Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine Mar 2009: Katy Texas Info, News, Katy Business

Peter C. Houghton has been promoted to the position of vice president, master-planned communities for General Growth Properties. Houghton will serve as the senior executive officer at Bridgeland, an 11,400-acre master planned community that is currently under development on Fry Road between Interstate 10 and U.S. 290.

“Houghton’s role has expanded to include general management of and responsibility for all Bridgeland operations, ” said Thomas J. D’Alesandro IV, senior vice president of GGP. “This promotion is well deserved. Peter brings to the position more than 30 years of experience in land development. ”

In addition to his work at Bridgeland, Houghton was directly involved in the development of several other master planned communities including Cinco Ranch, Greatwood, Telfair and Eagle Springs.

Katy Mills announced three new-to-Katy retailers Forever 21, Papaya and Victoria’s Secret will join the center’s diverse retail mix in late spring 2009. These stores will offer shoppers a new selection of trendy clothing, the hottest accessories and fashionable finds.

Boasting a spacious shopping environment of more than 22,000 square feet, Katy Mills ’ Forever 21 store will feature clothing for the style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers.

Papaya Clothing store will also join Katy Mills in late spring offering junior and petite apparel, catering to customers 16 to 25. The contemporary retailer is a manufacturer-direct store, which allows the store to offer lower prices for customers.

The world’s most famous female intimates retailer, Victoria's Secret, will debut in Katy with an 8,600-square-foot store.

“We are thrilled to be the first center in the area to provide these great retailers to our community, ” said Cynthia Stansberry, director of mall marketing. “We are committed to our loyal shoppers, and as part of that commitment we will continue to introduce quality retailers to our properties lineup. ”

Representatives from the Diabetes Education Services department accept a grant check from the Walmart Distribution Center of Sealy

The Diabetes Education Services department at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital celebrated the receipt of a $1,000 grant check from the Walmart Distribution Center of Sealy.

Memorial Hermann Katy’s Diabetes Education department will use the grant to support its mission of using information to help support and improve the health of diabetics.

“We educate patients and their families to help them learn how to make daily life choices that can positively affect their quality of life, ” said Madge Richardson, RN, CDE, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Diabetes Education and resource specialist III. “We encourage them to take control of their health and to keep in mind that prevention goes a long way. ”

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce inducted the 2009 board of directors and officers at the January monthly membership luncheon at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside. City of Katy Mayor Don Elder swore in the inductees at the luncheon.

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 chairman is Troy Maxwell of Woodcreek Development. Other officers include Kurt Czupryn, University of Houston at Cinco Ranch is vice chairman; Beth Nightingale of Absolutely KATY, secretary; and Richard White, Granite Harbor Advisors is treasurer. The immediate past chair is Tad Adams of Adams Law Firm. City of Katy Mayor Don Elder is ex-officio and Ann Hodge serves as president/CEO.

The board of directors members for 2009 are: Carol Bonaccorso, Christa Clifton, Alton Frailey, Anthony Francis, Kerry Gilbert, Lori Gunn, Greg Henry, Lance LaCour, Carla Lehrmann, Woody Mann, Paul O’Sullivan, Eileen Pavlovich, Andrew Perry, Stan Stanley and Garry Willis.

Bridgeland’s Lona Alexander accepts a Gold Award for Master-Planned Community of the Year during The Nationals.

Bridgeland was named Master-Planned Community of the Year during The Nationals 2009 Gold Awards, topping both national and international entrants.

Presented by the National Sales and Marketing Council of the National Association of Home Builders, The Nationals pay tribute to superior new-home sales and marketing achievements. Gold Award winners were announced during NAHB ’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

The development had already won Silver Awards in nine categories within the competition, including Master-Planned Community of the Year, Marketing Director of the Year, Best Landscape Design for a Detached Community, Best Web Site, Best Special Promotion (Discovery Weekend), Best Series of Related Print Ads, Best Direct Mail, Best Brochure for a Master-Planned Community and Best Graphic Continuity.

“We are thrilled to win such a prestigious honor competing against some of the best developments in North and South America, ” said Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president, master-planned communities. “We are working hard to build a top-notch community and it is gratifying to see those efforts recognized. ”

First Community Bank, N.A. opened its newest banking center in Katy at 23701 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. 100.

First Community Bank’s Katy – Cinco Ranch office is headed by Vaughan Brown, executive vice president; and Sharon Ramazetti, operations supervisor. They are joined by staff members Tracey Vaughn, loan administrative officer; Kristen Albrecht and Ruth Matamoros.

“Here we grow again,” said Tim Stubenrouch, president of the locally based bank. “We are pleased to open this newest office serving Katy and the Cinco Ranch area. With six offices serving Fort Bend County, we know that we can serve the banking needs of the businesses and residents of our community. ”