San Antonio Real Estate

Internatinoal Optimism on the horizon

2009-03-16T20:33:00.002-06:00

Between March 10th & March 13th, the American stock markets all rallied very nicely. Japan's Nikkei gained substantially during the same period of time. In the US though, there seems to be a lot of finger pointing regarding what has gone wrong so far. Like it or not, the Obama Administration has presided over a 20% decline in the US markets in their first 50 days in office. The bright spot thought in our markets is banks, like Citi Group and Bank of America, are both beginning to show profits. Layoffs are still high, but they appear to have stabilized. As I write this post, the Nikkei is up 114 points and the European markets are showing strong futures.

The speed of the slowdown has affected energy availability. According to a Bloomberg report this evening, Natural Gas Drillers are idling rigs. This can only spell higher prices in the not too distant future. Both Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy Corporations are predicting this increase. That will most likely have the effect of slowing the rebound of the economy as it occurs

Cluetrain Manifesto

2008-12-06T22:19:00.004-06:00

The cluetrain manifesto is perhaps one of the most stimulating books on organizational behavior and psychology that I have encountered. The concept that identifies markets as being essentially dialogue between people is rereshing. I'm personally in my second career having ridden the great yellow box film company to the summit and back down to the valley from wince it came. We used to refer to marketing the company's product to consumers as somehow a right associated with some supernatural force. But, that was yesterday, and yesterday is gone.

I do recall spending countless hours pouring over statistical data of how vairous group so people behave. The part that I found most fascinating was that there was seldom any corporate learning associated with the exercise, i.e., we paid our statisticians big bucks for their work, and we went back to our cubicles and pursued our daily grind as if no revelation had occurred. Indeed, it had not. Everthing we saw and heard from our consultants was instinctive information that was well known within the corporate bureaucracy. But, after each exercise, we could point to a book on the shelf that at least quantified for posterity what we already knew.

The process of pursuing one's carrer was the part that was most fascinating. Career advancement and performance were seldome related. Rather, advancement was more closely related to being liked by senior executives. First person dialogue was almost never misunderstood or poorly communicated. Body language, past history, personal agendas, etc. were not checked at the door. However, they were well understood. But, once a face to face contact ended, spin took over and just about anything was fair game because the game was not progress towards some agreed upon goal but the justaposition of personal agendas against an advancement goal.

I'll continue my thoughts on this at a later time. Let me know if you have any response for me on this subject.

Kent Krauss Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, July 16, 2008

2008-12-06T15:59:00.007-06:00

The San Antonio Movers and Shaker Show is honored to have as its featured guest on July 16, 2008, Mr. Kent Krauss, Publisher, San Antonio Business Journal. Mr. Krauss serves on the board of directors of many of the area's civic organizatinos, such as the San Antonio Sports Foundation, Better Business Bureay, San Antonio Area Tourism Council, Goodwill Industries, and many others. Through is leadership of the San Antonio Business Journal, he has championed and reported on San Antonio's economic development and growth.

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

Rick Cavender Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shaker Show, July 12, 2008

2008-12-06T15:44:00.003-06:00

Rick Cavender honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show on NewsTalk 930 KLUP www.KLUP.com Bio compliments of http://cdbaby.com/cd/rcavender

?Rick Cavender leads two very successful professions. Many know Rick as the familiar face and voice for his family's car dealerships in San Antonio. In fact,the Cavender family has a 65 year history as the leading automotive name in town with 7 successful franchises. Rick is seen often on TV and heard on radio as pitchman for his family's dealershipsBut when the day ends and the stage lights come up, Rick takes his place in the spotlight as a talented band leader and entertainer. The Rick Cavender Band is one of San Antonio's true treasures. This six piece variety band has entertained audiences for over 20 years opening for major country acts and performing for private receptions and events. In 2001, they were voted "Entertainer of Year" by the city's hotel and catering professionals.In 2002, Rick finally took his original work to the studio. After an eight month production at BGM Studios in San Antonio, his work was completed and "Gypsy Vagabond" was released. This album is an original complilation of 15 songs. It presents a visual and musical tour of some of Rick's favorite places and experiences. It is lively and features a variety of musical genres from bluegrass to Cajun to driving rock 'n roll to country waltz. It will entertain you. It will bring a smile to your face and it will live as a favorite in your CD library.Rick sites his musical influences as some of the Americana's best--Delbert McClinton, Robert Earl Keen, Joe Ely, Steve Earl, George Strait and Pat Green. His songs reflect a sense of imagery and a sense of humor. Take a listen to the wonderful wood string instruments on "Sedona" a song which tells the story of a lost traveler who ends up at an American Legion Hall in this beautiful Arizona town. Or drive to Los Angeles for Rick's walk down the "Grand Red Carpet". This song features the Harmonica prowness of Austin's legendary blues man Gary Primige. Then the title song "Gypsy Vagabond" takes us back in time to a early 60's existence and tells the story of the lost country singing troubador trying to find work for his band members in old dance halls. "Prayer in the Wind" begins with the cry of Randy Rinehard's Emmons pedal steel guitar and leads the listener to a new emotion. Rick shows his humor and reflection of the old "I Love Lucy" shows with his very light "I Got Some Splainin to Do" and tells the story of a man who gets in some big trouble when his wife finds another woman's shoes in her closet! "Croonin on Friday Night" is the first song to introduce the driving R&B influences of Delbert McClinton and features the famous "West Side Horns" who performed with legendary Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez and the Texas Tornados.Rick called in his good friend Ponty Bone to perform the cajun accordian and vocal on "Bayou Band". "Tomboy" is the true story of an abandoned gold mine 14,000 feet above Telluride, Colorado. Once again, Ponty Bone performs accordian on this remarkable cut. West Texas imagery and the story of the famous Gage Hotel is presented in a signature song on the album. "Daylight in Marathon" is catching a great deal of radio play and interest. PAy attention to the "train whistle cry" performed on fiddle by Bobby Flores accenting the visual lyric. This is perhaps the best story song on the album. "Cushioned for the Fall" may become the only song ever devoted to a man who survives all obstacles dressed in a bubble wrap suit. Take a minute to laugh along with this one. Then go to the famous "Cadillac Bar" and get lost in a bottle of Don Cuervo. Perhaps the biggest surprise on the CD is the haunting ballad "Take a Stand". Rene Saenz plays a beautiful tenor sax solo on this song. The album concludes with Gary Primige on the harp once again and Bobby Flores on the Rickenbacher guitar for "Tonight We Ride."

Dr. Ian ThompsonMD, Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show, July 5, 2008

2008-12-06T15:27:00.004-06:00

Dr. Ian Thompson, MD, Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show on News Talk 930 KLUP http://www.klup.com/
Bio from http://urology.uthscsa.edu/bio.html

"Dr. Ian Thompson, M.D.
ProfessorChairman, Department of UrologyGlenda and Gary Woods Distinguished Chair in GU OncologyHenry B. and Edna Smith Dielman Memorial Chair in Urologic ScienceEmail: thompsoni@uthscsa.eduAcademic Telephone: 210-567-5643Clinical Telephone: 210-450-1300Academic Fax: 210-567-6868Clinical Fax: 210-450-1749Faculty Profile
Biosketch
Dr. Ian Thompson received his undergraduate degree from West Point and his M.D. degree from Tulane University. After a Residency in Urology in San Antonio, he completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He is Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Thompson has published over 360 scientific papers, several dozen book chapters, and has edited five textbooks in medicine and surgery. He currently serves as Chair the Residency Review Committee for Urology and Vice-Chair of the Early Detection Research Network of the National Cancer Institute. He previously served as the President of the Society of Urologic Oncology, the international association of physicians who conduct research and who provide care for patients with urologic malignancies. He has served as a Visiting Professor at most major academic institutions in the U.S. as well as at many leading cancer centers in Europe, Asia, Central and South America, as well as Australia.
Dr. Thompson is the Principal Investigator of the San Antonio Center for Biomarkers Of Risk of Prostate Cancer. This cohort study, with up to 8 years of followup, currently follows over 3,600 men for development of prostate cancer and has been the source of many recent important developments in the early detection of prostate cancer. He was the primary coordinator of the 18,882-subject Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, is the Localized Prostate Organ Site Chair for the Southwest Oncology Group, and has been PI or a co-investigator in several large national clinical trials. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, was the largest prostate cancer study ever conducted for prevention of prostate cancer and demonstrated that the medication, finasteride, was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Thompson retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army, serving as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center as well as Commander of the 41st Combat Support Hospital. He served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a General Surgeon in a Combat Support Hospital during Operation Desert Storm/Shield.
Patient Care
Dr. Thompson's primary expertise is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Urologic malignancies including tumors of the kidney, bladder, prostate, testis and male genitalia. He is an internationally recognized expert in these tumors and patients and physicians seek his advice for the care of the most complex problems.
New Patients
To make an appointment, you may either visit the links at this website to make an appointment or simply call (210) 450-1300. We will make every effort to make a convenient appointment for you. Prior to your visit, we ask that you complete our initial visit form that details all aspects of your medical history as well as your current problems. Please fill out this form as completely as possible. When you come, we ask that you bring with you the additional items:
Any recent X-rays, CT scans, or other scans you have had. These should be the actual films themselves. Dr. Thompson prefers to examine the films himself in addition to examining the radiology reports.
Any records related to any pathology reports.
All pertinent laboratory test information.
A listing of all of your medications and dosages is also very important.
If you are not certain what to bring, either (1) call us at 210-450-1300 for advice or (2) bring all of your records with you. We want very much for your first visit to be as informative as possible and having all of this information at the time maximizes this likelihood.
For almost all visits, Dr. Thompson encourages family members, especially spouses or parents, to come the first time. It helps to have a 'second set of ears' as issues are discussed.
After hours contact information: You may find this at our web site but, when in doubt, simply call 210-450-1300. The answering service will put you in touch with either Dr. Thompson or one of his colleagues who, as necessary, will contact Dr. Thompson. To the extent possible, the faculty members of the Department of Urology want to know if their patients are having any problems and make themselves as accessible as possible. If you are having a medical emergency, it is best to call 911.
Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Thompson seeks to assist other physicians in the care of their patients. Consultations are made as rapidly as possible and both letters and full data of the visits are returned quickly to referring physicians. Should a fellow physician have a question concerning patient management, all physicians of the Department of Urology encourage telephone calls to discuss issues. The 210-450-1300 clinic number is an excellent 24-hour number. For academic issues, 210-567-5640 can be used during weekdays.
Our Promise and our Goal
All of the members of the Department of Urology feel that care of our patients is a privilege and a responsibility. We take this responsibility very seriously and have an overarching goal of providing the most state-of-the-art care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment while providing this care in a very personal manner."

The following quote is from http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=2682

"SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 28, 2008) — The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is pleased to announce that Ian Thompson, M.D., director of the CTRC genitourinary clinic and professor and chairman of the Department of Urology at the UT Health Science Center School of Medicine, has been selected to serve as a co-chair for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Genitourinary Steering Committee. Co-chair for NCI Genitourinary Steering CommitteeDr. Thompson was selected as one of three co-chairs for this distinguished leadership position because of his international reputation for prostate cancer research and due to the report of the Clinical Trials Working Group issued in 2004. In this report, the NCI provided recommendations on restructuring the clinical trials enterprise supported by the NCI. One of the initiatives set forth by the NCI was to establish a network of disease-specific scientific steering committees involving the broad oncology community.The three co-chairs of the Genitourinary Steering Committee include:
Dr. Thompson, representing urology
Dr. Anthony Zeitman (Massachusetts General Hospital), representing radiation oncology
And a medical oncologist yet to be named.The co-chairs of the steering committee are voting members and serve as leaders of the committee, guiding the committee’s direction. Among its many important tasks, the steering committee is responsible for reviewing protocol concepts and recommending approval, revision or disapproval of the concept to the Cancer Treatment Evaluation Program. The ultimate goal is for the NCI to move toward a comprehensive approach to the development, evaluation and prioritization of clinical trials in genitourinary cancers.
###The Cancer Therapy & Research Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the nation’s leading academic research and treatment centers, serving more than 4.4 million people in the high-growth corridor of Central and South Texas including Austin, San Antonio, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. CTRC is one of a few elite cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center and is one of only three in Texas. CTRC handles more than 120,000 patient visits each year and is a world leader in developing new drugs to treat cancer. The CTRC Institute for Drug Development is internationally recognized for conducting the largest oncology Phase I clinical drug trials program in the world, and participated in the clinical and/or preclinical development of many of the cancer drugs approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. For more information, visit http://www.ctrc.uthscsa.edu/.??

James Montgomery, Attorney and Rotarian, Honored on the San Antonio Movers and Shaker Show, June 28, 2008

2008-12-06T14:16:00.005-06:00

James and Linda Montgomery are honored as the Featured Guests on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show June 28, 2008 by John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/ and Bjorn, Just Bjorn, of Bjorn's Home Entertainment http://www.bjorns.com/

Jim was recently nominated for the Ethics in Business (EIB) Award of the CPA Ethics Squad. Mr. Montgomery was nominated for this award by Mr. John Thurman who is associated with Mr. Montgomery through the San Antonio Rotary Club at the Dominion. Mr. Thurman describes him as a “straight-up person” who is very honest and what you see is what you get.
His work with the Rotary Club has spanned many years and he is currently the Rotary International District Governor for the organization, which is a volunteer position that requires a full-time commitment. He travels regularly to local clubs in his district, which includes forty-four counties in south central Texas and nearly 3,000 Rotarians, in support of this organization and is committed to the pursuit of excellence.

His personal vision statement and goals are summarized in the Rotary 4 Way Test which is comprised of four questions which are 1) is it the truth, 2) is it fair to all concerned, 3) will it build goodwill and better friendships, and 4) will it be beneficial to all concerned? By being able to affirmatively answer these questions in every endeavor he pursues he is able to provide an example that others in business and the community admire and respect.
Mr. Montgomery is happy to work behind the scenes and is not interested in personal glorification. Sherri Muniz commented that “just prior to him assuming the duties of leading Rotary District 5840 there were some goals the prior leader had not yet realized, although they were nearly finished. Mr. Montgomery could have waited for the change of leadership, finished the jobs, and received the credit for the accomplishments. Instead, I received a private email asking for my assistance in moving the tasks along so that they would be finished under the leadership of the predecessor. I was impressed by this action; it was the correct and ethical action to take, yet no one else knew that Mr. Montgomery had acted in this way. His concern was not for himself, but for the dignity and achievement of those before him.” Another Rotarian, Rebecca Notzon, stated there is a quote by John C. Maxwell that describes Mr. Montgomery and it is, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Rebecca went on to say “Jim shows leadership qualities by demonstrating integrity, creating vision, motivating people and leading by example.”
Mr. Montgomery became active in the Boy Scouts as a child, with his father being the Scout Master for his sons. His father provided an excellent example of high standards and values and those principles provided the foundation for Mr. Montgomery, Jr. to build his own personal value set. He has served as an Assistant Scout Master, Cub Master, and District Chairman for his own son carrying on the family tradition. Mr. Montgomery Sr., Mr. Montgomery Jr., and “Jimmy” (III) as he was called to keep the three Jim’s straight for the family members were all Eagle Scouts. “That is just unheard of,” exclaimed Sid Trawick who has been a friend of the family for years.
Mr. Montgomery (the Jr.) and his brother obtained the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America under the superb leadership of his father, affectionately known as Mr. Monty by all the members of Troop 88. This is the highest rank attainable within this organization, it is held for life, and only about five percent of the Boy Scouts actually obtain this award. The requirements for this designation are rigorous and include earning at least twenty-one merit badges and demonstrating scout spirit, service and leadership. Although this achievement is difficult to obtain, it is easy to identify the individuals who have reached this goal because the recipients display the rank on their uniform by wearing a special metal, badge and rope.
Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul W. Green was very fond of Mr. Monty. He described him as a “bear of a man” that was well loved by all the boys. He could picture Mr. Monty presenting him with his Tenderfoot Badge all those years ago. He said, “Boys can sometimes get out of hand, but it was well understood that he was an authority figure and when he got irritated we snapped to and shaped up.” Both Justice Green and Roy Huff, III, another individual that made Eagle Scout under Mr. Monty, described him as a father figure. Mr. Huff stated, “He was a second father to me.” Justice Green said, “We all looked forward to the camp outs. No one ever wanted to disappoint him and failure was not an option. He made you feel proud of yourself because you accomplished your goals and achieved another badge. He was an inspiring man and we wanted to do it for him.” Justice Green commented that even today when people find out he is an Eagle Scout they are impressed because it is so hard to get. He attributes it to the love and support of Mr. Monty.
Mr. Monty ran the Eagle Scout Association here in San Antonio. He had an office and a computer and Sid Trawick described him as a “great man.” Mr. Trawick said when Mr. Monty was seventy years old he helped put the singles on the roof at Camp McGimsey, which is an indoor Boy Scout facility in San Antonio. He was also very skilled in working with wood and made excellent wood doll houses, which he donated to the Alamo Heights Rotary Club for fundraisers. Mr. Trawick said he wanted one of those for his daughter but was never able to win one. Someone always would end up bidding higher and win it, but he tied every time in hopes that he would succeed in winning that prize.
Mr. Montgomery’s mother, Vivian, worked at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for quite a few years, according to Reverend Prehn, and at one point was the librarian there. Mr. Trawick knew her and said she loved her boys and the grandkids. She is remembered by Mr. Trawick as being a “behind the scenes” kind of mom who “stayed at home, took care of the kids and made sure dinner was ready when her husband came home.” That was the typical role for moms to have and they provided the support and foundation for the family so it could flourish.
He and his wife, Linda, are alumni scholarship contributors at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and have had a named scholar for the last seven years. He is also a member of the Chancellors Council for the University of Texas System.
Linda describes her husband as an uplifting and inspirational speaker and stated that he is truly the wind beneath her wings. It was through his encouragement to go out of her comfort zone that gave her the confidence to become the President of the Alumni Association at UTSA. They have a blended family of four children with three daughters and a son. They have four grandchildren, three boys and a girl.Mr. Montgomery is very involved in various community fund raising activities. This includes being named the Chairman for the following fund raising activities: Cattle Barons Gala Live Auction, KLRN Wine Auction, Golden Gloves Regional Tournament from 1995-1997, and the March of Dimes Celebrity Serve Luncheon. He has sat on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Youth Literacy and Leadership council, and is a member of the National Excalibur Society and the American Cancer Society.

He and his wife, Linda, are alumni scholarship contributors at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and have had a named scholar for the last seven years. He is also a member of the Chancellors Council for the University of Texas System.
Linda describes her husband as an uplifting and inspirational speaker and stated that he is truly the wind beneath her wings. It was through his encouragement to go out of her comfort zone that gave her the confidence to become the President of the Alumni Association at UTSA. They have a blended family of four children with three daughters and a son. They have four grandchildren, three boys and a girl.

He and his wife own a house in Colorado and both love to ski. Sid Trawick has enjoyed many a ski vacation with them and describes them as a great couple.
Mr. Montgomery is a successful business owner. He owns and operates his own law practice James Montgomery Law. His honestly and integrity in and out of the courtroom has set him apart from the rest of his peers and he is known in the community for sticking to his high standards and value set.
It comes as no surprise that Mr. Montgomery is an AV-rated attorney, which is Martindale Hubbell's highest peer rating for lawyers, and he has over 25 years of courtroom experience. He believes in self improvement and regularly attends continuing education classes to ensure he is providing exceptional guidance to his clients and opponents with his extensive knowledge and experience. His cliental began to request his expertise outside the courtroom to help them be proactive and prevent problems from occurring. This resulted in a shift of his business focus and he began providing consulting services for a wide range of services to include “the design of corporate structures and business transactions to increase profitability and minimize the amount of taxes paid by clients. His business advice programs are designed to maintain regular review and consultation in order to know the client’s business and plans in advance to maximize profit and minimize potential exposure.”

Mr. Montgomery lives by his ethical and moral values at home and in business and is not the type of person who deviates from those core values in different settings or environments. His personal mission statement is to do a good turn daily and service above self, the later being a core value of the Rotary Club, too.
Eagle Scouts are held to a higher standard and as Jim’s dad has stated, “When people find out you are an Eagle Scout they expect more from you.” Thomas Robins, a good friend and business associate stated, “Jim is the ultimate embodiment of what it means to be an Eagle Scout. His moral compass is as much a part of him as one of his internal organs.”

Religious faith with its morals, values and teachings are an integral part of Mr. Montgomery. He attended parochial school at St. Luke’s Episcopal School through the sixth grade and said “My Eagle project was in the 1960s and we helped reorganize the library at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.” The school was founded in 1947. The Alamo Heights church as it stands today was built in 1954, but unfortunately the library was destroyed by water some years ago. Although the damage to the library was extensive Jim’s project has never been forgotten.

The Mission Statement for St. Luke’s Episcopal School is St. Luke's Episcopal School is a Christian community dedicated to academic and personal excellence, lifelong learning, and service to others. The short phrase in that mission statement that is synonymous with Mr. Montgomery is ‘service to others,’ and he learned that lesson well at an early age. The school develops and encourages critical thinking, while instilling in the students a sense of responsibility, self discipline and respect. The reasoning behind this is “To be a citizen who contributes, one must not only have knowledge of mathematics and literature, but also knowledge of cooperation, sound judgment and leadership.[1]”
Linda Montgomery has many kind words to say about her husband. She thinks Jim got his inspiration from his father and she was sorry she only got to spend fifteen years getting to know Mr. Monty. She said, “Jim won’t undermine someone, instead he knows how to encourage people and make them feel appreciated.” He has an uplifting affect on her and through encouragement has enabled her to “step outside of my comfort zone” and accept and conquer challenges like becoming President of the UTSA Alumni Association.
Richard Berchin described Mr. Montgomery as a “great role model.” His wife, Linda, agrees with that statement as does Stephanie Macchia, a business associate and Rotarian who stated, “He leads by example and because of this, people want to be like him.” Rebecca Notzon commented Jim always took actions based on an essential fairness to all concerned. She went on to say he always weighs the potential impact of his decisions and has treated equally all persons that are affected. He conducts his private and social life by preserving and protecting the positive image he portrays.

John Thurman stated, “Jim’s life, in the office and outside it, is synonymous with ethics of the highest caliber. He is an extremely successful businessman, but it is when you understand what he does with this success and expertise that you understand his high standard of ethics. After serving businesses in the courtroom for 25 years as a successful lawyer, Jim now dedicates his time to helping clients stay OUT of the courtroom. He counsels businesses in all aspects of structuring business agreements, represents buyers and sellers of businesses ranging from multi-million dollar office buildings to small pest control businesses, and advises and participates with real estate investors on income producing property and raw land investments. With this holistic approach, Montgomery fills the shoes of an in-house COO and legal counsel for a firm, for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee, and certainly a small percentage of the cost of going to court. Throughout every transaction, here is his MO:
1) Constantly educates himself regarding new business trends to help his clients
2) Thinks more about his clients’ welfare than his bottom line
3) Always encourages those who work for him or with him by emphasizing their strengths
4) Mentors other attorneys in the business ways of the practice of law
5) Is a conduit for referring business among his clients whenever possible
6) Gets to know his clients so that when an opportunity comes along to refer business among his clients he does it
7) Strives to see that his business clients are given every possibility to become successful
8) Really wants to see his clients succeed
9) Makes time for his children and his grandchildren
10) Plans family trips so his children, stepchildren and grandkids can enjoy their extended family”
Mr. Montgomery stated he does not have followers he has equals and co-workers. During the interview process all respondents had similar responses that Mr. Montgomery was “not a dictator,” or “not out for personal glorification.” The common theme from the questionnaire participants was he leads through example and if he thinks the reason for doing something is worthwhile and/or productive he will encourage two-way communication in explaining the importance of the given project. Mr. James E. Watson, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio stated, “He uses a stimulating questioning technique to insure issues are well thought through and addressed in a creative manner.” He then convinces his co-workers that the project will benefit many people less fortunate than themselves, which creates a sense of pride, accomplishment, and self-worth in the completion of the task. The common response from the questionnaire participants on how he fosters two-way communication is that he is a good listener. Mrs. Sherri Muniz stated, “Mr. Montgomery is a leader in that he sets clear goals for those working on his leadership team. He is an inspiring leader; he is quick to give support and recognition to those who are working under him.” Janet Livingston commented that, “Jim is more of an ‘inspirer’ type of guy. He does not dictate to get the job done. He is regarded as smart, compassionate, hard-working, and positive and I think he has a great sense of humor!” Mr. Watson went on further to state that Mr. Montgomery’s reputation in the community was “Rock Solid,” and that he illustrates his character traits by making “sound decisions and by his actions.”
Thomas Robins, a good friend and former business associate stated, “While we were members of the same law firm, I watched Jim mentor younger lawyers in the ethical practice of the law. Jim turned down lucrative legal work when he felt he could not ethically represent certain clients. On at least one occasion, he did this over the objections of senior partners in the firm. Since we have been solo practioners, I have referred many litigation matters to Jim. He may not have won every case, but his clients always felt that they were well represented and treated with dignity and respect for a fair fee. Believe me I can’t say that about any other lawyer to whom I have referred cases. Jim has helped several of my referral clients, knowing that the work would be pro bono. He treats these clients in exactly the same professional manner that he treats the paying ones.”
Not only does he treat his clients in an upstanding professional manner, but he treats every one of his employees with the same respect. As Ms. Llewellyn says, “If it is important to me, Jim makes it important to him.” He continually encourages open communication and thereby makes the staff feel comfortable enough that they can address any issue or subject with him. He is open on all levels to new ideas, and trusts his employees’ judgment, because without effective communication there is no continual improvement.
Mr. Montgomery is also particularly keen in identifying the potential of individuals, his co-workers, and organizations. He helps support this by motivating them to recognize this quality within themselves. Ms. Llewellyn attests that, “He certainly has encouraged me to recognize that potential within myself and purposefully assigns me projects that foster that potential; specifically in areas I have expressed interest in, such as marketing.” Mr. Montgomery would never ask anyone to perform a duty that he was not willing to do himself. He sets his professional and personal goals high in an effort to inspire others do the same. He is a trustworthy and hard working individual who encourages the people around him to embrace these same qualities, not because it is their ethical obligation, but because he strongly deems these qualities to be important. He believes that most people are honest and hard working, or have the potential to achieve these principles, if only given the opportunity.

Submitted by John Thurman www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

Hon Lila Cockrell Honored on the San Antnio Movers and Shakers Show, June 21, 2008

2008-12-06T14:07:00.004-06:00

Hon Lila Cockrell Honored as the Featured Guest on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers Radio Talk Show by John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty www. HeartOfTexasRealty.com, and Bjorn, Just Bjorn, of Bjorns Home Entertainment http://www.bjorns.com/

The following is her bio from the http://www.saparksfoundation.org/.

Ms. Lila Cockrell received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. She has
past military experience, having served as an Ensign in
the Waves during World War II. Her public service includes serving
as a San Antonio City Councilwoman from 1963 - 70 and again from
1973 - 75. In 1975 she was elected Mayor of San Antonio and served
until 1981 and again from 1989 - 91. She received an honorary
Doctor of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake University
in San Antonio, and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Southern
Methodist University. She now holds the position of President of the
San Antonio Parks Foundation.
Ms. Cockrell has served on a number of local, state, and national boards and currently serves as
Co-Chairman of the San Antonio River Oversight Committee, National Trustee of the San Antonio
Museum of Art, a Trustee of Southwest Research Institute, Honorary Life Member, San Antonio
Economic Development Foundation, a member of the Texas Forum of the International Women’s
Forum, National Trustee of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Board Member and past Chairman of
the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, and Past Chair of the MasterCard Alamo Bowl,
Among the many local, state and national honors she has received are; San Antonio Women’s
Hall of Fame, Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, the Tom Bradley Award for Public Service from the
National Association of Regional Councils, the Spence Vanderlinden Award for Public Service from
the American Public Power Association, the Woman Who Made A Difference from the International
Women’s Forum, as well as a number of local and regional awards.
She was the widow of Sidney E. Cockrell, Jr. and has two daughters, Carol (Mrs. Robert L. Gulley)
of Alexandria, VA and Cathy (Mrs. John Newton) of Boerne, TX and two grandchildren, Dodge
Garman of San Antonio and Annalee Gulley of Alexandria, VA.
Resume starts on page 2
1
Lila Cockrell
Current Position:
President, San Antonio Parks Foundation August 1998
Current Boards:
Co-Chair, San Antonio River Oversight Committee
National Trustee, San Antonio Museum of Art
Trustee, Southwest Research Institute
Advisory Board Member, Arts! San Antonio
Board Member, World Affairs Council of San Antonio
Honorary Board Member – San Antonio Economic Development Foundation
Past Elective Offices Held:
Mayor, City of San Antonio 1975-1981;
1989-1991
Councilwoman, City of San Antonio 1963-1970;
1973-1975
Past Work Experience:
Deputy Director for Civic and Community Affairs 1994-1998
San Antonio Museum of Art
President, Travel By Design, Ltd. 1991-1994
(Successor Agency to Atkins Travel)
President, Atkins Travel Agency, Inc. 1984-1989
Director of Community Relations, 1972-1974
Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health
Coordinator of Volunteer Services 1970-1972
San Antonio State Chest Hospital
Past Boards, Commissions and Committees:
National Level:
Member, National Commission on Severely Distressed 1991-1993
Public Housing (appointed by Housing Banking Chair,
Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez)
One of the first five women selected as participant, 1981
National Security Forum of the U.S. Air War College,
Maxwell AFB.
2
Advisory Board, National League of Cities 1979-1981
Advisory Board, U.S. Conference of Mayors 1978-1981
Board of Directors, National League of Cities 1977-1979
President, Women in Municipal Government Sector 1976
National League of Cities
Board of Directors, National Association of 1973-1975
Regional Councils
State Levels:
Board of Directors, Texas Municipal League 1973-1981;
1989-1991
President, Texas Municipal League 1975-1976
Texas Commission on Intergovernmental Relations 1973-1975
Regional Level:
Chairman, Greater Austin – San Antonio Corridor Council 1989-1990
President, Region 7, Texas Municipal League 1974-1975
Chairman, Alamo Area Council of Governments 1973-1975
Local Level:
Chair – Mayor’s Committee on Integrity & Trust in Local 2003
Government
Co-Chair, Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on 2001-2002
San Antonio’s Economy
Board Member, Carver Community Cultural Center 2001-2002
Development Board
Board Member, Texas Research Park Foundation 1999-2002
Past Chairman, Alamo Bowl 2000
Downtown Advisory Board 1997-2000
(appointed by Councilman Roger Flores)
Coordinating Chairperson, City of San Antonio 1994
109.7 million bond campaign (4 propositions – all passed
with over 60% majority) May 7, 1994
3
Chairman, General Gifts Section 1994
Salvation Army Capital Campaign
Chairman, World Affairs Council 1992-1994
San Antonio Regional Advisory Board 1981-1994
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Chairman, Arts! San Antonio 1992-1993
Chairman, City Public Service Board 1987-1988
Board Member, President and Chairman of the Board 1983-1993
San Antonio Festival
Ex Officio Board Member, City Public Service Board, 1975-1981
City Water Board and City Transit Board
President, League of Women Voters of San Antonio 1959-1963
Honors and Awards:
National Level:
Woman Who Made a Difference 1985
International Women’s Forum
Outstanding Civilian Service Medal 1981
United States Army
Meritorious Civilian Service Medal 1981
Department of the Air Force
Spence Vanderlinden Award for Public Service
American Public Power Association
Thomas Bradley Award for Public Service
National Association for Regional Councils
State Level:
San Antonio Business Hall of Fame 2004
Girl Scout Trefoil Award Recipient 2004
The Legends of Texas Award 2000
Sun City Texas by Del Webb
Public Service Award 1985
Texas Public Power Association
4
Texas Women’s Hall of Fame 1984
(One of the first 12 inductees along with
Lady Bird Johnson and Barbara Jordan)
Local Level:
Robert H. H. Hugman Hospitality Award 2002
San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau
Joe Frost Play Advocate 2002
The University of the Incarnate Word
Lifetime Achievement Award 2001
Alamo Area Council of Governments
Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award 1999
Sales and Marketing Executives
Humanitarian Award 1996
National Conference of Christians and Jews
San Antonio’s Women’s Hall of Fame 1984
(One of the first group of inductees)
Senior Citizen Housing Development renamed 1981
Lila Cockrell Apartments by the San Antonio
Housing Authority.
Theater of Performing Arts in HemisFair Plaza 1981
Renamed Lila Cockrell Theater.
Officially named Mayor Emeritus by City Council 1981
after retirement as Mayor.
Politician of the Decade 1980
San Antonio Light
Politician of the Year 1980
San Antonio Express-News
*In addition to these, over 100 local awards, plaques, and certificates of
appreciation have been received.
International Travel and Special Delegations:
As City Councilwoman:
Represented City of San Antonio in the State of 1974
Texas Bicentennial Commission official trip to Guatemala
led by Mark White, Secretary of State.
5
As Mayor:
Delegate and speaker, International Conference on 1990
“Acropolipses” hosted by Mayor of Osaka, Japan
Participant in anniversary celebrations in San Antonio’s 1989
Sister City of Kumamoto, Japan as guest of Mayor Ti Jiri.
Numerous trips to Mexico; received by President 1975-1981;
Luis Echeverria at Los Pinos March 1976; by 1989-1991
President Carlos Salinas in 1990. Sister City visits
to Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mazatlan
Member, U.S. Conference of Mayors first official 1979
delegation to visit the People’s Republic of China
Member, U.S. Conference of Mayors first official 1978
mayoral delegation to visit the People’s Republic
of China (Taiwan).
Member, National League of Cities official delegation, 1977
Bi-National Conference on Culture and Urban
Development. Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin, West
Germany; extension trip to Warsaw, Poland and
Budapest, Hungary.
Official City of San Antonio representative at the 500th 1976
Anniversary of the founding of Las Palmas, Canary
Islands, Spain – one of San Antonio’s Sister Cities.
Visit to Israel, accompanying Winnie and Alton Newell 1975
of San Antonio, on the occasion of a park being named
in their honor in Jerusalem by Mayor Teddy Kollak.
As Mayor Emeritus:
Participated in cultural delegation to Kumamoto, Japan 1993
in connection with Hinokuni Festa Kumamoto 1993.
Education:
B.A., Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
Speech and English
Honorary Degrees
Doctor of Science, Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas
Doctor of Human Letters, Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
6
Military Service:
Served as Ensign in Waves; received an award 1943-1944
of recognition as Commanding Officer of the
company of Waves judged “Best Commanded
and Performed in the Bureau of Ships Regiment of Waves”.
Personal:
Widow of Sidney Earl Cockrell, Jr.
Children:
Carol Ann (Mrs. Robert Lee Gulley)
Alexandria, Virginia
Cathy Lynn (Mrs. John Newton)
San Antonio, Texas
Grandchildren:
Annalee Gulley – Alexandria, Virginia
Dodge Garman – San Antonio, Texas"

Joe McKinney Honored On The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show,

2008-12-06T13:47:00.003-06:00

Joe C. McKinneyVice Chairman, Broadway Bank, was the honored guest on the San Antonio Movers and Shakers show by John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/ and Bjorn, Just Bjorn, of Bjorn's Home Entertainment, http://www.bjorns.com/ Joe has been Vice Chairman of the Board since October of 2002. Jod McKinney oversees usiness development for Commercial Lending and Private Bank Divisions. Mr. McKinney retired in as Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase (formerly Chase Manhattan Bank and Texas Commerce Bank) – San Antonio Region after twenty-eight years of banking experience.

Mr. McKinney has an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. degree and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Harvard University. His civic service included being Chairman of the San Antonio Economic and Development Foundation. He serves on the boards of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Texas Lutheran University.

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

2008-11-28T19:23:00.009-06:00

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

2008-11-28T18:58:00.009-06:00

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

2008-11-28T17:37:00.005-06:00

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

2008-11-28T17:21:00.008-06:00

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

2008-11-28T17:03:00.006-06:00

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

2008-11-28T16:56:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-28T16:47:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-28T16:30:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-28T16:19:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-28T16:14:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-28T15:09:00.003-06:00

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

The San Antonio Economy, Resiting Resession?

2008-11-27T21:56:00.041-06:00

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

http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/

San Antonio Stregic Alliance For Business SABER

2008-11-27T19:37:00.006-06:00

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.

Bexar County Texas

2008-11-11T20:59:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-11T20:26:00.003-06:00

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

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/26/08 Sub Prime Lending Affect on San Antonio

2008-03-26T05:45:00.001-06:00

S.A. lenders say city, state positioned to weather subprime storm. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Tamarind Phinisee reported. Foreclosure rates on loans in Texas went up slightly this past year, but at a much slower clip than the national rate, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest national delinquency survey. The Washington, D.C.-based industry organization's survey shows that Texas' foreclosure rate rose from 1.24 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 to 1.36 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007. The U.S. foreclosure rate over that same period increased from 1.19 percent to 2.04 percent. The story was the same for the subprime loan market. A subprime loan is one that is offered at a higher interest rate to borrowers who have nicks in their credit history. Subprime foreclosure rates for the fourth quarter of 2007 came in at 5.28 percent for Texas and 8.65 percent for the United States overall. This represented an increase over the fourth-quarter 2006 subprime foreclosure rates of 4.32 percent for Texas and 4.53 percent nationwide. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty."

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/25/08 Hemisfair 68 Still Benefitting San Antonio

2008-03-26T05:43:00.001-06:00

Alamo City is still reaping benefits of HemisFair '68 John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Scott Bailey reported that In two weeks, San Antonio will experience a timely confluence of celebrations as it simultaneously hosts the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four basketball championship, while recognizing the 40th anniversary of HemisFair '68. San Antonio Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, son of the late Henry B. Gonzalez (who was instrumental in helping secure the world's fair), says this is the perfect time for business and political leaders to begin to identify and pursue this city's next great adventure. There is no denying the importance of HemisFair in the evolution of San Antonio, Gonzalez says. "It was a demarcation point. It was a place in time ... when people became aware of San Antonio," he contends. "It gave San Antonio tangible evidence that something was happening. It gave us form and expression that defined out future. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty."

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/20/08 Shops at La Cantera Adding Office Space

2008-03-26T05:41:00.000-06:00

The Shops at La Cantera are set to add office suites to their mix of products. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Tricia Lynn Silva reported that when the second phase of The Shops at La Cantera opens this fall, it will bring with it more than just some new retailers and restaurants. It also will bring a healthy block of office development to the mix. Chicago-based General Growth Properties (GGP) has hired locally based real estate firm Endura Advisory Group to market roughly 40,000 square feet of office space that will be included in phase two of the shopping center. The office portion of The Shops will be located on the second levels of three buildings within phase two. The first levels of those buildings will feature retail tenants. The majority of the space will overlook a Main Street area All told, phase two of The Shops will add another 300,000 square feet of space to the retail center. At present, the retail center measures 1 million square feet, says GGP executive Mollie Calvert. But The Shops is only one component to a large, mixed-use project known as La Cantera -- which spans 1,700 acres of land along Loop 1604 and Interstate Highway 10. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com.

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/19/08 Habitat For Humanity House Divided

2008-03-26T05:40:00.000-06:00

Habitat for Humanity is a house divided in the courts. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer, Tricia Lynn Silva reported that a legal dispute among affiliated nonprofit groups could threaten the future of one of the city's most recognized names in low-income housing. Earlier this year, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio Inc. filed a civil lawsuit in federal court here against its parent organization, Americus, Ga.-based Habitat for Humanity International Inc. At the core of the litigation is a proposed affiliation agreement being advanced by the parent organization regarding the governance of its more than 1,700 affiliates throughout the country. Habitat San Antonio, however, chose instead to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Antonio against Habitat International on Jan. 4 -- just days after the Dec. 31, 2007, deadline for inking the pact. "We feel decisions regarding funding and families can best be made at the local, grassroots level," Wiese says. "Habitat for Humanity has always been a movement. It was not intended to be a franchise." For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP SABJ News Reature 3/19/08 Central Park Mall Redevelopment

2008-03-26T05:39:00.001-06:00

Park North, a mixed-use project located on the long-dormant site of the former Central Park Mall, has landed a pair of key anchor stakeholders -- a hip new hotel and an upscale entertainment venue. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writers W. Scott Bailey and Tricia Lynn Silva reported that Bruce Barshop, co-owner of the 15-year-old River Center Comedy Club, which is located downtown, says plans are being finalized for a larger 400-seat comedy club in the heart of Park North. Barshop says the venue will include some 10,000 square feet of space and a large stage for national acts and a smaller bar area stage for up-and-coming performers. Developers say these two tenants will help position Park North as the gateway to an emerging mid-town district. The new club will be within walking distance of the new hotel, which will fly the Aloft flag. That project is being developed by Carrollton, Texas-based Champ Hospitality LP. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/18/08 Managing SA International Airport Growth

2008-03-26T04:34:00.001-06:00

Managing the multimillion-dollar changes at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) would challenge even the most tenured executive. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Tamarind Phinisee, reported that Mark Webb, Director of San Antonio's Aviation Department and Airports, has been overseeing the ongoing expansion and growth at the airport for the past two years. Webb notes it's incredibly easy to stay motivated because you see the results of your hard work on a daily basis and you can tell that it really is making a difference in people's lives," Webb says. "When we bring in a new airline or a new nonstop flight, that makes it easier for people to go home and see their family. It makes it easier for a business person to make that meeting that could make or break a project." Since Webb came on board in 2005, passenger traffic has increased from 7.4 million to more than 8 million travelers in 2008. Nonstop flights will grow from 30 to 43 by this spring. The airport boasts a daily average of 20,000 passengers and supports 7,000 airport-related workers -- 500 of whom are direct airport employees. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com.

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/12/08 More Nuclear Energy On The Horizon For San Antonio

2008-03-26T04:33:00.000-06:00

Nuclear Plant's good track record is paying solid dividends for CPSEnergy. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antnoio Business Journal news breif. Business Journal writer Catherine Dominguez reported that For the past four years, the South Texas Project's two nuclear reactors have produced more energy than any other two-unit plant in the country, say officials with STP Nuclear Operating Co., which manages the plant. The twin reactors produced 23 billion kilowatts of power in 2007. That is enough power to provide 2 million homes with electricity for a year. "We are on our fourth year of not having any unplanned shutdowns of the plant," says Jim Nesrsta, vice president of power plant construction and nuclear oversight for San Antonio-based CPS Energy. "If the plant stays online and is operating safely, we ... produce a lot of electricity." CPS Energy, which owns 40 percent of the STP plant, has historically had some of the lowest energy rates in Texas, and even nationwide. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/13/08 More Retail for Far West Side

2008-03-26T04:30:00.001-06:00

Developers pushing forward on far West side projects. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Tricia Lynn Silva, reported that while plans for bringing some 4,000 homes to the city's far West Side remain in limbo, developers are moving forward to develop some much-needed retail space in the area. Case in point is Houston-based development firm Weingarten Realty, which owns 200 acres of land along Potranco Road and State Highway 211. Long-term plans for Weingarten's project could ultimately call for a mix of retail, office, hospitality and potentially some medical development, according to Eric Strauss, regional director for Weingarten. The firm's project is located within a larger master-planned development called Stevens Ranch. All told, Stevens Ranch spans more than 2,000 acres of land along Potranco and Hwy. 211. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/11/2008 Local Leaders Seek Fix For Urban Sprawl Around Military Bases

2008-03-26T04:28:00.000-06:00

Local leaders seek a fix for development sprawl near military bases. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Catherine Dominguez, reported that City of San Antonio and Bexar County representatives are revisiting the issue of encroachment on local military bases and this time they are teaming up with other communities to help develop legislation to protect those installations locally and across the state. Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larson says that while the growth of the community is vital, protecting military installations also is crucial. He adds that encroachment on Camp Bullis, located just northwest of San Antonio in Bexar County, could jeopardize the mission at Fort Sam Houston. "If you listen to the military folks, the medical command (at Fort Sam Houston) is predicated on Camp Bullis continuing to operate as it is today," he says. "If there is a change in the mission (at Camp Bullis), then all that is threatened." For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP SABJ News Feature 3/10/08 NCAA Mens' Final Four

2008-03-26T04:26:00.001-06:00

San Antonio, host of the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four, has used high-profile sports events to help build up its reputation as a major tourism destination. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, W. Scott Bailey, reported that national sports marketing firms from New York to Los Angeles are hoping to benefit from the popularity 2008 NCAA Men's Final Fourby bringing high-end hoops fans -- including potentially hundreds of corporate executives -- to the nation's seventh largest city to celebrate one of college sports' greatest events. One of those firms is TSE Sports & Entertainment. Robert Tuchman is president of the New York firm, which markets hospitality packages atmarquee sporting events to corporate clients. The firm brought a number of key corporate executives to San Antonio for the 2004 Final Four. "San Antonio is absolutely perfect for this event," Tuchman says. "I can't rave enough about that city." For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP 3/3 Base Realignment and Closure BRAC

2008-02-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

While the focus of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision (BRAC) is on several San Antonio military installations, local community leaders say this is an opportunity to revitalize some Alamo City neighborhoods as well. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. The BRAC action is bringing over $2 billion in construction to the city, most of that to the Fort Sam Houston area. That area will also see an influx of more than 11,000 people. "All the growth coming to Fort Sam Houston over the next few years is great news for San Antonio. It's going to be a tremendous boost to our economy," says Howard Peak, former San Antonio mayor. "However, we need to make sure this growth is managed in such a way that we not only reap the economic

KLUP 2/29 North East ISD STEM Project

2008-02-24T21:44:00.000-06:00

A new educational initiative, nicknmed STEM, geared toward encouraging students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math careers has taken root in San Antonio and promises big results in just a few years. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Last fall, the North East STEM Academy at Robert E. Lee High School opened up with its first class of students -- 73 freshmen. Also, 88 sixth-grade students at Nimitz Middle School were enrolled in a feeder program for the new academy. This year, two more STEM programs are getting under way at a couple of local charter schools. students participating in the district's program will be immersed in science and math education throughout high school in all of their core courses, even English and social studies. By the time they graduate, students will have earned between 12 and 24 college credit hours in math and science and they will have a head start over other entering college students regarding what the college experience is all about. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KUP 2/28 San Antonio Hostin NCAA Final Four

2008-02-24T21:43:00.000-06:00

In a little over a month, San Antonio will host its third NCAA Men's Final Four basketball championship. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty with Today's San Antnio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Scott Bailey, reported with escalating competition from an increasing number of cities and the emergence of newer, larger domed stadiums in Texas and elsewhere, it's possible that this could be San Antonio's last dance with the NCAA on the Final Four stage. San Antonio leaders hope not. But they are fully aware that landing another one will not be easy. In 2009, the NCAA takes its Final Four to Ford Field in Detroit. The 2010 and 2011 Final Fours will be played in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium and Houston's Reliant Stadium, respectively. Nearly a dozen markets are expected to bid on the next round of Final Fours to be played in 2012 through 2016 and many of those have more modern facilities. The advantage San Antonio has, she says, is that it can use this 2008 Final Four as one more "audition" for the next bidding round. For San Antonio area homes and real estate Deep in the Heart of Texas, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP 2/26 San Antonio Couting India

2008-02-24T21:42:00.002-06:00

City leaders see big business opportunity in India market, John Thurman of Heart of Texas REalty here with Today's San Antonio Business Journal NEws Feature. In 1985, a San Antonio delegation led by former Mayor Henry Cisneros traveled to Japan to discuss future business and cultural opportunities, leading to the signing of a sister city agreement with Kumamoto two years later. Many local leaders believe that pact opened the door for Toyota to plant its flag in the Alamo City. More than two decades later, San Antonio is engaging in talks with officials in India that could possibly lead to a similar sister city pact with the port city of Chennai or another city in that South Asian country. A number of local leaders believe these talks could represent a landmark step toward what could eventually become a lucrative political and economic relationship between San Antonio and India. In November 2006, Richard Perez, then a member of the San Antonio City Council and now president of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, traveled to India with a contingency of U.S. business and political leaders. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of HeartofTexasRealty.com.

KLUP 2/25 San Antonio Information Technology Salaries

2008-02-24T21:42:00.001-06:00

San Antonio's Information Technology Starting Salaries lag the national average. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature, San Antonio Business Journal writer, Catherine Dominguez reported that a 2008 nationwide salary study shows San Antonio ranks in the middle of the pack in the region, but dead last among Texas' big cities, when it comes to starting salaries for information technology jobs. The 2008 Salary Guide compiled by California-based Robert Half Technology shows that starting salaries for IT-related positions will increase 5.3 percent nationwide this year. Although starting salaries in San Antonio may not appear as high as they are in other big Texas cities, the Alamo City is in fact just as competitive. "The demand for (IT professionals) is as high in San Antonio and the only reason you see percentages lower than Houston, Austin and Dallas is because we have the luxury of a lower cost of living," "People are coming here as quick as they can." Of the 10 major cities in the study's West South Central region -- which included Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana -- San Antonio ranked fifth in terms of projected 2008 average starting salaries. Houston, Dallas and Austin ranked as the top three, respectively. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP 2/16 Venue Tax

2008-02-24T21:41:00.001-06:00

The nearly $200 million San Antonio River Improvements project is expected to have a billion-dollar economic impact, say project supporters. John Thurman of Heart of texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature,. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Scott Bailey, reported that much of financial impact the riverwalk project will have on the community will be concentrated in a roughly two-mile urban portion of the so-called Museum Reach segment where work has already begun. Museum Reach construction is already generating development-related momentum to the north and south of downtown, where funding remains a critically important issue. The planned work could be stalled if voters fail to approve the use of $125 million from an extended venue tax for the river improvements project. Bexar County Commissioners have called an election for May 10 when voters will decide the fate of four venue tax propositions: They include the construction of amateur sports facilities and cultural arts venues, as well as improvements to AT&T Center and the San Antonio River. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP 2/15 AT&T

2008-02-24T21:40:00.001-06:00

AT&T Inc. has signed a 10-year naming-rights deal for two links courses under development at TPC San Antonio, which may be the first resort course to sell a traditional naming-rights sponsorship. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. "This is the first time that a destination golf course, that I know of, has been named after a consumer brand," says Dave Pillsbury, who manages the TPC network as president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties, a subsidiary of the PGA Tour. The Tournament Players Club (TPC) consists of 26 golf venues either owned, operated or licensed by the PGA Tour. The TPC network was developed, in part, to reduce the tour's dependence on television revenue. AT&T is still examining how to leverage the investment, but logos will be kept to a minimum. "We don't want branding to be all over the place," says Eric Fernandez, executive director of sponsorships and events for AT&T. "It's got to be organic. We're going to focus on integrating our technology into the golfing experience." For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP 2/14 SABOR Bob Leonard

2008-02-24T21:39:00.001-06:00

The chairman of the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR), Bob Leonard, is taking on a statewide assignment. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Leonard, a Realtor with Re/Max Associates, has been appointed to the Texas Association of Realtors' Tax and Appraisal Task Force. The organization serves as an advocate for implementing reforms in the state's appraisal process and in the use of real property taxes in Texas. Work by the tax force has resulted in legislative actions to protect property owners from mortgage fraud, excessive deed restrictions, taxation and other issues. Leonard has been a licensed Realtor and a member of SABOR since 1986. In 2005, he was elected to the board of directors for SABOR. He also serves as a director for the Texas Association and the National Association of Realtors. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP 2/13 Texas Comptroller Susan Combs

2008-02-24T21:38:00.001-06:00

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs reported that the rate of growth of state collected sales tax revenues is slowing. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Sales tax reveunes are up 5.2 percent compared to January 2007 and "While growth remains firm, it is slower than that of the past two years," Combs says. "This moderation is consistent with the slowing economy." The comptroller also distributed $640.8 million in local sales taxes to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts in February. This is up 5.1 percent from the local sales tax distribution in February 2007. The City of San Antonio received a sales tax revenue check of $23.2 million this month. This is up 1.86 percent from February 2007. Bexar County does not collect a sales tax. But VIA Metropolitan Transit and the San Antonio Advanced Transportation District received checks for $10.6 million and $5 million, respectively. This represents increases of 3.15 percent and 5.94 percent. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP 2/12 US Air New Flights

2008-02-24T21:37:00.000-06:00

US Airways is offering two new regional flights between its Charlotte, NC hub and the San Antonio International Airport. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's Business News Feature . US Airways will begin offering two flights daily in each direction beteen Charlotte, NC and San Antonio on May 4 via heir commuter carrier, Mesa Airlines, using an 86-seat Canadair CRJ900. US Airways' Director of Express Planning, Jason Reisinger, noted that the new routes are supported by a solid business and government base, outstanding educational institutions, a diverse economy, culture and tourism. US Air is pleased to offer central Texas connections to Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean through our Charlotte hub. Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways (NYSE: LLC) is now offering 540 daily departures to 128 nonstop destinations from its Charlotte hub. The airline is the fifth-largest carrier in the country. The company employs 36,000 individuals. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP Post 1/3/2008 More Hotels in San Antonio

2008-02-03T21:14:00.000-06:00

The British are Coming, The British are Coming, John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today’s San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Tricia Lynn Sylva reported that English hotel powerhouse InterContinental Hotels Group has announced that construction will begin soon on nine new hotels in greater San Antonio. These hotels will be Candlewood Suites Staybridge Suites and all of them fall into InterContinental's extended-stay segments. Their locations will include suites off I35 in Schertz , the Westover Hills area. The common denominator in the selection of the various locations is the proximity of job growth, and companies that need employees to stay in temporary quarters for extended periods of time but not permanently. San Antonio's industrial and tourism base continues to grow and the need for extended stay hotels is evidence of that growth. Westover Hills, one of the areas where these new hotels will be located, continues to attract high tech businesesses that have need for employees to reside in extended stay hotels. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/4/2008 Venue Tax

2008-02-03T21:11:00.000-06:00

The battle for the projects to be funded with the venue tax is just beginning to heat up. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today’s San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Scott Bailey reported that in January, Bexar County officials will begin to firm up a plan to present to voters later next year that would result in a lengthy extension of the venue tax to help fund an array of community projects, possibly including a riverwalk extension, a performing arts center, and an intercollegiate athletics complex. The catch is that once the tax is allocated, other projects that may appear on the horizon may have to wait until another time to be considered. Such projects could easily be an National League Football franchise or a major league baseball franchise. The tax is comprised of a combination of hotel occupancy and rental car taxes that are paid by visitors and not generally by local citizens. San Antonio already pre auditioned for an NFL franchise when it hosted the New Orleans Saints after their New Orleans stadium was severely damaged by hurricane Katrina. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/7/2005 San Antonio Spurs

2008-02-03T21:10:00.000-06:00

The Spurs are valued at a cool $405 Million according to Forbes report. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today’s San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Scott Bailey reported that the Spurs Sports & Entertainment company, home of its flagship franchise, the defending NBA national champion San Antnio Spurs, can make history by repeating its championship yet another year. But the owners of the team are already celebrating because a new report indicates that the value of the team has skyrocketed in recent years. Forbes ranked the Spurs as the 10th most valuable NBA Franchise in the league and that's a $15 million bump over last year. Both Houston and Dallas are larger markets than San Antonio and their NBA franchises are predicatly more valuable than the Spurs. But the Spurs are gaining value rapidly and they are now within striking distance of a fourth national title, a feet accomplished only byt the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP 1/14/2008 San Antonio Economic Development

2008-02-03T20:22:00.000-06:00

Local Trade Group wants to tackle some tough issues in 2008. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Mike Thomas reported that Foreign investments in San Antonio declined in 2007 compared to the last couple of years, according to the city's Economic Development Foundation, but the overall prospects for foreign trade are looking up as the as the Free Trade Alliance pushes ahead with an ambitious agenda for this year. Kyle Burns, President and CEO, Free Trade Alliance of San Antonio, wants to expand foreign investmens in the Alamo City in 2008. Mario Hernandez, President, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, noted that some decline in foreign investment was to be expected after the completion of phase one of the Toyota Manufacturing Plant. Hernadzez notes that his office is working on 104 prospects for job creation investments and eight of them are internationally based. In years past, the number of internationally based companies that were looking at investing in the Alamo City were more than that number. Toyota is likely to announce another phase for its manufacturing plant but until that happens the city is looking to the Free Trade Alliance to pursue the initiaive. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/15/2008 Toyota

2008-02-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

Toyota is trucking through tough market conditions. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Scott Bailey wrote that truck sales were down at Ford and General Motors in 2007. And while Toyota saw an impressive increase in its Tundra sales versus the previous year, the automaker still came up short of what some industry observers have referred to as a conservative sales goal. Toyota officials say the company sold almost 200,000 Tundra Trucks nationwide in 2007 - up from 125,000 in the previous year. Industry analyst Ron Pinelli of Auto-Data Corp. notes that the auto industry has contracted because of the housing and credit crunch. Pinelli believes however, that considerable improvement will occur in both markets in 2008 and Toyota should benefit from that. One hitch though that may affect large vehicle sales is oil prices. Many analyists predict that the price for a barrell of oil could go as high as $200.00 per barrel, roughly doubling the price of a gallon of gasoline. If this were to happen, large vehicle sales would undoubetly sufffer. However, Toyota's history is in light trucks and cars and they have plans to build such a smaller model if gas prices get out of hand. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/16/2008 Transportation

2008-02-03T20:07:00.000-06:00

Funding shortfalls taking major toll on TxDot's future mobility. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Tamarind Phinisee reported officials with the Texas Department of Transportatoin say construction cost inflation and decreased federal funding are hampering mobility and maintenance projects across the state, while also prompting budget cuts and a reduction in the agency's local workforce. Clay Smith, TxDOT Director of Transportation Planning and Development for the San Antonio TsDOT District, says his office plans to reduce its personnel by 8% or 60 jobs. The department plans for the reduction to take place through attrition rather than through layoffs. The TxDOT Distirct oversees a twelve county area and they design, build, and operates of the state's highway systems. The problem is not that the area's needs have been met. The issue is a severe shortage of money to build and maintain the areas highway system. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. http://www.heartoftexasrealty.com/

KLUP Post 1/17/2008 The Dominion Development

2008-02-03T20:04:00.000-06:00

Another new office development is going to get some company at The Dominion. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today’s San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer, Tricia Lynn Silva, reported that another office and retail project is underway in San Antonio by The Dominion. The project which is christened, One Dominion Place, will cost approximately $30,000,000 and it is currently under construction on 11.5 acres of land along side the Interstate 10 Highway just south of the Boerne Stage Road in Northwest San Antonio. Plans call for the project to include 150,000 square feet of commercial space to be spread out over two multi-tenant retail buildings and 24 office Condominiums. The Mediterranean-style development will feature jogging trails, plenty of mature trees and a creek that will run through the project. All of the offices will be two stories and will range in size from 2,200 to 8,000 square feet. Tenants in the development are expected to include medical practioners, attorneys, engineers, insurance and financial planners and higher end specialty retailers. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/18/2008 Air Force Contracting Office

2008-02-03T20:03:00.000-06:00

Planned Air Force contracting center to add 200 jobs here. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer, Catherine Dominguez, reported that San Antonio will soon be the home to the new US Air Force Southwest Regional Contracting Center and the facility will bring 200 new jobs, most of whom will be civilian workers, to the Alamo City. The center is part of the military's plan to consolidate its contracting and purchasing under the Air Force Materiel Command headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The Air Force Materiel Command conducts research, development, tests and evaluations and provides the acquisition management services and logixtics for the Air Force. The Southwest Regional Contracting center is one of the five cdenters that will be located across the nations. The specific location of the command has not yet been determined but locations at Randolph AFB, Brrks city Base, Port San Antonio and Ft. Sam Houston are being considered for the facility. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Show Topic 1/19/2008 NCAA Big 12 College Football

2008-02-03T20:01:00.000-06:00

Is NCAA Big 12 College Football on the Horizon for San Antonio? UTSA Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs, Brad Parrott, will be the featured guest this Saturday at 11:00am on Real Estate Focus Focus here on NewsTalk 930 KLUP. Brad will tell our listeners all about the recent Greater Chamber announcement that they are supporting the proposed football program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. County Judge Nelson Wolff has been working behind the scenes for some time to help the UTSA finance their program. You will hear all about it on Real Estate Focus, this and every Saturday at 11:00am with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty on News Talk 930 KLUP.

KLUP Post 1/21/2008 FBI Counterintelligence

2008-02-03T19:59:00.000-06:00

FBI launches education campaign targeting economic espionage. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal feature. Business Journal writer Catherine Dominguez reported that the FBI is ramping up its efforts locally and across the country to protect the technology and trade secrets of American businesses and universities through a recently unveiled program focused on economic espionage. According to FBI officials, the United States is a prime target of foreign spies seeking the steal critical information, not only military plans and national security secrets but also business trade secrets and technologies. FBI counterintel experts have developed materials outlining the risk factors and what business and university leaders can do to protect their trade secrets. Also participating with the FBI is the Defense Security Service, Army Counterintelligence, the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Counterintelligence Field Activity and the Department of Commerce. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/22/2008 UTHSCSA

2008-02-03T19:56:00.000-06:00

Local Surgeon has built transplant program that has real heart. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer, Mike Thomas reported that Dr. John Calhoon, the son of a respected heart surgeon, grew up admiring Drs. Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley, the pioneering heart surgeons from Houston's MD Anderson Medical Center. Dr. Calhoon's mentor however, was Dr, Kent Trinkle, his predecessor as the head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio from 1972 to 1994. University officials note that under Dr. Calhoon, the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio has one of the most respected heart and lung transplant programs in the country. Since its inception in 1987, the program has performed more than 250 heart and 250 lung transplants according to David Abramson, Administrative Associate for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Calhoon has personally participated in over 5,000 open heart cases of which about half involved children. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Show Topic 1/26/2008 UTSA

2008-02-03T19:55:00.000-06:00

The University of Texas at San Antonio is leading the way for technology and entrepreneurship in the Alamo City. Dr. Cory Hallam, Director of the Department for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship will be the Featured Guest, this Saturday, on Real Estate Focus with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here on NewsTalk 930 KLUP. Dr. Hallam will tell our listeners how real estate value is being created in San Antonio via his department's emphasis on improving the technologies that are used in manufacturing, and electronics are being applied through entrepreneurial initiatives in the local, state and national arenas. That's Real Estate Focus with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty this and every Saturday at 11:00 am on NewsTalk 930 KLUP.

KLUP Post 1/28/2008 Guadalupe Medical Center Expansion

2008-02-03T19:54:00.000-06:00

Area hospital launches $100 million expansion. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today's Wan Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Busines Journal writer Scott Bailey reported that the Guadalupe Medical Center plans to nearly double its size as San Antonio continues to expand. Scott noted that the spillover is increasingly affecting some of the city's closest neighbors in all directions. Boerne and Helotes are being affected to the north and west. Seguin is experiencing record growth to the east and Floresville and Pleasanton are growing rapidly to the south. The Guadalupe Medical Center's expansion will be one of the most ambitious expansion projects to be undertaken in the San Antonio area in recent years. The project will cost approximately $100 million and will be completed in 2010 and will include a three story in patient hospital facility and a new multi-story outpatieit facility. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/29/2008 Six Flags Budget Cuts

2008-02-03T19:53:00.000-06:00

Six Flags Incorporated considers selling more parks and they are eying big budget cuts. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today’s San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal Writer Scott Bailey reported that the financial rollercoaster of Six Flag Inc. the parent company of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, has taken another dramatic turn. Amid speculatoin from some industry observes that the deeply indebted company could be headed for bankruptcy. The company filed a notice with the Secutities and Exchange Commission that the company is planning huge spending cuts and the possible sale of more parks. Six Flags CEO is Mark Shapiro, a former Disney and ESPN executive notes the problem they are facing is a huge debt load. The company plans to slash between $25 to $30 million out of this year's operating budget and that will invlove paring their employment and cutting ineffecient rides and attractions. Six Flags Fiesta is an important asset to San Antonio though but the company did not report how this facility will be affected. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/30/2008 KCI Expanding Headquarters

2008-02-03T19:51:00.000-06:00

KCI is mulling move to new headquarters space. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty with Today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Business Journal writer Tricia Lynn Silva, reported that San Antonio based Kinetic Concepts, a publicly traded developer of specialty medical beds and therapeutic products, is negotatin with a local developers for a build-to-suit peoperty that could accommodate its corporate headquaeters according to J. David Held, whose firm provides commercial real estate brokerage services in San Antonio. KCI is looking for between 150,000 and 200,000 square feet of space and various sites have been considered. KCI already occupies approximately 500,000 square feet of space in San Antonio but their headquarters is split between the KCI tower and another building on the northwest side. Should KCI vacate its space in its two towers, that could represent an opportunity for another company to move to San Antoni and some companies are considering doing just that. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 1/31/2008 Armed Forces Reserve Center

2008-02-03T19:50:00.000-06:00

$40 million reserve center signals start of Base Realignment And Closure Projects. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Business Journal writer Catherine Dominguez reported that that a $40 million Armed Forces Reserve Center is in the works at Camp Bullis on the city's far northwest side. The Reserve Center, as well as the $92 million joint Center of Excellence for Battlefield Health and Trauma are now under way at Ft Sam Houston. The are the first projects slated for construction here as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision taht has resulted in locating a number of important missions in the Alamo City area. The funds will be used to build two buildings that will be used by the US Army and the US National Guard. the center will be used as a training, conference, administration office and storage. The reason for the increased space is the US Army is expanding its reserve component and reducing its active duty component. The overall BRAC project will encompas 78 new or renovated facilities which will total about six million square feet of new space to the Army and US National Gurad's arsenal. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 2/1/2008 Talks of Recession

2008-02-03T19:49:00.001-06:00

Talks of recession may slow future construction projects. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Business Journal writer Mary Scott Nabers reported that as the housing market and construction in general slows, the public sector is ramping up in a big wa. Government entities, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, have millions of dollars to spend in '08 and '09 for all types of construction and infrastructure projects. As private sector construction related projects slow, contractors are well advised to consider bid opportuniteis with goverment agencies. Even though residential and commercial building projects are slowing, the Texas economy remains very strong but talks of recession have caused many private companies to be cautious about spending. Business development in this sector may be very competitive. But, although national economic indicators are down, government has money for public sector initiatives becaus the projects were planned and funded some time ago. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartofTexasRealty.com

KLUP Real Estate Focus Show, 2/2/2008

2008-02-03T19:39:00.000-06:00

The Mortgagte Industry has been in the news a lot lately and the news has been somewhat mixed. Lance Bryce, San Antonio manager for Countrywide Home Loans will be the featured guest this Saturday for Real Estate Focus with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty, San Antonio's most listened to Realtor. Lance will discuss the influence that the news media has had on the both the mortgage and the real estate market and what the actual facts are relative to the San Antonio real estate market. That's Real Estate Focus, this and every Saturday at 11:00am with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty on NewsTalk 930 KLUP

KLUP News Post 2/4/2008 San Antonio Economy

2008-02-03T18:14:00.000-06:00

San Antonio stays stable as credit crunch hits national real estate market. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty with today's San Antonio Business Journal news feature. Business Journal writer, Michael D. however wrote that we passed through a period of unbridled enthusiasm and now it is time to come back to realty. Recent reports are heralding the impact of the credit crisis on commercial real estate, and to be sure, since August of 2007, a hauntingly familiar bubble started to arise within the industry. After a dozen years of up cycle in the real estate industry, we have to ask, When will the ride come to an end? Increased values, low interest rates, rising rents and huge profits led to an intense rush of capital into the market. A record $130 billion was poured into the market in the first half of 2007. Things looked good. Underwriting standards by the more aggressive lending institutions were lax and cheap debt was easily available. That's all coming back to earth and hopefully for a soft landing because job creation and family growth are both continuing and a steady rate this pointing to continued growth and stability in the Alamo City. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty. www.HeartOfTexasRealty.com

KLUP Post 2/5/2008 Tom Benson and Intercollegiate Athletics

2008-02-03T18:13:00.000-06:00

New Orleans Saints owner wants to gain positive yardage for the Alamo City, John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty with Today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. Business Journal writer Scott Bailey, reported that long time business leader and owner of the New Orleans Saints, Tom Benson, is working to remove some question marks attached to this city's football future. Tom Benson believes that the key that opens the door to a future filled with an array of intercollegiate and professional athletic programs is the upstart University of the Incarnate Word football program set to begin in 2009 in a stadium that will bear Benson's name. UIW President Lou Agnese and Tom Benson have been talking about a football program at UIW for a number of years but the community and internal support at UIW was lacking. However, when Benson's New Orleans Saints came to the Alamo City after Katrina, UIW's administrators noticed the support the community had for the program. The next hurdle however was finding an underwriter for the stadium. Tom Benson underwrote the $6 Million needed for stadium so construction could begin. The UIW Cardinals will play their first season starting in September of 2009. I'm John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP News Posting 2/6/2008 Air Force Cyberspace Command

2008-02-03T18:01:00.000-06:00

Elected leaders express support for locating Air Force unit to the Alamo City. John Thurman with today's San Antonio Business Journal News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer, Catherine Dominguez, reported that as the US Air Force is inching closer to announcing the short list of cities it will consider for its new Cyberspace Command. Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, have come together to make the case for closing San Antonio as the home for the new unit and they have communicated that to Michael W. Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force. Even though the Air Force plans to announce the short list of cites they are considering out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, (BRAC) in March, they do plan to have the command operational by October 1st of 2008. This means that time is certainly critical because building facilities, equipping them for their respective tasks and moving people to support the mission all take time to complete. This task may well come down to which city and facility can accomplish the mission by the target date. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP News Post BRAC 2/7/2008 San Antonio Gaining Jobs

2008-02-03T17:56:00.000-06:00

San Antonio city leaders seek outside insights to address BRAC driven growth. San Antonio Business Journal writer Catherine Dominguez reported that local leaders are looking to representatives of Fairfax County VA, to help develop ideas on the best way to deal with the effect the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure action will have on the Bexar County area. Kara Hill, Military Liaison for Bexar County, met with Mark Canale, BRAC Coordinator for Fairfax County, last month in Virginia to gather ideas on how do deal with increased vehicle traffic around expanding military installations located in residential areas. Ft. Belvoir in Fairfax County VA will be gaining approximately 19,000 new troops and Ft. Sam Houston in Bexar County will gain approximately 11,000 new troops. BRAC will also affect Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases, Brooks City Base, and Camp Bullis. San Antonio has moved well ahead of other competing communities for BRAC realignments because the county, city, and state leaders such as County Judge Nelson Wolff and San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger are anticipating change rather than reacting to it. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP Business News Posting 2/8/2008

2008-02-03T17:55:00.000-06:00

$32 Million Office Park slated for the Northwest Side. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with Today's Business News Feature. San Antonio Business Journal writer Tricia Lynn Sylva reported that developer R. L. worth & Associates Ltd. Pulled the trigger on The Oaks at University Business Park, its latest master-planned project. The Oaks is slated be bring 420,000 square feet of office space to San Antonio's Northwest side according to R. L. Worth founder and President Bob Worth, Jr. The office park will be located at Northwest Parkway and Silicon Drive along Interstate Highway 10. Current plans call for four buildings that will include a mix of single-story and multi-story structures. The land the project is being built on is home of several hundred large oak trees and most of these will be preserved. A special feature of the office park will be after hours security. The park will be gated and after hours entry will be through an electronic key card so that access to the facility during non-traditional business hours will be restricted. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.

KLUP Show Topic 2/9/2008

2008-02-03T17:53:00.000-06:00

A number of Real Estate Focus listeners have been asking lately if the transaction they participated in created any forward liability for them. Real Estate Attorney Scott Cline will be the featured guest this Saturday on Real Estate Focus with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty, San Antonio's most listened to Realtor. Scott will discuss the varieties of scenarios that are resulting in legal issues like mortgage fraud and foreclosure that people are finding themselves concerned with. That's Real Estate Focus, this and every Saturday at 11:00am with John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty on NewsTalk 930 KLUP.

KLUP Business News Posting 2/11/2008

2008-02-03T17:49:00.000-06:00

SecureLogix Corp has been awarded its 12th patent by the US Patent Office. John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty here with today's Business News Feature. SecureLogix Cororation's patent is their 12th in the US and its 13th worldwide. The patent protects the company's core technology, secifically, their Virtual Private Switched Telecommunications Network, which can encrypt voice, fax, modem and video calls across the traditional public telephone network. "Over the last 10 years, SecureLogix has been developing innovative solutions to secure voice networks from attack and abuse, and to simplify usage reporting and network management," SecureLogix President Lee Sutterfield says, the company bills itself as a communications intelligence firm that secures telecom network resources from attack and abuse. Chief Technology Officer Mark Collier says the company filed its first telecom firewall patent request in 1998 and its first telecom Virtual Private Network patent request in 2000. For San Antonio area homes and real estate, call John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty.