Posted 10:52 pm Sunday, January 13, 2013
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Senior living organization purchases house in Lindale
Staff Reports
On Jan. 1, Wesley Partners Senior Living purchased the Wesley House in Lindale, previously known as Legends Assisted Living.
The Wesley House in Lindale provides a variety of amenities and services to its assisted-living residents, including daily physical fitness, creative, social, learning and spiritual activities; three meals served daily; trained staff available 24 hours a day; weekly housekeeping and personal laundry, daily trash removal, full-service beauty shop, local transportation for shopping trips and medical visits; common seating areas and covered porches; and maintenance of building and grounds.
Myra Doolin is the administrator at the Wesley House in Lindale, at 13923 Farm-to-Market Road 2710 in Lindale. It can be reached at 903-882-9296.
On Jan. 1, Wesley Partners Senior Living purchased the Wesley House in Lindale, previously known as Legends Assisted Living.
The Wesley House in Lindale provides a variety of amenities and services to its assisted-living residents, including daily physical fitness, creative, social, learning and spiritual activities; three meals served daily; trained staff available 24 hours a day; weekly housekeeping and personal laundry, daily trash removal, full-service beauty shop, local transportation for shopping trips and medical visits; common seating areas and covered porches; and maintenance of building and grounds.
Myra Doolin is the administrator at the Wesley House in Lindale, at 13923 Farm-to-Market Road 2710 in Lindale. It can be reached at 903-882-9296.
AWARDS
The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas announced the second Student of Integrity Video Scholarship program. It 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.
“We have developed the Student of Integrity Award as a way to focus on ethics with young adults who are on the cusp of their careers, planning their post secondary education and focusing on future goals,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said in a prepared statement.
The first-place winner will be awarded a $2,000 textbook scholarship to an accredited college or university, and second place will be awarded $1,000. Finalists were notified Friday. The BBB Education Foundation accepts donations year-round for the scholarship. The recipients of the 2012-13 Student of Integrity Scholarship will be honored at the BBB Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Jan 30.
BBB will also present the BBB Awards for Excellence to two companies which 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. The 2013 nominees are Anderson Custom Landscaping; AutoGlass Express; Bagley Tractor and Equipment; Custom Pool Designs; Design Center Signs; French Peas Flower Shop; Ganache; Jennings Scrap and Salvage Company; Martinez, CPA; Proforma Horizon Total Source; Quality Air Conditioning; Sartain Lock and Safe; Stanley Steemer of East Texas; and Strategic Fulfillment Group. Tickets are $25 and can be found at www.bbb.org.
“We have developed the Student of Integrity Award as a way to focus on ethics with young adults who are on the cusp of their careers, planning their post secondary education and focusing on future goals,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said in a prepared statement.
The first-place winner will be awarded a $2,000 textbook scholarship to an accredited college or university, and second place will be awarded $1,000. Finalists were notified Friday. The BBB Education Foundation accepts donations year-round for the scholarship. The recipients of the 2012-13 Student of Integrity Scholarship will be honored at the BBB Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Jan 30.
BBB will also present the BBB Awards for Excellence to two companies which 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. The 2013 nominees are Anderson Custom Landscaping; AutoGlass Express; Bagley Tractor and Equipment; Custom Pool Designs; Design Center Signs; French Peas Flower Shop; Ganache; Jennings Scrap and Salvage Company; Martinez, CPA; Proforma Horizon Total Source; Quality Air Conditioning; Sartain Lock and Safe; Stanley Steemer of East Texas; and Strategic Fulfillment Group. Tickets are $25 and can be found at www.bbb.org.
LIFE MEMBER
Joe C. Moore was elected to life membership in the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association by its 2012 Board of Directors. It is reserved for those who are retired from the industry, served as an officer of the association and contributed outstanding service to the association and industry. He was recognized at the association's 2012 Annual Membership Meeting General Session Jan. 7 in Austin. Moore served as a director for two terms and was active in the association for many years. He owned Moore Asphalt Co. in Tyler for about 40 years before he retired in 2002.
PROMOTIONS
BBVA Compass named Jason Alcantara vice president of commercial banking.
Alcantara, who is based in Tyler, served as vice president and a small medium enterprise specialist in the bank's retail division, where he implemented new banking processes and trained business bankers. Alcantara will focus on expanding and managing BBVA Compass' commercial banking relationships, as well as providing custom solutions for companies with annual revenues of $5 million to $35 million.
As a banking professional with 15 years of experience, Alcantara's expertise includes commercial banking, business development and credit underwriting. He attended the University of Washington.
BBVA Compass named Jeff Lopp vice president and commercial banking client manager. Based in Dallas, Lopp will focus on expanding and managing BBVA Compass' commercial banking relationships, as well as origination and servicing of commercial banking opportunities for companies specializing in the health care industry with annual revenues of $5 million to $35 million.
Alcantara, who is based in Tyler, served as vice president and a small medium enterprise specialist in the bank's retail division, where he implemented new banking processes and trained business bankers. Alcantara will focus on expanding and managing BBVA Compass' commercial banking relationships, as well as providing custom solutions for companies with annual revenues of $5 million to $35 million.
As a banking professional with 15 years of experience, Alcantara's expertise includes commercial banking, business development and credit underwriting. He attended the University of Washington.
BBVA Compass named Jeff Lopp vice president and commercial banking client manager. Based in Dallas, Lopp will focus on expanding and managing BBVA Compass' commercial banking relationships, as well as origination and servicing of commercial banking opportunities for companies specializing in the health care industry with annual revenues of $5 million to $35 million.
CONFERENCE
Brenda Beshirs, CPA, and Jerry Nelson, CPA, both of Jerry Nelson & Associates, P.C., attended the 2012 AICPA National Construction Conference in December. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants sponsors the conference annually to help accountants stay current on tax and accounting practices in the construction industry. Nelson has attended the conference for more than 10 years and believes it has been very beneficial in assisting his construction clients with tax and financial statement presentation for financing and bonding requirements.
OPEN HOUSE
Garden Estates of Tyler is hosting open house events from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at its independent living and assisted living center, at 2055 Grande Blvd. The events will include refreshments, entertainment, raffle drawings with door prizes, decorations and tours. RSVP or schedule a personal tour by calling 888-741-5946. For more information, visit www. seniorlifestyle.com.
LOANS
Tyler-based Greater Texas Capital Corporation, a statewide certified development company established to contribute to economic development at the state and local level, secured more money for more small businesses than any other Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the North Texas District in fiscal year 2012, representatives announced. According to the North Texas SBA District, GTCC produced 54 loans totaling more than $52.4 million to support businesses in the 72 counties it serves. That is a significant increase over fiscal year 2011, when the company funded 43 loans totaling $32.9 million to businesses in industries such as retail, manufacturing, medical and automotive.
GTCC President John Hart said they provide SBA 504 loans, one of the smartest financing options for small businesses to help them grow, thrive and enrich their communities. SBA 504 loans provide up to 90 percent financing at below-market, fixed interest rates with amortization terms up to 20 years, he said.
They are paired with a bank commercial loan to finance the acquisition of major fixed assets, including the purchase, construction, expansion or renovation of owner-occupied commercial real estate and/or the acquisition and installation of heavy-duty machinery and equipment.
GTCC works closely with banking institutions around the state to serve as the conduit between borrowers and lenders. GTCC is the second largest SBA loan provider in the state, and ranks 20th among more than 300 certified development companies in the nation.
GTCC President John Hart said they provide SBA 504 loans, one of the smartest financing options for small businesses to help them grow, thrive and enrich their communities. SBA 504 loans provide up to 90 percent financing at below-market, fixed interest rates with amortization terms up to 20 years, he said.
They are paired with a bank commercial loan to finance the acquisition of major fixed assets, including the purchase, construction, expansion or renovation of owner-occupied commercial real estate and/or the acquisition and installation of heavy-duty machinery and equipment.
GTCC works closely with banking institutions around the state to serve as the conduit between borrowers and lenders. GTCC is the second largest SBA loan provider in the state, and ranks 20th among more than 300 certified development companies in the nation.
LAND PROGRAM
Smith County USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Manager Michelle King reminded landowners that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is available to landowners who wish to transfer farm real estate to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
The national program provides a new approach for landowners willing to sell their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers because it reduces the seller's financial risk if the buyer defaults on the contract payments.
The buyer must provide a minimum down payment of 5 percent of the purchase price, plan to operate the farm and demonstrate the ability to make the land contract payments.
“Landowners interested in the Land Contract Guarantee Program can contact their local farm loan office to obtain a list of available nationwide escrow agents that can be used with this program,” Ms. King said in a prepared statement.
FSA credit programs are designed to provide credit to eligible producers when conventional or commercial credit is not available or does not meet their credit needs. For more information, contact the Smith County FSA Office at 903-561-6042.
The national program provides a new approach for landowners willing to sell their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers because it reduces the seller's financial risk if the buyer defaults on the contract payments.
The buyer must provide a minimum down payment of 5 percent of the purchase price, plan to operate the farm and demonstrate the ability to make the land contract payments.
“Landowners interested in the Land Contract Guarantee Program can contact their local farm loan office to obtain a list of available nationwide escrow agents that can be used with this program,” Ms. King said in a prepared statement.
FSA credit programs are designed to provide credit to eligible producers when conventional or commercial credit is not available or does not meet their credit needs. For more information, contact the Smith County FSA Office at 903-561-6042.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security, announced the agency is expanding the services available with a “my Social Security account,” a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.
More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients can access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a “my Social Security” account can go online and get an official benefit verification letter instantly.
The letter serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local benefits. People also use the letter to prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. Social Security processed nearly 9 million requests for letters in the past year.
The new online service allows people to conduct business with Social Security without having to visit an office or make a phone call, and wait for a letter to arrive in the mail. People 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/my account.
More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients can access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a “my Social Security” account can go online and get an official benefit verification letter instantly.
The letter serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local benefits. People also use the letter to prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. Social Security processed nearly 9 million requests for letters in the past year.
The new online service allows people to conduct business with Social Security without having to visit an office or make a phone call, and wait for a letter to arrive in the mail. People 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/my account.
RANKING
InterContinental Hotels Group announced the Holiday Inn brand ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction among Mid-Scale Full Service Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power and Associates' annual North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study.
As one of the brands 810 hotels in the Americas, the Holiday Inn — South Broadway Tyler contributes to the brand's overall success by providing a consistent and welcoming experience for guests, according to a statement. “Our team members at this full-service Holiday Inn on South Broadway are committed to providing high-quality service and accommodations, and we're proud that they're part of this outstanding accomplishment,” Al Reingold, director of brand management, Holiday Inn, Americas, said.
To receive the ranking, Holiday Inn outperformed all other hotel chains in their respective categories, scoring highest in overall guest satisfaction. The study is based on responses gathered between August 2011 and May 2012 from more than 61,700 hotel guests from the U.S. and Canada.
As one of the brands 810 hotels in the Americas, the Holiday Inn — South Broadway Tyler contributes to the brand's overall success by providing a consistent and welcoming experience for guests, according to a statement. “Our team members at this full-service Holiday Inn on South Broadway are committed to providing high-quality service and accommodations, and we're proud that they're part of this outstanding accomplishment,” Al Reingold, director of brand management, Holiday Inn, Americas, said.
To receive the ranking, Holiday Inn outperformed all other hotel chains in their respective categories, scoring highest in overall guest satisfaction. The study is based on responses gathered between August 2011 and May 2012 from more than 61,700 hotel guests from the U.S. and Canada.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Greyhound Lines, Inc. and the United Negro College Fund, the nation’s largest education assistance organization, announced the renewal of the Greyhound Scholarship Program.
The program was initiated three years ago from funds raised through a workplace campaign and matched by the company.
It helps to reduce financial barriers and increase access to higher education for low-income college students. Scholarships valued up to $2,000 will be awarded to qualifying students for this academic semester. The deadline to apply is March 4.
“UNCF is sincerely grateful to Greyhound for its continued generosity and support for our higher education mission” UNCF’s Area Development Director Diane Step- henson, said in a prepared statement. “Greyhound’s scholarship grant will help many deserving — yet financially disadvantaged students attend college — and ultimately graduate to begin successful careers.”
Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled full-time at a UNCF or other accredited four-year college or university, have a financial need and submit an essay on how alternative fuel will impact the transportation industry.
For more visit www. uncf.org or call 202-810-0200. To support UNCF scholarships or other programs, contact UNCF at 972-234-1007.
The program was initiated three years ago from funds raised through a workplace campaign and matched by the company.
It helps to reduce financial barriers and increase access to higher education for low-income college students. Scholarships valued up to $2,000 will be awarded to qualifying students for this academic semester. The deadline to apply is March 4.
“UNCF is sincerely grateful to Greyhound for its continued generosity and support for our higher education mission” UNCF’s Area Development Director Diane Step- henson, said in a prepared statement. “Greyhound’s scholarship grant will help many deserving — yet financially disadvantaged students attend college — and ultimately graduate to begin successful careers.”
Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled full-time at a UNCF or other accredited four-year college or university, have a financial need and submit an essay on how alternative fuel will impact the transportation industry.
For more visit www. uncf.org or call 202-810-0200. To support UNCF scholarships or other programs, contact UNCF at 972-234-1007.
