Small Business Today Magazine SEP 2014 ELP ENTERPRISES | Page 26

EDITORIALFEATURE

educational system that is different from any other in the country.
Students share facilities with major corporations and can benefit from the many resources available there. Not only is Lone
Star College-University Park the fastest growing college in the
Lone Star System with over 90,000 students enrolled, it is the
fastest-growing community college in the nation.
Northwest Houston consists of five independent school districts including: Aldine ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Cy-Fair ISD),
Klein ISD, Spring ISD, and Tomball ISD. No matter which school
district one chooses to send their children, they can be assured
that all of the districts have some of the highest rankings in the
state basic skills tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.
One of the largest area employers and dedicated Chamber
member is the Houston Northwest Medical Center, and Juan
Fresquez, COO of Houston Northwest Medical Center, is the
2014 Chamber Board Chair. One of the key accomplishments
during Juan’s year of leadership has been the development of
Grow Northwest, the Chamber’s Economic Development Initiative. Grow Northwest is a campaign and a strategy to build upon
the community’s successes and to advance the local economy.
Fresquez describes the initiative as a silver lining of sorts. In a
desire to develop opportunities for economic improvements and
new growth, many leaders have come together. As a result, the
Grow Northwest Initiative became a part of an overall strategic
plan which includes:
• The development of a Public Safety Program to guide such
activities as business security audits, educational programs for
crime prevention, and increasing patrols in commercial areas
• Launching an aggressive Business Retention & Expansion Program to insure businesses have the resources they need to
remain and thrive in Northwest Houston
• Creating a dynamic Community Image and Marketing Campaign, placing signage to mark processional entrances into
the community, and street signs with street addresses in major intersections
Houston Northwest Chamber President Barbara Thomason
is not only proud to be part of the landmark anniversary but
is passionate and excited about the plans surrounding Grow
Northwest. In January 2015, Shah Ardalan, President of Lone Star
College-University Park, will assume the role of Board Chair and
carry on the work of his predecessor to bring impactful change
to the region.
This year is definitely an exciting one for HNWCC members
as there is so much happening in the area. Many businesses in
the energy sector and health sector are locating there. These
new primary jobs are giving way to a second tier of jobs in retail,
personal, and professional services areas.
24 SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE [ SEPTEMBER 2014 ]

Barbara Thomason envisions a continued
strong, growing economy in northwest Houston.

Whether a business is small or large, established or starting
new, the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce is a great
resource, serving the Spring, Klein, and Northwest Harris County
region for over 40 years. To become a member of HNWCC or
to find out more about upcoming events and activities including
the annual CreekFest held every October

Contact them by phone at 281-440-4160,
or connect with on FaceBook at
www.facebook.com/HoustonNWChamber.
For more information about Grow
Northwest, go to
www.GrowHoustonNW.com
The Houston Northwest Chamber
is located at 3920 Cypress Creek Parkway, Suite 120,
Houston, TX 77068.