AEDC NEWSROOM

 

AEDC Celebrates Millennium Business Awards

Allen, TX – (September 21, 2006) During the eighth annual Millennium Business Awards luncheon, Allen celebrated four outstanding businesses and an individual who have contributed to the positive economic growth Allen has experienced. The award, given by the Allen Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), recognizes Allen companies that promote excellence in business by promoting Allen and contributing back into the community in addition to encouraging employee growth and community participation. An individual who has contributed time and effort to the advancement of economic development in Allen is also honored.

“This prestigious award is the highest honor we bestow on our community business leaders,” said Kurt Kizer, President of the AEDC Board of Directors. “Our winners have demonstrated dedication and commitment to making Allen a great place to live and work. They have taken Allen to new heights with their leadership and vision.”

The envelope please…

Ken Fulk was honored as the 2006 Individual Award winner. Fulk recently stepped down from the AEDC Board after six years of service, in addition to serving nine years on the Allen City Council and nine years on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

During his tenure as an AEDC Board member, Fulk was involved with the development of Allen Station Business Park, Allen Central Park and Cornerstone Crossing Corporate Center. Major businesses were recruited to Allen that brought more than 1,000 quality jobs and filled some of Allen’s largest office, tech and warehouse spaces. He has been involved with projects from the redevelopment of Allen’s Central Business District to Allen’s most unique mixed-use project, Montgomery Farm.

Maxine Sweet, VP of Public Affairs for Experian, presented the award to Dey L.P. in the National/Corporate Category, which recognizes major industries and corporate headquarters with more than 50 employees. Dey, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and manufacturing of prescription drug products for respiratory diseases and allergies, located to Allen’s Enterprise Business Park in 1998. Headquartered in Napa, California, the company runs their distribution, customer service, marketing literature and sample fulfillment from this location.

“Companies we strive to attract to Allen are companies that are innovators in product development, that invest in their employees and that are committed to investing in the community,” said Sweet. “Over the years, Dey has supported the Allen Philharmonic Symphony, Allen Community Outreach, the Allen Chamber of Commerce and Toys for Tots.”

The Local Independent Business Award recognizes service providers and small retailers with fewer than 50 employees. An internationally known designer and supplier of innovative premiums and promotions, Red Pepper Productions, Inc., located in a refurbished office/warehouse in Allen’s Central Business District, received the award. Allen residents Ross and Jane Bennett own the company.

“Along with their global reputation, the winners are dedicated to the success of the community and have given freely of their time, talent and financial resources to support many community organizations,” said Sam Bick, Managing Editor of Inside Collin County Business, presenting the award.

For the first time, the Millennium Awards judges named two winners in the Retail/Service Category, honoring large retailers, hospitals and service providers with more than 50 employees. The mixed-use development, Montgomery Farm, was honored for its innovative design dedicated to conservation and sustainable development. In conjunction with the City of Allen and Collin County, a Tax-Increment Financing District (TIF) was crafted to allow for development of infrastructure for the commercial portion of the project.

“This is a project that is redefining Allen,” said Kizer in presenting the award to Amy Williams Monier. “The Williams family is developing the 500-acre family farm into a commercial, retail and residential project that not only mean millions of dollars in sales and ad valorem tax revenue, but will offer a unique shopping and entertainment experience, a community gathering place and a regional destination.”

During the entire creation process, internationally recognized conservationists, artists, designers and landscape artists have provided input that will ensure Montgomery Farm delivers on its promise of serving as a model for the environmentally conscious community of the 21st century. One of the first undertakings in the development was the widening of Bethany Road from US 75, west to Alma Drive in a public/private partnership with Collin County and the City of Allen. The six-lane, divided thoroughfare is uniquely constructed with limited cross-over access and bermed to minimize the views of oncoming traffic.

The second award in the Retail/Service category was given to Trademark Property Company, developers of Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, the commercial portion of the Montgomery Farm project.

“Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm will be a showplace in Allen’s business landscape,” said Mark Pacheco, AEDC Board member and a member of the Allen City Council, presenting the award.

In addition to the TIF that was put in place by the City of Allen and Collin County, Trademark will invest more than $140-million in the project. When complete, it will include almost one-million square feet of high-end retail, office space and housing. Anchor tenants that have been announced include Market Street and Borders Books.