East Texas Business

The East Texas Food Bank announced Patricia Rodriguez accepted the position of grants and contract specialist.

Ms. Rodriguez has more than 10 years of experience as a reporter and editor of the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

She is also principal of Rodriguez Media, where she serves as writer, editor and consultant for corporate clients. At the food bank she will be responsible for researching, identifying and writing funding requests.

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George “Fritz” Fryer joined Suddenlink Communications as vice president of fiscal operations for its Texoma Region.

Fryer will report to Texoma Reg-ional Vice President Todd Cruthird and will be based at the region headquarters in Tyler. The Texoma Region covers Suddenlink systems in East Texas and Oklahoma. Fryer worked 20 years at Time Warner Cable, spending the last 12 years as vice president of finance.

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Drs. Scott Burlison and Christopher Lowe joined Trinity Clinic-Anesthesiology, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics announced.

Dr. Burlison received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Dr. Lowe received his medical de-gree from The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. He completed his residency at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine-Scott & White.

Both were selected to serve as chief resident during their residency training.

The American Heart Association recognized East Texas Medical Center Tyler as a silver annual performance award recipient for the treatment of coronary artery disease, and spotlighted ETMC and other hospitals in an advertisement in U.S. News and World Report.

Listed hospitals successfully used the AHA’s Get with the Guidelines program for coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke. ETMC was recognized in the coronary artery disease category for 12 consecutive months at 85 percent or higher adherence to all performance measures.

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A team from LearningRx-Tyler returned from its annual national conference in Colorado Springs, Colo., with two national awards.

Joyce Boyd received the 2008 Trainer of the Year honor. She has been with LearningRx-Tyler for four years and was selected from thousands of trainers at the 70 nationwide LearningRx centers.

Also, the training center’s owners, Joe and Hannah Oliphant, received the 2008 5-Star Customer Service Award along with 10 other centers. The award is based on results from surveys that were sent to past participants in their programs.

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HW Marine returned from the national Triton Dealers meeting in Nashville, where it was recognized for selling more Triton boats than any dealer in the world.

HW Marine is owned by Mark Hughes. The Hughes family started the company in Marshall in 1997. It opened a location on Texas Highway 155 in Flint in 2001. A third store opened in Little Rock in 2005.

Hughes said he attributed the success to a positive attitude maintained by employees at the three HW Marine stores.

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Don Maxfield of Morton Salt Co. placed sixth in the multi-gas instrument benchman contest, part of the 2008 Metal/Nonmetal and International Mine Rescue Contest, July 15-17 in Reno. He represented Team Texas.

The Kleer Mine team from Grand Saline participated in the contest.

Dr. Steven W. Cox, an associate professor of surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, was recertified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery.

The ABS is an independent, nonprofit organization funded in 1937 that certifies surgeons who meet high standards of education, training and knowledge. Dr. Cox joined the health science center in 1997 and first achieved board certification in general surgery in 1998.

Providence Park of Tyler, an upscale rehabilitation and skilled nursing center at 5505 New Copeland Road, announced it has opened its doors and will celebrate its official grand opening 4-7 p.m. Aug. 5. The center offers short-term rehabilitation and more complex rehabilitation and care. Information from Providence Park said it has sophisticated decor, a library, a fine dining program and wellness programs that provide residents many choices and opportunities for personal growth.

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Popcorn Junction LLC announced it opened in Macy’s Plaza, 4744 S. Broadway Ave. The store features gourmet popcorn, nostalgic candy, gift baskets and tins. Owners Beth and Tom Wright said the business will be a sponsor for Mistletoe & Magic and National Diabetes Month. It has three employees.

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LONGVIEW – Jason West & Associates PC announced it opened offices at 211 N. Center St. The law firm represents businesses throughout East Texas and specializes in matters involving commercial real estate, oil and gas interests and business transaction. It includes founder Jason West.

Ashleigh Kennedy, Amy Odom and Vince Ware are also on the staff.

These conventions and sporting events are scheduled in the Tyler area, according to the Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau information. Listed in order are the dates, organizations having the conventions, hotels/motels serving as headquarters and total room nights.