Tyler volunteer firefighter opens wildlife control business

Press release

On April 15, volunteer firefighter Brian Hillyard celebrated the opening of his Tyler wildlife control and removal business.

Controlling wildlife is nothing new to Hillyard, owner of A All Animal Control of Tyler. He has been trapping nuisance wildlife since the age of 10 in North Dakota, where it was a necessary part of farming life.

“I’ve been in Texas for nine years now and have learned the environment here that allows animals to thrive. This causes Continue reading “Tyler volunteer firefighter opens wildlife control business”

Med-Logics coming to Athens

Rod Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Med-Logics. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Rod Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Med-Logics. (COURTESY PHOTO)

AEDC press release

The Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and Athens Mayor Jerry Vaught announced today that Med-Logics, Inc. will be opening a new facility in Athens. Med-Logics, Inc., is a manufacturer of state-of-the-art medical devices used in Lasik, Dsaek, and Cataract surgeries.

Med-Logics intends to break ground on their facility in June. The Athens facility will become Med-Logics new corporate and manufacturing home for the company. Med-Logics will be moving from its location in Laguna Hills, Calif. and will employ 20 people initially and will make over $1 million investment in the new Athens facility. Med-Logics plans to be operational this November. They will build their facility on a four acre site in the Athens Industrial Park.

Med-Logics chose Athens over other communities because of the low tax burden in Texas, Athens’ existing ancillary medical device industry, workforce Continue reading “Med-Logics coming to Athens”

Ribbon cutting: Flossie’s

(MICHAEL V. HANNIGAN PHOTO)
(MICHAEL V. HANNIGAN PHOTO)

The Athens Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Flossie’s Thursday afternoon. Flossie’s is a antique/resale shop located at 401 South Prairieville St. Stop by and check it out, they have an eclectic collection and some great prices. Call 903-675-2210.

Good luck, Flossie’s!

Athens Leadership Institute graduates honored

Graduates for the 2012-2013 ALI class were honored at the Athens Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Wednesday. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Graduates for the 2012-2013 ALI class were honored at the Athens Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Wednesday. (COURTESY PHOTO)

 

(UPDATE: See photos from this month’s chamber award winners here.)

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to its recent Athens Leadership Institute (ALI) graduates at the chamber’s monthly luncheon Wednesday.

Athens Leadership Institute, also known as ALI, meets once a month for 10 months. During the program, leaders will have the opportunity to learn about what the community has to offer as well as attend a one-day leadership retreat and speak with legislators during “Athens Day In Austin.”

The graduates for the 2012-2013 ALI class include: Steven Barksdale, Colin Barrett, Jeri Canatella, Michael Canatella, Lynn Clark, LaQuita Cox, Adam Davis, Meadora Hawkins, Dr. Charles Hueber, Russell Kidd, Dr. Jay Kinzer, Jeaneane Lilly, Kathy Means, Mary Nicholson, Greg Smith, Will Traxson, and Kim Walker.

This class will always be linked to its group project, the Kiwanis Park Splash Pad.

Steve Barksdale of BancorpSouth Insurance actually graduated from the program in 1986 as well.

“The reason I took it again is because I see men and women who want to stand out in our community, and we need to equip them with everything we possibly can,” he said. “We have things happening here because of people just like these who graduated today. They want to see things happen and they desire to have a quality of life that is second to none.”

“The greatest joy I had in taking a repeat was getting to know these young men and women who are going to make a difference in this community,” he said.

Will Traxson of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home said, “I encourage all of you who have not been a part of this to take part in it. It is an awesome opportunity for somebody to see a lot of the things that on a day-to-day basis you wouldn’t normally go and be a part of.”

Jeaneane Lilly of McDonald’s is another one who has gone through a leadership institute, but her past experience was in Allen, Texas.

“This experience with this class was so eye-opening and so positive. Every single month, I looked forward to spending the day with the class doing things in the community,” she said. “Sometimes you hear the negative all the time, and if you hear that don’t believe it. Go out for yourself and learn.”

Rock Band University for kids at Guitars Etc.

Guitar lessons

Guitars Etc. press release

Rock Band University, a part of the music education program at Guitars Etc., is dedicated to teaching young people how to perform in a band and live on stage. We provide the necessary tools and instruction to match musicians into bands, provide their musical parts, broaden their musical horizons, get them to play together on time, and to overall strengthen their skills in their instrument of choice.

“Our spring break camp was a huge success and our students got a chance to shine on stage and perform. The audience absolutely loved it too. Great musicianship and showmanship for such young musicians,” said Will Burgin, owner of Guitars Etc.

They accept performers from ages 10-18 who meet certain playing ability. The performers create their own band name, learn about stage presence, further their musical learning, and of course how to rock and roll. Continue reading “Rock Band University for kids at Guitars Etc.”