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Progress on transit issues, but challenges remain

June 27-July 3, 2011 I FWBusinessPress.com

"Despite progress made during the 82nd Legislature, the Texas Transportation Commission's 2030 Committee delivered some sobering news during the session."  Mac Churchill

With the 82nd Legislative Session behind us, it is a good time to reflect on the progress made. This session was one of the most challenging in recent history - legislators had to address major issues such as education financing, redistricting and transportation, while at the same time making major budget cuts across the board.

Financial obstacles aside, our representatives in Austin were able to advance several key transportation initiatives. Each of these initiatives is vital to the future economic vitality of the Tarrant County region - currently the fastest-growing area in the country. Tarrant County residents and businesses played a huge role in these successes, participating in advocacy efforts that yielded more than 3,000 letters to key elected officials.

Of significant importance was the reauthorization of Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) or public-private partnerships that allow the upfront investment of private equity in critical transportation projects. A number of CDA projects were authorized as part of the TDOT Sunset Bill (Senate Bill 1420), most notably the remaining segments of the North Tarrant Express.

While construction is currently underway on this project on Interstate Highway-820 and State Highway 183/121 from IH-35W east to Industrial Blvd. in Euless, CDA authority for the project was set to expire in August, which would have delayed indefinitely the remaining NTE project segments including reconstruction and expansion of IH-35W between downtown Fort Worth and Alliance Airport.

IH-35W is the lifeblood of our region, providing the only north/ south continuous route between downtown, Alliance Texas and Tarrant County's fastest growing communities in the north. Approved legislation now ensures that this project will continue to move forward, which, once completed (scheduled for 2019), will have expanded capacity on both sides of the highway (additional free and managed lanes).

Achieving extended CDA authority to complete the North Tarrant Express project was the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition's and 35W Coalition's most important initiative during this session, and we applaud our elected representatives for making this a top priority.

In addition, the passage of House Bill 563 significantly broadens the ability of local governments to use transportation reinvestment zone (TRZ) financing to fund transportation improvement projects, and House Joint Resolution 63 will, subject to voter approval of a constitutional amendment in November, enable counties to bond against a TR2 revenue stream. These two measures give local governments an important additional tool in the proverbial transportation funding toolbox.

Finally, the state's budget (SB 1) authorizes the issuance of the remaining $3 billion in Prop 12 general obligation bonds (overwhelmingly passed by voters in 2007) and increases the TKDOT budget for the 2011-13 biennium to $19.5 billion (versus $17.6 billion in the 2009-11 biennium). This one-time infusion of bond revenue makes possible the continued funding of new capacity projects, including mega-bridge and connectivity projects, for at least two more years. In Tarrant County this money will be allocated for improvements along IH-30, and for the Trinity River and Chappel Creek bridge projects, among other projects.

However, despite progress made during the 82nd Legislature, the Texas Transportation Commission's 2030 Committee delivered some sobering news during the session.

In its most recent report, the committee concludes that years of neglect and inadequate funding are putting the state in a position where it will be unable to afford new roads and needed improvements.

Because most of Texas' roads were built more than four decades ago, they continue to deteriorate at a very rapid rate and are in need of major repairs. Exacerbating this problem is a transportation budget that has relied too heavily on debt financing for the last decade and lacks a stable, substantial and sustainable revenue source to fund new capacity. And, like many other things, the costs of maintaining and building new roads continue to rise. These issues, coupled with our unprecedented growth, is putting Texas on a collision course with an infrastructure crisis that will have a dire effect on our quality of life and curtail economic development as we know it.

While the achievements of the 82nd Legislature are important, the need for substantial new investment in transportation infrastructure remains. We must urge our legislators to identify and implement longterm funding solutions to sustain mobility and a healthy economy. Simply put, transportation must be one of our state's top priorities. The cost of doing nothing is staggering; we can no longer afford to kick the can down the road.

Mac Churchill is the president of Mac Churchill Acura in Fort Worth and the chairman of the nonprofit transportation advocacy group, 35W Coalition.


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Mac Churchill Acura launches AcuraOEMPartsDepot.com offering 20 to 25% discounts on OEM Acura Parts to help Acura OEM parts shoppers save money on OEM Acura Parts.

Fort Worth, Texas ? November 20, 2010: Mac Churchill Acura in Fort Worth Texas has just launched a complete online catalog of OEM Acura parts to help Acura OEM parts shoppers save 20 ? 25% on OEM Acura parts.

Mac Churchill Acura in Fort Worth Texas is an authorized distributor of genuine OEM Acura parts and ships nationwide from a huge warehouse in Fort Worth.
"Shopping online saves us money" says Johnnie Guin, Parts Manager at Mac Churchill Acura.  He adds, "We pass that savings on to the consumer."

Most people today are familiar with online shopping.  It's convenient and much easier than "letting your fingers do the walking" through the phone book.
With a compete catalog of over 65,000 discounted Acura OEM parts online and 24 hour shipping nationwide, it's easy for the consumer to find and purchase the exact part using the Acura diagrams and illustrations contained within the catalog.  Consumers can search by Acura part number, name or description...or by simply entering the year and model of Acura.

Mac Churchill Acura in Fort Worth Texas just made shopping for Acura OEM parts a lot easier for everyone.  To view the Acura OEM parts catalog, visit http://www.AcuraOEMPartsDepot.com

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iPad Contest Winners

Our iPad Test Drive Contest ended on April 30, 2010. 

The drawing was held on Saturday May, 1, 2010 and the lucky winners are Holly and Jason Arestides of Keller, Texas.

Congratulations Holly and Jason, enjoy the iPad.
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Acura Wins ALF's 2010 Residual Value Award


TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 2, 2009 - Acura announced today that for the second consecutive year it received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2010 Residual Value Award for Best Luxury Brand. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period. Acura beat out other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz for the highly coveted award.

"It is an honor to win the award for Best Luxury Brand a second year in a row," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It sends a clear message to our customers that Acura vehicles represent a smart choice in today's luxury market".

Residual value is a measure used to recognize vehicle quality, reliability and overall brand strength. ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts include vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, pricing strategies and resale performance.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2010 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new ZDX four-door sports coupe.

About ALG
Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the "Automotive Lease Guide" - the standard for Residual Value projections in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for over 40 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. ALG is a company of DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRAK).

For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
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Acura ZDX


PRESS RELEASE

All-New Acura ZDX Debuts at New York International Auto Show
Provocative Four-Door Sports Coupe Goes On-Sale This Fall

NEW YORK, April 8, 2009 ? A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupe made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexibility utility.

"The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe ? plus," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer."  more

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Safety Alert from Shell Oil Company


Safety Alert!  

Here's some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in operating areas, propylene oxide handling and  storage area, propane, gas and diesel refueling areas.

The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations

In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.

In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car!

And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.

You should know that: Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes

Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring, release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition

Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.

Mobile phones should not be used or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust.   (i.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)

To sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:

              1) Turn off engine
              2) Don't smoke
              3) Don't use your cell phone -  leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off
              4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling.

Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps.  His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.

His results were very surprising:
 
             1)  Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
             2)  Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas.  When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.
             3)  Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
             4  Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
             5)  Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas.  
             6)  It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.
             7)  There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models.  Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.
             8)  Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.

Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas.

If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out.  This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger.     

I  ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas.   If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time.


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Relocation of Fort Worth scrap yard meets resistance

Relocation of Fort Worth scrap yard meets resistance
Fort Worth Star Telegram
No matter how they decorate it or how they try to put lipstick on a pig," said Mac Churchill, chairman of the I-35W Coalition, which is working to widen the ... read more

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How To Save $250 On Gas Yearly ? Without Buying A Prius

There?s nothing you can do to lower your gas costs. Right? I mean, you could buy a more efficient car or search high and low for the lowest prices, but both of these options might lead to you spending more than you save in the short term. If only there was a way to somehow earn discounted gas?.

Oh wait, there is! There?s actually a whole segment of rewards credit cards that provides fuel benefits, and considering that prognosticators expect gas prices to top $4 per gallon by the summer, having such a credit card could save you as much as $250 per year, according to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about the average American?s gas expenditures.

However, you will not automatically garner such savings by simply opening any gas credit card. Instead, you must first carefully consider both savings and convenience factors before deciding which gas credit card ultimately best fits your lifestyle: one tied to a certain chain or one providing more flexible benefits.

Gas credit cards that are tied to particular stations tend to offer relatively significant rewards. However, these rewards are only maximized by the consumer who fills up exclusively at that chain. So if this describes you, open the card tied to your chain of choice. If not, consider how difficult it would be to limit yourself and whether doing so is worth the accompanying financial gain.

Some of the most rewarding credit cards in this category are the Exxon Mobil Credit Card and the BP Credit Card. Each offers lucrative rebates for gas purchased at its affiliated station as well as less significant rewards on non-gas purchases made anywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted.

However, should you come to the conclusion that logistical variety cannot easily be sacrificed, you can direct your due diligence to cash back credit cards that provide extra savings on gas. Such products allow users to earn rewards on gas purchased at any gas station in the United States, but these rewards tend to be less lucrative than those conferred by station-specific credit cards.

Some of the best cash back credit cards that provide extra rewards on gas are the TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express because it offers 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $3,000 and 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurant expenditures, 2% on travel-related purchases and 1% on everything else and the Capital One® No Hassle Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 2% cash back on gas and groceries and 1% on everything else.

Ultimately, the particular card you choose also depends on how you envision your gas rewards credit card fitting into your payment arsenal. Will it be your primary means of spending? If so, the overall rewards package that a card offers is quite important. However, if you foresee using your gas rewards credit card only for gas purchases, as more of a supplementary spending vehicle, you must concentrate on maximizing your gas rewards and avoid being distracted by the non-gas rewards that will be rendered irrelevant by your usage. Understanding the specific role your gas credit card plays and using it accordingly is the only way to truly maximize its benefit. In the end, doing so will help your gas reward credit card steal the show from rising gas prices and provide savings in a segment of your finances where costs are typically dictated solely by market forces.

This article was written by Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO and Founder of CardHub.com, a website that helps consumers find the best credit card deals and buy discounted gift cards.

 


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Test Drive: Acura TSX sport wagon is a lot of fun

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

Honda does good wagons. The Civic station wagon sold in the U.S. in the 1975 through 1991 model years was a neat-looking and practical alternative to the then-very-small Civic sedan. The 1991 through 1997 Accord wagon not only suited the eye but also handled corners better than the sedan; the wagon had room for a better rear suspension.

By James Healey

Now, a wagon joins the updated 2011 TSX line from Honda's Acura premium brand. TSX is the entry-level Acura, based on the car sold in Europe as the Accord. It's unlike the U.S. Accord.

The U.S. Acura TSX sport wagon is the Americanized Euro-market Accord Tourer. Acura figures it'll make out fine selling just 4,000 a year here because it already sells plenty over there.

The TSX is, some might say, old-fashioned despite changes for 2011. That is, it pre-dates the complicated-is-good theme of electronic gadgetry, and the over-accessorized engines and gazillion-speed transmissions that reign today. We applaud that, and credit it for much of what made the TSX sport wagon test car a delight every mile.

For instance, you can actually figure out quickly how to manipulate the knob/joystick control on the center control stack. If not, you still can adjust most functions via dashboard controls.

The drivetrain was a star. The four-cylinder engine made its satisfying power not from turbocharging, but by being designed to maximize the engine's high-revving abilities (7,000 rpm redline), yet not require that it be driven flat-out to perform well. Thus, fun to flog and satisfying in the stop and lurch of crowded suburban traffic.

The five-speed automatic ? how quaint in this age of eight-speed gearboxes creeping like choking vines into more and more machines ? shifted brilliantly, changing gears briskly and without pausing first for consultation with the fuel-economy overlords. The automatic shifted so nicely it was heartbreaking to realize what gearbox mediocrity satisfies some other automakers.

Our fear is that when Acura "improves" the car it will use some sci-fi transmission, lard-on the engine "modernizations" and embrace baffling interior electronic overkill.

The TSX line in general got these changes for 2001: New rear styling and taillights. New front styling that, unfortunately, includes Acura's signature cow-catcher grille. But the absurdity is minimized on TSX. And new interior touches that include a climate-controlled center console (keeps the Coke Zero cool) and improved heating/cooling for rear occupants. Plus more sound-deadening, faster navigation system.

The sport wagon is identical to the TSX sedan underneath ? same wheelbase and track width ? and specifications for headroom, legroom and so forth are all-but-identical to the sedan's, so the wagon doesn't give you more space to sit in, just a spacious cargo compartment.

It isn't a substitute for a small crossover SUV, because its hunkered-down design and sporting intent dictate a ground clearance of 5.9 inches (or a mere 4.3 inches fully loaded) instead of 7 to 9 obstacle-clearing inches in a similar-size SUV.

TSX isn't available with all-wheel drive. A shame because Acura's SH-AWD (for super-handling AWD) is a lovely system that not only fights foul weather but also improves cornering agility. Lack of SH-AWD is meant to keep the price down ($32,000 and up) so the wagon remains an entry-level Acura.

Hard-core types will grouse, too, about the lack of a manual transmission. Acura says only 5% of buyers choose manual, so the cost of bringing it to the U.S. can't be justified. Too, the automatic transmission gets better fuel mileage and comes with a manual-shift system.

Narrow, toe-tangling rear door openings made it hard to get into or out of the back seat. Once ensconced, though, there was marginally acceptable knee and toe space for two adults.

The car's low stance would be a negative for some. Unlike taller SUVs, you had to twist and plop down to enter, clamber up and twist to exit.

Still, the TSX sport wagon test car was unusually satisfying because of these attributes, in addition to the responsive drivetrain:

?The chassis was agile.

Electric power steering ? hard to tune properly ? was just-so. Brakes felt firm, not stiff or touchy, and made themselves known the moment your foot requested.

The wagon weighs about the same as the sedan, but the weight is better-balanced, giving a more controlled feel in tight corners. The wagon carries 43% of its weight on the rear, a 57/43 balance, per Acura specs, vs. the sedan's 60/40. A 50/50 balance is considered ideal by most driving enthusiasts.

?Cargo space was handy.

There's a lot of it, and it's cleverly done. Space under the floor can be used to hide valuables, or provide a deeper well for things that you don't want to slide or tip.

?Layout was sensible.

As-yet-uninfected by modern over-complexity, the wagon's knobs, buttons and dials were just about where you wanted them and worked about the way you desired.

?Interior was inviting.

Passenger compartment is the same size as the sedan, but seemed roomier, probably an illusion due to the wagon's open space in back. Color scheme of black, gray and white was simple, classy.

If premium-wagon buyers are paying attention, we can't imagine Acura will sell just 4,000 a year.

WHAT STOOD OUT?

?Agile. Steering, brakes, balance ? all surprisingly good.

?Peppy. Gutty engine, crisp transmission.

?Lacking: No all-wheel drive, no manual transmission

ABOUT THE 2011 ACURA TSX SPORT WAGON

?What? Station wagon version new to Acura's small TSX entry-level line. Front-wheel drive, four-door (nominally five-passenger wagon. Offers only four-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

?When? On sale in the U.S. since Dec. 21.

?Where? Made in Japan.

?Why? Big seller in Europe, where it's called Accord Tourer. Not much trouble or risk to try it in the U.S., where rivals BMW and Audi successfully sell small wagons.

?How many? Just 4,000 a year is the U.S. forecast.

?How much? Base model: $31,820 including $860 shipping; with Technology Package, $35,470.

?How powerful? Same updated powertrain (low-friction improvements good for 1 more mpg vs. 2010 engine) as other 2011 TSX models: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 170 pounds-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm.

?How big? Four inches longer, half an inch wider than Audi A4 wagon; TSX sport wagon is 189.2 inches long, 72.4 in. wide, 57.9 in tall on a 106.4-in. wheelbase.

Weighs 3,599 lbs. Passenger space, 94.4 cubic feet. Cargo space behind rear seat, 25.8 cu. ft., 60.5 cu. ft. when rear seat's folded.

Takes 36.7 feet to turn around.

?How thirsty? Rated 22 miles per gallon in town, 30 on the highway, 25 in combined city/highway use. Trip computer in test car registered 20 mpg (5 gallons per 100 miles) in suburban use involving lots of wide-open-throttle bursts, because they were fun.

Premium specified; regular OK temporarily, but Acura warns: "The long-term use of regular-grade gasoline can lead to engine damage."

Tank holds 18.5 gallons.

?Overall: Major fun with lots of cargo space, but cramped rear seat.


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News and Events

Progress on transit issues, but challenges remain
June 27-July 3, 2011 I FWBusinessPress.com "Despite progress made during the 82nd Legislature, the Texas ...
Mac Churchill Acura launches AcuraOEMPartsDepot.com offering 20 to 25% discounts on OEM Acura Parts to help Acura OEM parts shoppers save money on OEM Acura Parts.
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape ...
iPad Contest Winners
Our iPad Test Drive Contest ended on April 30, 2010.  The drawing was held on Saturday May, 1, 2010 ...
Acura Wins ALF's 2010 Residual Value Award
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Acura ZDX
PRESS RELEASE All-New Acura ZDX Debuts at New York International Auto Show Provocative Four-Door Sports ...
Safety Alert from Shell Oil Company
[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 ...
Relocation of Fort Worth scrap yard meets resistance
Relocation of Fort Worth scrap yard meets resistanceFort Worth Star TelegramNo matter how they decorate ...
How To Save $250 On Gas Yearly ? Without Buying A Prius
There?s nothing you can do to lower your gas costs. Right? I mean, you could buy a more efficient car ...
Test Drive: Acura TSX sport wagon is a lot of fun
By James R. Healey, USA TODAY Honda does good wagons. The Civic station wagon sold in the U.S. in the ...
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