With more than 40 vendors offering a variety of merchandise and services, the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural Summer Blast at Traders Village.
Chamber President Lynn McGinley said Summer Blast was a way for Chamber members to showcase their products and services.
The festive atmosphere at Traders Village gave visitors of all ages something to do from gourmet food trucks to carnival games and rides.
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| Bob Ewing (Center) President Red Ball Oxygen, at Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons. © 2012- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons hosted a ribbon cutting Tuesday to welcome Red Ball Oxygen to its new facility at 2912 Alouette Dr.
Red Ball Oxygen is a family owned, independent welding and industrial gas supplier. Its operations include a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment repair center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 21 customer service branches in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
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| Jim Minge (Center), CEO Texas Trust Credit Union, along with Texas Trust Credit Union employees and members of the Grand Prairie, Arlington and Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, at Thursday's ribbon cutting ceremony at the credit union's newest banking center located at 3060 Camp Wisdom. |
Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons, along with members of the Mansfield and Arlington Chambers of Commerce, took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 17 to mark the opening of Texas Trust Credit Union’s newest branch located at 3060 West Camp Wisdom .
The new credit union branch is Texas Trust's third in Grand Prairie. Conveniently located at West Camp Wisdom Road and Highway 360, the new branch will serve members in Grand Prairie, Arlington and Mansfield.
Continue reading "Ribbon Cutting for Texas Trust Credit Union’s New Location" »
Paragon Outlet Partners, a commercial real estate development firm headquartered in Baltimore, announced Monday it has appointed Jerry Alder General Manager of Paragon Outlets Grand Prairie, a 420,000 square foot shopping destination which will celebrate its grand opening in August. Responsible for property operations, budget administration, tenant communications and staff management, Alder brings more than 15 years retail property management experience to Paragon Outlets Grand Prairie.
Most recently residing in Las Vegas, Alder served as General Manager of the famed The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian where he was responsible for the leasing and operations of all retail space. Earlier in his career, Alder held general manager positions at popular retail venues including Alderwood Mall and Tacoma Mall, both located in the state of Washington.
Continue reading "Paragon Outlets Grand Prairie Names General Manager" »
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| Kevin Krajewski (Center) owner of Transparent Electricity Quotes at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held Wednesday by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons at the chamber office. |
On Wednesday, the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its office to welcome one of its newest members, Transparent Electricity Quotes.
Transparent Electricity Quotes is a Grand Prairie based energy provider brokerage firm that gives professional energy consulting to businesses to get multiple quotes from electricity providers so businesses can make the best decision on its electricity contracts.
Continue reading "Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Transparent Electricity Quotes" »
With more than 20 years of mortgage experience, Whitman leads a Texas Trust team dedicated to creating happy homeowners with a service driven, member-focused approach to meeting their home loan needs.
Less than two percent of all licensed mortgage professionals in the 32-county greater Dallas-Fort Worth market qualified for the Five Star Award based on the research methodology used.
Continue reading "Texas Trust Credit Union Vice President Receives Mortgage Professional Award" »
The Spirit Debit Reward program was launched last year as a way to help area schools that are facing tight budgets. Participating schools receive a check at the end of each month, based on the number of transactions swiped from their school-specific Debit Reward Card. Schools get to choose how to use the money they earn.
Within the four school districts that have a Texas Trust Spirit Debit Reward card, there are 11 high schools and two administrations participating. Grand Prairie ISD has earned $22,866 to date, Mansfield ISD $16,675, Cedar Hill ISD $15,643 and Athens ISD $5,855.
The Spirit Debit Reward Card is part of Texas Trust's Spirit in Action campaign, which supports schools in several ways: a financial education curriculum for high school students: financial literacy workshops for students, teachers, administrators and the community; volunteers for school-related activities; financial donations; and student scholarships. Credit union members can earn rewards for designated schools when opening a checking account or taking out an auto loan, personal loan, or mortgage. In 2011, Texas Trust donated a total of more than $150,000 to participating schools, including $20,000 in student scholarships.
Cardholders and schools can track how much money is being raised from the Spirit Debit Reward Card for their designated school on the Spirit Rewards Meter at www.ourspiritinaction.com.
Source: Texas Trust Credit Union
The Richmond, VA based furniture retailer filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 12, 2011. It said in its Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter to the Workforce Commission that since all its retail outlets in the area have been closed, there is no need for the distribution center or regional office.
The Company expects to begin layoffs on April 30.
Texas Trust Credit Union has two locations in Grand Prairie.
Minge, a veteran credit union leader, joined Texas Trust Credit Union in May 2011 as president and CEO, following an 18 year career at Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union in Live Oak, Texas.
Continue reading "Texas Trust Credit Union CEO Elected to State Leadership Role" »
During the Job Fairs, Lone Star Park will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for employment during the 2012 Spring Thoroughbred season, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 12 through Sunday, July 8.
This on-the-spot hiring opportunity will include positions in the following departments (subject to change):
AdmissionsFor more information, including a complete list of current employment opportunities, general responsibilities, qualifications and pay rates, visit the track’s web site at www.LoneStarPark.com/jobs. In addition, applications and resumes can be submitted online via the website.
Security
Building Maintenance
Mutuels
Food & Beverage
Parking
Track Maintenance
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age for most positions, 16 years of age minimum. Applicants should be aware that a criminal background and reference check will be conducted. Lone Star Park is an equal opportunity employer committed to a drug-free workplace.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, one of the nation’s most exciting major league sports and entertainment venues, offers a fun atmosphere, competitive wages, flexible schedules, company-sponsored benefits, and employee discounts.
Source: Lone Star Park
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| City and state officials along with directors of Neighborhood Credit Union break ground on a new branch under construction near the intersection of Bardin Road and Great Southwest Parkway. © 2012- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Neighborhood Credit Union, the oldest credit union in Dallas, held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for its new banking center located at 2525 W. Bardin Road at Great Southwest Parkway.
Chet Kimmell, president and CEO of Neighborhood Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institute, said the new Grand Prairie branch will not only offer friendly, affordable financial services to families, students and businesses, it will also focus on engaging students to establish a firm financial foundation for their future.
“This groundbreaking is symbolic of what we hope is a trend: the decision by companies and organizations to invest in Grand Prairie and be part of this neighborhood,” said Kimmel. “We believe Grand Prairie is going places, given its forward-thinking leadership and the community’s focus on growth and economic development.”
Continue reading "Neighborhood Credit Union Breaks Ground for New Grand Prairie Branch" »
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| Michael Mann (center) prepares to cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons at Shape Motion Nutrition Club. © 2012 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons Wednesday hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at Shape Motion Nutrition Club, 1700 W. Polo Road #108.
Shape Notion is a health and nutrition business dedicated to improving and educating people about health issues.
As a Herbalife International distributor, Shape Motion offers a full line of services and nutrition products.
“Patients with chronic conditions treated by physicians who participate in the BTE program generally had fewer hospital admissions and were healthier on average, says Melissa Gerdes, MD, ABFM, FAAFP, AVP and CMO of outpatient services and accountable care organization strategy at Methodist Health System. “In addition, recognized practices reported a higher level of shared accountability between patients and providers. As a result, these patients are better managed and incur fewer potentially avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits.”
Continue reading "Methodist Family Health Center Physicians Recognized for Excellent Patient Care" »
This will be Texas Trust’s third branch in Grand Prairie. Located in southern Grand Prairie, the 4,030-square-foot building is being rebranded and converted to serve the needs of Texas Trust members. Its two other Grand Prairie branches are located in the northern part of the city.
This heavily trafficked area at Camp Wisdom Road and Highway 360 will give Texas Trust greater exposure in the market, and put it in head-to-head competition with two major national banks, which are located in the same vicinity of this major thoroughfare.
Continue reading "Texas Trust Credit Union to Open Third Location in Grand Prairie" »
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| Photo courtesy Lone Star Park |
Global Gaming Solutions, LLC, the owner of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, has unveiled the multi-million dollar renovation of the 15-year old Post Time Pavilion and renamed the facility “Bar & Book.”
As part of the renovation, free admission has been introduced at Bar & Book. The building will continue its operating schedule of 363 days a year.
The 36,000 square foot Las Vegas-style simulcast Racebook, sports bar and casual dining restaurant has been renovated, upgraded and redesigned with the goal to improve the visual experience for each and every customer.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park Renovates Simulcast Building, Unveils New “Bar & Book”" »
Bank Transfer Day, endorsed as a time when individuals could switch their banking from large commercial banks to more customer-friendly credit unions, was Saturday, November 5. But public awareness of the account-switching event was pushed throughout October by local and national news media, and even the Occupy Wall Street movement and other groups critical of large banks.
The number of new members that Texas Trust signed up from October 1 through November 5 was up nearly 75 percent over the same period in 2010. The credit union logged 1,248 new members this year, compared with 714 in 2010. On Bank Transfer Day itself, Texas Trust saw 47 new members sign up at its five branches serving Dallas, Tarrant, and Henderson counties, and parts of Ellis and Johnson counties. That is more than twice the normal number of new members the credit union adds on a typical Saturday.
Continue reading "Texas Trust Credit Union Sees Jump in New Members Due to Bank Transfer Day" »
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Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday to welcome Grand Prairie Family Dental, 2475 W. Pioneer Pkwy., as a new member to the chamber.
Behrooz Khademazad, DDS said he has practiced in Grand Prairie since 1988 and has been at his current location since 1994.
Continue reading "Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Member" »
Since each donated dollar can buy three meals, the cash donation will yield 75,000 meals, and the anticipated 25,000 pounds of donated food will provide approximately another 20,000 meals, for a total of 95,000 meals.
Texas Trust will collect canned food at each of its seven local branches to make it easy for the community to donate. Canned goods can be dropped off at any branch during normal business hours. Texas Trust is also hosting a virtual food drive on its website, for those who would prefer to shop and donate online.
As part of the “Together We Can Feed More” campaign, individuals, credit union members, companies, churches, and community service organizations throughout north Texas are encouraged to join Texas Trust in its effort to fill the shelves of the North Texas Food Bank in preparation for the holiday season.
Historically, in November and December the demand for food is greatest. The North Texas Food Bank distributes an average of 7.5 million pounds of food in those two months. As the central food distribution organization in North Texas, more than 300 community-based Member Agencies rely on the North Texas Food Bank as their primary source of food for those in need in their local communities.
“One in six people in our community goes to bed hungry only to wake up the next morning without anything to eat,” said Jim Minge, President of Texas Trust Credit Union. “As a credit union, we can do something about it by getting our employees, members and communities involved. Through donations of canned goods, fresh produce and financial contributions, collectively we can really make an impact.”
Minge added, “I want to personally encourage everyone in the community – individuals and businesses - to come together in these next few weeks and donate at least one healthy nonperishable food item, or $1, which provides three meals. Together, we can feed more.”
“Because of today's economic crisis, the face of hunger looks like us. Now that the holidays are approaching, the demand for food is high," said Jan Pruitt President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Community-focused efforts such as what Texas Trust Credit Union is doing are extremely valuable in generating donations to keep our warehouse racks full and allowing us to serve all of our local agencies.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Grand Prairie Branch, 425 W. Jefferson.
Source: Texas Trust Credit Union
Beginning today, Gourmet Food Trucks will setup each Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at City Hall Plaza to serve lunch.
Participating schools will receive 15 cents every time an active Spirit Debit card is used to make a purchase. With more than 1,100 active card-carrying Spirit Debit cardholders, Texas Trust Credit Union anticipates giving away $75,000 this school year to the schools enrolled in the program. Schools will receive a check each month for cardholders' previous months purchases.
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| Winston Minix speaks to a group of representative from various local businesses about Dubiski Career High School's innovative business-school partnership programs. Photo by Steve Adams/GPISD |
On Thursday, representatives from many local businesses got the opportunity to learn about Dubiski Career High School’s innovative programs that partners the school, its students with local businesses.
Winston Minix, Internship Coordinator, laid out the plan that includes businesses as an important part of student’s education.
The programs, setup to give students “real world” experiences, allows seniors to work at local businesses as an unpaid intern for five weeks, Minix said.
Continue reading "Dubiski Career High School Announces Business Partnership Programs" »
Founded in 1901 in Abilene, Kansas, Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. has 213 stores across 23 states.
Average daily attendance increased to 7,621 from 6,952 for 60 days in 2010. Overall, 396,281 fans came through the turnstiles for live thoroughbred racing at Lone Star Park in 2011, which was conducted from Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, July 10.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park’s Thoroughbred Season Ends with Record Attendance Increase" »
Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England, members of the City Council, and Mr. Robert Brvenik, Principal, Paragon Outlet Partners, officially broke ground Friday morning for the open-air styled outlet shopping center located near Great Southwest Parkway and Interstate 20. The 420,000 square foot outlet shopping destination is slated to open to shoppers in August, 2012.
Continue reading "City Officials Break Ground on New Outlet Center" »
Continue reading "Lone Star Park Begins Multi-Million Dollar Renovation" »
Continue reading "Texas Trust Credit Union Offers Relief to Small Businesses" »
Continue reading "Free Homebuyers Fair and How to Avoid Foreclosure Workshop" »
Continue reading "Pitney Bowes Opens New Mail Presort Facility" »
The community is invited to the free Spring 2011 JOB FAIR on Thursday, April 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be more than 15 area employers on-site looking to fill positions. For more information contact, contact Carmen Ramirez Partlow at 972-264-1558 or visit www.grandpriariechamber.org.
Paragon Outlets announced Tuesday at the City Council Briefing session that construction on the long delayed outlet mall to be located near Interstate 20 and Great Southwest Parkway is scheduled to begin in early May. The mall is expected to be completed by late summer to early fall 2012.
Originally the outlet mall was a 2008 project of Prime Outlets set to open in 2009. Economic conditions and the sale of Prime Outlets to Simon Properties in 2009 put the project on hold.
Continue reading "Outlet mall construction to begin in May" »
Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday to celebrate the Grand Opening of Essential Dental Care at 2950 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #300.
The general and cosmetic dental clinic with award winning dentist Dr. Schubert Sapian provides services that include:
During the Job Fairs, Lone Star Park will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for employment during the 2011 Spring Thoroughbred season, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, July 10.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park to hold job fairs for 2011 season" »
In a press release, company president and CEO James P. Hackett said, “We continue to make improvements to our industrial system, which have left us with excess capacity to support current and anticipated future demand.” He concluded, “Actions such as these are never easy, but reflect the need for the organization to be as fit as possible in the highly competitive environment in which we operate.”
Continue reading "Steelcase closing Grand Prairie plant - 200 jobs cut" »
Continue reading "Eurocopter receives order from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department" »
Assistant Fire Chief C. J. Grippin and a company of Grand Prairie firefighters were at the Chick-fil-A at Towne Crossing Monday morning just to make sure things did not get over heated when owner Robin Harris officially introduced the chain’s new menu item, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s Branding Irons hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Fast Armadillo at its office located at beautiful QuickTrip Park.
Fast Armadillo is a web and marketing solutions company specialized in creating highly functional yet easy-to-use web-sites for businesses and non-profit organizations alike.
Continue reading "Chamber hosts ribbon cutting at Fast Armadillo" »
Open to all Grand Prairie business and Chamber members, the first in the series of seminars begins May 27 at the Chamber office, 900 Conover Dr.
An affiliate of the Small Business Administration and the Chamber, SCORE offers counseling through its staff of volunteers who have considerable success and experience in their fields.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone in the community to come and learn about this resource,” said Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce president Lynn McGinley. “If you are considering starting a new business, or growing your current business, you will learn something of value at this luncheon.”
Continue reading "Chamber luncheon to feature help for small businesses" »
Every year Georgia-Pacific bestows this prestigious award on top distributors of Georgia-Pacific professional products who demonstrate significant product sales increases over the course of the year. The award is meant to recognize Georgia-Pacific customers' achievements in business-to-business transactions and honor the valued and fruitful partnership between Georgia-Pacific and the award recipient.
Only five distributors in the nation were honored with the 2009 award, and Pollock was one of only two recipients in the large distributor category. Pollock Paper received the President's Award in 2006 and 2008 as well, but the 2009 honor is especially significant given the harsh economic conditions that persisted throughout the year.
Continue reading "Pollock Paper Receives 2009 President's Award from Georgia-Pacific" »
During May, Lone Star Park will feature their Tribute Band Series during Party at the Park Friday nights. Bands scheduled to perform include:
The MUES program launched in 1999 to stimulate economic growth and development in urban communities, has awarded $1.4 million to emerging minority businesses.
Continue reading "Local business awarded grant from MillerCoors" »
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s Branding Irons was held Monday at the Family Health Center of Grand Prairie, 2950 West Camp Wisdom Road.
The medical center, headed by Dr. Robert Abbate, DO, treats adult patients, accepts Medicare as well as most insurers and walk-in patients are welcome.
Continue reading "Newest health center holds grand opening" »
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| Photo courtesy American Eurocopter |
American Eurocopter, the Grand Prairie based helicopter manufacturer, announced Monday that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has ordered two AS350 B3helicopters to add to its fleet of fourteen helicopters.
“The Texas DPS is a valued customer and an important asset for the protection and service of citizens throughout our state,” said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO. “As their missions change and operational requirements evolve, the AS350 B3 will provide them with the power and the flexibility to meet their needs and the needs of the state.”
Continue reading "Texas DPS orders two helicopters from American Eurocopter" »
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Grand Prairie based American Eurocopter announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has entered into the first option year on the Light Enforcement Helicopter (LEH) contract and placed an order for six AS350B3s. This is the second order on the LEH contract that was awarded to American Eurocopter by the Department of Homeland Security in July 2008.
"The AS350B3 has proven that it is well-suited for the CBP's surveillance missions and security patrol," said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO. "It provides a cost-effective, durable and high-performance solution to meet their varied mission objectives."
