Friday, November 28, 2008

John and Debbie Montford Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, June 6, 2008


The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show honors John and Debbie Montford for their livelong commitment to giving back to the community through both entrepreneurship and philantrophy. Below is an article that appeared in Philantropyh Magazine about this dymanic pair.

Perhaps it's no coincidence that San Antonio has taken off like a rocket since John T. Montford and his wife Debbie landed in the Alamo City in 2001. Montford, AT&T's senior vice president, Western States, points to the significant growth of San Antonio-based corporations, including Valero Energy, Clear Channel Communications, Toyota, and most recently, SBC's acquisition of AT&T, making San Antonio headquarters for the global communications corporation. As the outgoing chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the incoming chairman of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Montford told civic leaders and the business community, "Great cities earn their place in history by what they accomplish through strong leadership, a shared vision, and united execution of that vision. Dynamic cities nurture their symphonies, their museums, and their visual and performing arts. Exceptional cities have great research universities, which excel in the humanities, sciences, and engineering. Most important, outstanding cities have strong visionary leaders and a large cadre of committed volunteers."Nothing could more aptly describe the philanthropic causes to which the Montfords have dedicated themselves and continue to actively support. John T. and Debbie Montford truly personify the term "dynamic duo." As a Texas senator for 14 years, Montford enjoyed a distinguished designation from Texas Monthly magazine when he was voted one of the Top Ten best legislators in Texas five times. During his term as senator, Montford was appointed chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the Senate Affairs Committee, and he was also elected president pro tem for the 73rd Legislative Session.Following his Senate career, Montford served five years as the first chancellor of the Texas Tech university system. Montford, who was hired to "raise money and put the school on the map," more than delivered. He was successful in raising significant funds for Texas Tech University and was named Chancellor Emeritus in honor of his outstanding leadership. As chancellor, he surpassed an initial $300 million capital campaign goal, raising the total to $511 million, thereby significantly enhancing education for tens of thousands of future graduates. Also during his tenure as chancellor, Montford initiated the first new pharmacy school in Amarillo and sought to expand the medical school in El Paso. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation listed Texas Tech in the top category as a research university."I actually hired some good shoe salesmen to work on the project," says Montford, who clearly understands what it takes to work in the trenches. "I made 367 development calls in less than four years," explains Montford, in describing his successful capital campaign for Tech.After leaving his indelible mark at Texas Tech, Montford relocated to San Antonio to help lead one of the largest telecommunication companies in the country, SBC, now known as AT&T. Montford is the Senior Vice President of Western States State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs. His area recently expanded to 23 states.Debbie Montford quips, "This is how we have made our marriage strong. We've been married for 30 years, but with all the traveling, we have probably lived together for 10 years." The strength of their partnership has made them successful. "That's what you really have to have," says Debbie, who found her passion in campus beautification projects while at Texas Tech."The appearance of the campus is a deciding factor when students are choosing a college. Our beautification program was a nice complement to the capital campaign, and it also offered a menu of items to potential donors." She lends her leadership to the boards of the San Antonio Symphony and the Library Foundation Board. She's committed to helping out the Honors College at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) by co-chairing Great Conversations, the signature event to raise support for scholarships.One of Debbie's most passionate causes is the Texas Cultural Trust Council, which presents the Texas Medal of Arts award to distinguished Texas artists. Recent honorees include singer Willie Nelson, poet and writer Naomi Shihab Nye, writer Sandra Cisneros, and actor Fess Parker. Arts and education initiatives are always close to home for the Montfords. "I am very committed to this project," says Debbie. Philanthropy is practically 24/7 for the couple, who have three grown children and one grandson. "I get a lot of pillow talk about the Symphony," says John, who shares Debbie's interest in education and support for the arts."My passion is scholarships," he says “I feel strongly about supporting students and providing education for young people."Montford will serve as chairman of College for all Texans in 2006 and is planning to build on the $8 million already raised. He envisions raising $40 million to support the effort. John and Debbie have been recognized for their public service and for helping to raise nearly $2 million for UTSA scholarships.The two have cleverly turned several traditional university events into successful fundraisers for UTSA. "It's a responsibility to give back to the community. The whole idea of philanthropy is not just donating money, but volunteering to help mankind." says Debbie, indicating that her future philanthropic efforts will target arts and education causes on a state level.With their drive and dedication, the Montfords are on target to achieve an amazing goal – raising $1 billion in their lifetimes for the many charities they support in so many ways.

Richard Perez Honored On The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, May 31, 2008


The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show honors Richard Perez, President and CEO of The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Richard is the 18th President to lead the 2,000 member organization in its 114-year history.
Perez, a native of San Antonio, has been with the Chamber since November, 2007. He brings experience as an owner/manager of a family-owned business to his position. Prior to serving at The Chamber, Richard served as the two-time San Antonio City Councilman for District 4, from 2004 - 2007. Richard’s reputation for integrity and his skill at bringing consensus to solving issues at the City Council helped him become recognized as one of San Antonio’s bright leaders for the future.
While on the Council, Richard
chaired the San Antonio Military Transformation Task Force – which continues to help facilitate and implement post-BRAC plans, the largest single development project in the history of the City, worth up to $2 Billion in construction, and adding thousands of jobs for San Antonians,
served as the point-person in recruitment efforts to attract, and negotiate the contract bringing City Manager Sheryl Sculley to San Antonio,
Chaired the Transportation Policy Board of the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which was charged with setting policy that identified, prioritized, and allocated over $100 Million annually in state and federal funding for the construction of roadway improvements, planning studies, and the implementation of various multi-modal initiatives such as bus rapid transit (BRT) and commuter rail/rail relocation efforts for the Bexar County region.
Served as senior City representative, with the County Judge and Greater Chamber President in negotiating the relocation of a new National Security Agency (NSA) office in San Antonio with 500 employees.
Served on the City’s International Economic Development strategic efforts by acting as a City Ambassador via travels to India, Mexico, and Japan, and led two trade missions to India, resulting in a sister city agreement with Chennai, India in 2008.
While these impressive accomplishments describe his success in crossing political lines to ensure the best results for the City of San Antonio, he is most respected for his open door policy and his willingness to listen and respond to the needs of all citizens of the community.
Perez brings regional and national service to his position at The Chamber. He was appointed the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by the Clinton Administration from March 1998 –January 2001. Prior to that Perez served as Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Laredo.
Perez received a bachelor’s degree with a major in urban and regional planning from Texas State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. Perez is married to Judy Lynn (Patterson) and they are the parents of three children: Clarissa, Elissa and Ricardo Antonio. He has deep roots in San Antonio and has lived on the south side of town for 39 years.

Submitted by John Thurman, Co-Host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show
Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Bjorn Dybdahl, http://www.bjorns.com/

Pat Frost Honored On The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, May 24, 2008



The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show
Pat Frost is president of San Antonio-based Frost Bank, which was founded by his great-great-grandfather 138 years ago. He also serves as a director of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., the bank's financial holding company. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a BA in economics, Frost also earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He began his career at Frost Bank in 1984 and has been president of the bank since 1993.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Tom Frost, Pat Frost serves on a broad array of civic, non-profit and professional organization boards. He is chairman of the 2008 Men’s Final Four, past-president of the Rotary Club of San Antonio and past-chairman of the Free Trade Alliance, the Alamo Bowl Association, the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health and the San Antonio Sports Foundation. He is a member of the Financial Services Roundtable and a former board member of the Consumer Bankers Association.

He was named "Outstanding Young Texas Ex" by the University of Texas Ex-Students Association, "Outstanding Young Man of the Year" by the San Antonio Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was honored for his "Outstanding Contributions to Literacy" by San Antonio Youth Literacy.

Submitted by John Thurman, Co-Host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show Broker, Heart of Texas Realty , http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/ Bjorn Dybdahl, www.Bjorns.com

Dr. Kenneth Kalkwarf, DDS Honored On The San Antonio Movers And Shakers Show, May 17, 2008

The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show honors Dr. Ken Kalkwarf, Professor in the Department of Periodontics, and Dean of the Dental School, University of Texas Health Science Cener at San Antonio. Dr. Kalfwarf graduated from the University of Nebraska with a DDS and then completed at General Practice Residency Program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He returned to the University of Nebraska to receive his Certificate in Periodontics and an MS in Oral Biology. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 1979. Dr. Kalkwarf held faculty positions at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Nebraska, including the Directorship of the postdoctoral Periodontics Program. He has continuously maintained a private practice limited to Periodontics. He has served on various capacities with the Texas Society of Periodontists, the Southwest Society of Periodontists, and the American Academy of Periodontology. He has been a reviewer for the Journal of Periodontology since 1984.


Submitted by John Thurman, Co-Host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show
Broker, Heart of Texas Realty , http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Bjorn Dybdahl, www.Bjorns.com

Dr. Ricardo Romo Honored On The San Antonio Movers and Shaker Show

The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show honors Dr. Ricardo Romo, President, University of Texas at San Antonio, May 10, 2008

As president, Dr. Romo leads one of the fastest growing institutions of higher education in Texas and the nation. UTSA, under his leadership, is now poised to become the state's next premier research universities.
President Romo has led strategic efforts to enhance both access to education and excellence in scholarship and service at the university.
During President Romo’s tenure, UTSA’s enrollment has grown nearly 50%, and the University has added numerous programs and facilities to enhance student life. He also has implemented new student support programs designed to help students succeed at earning a university degree. The number of advisers has tripled, and UTSA, with more than 28,400 students in 2008, is recognized as a leader in “Closing the Gaps,” a statewide initiative by the Legislature to enroll more Texans in higher education.
A native of San Antonio’s West Side, President Romo graduated from Fox Tech High School and attended The University of Texas at Austin on a track scholarship. He served as captain of the track and cross-country team and earned All-American honors in 1966. Romo was the first Texan to run the mile in less than four minutes, and his mile record lasted 41 years. He earned a B.S. degree in Education.
He holds a master's degree in history from Loyola Marymount University and a Ph.D. in history from UCLA. A nationally respected urban historian, Romo is the author of "East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio," which is now in its ninth printing (one in Spanish).
In 1980, President Romo returned to UT Austin to teach history before becoming a vice provost for undergraduate education. In 2002, President Bush appointed him to the President's Board of Advisers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 2004, former Secretary of State Colin Powell appointed Romo as a U.S. representative to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, and in 2005, Romo was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio branch, and was reappointed in 2007—Romo currently serves as the vice chair. In 2008, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes Alumni Association.
In 2006, Romo was honored by the UT Austin Friar Society as Outstanding Friar Alumnus. He was elected Chairman of the Board for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (the largest U.S. Hispanic Chamber organization) for 2006. In 2007, Gov. Rick Perry appointed Romo to serve on the Commission for College Ready Texas. He serves on nearly 20 boards, many of them in San Antonio. He is active on several museum boards and is especially proud of his work with the United Way.
President Romo is married to Dr. Harriett Romo, an Associate Professor of Sociology at UTSA. She also serves as director of UTSA's Mexico Center and works with the the Bank of America Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute (CAPRI). They have one son, Carlos, who graduated from Stanford University and The University of Texas School of Law. Their daughter, Anadelia, attended Princeton as an undergraduate and received a doctoral degree from Harvard University and presently teaches at Texas State University.Dr. Romo has received many honors during his academic career, one of the most recent recognitions was the Isabel la Catolica award, the highest award given to non-Spanish subjects, bestowed upon him by King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Submitted by John Thurman, co-host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show
Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Bjorn Dybdahl, (Just Bjorn) www.Bjorns.com

Clarence R. “Reggie” Williams honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show

The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show is pleased to honor Clarence R. “Reggie” Williams, President/Chief Executive Officer
San Antonio Area Foundation on May 3, 2008.
Clarence R. “Reggie” Willliams leads the Area Foundation in fulfilling its mission…helping donors achieve their charitable goals for the greater benefit of the community. In his role, Reggie helps build philanthropic partnerships between the donors and non-profit organizations looking to address our community’s needs and challenges.
Prior to his current position, Reggie was Senior Vice President of Information Systems Operations at USAA. Directing a 1600 personnel department, he was responsible for the certification, operation, maintenance, and sustainment of USAA’s Information Technology Systems─including telecommunications, computer, print, and mail operations. In addition he served as Executive Chairman of the USAA Volunteer Corp, a 6000 employee based volunteer group.
Reggie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio; a Master of Education Degree from Westfield State Teacher’s College, Westfield, Maine; and accomplished Doctoral Study at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Defense University’s Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. After graduating from college, Reggie was commissioned an officer into the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in the grade of Colonel.
An mentor and civic leader, Reggie serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of San Antonio─the largest Rotary Club in the world. He is an advisor to the Board for the Ella Austin Community City as well as Chairman of the San Antonio United Negro College Fund Advisory Board. His other board memberships include Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions, Christus Santa Rosa, College of Wooster, and United Way of San Antonio/Bexar County. Reggie also sits on the Regional Board of Directors for the National Conference for Communities and Justice, the city’s Cultural Collaborative Steering Committee, and the Board of the San Antonio/Bexar County Arts and Culture Fund.
Recognized for his athletic abilities, Reggie was inducted as a Charter Member of his hometown high school, Orrville High, and The College of Wooster and The Wayne County, Ohio, Sports Halls of Fame. In 2000, Reggie was inducted into the San Antonio East-side Community’s Counting Your Blessings Hall of Fame.
Submitted by John Thurman, co-Host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show
Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Bjorn Dybdahl, http://www.bjorns.com/

Doug Leonhard Honoted On The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show

John Thurman of http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/ , and Bjorn Dybdahl of Bjorn's www.Bjorns.com are pleased to honor Mr. Doug Leonhard, Vice Chairman, San Antonio Water Systems for a life long commitment to entrepreneurship in San Antonio, TX. Mr. Leonhard is a real estate/business consultant with his own firm, Leonhard Real Estate Services, Inc.

Mr. Leonhard, a native of New Jersey, has spent more than half of his life in South Texas, in Houston and San Antonio. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University, and his Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, both in New Jersey.
He worked for many years for Exxon Company USA, first in petroleum marketing, and then as Vice President and Houston Projects Manager for Friendswood Development Co., an Exxon subsidiary. He also held senior executive positions with the Woodlands Corp., in the new town of The Woodlands, north of Houston, and with the Mission Viejo Corp. in the new towns of Mission Viejo, Calif. and Highlands Ranch, Colo. He retired several years ago from the La Cantera Development Company, a subsidiary of USAA, where he was Senior Vice President and the original developer of the La Cantera project in northwest San Antonio.

Mr. Leonhard has a long record of civic and community involvement in Houston and San Antonio. He was a member, Vice President and President of the Board of Trustees of the Humble Independent School District (in the Houston area) during a 7-year stint on that board. More recently, he has been Chairman of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the San Antonio Convention & Visitor's Bureau, and President of the Real Estate Council of San Antonio. Mr. Leonhard was the initial Chairman of the Countywide Citizen's Watershed Masterplan Committee from 2000-2002, a member of the Open Space Advisory Committee from 1996-1999, and has served on numerous other civic and community committees and associations.
Mr. Leonhard and his wife Patricia have three children, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Alexander "Alex" Briseno honoed on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show

The honoree of the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, on April 26, 2008 is Alexander E. Briseño, Chairman of the Board, San Antonio Water Systems, and former City Manager, city of San Antonio.

Alex Briseño retired as City Manager of San Antonio in March 2001 after serving almost 11 years in office. As Chief Executive Officer, he managed the administration of a full-service municipal government as directed by City Council and oversaw an annual budget of $1.2 billion. Mr. Briseño supervised the activities of all City departments with 12,000 employees, serving a community of more than 1.1 million residents and 417 square miles. During his tenure as City Manager of San Antonio, Mr. Briseño worked under four different mayors and 39 city council members.

After a national search, Mr. Briseño was appointed City Manager in April 1990. He began his career with the City in 1977 as Assistant to the City Manager and in 1980 became Assistant City Manager, ultimately supervising almost every City department. Prior to joining City government, he earned the rank of Captain while serving in the U.S. Army, including as Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the Army Medical Research and Development Command in Washington, D.C.

Since his retirement, Mr. Briseño has been appointed Professor of Public Service in Residence at St. Mary’s University where he teaches graduate courses in Public Administration. In addition, he frequently addresses participants in public and private sector professional development seminars. He also has provided municipal consulting services for Estrada Hinojosa and Co., an investment banking firm, the North American Development Bank, and other clients. Recently, he served short-term appointments as Interim President of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as the Interim President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the San Antonio Water System, as Interim President/CEO of the San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative (SATAI) Network, and as Interim Executive Director of the Brooks Development Authority. Currently, he is also serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the San Antonio Water System and as a member of the Board of Managers for the Bexar County University Health System.


Education

Diploma (with High Honors), Central Catholic High School, 1967
Major in Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1967-69
Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude), Economics, Trinity University, 1971
Master of Arts, Urban Studies, Trinity University, 1973

Professional Memberships

Elected as a Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), 1996-present; International City/County Management Association (ICMA) 1977-present, Executive Board, 1985-87; Texas City Management Association 1977-present, Board of Directors, 1983-84; ICMA Hispanic Network, Past President; ICMA Retirement Trust, Board of Trustees, 1994-1998, Chairman, 1996-97; American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), 2001-present.

Submitted by John Thurman, Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Host, San Antonio Movers and Shaker Show with Bjorn Dybdahl, Just Bjorn, www.Bjorns.com

Charles "Marty" Wender honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show

Charles Martin Wender (known to most as "Marty") was honored as one of San Antonio's entrepreneurs by John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty www,HeartOfTexasRealty.com, and Bjorn, Just Bjorn, of www.Bjorns.com on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show on April 19, 2008. Marty is well known for his many achievements and forward looking vision. Marty is a native of Ft. Worth, Texas. He began his business career in San Antnoio after having participated in the Business Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin. He is marryied to San Antonio nativ, e Rene Lynn Mandel.
Marty's real estate development projects have included San Antonio Westover Hills, located in the northwest area of San Antonio. Other developments include Fawn Meadow in the Medical Center, Crownridge off IH 10 West near Camp Bullis, and the Oak Run subdivision in New Braunfels, TX

Mr. Wender's vision is to revitalize San Antonio's west side and many of his dreams have come to fruition through n his Westover Hills development. Marty Wender was selected as one of five "Visionaries" by the San Antonio Business Journal special section entitled "A Century of Business" for his vision and accomplishments in West San Antonio and his Westover Hills Development. Westover Hills has become home to Sea World of Texas, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort Hotel and Arthur Hill Championship Golf Course, QVC Network, Inc., Philips Semiconductors (formerly VLSI Technology, Inc.), World Savings National Operations Center, the Alamo Community College District's new Northwest Vista Campus, which opened Phase I in October of 1998, Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Rudy's Country Store & Bar-B-Q, and the 88.5 acre Office Campus for The American Funds Group/Capital Group Companies, which opened in the fall of 1998.

Submitted by John Thurman, Broker, Heart of Texas Realty www.HeartOfTexasRealty.com

Dan Decker of Sea World Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show


The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Radio Talk Show, hosted by John Thurman, San Antonio's Most Listened To Realtor and Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/, and Bjorn Dybdahl, (Just Bjorn) Owner, Bjorn's http://www.bjorns.com/. Honored one of San Antonio's foremost entrepreneurs on April 19, 2008. Dan Decker, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sea World of Texas. Dan oversees the largest of the Sea World parks as far as physical size. Dan is the Chairman of the Board of the San Antonio Tourism Council. Prior to his assignment as Executive Vice President, Sea World of Texas, he was Sales and Marketing Director, Grant’s Farm, the historical home of Ulysses Grant. Grant’s Farm is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Dan graduated from Hartford University with a BBA in Business Administration.


Submitted by John Thurman, San Antonio's Most Listened To Realtor

Host Real Estate Focus Talk Show,

Host, San Antonio Movers and Shakers Talk Show

SWBC Corporation Benefits San Antonio Economy

The SWBC Corporation plays a major role in San Antonio's economy in many ways. The company's founders, Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley have been acquainted since their early childhood days. Both have appeared as honorees on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Radio Talk Show http://www.samoversandshakers.com/ hosted by John Thurman, Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/, and Bjorn , Just Bjorn of Bjorn's Home Entertainment Company http://www.bjorns.com/. Charley Amato and Gary Dudley are Chairman and President, respectively, of the SWBC Corporation. Charlie and Dudley are very committed to all facets of the San Antonio economy and business comunity. The recently announced an agreement with the AT&T Center and the San Antonio Spurs to rebrand the entire terrace level of the AT&T Center as the SWBC suite level. They note that the San Antonio Spurs are a community asset and as such they believe that businesses that derive their livelihood from the San Antonio area should be supportive of the team.

SWBC Corporation is primarily a financial services firm that is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company does business in all 50 states. Their business includes Risk Management, Income Generation, Investment Services, Executive Benefits, Mortgage Services, Information Technology, Business Insurance, Employee Benefits, Employee Mortgage Services, Retirement Planning, They also offer Auto Insurance, Excess Flood Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Personal Investments, and Reverse Mortgages. In addition, they own severa automobile dealerships.

The SWBC Coporation employs approximately 1,200 people at all levels of compensation.

Thanks to Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley of the SWBC Corporation for your incredible support of the San Antonio, Texas economy.

Subbmitted by John Thurman, Broker, Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/
Host, Real Estate Focus Talk Show
NewsTalk 930 KLUP

Thursday, November 27, 2008

The San Antonio Economy, Resiting Resession?


San Antonio Hispanic Chamber http://www.sahcc.com/ CEO and President, Ramiro Cavazosn and Economic Advisor, Dr. Steven Nivin, PH.D., made a presentation to the San Antonio REALTOR's First Voice Luncheon this past week at Toyota of Boerne http://www.toyotaofboerne.com/. Vic Vaughan, CEO and Dealer and Shawn Vaughan, General Sales Manager, hosted the event.
Other people present were San Antonio Business Journal Publisher, Kent Krauss, Toyota Central Texas Manager, Brad Clark, John Thurman, Radio Talk Show Host of Real Estate Focus http://www.klup.com/ http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/, and Bjorn Dybdahl, http://www.bjorns.com/.

According to Dr. Nivin, corporate profits have have been declining over the past five quarters. This by itself was a signal that the economy was softening. Dr. Nivin noted that one definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of decline in GDP. While we have not experienced that, yet, it is expected that the 4th quarter will show a pretty substantial decline, and many economists are projecting a decline in the first quarter of 2009 as well. Our chief economist has been arguing that we have been in a recession since the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008. In the past, when the economy has experienced six consecutive months of employment decline, the economy has always gone into recession. Employment has now been declining for three quarters through October, 2008.


US real GDB however has not declined for two quarters but the downturn in the overall economy since October is expected to put 4th quarter numbers of 2008 into a genuine decline.




US seasonally adjusted unemployment rose to 6.5% in October of 2008 and higher levesl are clearly possilble in 2009. The rate of growth in the unemployment is increasing as the end of 2008 approaches





From September 2007 to Sept 2008, inflation declined slightly to 4.94 percent.


A major benefit of the San Antonio economy is that is it very diversified. The Finance sector contributes approximatly $20.5 Million in economic contribution. Real estate contributes approximatly $19.4 Million in economic contribution, Healthcare accounts for approximately $16.3 Million, Manufacturing contributes about $14.4 Million in economic benefit. The US DOD or Department of Defence contributes about $13.3 Million in economic benefit. Hospitality and Tourism contributes about $8.7 Million in economic benefit, Informatino Technology IT contributes about 5.3 Million in economic benefit, Graphics and Creative Technologies contributes approximatly $3.4 Million in Economic Benefit, Aerospace contributes approximately 3.3 Milliion in economic benefit, and Higher Education contributes approximately about $2.2 Million.


Employment supported by the various sectors provides a sound base for economic stability that many other communities may wish to emulate. i.e.: Department of Defense DOD accounts for approximatly 200,000 jobs annually in the San Antonio area. Approximately 131,000 people are employed in the real estate sector. Healthcare and the biosciences account for approximately 120,000 jobs in San Antonio. Tourism and hospitality accounts for approximately 100,000 jobs. Since Toyota opened a plant in San Antonio, the area's manufacturing based has increased to approximatley 53,000 jobs. San Antonio's Finance Sector accounts for approximately 51,000 jobs. Graphics and Creative Technologies account for approximatly 27,000 jobs. Higher education accounts for approximately 17,000 jobs. Information Technology IT, accounts for approximatey 11,000 jobs in San Antonio, and Aerospace accounts for approximately 10,000 jobs. Through October of 2008, San Antonio's employment has been increasing steadily at an approximate rate of about 2%


Texas' leading Economic Indes appears to indicate a slowing of the Texas economy over the next year.




The Texas economy continues to grow but the rate of growth has been declining over the past year. The index increased from 187.2 in August to 187.3 in September. From March 2008 to September 2008, the index increased at an annualized rate of 1.29%




Texas' major metro areas continue their long growth trends, but growth is starting to stagnate.





While all metro areas of Texas grew in September, Houston led the way. The Business Cycle index for major metropolitan areas in Texas noted a 1.96% increase in growth for San Antonio, a 3.96% growth for Houston, 2.34% growth for Ft. Worth, a 1.14% growth for Dallas, and a .5% growth for Austin. In fact, Austin moved from one of the fastest growning regions to one of the slowest during 2008.



US Housing starts decreased thoughtout the US in 2008 and in Texas during the last half of 2008, a clear signal of a pending recession


According to the National Association of Realtors, the number of months of existing homes inventory on the market decreased over the past few months from a high of over 11 months to just under 10 months. However, this statistic included the months prior to the fall of the world stock and financial markets.





The Growth in home sales continues its decline in all major areas of Texas, including San Antonio. Homes sales in San Antonio are down almost 20% from September 2007 to September 2008 according the Bob Leonard, Chairman of the Board of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS. Median home prices declined only slighty in each of the major markets though, indicating at least some stabity in home values in cities like San Antonio.




The PMI Mortgage Insurance Company has established PMI U.S. Market Risk Index to assess the risk that may exist in each of the major U.S. metropolitan markets. Riverside, California has a market risk of 1, meaning a 95.5% probability that if a home is foreclosed, the PMI Insurance in effect on mortgage will be result in a claim on the assets of the PMI Mortgage Insurance Company. Ft. Worth, Texas has a risk index of 5 meaning that the value of the home will likely reflect the home's market value. Other markets in Texas such as San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Austin have similar indexes meaning housing values should remain stable throughout the recession.

San Antonio has an unemployment rate of approximatly 5% as of Novembe, 2008. During 2008, the city created approximatly 20,000 new jobs.

Summary

The national economy is clearly in for some troubled times. However, the economic stimulus that has been infused into the economy by the US Federal Government is likely to keep a depression from occuring. Even so, economic recession is imminent. But Texas's metro economies are likely to continue to grow, hopefully, but at a slower rate than the past several years.

Summarized by John Thurman , Broker, Heart of Texas Realty

Host, Real Estate Focus Talk Show, NewsTalk 930 KLUP

San Antonio Stregic Alliance For Business SABER




SABER INSTITUTE




SABER: The Strategic Alliance for Business and Economic Research is an economic development partnership between with St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber. The SABER Institute’s mission is to provide a think tank where local leaders come together for consider economic development and organizational opportunities and to implement their findings under The Neighborhood Revitalization Project.

SABER participants are creating and cataloging a knowledge base of regional economic influences and assessing how these influences may be used to stimulate ongoing development through the initiative

SABER is providing significant educational, research, and service opportunities for students,
delivering high-quality economic research to the members of the Hispanic Chamber and other clients, and assisting St. Mary’s University faculty and staff and other partner organization with grant applications toward achieving the vision.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Bexar County Texas

Bexar County is home of the state's third-largest city, San Antonio. Bexar County and San Antonio are known for a lot of things, including the US Military's Medical Services Corp, The San Antonio Sea World, Fiesta Texas

San Antonio's Ecomony

A lot is being said around the country regarding the state of the economy and the outlook for specific communities. The fact is that San Antonio has one of the most robust economies in the US. Our real estate unit sales are off 16% for the year-to-date and our dollar volume is off 17%. However, that compares to some communities being off by 50% or more. Homes were never un-affordable in San Antonio and historically our average priced home has sold for well under $200,000.00. Our ratio of sales to listings to sales has remained relatively stable for the past year. During the summer, we had approximatly 6 months supply of inventory on hand. That number has risen to approximaly eights months of supply, well under the twelve months supply we had duriong the 80's .

During 2008, San Antonio added approximately 20,000 new jobs to our workforce and the city is on track to do that again in 2009, thanks largely to the US Government's Military Base Reallignment and Closure Commission's (BRAC) selection of San Antonio as the future home of US military's Medical Service Corp.

San Antonio' s Tourism business offers so many things to do, it's hard to imagine taking a vacation anywhere else. For Example:

The San Antonio Riverwalk, visit http://www.sanantoniotourism.com/
The Alamo visit, http://www.thealamo.org/
Guide to Attractions, hotels, etc., http://www.sanantonioinsider.com/
San Antonio Museum of Art. http://www.samuseum.org/main/
San Antonio Children's Museum; SAKids.org
Ripley's Believe It Or Not, http://www.plazawaxmuseum.com/
Rio San Antonio Cruises, http://www.riosanantonio.com/
La Vallita (Original San Antonio); http://www.lavillita.com/
Sea World of San Antonio, www.SeaWorld.com/SanAntonio
Six Flags Fiesta Texas www.SixFlags.com

So, if you are looking for a great place to live or work, San Antonio is just about as nice a place as you can find.

John Thurman
Broker
Heart of Texas Realty
www.HeartofTexasRealty.com