D CEO July 2008

She’s been through no fewer than eight corporate mergers–and weathered them all. Now, as chairwoman of the Dallas region for JPMorgan Chase Bank, Elaine Agather is showing why it’s no contradiction for resiliency, drive, and smarts to come wrapped in a chic package.

Every year, Ernst & Young chooses this region’s premier entrepreneurs in a competition to be named the best in the nation-and the world-at what they do. Here, we tell you how the 27 dynamic local finalists for 2008 have built their businesses and attained their success.

Does “body language” deserve its current status as a hot topic? Not really. It’s just another example of useful analysis spun out of control.

When trailblazing businesspeople set their minds to something, there really isn’t much they can’t accomplish.

A. Logan Craft drills for revenue with a controversial new film.

It may be old-school, but radio remains the most powerful medium for communicating with your audience.

Dallas businesswomen gather for networking and cocktails.

The Fourth of July seems like a good time to celebrate some of the people who do good work at Dallas City Hall.

Adrienne Braumiller makes life easier for importers/exporters.

Buy these riding goodies and hang on for dear life.

James Chippendale of CSI Entertainment Insurance on waiting tables, U2, and his battle against cancer.

Jim Thompson confronts his fears by participating in hunter-jumping competitions.

Burgers, beer, and the best chocolate cream pie in Dallas are Strong’s sweet strengths.

Big D has plenty of attorneys, but which are tops at what they do? Following an extensive survey of their peers, we present a list of nearly 240 Dallas lawyers who’ve been identified as the cream of crop.