Business Notebook: Roofer, home improvement center honored

Greg Jaklewicz, Abilene Reporter-News
·4 min read

Barr Residential Roofing Services and Battles Home Improvement/Re-Bath of Abilene have been named 2023 Torch Awards of Ethics winners by the Better Business Bureau.

The awards are given to local businesses that advance marketplace trust, according to the BBB. The program "promotes and celebrates organizations that maintain a solid commitment to leadership character, social responsibility and high standards of organizational ethics," according to a media release.

Winners were selected by a committee comprised of business professors and local business owners.

Other finalists for the annual award were Budget Blinds of Abilene, Cordell's, Diamondback Painting, WTA Inc., County Waste Services Inc. and Alvarez Drywall & Acoustics Inc.

These businesses will be honored at a reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Station 1 Venue, 140 Mulberry St. To RSVP, call 325-691-1533, email info@abilene.bbb.org or go to www.bbb.org.

Noah Project director retires

Dan Cox, executive director of the Noah Project, has announced his retirement after seven years with the Abilene nonprofit.

Noah Project is "dedicated to ending domestic violence and providing comprehensive support services, according to a media release.

“We commend Dan for his extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment and immeasurable contributions,” the Noah board said in a statement. “We extend our deepest appreciation for his service and wish him a fulfilling retirement, knowing his impact will endure.”

During Cox's tenure, Noah Project:

  • Expanded its outreach programs.

  • Launched awareness campaigns

  • Added a wing for clients

  • Implemented strategies to address the challenges faced by survivors

  • Increased the organization's ability to provide support services, shelter, counseling, legal aid and education resources.

A search for a new director will begin soon.

Abilene ophthalmologist now head of statewide group

Abilene ophthalmologist Dr. H. Miller Richert has been named president of the Texas Ophthalmological Association.

He succeeded Dr. Jacob Moore of Corpus Christi on June 1.

Richert has practiced locally since 1978, and has been an association member since 1979.

He previously served as councilor, treasurer and secretary of the statewide organization, which has a membership of 800 ophthalmologists - eye physicians and surgeons. It was founded in 1956.

Richert also is a member of the Big Country County Medical Society.

Healthcare system for veterans gets new CEO

BIG SPRING - Keith Bass has been appointed executive medical center director for West Texas VA Health Care System.

Bass is a retired U.S. Navy commander.

Under Bass, the system will strive to provide "delivery of timely access to world-class health care for the veterans we are honored to serve,' VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network Director Wendell Jones said in a statement.

The system serves 33 counties covering 53,000 square miles in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

It has Texas outpatient clinics in Abilene, Fort Stockton, San Angelo and Odessa, and another in Hobbs, N.M.

The system has an annual operating budget of $153 million with 1,120 staff and 150 volunteers. It cares for about 24,000 veterans.

Women veterans honored Monday

The Abilene Vet Center and West Texas VA Health Care System has scheduled a Women Veterans Day Resource Fair and Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday.

This is a come-and-go event, with an informal lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Families are encouraged to attend with a veteran.

The Abilene VA clinic is at 3850 Ridgemont Drive.

Participants include the VA health system, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Veterans Land Board and West Central Texas Council of Government.

Women Veterans Day is observed June 12, which marks the anniversary of passage of the Women's Armed Forces Services Integration Act. It is not recognized nationally but by many states, including Texas.

Cancer survivors to gather Tuesday

Hendrick Cancer Center on Tuesday will celebrate cancer survivors.

The come-and-go, free event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Shelton Building on the Hendrick Medical Center campus, 2000 Pine St.

Educational booths focusing on survivorship, community resources and healthy lifestyles will be set up.

There will be refreshments.

“Bringing cancer survivors together is also valuable because they’re the ones who can support each other the best,” Aimee Colley, Hendrick Cancer Center practice manager, said in a media release.

A survivor is defined as an individual anywhere along the cancer journey – from diagnosis through the rest of life.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that as of January 2022, the latest statistics available, approximately 18.1 million cancer survivors are in the United States, or 5.4% of the population. The number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 22.5 million by 2032.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Business Notebook: Roofer, home improvement center honored