Katy Business News
Katy, TX News (September 15, 2017) – In June, the Katy Area Economic Development Council conducted a survey focused on the Katy area workforce. The survey, which was organized in partnership with the newly created Katy, TX Human Resources Networking Group, was formulated to gather information from human resources managers/recruiters and business leaders on workforce trends in the Katy area.
Approximately 21 companies representing over 3,300 employees in industries ranging from energy to healthcare took part in the voluntary survey which was open to all Katy area companies. The information gathered will provide useful data for benchmarking and workforce development purposes.
Overall, the survey highlighted numerous workforce trends in the Katy area. Respondents made it clear they believe the Katy area provides strong access to a quality labor force, both skilled and non-skilled. Most of the surveyed companies expect employment growth over the next five years with new jobs requiring highly-skilled employees, particularly in the technology sector. Turnover and absenteeism were noted by companies as being low as well. Please click here for the survey report.
“The information provided will be valuable moving forward as we seek to further enhance the Katy area business climate and labor pool,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.
Katy Human Resources Networking Group organizer Lorna Hall of Pepperl+Fuchs added, “We are pleased to be part of the growing Katy Area Economic Development Council, which was instrumental in helping us understand Katy and all of the opportunities available in this community.”
Katy Area EDC would like to thank all of the companies that participated as well as the Katy, TX Human Resources Networking Group for its support of the project. Special thanks go to LaCenterra and Katy Mills Mall for providing prizes to be awarded to two survey participants via random drawing.
For more information on Katy Area EDC, please visit katyedc.org.
Katy, TX Blog (May 22, 2017) – LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch will now be offering shuttle and valet to the public for free.
- Valet: Thursday – Sunday, 4 – 11 p.m.
- Shuttle: Daily, 12 – 8 p.m.
Courtesy of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Visit lacenterra.com.
Katy, TX (May 5, 2017) – Polling locations for the City of Katy mayoral and city council election.
Election Day
Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ward A
Katy City Hall
901 Ave. c
Ward B
Katy Municipal Courthouse
5432 Franz Rd.
Click here to see the most current City of Katy Ward map.
Katy, Texas News (May 2, 2017) – Katy families may have seen and taken photos with the brightly-painted locomotive on the railroad tracks in Historic Katy. What Katyites may not know is that the train is more than a great photo op. The #1988 SD70ACe locomotive is part of a larger, Presidential Heritage fleet from Union Pacific that pays tribute to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, and the historical significance it plays in American history.
Other locomotives in the fleet include:
- UP Western Pacific, #1996
- UP Southern Pacific, #1983
- UP Denver & Rio Grand Western Railroad, #1989
- UP Missouri Pacific Railroad, #1982
- UP Chicago & North Western Railroad, #1995
“Union Pacific has introduced the latest addition to its Heritage Series locomotives – the Katy locomotive. Incorporating historic colors and graphic elements of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, the new locomotive pays tribute to the men and women of the Katy.
“Our reputation as America’s greatest railroad has been strengthened by the many lines that are now a part of the UP,” said Dick Davidson, chairman and CEO. “The creation of our Heritage Series is just one way we can pay homage to those railroads and the generations of men and women who helped to build a great nation and the foundation for our future.”
The Katy Heritage Series locomotive joins the Missouri Pacific and Western Pacific locomotives unveiled in July. Three more Heritage Series locomotives, the Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific, and Denver & Rio Grande, will be introduced in 2006. All honor the people and the railroads that have made Union Pacific what it is today.
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, affectionately referred to as the Katy, was created in 1865. By the time it joined Union Pacific in 1988, the Katy served six midwestern states with more than 3,377 miles of track. It was an important north-south link between the Midwest and Texas, especially for the growing coal business. The Katy had primary operating centers in Denison, Texas; Bellmead, Texas; and Parsons, Kan.; and was headquartered in Dallas.
The new Katy Heritage Series locomotive is numbered 1988 to reflect the year its namesake joined Union Pacific, and the locomotive will initially operate within territory served by the Katy.
The Heritage Series marks the fifth time in company history that Union Pacific has painted locomotives in colors other than the traditional UP “Armour Yellow” paint scheme. Previously, locomotives were custom painted in 1991 to honor UP employees serving in the Persian Gulf War, in 1994 to call attention to the United Way Campaign, in 1996 for the Atlanta Games Olympic Torch Relay Train, and in 2002 for the Salt Lake City Games Olympic Torch Relay Train.
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.”
Courtesy of Union Pacific
KATY, TX (April 27, 2017) – The Quality Texas Foundation has awarded Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE). The prestigious award recognizes strong dedication to quality and high performance.
“We are honored to be among the select group of organizations to achieve this distinction from the Quality Texas Foundation. Winning the TAPE award is a reflection of the focus on clinical excellence, quality, and patient safety that the team at Memorial Hermann Katy provides every day,” said Heath Rushing, Senior Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Katy.
The Quality Texas Foundation, known as a national leader in its field, was chartered to recognize the best organizations in Texas. The group uses an extensive evaluation process that includes hundreds of hours spent through on-site visits to evaluate and score applicants in several criteria.
Dr. Mac McGuire, CEO Quality Texas Foundation said, “This award is no small achievement. It’s not about a particular test, or one day evaluation. It is a critical look at both the processes and results shown by Memorial Hermann Katy, in accordance with the Baldrige Criteria. Those who receive the TAPE award have a proven record of excellence.”
The Baldrige Excellence Framework is used by businesses, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations to improve and excel in their industries. This distinction takes Memorial Hermann Katy one step closer to achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital received the prominent award in 2016.
“We know the hard work isn’t over yet. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a lofty goal, but we believe our staff already provides the high quality care outlined by the Baldrige Excellence Framework, and we are confident that we will prove that to the organization in the coming months,” said Rushing.
“I want to congratulate the team at Memorial Hermann Katy on this significant award,” said Dr. Benjamin Chu, President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “It is a rigorous journey to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and this is an impressive step in the right direction.”
Memorial Hermann Katy will receive the award during the Quality Texas Foundation annual conference June 27, 2017 at the Houston Westin.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (April 24, 2017) – Early voting for the May 6, 2017 election starts Monday, April 24 and ends on May 2. The Harris County Clerk’s office will conduct elections for eight political subdivisions serving over 900,000 registered voters in Harris County. Fifty-four additional political entities in Harris County will also conduct elections on the same day. The deadline to submit an application for a mail ballot is April 25.
Voters residing in the political entities in which the County Clerk is running the election can find sample ballots, the early voting schedule, and the election day polling locations at www.HarrisVotes.com. The County Clerk’s office is conducting elections for the City of Humble, City of Pasadena, Houston Independent School District, Humble Independent School District, Northgate Crossing Municipal Utility District 2, Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District 28, Oakmont Public Utility District, Harris County Water Control & Improvement District 91.
Voters in the other political subdivisions within the county may visit the www.HarrisVotes.com website to find out if there is an election taking place in their area by searching via the “Find Your Poll” search engine. Over half of the county’s 2.2 million registered voters are eligible to vote in a May 6 election.
“Contact information for the political entities is provided via the “Find Your Poll” search engine on www.HarrisVotes.com.” said Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, the county’s chief election officer. “Voters should communicate directly with political entities conducting their own elections to obtain more information about their elections and voting locations.”
For more information about the acceptable forms of photo identification and other means to vote at the poll, the requirements to vote by mail, the early voting period and voting on election day in the upcoming May elections, voters may visit www.HarrisVotes.com or call 713.755.6965.
Courtesy of the Harris County Clerk’s Office
Katy, TX News (April 20, 2017) – On Thursday, April 27, 2017, Wood Group will host a community recycling drive at its Park Ten campus to support its environmental stewardship program. A portion of the recyclable proceeds will benefit the Heart of Mustang, Wood Group’s 501 (c3) charitable organizations. Heart of Mustang raises money to benefit a variety of causes, and its success is a direct result of dedicated employees who generously volunteer their, time, labor and monetary gifts.
Wood Group is committed to protecting the environment and supporting its local community. Drives like this and other initiatives throughout the year allow Wood Group to provide employees and the community a convenient way to donate recyclable items, promote environmental awareness and encourage environmental best practices. The Greater Houston community is invited to drop off their recyclable materials.
Acceptable donations include: E-waste recycling for outdated or end-of-life electronics – provided by TechnoCycle. Paper, cardboard, aluminum, and free onsite shredding of confidential documents – provided by SE Shred. Boys and Girls Harbor & Katy Christian Ministries accepting donations for new and gently used clothing, furniture, housewares; non-perishable food. New Eyes collecting used eye glasses, frames, eye glass accessories. Pet food, new or gently used pet supplies for local animal rescues.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ten West Center One in the parking lot. The address is 17420 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094.
Contact Bobbie Ireland at Bobbie.Ireland@woodgroup.com or 281.828-3505.
Courtesy of Wood Group Mustang
Katy, TX News (April 20, 2017) – The Katy ISD Volunteer Celebration will be held in the Merrell Center on Friday, May 12th from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Hosted by Partners in Education and the Volunteers in Public Schools Executive Board, this annual event honors the thousands of school district volunteers who donate their time and talents to our students and teachers.
This year’s guest speaker is former NFL player and sportscaster Spencer Tillman. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Tillman was part of the 1985 National Championship team and won MVP of the Orange Bowl that year. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Houston Oilers and the Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers. Tillman is now the Color Analyst for Fox Sports 1 alongside Tim Brando. He can be seen just about every College Football Saturday on FS1 and every NFL Sunday on KTRK, giving expert analysis on our Houston Texans. Off-camera, Spencer Tillman has been the featured keynote speaker at some of the country’s most notable companies.
The VIPS Celebration entertainment will include students from every high school, the West Memorial Junior High Theater Troupe and a surprise performance from one of the district’s principals. The morning will also honor the 2016-2017 Campus Volunteers of the Year and debut this year’s principal video homage to volunteers.
All Katy ISD volunteers are invited to attend and should RSVP no later than May 9th by visiting the “Community” page at www.katyisd.org and clicking “Partners in Education.” Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00. For more information about the event, volunteers should contact their campus VIPS Liaison or marthabrown@katyisd.org.
Volunteers in Public Schools, a Katy ISD Partners in Education program, offers moms, dads, family and community members a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at their chosen campus. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact your campus Volunteer Coordinator.
SurveyMonkey Link to RSVP to the VIPS Celebration
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (April 19, 2017) – The dates for early voting and election day for the 2017 Katy ISD Board election have been announced. The Board is comprised of seven members who are elected at-large to fill available positions. In accordance with the provisions of the Texas Education Code, a person may not be elected as a trustee of Katy ISD unless the person is a qualified voter.
An individual seeking election as a member of the Board of Trustees must have been a resident of the state for 12 months and a resident of the District six months prior to the last date on which the candidate could file to be listed on the ballot. The following persons have filed as candidates for the upcoming election.
Dates, candidate information, polling information, and more below.
EARLY VOTING DATES & LOCATIONS
Monday, April 24, 2017 – Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. - Morton Ranch High School
21000 Franz Rd. - Seven Lakes High School
9251 S. Fry Rd. - Taylor High School
20700 Kingsland Blvd. - Leonard Merrell Center
Rooms 143 – 144
6301 S. Stadium Ln.
ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Precinct 1 – Seven Lakes High School
9251 S. Fry Rd. - Precinct 2 – Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. - Precinct 3 – Katy City Hall
901 Avenue C. - Precinct 4 – Katy Municipal Court Building
5432 Franz Rd. - Precinct 5 – Hayes Elementary
21203 Park Timbers Ln. - Precinct 6 – Taylor High School
20700 Kingsland Blvd. - Precinct 7 – Maurice Wolfe Elementary
502 Addicks-Howell - Precinct 8 – Morton Ranch High School
21000 Franz Rd. - Precinct 9 – Mayde Creek Junior High
2700 Greenhouse Rd. - Precinct 10 – Bear Creek Elementary
4815 Hickory Downs - Precinct 11 – Pattison Elementary
19910 Stonelodge Dr. - Precinct 12 – Shafer Elementary
5150 Ranch Point Dr. - Precinct 13 – Beck Junior High
5200 S. Fry Rd.
Click here to locate your precinct based on county boundaries.
CANDIDATES & POSITIONS
Position 3 Candidates
- Candice Perkins
- Ashley Diehl Vann
- Dr. David Velasquez
Position 4 Candidates
- Courtney Doyle
- Carlos Young
Position 5 Candidates
- Henry Dibrell
- William E. “Bill” Lacy
Courtesy of Katy ISD. Visit katyisd.org for more information .
Katy, TX News (April 14, 2017) – Phaneendra Kondapi, a veteran engineering educator who helped develop the nation’s first subsea engineering program at the University of Houston, has been named founding director of engineering programs at the University of Houston at Katy.
Kondapi is returning to the University after serving as director of subsea engineering at Texas A&M University for the past year.
The UH Cullen College of Engineering began offering two energy-focused engineering courses at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northwest-Katy Campus last fall, in advance of the planned opening of a new UH System facility in Katy in 2018. The UH System site will be home to UH Katy and the University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. The graduate-level course offerings are focused on areas in high demand in Houston’s Energy Corridor, including petroleum, subsea, electrical and environmental engineering.
Five graduate-level classes will be offered at the HCC Katy campus this fall, in electrical engineering, subsea engineering and environmental engineering. Kondapi will teach one of the subsea courses, flow assurance.
“Dr. Kondapi was vital to developing the first subsea engineering program in the U.S. here at the Cullen College. I am tremendously proud that he will now help to bring our top-ranked engineering programs to the Katy community,” said Joseph. W. Tedesco, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Dean of the Cullen College of Engineering.
Kondapi taught the UH subsea engineering program’s inaugural course, flow assurance, in 2011, and has worked on to standardize global subsea education through the UH-led Global Subsea Education Alliance.
Formerly an adjunct professor of subsea engineering, Kondapi has more than 20 years of experience managing engineering projects at energy industry giants FMC Technologies and KBR.
He said he wants students to learn not just the technical material but to gain an enthusiasm for the field. “My motivation is to make my students successful by encouraging them to get ready for industry,” Kondapi said.
Kondapi was awarded the 2013 SPE Teaching Excellence Award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International, which recognizes petroleum engineering faculty who have demonstrated innovative teaching techniques and creative pedagogy methods in the classroom.
The HCC building in Katy is easily accessible for Energy Corridor professionals pursuing degrees or certificates to enhance their skills. “We are here in Katy to serve both the community and the industry to improve their technical and engineering careers,” Kondapi said.
Courtesy of the University of Houston and the Katy Area EDC
Katy, TX (March 29, 2017) – Katy Magazine gives a shout-out to all the good news happening in our community.
Compiled by Katy Magazine’s Editors
Katy ISD’s Lunch Angel
An anonymous donor contributed $650 to pay off negative balances for free and reduced lunch students at Mayde Creek Junior High, Cardiff Junior High, Mayde Creek Elementary, and Mayde Creek High School.
Katy Million Meal Pack-A-Thon
Host churches Redeemer Community Church, The Fellowship, and Westland Baptist Church held an event where 626,000 Feed the Hunger meal packages were packed by 2,500 Katy area volunteers.
Katy High School Faculty
Faculty and staff raised $4,450 to donate to The Ballard House.
Santa Cops
Katy ISD’s Santa Cops program helped 674 children and more than 330 families by providing toys and clothing.
Raising Cane’s
The chicken finger restaurant sold white plush puppies to patrons. The sales of the puppies went to help the animals at Special Pals Shelter.
Fort Bend Rancher’s Ball
The ball raised almost $290,000 through the hard work and dedication of Katy residents as well as Commissioner Andy Meyers. The money has been donated to Katy Christian Ministries, Simonton Christian Academy, and Katy Contemporary Arts Museum.
Watercrest at Katy
Residents of Watercrest at Katy raised $1,746 to donate to Katy Christian Ministries.
KISSUE
During an evening charity event, the upscale clothing boutique donated 20% of its sales to Clothed by Faith.
Cinco Ranch Giving Circle
The members, made up of Katy area residents, collected $1,521 to donate to Child Advocates of Fort Bend.
Chick-fil-A
Employees brought clothing items to their company party and donated everything to Hope Impacts.
Impress Computers
The company collected teddy bears to donate to the Joe Joe Bear Foundation.
Fulshear Police Department
For every Red, White, & Rescue calendar sold, the police department donated funds to Special Pals Shelter.
Camp Bow Wow
Katy Employees and patrons dropped off pet food, toys, and other needed items for animals in foster care.
Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch
The health and fitness club partnered with Cigna to offer free health screenings to help people find out their four health numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI.
BH Hair Studio
The salon gave away free makeovers to five lucky patrons.
Girl Scout Troop 129068
Scouts prepared pancakes, bacon, and eggs for dinner, then served them to residents at The Ballard House.
Katy Triathlon at Firethorne
The event raised more money than expected and is increasing scholarships from $1,500 to $2,000.
Houston Methodist West Hospital
Volunteers from the hospital visited families delivering teddy bears donated by Beckendorff Junior High, tigers from Katy Junior High, and blankets donated by National Charity League Katy Chapter.
Have something GOOD to share? Email good@katymagazine.com.
Katy, TX News (March 8, 2017) – Teachers can get their coffee fix every Monday during the school year at one of these McDonald’s locations.
Seven Meadows
7104 S. Fry Rd.
Cross Creek Ranch
6748 FM 1463, Fulshear
Spring Green
27140 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Stop by and present a school ID for a free small McCafe coffee.
Katy, TX News (March 2, 2017) – When it comes to working toward a successful business, Sam Zavary says the key is planning, planning, planning.
That was the message of the Exclusive Furniture CEO’s presentation Thursday night at the University of Houston-Victoria Katy Campus. Zavary shared his knowledge with UHV students, alumni, faculty and staff, and community members as part of the UHV School of Business Administration Distinguished Speaker Series.
“The Distinguished Speaker Series gives UHV students access to some of the wisdom and personal experiences of leaders in the business world,” said Farhang Niroomand, dean of the UHV School of Business Administration. “Sam Zavary’s presentation was full of insight and advice that reinforces many of the concepts taught in our classrooms. We are grateful for his participation in the series.”
Zavary began selling furniture 18 years ago in a 2,000-square-foot store. Now, the company has access to 250,000 square feet of space, including warehousing and seven Exclusive Furniture locations throughout Houston.
The CEO took a more interactive approach to his presentation than many previous speakers. Instead of a long lecture, he opened with a 10-minute presentation, then took questions from the large audience.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to have personal interaction with someone who was just like them 18 years ago,” said Jifu Wang, associate dean of the UHV School of Business Administration. “Students can learn the theory of how to be successful in the classroom and even get some experience through simulations, but it’s important for them to see these high-caliber, successful stories in person.”
In addition to planning, Zavary emphasized the importance of communication and training. Poor communication can lead to all kinds of problems for businesses, he said. And because the market constantly is changing, it is vital that employees go through training that reflects those changes.
“My employees undergo training every day,” he said. “It is what makes us different from our competitors.”
At the end of the discussion, Zavary referred to the changing attitude many people have toward shopping and making major purchases. Today, more and more customers are interested in buying everything from clothes to furniture online instead of going to a store. If retail businesses want to remain successful, they must find a way to integrate those changes into their business models, he said.
“The point about the importance of integrating online sales and social media is an important one for today’s students,” Wang said. “At its core, business is about getting results, and we train our students to create solutions to the changes in customers’ preferences and shifts in the business environment.”
In addition to Zavary’s presentation, the winners of the December 2016 undergraduate and graduate Case Conferences were recognized during the event. The first-, second- and third-place teams and honorable mentions were given plaques and honored for their achievement.
Since 2011, the UHV School of Business Administration Distinguished Speaker Series has brought in area executives to discuss contemporary business issues. Past speakers have included Mike Rydin, Heavy Construction System Specialist CEO; Helen Sharkey, a former consultant with Dynegy; Ben Keating, president and owner of Keating Auto Group and Viper Exchange Racing; and Roger Dartt, DeLorean Motor Co. president.
Katy, TX (January 23, 2017) – Two teachers at British International School in Katy, Texas did exceptionally well at the Houston Marathon earlier this month. Mr. Tim Barnett (primary, year six) placed second in his age category and third place overall with a race time of 39:20 and Mr. Ben Brown (primary, year one) placed second in his category at the Choco Loco 10K.
Katy, TX – December 8, 2016
Michael Guevara, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch and North Katy, has recently been named as one of America’s PremierExperts® in recognition of his knowledge and passion in music.
Michael Guevara has recently been acknowledged by America’s PremierExperts® as one of the leading experts in his field. America’s PremiereExperts® recognizes leading experts, across a wide array of industries, who are willing to provide information and education to consumers as a public service.
Michael is a composer, musician, speaker and business mentor. He is a founding member of the Katy Jazz Association and member of the Katy Jazz Festival Committee. In 1986 he received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance, and he moved to Houston to begin his career in insurance. Throughout the years he taught children to play the piano when his scheduled allowed. In 2006 Michael and his wife, Berta, opened their first school of music, The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch, which is inclusive of being the only founding school of Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program in the greater Houston area. The Conservatory of Music currently teaches more than 25,000 lessons a year and was recently named as “The Best Music Studio / Lessons in Katy for 2016.”
Courtesy of Dicks and Nanton Branding Agency
Katy, TX – November 21, 2016 Chick-fil-A®, Inc. has selected Katy resident Avery Fontenot as a recipient of the chain’s $1,000 Leadership Scholarship, making her the 100th nominee of Chick-fil-A Operator, Rusty Wylie, to receive the award.
Wylie commented, “Avery is a fantastic young leader. She exemplifies everything we love to see in young people—a servant’s heart, work ethic, and great attitude. I am so proud of Avery. She’s worked extremely hard since she started, and this scholarship is only the beginning of great things in her future.” Currently an assistant manager at Chick-fil-A Mason Road, Fontenot graduated from Taylor High School and is now a freshman at Lone Star College in Houston. She plans to transfer to University of Houston in the fall to study Hotel and Restaurant management. She has been actively involved in Best Buddies, Future Farmers of America (FFA), youth group, and worked as an Athletic Trainer. Avery said, “I love the energetic atmosphere at Chick-fil-A, the friends I have made, and the opportunities for growth. I want to be an entrepreneur someday and maybe even a Chick-fil-A franchisee. This is a great place to start!”
As Wylie stood with scholarship recipients Luis Gomez, Avery Fontenot, and Stefany Gonzalez he said, “We have been blessed since 1995 to be located here in Katy where there is a real sense of community, family, and a great school district. As for the 100 scholarship recipients, those 100 represent the very best of our team members…those hard working kids who grew up with us and are now teachers, nurses, engineers, pastors, and business owners.”
Chick-fil-A, Inc. began awarding scholarships to Team Members in 1973 based on founder S. Truett Cathy’s desire to incentivize Team Members to further their education. Since then, nearly 36,000 Team Members have received scholarships, bringing the total amount to nearly $36 million applied at more than 3,000 schools nationwide. In addition to the $1,000 scholarships available, the enhanced educational assistance initiative, called Remarkable Futures, increases the amount of scholarships awarded. in 2017, 1,850 students will have an opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship, with the ability to re-apply for up to four years – for a potential total of up to $10,000 for college while serving as Chick-fil-A team member. Plus, a new opportunity will exist for 12 students to receive an individual, one-time award of up to $25,000.
Courtesy of Chick-fil-A
Katy, TX – November 16, 2016
The 41,000 square-foot YMCA at Katy Main Street will feature strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, an outdoor heated swimming pool, child watch rooms, cycle studio and gathering areas where members can meet for coffee. It will offer health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, afterschool care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
“A lot of thought went into the design of this new facility. We’ve used best practice concepts from Ys across the country,” said Brian Haines, district executive director at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We hope many people will take advantage of the new membership incentive so they can gain access to both Ys in Katy as well as in the Greater Houston area.”
The $12 million center is expected to accommodate the growing population of Katy, serving residents in west and north Katy and in neighboring communities.
The YMCA at Katy Main Street is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. It will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships and create more than 200 area jobs.
Just Opened
BICYCLE WORLD
24555 Katy Fwy.
BUY BUY BABY
24600 Katy Fwy.
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
24600 Katy Fwy.
DSW
24600 Katy Fwy.
DXL MEN’S APPAREL
24600 Katy Fwy.
FIELD AND STREAM
2400 Katy Fwy.
KIRKLAND’S
24600 Katy Fwy.
PETSMART
2400 Katy Fwy.
THE RUSTIC MILE FURNITURE
24539 Katy Fwy.
EATERIES AGAVE RIO
S. of IH-10 on FM 1463
CREAMISTRY ICE CREAM
24515 Katy Fwy.
EL RANCHO
20420 S.W. Fwy.
IHOP
Katy Ranch Crossing
LEAFOLOGY TEA LOUNGE
27131 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
9006 S. Fry Rd.
LEE’S CAFÉ
22044 Westheimer Pkwy.
PEI WEI
FM 1493 & Spring Green Blvd.
SHOGUN JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR
20702 Katy Fwy.
SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY AND CREAMERY
24437 Katy Fwy.
STEAK N’ SHAKE
20950 Katy Fwy.
TAD’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD
8710 Grand Mission Blvd.
Coming Soon
RETAIL FLOOR AND DECOR
Katy Ranch Crossing Phase II
KROGER
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
WALMART
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
EATERIES ATAMI EXPRESS
569 S. Mason Rd.
CHICK-FIL-A
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
FADI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
Mason Creek Corporate 21788 Katy Fwy.
FREEBIRDS
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD ICE CREAM AND DESSERT
S.W. corner of Spring Green Blvd. & FM 1463
TACO BELL
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
WHATABURGER
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
YORI YORI KOREAN KITCHEN
569 S. Mason Rd.
24 HOUR FITNESS
S.W. corner of Spring Green Blvd. & FM 1463
GRAND MORTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Grand Pkwy. & Morton Ranch Rd.
Katy, Texas – October 5, 2016– Cane Island’s Living Arches, part of the Katy master-planned community’s impressive arrival experience, has won a Texas Star Award for Best Special Feature of a Community.
Presented by the Texas Association of Builders, the Texas Star Awards showcase the outstanding work of builders, remodelers, architects, designers and sales, marketing and construction professionals throughout Texas. The award is the only statewide tribute to excellence in the home building industry.
Stretching over Cane Island Parkway, Cane Island’s Living Arches are comprised of two steel sculptures incorporating hundreds of glass leaves and thousands of programmable LED lights which change colors with the seasons and for special occasions. A motion sensor activates the show as a car approaches, and its planter boxes allow for native Texas vines to grow and intertwine through the sculptures.
“When we designed Cane Island, we wanted to create an arrival experience that says ‘you’re somewhere special,’” notes Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of Cane Island. “It’s certainly an honor to be recognized by our industry.”
Cane Island also won Texas Star Awards for Best Showroom Sales Center and Best Sales Brochure by a developer.
One of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston, Cane Island offers new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions, including those in gated sections and on prized cul-de-sac homesites from Coventry Homes, Toll Brothers, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes and Trendmaker Homes. Residents enjoy a resort-style Amenity Village along with easy access onto Interstate 10 via the Cane Island Parkway.
The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood with Houston’s first street pantries. For directions to Cane Island and to sign up for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com.
Katy, Texas – March 22, 2016
The British International School of Houston welcomes Dr. Siva Kumari, director general of the International Baccalaureate Organization, to Houston to share her insights about developments in education, specifically the increased importance and emphasis colleges and employers are placing on individuals with international mindedness and global competencies. She will detail how an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma offers students a passport to the world’s top universities.
Joining Kumari will be a panel of admissions counselors from selective colleges and universities to answer audience questions about the application process. The community is invited to this free discussion and dinner event on Thursday, May 5 from 5-7 p.m. at The Westin Galleria in Memorial City, 945 Gessner Rd., Houston, 77024.
Parents and students interested in learning about the IB Diploma and the British International School of Houston are welcome to join the event by making a reservation at bishouston.org under the “upcoming events” tab or by calling the school at 713.319.5048.
“College readiness is a theme of the utmost importance to the IB,” says Dr. Kumari. “An IB education prepares students extremely well to go on to further education in whatever area they choose. As part of our commitment to continually improve student outcomes, we conduct much research into this, which confirms the positive impact of participation in the IB on high school graduation, ACT score and college enrollment.”
Andrew Derry, principal of the British International School of Houston, states, “Dr. Kumari will share with the community how the IB Diploma program can make a difference for your child. We have seen the value of the IB program through the success of all of our graduates. I am pleased to share that our wonderful teaching staff has helped our students achieve a 100 percent pass rate on the IB Diploma Program for the past five consecutive years. Additionally, our students’ IB scores are ranked first in Texas, in the top 1% in the U.S. and the top 3% internationally.”
Dr. Kumari joined the IB Organization in 2009 as regional director for Asia-Pacific Singapore; she was named chief operating officer in 2010; and director general in 2014. Prior to joining the IB, Kumari was associate provost for K12 Initiatives at Rice University. She accepted this position after serving as associate dean in Continuing Studies at Rice University and adjunct professor in the School of Education. During her professional tenure in the United States she was the recipient of local, regional and national professional and academic awards.
Courtesy of The Mills Agency
Katy, Texas – March 21, 2016
Flaunt Salon is very excited to announce that Katt Hurtubise is the newest addition to the great stylists that work at Flaunt. Co-owners Mary Wesley and Oscar Aguilera welcomed Katt and offered her the station near the front window where you can see Katt “change lives and create happiness.”
“From day one we could tell that Katt was very organized and prepared quickly at her new home,” says Oscar. “She should fit right in. Her style and fashion sense is just what our salon is all about. She does do excellent hair as we can all see the results as her clients leave,” explains Mary. When Katt was asked what she liked most about the salon, Katt didn’t hesistate to say “I love it. I love everything! The style, the flair – it’s so clean and nice. I know all my clients will love it, too.”
Katt Hurtubise is a graduate of the prestigious Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in Houston. She is constantly updating her techniques with classes and continuing education offered by various manufactures. Kat is very proficient in cut and color. She specializes in all things hair and her favorite specialty is hair extensions. She is an independent stylist and welcomes clients to call or text her at 832-552-0822. Katt is also listed at StyleSeat.com, where you can book with her online at www.styleseat.com/KatHurtubise.