The Coalition recently held its annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon to recognize businesses in the community that value drug, alcohol and tobacco-free workplaces. The luncheon featured Dr. Steven H. Kelder, Distinguished Professor at UTHealth and Co-Director at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Kelder offered insight into the e-cigarette/JUUL epidemic. The business community was able to hear vital information regarding the dangers of vaping products.
The Coalition also recognized several businesses in attendance for their continued commitment to drug-free workplaces. Special recognition was given to the Drug-Free Business Partnership’s new and upgraded members.
New Businesses
Five businesses were honored as new members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership of The Coalition. Pictured from left: Tavo Velazquez, Skyline Burrito Bowls; Suzy Childers, Security & Guaranty Abstract Co.; Justin Barkley, T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library; and Barbara Brookshire, Hyundai of Lufkin.
Not present at the luncheon but pictured above: Sandy Whiteman, Heritage Land Bank.
Congratulations to these businesses for partnering with The Coalition for a better community.
Upgrades
In appreciation of their dedication to a drug-free community, The Coalition recognized several businesses as upgraded members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership. Pictured from L to R: Maci Dover, Whataburger/GVCS; Jessica Deel, Melissa Girlinghouse, Chris Fleniken, Josh McGee, Real Graphics; and Kurt Stephens, Lufkin ISD.
Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars
Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars represented The Coalition at the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon. Pictured back row, from left: Garin Ashby, Lufkin High School; Devin Luker, Huntington High School; Kaycie Brown, Central High School; and Emmy Howard, Huntington High School. Front row, from left: Mehriel Gatus, Pineywoods Community Academy; Jada Salaiz, Diboll High School; Destanie Snider, Zavalla High School; Shawni Poindexter, Diboll High School; and Tia Davis, Lufkin High School.
Angelina County SAY WHAT Members
Angelina County SAY WHAT Members represented The Coalition at the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon. Pictured from left: Mehriel Gatus and Diana Kolb from Pineywoods Community Academy.
Sustaining Platinum Members
Drug-Free Business Partnership Sustaining members at the Platinum level were honored at the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon.
Pictured, back row from L to R: John Courtney, Hudson ISD; Judge Paul White, Angelina County; Nadine Verner, Angelina College; Megan Dickinson, Angelina County & Cities Health District; Rodney Ivy, City of Lufkin; William Price, Bancorp South; Kim Simmons, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council; Lynn Hopper, Lufkin State Supported Living Center; Kurt Stephens, Lufkin ISD.
Sustaining Gold Members
Gold level Sustaining members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership include, back row from left: John Clements, Diboll ISD; Justin Risner, Central ISD; Jeff Pownall, Lufkin Daily News; Dale Botsford, Regional Physical Therapy Center; Al Charanza, Charanza Law Office; Ricky Oliver, Zavalla ISD, David Flowers, Huntington ISD, Javier Rubio, Commercial Bank of Texas; Chris Fleniken, Real Graphics.
Front row from left: Annie Henderson, Harold’s House-East Texas Alliance for Children; Tara Watkins, Lufkin/Angelina Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Shaw, Pineywoods Community Academy; Michelle Palmore, Georgia-Pacific; Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific.
Sustaining Silver/Bronze Members
Silver and Bronze Sustaining members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership include, back row from left: Ashley Bratton, Edward D. Jones Advisor; Tavo Velazquez, Skyline Burrito Bowls; Suzy Childers, Security & Guaranty Abstract Company; Melanie Shirley, Austin Bank; Justin Barkley, T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library.
Front row from left: Stacy Dicks, McWilliams and Son Heating and Air Conditioning; Barbara Brookshire, Hyundai of Lufkin; Maria Anderson, VeraBank.