Posted 10:37 pm Sunday, November 11, 2012
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UT Tyler lecturer receives award for outstanding accounting education
Staff Reports
Kathy Kapka, senior lecturer in accounting at The University of Texas at Tyler, received the 2012 Outstanding Educator Award from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Kathy Kapka, senior lecturer in accounting at The University of Texas at Tyler, received the 2012 Outstanding Educator Award from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.
The award recognizes Texas accounting educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and have distinguished themselves through active service to the accounting profession. Ms. Kapka is one of four recipients in Texas and the only recipient in the small four-year college or university category.
She has served UT Tyler since 1999, first as its chief audit executive, and became a full-time instructor in 2009. She is on the executive board of TSCPA, and is active in several state and local committees. Ms. Kapka received the Excellence in Service Award from the Association of College and University Auditors for her work as chair of the Accounting Principles Committee and the Audit Committee and the assistance she provided the Board of Directors in drafting committee charges and policies. She also serves on the ACUA faculty and has spoken at several annual conferences and represented ACUA at other associations' conferences.
TSCPA is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional organization representing Texas CPAs. The society has 20 local chapters statewide and more than 28,000 members.
TSCPA is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional organization representing Texas CPAs. The society has 20 local chapters statewide and more than 28,000 members.
NEW OFFICE
Hardy Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors will celebrate the opening of its new offices during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
The group is inviting clients and neighbors to attend the event from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5858 New Copeland Road.
“The main reason we are having the open house is to invite clients and neighbors who live nearby to come meet our staff,” Senior Client Associate Bonny Christian said in a prepared statement. “We will be serving refreshments and giving tours. We are having the ribbon cutting of our new location to spend time with our clients, our old friends and the new friends we hope to meet from the neighborhood.”
The group has a staff of financial advisers and investment specialists. Steve Hardy, managing director – investments, is a Tyler native who learned the business after working in Dallas for 11 years and returned to Tyler 22 years ago. He said a major part of their approach is to develop plans based on clients' individual goals.
With $1.2 trillion in client assets as of Sept. 30, Wells Fargo provides investment advice and guidance to clients through 15,167 full-service financial advisers and 3,110 licensed bankers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Co.: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (members SIPC). For more information, visit www.wellsfargoadvisors.com.
The group is inviting clients and neighbors to attend the event from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5858 New Copeland Road.
“The main reason we are having the open house is to invite clients and neighbors who live nearby to come meet our staff,” Senior Client Associate Bonny Christian said in a prepared statement. “We will be serving refreshments and giving tours. We are having the ribbon cutting of our new location to spend time with our clients, our old friends and the new friends we hope to meet from the neighborhood.”
The group has a staff of financial advisers and investment specialists. Steve Hardy, managing director – investments, is a Tyler native who learned the business after working in Dallas for 11 years and returned to Tyler 22 years ago. He said a major part of their approach is to develop plans based on clients' individual goals.
With $1.2 trillion in client assets as of Sept. 30, Wells Fargo provides investment advice and guidance to clients through 15,167 full-service financial advisers and 3,110 licensed bankers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Co.: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (members SIPC). For more information, visit www.wellsfargoadvisors.com.
PROMOTIONS
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler named David Anderson as the new director of the Pre-awards Office, which oversees efforts by UTHSCT scientists to obtain funding for their research.
In addition, Annie Roten was promoted to director of accounting and Claudette Clay was promoted to director of payroll.
Anderson joined UTHSCT in 1993 and has been involved in administering grants since 1998. Before becoming director of the Pre-awards Office, Anderson led the Post-awards Office, monitoring researchers' grants to ensure they complied with governmental and private foundation regulations. As head of the Pre-awards Office, Anderson will make sure grants to government agencies and private foundations meet all submission requirements.
Before her promotion, Ms. Roten was assistant director of accounting. She joined UTHSCT in 1993, first working in cash management and accounts receivable.
Ms. Clay came to UTHSCT in 1993, working in temporary services. She was named accounting supervisor over payroll in 1998 and assistant director of accounting over payroll, accounts payable, and travel in 2000.
In addition, Annie Roten was promoted to director of accounting and Claudette Clay was promoted to director of payroll.
Anderson joined UTHSCT in 1993 and has been involved in administering grants since 1998. Before becoming director of the Pre-awards Office, Anderson led the Post-awards Office, monitoring researchers' grants to ensure they complied with governmental and private foundation regulations. As head of the Pre-awards Office, Anderson will make sure grants to government agencies and private foundations meet all submission requirements.
Before her promotion, Ms. Roten was assistant director of accounting. She joined UTHSCT in 1993, first working in cash management and accounts receivable.
Ms. Clay came to UTHSCT in 1993, working in temporary services. She was named accounting supervisor over payroll in 1998 and assistant director of accounting over payroll, accounts payable, and travel in 2000.
PHYSICIAN
Trinity Clinic added family medicine physician Dr. Shanti Velagapudi to its team of primary care providers.
Dr. Velagapudi is accepting new patients at Mother Frances Hospital Winnsboro Clinic, where family medicine physicians provide continuous, comprehensive health care that encompasses all ages, genders, each organ system and every disease entity.
“In family medicine, you have the opportunity to treat the entire family while developing a long-term relationship with them,” Dr. Velagapudi said in a prepared statement. “When a referral to specialist is necessary, the family medicine provider remains the coordinator of the patient's health care.”
A family medicine physician's knowledge of the patient, their family and community facilitates an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. Dr. Velagapudi said that helping patients feel better brings her satisfaction. She earned her medical degree from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College of Bangalore, India. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Velagapudi is accepting new patients at Mother Frances Hospital Winnsboro Clinic, where family medicine physicians provide continuous, comprehensive health care that encompasses all ages, genders, each organ system and every disease entity.
“In family medicine, you have the opportunity to treat the entire family while developing a long-term relationship with them,” Dr. Velagapudi said in a prepared statement. “When a referral to specialist is necessary, the family medicine provider remains the coordinator of the patient's health care.”
A family medicine physician's knowledge of the patient, their family and community facilitates an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. Dr. Velagapudi said that helping patients feel better brings her satisfaction. She earned her medical degree from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College of Bangalore, India. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
NOMINATIONS
The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is calling for businesses to be nominated for its 2013 BBB Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.
All BBB accredited businesses that have a physical location within the 19 counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated for a BBB Award for Excellence. The awards will be presented on Jan. 30 to two companies that exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations — toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30.
“The mission of the Awards Program is to promote both the importance of ethical business practices and the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to ensure our marketplace remains fair and honorable to everyone,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said in a prepared statement.
For the first time, the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship will be awarded to a high school student who has demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and ethical values.
To nominate a business, go to www.easttexas.bbb.org, and download the nomination form, or contact Olga Mondragon at 903-581-5888, ext. 100. To buy tickets to the luncheon or for more information, contact Melissa Isham, director of administration, at 903-581-5888, ext. 109 or misham@easttexas.bbb.org.
All BBB accredited businesses that have a physical location within the 19 counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated for a BBB Award for Excellence. The awards will be presented on Jan. 30 to two companies that exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations — toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30.
“The mission of the Awards Program is to promote both the importance of ethical business practices and the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to ensure our marketplace remains fair and honorable to everyone,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said in a prepared statement.
For the first time, the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship will be awarded to a high school student who has demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and ethical values.
To nominate a business, go to www.easttexas.bbb.org, and download the nomination form, or contact Olga Mondragon at 903-581-5888, ext. 100. To buy tickets to the luncheon or for more information, contact Melissa Isham, director of administration, at 903-581-5888, ext. 109 or misham@easttexas.bbb.org.
HONORING MILITARY
In honor of Veteran's Day, all Wingstops in East Texas will offer active and retired military personnel a free meal today. All veterans who show valid credentials or military identification will receive a Glider combo meal, which includes two Glider sandwiches, an order of fries, a regular beverage and dipping sauce. The participating Wingstop restaurants are: 1918 ESE Loop 323, 400 SSW Loop 323 Ste. 100, and 7496 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler; as well as two locations in Longview and one in Lufkin and Corsicana. For more information, visit www. wingstop.com.
CHAMBER
The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Board of Directors meeting at noon Tuesday; its quarterly “Power Networking” Small Business Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at Traditions restaurant; and its monthly Chamber After Hours from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Lago del Pino.
The Chamber is also inviting all members to the RockStar System for Success Seminar, brought by Toginet Radio. The event is free to chamber members and will be from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at KE Bushmans Winery and Celebration Center. Speakers will include Craig Duswalt, creator of the RockStar System for Success, and who served as the personal manager of Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose, as well as the personal assistant for Air Supply. Glenn Morshower, actor in such movies as Air Force One, Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbor, as well as creator of The Extra Mile seminars; and Stepp Sydnor, owner of TurnAround Training Solutions and author, will also speak.
The Chamber is also inviting all members to the RockStar System for Success Seminar, brought by Toginet Radio. The event is free to chamber members and will be from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at KE Bushmans Winery and Celebration Center. Speakers will include Craig Duswalt, creator of the RockStar System for Success, and who served as the personal manager of Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose, as well as the personal assistant for Air Supply. Glenn Morshower, actor in such movies as Air Force One, Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbor, as well as creator of The Extra Mile seminars; and Stepp Sydnor, owner of TurnAround Training Solutions and author, will also speak.
PRESENTERS
Brian Brandt, CEO of Core Insights, and Jeannette Pytlak, human resources manager for East Texas Food Bank, presented at Feeding America's Finance, Technology, and Human Resources conference in Chicago. They presented a program titled “Improving Organizational Communication,” to an audience that largely consisted of human resource professionals from food banks around the nation.
Brandt also recently presented two programs at the state conference of the Iowa Hospital Association.
Brandt also recently presented two programs at the state conference of the Iowa Hospital Association.
FREE TREES
Oncor, a Texas-based electricity provider, will donate 12,000 Texas Star bur oak trees, a product of the Texas A&M Forest Service Urban Tree Improvement Program, in an effort to conserve energy, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve storm water management.
Texas Star bur oaks are acorn-bearing trees tailored to Texas, selected from genetic families proven to perform well in the state's tough climate. They can reach heights of more than 80 feet and have heavy branches that form an open, spreading crown of dark green foliage. Geneticist Tom Byram said the oaks were hand-picked for an Arbor Day Foundation energy saving program because of their durability.
Oncor is sponsoring the donation of the oaks to its customers through the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees program, which promotes conserving energy and reducing household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. Customers can reserve up to two trees per household at arborday.org/oncor. An online tool allows users to find the most strategic location to plant their tree and estimates the resulting energy savings. The 12,000 trees are estimated to yield more than $2 million in energy savings within 20 years, as well as other benefits, including cleaner air, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved storm water management.
Texas Star bur oaks are acorn-bearing trees tailored to Texas, selected from genetic families proven to perform well in the state's tough climate. They can reach heights of more than 80 feet and have heavy branches that form an open, spreading crown of dark green foliage. Geneticist Tom Byram said the oaks were hand-picked for an Arbor Day Foundation energy saving program because of their durability.
Oncor is sponsoring the donation of the oaks to its customers through the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees program, which promotes conserving energy and reducing household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. Customers can reserve up to two trees per household at arborday.org/oncor. An online tool allows users to find the most strategic location to plant their tree and estimates the resulting energy savings. The 12,000 trees are estimated to yield more than $2 million in energy savings within 20 years, as well as other benefits, including cleaner air, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved storm water management.
CONTEST
Wood County Electric Cooperative, in conjunction with Texas Co-op Power magazine, announced the launch of the 2013 Co-op Teens Power Texas video contest. Students in grades sixth through 12 whose parents or legal guardians are members of an electric cooperative in Texas can participate. Students are asked to create a five to 10 minute video interviewing someone who remembers the era when “the lights came on,” when electricity was first connected to their home. The videos will serve as an oral history and have the potential to be included in a documentary to be produced by Texas Co-op power. The grand prize winner will receive $1,500 and be profiled in the magazine and the student's school will be awarded $1,000. For second place, determined by the most YouTube views, $500 will be awarded. Four runners-up will receive $250 for best performance in one of four judging categories. The contest ends April 1 and winners will be announced April 23. For more, visit www.texascooppower.com.
