Posted 8:35 pm Sunday, October 07, 2012
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Mother Frances Hospital receives increased bond ratings
Mother Frances Hospital Regional Health Care Center, a part of Trinity Mother Frances Health System, received an increased bond rating from Fitch Ratings Inc., an international financial ratings firm.
According to Health System officials, the increase from a BBB rating to a BBB+ is based on factors, including a stable rating outlook and rapidly growing utilization of health system facilities, according to a prepared statement.
Moody's Investor Services reaffirmed its Baa1 rating with a stable outlook for Mother Frances, a rating comparable to Fitch's BBB+.
“We are very pleased that these two well-respected agencies gave us their vote of confidence,” Joyce Hester, CPA and chief financial officer of Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics, said in a prepared statement. “Bond ratings are important and an indication of the overall health of a company.”
As a faith-based, nonprofit hospital, Mother Frances is eligible to issue tax-exempt bonds. The bonds provide funding for operations, additional and expanded facilities and equipment.
According to Health System officials, the increase from a BBB rating to a BBB+ is based on factors, including a stable rating outlook and rapidly growing utilization of health system facilities, according to a prepared statement.
Moody's Investor Services reaffirmed its Baa1 rating with a stable outlook for Mother Frances, a rating comparable to Fitch's BBB+.
“We are very pleased that these two well-respected agencies gave us their vote of confidence,” Joyce Hester, CPA and chief financial officer of Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics, said in a prepared statement. “Bond ratings are important and an indication of the overall health of a company.”
As a faith-based, nonprofit hospital, Mother Frances is eligible to issue tax-exempt bonds. The bonds provide funding for operations, additional and expanded facilities and equipment.
AQUASCAPES
Wade McCullin announced that Aquascapes of East Texas, which opened in Tyler on Jan. 1 2011, has added KeepingParadise.com to its service company.
The business offers a variety of tank raised and aqua-cultured/maricultured corals and fish for the saltwater enthusiast, McCullin said in a prepared statement.
Aquascapes of East Texas, at 712 S. Fleishel Ave., is also a reef specialist, focusing mainly on saltwater reef tanks and installation of custom aquariums. They also maintain Koi ponds and ornamental water features. McCullin will sell equipment, corals and fish via KeepingParadise.com. Aquascapes of East Texas can be reached at 903-634-7410.
The business offers a variety of tank raised and aqua-cultured/maricultured corals and fish for the saltwater enthusiast, McCullin said in a prepared statement.
Aquascapes of East Texas, at 712 S. Fleishel Ave., is also a reef specialist, focusing mainly on saltwater reef tanks and installation of custom aquariums. They also maintain Koi ponds and ornamental water features. McCullin will sell equipment, corals and fish via KeepingParadise.com. Aquascapes of East Texas can be reached at 903-634-7410.
RENOVATIONS
Darden Restaurants announced changes to Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants in the Tyler-Longview area.
Three local Red Lobster restaurants have been redesigned, inspired by the New England coast, as part of a companywide commitment that will see all restaurants across North America redesigned by the end of 2014. The restaurants, at 1500 WSW Loop 323 in Tyler, as well as in Longview and Lufkin, have new exterior features and interior changes. Red Lobster overhauled its menu to offer guests more everyday affordability, new non-seafood options and a greater choice and variety.
From nearly 800 Olive Garden locations nationwide, two local restaurants have been chosen to participate in a pilot remodel program, including 5520 S. Broadway Ave. and in Longview. Work includes an updated interior décor and exterior updates.
Red Lobster and Olive Garden donated furnishings from remodeled restaurants to local Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets.
Three local Red Lobster restaurants have been redesigned, inspired by the New England coast, as part of a companywide commitment that will see all restaurants across North America redesigned by the end of 2014. The restaurants, at 1500 WSW Loop 323 in Tyler, as well as in Longview and Lufkin, have new exterior features and interior changes. Red Lobster overhauled its menu to offer guests more everyday affordability, new non-seafood options and a greater choice and variety.
From nearly 800 Olive Garden locations nationwide, two local restaurants have been chosen to participate in a pilot remodel program, including 5520 S. Broadway Ave. and in Longview. Work includes an updated interior décor and exterior updates.
Red Lobster and Olive Garden donated furnishings from remodeled restaurants to local Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets.
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Citizens State Bank introduced Citizens Financial Services, a new investment and financial planning division.
Citizens has selected Investment Professionals Inc. (IPI) as a brokerage partner to provide investment services to its customers. IPI is an independent Texas-based investment, insurance brokerage and asset management firm specializing in onsite delivery of investment programs for community banks across the United States.
Brad Cain is Citizens' first financial consultant. With more than 16 years' experience in banking and investments, he offers financial planning and investment services in annuities, mutual funds, insurance products and other financial instruments. Cain received his bachelor's degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University and worked as financial adviser with Chase Investment Services.
Citizens has selected Investment Professionals Inc. (IPI) as a brokerage partner to provide investment services to its customers. IPI is an independent Texas-based investment, insurance brokerage and asset management firm specializing in onsite delivery of investment programs for community banks across the United States.
Brad Cain is Citizens' first financial consultant. With more than 16 years' experience in banking and investments, he offers financial planning and investment services in annuities, mutual funds, insurance products and other financial instruments. Cain received his bachelor's degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University and worked as financial adviser with Chase Investment Services.
FORBES LIST
Forbes released a list of America's 25 Most Inspiring Companies, which included Goodwill for the first time, Goodwill Industries of East Texas Inc. officials announced. The list was based on results from consulting firm Performance Inspired Inc., which surveyed 2,175 consumers online to identify these “most inspiring” companies. Goodwill was one of the smaller companies on the Forbes list and came in at No. 23.
RESEARCH GRANT
Dr. Torry Tucker, a scientist at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, was awarded his first research grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Tucker, an assistant professor of biochemistry, received $550,800 over five years and will use the money to probe the mysteries of pleural fibrosis, a lung disease caused by bacterial infections, exposure to asbestos and heart bypass surgery. Tucker and his team have discovered that specific enzymes, coagulation proteases, usually help wounds heal but play a role in the development of pleural fibrosis. Tucker has worked on several NIH grants since he came to UTHSCT in 2007 as a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of the center's Vice President for Research Dr. Steven Idell. However, this is his first time to be the principal researcher for an NIH grant.
Tucker, an assistant professor of biochemistry, received $550,800 over five years and will use the money to probe the mysteries of pleural fibrosis, a lung disease caused by bacterial infections, exposure to asbestos and heart bypass surgery. Tucker and his team have discovered that specific enzymes, coagulation proteases, usually help wounds heal but play a role in the development of pleural fibrosis. Tucker has worked on several NIH grants since he came to UTHSCT in 2007 as a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of the center's Vice President for Research Dr. Steven Idell. However, this is his first time to be the principal researcher for an NIH grant.
TAX MANAGER
Henry & Peters PC, Certified Public Accountants, announced Shawn Onley was hired as tax manager in September.
His primary disciplines include tax consulting and compliance for partnerships, corporations and high net worth individuals and professional athletes. Onley spent seven years at Montgomery, Coscia, Greilich LLP in Plano as a tax manager, as well as three years at Chapman, Hext & Co. PC in Richardson in the tax and audit departments. Onley was raised in Mount Pleasant. Prior to starting his accounting professional career, he played minor league baseball after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of Rice University. He is a certified public accountant and earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and information management from The University of Texas at Dallas.
His primary disciplines include tax consulting and compliance for partnerships, corporations and high net worth individuals and professional athletes. Onley spent seven years at Montgomery, Coscia, Greilich LLP in Plano as a tax manager, as well as three years at Chapman, Hext & Co. PC in Richardson in the tax and audit departments. Onley was raised in Mount Pleasant. Prior to starting his accounting professional career, he played minor league baseball after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of Rice University. He is a certified public accountant and earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and information management from The University of Texas at Dallas.
NEW PHYSICIAN
Trinity Clinic Douglas welcomed internal medicine physician, Dr. Meher Dasgupta to its medical staff.
Dr. Dasgupta offers long-term, comprehensive management of care for adolescence and adults with common and complex medical illnesses, and also provides routine wellness check-ups and screenings for preventive care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y., and her residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in endocrinology at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind. She is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Trinity Clinic Douglas, at 520 E. Douglas St., can be reached at 903-593-1721.
Dr. Dasgupta offers long-term, comprehensive management of care for adolescence and adults with common and complex medical illnesses, and also provides routine wellness check-ups and screenings for preventive care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y., and her residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in endocrinology at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind. She is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Trinity Clinic Douglas, at 520 E. Douglas St., can be reached at 903-593-1721.
SEMINAR
The free seminar, “Breast Cancer: Do You Know Your Personal Risk Factors?” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Potpourri House, 3320 Troup Highway.
The “Dine with our Doctors” seminar is sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and will include a free dinner. With more than 20 years of experience in breast cancer research and treatment, presenter Dr. Edward Sauter knows that the key to surviving breast cancer is understanding your personal risk factors and how to lower them. Sauter, a cancer surgeon and director of UTHSCT's Cancer Treatment and Prevention Center, focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. For reservations, call 903-877-7147.
The “Dine with our Doctors” seminar is sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and will include a free dinner. With more than 20 years of experience in breast cancer research and treatment, presenter Dr. Edward Sauter knows that the key to surviving breast cancer is understanding your personal risk factors and how to lower them. Sauter, a cancer surgeon and director of UTHSCT's Cancer Treatment and Prevention Center, focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. For reservations, call 903-877-7147.
SPEAKER
Brian Brandt, CEO of Core Insights, spoke at Texas Merchandise Vending Association's state conference at Hilton Bella Harbor Hotel in Rockwall Sept. 28.
Brandt presented a program on Business Etiquette for members of the national association. Core Insights provides premier training and strategic guidance for businesses, non-profits, schools, ministries and individuals.
Brandt presented a program on Business Etiquette for members of the national association. Core Insights provides premier training and strategic guidance for businesses, non-profits, schools, ministries and individuals.
TEACHER
Elizabeth LeSauvage Wrase, 1997 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, was honored with the OfficeMax's nationwide A Day Made Better program.
Ms. Wrase is a teacher at Tom Daniels Elementary in Kerrville. Each year, OfficeMax and Adopt-A-Classroom work with school administrators nationwide to select and recognize 1,000 deserving teachers with an A Day Made Better award and $1,000 in classroom supplies donated by Office Max.
Ms. Wrase is a teacher at Tom Daniels Elementary in Kerrville. Each year, OfficeMax and Adopt-A-Classroom work with school administrators nationwide to select and recognize 1,000 deserving teachers with an A Day Made Better award and $1,000 in classroom supplies donated by Office Max.
LAUNCH
RLM General Contractors announced the launch of a new, redesigned website, www.rlmgc.net. RLM, in Longview, provides construction management and general contracting services to the Northeast Texas area. Founded in 1979, the company's projects include educational, medical, commercial, industrial, civic and worship-based facilities. They are known for such local projects as Longview ISD's New Foster Middle School and FRESH by Brookshire's. They are expected to break ground on Centene's Core Claims Processing Center in Tyler by the end of the year.
TAX HELP
The Texas Comptroller's Office will conduct 17 free taxpayer seminars across the state, including one in Tyler from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Genecov Room, 315 N. Broadway Ave.
Taxpayers can learn how to properly fill out tax forms, and file and pay taxes electronically. Information about e-services will also be available to help taxpayers manage their accounts online. Comptroller representatives will answer questions and provide assistance to attendees. Those who are unable to attend the seminars can call the Comptroller's tax assistance line at 1-800-252-5555. Tax forms and tax information can be found at www.window.state.tx.us.
Taxpayers can learn how to properly fill out tax forms, and file and pay taxes electronically. Information about e-services will also be available to help taxpayers manage their accounts online. Comptroller representatives will answer questions and provide assistance to attendees. Those who are unable to attend the seminars can call the Comptroller's tax assistance line at 1-800-252-5555. Tax forms and tax information can be found at www.window.state.tx.us.
RETIREES
Angelica Torres, Texas Employees Retirement System representative, will speak to TxDOT Tyler District Retirees at their meeting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Traditions, 6205 S. Broadway Ave.
Ms. Torres will speak about the financial condition of the Texas State Employees Retirement Fund. She will also answer individual retiree questions after the meeting. All TxDOT retirees, other state retirees, soon-to-be retirees, their spouses and friends are invited to attend.
Attendees are invited to bring commercially canned and boxed food items to the meeting for delivery to The King's Storehouse food bank. Cash and check donations can also be accepted. For more information, call Danny Aylor at 903-469-3433.
Ms. Torres will speak about the financial condition of the Texas State Employees Retirement Fund. She will also answer individual retiree questions after the meeting. All TxDOT retirees, other state retirees, soon-to-be retirees, their spouses and friends are invited to attend.
Attendees are invited to bring commercially canned and boxed food items to the meeting for delivery to The King's Storehouse food bank. Cash and check donations can also be accepted. For more information, call Danny Aylor at 903-469-3433.
