Member News

Arlington ISD is preparing for the 8th Annual Back to School Kickoff!

Join us this year to ensure that more than 10,000 Arlington students have the supplies they need to begin the new school year. Over 43,000 Arlington ISD students (72% of the total student population) qualify for the federal Free/Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program (Arlington ISD Snapshot, Oct 2020) and need your assistance to prepare for the 2022-23 school year. This is why we are asking for your financial support.

The Back to School Kickoff is scheduled for August 6, 2022, at AT&T Stadium. The district, along with community partners, will distribute 10,000 backpacks stuffed with essential grade-level school supplies – all at no cost to students or their families!
In addition to distributing backpacks, the event hosts a robust Resource Fair. The Resource Fair provides information/services so families can access no-cost immunizations, haircuts, vision and dental screenings, and eyeglasses. We also provide information for low-cost resources for mental/behavioral health needs through the fair.

If you would like to volunteer or be a sponsor, click here.

Mega Classic Rock Show- June 25 at the Levitt Pavilion 

If you're an '80s baby or a classic rock superfan, you won't want to miss the big classic rock concert happening this Saturday [or next Saturday, depending on when you publish] at the Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington.

The triple-set show will be headlined by Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer for the legendary rock band Boston, along with special guest Rudy Cardenas of “American Idol," famous for his covers of the Journey catalog.

Tommy DeCarlo has performed on every Boston tour since 2007, playing to sold-out audiences around the world. A former Home Depot manager, DeCarlo is perhaps one of the world’s most unlikely rock stars, having joined Boston following the death of the band’s original lead singer, Brad Delp. A tribute song about Delp’s passing that DeCarlo wrote, recorded, and posted came to the attention of the band’s management, and the rest is history.

Rudy Cardenas first rose to national prominence in 2007 as an “American Idol” contestant known for his rousing performance of one of Journey’s most beloved anthems, “Open Arms.” His relationship with the band’s music has continued since that time, and Levitt guests can expect to hear Cardenas perform a range of favorite covers from both the Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie eras at the June 25 concert.

The  show will also feature a special opening performance from up-and-coming retro rockers LanceBattalion, a group of Mansfield teenagers who are making a big splash with their covers of classic rock favorites.

Bottom line: It's an '70s and '80s hits you love, happening live under the stars at the beautiful, intimate-seated Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington. Don't miss out! General admission tickets begin at $38; upgraded reserved seating options are available. Parking is FREE all around the venue, and the Levitt's food truck fleet will be cooking up delicious concessions on site. Concert proceeds benefit the Levitt's free live music series. Get your tickets here. 

Here's the lineup:

6:30 p.m.
Gates open. Early arrival is suggested for anyone with general seating tickets and those who wish to eat or drink before the show.

7:30 p.m.
Opening act - LanceBattalion

9 p.m.
Headliner Tommy DeCarlo (of Boston) with special guest Rudy Cardenas (“American Idol”)

CMW Capital Group, Ltd., a family-owned business with a decades-long reputation for excellence in the real estate and hospitality industries is proud to announce the expansion of their investment portfolio into restaurant ownership following the recent signing of a six restaurant franchise contract with Williams Chicken®, one of the most established fried chicken chains in the North Texas market. The day to day franchise operations will be managed by J&M Family Management, LLC, and led by Bobby Jeffrey who serves as Executive Vice President of Hospitality and Restaurant Operations. Mr. Jeffrey’s four-decade career in the hotel, restaurant, and senior living business makes him the natural choice to oversee the expansion and growth of this new division for CMW Capital Group and J&M Family Management.

The franchisee’s first location at 901 W. Arbrook Boulevard in Arlington, TX, behind Parks Mall and adjacent to beautiful Gateway Park will host a June 9th Grand Opening celebration with 97.9 The Beat and DJ G Kahlo from 11am to 4pm. The family-friendly event will feature giveaways, gift card raffles, face painting, and a balloon artist, along with plenty of music, free chicken, and fun! In addition, kids under 12 will eat for free this Summer on Sundays as part of our Grand Opening festivities (restrictions apply, see location for details, offer valid only at the Arbrook location).

Williams Chicken® and CMW Capital Group share a common passion for superior customer service with a family friendly focus. “We are excited to begin this new chapter and could not be more excited to join forces with Mr. Hiawatha Williams, CEO and Founder of the growing brand.  Williams incredible legacy of community service and down-home hospitality aligns perfectly with an exceptional product and a family-oriented servant-minded focus, being at the heart of both businesses,” says Mitchell W. Warren, Founder and Chairman of CMW Capital Group.

“We welcome the CMW Capital Group to our franchise family.  It is always a great fit when two entities align around serving, growing and giving back to the community,” said Williams.

The University of Texas at Arlington was crowned grand champion at the Electronic Gaming Federation (EGF) National Championships.

Players from UTA’s varsity-level esports program competed in three different games at the national level earlier this month. The Mavericks won the EFG’s Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU) tournament and season, placing first after beating out the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Over the past academic year, players competed in the EGF in three team-based multiplayer games: Rocket League, Overwatch and SSBU. All three teams qualified for the national tournament. UTA tied for third place in the Collegiate Overwatch and Rocket League tournaments after battling tough fields that included schools from around the country.

"This is not going to be last time we win big," said David “Davy” Tran, a sophomore studying chemistry. "This is 100% the start of a dynasty, so don't expect anything less than success from our team."

EGF is the national governing body for organized high school level and collegiate D-I esports leagues. The tournament was held both online and in person at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. UTA participated online while other schools opted into play in person at William & Mary’s Integrated Science Center.

Vi Tran, assistant coach of UTA Esports, said victories like this are great for educating people that esports is a full-fledged industry.

“It was no surprise that they performed this well—this was the fruition of all the effort they put in throughout the season,” Vi Tran said.

Thank you to the UTA Communications department for this article.

ARLINGTON – Medical City Arlington is commemorating the fifth anniversary of its 16-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit. Since opening in June 2017, the Rehabilitation Institute at Medical City Arlington has provided individualized care to thousands of patients to help them regain function and return to an independent lifestyle.

“As we celebrate five years of delivering comprehensive, acute inpatient rehabilitation services, I want to thank our dedicated, multi-disciplinary rehab team for the outstanding care they provide to each of our patients every day,” Medical City Arlington COO Skyler Reed says. “This high-quality rehabilitation program is just another example of how Medical City Arlington continues to increase our capabilities and expertise to serve the healthcare needs of our community.

Since Medical City Arlington is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, stroke rehabilitation patients and their families can be assured that inpatient rehab care is provided according to national quality standards. Other patients who may benefit from acute inpatient rehabilitation include those recovering from hip fractures, joint replacements, trauma, amputations, neurological disorders, burns and more.

Under the guidance of board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, individualized therapy is provided by licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, with a minimum of 15 hours of skilled therapy weekly. Specially trained rehabilitation nurses, many of whom hold advanced certifications in rehabilitation nursing, enhance the continuity of care between therapy sessions. In addition, hospital-based care assures immediate access to other medical care and specialty services, such as imaging, respiratory, pharmacy and emergency services, when needed.

The Annual 2022 Celebrity Softball Classic is a star-studded event featuring teams comprised of professional athletes, celebrities, musicians, and veterans from all branches of service competing to benefit two charities – Vets4ChildRescue and Save The Brave.  This year is the second time at Globe Life Field. The gates open at 5pm.  The home run contest is at 5:30pm and game begins at 7:00pm with the event concluding at 9:30pm.

A sampling of those competing include: Raquel Pennington (UFC), Casey Donahue (Country Music Artist), Martin Turco (Dallas Stars), Tommie Harris (Chicago Bears), Nicole Peterson (LFL), Ezekiel "Blue" Mitchell (PBR Bull Rider), Gordie, Chris and Glenn Gronkowski (MLB, NFL), Bonnie-Jill Laflin (Sports Media Personality/Model), Adrian Lockett (Actor), Kristin Reed (Model), Marc Fucarile (Boston Bombing Survivor), and many others!

This fun, family-friendly, celebrity-filled event is for the entire family. There will be a "Fan Fest” area with plenty of autograph opportunities and collectables available – proceeds to support charities. And

“Helping A Hero” charity will be presenting a new home to a deserving veteran.

Game tickets are available for $20.00 at: https://www.mlb.com/rangers/tickets/events/celebrity-softball-classic?partnerId=redirect-tex-celebrity

Celebrity Softball Classic welcomes donations (celebritysoftballclassic.org ) and will match corporate and private donations of $1000.00 by gifting 100 tickets to benefit veterans and first responders (firefighters, police and EMTS) and their families residing in the Metroplex Area.  Additionally, Verve will also contribute an additional 100 tickets for a total of 200 tickets donated.

For a full line up of the team rosters: http://celebritysoftballclassic.org/90-2/

Verve Systems LLC, was Co-founded by USAF Veteran Tim “TK” Klund and Gold Star Family Member Kiran “Raj” RajBhandary, CEO and President, respectively.

Verve CEO Tim “TK” Klund is regarded as one of the top industry leaders as a "Relationship Specialist" in the world of corporate and sports marketing, and previously was on the Advisory Board of The Lone Survivor Foundation. Verve President Kiran “Raj” RajBhandary, who lost his brother in Grenada, is a Gold Star Family Member. He has provided branding and marketing services to The Gary Sinise Foundation, Boeing, Ford, Harley-Davidson, Disney, and DirecTV, among others.

“Raj and I are proud to support causes that support Veterans and America. Our children and Veterans are a priceless resource. We must support and care for them both, always”, stated Klund.

“To be able to give back to these great causes is humbling and an honor” stated RajBhandary. “We must never forget the young and those who serve and protect our nation”, he added.

“Verve’s continued growth allows us to do more charitable things for more people”, concluded Klund, “and that’s why we exist.”

Earlier this month, Sunshine Yoga Shack was invited on BizTV's show Create, Build and Manage Daily. They talked about the studio and the benefits of yoga. Check it out with the YouTube link below. While you are there, subscribe to their channel and leave a comment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsNZYQhetLw

Industrial Solutions Company owner, Barbara Oldums, was honored to be one of the success story speakers last Friday at the DreamSpring Luncheon in Dallas.

Barbara was also asked to speak about small business owners navigating through the Pandemic with the Dallas Morning News and CBS 11. The video is linked below.

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/dfw/news/non-profit-dreamspring-backing-small-business-owners-vitalizing-communities/#app

Attendees at the luncheon included DreamSpring founder, Anne Haines, Board Members, Staff from Houston, New Mexico, and DFW Metroplex. They had Small Business Owners, Community Leaders, Comerica Loan Officers; as well as other bankers from around the metroplex.

ARLINGTON – Medical City Arlington has been recognized with an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022 for providing safe care to patients and the community.

“This is our fifth consecutive recognition from Leapfrog as an ‘A’-level hospital,” Medical City Arlington CEO Keith Zimmerman says. “I thank all our Medical City Arlington colleagues for their ongoing commitment to exceeding our patients’ expectations by consistently providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns letter grades to general hospitals across the country based on their records of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and potential infections. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“As our healthcare system continues to feel the strain of the pandemic, I thank the workforce and leadership of Medical City Arlington for sustained commitment to patient safety,” says Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is an outstanding achievement, and one that is not possible without a 24/7 effort by the entire health care workforce to protect patients from harm. This community should be proud.”

Medical City Arlington is one of ten Medical City Healthcare hospitals to earn a Leapfrog A rating, including Medical City Dallas, Medical City Denton, Medical City Fort Worth, Medical City Frisco, Medical City Las Colinas, Medical City Lewisville, Medical City McKinney, Medical City Plano and Medical City Weatherford.

To see full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org

PSK LLP, an Arlington-based accounting firm offering expertise in audit and assurance services, financial consulting and tax services for more than 58 years is pleased to announce Kylie Lindsey as the newest tax and accounting partner at PSK.

“Kylie demonstrates a strong commitment to serving clients and illustrates the qualities of character, leadership and a keen mastery of tax planning and accounting. This strategic move helps position the firm for future growth and successful transitions. I am looking forward to seeing our clients succeed with Kylie serving in this expanded role with the firm,” said Casey
Campbell, Managing Partner of PSK.

Kylie has been a part of the PSK team for the past 15 years since interning for the firm as a college student. She specializes in professional services, family-owned businesses, nonprofits, business tax and more. She is dedicated to helping others and building connections in both her professional and personal life.

Kylie began her studies at Baylor University, later graduating from the University of Texas Arlington, where she earned a Master of Science in Accounting in 2007. Kylie holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Outside of work, Kylie enjoys staying active through fitness and traveling. She resides in Midlothian, Texas with her husband of 12 years and two children. She is an active member of the community and volunteers at the local food bank and Mission Arlington.

Senior students of the Sam Houston Auto Club will be graduating in the next few weeks. They have been able to do so with the support of the club and Arlington Police Officer, Michael Cortes, who runs the program.

The club is open to all students at Sam Houston High School. It’s an organization that goes beyond student’s interest in cars, it has turned into a group where kids hold each other accountable and strive to graduate and think long term. Each student has their own story and come from different backgrounds, yet they share one thing in common, they were looking for something to be a part of and I’m glad to say the club has brought them together.

We love seeing programs like these within AISD because they prove that togetherness and support really does go a long way.

Years ago they partnered up with AISD, the Dan Dipert career tech center, and the Chef Practicum program. The goal was to give students real life experience and the chance to be mentored by Local Chefs as their class!

The program has been a great success! Thanks to The Board, Dr Cavasos, Dan & Linda Dipert, Chef Alyce Monroe, Aaron Perales and everyone at the Dan Dipert CTC. We’re grateful to be on a position to give back to the youth and provide mentorship. We are also grateful to work with such amazing & motivated kids They all have big goals to learn this industry & open their own restaurants!!

Link to Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdOWWgQucTi/

In April, Arlington Assembly had the opportunity to aid the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine. Government leaders from Ukraine approached us with a special request for big vehicles to help move people out of war zones. In response, 50 full-size Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs were sent across the Ukraine border.

A feat like this could not have been accomplished without the effort of our Arlington Assembly employees, where the Chevrolet Tahoe is produced. Along with the vehicle donations, GM and our employees have donated nearly $500,000 to nonprofit organizations supporting humanitarian aid in the region. GM matched the first $50,000 in employee donations, which surpassed $120,000 and provided an additional $250,000 donation to the International Rescue Committee.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

MANSFIELD, TX - The Black Rhino is exited to announce the expansion of our identity fraud offering to include Employees and small business owners. Already known as a top executive protection agent and counterintelligence threat analyst, Frank Roberson now leverages his experience to focus on those who need assistance from identity fraud, reputation management and the constant threat that comes from our information being in the hands of bad actors.

“The business environment has changed. It’s much more volatile. So many threats to watch for yourself. Employees and business owners need someone to call when they’re thrust into the chaos and havoc identity fraud can cause. By focusing our efforts on them doing what we do best, they can stay at work or continue to operate their business doing what they do best.” Says Black Rhino owner, Frank Roberson.

Part of Black Rhino Groups strategy is to provide cutting edge protection that includes threat assessments, quick response teams and protective intelligence for both employees and the business owner. This puts Black Rhino in the driver seat as the market leader in the DFW metroplex.

Frank explains, “Our goal is to get everyone protected. That means helping employers make sure their employees have access with zero out of pocket expense. Employees are a businesses biggest expense and we help protect that expense from causing losses.” He continues, “The average productivity loss for small businesses from with an unplanned absence was the highest (36.6%) and productivity loss related to a planned absence was the lowest (22.6%) last year. The total cost is estimated at $150 billion a year based on recent numbers, showing unscheduled absenteeism costs roughly $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,660 each year for salaried employees. For the employees, being hit with identity fraud is an emotional thing and disrupts their lives on a huge scale. We believe if you know who to call, that is a game changer on decisions made and frankly, profits or losses.”

ABOUT FRANK ROBERSON & BLACK RHINO GROUP
Black Rhino is a culmination of Frank Roberson's 20 years as a top executive protection agent & counterintelligence threat analyst specializing in protective intelligence, advance operations and threat assessments.

Over his 20 year career as an executive protection agent, Frank has protected elected officials, high profile CEO’s and ultra wealthy individuals and families here and abroad.

Frank serves on the exclusive Board of Executive Protection Professionals, he is a Board Certified Counterintelligence Threat Analyst and Texas licensed Personal Protection Officer. Frank also serves as a Corporate Leadership Council member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, The Public Policy and Membership Experience Councils at the Chamber. Along with professional member of National Security Policy & Analysis Organization and Society for Defense and Strategic Studies.

Frank’s presentation of identity theft, reputation management and situational awareness is a fun but powerful in-depth look at what we call the “Black Rhino” that can affect our everyday lives and those around us.

Frank lives in Arlington, TX with his wife, Christy and their three dogs. When he has down time, Frank draws custom cartoons for his successful online cartoon business and loves to play golf.

WWW.BLACKRHINOGRP.COM

ARLINGTON, TX (April 19, 2022) – The Parks Mall at Arlington will enforce a curfew for guests under 18 years old beginning this Friday, April 22. After 2 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program will be in effect. This means that teens must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old. The PGR program will be strictly enforced throughout the shopping center property, including the exterior entrances.

“In response to the disruptive behavior last weekend, we made the difficult decision to implement a curfew program,” said Lorie Lisius, senior general manager of The Parks Mall at Arlington. “The PGR program is intended to help provide a safe, peaceful experience at our shopping center. We want to reiterate that all are welcome at The Parks Mall at Arlington at any time. We simply require that during certain weekend hours, families shop together and guests under 18 are accompanied by an adult.”

Al Jones, chief of police at Arlington Police Department added, “The Arlington Police Department has long had a strong working relationship with The Parks Mall. We fully support their decision to initiate the Parental Guidance Required Program, which aligns with our mutual goal to collaboratively and proactively ensure the mall remains a safe and welcoming place for all visitors.”

During PGR hours, trained public safety officers will be stationed at all mall entrances to check IDs of visitors who appear to be 17 years old or younger. Those who cannot provide a valid photo ID showing they are at least 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult to stay at the shopping center. One adult may accompany up to four youths (there is no limitation for the number of youths, age 10 and under, one adult can accompany) and must remain with them through the duration of the shopping experience.

Those who provide proper identification to indicate that they are at least 18 years old will be offered an optional wristband. Those who choose not to wear the wristband may be asked for ID again by safety officers inside the shopping center. Valid identification includes a state issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. The identification must be tamper-proof and include a photograph and date of birth.

Announcements will be made inside The Parks Mall at Arlington starting at 1 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, giving unsupervised youths ample time to complete their shopping or dining before the PGR program begins. After 2 p.m. public safety officers inside the shopping center will check IDs of individuals who appear to be underage and are not wearing wristbands.

The Parks Mall at Arlington is located at 3811 South Cooper Street, Arlington, TX 76015.

We are excited to announce that Restaurant506 will now be open for lunch Tuesday-Friday, with brunch service still offered Sat & Sun as well. This means you can now visit us and enjoy lunch SIX days a week, and our new menu for spring & summer starts this Tuesday the 19th! Reservations are recommended but not required.

please call 817-801-5541 or visit https://www.thesanfordhouse.com/restaurant506/

“In the Arlington ISD, we love and value all of our students with autism,” said Lora Thurston, Arlington ISD director of special education. “We want to provide each child with every opportunity and resource to grow, develop and learn so they can realize the special potential they all have.”

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism is affecting one in 44 in the U.S. As it is considered a spectrum disorder. Each person has a unique set of strengths and challenges that can require minimal or significant support.

HOW SPED HELPS

Arlington ISD’s special education department offers many services and resources to help if your child has autism. From parent training to in-home training and evaluations, the district has trained professionals to assist in meeting your child’s needs. Educational diagnosticians, licensed specialists in school psychology and speech pathologists work together to evaluate and support students with autism. For a list of parent resources, please click here.

SPED’S GOAL

Antrice Newsome, Arlington ISD special education curriculum coordinator, is dedicated to ensuring students with autism get the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

“Our ultimate goal is to get students with autism more included in the community,” Newsome said. “Including them in the general population, helps better prepare the student for what’s to come post-secondary.”

Instructional specialists are the first point of contact for each campus, but helping students with autism is a collaborative effort. Newsome and her team are creating systems for students across the board while also leaving room for individualized needs. Together, they ensure there is continuity in the curriculum and that campuses have access to additional support.

Training for teachers is huge. Newsome has been working in special education for 34 years. Her experiences have given her the opportunity to see first-hand what students with disabilities need.

“These students want to become productive citizens just like everyone else,” said Newsome. “Sometimes small tweaks to the environment help the student feel included. The more we open opportunities for students with autism, the more opportunities they have to learn social skills and be a part of our community.”

NEXT STEPS

Early intervention can improve learning, communication and social skills in children with autism. If you suspect your child has autism spectrum disorder or any disability, please contact your child’s school to request an evaluation. Referrals are necessary to receive evaluations. For more information, contact the special education department at 682-867-0800.

Our Thursday AM networking group came together recently to support one of their group member's businesses. As they gathered $600 between the group, they were able to adopt one of the 200 children living in an orphanage in Uganda. The $600 will help the child receive school supplies, clothing, etc. Betty Bengo is the founder and CEO of Malaika Orphanage Children Foundation.

Financial Advisor Jamil Ahmed of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Arlington, TX has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the certification mark CFP®.

The CFP® certification is awarded to individuals who meet the CFP® Board's stringent requirements. To gain certification, a financial advisor must complete a CFP® Board Registered educational program, pass the CFP® examination and background check, and agree to comply with the CFP® Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

This training offers investment professionals information across a broad range of topics. Study topics include professional conduct and regulation, general principles of financial strategies, risk management and insurance planning, investment strategies, retirement savings and income planning, and estate considerations.

Medical City Arlington, a Level II Trauma Center, has received certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) from the DNV, reflecting the highest level of competence for the treatment of serious stroke events.

"With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources and the ability to act swiftly and with extreme efficiency to attain great outcomes for patients with these critical brain attacks,” Medical City Arlington CEO Keith Zimmerman says. “As a Level II Trauma Center, those expert systems of care are in place and this certification validates our commitment to saving lives through high-quality stroke care for our community.”

Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is based on standards from the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that Medical City Arlington addresses the full spectrum of stroke care including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

Comprehensive Stroke Centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In Texas, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate care.

CSCs can treat patients suffering hemorrhagic or large ischemic strokes and provide follow-up care in an intensive care unit. A CSC can also function as a resource for other facilities, offering guidance and consultation for triage of patients, providing expertise in managing cases and diagnostic tests or treatments for stroke patients that require a high level of care.

Medical City Arlington is now one of four Comprehensive Stroke Centers within the Medical City Healthcare system including Medical City Dallas, Medical City Fort Worth and Medical City Plano.

Well our first In-person job fair (in 2 years) is now complete and I am happy to share that it was a success. First, before I share the event stats, I wanted to thank everyone who played a role in this event: Everyone who promoted it (to employers and job seekers), those that helped create items for the event, set up and run the onsite registration and IPAD bank, those that worked our booths, who worked registration, assisted with employers and workshops and the greatest heroes those staff that were on their feet all day helping employers and job seekers and everything in between. We heard it over and over again at the event, Tarrant County knows how to run job fairs. Employers and Job Seekers were very pleased. It takes a village and we are living in one of the best!

We also had some amazing partners: Rush Creek Church, City of Arlington, AISD and Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Everyone promoted the event and of course everyone who attended LOVES being at Rush Creek. It’s a beautiful location and they have the best volunteers.

We received 32 employer survey’s already (we used a new system of short survey’s delivered to employers with a QR code) and they seemed to like it and I LOVE it as I don’t have to data enter the info. The Employer Services team will also be following up in the coming weeks with employers as some may have additional hires once they process applicants from the event yesterday.

A special thank you to the team that was there early to set up and work the event: Melissa, Shauna Jackson, Renee, Laura, Elma, Ulrica, Arnold, Jason, Colton, Michael, Raul, Brittany, Tashunda, Nancy, and Greg. (I really hope I didn’t forget anyone)

Greg hosted 2 workshops for us which gave job seekers tips and tricks (based on the MAPS Workshop content) that they could use right away at the event.

Tyrone Taylor (our Board Vice-Chair) and Judy helped kick off the event and did a wonderful job thanking everyone for attending (they visited booths) and helped everyone feel at home. I know Steven stopped in and also thanked employers for attending and of course the staff scheduled to provide employer support at the event were awesome as well. So employers for sure felt the love from Tarrant County!

Now how did we do:

• Employers Registered:
  • 60
    • We also had a waitlist of about 20 more that wanted in (we capped the event at 50 since this was our first event back we didn’t want to over promise and under deliver).
• Employers Attended
  • 43 Employers and 7 Resource Agencies for a total of 50 Organizations participating in the event
• Number of job openings available at the event: 2,430
• Job Seekers Pre-Registered: 267
• Job Seekers who used our Registration System: 396
• Job Seekers Attended:
  • 245 job seekers
    • Of that number 15 identified as Veterans or spouses of Veterans
    • We also had a bus pull up (which was a shock even to the AISD folks who helped sponsor the event) with some young adults from AISD which Nancy spoke to and connected with our YA Program – YAY
• From the 32 employer survey’s
  • Interviews Scheduled or Conducted: 293
  • Number of Firm Hires Made: 35 (and that number is growing)

I think everyone was very happy with our first large event back in-person, now we are on to our next event which will be Virtual. The Continuing the Climb Virtual Job Fair. Remember this is an opportunity for all. The focus is for folks who have a background but there will be opportunities for all job seekers. You can find more information here: https://workforcesolutions.net/event/continuing-the-climb-virtual-job-fair/

In response to critically low blood supplies in North Texas and across the nation, Medical City Arlington encourages the community to donate blood.

Partnering with the American Red Cross, Medical City Arlington is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, March 22, from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Red Cross bus will be located in the hospital’s parking lot, 3301 Matlock Road in Arlington. Community members may sign-up to donate online (Enter sponsor code MCA at RedCrossBlood.org) or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

In addition to saving lives, Red Cross is offering blood donors who give through March 31, 2022, can score a $10 Fanatics e-gift card and an automatic entry for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB^® All-Star Game in Los Angeles. As the Official Hospital of the Texas Rangers, Medical City Arlington encourages North Texans to volunteer to fill the blood donation roster.

“Blood products are vital to many of our patients,” Medical City Arlington CEO Keith Zimmerman says. “We invite our community to team up with us and the Red Cross to help restock critical blood supplies.”

Multiple factors related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the blood shortage, including blood drive cancellations due to illness and staffing limitations. Every blood type is needed, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations. Learn more about donor eligibility guidelines here.

Donors can help as many as three different people with just one donation. Individuals who may rely on blood products include trauma victims, cancer and sickle cell patients, mothers giving birth and premature babies.