APPOINTMENT

Heritage Land Bank proudly announces the appointment of Gene Roddy as vice president and loan officer of its branch in McKinney. Roddy has served in the Tyler branch over the last four years. While at the Tyler Branch, Roddy generated new business, managed existing client relationships and successfully grew the branch’s loan portfolio. Roddy earned a B.S. in Agronomy at Stephen F. Austin State University.

 

RECOGNIZED

Two Tyler area students representing the East Texas Music Teachers Association were recognized at the TMTA State Convention last summer. Ian Finlay was awarded second place for his composition, Toy Box, written for percussion ensemble in the Original Composition Contest. Johannah Carmona played the third movement of the Beethoven Fourth Piano Concerto in the semi-finals of the ninth- and 10th-grade Concerto Competition.

 

PROMOTED

Prothro, Wilhelmi & Company, Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce that Martina “Cristy” McDowell, CPA, was recently promoted to supervisor. She has more than five years of dedicated service to the firm. Her work experience includes tax planning and preparation for individuals, partnerships, corporations and nonprofit organizations as well as financial statement audits and reviews of local governments and nonprofit organizations. To learn more, visit www.pw-tx.com.

 

SERVE

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is proud to announce that Rogers Pope Jr., chief executive officer and vice chairman of Texas Bank and Trust, Longview, will serve as chairman of the IBAT Board of Directors for 2015-2016. Pope was appointed Texas Bank and Trust chief executive officer in 2014, after serving as chief operating officer for the previous 10 years. In his role, he assists with management of the bank and its holding companies.

 

CREDIT UNION

Cornerstone Credit Union League conducted its Seventh CU Ride Motorcycle Tour on Oct. 15 from Kelly Community Federal Credit Union in Tyler to Trinity Mother Frances. During the CU Tour, credit union leadership, staff and members, caravan from a host credit union to a pre-designated Children’s Miracle Network hospital to deliver stuffed dogs. More information can be found at www.credit unions.care.

 

TREATS

Kool Smiles in Tyler, Longview and Lufkin, is coordinating “Operation Troop Treats” to encourage children to bring their Halloween candy to any of the area Kool Smiles dental offices in exchange for a toy. The candy will then be sent in care packages to U.S. troops serving overseas via Operation Gratitude. Kool Smiles initiated the program to help raise awareness about good dental hygiene and uplift American armed forces serving overseas. Candy can be dropped off at any of the four offices during business hours from Friday, Oct. 30 to Wednesday, Nov. 4. For more information, contact Lisa A. Shenkle at lshen kle@att.net, 410-439-4695 or 410-227-5899 (cell).

SHELTERS

Forever Safe Shelters executive assistant Keri Chandler and State Rep. Bryan Hughes visited the site of an installation of a unit for Forever Safe Shelters on Monday in Tyler. Forever Safe Shelters builds storm-proof, assault-proof concrete and steel shelters for individuals, schools, churches, etc. to help guard against attacks and helps towns that have been hit with natural catastrophes, such as Van, to recover. The business’ motto is “Weathering all of life’s storms.”

 

APPOINTED

Beverly Womack, a local licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, was appointed by Board Chairman Michael Puhl as the Board’s representative to form a Mental Health Licensure Board task force. The task force will review HB 1449, which was passed by the most recent legislature. HB 1449 reorganizes part of Chapter 107 of the Family Code pertaining to social studies, child custody or adoption evaluations in family law cases.

 

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours will host its monthly meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Jack O’Diamonds Honda/Lincoln of Tyler. Nothing Bundt Cakes and McAlister’s will cater the event.

 

TRAINING

The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Core Insights will present “Providing Superior Customer Service” at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Rose Garden Center Building. Topics covered will include what customers expect, why customers are dissatisfied, five customer service must-dos and more. The presenter will be Kim Brody of Core Insights. Tickets are $85 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Better Business Bureau Education Foundation of Central East Texas is now accepting applications for the Kay Robinson Student of Integrity Video Scholarship program. This program recognizes two college-bound seniors who personify high ethics as demonstrated through their creative talents in creation of a 30- to 60-second video, as well as their overall personal integrity and academic history. The scholarship is available to any student who resides and attends the 12th-grade in the 19-county region served by BBB of Central East Texas. Applications must also include letters of recommendation and the student’s high school transcript. Applications and videos must be received by BBB offices by 5 p.m. Jan. 8. For more information and to download an application, visit bbb.org or call 903-581-5704 ext. 109.