FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas has been recognized as the 2007 Frisco Business of the Year, taking the top honor at the 24th Annual Frisco Chamber of Commerce Banquet Awards which were held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, Jan. 25.
"We're honored to be recognized as the Frisco Business of the Year," said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "Frisco has a vibrant, progressive, booming business community with some of the area's top businesses. This award is the direct result of a talented, hard working front office team at FC Dallas who have made a commitment to excellence. Thanks to our fans, strategic partners and sponsors for their outstanding support. We're proud to call Frisco home and honored to be recognized as the top business in Frisco."
Out of 1,300 businesses that qualified for the honor, 100 were nominated and presented in front of a nomination committee. Only four finalists were selected from the nominees, and the Frisco business leaders selection committee awarded FCD the winner. Other finalists for the award included Centennial Medical Center, Skywire Software and Sound Perfection.
"Fielding a franchise in Major League Soccer and hosting world class soccer matches, international competitions, concerts and community events at Pizza Hut Park, FC Dallas has helped identify Frisco as one of America's most vibrant communities," added John Land, President and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. "Raising money for local youth organizations, having players reading to students, and maintaining a ranking as the third winningest team in MLS history, FC Dallas is truly a success both on and off the field. The Frisco Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize FC Dallas as our 2007 Business of the Year. Congratulations to FC Dallas and to all our finalists and winners this year."
In February 2006, Pizza Hut Park was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as the winner of the 2005 Best Community Impact Award, given to a property that was judged to have created the most positive economic and social impact on a community. Pizza Hut Park was also the Top Winner at the Topping Out 2007 Awards Presentation, recognized for excellence in the fields of development, architecture and construction which have a positive impact on the local community. In November 2006, Pizza Hut Park was recognized as the first "Green" professional sports stadium in Texas after administering a formal recycling program.
FC Dallas will begin the 2008 season against Chivas USA on Sunday, March 30 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas at 2 p.m. CT.
