Progress 2021: Healthcare, Recreation, Fitness, Banking, Education, Faith, Retail, Real Estate, etc by mrobertsdigital

Progress

2021 Highlighting businesses that make East Texas grow & prosper with longevity, service & dedication to our community.

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System starts new chapter in cancer treatment with Oncology Institute.

Staff of the Texas Bank and Trust located in Tyler on West Grande Boulevard pose outside location. TB&T currently operates 21 banking centers throughout east and north Texas.

Andy Bergfeld, left, Tim Brookshire and Garnett Brookshire at the Plaza Tower in downtown Tyler. Photo by Les Hassell Tyler Morning Telegraph

Morrison Lofts downtown Tyler

Progress

2021 Real Estate & Construction Highlighting businesses that make East Texas grow & prosper with longevity, service & dedication to our community.

CHRISTUS Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

Morrison Lofts downtown Tyler

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Progress 2021

Sunday, March 28, 2021

CHRISTUS

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute prepares for opening

BY JOHN ANDERSON janderson@tylerpaper.com The construction of the innovative CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute took place during 2020 and is scheduled to open this year. In November of 2019, administrators from CHRISTUS Health were joined by Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, providers, nurses and Associates in celebrating this momentous occasion alongside local and regional officials and leaders. Despite the pandemic in 2020, CHRISTUS remained focused on the investment with the institute and the unique care it will bring to athletes, from weekend warriors to high school, college and professionals. “This is an important development for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, as well as for the people and athletes of Northeast Texas who trust us for orthopedic and sports medicine care,” said Anne Pileggi, Chief Administrative Officer, CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals - South Tyler and Jacksonville. “With this state-of-the-art facility, we are thrilled to expand access to the award-winning, faith-based, patient-centered care that is at the heart of our place in this community.” “This facility will provide patients with access to the specialists they need, as well as services and expertise they can’t get anywhere else, which demonstrates our commitment to serving this community and the Northeast Texas region,” said Steven Keuer, M.D., President, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Our mission as a system is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and this Institute allows us to further that mission, to help people live healthier more impactful lives.” The new CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is a four-story facility that encompasses approximately 62,000 square feet of world-class diagnostic, care and rehabilitation space. The ground floor will include the Rehabilitation Center and the Community Education Center, which will host lectures, screenings, and community and organization events for

Construction happening for the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute at Cumberland Road and South Broadway Avenue. This will be a four-story facility with 62,000 square feet of diagnostic, care and rehabilitation space. Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph

up to 50 people. The first floor will also include the all-new Peak Performance Program. The Human Performance Center, also known as Peak Performance, will be a 5,500 square foot Fitness Facility containing the safest, most technologically advanced equipment in the market today. This includes Selectorized Equipment, Plate Loaded Equipment, Multi-Purpose Equipment, and cardiovascular equipment from Techno Gym. There will also be 25 yards of indoor turf for movement training for both Human Performance and Physical Therapy. “The Peak Performance Program is something that we are tremendously excited to bring to the people of this community and this region,” said William Hobbs, M.D., Institute Chair, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “The program will support athlete training programs, extended recovery/rehabilitation treatment beyond primary rehab services, and offer a groundbreaking pre-surgical fitness intervention program to accelerate recovery. We believe there is simply nothing that can compare to this level of expertise in our region, and it will make a huge impact on the health and recovery of the athletes we treat.” The second and third floors will include the Orthopedics team and diagnostic imaging support. And the fourth floor will include Podiatry and other specialty services. “This facility will centralize and connect the orthopedics and sports medicine experts and treatments at a location that is more easily accessible for a lot of East Texans,” said Jason Proctor, Chief Executive Officer, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals - Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital - Tyler. “This facility connects our patients to the treatments, imaging and specialists needed to examine and treat patients as efficiently and effectively as possible. We look forward to getting started on this facility and expanding access to the award-winning, faith-based care that our communities have trusted for more than 80 years.”

The Peak Performance center will include: – Individualized Structural Balance Assessment – Collecting individual data to correct imbalances. – Medical Fitness - Medically-integrated programs designed specifically for the patients of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. – Team and Organization Training – Team building through fitness for business organizations and sports teams. – Adult Training – Specialized functional and movement training for adults looking to take control of their physical lifestyles. – Youth Training – young athletes will learn to properly train motor behavior patterns by becoming stronger, learning to move faster, and gain confidence each and every day. – Sports Performance Training – Athletes can raise their game to the next level by training the sport-specific energy systems and demands of their sport.

Progress 2021

Sunday, March 28, 2021 TYLERPAPER.COM 3B

Fit for a ‘king’

Scarborough’s vision brings new Morrison Lofts to downtown Tyler on the site of the old King Chevrolet BY JOHN ANDERSON janderson@tylerpaper.com

Work has started at the old King Chevrolet lot in downtown Tyler on 112 high-end apartments which will be a short two blocks west from the downtown square located at 527 W. Erwin. The Morrison Lofts will feature 56 two-bedroom units and 56 one-bedroom units. Of the 112, 12 will be penthouse units built along North Bonner Ave directly facing the downtown skyline. The project has been underway since March 15 with a goal to be open in Fall of 2022. Developer Sam Scarborough, of Scarborough Realty Partners has been active in the downtown community over the past four years and is a board member of the Heart of Tyler. His other most recent developments include the District at Midtown Apartments located at 420 South Fleishel Avenue in Tyler. As Scarborough talks about the new lofts, he is working in the downtown square with a laptop and a cup of coffee from 1948 Coffee and Juice Company at the Plaza Tower. “What drew us to this location was that there were so many great things happening downtown already,” Scarborough said. “I grew up here in Tyler and moved back four years ago and everybody wanted to live downtown. There are quite a few apartments downtown, but there is always a long waiting list. There is the downtown motto of ‘Live, Work, Play, and this is the ‘Live.’ It gives people the ability to live downtown and grow this historic and exciting area of Tyler.” Scarborough points to the short five minute walk from the new apartments to the exciting vibe of the downtown square that is open from first thing in the morning until a band plays the last song at Rick’s on the Square at night. “The Morrison Lofts have that walkability and authenticity you get with a downtown apartment,” he said. The Morrison Lofts will be gated, feature a swimming pool and a fitness center to list just a few of the amenities. The Morrison also has 4,000 square-feet of retail space available for lease on the southeast corner of the site. Scarborough purchased the approximately four-acre tract from the City of Tyler in 2017 when city officials said, “We’ve been waiting for this type of development to increase the number of residential units downtown.” Scarborough keeps his meetings local, as he meets with architects and other construction companies downtown while going over the planning sessions. The Morrison Lofts will be high-end, but are priced at market rate in order for more people to be able to be a part of what is happening in downtown. He said part of this project is to enhance the downtown experience. “You can do so much downtown and not have to use your car. From the many restaurants, the coffee shops, breweries and the shows and culture, it’s just a great area to spend time,” Scarborough said. “I am hoping this will spur more people to live downtown, invest in downtown, keep it going and really enjoy it.” When Scarborough is reminded that downtown is a “cool” place, he talks about his best friend, Stephen Morrison, who passed away unexpectedly in the summer of 2020. The lofts will bear his name in memory of him. “Stephen was my best friend since I was 12 and I wanted to name it after him. He was a great guy and he loved coming downtown,” Scarborough said. “We want people to come together and make new memories here. Stephen would have wanted that and watch people build those life-long relationships like we had.”

Sam Scarborough, 27, of Tyler, stands for a photo in front of the construction site of a soon-to-be apartment complex on 420 S. Fleishel Ave in Tyler. Cara Campbell Tyler Morning Telegraph

Artist rendering of Morrison Lofts and photos of construction at the old King Chevrolet lot on West Erwin. Rendering courtesy of Sam Scarborough Photos by Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Progress

2021 Education, Faith & Retail

Highlighting businesses that make East Texas grow & prosper with longevity, service & dedication to our community. Green Acres Baptist Church Pastor Retires

Brookshire Grocery Co. donated many cases of water to Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler during the winter storm in February to help those without water.

575-acre Catholic Center planned near Tyler.

Peoples Petroleum Building entrance.

Andy Bergfeld, left, Tim Brookshire and Garnett Brookshire at the Plaza Tower in downtown Tyler. Photos by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Progress 2021

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Green Acres Baptist Church

Pastor David Dykes

announces retirement BY ZAK WELLERMAN zwellerman@tylerpaper.com

After serving as pastor for 30 years, Dr. David Dykes, senior pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, will be retiring from his position later this year. Dykes told the church’s congregation on Feb. 28 that he intends to retire on Aug. 31 after serving as the church’s pastor since March 1991. Throughout Green Acres’ 66-year history, Dykes is the longest-serving pastor and the first one to retire. According to a statement from the church, Dykes began preaching in 1970 and served at three churches in Alabama before coming to Tyler. He has led mission teams to over 30 countries, and he and his wife, Cindy, have guided over two dozen tours to Israel. Dykes and his wife plan to continue living in Tyler, where Dr. David Dykes their two grown daughters live, preaches at and be involved with Green Acres Green Acres after retirement. He is assisting the church leadership in their search for Baptist Church his replacement. in Tyler. “I love Tyler and Green Acres. I’m praying that the church will find my replacement before I retire so there will be a seamless transition to the next pastor,” Dykes said. “I am looking forward to handing the baton to the next generation of younger leadership.” He graduated from Samford University, and earned a master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2005, Dykes participated in post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University. He studied the subject of Biblical art from the Renaissance period. In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate from East Texas Baptist University. Dykes has authored 19 nonfiction books as well as a trilogy of action novels (under the name David Orlo). He’s been a part of boards of the American Red Cross, PATH, the Greater Tyler Chamber of Commerce, The Mother Frances Foundation, and Baptist Child and Family Services (Breckenridge Village). He has also served on the board of trustees for East Texas Baptist University and he is currently a trustee for LeTourneau University in Longview. He served 10 years as a member of the executive board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and he is a volunteer chaplain with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Green Acres Baptist Church has over 17,000 members and the church’s mission is known both locally and internationally.

“I love Tyler and Green Acres. I’m praying that the church will find my replacement before I retire so there will be a seamless transition to the next pastor . . .” Dr. David Dykes

Green Acres Baptist Church

helps those without power

during historic winter storm

BY ZAK WELLERMAN zwellerman@tylerpaper.com

As many East Texans were without power during the winter storm in February, several local churches, including Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, stepped up to provide people with a warm place to stay. Using the church’s social media pages, GABC leaders let residents know that GABC’s student center was open as a warming center for anyone who needed a spot to stay warm, charge their phone or other electrical needs. In addition to shelter, the Green Acres team also provided free water for people to pick up at the church. For those who couldn’t leave their homes, the leaders made home deliveries as well. Brookshire’s Grocery Co. donated the many cases of water to help those in need. In a Facebook video during the winter storm, Michael Gossett, teaching pastor for Green Acres Baptist Church, asked people to message the church on Facebook and they would do their best to mobilize resources. “We just want to keep serving in any way we can,” Gossett said. He encouraged people to check on each other and their neighbors. “We want to make sure we are available to the community and to the city,” Gossett said. “I just want to remind you that we are praying for all of you out in East Texas, everybody here in Tyler. We love you and we are in your corner. And this is one of the ways we want to remind you that we are all in this together.”

Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler provided a warming center and water to those without power or water during the winter storm in February. Courtesy Photo

Progress 2021

Sunday, March 21, 2021 TYLERPAPER.COM 3B

The center is set to feature a grand oratory and seven institutes of truth professing liberal education (K-12 and university program), law, liberty, human rights, life, media and culture. BY ZAK WELLERMAN zwellerman@tylerpaper.com A retreat on a nearly 600-acre lot outside of Tyler to serve Catholics in East Texas and worldwide is being planned. Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler said he and other Catholics are supporting the creation of a large center. Organizers plan to include K-12 education buildings, an oratory, residences and a retreat as a part of the massive development on 575 acres located in the Winona area. The National Catholic Register reported the development is called Veritatis Splendor, which means the “Splendor of Truth.” The center is not affiliated with the Diocese of Tyler, but “it is an independent, lay-inspired Catholic organization,” according to the Register. Strickland said that Veritatis Splendor is an inspiration of several Catholic families coming to East Texas. “They desire to establish a community of Catholics and anyone who is committed to Jesus Christ,” Strickland said. “It is an ambitious effort that will face a lot of challenges but the families involved are

22 million

Catholic center

planned near Tyler

deeply committed to Jesus Christ and their faith is their strength.” Strickland noted the center is not financially connected to the Diocese of Tyler but it is located in the territory of the diocese. He added the project is in the beginning stages and many details still need to be worked out. The families involved in the center’s planning are consulting attorneys and canonists to make sure plans have “a sound foundation.” “They are homeschool families who want to support each other in community as they nurture and educate their children,” Strickland said. “They welcome all who desire to live their faith in Jesus Christ in a deeper way. I’m impressed by their commitment to Jesus Christ and their willingness to make great sacrifices for their faith and family.” Strickland said he knows that a new initiative raises questions and concerns. While he supports the project, Strickland emphasized that Veritatis Splendor is a non-clergy involved development. “These families desire to address our challenging times by living their faith in Jesus Christ more deeply,” he said. “They are taking on the financial burdens and organizational challenges that an

effort like this entails. I want to support them as they seek to establish this community in East Texas while maintaining their independence from the diocese financially and organizationally.” NCR’s article explains that Strickland met last year with Kari Beckman, founder of the hybrid home-school organization Regina Caeli Academy in Georgia, and she shared her idea about a Catholic center and the idea of naming it Veritatis Splendor. Strickland and Deacon Keith Fournier, general counsel and director of deacon formation for the Diocese of Tyler told her they had discussed the concept, Veritatis Splendor. On the Veritatis Splendor website, the project is described as a “physical and spiritual home for Christians to protect, preserve, and proclaim all of the chief truths and teachings of Christendom.” The center is set to feature a grand oratory and seven institutes of truth professing liberal education (K-12 and university program), law, liberty, human rights, life, media and culture. An executive director will oversee each of the institutes. Directors of the center’s institutes would live and work in the community and become missionaries in the world to teach these seven values to

promote truth, goodness and beauty and in so doing, restores Christ in civilization, the center’s website states. The center’s core values are listed as truth, obedience, fidelity, charity, hope, joy and community. The buildings will feature architecture and structure of the Italian cathedrals built in towns like Siena, Florence and Assisi. “It will also be a place of pilgrimage for those who want to study, pray and revitalize their family and individual spiritual life,” the website description continued. “The oratory will be maintained by a community of priests who will live and remain in the community without threat of transfer or re-assignment.” Recreational facilities for residents and guests will also include pools, archery and gun ranges, equestrian center, fishing piers, hunting areas and sports fields. Organizers of Veritatis Splendor are also seeking donations to fund the building process with the oratory being first. The oratory will be named after St. Joseph and serve as the cornerstone of the center. Those interested in learning more about Veritatis Splendor can visit splendorhq.com.

A blueprint details the construction plans for Veritatis Splendor, a Catholic center a group of people are working to build on 575-acres of land outside of Tyler in the Winona area. The center is not affiliated with the Diocese of Tyler. Courtesy Photos

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Progress 2021

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Real progress: The growth of retail & business in

downtown Tyler People’s Petroleum Building and Plaza Tower in downtown Tyler. Bar Manager Trent Poarch serves an Old Fashioned at the Yellow Rose at the Corner Bar located inside the new Prime 102 steakhouse on the square in Tyler. Photos by Les Hassell and John Anderson Tyler Morning Telegraph

BY JOHN ANDERSON janderson@tylerpaper.com

It’s very easy to see businesses and medical facilities popping up and opening or reopening as you travel south in Tyler. However, when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited downtown Tyler last week, seven businesses and a Visit Tyler gift shop and information center on the square and downtown were new from his last visit just a few years ago. Instead of turning into office spaces or government use, everything from ice cream to a new steakhouse compliments established businesses like Rick’s on the Square and Don Juan’s. Tim Brookshire, Andy Bergfeld and Garnett Brookshire operate the Plaza Tower and the People’s Petroleum Building on the square. The People’s Petroleum Building opened Nov. 5, 1932 and always had a bank as an anchor tenant. Today, Texas Bank and Trust is in the historic building. It is one of 21 banking centers Texas Bank and Trust operates throughout east and north Texas. The People’s Petroleum Building is on the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a Tyler Historic Landmark. Bergfeld and Garnett Brookshire talked about some of the reasons for the growth.

Three questions with Andy Bergfeld 1) Why has downtown flourished? Andy: Downtown has really flourished for several reasons, but overall it’s due to a sense of community that has developed over the last two decades. People need interaction with other people. They want to be part of a place where people know their name and share in their joy for life. Downtown Tyler has become that place. We have tried to create an atmosphere where it is fun for people to come downtown. The longtime standard for high rise office buildings is that they are serious and cold ... a place where you get in your car and drive to every morning, have very little interaction with the public until you get in your car to drive somewhere for lunch and then come back to the office after lunch until you sit in traffic to go home at 5. Life’s too short to go through that monotony every day. People are more productive when they are happy and our goal is to create a vibrant downtown where people want to live, work and play. We have merged retail with office and created great common spaces for people to interact. 2) What is your passion? Andy: We love all of Tyler, but our passion is downtown. It’s the

heart of our city, and for that matter, East Texas. It is very important to me to help make it a place we can all be proud of. There are many of us that have a vision for what downtown can be and we are just getting started. There is so much potential if you know how the puzzle pieces fit together. Our office market drives our economy downtown right now. We don’t have enough tourism income yet to sustain our retail by itself, so I am especially grateful for the office tenants that have been here for decades like KLTV, the Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Potter Law Firm, the Scammahorn Law Firm and many of our oil and gas tenants at People’s Petroleum Building. Without them staying downtown when everything else flew south, we wouldn’t have had the foundation to do what we are doing now. I am also grateful for some of the new companies who have moved their operations downtown like Estes-McClure and Gator Waders who, like Findlay Craft Law Firm, migrated back to Downtown after being in south Tyler for many years. As Texas is back open, we want to see hundreds of people a day safely on our sidewalks and in our True Vine brew pub, Café 1948 and Andy’s Custard. I have not seen downtown this vibrant in my lifetime, and it’s just getting started. We now have a five-star restaurant, Prime 102 and inside Prime 102 the Corner Bar in the Peoples’ Petroleum Building. 3) What is it like working with two families with two different backgrounds? Andy: My family got its start in Texas, in the late 1870’s, right here on the square in Tyler. Absolutely that’s something that stokes my passion for downtown redevelopment. We owned a saloon, bank, hotel and hardware store right here on these brick streets so I feel like there’s a little of it in my DNA. Much of our downtown was torn down in the name of “progress,” but there is still a beautiful core to work with and occasionally you find a hidden gym like the old Union Bus Station which we plan to convert into overnight lodging in 2021-22. Working with the Brookshire’s has been a tremendous blessing. Their integrity is second to none, which is probably why our families have been in business with each other for the last 100 years. We share common core values, but each of us (Tim, Garnett and I) bring a little something different to the table, which I think benefits us as a whole. We also have an amazing team working with us down here that shares our love for God and love for others. Its fun going to work every day and being a part of the downtown “community”. Fun Fact: Andy Bergfeld’s great-great grandfather, Rudolph Bergfeld who had Bergfeld Loan And Trust on the southeast corner

of the square, would get a visit each week from Garnett Brookshire’s great grandparents, Wood T. and Louise Brookshire. They would borrow the adding machine to tally up all the Brookshire Grocery Co. receipts.

Three questions with Garnett Brookshire 1) What makes your job fun? Garnett: Tyler is a small enough community where we know every tenant by name. That makes it fun. The core of our business is office leasing. So you have options when you come to Tyler. You can go south, and that’s a lot of folks’ preference. But people also like being downtown, able to network. They can get coffee, see their friends, make new friends and actually network. They are doing more business downtown than in an office on their own island outside of downtown.” 2) Why the investment in Tyler? Garnett: Is it easy downtown? No. It takes grit, determination and passion and it can be done. That’s what we want to prove. This isn’t a flip deal for us, make a few bucks and move on to another town. These are long-term investments into the community. There is also sentimental attachment as well. Rick Eltife (owner of Rick’s on the Square) was first in the late 90’s to say ‘hey, there is value downtown, people will come downtown.’ And he proved to everyone it can be done down here. He should be credited with a lot down here. My dad (Tim Brookshire) drove us, he said we had to be downtown. He is the true visionary behind our family-run enterprise. He taught me to look decades into the future, not months or years. And Andy and his family have the same passion and vision.” 3) What do you think of the vision of the city for a recreational area downtown? Garnett: Thanks to Amber Rojas-Varona (Main Street Director for the City of Tyler) and the Visit City of Tyler Visitor Center folks, there are more events, arts, parades and car shows. You are seeing a rapid increase in events downtown. If they can create a big recreational space in the square, that’s going to blow it out of the water, you will have people lining up to do events every weekend. People will know there are events. it will be a dining and entertainment mecca for East Texas. You can’t replicate that anywhere else. A lot of places are all retail, you can’t replicate that same downtown feel. It’s a unique and major draw.

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West Grande | South Broadway | Downtown www.texasbankandtrust.com

Progress

2021 Banking

Highlighting Texas Bank and Trust helping East Texas grow & prosper with longevity, service & dedication to our community.

Staff of the Texas Bank and Trust located in Tyler on West Grande Boulevard pose outside location. TB&T currently operates 21 banking centers throughout east and north Texas.

From right, Danielle Herd Webb, Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Services, and TB&T’s Tyler Market President Claude Henry discuss how Texas Bank and Trust regularly trains for business continuity in times of crisis.

From left, Laura Gutierrez, Personal Banker for TB&T, located at W. Grande blvd, with Administrative Officer and Operations Manager Shawyna West pose behind bank counter.

Photos by Ana Conejo Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Progress 2021

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Texas Bank and Trust located in Tyler on West Grande Boulevard is pictured. Other branches are in Tyler are located on College Avenue and South Broadway Avenue. Photo by Ana Conejo/Tyler Morning Telegraph

How Texas Bank and Trust met the adversities of 2020 and is at the

forefront of the economic recovery BY JOHN ANDERSON janderson@tylerpaper.com

Community banking persevered in the year 2020, even in the face of unprecedented adversity and uncertainty for our local communities. As the nation addressed economic, health, and social unrest crises during the past year, Texas Bank and Trust, as one of the strongest independent banks in the state, met the challenges with its long-time strategic focus on providing critical financial resources through a multi-channel approach to service delivery. Going forward, the bank intends to use what it has learned in this time to also be at the forefront of the economic recovery. TB&T’s commitment to do so is rooted in what members of its executive management team believe has been the $3.2 billion financial institution’s uncompromising ability, and even foresight, to weather the epic storm over the past 12 months. Specifically, for the past decade, TB&T has made considerable, yet focused, investments in the development of a digital banking infrastructure – via online, mobile, and an expanded ATM network. Doing so prophetically paved the way for the bank to create a much-needed banking environment to meet its customers’ individual needs and preferences — anytime, anywhere. Along the way, the bank’s equally conscious efforts to onboard additional e-services, such as online consumer account opening, mobile check deposit, and payments, for both bills and person-to-person, solidified the bank’s digital roadmap as the key to maintaining its personalized service standards in a time of unprecedented social distancing. Circumstances surrounding the pandemic proved that TB&T’s comprehensive “Bank on Demand” digital service line provided the needed agility to transition customer banking services to a virtual environment without hesitation, when the moment demanded. In fact, agility proved to be one of the greatest assets the organization had in the face of a game-changing moment like COVID-19. “Business continuity in times of crisis is something we regularly train for at our bank,” said Danielle Herd Webb, Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Services. “And, while there was no exact step-by-step outline for the unpredictable nature of this past year, our teams, with that training, have proven to be nimble and able to make adjustments without significant sacrifices to our service commitment.” Like many banks, Texas Bank and Trust opted to close its lobbies in early spring 2020 to comply with local emergency and health authorities’ directives to mitigate COVID spread. TB&T’s drive-in facilities were enhanced with the needed resources to provide full-service banking to its customers.

“When the decision was made to transition all teller services to our branch drive-in facilities for 19 locations, our team did so in a period of just 24 hours,” Herd Webb said. “We were also able to expand our ability to assist customers remotely, with our enhanced phone services, through our Customer Care and T3 Tech Support Team Centers, as well as expanded our email services, and even curbside assistance, when needed.” Though the lobbies were reopened in late August, the expanded services in the bank’s drive-in facilities has remained an important component for that service channel. “What our TBT officers and employees have accomplished each and every day since the start of the pandemic continues to prove why they are so essential,” Herd Webb said. While the economic landscape will look decidedly different post-pandemic, TB&T’s Tyler Market President Claude Henry assures that Texas Bank and Trust stands ready to be a part of the economic recovery, in whatever form that takes. Henry said the bank will approach its work in that regard in much the same way it has successfully helped hundreds of small businesses throughout Smith County with each round of needed relief funding through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. “Small businesses are the foundation of our East Texas communities; but, most especially, here in Tyler and Smith County. Therefore, the key to rebuilding our economy will depend on our businesses being open and thriving; providing needed services and income to their neighbors; and those neighbors, in turn, being able to financially support and raise their families,” Henry said. Addressing the needs of small businesses during this time has been an ambitious effort for the bank, resulting in millions of dollars of vital business loans across the region. “As community bankers, we have the incredible opportunity to help grow those small businesses, to promote homeownership, and to support consumer spending. There could be no more profound role to play in the recovery of our economy.” Both of the TB&T executives agreed that the bank’s mantra for the past year, “We are here, and we are ready to help” will remain as the organization’s guiding principle on the road ahead, particularly, as its teams continue to assist the bank’s customers in moving toward that next normal. “Though we do not quite know what that looks like just yet, our role as Trusted Advisors at Texas Bank and Trust will not change because our call to serve our community has never been greater,” Henry said. Texas Bank and Trust currently operates 21 banking centers throughout east and north Texas. Three of those branch locations are located in Tyler on West Grande Boulevard, South Broadway Avenue, and downtown in the historic Petroleum Building.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BANKING Customized solutions to meet the unique financial needs of today’s commercial and small businesses.

West Grande | South Broadway | Downtown www.texasbankandtrust.com

Progress

2021 Healthcare, Recreation & Fitness

Highlighting businesses that make East Texas grow & prosper with longevity, service & dedication to our community.

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System starts new chapter in cancer treatment with Oncology Institute. Pages 2 & 3C

Judy Hooks playing tennis at the Faulkner Park Tennis Complex.

UT Health Tyler (part of UT Health East Texas) has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction Centers designation.

Pages 6 & 7C

Pages 4 & 5C

SoundLogic Hearing Loss Solutions helping Tyler residents with varying degrees of this life altering condition. Page 6C

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Progress 2021

From the plans to the ribbon cutting (above), the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Oncology Institute plans for cancer care went as smooth as opening the facility. Today, more services are available including surgical treatment of gastrointestinal, rectal, and liver cancers. Photos courtesy of CHRISTUS Health System

Progress 2021

Sunday, March 7, 2021 TYLERPAPER.COM 3C

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System

launches Oncology Institute CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System started a new chapter in cancer care in Northeast Texas with the opening of the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute and the addition of its leader Dr. Steven Curley, FACS. The Oncology Institute is an expansion of cancer care at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System and will offer surgical treatment of gastrointestinal, rectal, pancreas and liver cancers. “We are thrilled to be adding Dr. Curley to our outstanding team as we build and develop the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute,” said Jason Markham, Chief Administrative Officer at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “He brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this system and to the communities of Northeast Texas. He will be an invaluable asset to CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System and an invaluable resource in offering the highest levels of care to our patients here.” Dr. Curley joins CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System from Houston, where he is a Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Baylor College of Medicine and a Professor in Nano-Materials Science at Rice University and at The University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Curley was also serving as the Director of the local and regional CHI Oncology Service line at the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Associate Director for Clinical Affairs at the NCI-designated Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Curley was at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson on the faculty for 22 years and joined the faculty at the Baylor College of Medicine in January 2014. “Dr. Curley is a gifted and compassionate caregiver who is driven to go much further than the extra mile for his patients through research and development of new techniques and methods to treat patients and improve outcomes,” said Steven

Keuer, M.D., President of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and Chief Medical Officer of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “He has been repeatedly recognized by his peers in the medical field, in academia and throughout the world for his progress and achievements, and the people of Northeast Texas will benefit greatly from his being a part of our nationally-recognized team of healthcare providers.” Dr. Curley has earned numerous recognized for care and research, including being named to the Texas Super Doctors by Texas Monthly from 2016-2018, listed on America’s Top Doctors for Castle Connolly from 2001-2018, listed on America’s Top Doctors for Cancer Database from 2009-2018, named among the Top 1% of Physicians by U.S. News & World Report, listed in the Best Doctors in America Database from 2006-present, and earning the Tribeca Disruptive Innovator Award in 2012, the Patient’s Choice Award for Most Compassionate Doctors from 2001-2018, and the Patient’s Choice Recognition by Consumer Research from 2008-2018. When not performing surgery or seeing patients in clinic, Dr. Curley has been focused on clinical and laboratory research and education of residents and fellows. His research laboratory has been involved in the design, bench testing, preclinical testing, and then clinical testing of two devices which have successfully gone through the full FDA approval process. “I’m thrilled to be joining CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System and embarking on this incredible journey to build and develop the Oncology Institute so that we can help patients to lead healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives,” said Dr. Curley. “Alongside this talented team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and Associates, we will work collegially and collaboratively to provide state-of-the-art surgical care for cancer patients combined with multidisciplinary care and clinical trials options.”

STAINED GLASS MADE POSSIBLE BY CHRISTUS Health’s Founding Congregations, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word-Houston and San Antonio, help bring peace, justice and solidarity by serving the needs of the most vulnerable in the world and promoting the dignity of all people. This beautiful stained glass was generously donated by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word-Houston to help comfort all in need of relief.

“We are thrilled to be adding Dr. Curley to our outstanding team as we build and develop the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Oncology Institute.” Jason Markham, Chief Administrative Officer at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic

South Tyler 3593 E. Grande Tyler | TX 75791 903.939.4665

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UT Health Tyler Recognized for

Higher Quality and Cost-Efficiency in

Maternity Care

“Our maternity team believes every mother deserves a safe and healthy place to deliver their baby.” . . . Vicki Briggs, CEO of UT Health Tyler

NEWBORNS AT UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS are bundled in Christmas stockings each year. One year, they were made by girls and women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. UT Health Tyler (part of UT Health East Texas) has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Courtesy UT Health East Texas

UT Health Tyler (part of UT Health East Texas) has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. “Our maternity team believes every mother deserves a safe and healthy place to deliver their baby. This recognition is indicative of that commitment to providing high-quality maternity care,” said Vicki Briggs, CEO of UT Health Tyler. “We are expanding on our commitment by building a neonatal intensive care unit, which will open later this year.” UT Health Tyler was recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Centers+ quality and cost selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Quality is key: only those healthcare facilities that first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally established, objective quality measures are considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+. Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection and dissemination and internal protocols that better address clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care. New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage. In addition, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously. Specifically, the rate for low-risk, first-time cesarean sections has been aligned with the revised Healthy People 2020 goals. Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction

Centers for Maternity Care show statistically significant differences in key clinical outcomes compared to their peers. Overall, cost of care episodes for vaginal and cesarean births at BDC+ facilities are 20% less than those at non-Blue Distinction Centers+ facilities. The rates of episiotomies were 49% less at Blue Distinction Centers (BDC and BDC+) than those at non-Blue Distinction Centers (BDC and BDC+). In 2018, BDC/ BDC+ facilities across the country cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth. Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

ON THE COVER EMMA ROSE ABLES received a stocking after her arrival on Dec. 15, 2020. She is the daughter of Cassie and Tim Ables.

Courtesy UT Health East Texas

Recognized with Blue Distinction® Centers+ Designation for Quality and Cost-Efficiency

UT Health Tyler

BARIATRIC SURGERY UT Health Tyler has been recognized by Blue tions is expected to rise by 2030, if the rate of obesity in Cross Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction® the U.S. continues to climb. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severely obese patients because Centers+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part it allows for substantial, sustained weight loss, which of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. leads to, improves or resolves obesity-related co-morBlue Distinction Centers are nationally designated bidities like type 2 diabetes. On average, healthcare healthcare facilities that show a commitment to decosts were reduced by 29% within five years following livering high quality patient safety and better health bariatric surgery, due to the reduction or elimination of outcomes, based on objective measures that were obesity-related conditions, based on findings by ASMBS. developed with input from the medical community To receive a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Bariatric and leading accreditation and quality organizations. Surgery designation, a healthcare facility must demonThe Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric strate success in meeting patient safety measures as Surgery program provides a full range of bariatric well as bariatric specific quality measures, including surgery care, including surgical care, post-opercomplication and readmission rate for laparoscopic ative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient procedures in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and education. adjustable gastric band. All designated facilities must Bariatric surgeries are among the most common also be nationally accredited at both the facility and elective surgeries in the U.S. — with more than Dr. Hugh Babineau bariatric program-specific levels, as well as demon252,000 bariatric surgeries performed in 2018 Bariatric Surgeon strated cost-efficiency compared to its peers. Facilities based on a report from the American Society UT Health Tyler designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ are on average of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Bariatric Center 20% more cost efficient in an episode of care compared Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and to other facilities. Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 42.7% of Quality is key: only those healthcare facilities that U.S. adults and 18.5% of youth are obese and are first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally established, objective quality impacted by obesity-related health conditions. With obesity reaching measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction epidemic levels among U.S. adults, a significant opportunity exists to Center+. improve quality care for bariatric surgeries within the national healthSince 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has care system. helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric UT Health Tyler has been recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Center quality selection surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine criteria for bariatric surgery set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while program. encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. “We are very pleased to receive this designation from Blue Cross Research shows that, compared to other healthcare facilities, those Blue Shield of Texas,” said Dr. Hugh Babineau, bariatric surgeon at designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and the UT Health Tyler Bariatric Center. “Recognizing our commitment improved outcomes for patients. to quality care in this way will help us make these important mediFor more information about the program and for a complete listing cal procedures accessible to more residents of East Texas and the of designated facilities, surrounding communities.” visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction. The annual healthcare spend on obesity and obesity-related condi-

Types of Bariatric Surgery

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ABOUT UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS

UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 10 hospitals, more than 50 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 50 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility. As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.

ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION

HAYVEN WILLOW ELISE STORY was the first baby of the new year born at UT Health Tyler in 2020 to Brittany and Fred Storey of New Chapel Hill. UT Health Tyler (part of UT Health East Texas) has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. John Anderson/Tyler Morning Telegraph

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides healthcare insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

ABOUT BLUE DISTINCTION CENTERS

DR. SNEHAL DOSHI, chief executive officer of Millennium Neonatology, and his team of neonatologists work with UT Health Tyler to provide expert care in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for noncovered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers. ### Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Healthcare Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Ana Conejo/Tyler Morning Telegraph

The only A-rated hospitals for patient safety in Tyler!

Thank you to our caregivers for their commitment to safety!

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enjoy

Tyler residents 1

city’s parks, trails BY CHRISTINA CAVAZOS news@tylerpaper.com

For eight Tyler residents, playing tennis each week for 15 years at Faulkner Park is about much more than just exercise. It’s about friendship. “We come out and we play, and we enjoy the exercise and getting to know each other,” Judy Hooks said. Hooks, who helps lead a women’s tennis league, plays the sport each week at Faulkner Park with seven other people. The individuals come together to play doubles practice matches each Tuesday. They rotate partners for each match, eventually pairing with everyone each week. In the evenings, many of them also play competitive tennis. Not only do they get exercise at the park, they’ve developed lasting friendships that help them connect beyond the tennis courts. Bringing people together and building relationships among the city’s residents is one of the goals of Tyler’s Parks and Recreation department. “Our parks and trails in the City of Tyler improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing safe connectivity, improving physical and mental health, connecting our community and helping with building relationships. They also protect our environment with all of the beautiful trees and improve property value,” said Leanne Robinette, the senior manager of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for Tyler.

The city’s parks and trails are used by hundreds of residents each day, and Robinette noted the city has seen a particular increase in the past year because of the pandemic. As restrictions continue to be eased, she said, the city’s residents have seen the value of parks and are continuing to visit parks at a rapid pace. “When people were asked to limit going out to restaurants and other indoor play spaces, people started bringing their families and pets out to the parks to get away from their home. They felt like being outdoors was a safe alternative while also trying to enjoy the day,” Robinette said. “Even though many of the restrictions have been lifted, it seems like many citizens and families have decided to keep parks as an important part of their everyday lifestyle moving forward.” Parks play a key role not only in Gina Langford’s life but in the lifestyle she wants for her family. Langford resides near Bergfeld Park and often walks to the park with her youngest children, 4-year-old Sam and 10-month-old Lily. On weekends, the entire Bergfeld family – including her two schoolage children – can be found visiting parks across the city. She noted the family especially likes to explore the trails at Faulkner Park on weekends. “We enjoy the fresh air and seeing other families,” Langford said. Her 4-year-old son Sam said he likes to swing and ride his bike at Bergfeld Park. Sam quickly rode his bike with a basket on the front around the park this week and pushed his little sister on the swings.

SoundLogic Hearing Loss Solutions STAFF REPORTS Hearing loss is a life altering condition that by many estimates affects 45 million Americans to varying degrees. SoundLogic, a local hearing center founded in 1988, holds over 50 years of combined experience offering the public the latest hearing loss solutions. Hearing loss can be an alienating obstacle that is only realized when day to day communications become increasingly strained. “Many people begin to realize they’re losing their hearing when they no longer fully comprehend speech, especially in noisy areas such as a restaurant, sporting event, or crowded room,” said Dr. Jordan Saavedra, director of audiology at SoundLogic, 1136 E. Grande Blvd.

Individuals experiencing hearing loss can be affected by their condition in every aspect of their lives, from job performance to relationships with friends and family. SoundLogic focuses on customized solutions, considering the unique needs of their clients during the comprehensive hearing evaluations they offer to all age groups. According to their webpage, the full list of services offered includes hearing device selection and fitting, hearing device repairs on most makes and models, assistive listening devices for t.v. and telephone, custom swim molds, hearing protection devices, hunters plugs and musicians plugs. They also offer cochlear implants, baha programming and fitting, and hearing aid products from Oticon, Resound, Phonak, Starkey, and WideX. For more detailed information, visit https://soundlogicmd.com/.

Full list of services offered includes hearing device selection and fitting, hearing device repairs on most makes and models, assistive listening devices for t.v. and telephone, custom swim molds, hearing protection devices, hunters plugs and musicians plugs.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BANKING Understanding the unique demands of your practice, our business and professional banking team serves as trusted advisors in customizing and integrating financial solutions to meet your individual needs and goals.

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“Our parks and trails in the City of Tyler improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing safe connectivity, improving physical and mental health, connecting our community and helping with building relationships.”

Leanne Robinette, senior manager Parks, Recreation and Tourism for Tyler “We love the parks. They encourage children to get outside and play, which is what I think kids need more of today versus being on screens,” Langford said. “We go to the children’s park a lot, too. They love to just explore. It’s good for kids to be outdoors.” Taylor Covalt who took her son and a friend’s child to Southside Park this week agreed. “It’s a good way for them to get their energy out and to socialize with other kids,” she said. Because of the value Tyler sees in its parks system, the city has made numerous upgrades in the past couple of years. Robinette said the city has renovated Emmett Scott Park, Glass Recreation Center, Woldert Park, Fun Forest Park, Hillside Park and Gassaway Park, as well as adding the new all-inclusive playground at Southside Park. Up next the city plans to finish the master plan for Bergfeld Park, by renovating the tennis court area, adding Phase II of the Faulkner Skate Park and updating restrooms at Lindsey Park, she said. Mario Jakovljevic, tennis director at Faulkner Park, said the tennis courts at Faulkner became especially busy after the recent snow and he hopes to see more people utilize the courts as well as other city park facilities. “This is a beautiful facility top play tennis and it’s pretty affordable for everybody,” he said. “It’s a great way to stay healthy and active, no matter what age you are.”

Tennis Director Mario Jakovljevic, Faulkner Tennis Complex.

Karen Martell speaks about the Faulkner Tennis Complex in Tyler.

3 & 4 Residents enjoy Tyler’s Bergfeld Park. 5

Taylor Covalt watches as her son Luca Covalt, 4, plays with Pablo Godinez, 2, at Southside Park.

A man runs the trail at Tyler’s Southside Park.

Sam Langford, 4, spends his morning pushing his 10-month-old sister Lily on the swing set at Bergfeld Park.

Sam Langford, 4, rides his bike at Bergfeld Park.

Photos by Michael Cavazos/Tyler Morning Telegraph

R HEAR H HE EA E AR A

Linking mind to ear since 1998.

With more than 50 years of combined audiological expertise and nearly 25 years serving East Texas, our credentialed doctors of audiology provide a premiere hearing health experience. SoundLogic is proud to offer full-service care in three convenient locations, including in-depth hearing tests, time for on-on-one conversations and a hearing treatment plan designed for your specific needs. It’s never been more important to reconnect with the moments that matter most. Together, we’ll identify a customized hearing treatment plan for your unique lifestyle.

The Logical Choice for Hearing Care • Total Health Approach • Support & Ongoing Care • State-of-the-Art Hearing Devices • Financing & Insurance Options for Every Budget

Schedule your complimentary hearing aid evaluation today!

TYLER

(903) 592-3666 ATHENS

(903) 675-2222 LONGVIEW

(903) 230-8843 www.soundlogicmd.com