This week's business news includes WT UPD accreditation

WT Police Department earns third consecutive statewide accreditation

CANYON — The West Texas A&M University Police Department has earned a third consecutive recognition for being committed to following best practices in law enforcement operations.

The University Police Department undertook a critical self-review of its policies, procedures, facilities and operations as part of the process of being named a Recognized Law Enforcement Agency from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation Law Enforcement Recognition Program.

"Lt. Barbara Ferrara, our accreditation manager, did an outstanding job of compiling our documentation and preparing our department for this on-site review. Her hard work made the on-site visit go very smoothly,” UPD Chief Shawn Burns said. “We are proud to join the ranks of those agencies who have successfully achieved multiple accreditations.”

The accreditation program, which began in 2006, evaluates a police department’s compliance with nearly 170 best business practices for Texas law enforcement, which were developed by law enforcement professionals around the state to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. They cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

The UPD currently employs 21 officers and 19 support staff members, which includes those UPD team members in the Gold Card office, University Lock Shop, Fire and Life Safety office, Parking Services, Dispatch, and Clery Compliance.

Texicare launches health care plans in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland and Odessa

AUSTIN — Texicare, the health affiliate of Texas Mutual, announced Tuesday its health care plans are now available to small business owners in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland and Odessa. The company said in a news release that the plan, built for Texans by Texans, includes four $0 visits annually to primary care physicians, urgent care facilities, specialists, mental health practitioners, retail clinics, and physical therapy. The Essential Care plan also includes free, unlimited virtual care, $5 common prescriptions and unlimited $0 common maintenance labs.

The company’s Savings Care plan, which allows employees to make tax-free contributions into a health savings account, also ensures withdrawals for care are tax-free and allows employees to earn interest on pre-tax dollars. The triple-tax advantage available under the Savings Care plan lowers overall costs for members. Employers in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa and their surrounding areas can contact their health care agent to learn more about Texicare plans for their employees.

The company will roll out in additional markets in the coming months.

In 2021, the Texas Legislature asked Texas Mutual to investigate options to provide health care plans to small businesses in Texas. In 2022, Texas Mutual’s board of directors approved Texicare’s creation. For more information about Texicare, visit www.texicare.com.

City of Amarillo building official reappointed to Texas Industrialized Building Code Council

City of Amarillo Building Official Johnny Scholl has been reappointed to the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council (TIBCC) by Gov. Greg Abbott. The TIBCC oversees the state program regulating industrialized housing and buildings.

Scholl was appointed to the TIBCC in August of 2020. His new term expires on Feb. 1, 2026. “I have enjoyed serving the state of Texas in this important position for a number of years,” said Scholl. “It is a privilege to be considered and appointed by the governor.”

Scholl was named Building Official for the City of Amarillo in July 2021 and has been with the city for 14 years. Scholl was one of six appointees to the TIBCC by the governor. To see the related news release from the office of Gov. Abbott, go to: bit.ly/3Y7M5gf

For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Texas entrepreneurs invited to pitch their products for a spot on Walmart or Sam's Club shelves

DALLAS – This week, Walmart began accepting applications for its 11th annual Open Call event, inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs across the U.S. to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold on Walmart or Sam's Club shelves or on Walmart.com and SamsClub.com. Applications are open until July 15, 2024.

Open Call is central to Walmart's $350 billion commitment to bolster U.S. manufacturing by sourcing shelf-ready products that are made, grown or assembled in the U.S. Open Call 2024 will be held on September 24 and 25, leading up to Manufacturing Month in October.

Since its launch in 2014, Open Call has provided thousands of small and medium-sized businesses with the chance to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products. At last year's Open Call Walmart and Sam's Club merchants heard over 1,000 pitches from more than 700 businesses hailing from all 50 states.

Walmart already has deep roots in Texas with 590 retail outlets. The company employs 176,432 associates in Texas. Walmart also supports local businesses supporting 261,781 supplier jobs, and spending $100.8 billion with Texas suppliers in FY24 alone.

Open Call offers an extraordinary growth opportunity for even more Texas small and medium businesses. Entrepreneurs who secure a "golden ticket" — a deal for Walmart to sell their products in stores or online — can gain access to a vast customer base, enabling significant growth. After earning golden tickets, Open Call winners often go on to grow their manufacturing footprints and create jobs within their local communities.

All Open Call entrepreneurs will participate in mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and hear from special guests, gaining invaluable business insights and resources. Additionally, each entrepreneur will have a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart and/or Sam's Club merchants. Every entrepreneur at Open Call stands to gain valuable business advice and guidance.

Dutch Bros offers new cool drinks for hot summer days

Beat the heat this summer with Dutch Bros’ new drinks: The Cookie Dough Freeze, Sherbet Rebel and Tropical Frosted Lemonade are now available at all 900+ Dutch Bros locations. In addition to these refreshing treats, Dutch Bros is welcoming back a festive favorite, the Firecracker Rebel featuring poppin’ candy. And they are also launching Sweet Tea at all Texas locations.

"The Cookie Dough Freeze creates a friendship between a fan fave ice cream flavor and creamy coffee. This sweet treat is blended chocolate chip cookie dough coffee with Soft Top and cookie dough pieces," a company news release says. "The Sherbet Rebel puts a playful twist on an iconic summer flavor with sweet cream infused into an orange and passion fruit blended energy drink topped with a strawberry float."

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for July 14, 2024