke; Education – Dr. Michael McFarland; Legislation – Mr. Kenneth Govan; and Health Care – Mr. Jonathan Davis.  Please contact one of the BSW Chambers for trip reservations and information.

And we’ll see you …

…Around and About the Best Southwest

Featuring the Honorable John Terrell, VP Commercial Development, DFW International Airport and Mayor of Southlake, speaking on the Economic Benefits of Transportation and Impact of DFW.

John Terrell holds the position of Vice President of Commercial Development for the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. At DFW Airport, John is responsible for the strategic direction in developing over 6,000 of the total 18,000 acres. This includes management of two hotels, millions of square feet of office and industrial facilities, two 18-hole golf courses and all natural gas exploration and production.

John has an extensive background and proven track record in corporate leadership, real estate development and government relations. He has thirteen years experience in senior management positions for an international airport, a real estate brokerage/development company and two major US railroads. Additionally, he owns a real estate consulting company and has served in the capacity of an elected or appointed official for 10 years.

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2013 from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at the Hilton Garden Inn Duncanville, located at 800 N. Main Street, Duncanville, Texas.

The cost is $25 per person, or a sponsor table of eight for $250.

Please make your reservations by Friday, March 22 by calling the local Chamber of Commerce office:

Lancaster Chamber: 972-227-2579
Cedar Hill Chamber: 972-291-7817
DeSoto Chamber: 972-224-3565
Duncanville Chamber: 972-780-4990
Associate Members; Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Wilmer please call the Cedar Hill Chamber at 972-291-7817.

Or, you can click here to make your reservation online.

April 10, 2013 BSW Capitol Trip to Austin. Click here for more information.

March 28, 2013 Best Southwest  Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Hilton Garden Inn-Duncanville -featuring TRANSPORTATION LEADERS

Prepared and hosted by the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce

Featuring the Honorable John Terrell, VP Commercial Development, DFW International Airport and Mayor of Southlake, speaking on the Economic Benefits of Transportation and Impact of DFW.

John Terrell holds the position of Vice President of Commercial Development for the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. At DFW Airport, John is responsible for the strategic direction in developing over 6,000 of the total 18,000 acres. This includes management of two hotels, millions of square feet of office and industrial facilities, two 18-hole golf courses and all natural gas exploration and production.

John has an extensive background and proven track record in corporate leadership, real estate development and government relations. He has thirteen years experience in senior management positions for an international airport, a real estate brokerage/development company and two major US railroads. Additionally, he owns a real estate consulting company and has served in the capacity of an elected or appointed official for 10 years.

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2013 from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at the Hilton Garden Inn Duncanville, located at 800 N. Main Street, Duncanville, Texas.

The cost is $25 per person, or a sponsor table of eight for $250.

Please make your reservations by Friday, March 22 by calling the local Chamber of Commerce office:

Lancaster Chamber: 972-227-2579
Cedar Hill Chamber: 972-291-7817
DeSoto Chamber: 972-224-3565
Duncanville Chamber: 972-780-4990
Associate Members; Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Wilmer please call the Cedar Hill Chamber at 972-291-7817.

Or, you can click here to make your reservation online.

Click here to download more information.

Best Southwest Full Board Meeting at Midlothian Conference Center at 7:30AM on March 8, 2013