Dallas — A Tradition of Excellence:

There is a tradition in Texas to dream big dreams in the belief that one's dreams can become reality if coupled with grit and determination. The early settlers had great obstacles to overcome for the frontier was not a hospitable place in the days of Indians and buffalo. Success was hewn with crude instruments by men and women who had courage and a dream to better their situation for the generations ahead. Their perseverance paid off, and what began as a dream in the head of John Neely Bryan is now the great city called Dallas.

The impact Dallas has made on the business world is significant. The Texas businessman is no longer the stereotypical oil baron popularized by the entertainment media. Today's business professional is as likely to be involved in the fashion or advertising industries. In terms of volume, revenue, and buyer attendance, Dallas is now the nation's second leading fashion and apparel center. The gamut of business in Dallas ranges from high fashion to high-tech. Dallas is now one of the country's top five employers in the computer and microelectronic manufacturing industries.

With 630 shopping centers in Dallas, there is something for everyone. The advent of Neiman-Marcus in 1914 and the arrival of the exclusive Highland Park Village, one of the nation's oldest shopping establishments, initiated the Dallas consumer's appetite for shopping. Dallas now contains more retail space per capita than any other major city in the country. Shopping centers range from the upscale, high-tech environment of the Galleria to the unique, festival atmosphere of the West End Marketplace.

There are a wide variety of entertainment options available in or near downtown. In particular, what was once the warehouse district is now a thriving entertainment hub known as the West End, or if you prefer -- the Livin' End. The West End offers an interesting selection of restaurants and night spots. Also to be enjoyed are some of Dallas' more notable dining establishments located along historic McKinney Avenue. But one is not confined to downtown when in the pursuit of rest and relaxation, for the entire city offers a wide choice of entertainment alternatives.

Dallas has become the center for the performing arts in the Southwest and can boast such attractions as an internationally respected opera and symphonic orchestra. In fact the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is one of the six oldest in the nation. Dallas' seventy-five professional children's and community theater groups present works ranging from classic plays to avant-garde new works. Pulitzer prize-winning playwrights such as D. L. Coburn (the Gin Game) and Beth Henley (Crimes of the Heart) both hale from Dallas. The Dallas Museum of Art, which was the first facility to open in the 60-acre Dallas Arts District, has made good its commitment to offer Dallasites a permanent collection of the world's finest art works.

In keeping with its rough-and-tumble image, Dallas is also proud to host professional football, baseball, basketball, and soccer franchises. Football, almost a Texas religion, is played from grade school to the professional level. Spectators are welcome at all levels. The Texas Rangers, presently located in Arlington (a 20 minute drive from Dallas), offer traditional American family entertainment in the classic stadium setting. The Mavericks continue to hold high level fan support. Their unique management approach includes holding a specified number of seats unsold until seven to ten days before game time in order to allow everyone a chance to participate. And finally the Sidekicks, in the low-key fashion of soccer teams, are the most successful of Dallas teams.

History affords a distinguished tradition that Dallas will build on as the city anticipates the challenges of the future. The economic crisis of the 1980's has taught all Texans -- but especially Dallasites -- a valuable lesson. The necessity of diversification and flexibility coupled with a traditionof dreaming great dreams has already rekindled sparks of excitement. The solid commitment to excellence that has made Dallas a great city in the Twentieth Century will thrust a stronger, more diverse, Dallas into the Twenty-first Century.

last edited: 23 August 2003