infinitie plus
Longview ISD
Honors Teachers
Principal of the Year
State of the City
Business Solutions
COC doles out Awards
Gives Access
Farewell address: Mayor Don Warren celebrates Tyler's progress and community spirit
Mary Alice Guidry
Thrives in Architecture
Economic Development
No, FTC “agents” with badge numbers aren’t calling you
By BCP STAFF
Scammers impersonating the government — including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is nothing new. But here’s a twist: scammers are now calling themselves FTC “agents” and supplying fake badge numbers and ID cards to try to convince you they are who they say they are. (…They’re not who they say they are. The FTC doesn’t have “agents.”) So how do you avoid scams like this? These scams often start with someone reaching out about a supposed urgent problem. Maybe it’s a computer that pops up saying you have a virus and to call
tech support. Or a caller claiming to be Amazon or your bank insisting there’s something wrong with your account. They might say your identity’s been stolen, or that your money’s in danger.
What happens next? They transfer you to an “FTC agent” (fake) to supposedly help resolve the issue. That person may share “proof” they’re from the FTC, like a picture of a (fake) ID with a (fake) badge number. Their goal? To convince you to transfer money out of your account and give it to them.
Steer clear of FTC impersonators: Never transfer or send money to anyone, no matter who they
say they are, in response to an unexpected call or message — even if they claim you’re just moving your money to “protect it.” In fact, nobody from the FTC will ever (1) reach out to ask you to move money, or (2) connect you to someone who says to move money. That’s a scam.
If you’re worried there’s a problem with your account or identity, stop and check it out. Call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor. Use the number you find on your statement — never the number the caller gave you, which will take you to the scammer. If you get a call or message like this, tell your bank or investment fund right away. Especially if you moved money or shared a verification code. Then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
GREETINGS
TOP TALK
Dear ip mag Family and Friends,
It is a pleasure to communicate with you again, June is here and by the time we know it, it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I hope everyone is doing well. Some are getting rest from the school year while others are planning their summer vacation. Whatever you are doing, enjoy it and be safe.
In this June edition, we brought you the heartwarming story of Tyler’s Mayor Don Warren. We do not want to give away the story so we will let you get to it from page 6.
Another interesting story is about Longview Chamber of Commerce business awards. Congratulations to the award winners. The Chamber also brought Small Business
Administration (SBA) to discuss how local businesses can increase their business with Federal government contracts. Read this story from page 12.
But wait, that is not all.
Longview Independent School District doled out awards for campus teacher of the year, district’s teachers of the year and district principal of the year. Congratulations to all the award winners. Please see story from page 16.
Moreover, there are other stories such as inspiration, safe business trips and more. We hope that you will read all the stories in hard copy, or electronically. Thanks for your support and we look forward to serving you again in July by His grace.
Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D. LT Class 22 - The Best Class Ever. “Double Deuce.”
To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.
Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2025. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.
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Tyler’s Mayor Don Warren bade his beloved City farewell at his recent fireside chat with City Manager Ed Broussard. Warren highlighted important projects while professing his love for the city he has served since 2014. Another story is about Longview Chamber of Commerce business awards. Then, the Longview ISD Teacher of the Year Awards is also in this edition. Flip the mag and read all about Mary Alice Guidry.
Ryan Carroll and Kathy Cannon
Christy Scott and Lauren Dodson Danny Stanley and Laura Johnston
Farewell address: Mayor Don Warren celebrates Tyler's progress and community spirit State of the Rose City
Story by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / www.infinitieplusmag.com
by MICHAEL CAVAZOS PHOTOGRAPHY
The recent State of the City luncheon brought citizens, businesses, and elected officials together in one place – at the W.T. Brookshires Conference Center.
The event opened with a prayer. And Leadership Tyler graduated Class 38.
The importance of this State of the City cannot be overemphasized.
It is Mayor Don Warren’s 5th and last address to his beloved City, Tyler, Texas. He has been on the City Council since 2014. His final “fireside chat,” was an occasion to share some thoughts, accomplishments, and what lies ahead. Hence, he gave a comprehensive overview of Tyler - its people, the projects and economic outlook.
Mayor Warren described Tyler as a vibrant and supportive community where people greet strangers. It is a city where residents express a genuine kindness towards one another, which becomes particularly evident
during challenging times, such as natural disasters or community crises.
It is noteworthy to mention that there was intermittent applause from the audience during the tête-à-tête as a show of support and appreciation for the community initiatives discussed, particularly in reference to projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
Additionally, Warren emphasized the importance
A cross-section
of community cooperation and collaboration highlighting how the city comes together to help those in need. This atmosphere of camaraderie is complemented by ongoing developments aimed at enhancing infrastructure and public services, contributing to a sense of progress and shared responsibility within the community.
As a result, Tyler is garnering national recognition.
• USA TODAY rated Tyler as the: #1 City in Texas to move to in 2024.
#1 in 2024 Top places to retire.
• Rent.com rated Tyler as the: #5 in Best Cities for pets.
• LIVABILILTY Top 100 cities to live in the U.S. rated Tyler as the: #11 in Top 25 places to live in the Southwest.
• RetirementLiving: JOURNAL OF RETIREMENT RESEARCH rated Tyler: #9 in 10 Best Cities to Retire in Texas.
Contd. on Page 8
Photos
of newly minted Leadership Tyler Class 38 graduates
Fireside chat: Mayor Don Warren with City Manager Edward Broussard
According to Mayor Warren, it is the collective community spirit and engagement in addition to having a good city manager in Ed Broussard who is a visionary, yet practical and hardworking that catapulted Tyler to national recognition. Without mincing words, Mayor Warren expressed his appreciation for the city manager. He stated that hiring Mr. Broussard has been the number one factor in improving the community and described him as someone who has significantly contributed to the city's wellbeing over the past decade.
"Hiring Ed Broussard as our city manager has been the number one thing that we have done to make our community better," Warren said. He reflected on their shared experiences during challenging times, like COVID and various weather events, thereby highlighting the effective leadership and relationship that helped the city come together.
Most importantly, Mayor Warren highlighted several key community projects, improvements, and infrastructure developments such as:
Emergency services: FIRE station #2. This new fire station will improve response times for South Tyler, offering more bays and equipment, crucial for effective emergency services and
Hiring Ed Broussard as our city manager has been the number one thing that we have done to make our community better."
of Texas at Tyler and a bustling retail area near the West Loop, are anticipated to stimulate local job creation and enhance educational opportunities in healthcare.
Water Infrastructure
Improvements: Mayor Warren talked about having better customer service in the
Water department plus crucial upgrades to the water system, including an expansion to accommodate future growth. The John Souls Corporation water line expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance Tyler's water capacity and reliability, ensuring better service for residents and businesses. But wait, that is not all about water infrastructure.
improve response times while enhancing the efficiency of fire services across the city.
Traffic Congestion Solutions: Mobility Study: The city is addressing traffic congestion through multiple initiatives. For example, the Tyler mobility study aims to enhance traffic flow, particularly through major areas such as Tower and Broadway. In addition, the
initiative includes the extension of Copeland Road, which is expected to alleviate some of the traffic on Broadway. New Road Development: Plans for developing Centennial Road will create an east-west corridor, further aiding traffic distribution throughout the city.
Economic Growth: Developments in District 4, including a new medical school at the University
City Manager Ed. Broussard listening intently to Mayor Warren
Mayor Warren continues his tête-à-tête.
Contd. on Page 10
Mayor Warren discussed Storm Water Management: The city has focused on improving its drainage system, especially evident after addressing a collapsed drainage pipe on Jeff Davis Drive. Hence, a larger, more efficient pipe has been installed to enhance stormwater management. Community Support Initiatives: The address emphasized communityfocused projects, such as the Miracle League field, which provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in sports, thereby promoting inclusivity. Also, Hill Park opened in 2015, and Stewart Park generously donated by the Stewart family are all significant for quality of
A
I'd love to say the legacy would be the parks, you know, the parks guy or the Conference Center or the downtown revitalization. I think we've accomplished a lot. But I do think that the most important thing that we accomplish is the fact that we need to continue to love that neighbor."
Mayor Don Warren on his legacy
life in the community.
Mayor Don Warren’s Legacy
Mayor Warren reflected on his legacy with the following thoughts:
"I'd love to say the legacy would be the parks, you know, the parks guy or the Conference Center or the downtown revitalization. I think we've accomplished a lot. But I do think that the most important thing that we accomplish is the fact that we need to continue to love that neighbor."
In fact, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting his pride in being from Tyler, Texas:
"Thank you for the opportunity to serve such a
Mayor Warren points to Tyler's prosperous future
halff: Left to right: Ivan Gonzalez, Jacob Blissett, Si Schumacher, Sarah Caudle, Michael Medford, Gracie Russell, Mark Priestner, Josh Barton, Joni Hill, Ben Stewart, Blake Whitney, Wade Burton Halff employees attend State of the City Luncheon
Nancy Adams, Jackie Clay-Robertson and Sharunda Cook attend State of the City Luncheon
cross-section of State of the City attendees
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Longview Chamber of Commerce demonstrates strong commitment to helping small businesses thrive through collaboration, mentorship, and access to essential resources
www.infinitieplusmag.com
The recent Longview Chamber of Commerce Business Solutions luncheon graduated Longview Leadership Class of 2025. Leadership Longview seeks to develop leadership qualities in individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in their community. It provides a platform for participants to learn about local issues, engage with community leaders, and develop skills necessary for effective leadership. Applications for the upcoming year are available at the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
Moreover, Small Business Administration (SBA) Specialists presented information pertinent for business growth. Local (SBA) Business Opportunity Specialist Kristy Couch and her Dallas counterpart Spelile Bouvier presented various programs and resources provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local organizations.
These programs and resources are:
es right here in Longview or East Texas.
1. Access: Couch discussed SBA’s role in providing resources for business development, stating that entrepreneurs can avail themselves to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance in starting and growing their business-
2. Lending Programs: Bouvier informed the audience of SBA’s success in lending, having issued over $1 billion in loans, and discussed its goals for supporting small businesses through financial assistance.
Susan Williams
Retail Supervisor
Recognizes an employee for their dedication, loyalty, attitude, and cooperative spirit.
www.texasbankandtrust.com
Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI
SBA Business Specialists Kristi Couch and Spelile Bouvier with Longview COC CEO/ President Kelly Hall in the center.
Small Business of the Year: Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services, led by Connie Hagen, receives award from COC Chairman Lori Ivey Contd. on Page 14
3. 8(a) Business Development Program: Bouvier explained the 8(a) program, which helps businesses that have been in contracting for at least two years to secure government contracts. This program allows for solesource contracts, meaning businesses can receive contracts without competition, with significant financial limits depending on the type of service.
4. Mentorship Opportunities
Bouvier informed the audience about partnerships with organizations such as SCORE. This organization provides free mentorship from retired executives to help small businesses with various aspects of business operations including development and financial management.
5. Disaster Assistance: According to Bouvier, SBA plays a big role in providing disaster recovery support, encouraging businesses affected by disasters to reach out for assistance.
6. Networking and Collaboration: The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized. The SBA duo, Couch and Bouvier encouraged small businesses to connect and collaborate with other organizations thereby enhance their growth and opportunities.
In addition, the Chamber celebrated and awarded small businesses for their achievements and excellence in business. And the winners are:
• Family-Owned Business of the Year: C3 Industrial Technologies for hard work and commitment of their family business which started with a focus on providing quality machine repair services. C3 expressed its gratitude to the Chamber and stated that the award reflects the dedication of their entire team and family.
• Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Dana Parr, the President and owner of Advanta Insurance Partners, received this award. She was recognized for her commitment to community build-
ing and providing personalized health insurance services. Her agency focuses on catering to the unique needs of clients, particularly the elderly.
• Small Business of the Year: Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services, led by Connie Hagen, was honored with this award. The business was recognized for its growth and the care it shows towards its team members and clients. Ms. Hagen emphasized that the award belongs to her entire team for their hard work and dedication.
Catherine Camp Jim Bartlett and Holley Kotulla Shawna Stewart and Megan Wilcox Dave Jochum COC COO
Dana Parr, the President /Owner, Advanta Insurance Partners, receives award from COC Chairman Lori Ivey
Front: SpringHill State Bank Kacie Wallace, Leadership Longview graduate Class 2025 with left to right: President Wally Rhymes, Kerry Wilburn, Kristy Neville and Sharon Copeland.
Family-Owned Business of the Year - C3 Industrial Technologies receives award from COC Chairman Lori Ivey
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Longview ISD honors Teachers of the Year
Longview Independent School District (LISD) recently held its Teacher and Principal of the Year award to celebrate innovative, passionate, impactful, and dedicated educators.
LISD superintendent, Dr. Marla Sheppard welcomed and thanked the audience for attending the banquet. According to Sheppard, words are never enough to thank teachers for their work educating future leaders. Teachers are the super unsung heroes whose work propel future generations. She is extremely proud of their dedication and devotion to educating up and coming leaders.
In addition, Dr. Samir Germanwala, LISD Board of Trustee, thanked and congratulated the award recipients for their commitment. He called them miracle workers and education heartbeats.
Notably, the award recipients were chosen by their peers on each campus.
Campus Teachers of The Year
And the winners are:
East Texas Montessori Academy: Blanca Alvarez
Hudson Pep Elementary School: Lauren Dodson
Johnston McQueen Elementary: Jessica Hicks
Clarence W. Bailey Elementary: Shanekia White
JL Everhart Elementary: Jadarrius White
Ware East Texas Montessori Academy: Jasmine Chew
Ned E. Williams Elementary: Martha Maria Aranda
Bramlette STEAM Academy: Mesha London
Forest Park Middle School: Kathy Cannon
Foster Middle School: Joe Ford
IP STAFF REPORT
Contd. on Page 18
Dr. Marla Sheppard, LISD Superintendent
L-r: ETAA CEO Dr. Brian Ziemer, Melanie Pondant, Faith Newhouse-Greer, District Principal of the Year, Margaret Davis, and Melanie Hamilton
Ethel Johnson
Mesha London Bianca Alvarez
Brandon Bonds Jadarrius Ervin Jasmine Chew
Kathy Cannon
Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Judson STEAM Academy:
Laura Johnston
Longview High School: Brandon Bonds
Longview Early Graduation
High School: Devonte Mims
Playing For Keeps: Cassandra Morgan
Dade Center: Ethel Johnson
District Teachers of the Year
And the winners are:
Elementary:
Martha Maria Aranda
Secondary:
Kathy Cannon
District Principal of the Year
And the winner is:
Faith Newhouse-Greer
Iprobably heard some Christians refer to “getting another notch in their belt” when they do something good or bringing a nonbeliever into the salvation of Jesus. While the phrase’s intent may be harmless or an attempt at humor, it stands smack-dab in the truth of God’s grace, Jesus’ price paid on the cross for our salvation and the doctrine of justification which states (along with tons of scripture) that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation or righteousness.
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace that was paid on behalf of all believers by Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus didn’t make a down-payment; He didn’t pay off the balance of our account; He
can do, and I’ll cover the rest”, He paid for ALL of our sins in FULL! It is finished and He didn’t need our help.
Righteousness is also a gift that we can’t earn. When we come to Christ and accept Him as our Savior, the filthy rags of our lives are washed clean by the atoning blood of Jesus. In place of those filthy rags, God clothes us fully, head to toe, in a robe of righteousness. The robe fully covers us and when God sees us, He only sees us as righteous because He sees us through the lens of Jesus’ redemption. Our salvation and righteousness goes on Jesus’ tab.
Such good news is sometimes taken for granted while
some see salvation as a “get out of jail (or hell) card”; that they can go on sinning and being a follower of Jesus has no impact on the way they lead their life. Some scholars have referred to this as “plastic grace”. While God’s grace is immutable (non-moving), that may be true but true surrender into understanding what Jesus did on the cross to save us, compels us to live our lives in response of that grace. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17) Jesus doesn’t have a belt with notches for each one of us; He only has notches in His hands and feet where three rusty nails were driven for you and me.
Amanda Taylor, Dolly Soule, and Traci Beard
Lauren Dodson
Martha Maria Aranda
Shanekia White
Cassandra Morgan
Jessica Hicks Joe Ford
Laura Johnson
Smart business travel: Tips for a smoother, safer trip
By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS
Travel is often a necessary function of doing business, yet it often comes with challenges such as stress, unforeseen costs, and potential risks.
Establishing a consistent and strategic approach to business travel can help mitigate these issues, ensuring smoother experiences for both employers and employees. recommendations to help you have a safe and pleasant journey: Plan Ahead. Smart preparation can make all the difference when travelling for work. By taking some time to organize logistics in advance, travelers can avoid lastminute hassles. Consider the following:
• Reserve spots for conferences or trade shows early to guarantee participation.
• Book necessary workspaces or meeting rooms ahead of time.
• Maintain a detailed schedule to prevent overbooking and ensure timely attendance.
• Prepare a checklist of essential resources and materials needed for the trip.
• Pre-order business collateral like flyers, business cards, and posters.
Lifestyle Options and Senior Care Services
the retirement years would be relaxing, and we’re here to make sure that Independent Living is a vacation. We take care of the tasks – big and small – so our seniors can enjoy our clubhouse, swimming pools, and fitness center in style.
• Plan for booth setups
at trade shows, including internet access and meal arrangements.
• Make dinner reservations in advance, especially for larger groups or client meetings.
Establish a Clear Budget. Setting a defined travel budget helps in managing expenses and avoiding confusion during reimbursement processes. Consider:
• The cost of meals, snacks and beverages.
• Transportation costs such as flights, cabs, ride-shares, or car rentals.
• Lodging expenses.
• Communication needs like phone, internet, or mobile hotspots.
• Travel and car rental insurance.
• Miscellaneous expenses including laundry, conference fees, supplies, entertainment, visas, or passport fees.
Prioritize Data
Security. Protecting company data while on the move is of the utmost importance, particularly if you’re traveling for work. Consider:
• Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt data on laptops and mobile devices.
• Regularly back up important data to prevent loss due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Refrain from using public computers, such as those in hotel lobbies, to access or download sensitive information.
Establish Clear Expense Management Practices. Develop a streamlined system for managing travel expenses. Set up guidelines for submitting receipts, categorizing expenses, and timely reimbursements. Utilizing expense management software can further simplify the process and maintain financial transparency.
For more detailed guidance and resources on business travel, visit BBB's Business Travel HQ: https://www. bbb.org/all/travel-leisure/ business-travel-tips.
• Regularly update your devices' software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Mechele Agbayani Mills is president and CEO of BBB Central East Texas.
Considerations for your second act
Qualities women bring to business
MWany people see their careers as one of their defining characteristics. Work is undoubtedly a major component of life for most people from the time they leave school to the day when they retire. And a growing number of adults value work so much that they pivot themselves to second careers. A phenomenon known as Unretirement occurs when people who have previously retired return to the workforce for various reasons. According to a recent Retirement Saving & Spending Study from T. Rowe Price, around 20 percent of retirees are working either full- or part-time, while 7 percent of study respondents are looking for employment. A second trip around the employment block can involve an entirely different line of work. The following are some things
to look for in a second act.
• Flexibility: Choose a career path that enables you to set your own schedule or possibly work part-time if that is your preference. This way you can still reap some of the benefits of retirement, including the flexibility to travel.
• Social interaction: Adults may lose daily opportunities to be social when they retire, which can compound feelings of isolation common among retirees. Consider a second career that lets you interact with a number of people and continue to build relationships and a good network.
• Personal passions: Reflect on what you might do for work if money were no object. This may help you narrow down new opportunities that are in line with your interests and passions. A former graphic artist, for example, may decide to teach design to young people.
• Nonprofit opportunities: Many retirees spent years in high-stress corporate environments where bottom lines may be more important than the bigger picture. Shifting to a career in the nonprofit sector can be a personally fulfilling job that utilizes skills learned in the corporate world.
• Consulting or contract work: If you’re a retiree who loved your job, you might want to have a second career as a consultant or contractor in the same field. A number of retirees ultimately explore second careers. Finding a match may be easier than one could have imagined.
omen continue to thrive in the workforce. Wells Fargo reports that, from 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of women-owned businesses outpaced the rate of men-owned businesses in relation to number of firms, rate of employment and revenue earned. LinkedIn also indicates there are 114 percent more women entrepreneurs now than there were 20 years ago. The following are some traits women may bring to business:
Emotional intelligence
Women First Jobs says that women often bring high emotional intelligence to the table. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions and the emotions of others. Women may be more inclined to understand different perspectives and to help resolve conflicts and build relationships.
Collaboration
Women employees often have traits that can foster collaboration in the workplace, such as reading non-verbal cues and willingness to take turns in conversations, indicates Forbes. This can help everyone collaborate more effectively.
Communication
The IWEC Foundation, which empowers women entrepreneurs, says women tend to be effective communicators and often make great leaders because of this trait and their ability to inspire others. Communication often is key to any relationship, whether personal or in a business setting.
Organization and planning
Women may excel at organizing and planning. Women can look at things with a detailoriented eye and recognize
flaws in plans even before getting started. This means women can be in charge of distributing workloads or organizing the schedules of others.
Adaptability
Even though it is a cliche, women tend to be natural multitaskers. Handling multiple jobs at the same time means women can adapt to changing situations. Generally speaking, there are some inherent characteristics women may possess that can make them viable assets as business owners or leaders in their fields.
She did not stop at HFHSC. She continues on the road to diverse successes.
Today, as the Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council (TEDC), Ms. Guidry plays a crucial role in diversifying the local economy, stimulating job growth and retention. The TEDC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989. It has been instrumental in assisting companies that have generated over $1.3 billion in new investments in Tyler, Texas. As a result of their efforts,
over 28,000 jobs in Tyler have been attributed to the Council’s initiatives. “At TEDC, we focus on job creation, attracting capital investment, and stimulating economic diversity,” she says. “Our mission is to strengthen Tyler and Smith County, ensuring better job opportunities and improve livelihoods for families.”
Her successful professional achievements does not hinder her public service.
Ms. Guidry remains dedicated to community service. For example, she serves
If you're looking to follow a path in architecture or economic development, stay committed and be open to opportunities,”
Mary Alice Guidry, Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council.
on the Board of Directors for various organizations, including Heart of Tyler, which focuses on revitalizing Downtown Tyler, and the City of Tyler Main Street program. As a proud alumna of the Leadership Tyler Core Program, she actively engages with initiatives that contribute to the community’s growth.
Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. “If you're looking to follow a path in architecture or economic development, stay committed and be open to opportunities,” she said.
As Ms. Guidry continues her career journey, she implements innovative strategies, fosters collaboration among team members, and drives initiatives that lead to meaningful changes in Tyler as well as Smith county.
Women-owned businesses are thriving
Women entrepreneurs are not to be underestimated. Data affirms that womenowned businesses are growing and thriving. According to North One banking, women-owned firms account for more than 12 million businesses in the United States. In addition, the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of WomenOwned Business Report, in partnership with Ventureneer, Core Women and Women Impacting Public Policy, found the number of women-owned business increased at a rate of 4.5 times between 2019 to 2023. Womenowned businesses are driving
economic growth, and a deeper look at some of the numbers supports that notion.
• The Women’s Business Enterprise Council says there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., which comprises about 40 percent of the total number of businesses.
• Women-owned businesses bring in nearly $2 trillion every year, says the National Businesswomen Council.
• During the pandemic, womenowned businesses added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy, says Wells Fargo.
• World Bank indicates that roughly one-third of principal owners of all businesses are women.
• WBENC advises that 64 percent of new women-owned businesses are started women of color.
• According to Forbes, womenled tech companies achieve a 35 percent higher ROI. A Forbes study with First Round Capital, a venture capital firm, found female-founded businesses in their portfolio outperformed male-founded companies by more than 60 percent. Women-owned businesses are making a large impact on North America and around the world as they continue to employ millions of people and foster strong economies.
Mary Alice Guidry and Corey Guidry
Courtesy photo
According to Ms. Guidry, she loves it whenever she has the opportunity to beat her hubby, Corey – because her competitive spirit really comes alive, and she is fully committed. Ms. Guidry is quick to credit the right people. She attributes her success to her upbringing. “My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors,” she said. “Their pride in my accomplishments has been a driving force behind who I am today.” Moreover, her unwavering faith in God has also shaped her trajectory and decisions throughout her life. "My faith in God has always been number one in my life." she says.
After a successful tenure as a Senior Project Manager at Fitzpatrick Architects, Ms. Guidry seized the opportunity
to become the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. “I cherished my job and the wonderful people at Fitzpatrick Architects, but I genuinely felt called to pursue the position of CEO at HFHSC,” she said, “It required a lot of prayer and a significant leap of faith to even submit my application for that role. However, I did, and out of 36 candidates, they chose me.” This position enabled her to fulfill her calling, merging her professional skills with her desire to make a positive impact on society.
My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors.Their pride in my accomplishments has been a driving force behind who I am today.”
Mary Alice Guidry, Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council.
"Community Economic Development Award, Population 100,001 - 250,000" Given by: TxEDC
Tara Hays, Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Mary Alice Guidry
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Mary Alice Guidry:
Passionate about architecture and strategic economic development
By PAULA JIMENEZ / WWW.INFINITIEPLUSMAG.COM
In the ever-evolving Rose City economy, Mary Alice Guidry is a skilled architect and a passionate community leader.
Currently, she is the Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council (TEDC). Guidry exemplifies commitment to both her profession and the City of Tyler, carving a name for herself through impactful initiatives.
After graduating from West Monroe High School in 2002, Ms. Guidry began her collegiate journey at Louisiana State University that fall. However, in 2005, she made the decision to return home, where she worked alongside her mother at the gymnastics and cheer facility her mother owned. It wasn't until 2009 that she decided to go back to college, referring to that time as her ‘quarter-life crisis’—at 25, when she realized she had little to show for her adult life. Her stepfather, who was the head baseball coach at
Louisiana Tech University, made it a natural choice for her to apply there.
That is not all.
Initially, Guidry felt uncertain about her career path, although she had always been interested in civil engineering during her high school years. As she explored various majors, she stumbled upon the School of Architecture and was immediately captivated by the student projects she encountered. The program proved to be rigorous, and no one warned her that sleep would become a rare commodity for the next five years. However, reflecting on it now, she is incredibly grateful for that experience. In the fall of 2019, she took a significant step in her career by focusing on obtaining her Architect license, which required her to tackle six challenging exams. Despite the pass rate being around 54%, she dedicated herself to the
With each passing year, our bond has only grown. Corey is my best friend, confidant, and cheerleader. We balance each other out perfectly.”
Mary Alice Guidry, Senior Vice President of Tyler Economic Development Council.
task and successfully passed all the exams within just nine months, earning her master’s degree in architecture.
But wait, there is more.
She first met her husband, Corey Guidry, through their shared passion for architecture. They graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Interestingly, they never crossed paths during their time at school. It wasn't until they both started working as interns at Fitzpatrick Architects in Tyler, Texas — Corey in 2011 and her in 2014 — that they formed a friendship and uncovered a connection
they hadn't realized before. On the other hand, their bosses, it seems, were not just mentors but also matchmakers, recognizing the chemistry between the two. They got engaged in 2016, married in 2017, and have enjoyed eight wonderful and exciting years of marriage.
“With each passing year, our bond has only grown stronger,” Ms. Guidry said. “Corey is my best friend, confidant, and cheerleader. We balance each other out perfectly.”
Their shared success in their professional fields, along with their mutual interests in hiking, gardening, and competitive games, contribute to a fulfilling partnership that flourishes both at work and at home.
Contd. on Page 4
Mary Alice Guidry and Corey Guidry
Courtesy photo
Women-owned businesses are thriving
CONSIDERATIONS for your second act
P lus
QUALITIES women bring to business
GUIDRY
