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Kathryn Coppinger named key account manager for Xcel Energy customer needs in Texas, NM
Kathryn Coppinger of Amarillo has been named a key account manager working with Xcel Energy’s large commercial and industrial customers in the company’s Texas and New Mexico service area.
“Kathryn has a strong operations and organizational background, and her knowledge of Xcel Energy’s regional system will be invaluable for the customers she is now serving,” said Justin Smiley, director for Xcel Energy’s Texas-New Mexico Business Customer Relations group, in a news release. “We are expecting a lot of growth from this customer group and we are excited about the team we’ve brought together to deliver the solutions our customers need to be successful.”
Coppinger is a native of Amarillo and a graduate of Amarillo High School and West Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She started her career as a surgical assistant in the dental field and eventually became office manager of a successful dental practice in Amarillo. In 2015, she changed careers by taking a job at Xcel Energy as an administrative assistant and became an operations program manager in the company’s contracting organization in 2016. In 2021, Coppinger was a recipient of both the “20 Under 40” and the “Citizens on the Move” business professionals awards recognizing younger people making a difference in the community.
Karli Pigg named Xcel Energy key account manager; new role focuses on large customer power needs
Karli Pigg of Lubbock has been named a key account manager working with Xcel Energy’s large commercial and industrial customers in the company’s Texas and New Mexico service area.
“Karli has a strong engineering background and brings extensive experience working with our oilfield customers,” said Smiley in a second company news release issued this week. “Much of her previous work has focused specifically on the energy sector in southeastern New Mexico, and her knowledge of the oil and gas industry will be especially valuable to our team and to the customers we serve.”
Pigg is a native of Amarillo and a graduate of Texas Tech University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. She started her career in the manufacturing industry where she gained process development skills and joined Xcel Energy four years ago as an engineer in Distribution Design. While at Xcel Energy, she obtained her engineer-in-training certification after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and is currently studying to become a professional engineer.
Amarillo Chamber welcomes new membership director
The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce has hired Christy King as its new membership director. King’s primary role will be the recruitment of new businesses and non-profit organizations to the Chamber, as well as retention of current members, according to a news release.
The Chamber of Commerce currently has more than 1,700 members who represent more than 70,000 people of the Amarillo area’s workforce.
Born and raised in Amarillo, King is passionate about promoting and supporting the community and comes to the Chamber with more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her early career began in her family’s catering and restaurant businesses before she expanded into sales and marketing positions with the Embassy Suites Downtown and the Barfield Hotel. In 2021 she was hired as the Director of Tourism for the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) where she worked on promoting Amarillo to the travel and tourism industry and welcomed visitors from all over the world. King was also instrumental in the creation of the Texas Route 66 Festival and was previously recognized by the Amarillo Women’s Network with a Career Achievement Award. She is the proud mother of three girls.
“We have been fortunate to get to know Christy and witness her work ethic in her position with the Amarillo CVB for the last few years since we share office space in the historic Bivin’s home. We are excited to have her under the Chamber umbrella now and know she will be an asset to our Chamber team as we gear up for another busy year of networking events,” said Chamber Executive Vice President, Lindsey Arbeiter.
“I am truly proud to be an Amarilloan and am convinced the best people on earth live in the Panhandle of Texas! I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our city and business community in an impactful way with the Chamber,” Christy King, Membership Director.
If you know of a business or organization that could benefit from membership with the Chamber, give us a call at (806) 373-7800, visit our website at Amarillo-Chamber.org or email christyk@amarillo-chamber.org.
Mark Hotmann elevated to president, CEO of Baptist Community Services
Baptist Community Services announced this week the promotion of Mark Hotmann to President and Chief Executive Officer while continuing his role as Chief Financial Officer, as of Jan. 1, 2024. Hotmann’s elevation solidifies the strategic leadership transition process, which began in 2023, a news release from the organization said.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as President of BCS,” said Hotmann. “I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Steve Dalrymple and working collaboratively with our highly skilled and dedicated team to address the evolving needs of our community. Together, we will continue to positively impact the lives of those we serve with Christan Care.”
Hotmann has been an essential part of Baptist Community Services for 32 years, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and success as CFO and Executive Vice President, the release said. As President, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of BCS and furthering its mission to provide compassionate senior care and health services to the Amarillo area.
“Over the years, Mark has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic vision for our company and a deep understanding of the needs of our community,” said Stacy Sharp, Chairperson of the BCS Board of Trustees. “His promotion to President is a testament to his expertise and tenure to the company. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are confident that BCS will continue to thrive under Mark’s leadership and enhance the well-being of those we serve.”
The former BCS President, Steve Dalrymple, will retain his position as President of the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation (HPCMF). Dalrymple has played a vital role for both BCS and HPCMF throughout the years. Baptist Community Services, its Board of Trustees, employees, and friends sincerely thank Steve Dalrymple for his 32 years of distinguished service within the BCS organization.
“Our organization will continue impacting our community for years to come because of Steve’s commitment to our mission,” said Hotmann. “Through his vision, leadership, and guidance, this company has become a light on top of a hill for countless people in our area. He has continued to enhance our services while maintaining a wise and responsible approach to philanthropy. Serving alongside Steve for so many years has been my pleasure, and I look forward to many more.”
Baptist Community Services operates the senior retirement campus Park Central in downtown Amarillo as well as the Amarillo Town Club fitness facilities; Snack Pak 4 Kids, a food program to end weekend hunger for school-aged children in the region; and the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, which promotes Christian programs and community wellness services in the area.
Military veteran joins forces with Century 21 brand to fuel future expansion
Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has announced its latest Amarillo-based affiliated brokerage, Century 21 Key Realty. Owned and operated by David Velasquez, a veteran with five years of service in the Marines and 10 years in the Navy, the company has been a staple of Amarillo real estate since it opened its doors in 2008, according to a news release.
Velasquez, an Amarillo native, offers a wealth of knowledge on the local market, particularly in residential and commercial properties, new construction, property management and commercial real estate investor and developer assistance. Now doing business as Century 21 Key Realty, Velasquez and his team of affiliated sales professionals will have access to the Century 21 brand’s technology and other programs, Velasquez intends to use these enhanced services to fuel future growth opportunities by attracting nearby new and existing agents, who he will then personally coach.
Velasquez earned his real estate license while he was in the military. After 15 years of service, he returned to Amarillo, excited about the future growth of his beloved city. He is married to his hometown sweetheart Angi, and together they have three children. As a military man since the age of 18, Velasquez has an affinity for personally mentoring new agents and further spreading his philosophy to the next generation of Amarillo’s real estate professionals. He also has a background in finance and fixer-uppers. While he was attending Texas Tech University, he got his first taste of real estate working in manual labor on house flipping projects. He became passionate about the idea of making something better and being rewarded for his work, which was the driving force behind him joining the real estate industry after his deployment. “By nature, I’m a do-it-yourself hustler. I don’t like leaving problems unsolved and I constantly push myself and others to make improvement,” said Velasquez. “When I was first introduced to real estate, I immediately recognized that it was the perfect opportunity to showcase my competitive spirit. My clients can be confident knowing that I’m proactive in all of my pursuits, and I don’t give anything less than 100%.”
Those interested in joining Velasquez’s endeavors are invited to visit him and his team at 2700 South Western Street Suite 200 in Amarillo, or call 806-881-4321.
Amarillo Habitat for Humanity selected as regional winner of Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award
The Amarillo Habitat for Humanity is celebrating a grant award from Chick-fil-A. “We are thrilled to announce that we have been named one of this year’s Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards recipients!” the organization said in a Facebook post. “This grant will help us to continue our work in bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Thank you, Chick-fil-A Georgia Street, for your continued support!”
“Every year, it is our privilege to award at least $5 million to help nonprofits across the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada, which are working to strengthen their communities,” Chick-fil-A says on its awards website. “Through our annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program, nonprofit organizations that are either nominated by local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators or have applied through the Chick-fil-A website can win grants of up to $350,000 to further their impact. Every year, Chick-fil-A One Members vote through the Chick-fil-A App to help us determine our regional winners.”
The company said this year, 29 organizations were selected as 2024 Regional Winners for their work in one of the four categories: Caring for People, Caring for Communities, Caring for Others through Food or Caring for our Planet. These organizations were nominated by a Chick-fil-A Operator, and Chick-fil-A One Customers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist in the Chick-fil-A App last fall.
Five directors re-elected to TCPB, corn checkoff referendum passes
LUBBOCK – In the 16th statewide election since Texas Corn Producers Board (TCPB) became a statewide entity in 1990, five board members were re-elected in the organization’s biennial elections. Additionally, the referendum to increase the statewide assessment amounts of corn and silage passed by more than the required two-thirds vote. The five board members re-elected to their positions will be sworn in on January 23, 2024, during TCPB’s next board meeting by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Each person elected will serve a 6-year term, or until the year 2030.
In Voting Region One, Mark Howard of Hartley County and Austin Sage of Dallam County were re-elected to represent this region that covers the Panhandle. Todd Kimbrell of Hill County and Aaron Martinka of Milam County were re-elected to serve in Voting Region Three, which encompasses North and Central Texas. Milton Charles Ring, Jr. of San Patricio County will continue to serve in Voting Region Four – covering the Coastal Bend region.
Corn producers voted in favor of a checkoff assessment of $.148 per ton for corn silage and $.02 per bushel for corn for grain, which is produced in Texas, effective June 1, 2024.
“This is an encouraging step to allow the state’s checkoff board to effectively impact producer profitability,” TCPB Chairman Robert Gordon said. “The assessment is key to driving marketing potential for Texas corn farmers through research, education and promotion.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture ratified the results of the referendum and elections on Jan. 2.
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