The Woodlands Lifestyles and Homes magazine Jan 2010: Business News in The Woodlands

Craig Witz, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist, joined the team of specialists at Houston Fertility Institute. Dr. Witz completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University where he graduated with honors and earned his medical degree at The Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed both his obstetrics/gynecology residency and reproductive fellowship at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he was a faculty member in the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility and served six years as chief of the division.

Witz is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology-infertility. He has performed extensive research in the area of endometriosis and has won multiple awards for his publications evaluating its pathogenesis.

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in The Woodlands, is one of the world’s largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. The company ’s extensive philanthropic initiatives in its hometown—and other communities where it has operations all over the world—was cited as the major reason for being named Outstanding Large Corporation at the recent National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Houston Chapter.

More than 1,100 guests were on hand at the 24th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston to pay tribute to Anadarko and nine other award recipients including former first lady Barbara Bush who accepted the Outstanding Fundraising Program (over $250,000) award that benefited her Family Literacy Foundation.

In 2008, the employees of the company invested close to 24,000 hours of their personal time to volunteer for projects ranging from working with local schools, deserving families and other community projects. From education and housing to culture and the arts, Anadarko provides financial support and guidance to a multitude of nonprofit organizations while its hundreds of employee volunteers create additional support through the company ’s matching dollar for dollar program.

LodgeWorks, L.P., a privately-held hotel development and management company in the midst of portfolio expansion, opened the doors to AVIA The Woodlands, the fourth in a new collection of boutique hotels. Infusing locally-inspired design with a unique service culture and sophisticated sense of place, AVIA The Woodlands promises a fresh take on luxury travel, encouraging guests to discover the destination around them.

AVIA The Woodlands is the anchor of Market Street – The Woodlands. The outdoor mixed-use town center opened in 2003 as a joint partnership between Trademark Hospitality and KIMCO Realty Corporation. Offering music, eye-catching art, a cozy wireless-enabled central park with fountains and a live performance stage, Market Street is a welcoming gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Complete with 70 rooms and suites, AVIA The Woodlands promises a big heart full of local color, combining understated elegance with the enthusiasm of a gracious local host.

Room options at AVIA The Woodlands include a Classic Guestroom, Grand Suite, Lux Suite, Master Patio Suite and two Signature Presidential Hosting Suites. All rooms and suites include an array of amenities, including an in-room refreshment bar featuring Dean & DeLuca snacks, modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, lush beds and fine linens, 42-inch flat panel televisions, alarm clock radios with MP3 docking stations, spacious working areas, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet access.

AVIA’s innovative approach to hospitality is extended to its dining experience, which boasts a farm-to-table small plates concept, focusing on fresh local ingredients to help guests discover colorful new regional recipes. In celebration of the hotel opening, AVIA The Woodlands ’ guests who stay anytime between now and Jan. 7, 2010, will receive a complimentary $25 dining credit valid at the AVIA Kitchen + Lounge. Rates start at $179. The dining credit will be automatically provided at check-in to guests who stay during this timeframe.

Other facilities at AVIA The Woodlands include flexible and elegant spaces for meetings and special events, complete with full audio visual services and private catering and tasting menus. Spaces include the 2,240 square foot State Room with Veranda, the Cabana Room + Terrace Patio and the Outdoor Terrace. The Presidential Hosting Suites, at 1,835 square feet each, are also suitable for small intimate meetings.