Open for business

  It is easy to say that the past few years have been an extraordinary period for business expansion in Farmers Branch, considering the downtrodden national economic indicators during that time.

   Corporate headquarters, branch offices, warehouse facilities, retail and restaurants have all found the benefits of doing business in Farmers Branch.

   There's another agency that is in the midst of an economic revival that continues to be a player in the ever-expanding Farmers Branch business community.

   For years, the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce has been reinventing itself and the past six months have provided yet another opportunity for rebirth.

   Following the retirement of longtime Farmers Branch businessman, community advocate and Chamber of Commerce President Fred Ferguson, an interim team came into the Chamber offices to keep the ship on course.

   They could have simply tended shop until a new administration was in place. But for experienced chamber professional Lara Orlic, pillar of the Farmers Branch community Calla Davis, interim president Richard Brown and Chamber Chairperson Sonja Dodds, status quo wasn't good enough.

   During the past six months, the Chamber's professional programs have become more varied and are drawing more and more people to attend. The upcoming Branch Evening of Excellence promises to celebrate Farmers Branch in a way not seen before. All the while, the interim team shored up and improved the financial position of the organization.

   Now, a wealth of experience comes to bear with the recent appointment of Nanette Foght as the new, permanent president of the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce.

   Nanette's task is to take the momentum built by the interim team and keep it moving faster, farther and wider than ever before.

   Everyone in Farmers Branch should always remember that, historically, between 75 and 80 percent of our tax base comes from the business community. It has been said that our residents are the heart of Farmers Branch but businesses are the lifeblood. As such, it is in everyone's best interests that the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce succeeds in their mission.

   And, with the leadership in place, from the president through the committee chairs and the very active and vital membership, the stage is set. 

Native plants to be profiled at Library session

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Learn what it takes to work with native plants in this part of the country from Dallas County Master Gardener Kevin Burns, in a program on Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
   The program, "How Does Your Garden Grow? Texas Native and Adapted Plants" will introduce gardeners to local and adapted shrubs, ground covers and perennials that grow best in north Texas. 
   No registration is required, and this program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.  

"Local Heroes" sought for video project

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Much in the same way that the short film 'Above & Beyond' helped illustrate the Farmers Branch City staff's commitment to service, the City's Communications office hopes to demonstrate examples of Farmers Branch neighbors working together to help each other in upcoming, followup productions. 

   "Whether its a single example of neighbors helping neighbors or an ongoing situation of a Farmers Branch resident that contiually goes out of their way to help others, we want to know about it," said Communications Director Tom Bryson. "Drop us an email so we can compile a listing of these stories and plan to profile those that we can."    The Farmers Branch Communications office can be reached at fbinfo@farmersbranchtx.gov. 

• Weekly updates
• Contact information for LBJ Express
• Contact information for the Farmers Branch liaison to the LBJ project
• LBJ Express flyover animation video

• www.35express.org