Shari Williams

From Staff Reports

Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central East Texas recently announced the election of the 2024 Board Chair and four new distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors.

BBB introduced Nancy Rangel, Executive Director for the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance, as the Chair of the Board of Directors for 2024. Rangel succeeds James Sheridan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending for Texas Bank and Trust. Sheridan remains on the board as immediate past chair.

Other officers elected include:

Vice-Chair/Chair Elect: Shane Rohrbach, Partner, Gollob Morgan Peddy Certified Public Accountants

Vice-Chair: LaToya Young, Executive Director, Tyler Area Business Education Council

Treasurer: Troy Bevill, Jr. Owner, Proforma Horizon Total Source

Secretary: Michelle Small, CEO, Kelly Community Federal Credit Union

Legal Counsel: David Dobbs, Dobbs and Porter, P.C.

Mechele Mills: President and CEO, Better Business Bureau

“East Texas has evolved into a vibrant center for commerce, education, and top-tier healthcare facilities. The Better Business Bureau’s steadfast commitment to fostering a fair and trusted marketplace significantly contributes to our region’s prosperity. In 2023 alone, the BBB delivered over 1.6 million instances of service to East Texas,” Mills said. “I am deeply privileged to support our ever-growing community of BBB Accredited businesses, now over 2,300 members strong, who proudly support ethical standards and have earned the BBB Accredited Business seal.”

Rangel said she is looking forward to serving in her role.

“I am honored to serve as the new Board Chair of the Better Business Bureau and to work alongside our outstanding President, Mechele Mills, and our dedicated board members,” Rangel said. “Together, we will continue to grow the BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust and accountability, and I am truly excited about the year ahead.”

2024 Directors elected:

Kim Beckham, Kim Beckham Collaborative Leadership

Lance Browning, Income Solutions Wealth Management

Linda Cooper, Henry & Peters, P.C.

Nicole Cox, Ables-Land, Inc.

Chris Hazelip, Edward Jones Investments

Nita Ingle, Design Center Signs, A Comet Company

Brandon Jones, Tyler Kung Fu and Fitness

Kim Lessner, Tyler Junior College

Juan Martinez, Martinez CPA

Chris Molina, Austin Bank

Daniel Nagore, Homes by N&A

John Soules, Sr., Texas Organics

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.

Other business digest headlines

TVCC named Large Business of Year, president awarded

ATHENS — The Athens Chamber of Commerce named Trinity Valley Community College the Large Business of the Year during the Athens Chamber Gala on Saturday, Jan. 27.

“Trinity Valley is extremely humbled to receive the 2023 Large Business of the Year,” TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison said. “We were not expecting the recognition, and we appreciate the Trinity Valley community. We always strive to be a vital part of the Athens community and seek more ways to promote growth. Athens is a college town and Trinity Valley is Athens.”

Additionally, Morrison was Paragon New President Award winner by Phi Theta Kappa Honor (PTK) Society.

He was nominated for this award by members of the TVCC chapter of PTK and has expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

“I truly appreciate the recognition from the Phi Theta Kappa National organization,” Morrison said. “I am honored to receive the Paragon New President Award.”

The Paragon Award for New Presidents recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success and for providing high-quality learning environments both inside and outside the classroom, according to ptk.org.

“This award is not about what I do as a president (but) what we do as educators in advancing education and leadership opportunities to students and creating pathways for success,” Morrison said. “My passion is to create opportunities and play a small part in helping students reach their goals.”

PTK Honor Society President and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner shared in an email to Morrison that his nomination was based on his active and direct interest in PTK members.

“Your nomination was strong evidence that you are a student success champion for all students,” Tincher-Ladner said. “They know your support for their learning. They know you are working hard to provide them more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. As a result, they have had a better college experience because of you.”

Morrison will be honored at the Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention on April 4 through 6 in the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Promotion announced at Nacogdoches County Chamber

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce announced staff member Shari Williams’ promotion to Vice President/Member Engagement. She has worked at the chamber for five and a half years, initially as Membership Coordinator.

“In this position, Ms. Williams will have more responsibilities that include developing and implementing strategies to promote chamber members, managing the chamber’s retention program and developing materials for new member recruitment,” President/CEO Kelly Augustine said. “She will also work closely with members as they choose program and event sponsorships and volunteer participation for the best returns on their investments.”

Williams’ background includes owning her own businesses. She has experience in sales, management and team building.

Williams will also attend the second year of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management this summer in Athens, Georgia.

“I have enjoyed my time in the membership department of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce thus far,” Williams said. “I remember starting my own business in 2013 and the excitement that came with that, and I enjoy seeing that same excitement of business ownership with the members I interact with. I’m proud of our chamber team, and confident that we can — and do — deliver an effective tool for our members’ use and have fun at the same time.”

For more about the Nacogdoches County Chamber, go to www.Nacogdoches.org or visit the office located on 2516 North St. in Nacogdoches.