Melissa Gabel, APRN, FNP-BC

Ebby hosts real estate summit

Ebby Halliday Companies held its CONNECT: EHC Summit 2024 at the Winspear Opera House in the downtown Dallas Arts District. The exclusive, agent-only event brought together real estate professionals from Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and Williams Trew for a day of inspiration, learning and networking, including agents from Ebby’s Tyler office.

Almost 1,000 agents from the three brands took advantage of this free opportunity to hear from a lineup of nationally renowned speakers, including experts in technology, market analysis, risk management, and client relations.

The featured speakers included Dr. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors, who provided critical insights into current real estate trends and demographic shifts affecting agents on both a macro and micro level. Rajeev Sajja, Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Innovation at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors, delivered a thought-provoking session on how AI is transforming the real estate landscape and convinced the skeptical to embrace it and gain back time better spent on building client relationships. Additionally, Jessica Edgerton, Chief Legal Officer at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, shared her expertise on managing legal risks and enhancing competitive advantages in today’s market.

The summit also included a panel discussion with top agents from across Texas, including Craig Browning of Phyllis Browning Company (San Antonio), Gay Puckett of JBGoodwin Realtors (Austin), and Jeremy Fain of Greenwood King Properties (Houston). Each panelist was chosen for their respective success in their own market, and shared their unique experiences and strategies for standing out in the competitive state of Texas. As fellow members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, they also highlighted their experiences with referrals in the massive international network.

The keynote address was delivered by internationally renowned speaker Sylvie di Giusto, who captivated the audience with her talk: ‘You Have Seven Seconds, Make Them Count.’ Di Giusto’s insights into personal branding and first impressions resonated with the agents, inspiring them to elevate their approach to every client interaction, touching on appearance, behavior, communication, digital footprint and environment. She helped drive home her main points by having agents connect with one another in an interactive audience exercise.

“After several months of much hard work involving a very dedicated team, we are beyond grateful to have seamlessly executed CONNECT EHC Summit 2024,” said Carolyn Rosson, President and CEO of Ebby Halliday Companies. “This exclusive in-house event at a world-class arts venue lived up to its big promises to be an inspiring day, and our agents walked away more empowered and connected than ever.

“At Ebby Halliday Companies, we are continually raising the bar to ensure our agents have access to the best tools and the latest knowledge to thrive in what is an increasingly complex industry,” added Rosson. “(The summit) absolutely built on our reputation for agent development and reinforced our company’s dedication to giving these hard-working small business owners what they need to compete.”

For more information, visit ebby.com.

UT Health adds physicians in Tyler

Cassie Hampton, APRN, AGACNP-BC

UT Health East Texas is expanding cardiothoracic surgery services in Tyler with the addition of Cassie Hampton, APRN, AGACNP-BC.

“I am dedicated to providing personalized care that respects the dignity and unique needs of each patient, regardless of their background or circumstances,” Hampton said. “My goal is to deliver compassionate, high-quality care that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.”

Hampton said she chose healthcare after her sister’s tragic car accident when Hampton was 18.

“The care and compassion she and our family received inspired me to offer the same to others,” she said. “This experience had a profound impact on my life, and I strive to have a similar positive effect on my patients.”

Her specialty focuses on acute/critical care, particularly cardiovascular surgery.

“With 12 years of critical care experience, I am passionate about contributing to the growth of the cardiovascular program at UT Health East Texas,” she said. “I am also committed to building strong relationships within our community to enhance overall health and quality of life.”

Hampton is welcoming patients at 700 Olympic Plaza, Ste. 510 in Tyler. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-595-6680.

Melissa Gabel, APRN, FNP-BC

UT Health East Texas is expanding family medicine services in Tyler with the addition of Melissa Gabel, APRN, FNP-BC.

“My care philosophy revolves around taking care of every patient to the best of my ability while respecting their individuality as a human being,” Gabel said. “I believe that every patient deserves compassionate, personalized care that honors their unique needs and circumstances.”

Gabel said healthcare has always been her calling — she knew from the age of 12 that she wanted to be a nurse and never considered any other path. After becoming a nurse right out of high school, she continued to grow in her profession, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner eight years later.

“My journey into family practice was inspired by my time living on an Indian reservation, where I saw firsthand the need for primary care providers who could care for patients at all stages of life,” she said. “This experience ignited my passion for family practice, and I am dedicated to filling the gap in primary care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients.”

Gabel is welcoming patients at 3310 Patriot Dr. in Tyler. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-939-7870.

Local businesses receive $3 million in dividends

Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced the distribution $350 million in dividends to about 70,000 Texas businesses, representing 91% of the company’s policyholders. In Smith County, 690 businesses will collectively receive $3 million in dividends. These local businesses can use their individual dividends to reinvest in their businesses and local communities.

“Texas Mutual’s dividend program gives us the opportunity to share the company’s financial success with businesses across the state that are doing their part to keep Texans working safely,” said the Honorable Ron Simmons, chairman of Texas Mutual’s board. “This year’s $350 million dividend distribution creates a meaningful and positive effect on Texas’ economy.”

Policyholders have the opportunity to earn dividends for their commitment to safety and loyalty to Texas Mutual.

“Our local Smith County businesses are thankful for the continued partnership and support from Texas Mutual,” said Robert Monaghan CIC, president at Hibbs-Hallmark & Company. “We are once again honored to be included in the yearly dividend program and look forward to seeing our customers and employees prosper.”

Texas Mutual awarded its first dividend in 1999, making this the 26th consecutive year of the program and bringing the total delivered back to Texas businesses to over $4.4 billion.

While dividends have been awarded annually since 1999, they are based on performance and therefore are not guaranteed. Additionally, dividends must comply with Texas Department of Insurance regulations.

Visit texasmutual.com/ownershippays to learn more about Texas Mutual’s dividend program.