Amarillo - HPN Books

Transcription

Faces, Places & Open Spaces
Photography by Ralph Duke • Text by Christine Wyly
A publication of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
Amari
ll
o
Faces, Places, and
Open Spaces
Photography by Ralph Duke
Text by Christine Wyly
A publication of The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
HPNbooks
A division of Lammert Incorporated
San Antonio, Texas
The downtown Amarillo skyline features buildings constructed from the 1920s like the historic Santa Fe Building, to the twenty-first century Globe News Center for the Performing Arts.
The Chase Tower, constructed in 1971 is the tallest building between Fort Worth and Denver, and Albuquerque and Oklahoma City.
First Edition
Copyright © 2012 HPNbooks
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing
from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to Historical Publishing Network, 11535 Galm Road, Suite 101, San Antonio, Texas, 78254. Phone (800) 749-9790.
ISBN: 9781935377771
Library of Congress Card Catalog Number: 2012934633
Amarillo: Faces, Places, and Open Spaces
photography:
Ralph Duke
narrative:
Christine Wyly
design:
Glenda Tarazon Krouse
contributing writer for sharing the heritage:
Joe Goodpasture
Historical Publishing Network
president:
Ron Lammert
project manager:
Wynn Buck
administration:
Donna M. Mata
Melissa G. Quinn
book sales:
Dee Steidle
production:
Colin Hart
Evelyn Hart
Omar Wright
Tony Quinn
AMARILLO - Faces, Places & Open Spaces
2
Contents
4
Acknowledgements
5
Foreword
6
Introduction
10
Chapter
1
FACES
76
Chapter
2
PLACES
154
Chapter
3
OPEN SPACES
180
Amarillo Partners
302
Sponsors
304
About the Photographer and Author
Contents
3
Acknowledgements
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, founded
in 1926 is located in the historic Lee Bivins
home at 1000 South Polk Street. The stately
three-story Georgian-Revival-style house
I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege it was to meet the wonderful people of Amarillo
who sponsored this project. To every one who offered me hospitality and graciously gave me time
to visit with them, thank you very much. Thank you for your patience during the process, and
thank you for sharing the stories of your businesses, your families, and your history.
Thanks are also in order to the staff of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce who provided Ralph
and me with guidance, information, and valuable input. I wish to acknowledge the Amarillo
Convention and Visitor Council for their contributions to this book. Beth Duke also kept us on
track with details about historic downtown Amarillo. Gratitude goes to the staff of the Historical
Publishing Network, to Ron Lammert for his leadership, to Donna Mata who kept me grounded,
and Colin Hart who provided technical support.
Finally, thanks goes to my six wonderful grandchildren for giving me the vision for this book.
The history of Amarillo is their heritage, the future of Amarillo is their promise, and this book
about their city is part of my legacy to them.
was built by the pioneer rancher and his
wife Mary E. Bivins in 1903.
Christine Wyly
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Fo r e w o r d
When we started this project, I looked forward to working with Ralph Duke and presenting a
beautiful book to the people of Amarillo. From the beginning, our vision was to highlight the
modern, cosmopolitan side of the city, while at the same time celebrating our Western heritage.
I’m delighted say, we have done that. I trust that the faces you see, the places we share, and the
open spaces we love bring you joy.
The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce sitting
pretty in the snow and holiday glow.
Christine Wyly
As a native of Amarillo and a commercial photographer for more than forty years, I was excited
when the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce selected me to do the photographs for this book.
I am honored that readers will be able to see some of the images through my viewfinder.
I hope the photos will bring a smile to their faces or a happy memory. Please enjoy the pictures
for years to come. Sit back and take in Amarillo’s faces, places, and open spaces. Without photos,
we have no history.
Thank you,
Ralph Duke
Foreword
5
Introduct ion
This early morning image of sunrise over a
rail yard east of downtown, depicts the
never-ending activity of the railroad
silhouetted against the ever-changing
Amarillo sky.
Amarillo is a city of contrasts. Perched on top of the high mesa named Llano Estacado, it is a
place where rustic, rural influences embrace a culture of arts and philanthropy. It is a city where
traditions tied to its wild west past coexist with long held customs of refinement. Amarillo is a
cosmopolitan city with a small-town friendly attitude. Amarillo is and has been home to some of
the most interesting characters ever to pull on a pair of boots, yet the city thrives because of the
hard working, everyday kind of folks who are the foundation of its population.
The city sprang up at the playa lake named Amarillo Lake, also known as Wild Horse Lake
because wild mustangs drank there. It was a place where buffalo hunters and traders had set up
a nineteenth century hide market. The railroad made that market viable, and when buffalo hides
became a rarity, the railroads carried beef out of the Texas Panhandle. Cattle were driven into the
city and millions were penned close to downtown near the railroads. Early in Amarillo’s history
the railroad began to ship grain grown by farmers drawn to the area by promises of cheap land.
Today all manner of goods ride the rails out of and through Amarillo, and the railroad remains an
integral part of the Amarillo economy. The rumbling sound of trains on tracks, the thunderous
clap of train cars coupling together, and their piercing horns at crossings can be heard throughout
Amarillo. The railways that crisscross Amarillo transport tons of coal into area power plants and
still export grain and beef as well as other products that originate in the Texas Panhandle.
Amarillo would not have existed without the railroad; if the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway
had bypassed Amarillo in the beginning, it would have died like Tascosa and scores of other ghost
towns across the west. Today the city, seat of Potter County, also spreads into the northern portion
of Randall County and has a population of over 190,000.
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Those early pioneer farmers and ranchers
who settled the Texas Panhandle had plenty
of backbone and many endured the dust,
blizzards, and heat to become successful.
However, some were more fortunate to find
they had settled atop one of the richest fields
of oil and natural gas in the world. Natural gas
was discovered north of Amarillo in 1918. Oil
was discovered in 1920 in Carson County to
the east of Amarillo, and pipelines were
developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Oil and
gas exploration, production, refinement, and
transportation facilities have been part of the
Amarillo landscape since that time. The
Panhandle Field is said to be the largest
volume gas field in the United States. It also
produces helium in Potter County where the
Federal Helium Reserves are headquartered.
Today, Amarillo has been named as one of
the West’s best places to live by “American
Cowboy” and according to a recent Gallup
Survey, it was ranked as the tenth happiest
small city in the United States. Amarillo is
known to many as a gateway to the American
Southwest and into Palo Duro Canyon. It is
known for its proximity to oilfields lined with
pump jacks and its wide open plains dotted
with grazing cattle. Amarillo’s beautiful
skyline with its unique skyscrapers is known
to travelers, treasured by locals, and is
included in many photography collections.
Amarillo welcomes many visitors who travel
into the city on Interstate 40. Those visitors
often stay in the city to enjoy the many
attractions tied to its American West history
A long-time involvement with aviation and
being centrally located has made Amarillo a
transportation hub beyond the impact of
the railroads. In 2011 over 418,000 airline
boardings will take place at Rick Husband
Amarillo International Airport. The airport
serves as a refueling stop for military and
civilian aircraft alike and its primary runway
is one of the longest commercial runways in
the United States. NASA used the airport
as an occasional refueling stop for their
modified Boeing 747s with the piggy-backed
space shuttles aboard. The newly renovated
airport has been upgraded to implement a
new baggage system and create a more
comfortable, efficient experience for air
travelers. Passengers arriving at Rick Husband
Amarillo International Airport are greeted
with images of historic Texas Panhandle and
graphically created ranch brands incorporated
into a sleek modern look.
The 1927 Fisk Building in downtown
Amarillo was renovated during 2010.
Its transformation into a 107 room
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel was unveiled
in January 2011.
Introduction
7
As more people discover Amarillo’s assets
and amenities the city continues to expand.
Amarillo’s strong economy, coupled with an
increasingly well trained workforce, draws
new business and residents each year. The
area’s fine public school systems include
Amarillo Independent School System,
Highland Park Independent School System,
River Road Independent School System,
Bushland Independent School System, and
the Canyon Independent School System.
Amarillo is home to a number of private,
parochial, and religious schools as well
as Amarillo College, a fully accredited
community college, which offers a strong
academic, medical, and technical curriculum.
West Texas A&M University in Canyon,
approximately twenty miles south of Amarillo,
is part of the Texas A&M University System
and has a satellite campus in Amarillo. The
University’s sports programs (nicknamed the
Buffaloes) participate in NCAA Division II
Lone Star Conference competition. Wayland
Baptist University has a branch campus in
Amarillo as well. Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center in Amarillo educates medical
students, pharmacy students, and students in
physical therapy and other healthcare fields.
Long time and new residents alike are finding
that living in Amarillo offers opportunity,
stability, and a high quality of life.
The best way to sum up Amarillo is to
quote the people who know it best,
Amarilloans. Many say they have left
Amarillo, swearing to never come back, yet
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they couldn’t stay away for long. Quite a few
say “if you wear out a pair of shoes in
Amarillo, you’ll never leave.” Some recognize
that “Amarillo has come a long way from
where it started.” Other comments range from
“very windy,” to “it’s the easiest city to get
where you want to go,” and “the nicest people
I’ve ever met live in Amarillo…hands down,
no contest.” One former resident says
“Amarillo is a great place to retire…slow and
easy is the pace.” The resident who offers up
the best quote says “Amarillo is a place that
will slowly capture you and hold you forever.”
The FACES of Amarillo reflect fortitude
against the elements, generosity, hard work
and cooperation, friendliness, optimism,
and hope for the future. The PLACES in
Amarillo are reminiscent of western heritage,
traditional, cosmopolitan, modern and stateof-the-art, imaginative, and Texan to the core.
The OPEN SPACES provide room to grow, are
windswept, magnificently huge, and have a
stark beauty Amarilloans love with a passion.
Opposite, top: Amarillo is known as an oil
and gas town. Its fortunes have literally
ebbed and flowed with the rise and fall of
the oil and gas industry.
Opposite, bottom: The Amarillo Livestock
Auction serves the Texas Panhandle
ranching industry by handling more cattle
than any other commission auction
company in the United States.
Above: The Rick
Husband Amarillo
International Airport had
its beginnings in 1929,
and annexed a portion of
the deactivated Amarillo
Airbase in 1968. The
13,502–foot primary
runway served as an
alternate landing site for
NASA’s space shuttle.
Left: The Globe News Center
for the Performing Arts
started with a vision and a
gift from Caroline “Carol”
Bush Emeny. The specially
designed facility provides
acoustical excellence and a
state-of-the-art setting for the
Amarillo Fine Arts community.
Introduction
9
Above: Drummer, Jamie Hand, is shown
here during a performance of the popular
band Tom Velasquez and The Global
Nomads at a recent Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce event.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE.
Right: Andy Chase Cundiff is one of
Amarillo’s most popular local entertainers.
Opposite: J. Patrick O’Brien, Ph.D.,
president of West Texas A&M University is
shown here at the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce “Good Times Celebration®”
Barbecue Cook-Off.
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Chapter 1
friends,
neighbors,
and characters
Amarillo is a musicians’ town. Songwriters have hailed from
Amarillo for decades and today’s music is still being written by
Amarillo residents. Amarilloan Susan Gibson wrote the 1998
country western hit Wide Open Spaces. Charlie Phillips, recording
artist and co-writer of the 1958 song Sugartime and several other
hits, has been a long-time Amarillo resident who still performs
with his band, the Sugartimers. Songwriter Terry Stafford, who
grew up in Amarillo and graduated from Palo Duro High School,
wrote the song Suspicion recorded by Elvis Presley, as well the song
some consider the city’s anthem, Amarillo by Morning, made famous
by George Strait. Singers and musicians, John Rich, J. D. Souther,
Joe Ely, Kevin Fowler, and American Idol finalist Lacey Brown are
all from Amarillo. Actors Cyd Charisse, Ron Ely, and Carolyn Jones
were from Amarillo and contemporary actress Francie Swift is from
Amarillo. Jodi Thomas, M. K. Wren, Kimberly Willis Holt, Jennifer
Archer, and Jason Boyett are Amarillo authors.
Chapter 1
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musicians. Popular events like the “Good
Times Celebration®” Barbecue Cook-Off
and the Polk Street Block Party, feature
bands that perform country western, jazz,
blues, rock, and pop.
Above: Amarillo singer/songwriter, Ed
Montana, has performed across the country
singing at rodeos and with the Coors
Cowboy Band.
Right: Chuck Alexander, a long-time
Amarillo musician, performs at weddings
and local events.
«««««««««««««««
Opposite: Amarillo has many talented
Chapter 1
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«««««««««
14
««««««««««««
Opposite: Amarilloan Lacey Brown made
Amarillo proud when she became the
twelfth place finalist on the ninth season of
American Idol.
Above: Amarillo fiddle player, Jimmy Young
was a member of the Texas Playboys and
sang with the legendary Bob Wills. He is
also well known to Amarillo music fans as a
member of the Coors Cowboy Band, and as
a performer at the Big Texan Opry.
Right: This gentleman, a vendor at the
Working Ranch Cowboys Association World
Championship Ranch Rodeo, portrays an
elegant western style area residents are
accustomed to seeing among ranchers,
horsemen, and craftsmen.
Chapter 1
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Above: Many gatherings in Amarillo feature face painting for the young and
the young at heart.
Opposite: Kwahadi Dancers perform in full regalia after achieving the rank
of Eagle Scout and completing extensive training.
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Chapter 1
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The people of Amarillo are known for their
work ethic and the city of Amarillo is
fortunate to have a relatively low
unemployment rate.
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Service with a smile is commonplace
in Amarillo.
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Opposite: Is that an umbrella or a hat?
Above: Soapbox Derby participants learn how to compete at an early age.
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Below and opposite: Amarilloans are avid sports fans.
Sports stars from Amarillo include the
Funks and Romeros, professional wrestling
families. Professional golfer Ryan Palmer and
professional tennis player Alex O’Brien are
recent sports stars from Amarillo. Brandon
Slay, gold-medal Olympic wrestler, and
professional football coach Bum Phillips were
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Amarillo residents. Martial arts stars Steve
Nelson and Paul Buentello are Amarilloans as
was the late Evan Tanner. Amarillo residents
love football and the city has sent several
local stars to the professional leagues
including William Thomas, Hurles Scales,
Evander “Ziggy” Hood, and Carl Birdsong.
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Right: Paul Harpole is the current mayor of Amarillo.
Below: A statue of Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband,
astronaut and recipient of the Congressional Space
Medal of Honor, stands as a memorial at the
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.
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Stanley Marsh 3 is an Amarillo rancher,
philanthropist, and patron of unique artistic
projects including the Ozymandias, the
Dynamite Museum, and Cadillac Ranch.
Other notable Amarillo residents past
and present are poker player T. A. “Amarillo
Slim” Preston, millionaire Stanley Marsh 3,
oilman T. Boone Pickens, Jr., the late United
States Ambassador to Sweden Teel Bivins,
and former FDIC Chairman Don Powell.
Amarillo’s heroes include Thomas E. Creek,
U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient,
and astronauts Paul Lockhart and Rick D.
Husband. Astronaut Rick D. Husband, who
grew up in Amarillo, was commander of
the space shuttle Columbia and died during
its catastrophic disintegration upon re-entry
in 2003. His life and service to the nation
is commemorated by the naming of the
city’s airport as the Rick Husband Amarillo
International Airport where a statue has been
erected in his honor.
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f a i t h , h u m a n i t y,
and kindness
Amarillo is home to people of faith,
kindness, and generosity. Serving others is
commonplace, and benevolence is a longestablished characteristic of people on the
High Plains. Amarillo is home to many
charitable organizations. Faith based and
other philanthropic entities provide services
to the hungry, underprivileged, homeless, and
physically challenged throughout the area.
The Harrington Foundation, established
by Sybil Harrington, is an organization that
reflects the philosophy of her husband, Texas
Panhandle oilman Don Harrington, whereby
his wealth is returned to the area from where
it originated. Harrington donated the land
for Camp Don Harrington Boy Scout Camp.
After he died in 1974, Mrs. Harrington
continued his practice of philanthropy and
formed the Don and Sybil Harrington
Foundation. The Amarillo Area foundation,
formed in 1957 to address health care needs
in the Texas Panhandle, was instrumental in
developing the Amarillo Medical Center
complex. Today the Medical center is named
the Harrington Regional Medical Center
and serves thousands of area residents each
day. The Amarillo Area Foundation, with
the Harrington Foundation as a public
supporting organization, established the
Texas Tech Pharmacy School and continues
to reach out to the Amarillo area to meet
healthcare needs. Their philanthropic efforts
extend into other quality-of-life concerns
including the establishment of the Tyler
Street Resource Center to help the homeless
and needy as well as the formation of the
ACE Scholarship program.
Area firefighters created a Stars and Stripes
archway to support fundraising firefighters
bicycling from California to Ground Zero
in New York City. The cyclists were
commemorating 9/11 and raising
awareness for the Leary Firefighters
Foundation and the Wounded
Warrior project.
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Members of the Amarillo Police Department were thanked for their
service on the grounds of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce on
September 7, 2011. The event honored First Responders in conjunction
with a commemoration of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
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Members of the Bivins family, pioneer
Texas Panhandle ranchers, have established
several charitable foundations. The Mary E.
Bivins foundation assists the aged and awards
grants to assist with physical and social needs
to religious and community based charities.
The Lee Bivins Foundation also provides
assistance and quality care to the aged as does
the Betty Bivins Childers Foundation. Other
organizations that make a difference for area
residents include the Ware Foundation,
Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities,
Amarillo Area Casa, the Salvation Army, and
the Red Cross. City Church, formed by Don
Lane, feeds hundreds of hungry children
in their own under-privileged and innercity neighborhoods. Christian Relief Fund,
established by Baxter Loe, provides food,
education, medical care, and clothing in
thirty countries across the world. Countless
other churches, Jewish organizations, and
Muslim charities feed and clothe area
residents and minister to them in other areas
such as job training and placement. Residents
and businesses in Amarillo are avid
supporters of the United Way as well.
First Responders, like these members of the Amarillo Fire Department,
were honored by Chamber Barbecue participants on September 7, 2011.
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The kindness of Amarillo people is often
found outside the church and charitable
institutions. Amarillo has a neighborly spirit
and a pioneer attitude that has endured
throughout its history; its citizens often lend a
hand by volunteering time and physical labor
when disaster or tragedy strikes. Fundraisers
spring up around the region, and funds are
established for orphaned children, fire victims, and those who are affected by death
and illness. The Texas Panhandle is a small
world; people know their neighbors whether
they live in Amarillo or neighboring communities. Public service and first responders
are respected in the Amarillo area. In recent
years regional fire departments’ valiant
response to wildfires has set them apart. Area
firefighters and law enforcement work together during disasters with great community
support and fallen heroes are honored.
Patriotism is prevalent in the region; when
members of the Armed Forces come home
in flag draped caskets, veterans and others
form motorcycle honor guards to pay tribute
and shield the families. Folks on the Llano
Estacado are fiercely proud of those who
have sacrificed to serve the nation. Many
Amarilloans are supporters of America
Supports You Texas, an organization that
supports United States Military veterans,
active service members, and their families.
The organization helps send area veterans to
Washington D.C., to visit their national
memorials via the Honor Flight Network.
Opposite: Devlon D. Jones, a talented local
singer, is active in his church choir, performs
at Black Historical Culture Events, and at
the Amarillo Little Theater. He and many
Amarilloans actively contribute their talents
to the community and are dedicated to their
houses of worship.
Above: Many events in Amarillo are opened
with prayer. This photograph shows ranch
cowboys bowing during the opening prayer
at a Working Ranch Cowboys Association
World Championship Ranch Rodeo.
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The Don and Sybil Harrington Home stands
as a monument to their kindness and generosity
to the people of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.
The home is a museum today, left to the people
of Amarillo with its own endowment,
admission will always be free.
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Potter County Judge Arthur Ware was
called upon as a reservist to fight in the
1991 Persian Gulf War. He was activated
and served with the 4th Tank Battalion,
attached to the 2nd Marine Division during
his service.
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Amarilloans always turn out in
force to support charities like the
Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.
This photograph shows many of
the 2011 participants in the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.
Chapter 1
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Residents of the Texas Panhandle
call firefighters heroes.
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Patriotism is an integral part of any gathering or celebration in the Texas
Panhandle; it is often displayed with a western twist.
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Patriot Guard Riders, many who are veterans of former wars, and other motorcycle riders
pay respect to a fallen soldier and shield the mourning family during his funeral in Amarillo.
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Above: The patriotic culture of Amarillo is evident by the
participation of area ROTC units at parade time.
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culture, customs,
and leisure
Opposite: Kristen Plumley performed as Musetta in
Amarillo Opera’s production of Giacomo Puccini’s
La bohème in October 2011.
Amarilloans are fortunate to enjoy an abundant performing arts community. The Lone Star
Ballet, Amarillo Opera, and Amarillo Symphony perform in the distinctive 1,279 seat Globe News
Center for the Performing Arts. West Texas A&M University has a premier arts program that
teaches music, dance, and theater whereby local young people become part of the arts community
during their studies. Activities like the annual production of the Nutcracker are collaborations
between the arts community and the education community. The Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts
Complex at West Texas A&M University is a 142,568 square foot facility that houses superb
theater, music, and communications programs, and also serves as a performance venue. The Lone
Star Ballet awards dance scholarships to students at West Texas A&M University. The Texas
Academy of Performing arts focuses on youth education and performance. Performers like the
Amarillo Youth Choir, the Harrington String Quartet, the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra,
and Chamber Music Amarillo add to the opportunities Amarilloans have for high caliber
entertainment. Productions by the Amarillo Little Theater, established in 1927, include MainStage
productions and Academy productions as well as special events. The Amarillo College Theater
Arts program, TheatreAC presents productions at the AC Experimental Theatre on the
Washington Street Campus.
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Other cultural events that take place in
the city are bull riding competitions and
rodeo championships. The annual Tri-State
Fair Parade is held each September, and
features equestrian riding clubs, floats,
marching bands, and area ROTC units, as
well as local military reserve units. The
Kwahadi Dancers are a youth performing
group who present interpretive songs,
dances, and stories representative of Native
American culture. They perform regularly
for residents and tourists at the Kwahadi
Kiva Indian Museum and Event Center
and throughout the region at community
events. Amarilloans also enjoy gatherings
that feature expert horsemanship and
shooting like the Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Association World Championships.
Above: Ballerinas get hungry too!
Opposite: This shot of a Lone Star Ballet class is a fun look at ballerina legs.
42
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The Harrington String Quartet,
pictured here in front of the Don and
Sybil Harrington mansion, was formed
in 1980 as a result of a gift from
Mrs. Harrington. The performers are also
employees of West Texas A&M University
and members of the Amarillo Symphony.
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Left: Civic Amarillo and Amarillo Opera
presents an annual summer youth musical.
This photograph includes members of the
2010 cast of Les Miserables.
Below: This image of the Amarillo
Symphony illustrates the beauty of
performing at the Globe News Center for
the Performing Arts. The Symphony’s
mission is to “infuse the Amarillo
community with an unbridled enthusiasm
for the performance and discovery of great
orchestral music.”
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Left: A contestant at the Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Association World Championships takes aim at her target.
Below: The Kwahadi Dancers celebrate and
commemorate the Native American culture of the
High Plains and surrounding region.
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The fabric of Amarillo has been enriched in recent years by the
addition of new residents from Asia and Africa, as well as immigrants
from Southern Europe and Mexico. Many are refugees escaping war,
famine, and ethnic cleansing. Various humanitarian agencies in
Amarillo facilitate the acceptance of the displaced people, and help
them assimilate into American culture by assisting them with
housing, employment, and education. The cultural diversity in the
city has opened up opportunities for residents and immigrants alike
to learn more about the customs, cuisines, and religions of their
respective populations. Many events feature culturally diverse
entertainment like Mariachi and Tejano bands. Other performances
such as traditional ceremonies with Laotian dancing presented by the
Buddhist community, treat spectators to colorful pageantry.
This colorful rodeo performance
featured traditional Mexican
costumes, horsemanship, and
expert roping skills.
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The rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic
community in the Texas Panhandle is reflected
by the performance of this Tejano Band at
Wonderland Park.
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Rodeo fans at the Amarillo Civic Center enjoy a
thrilling bucking bronc ride in the Cal Farley Coliseum.
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A rider dressed in a United States Cavalry uniform from the 1800s carries our nation’s
flag into the opening ceremonies of an event at the Amarillo National Center. Presenting
the colors is a tradition at western events, sporting events, and civic functions in Amarillo.
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Friday nights in the fall belong to high school
football. Area residents meet at Amarillo’s Dick
Bivins stadium to cheer on long-time football
rivalries every Friday night during football season. Often, fans travel to area towns to support
52
their teams, and teams from across the Texas
Panhandle play at Dick Bivins Stadium in games
that decide who advances in the play-offs.
“Friday night lights” is a very prominent part of
Amarillo’s cultural experience.
Opposite: High school football fans show their spirit at Dick Bivins Stadium.
Above: The Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts presents a vast array
of productions enjoyed by the residents of the Texas Panhandle.
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A touring production of “Young Frankenstein” was presented as part of Civic Amarillo’s
Broadway Spotlight Series in November 2011 at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.
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Cast members of the touring production of “Young Frankenstein”
entertain the audience at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.
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wingdings,
shindigs, and
hoedowns
Above: Chuck Wagon Cook-offs are popular events.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.
Opposite: Xcel Energy is a regular corporate participant at the annual
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Good Times Celebration®” Barbecue Cook-Off.
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The present day location of downtown Amarillo has been the hub of the city since its early development in 1888. The
original 1887 settlement of Amarillo, near Wild Horse Lake, gave way to Glidden and Sanborn’s entrepreneurial enticements
and to topography that was better suited to keep the new town high and dry. Since that time downtown activity has ebbed
and flowed with the fortunes and misfortunes of the city. From the early days, cattlemen, agribusiness, banks, and retail
stores made downtown the commercial hub of Amarillo with Polk Street at the center. After World War II and into the mid1960s, Amarillo thrived, and the suburbs began to sprawl predominantly to the southwest of the city. Suburban shopping
centers were developed and gradually retailers began an exodus out of downtown. When the Amarillo Airbase closed in the
late 1960s, more retailers left the downtown and eventually large corporations consolidated elsewhere and left Amarillo.
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Above: Thousands of Amarilloans turn out for the annual Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Good Times Celebration®” Barbecue Cook-Off. This crowd is on Polk Street in front of the Chamber offices.
Below: Barbecue grills and smokers are serious business in Texas, especially at the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Good Times Celebration®” Barbecue Cook-Off.
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Right: The 2011 “First in Showmanship” award at the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Good Times Celebration®”
Barbecue Cook-Off went to Wells Fargo Bank.
BELOW: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
As downtown began to look abandoned and
historic buildings were razed, citizens became
concerned with preservation of downtown
Amarillo. Entities like Center City of Amarillo
and Downtown Amarillo, Inc., were formed to
revitalize the downtown area. Increased focus
on the historic core of Amarillo has brought
new business to downtown; shops, restaurants,
and night spots have come back to Polk Street
in recent years. Benefit events such as the
annual Polk Street Block Party raise funds for
Center City’s efforts in promoting downtown
Amarillo. During the summer time, Center City’s
“High Noon on the Square,” features entertainment and lunch each Wednesday at the Potter
County Courthouse Square. The Electric Light
Parade held along Polk Street, on a night each
December, ushers in the holiday season.
Downtown is also the location of the annual
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Summer Fiesta
in June, and the “Good Times Celebration®”
Barbecue Cook-Off each September. The
Chamber of Commerce events are held around
the grounds of the historic Bivins mansion
where the Chamber’s offices are located.
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OPPOSITE, TOP AND BOTTOM: PHOTOGRAPHS
COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE.
Left: Texans will barbecue
anything and everything!
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
BELOW: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE
AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
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Opposite, top: Judges for the first Salsa Fest and Margarita Mix-Off at the fourth annual
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Summer Fiesta, are shown here lined up and waiting for
the first samples.
Opposite, bottom: The folks at The Plaza Restaurant gathered up two awards for their
entries in the Salsa Fest at the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Summer Fiesta.
Below: Dyer’s Barbecue was a big winner at the Salsa Fest.
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The Amarillo Civic Center, located downtown, is the site of the annual Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce BusinessConnection®
networking event. Many area residents visit the
Civic Center throughout the year; they attend
trade shows, dog shows, and antique shows.
The Civic Center hosts scores of concerts and
conventions each year, as well as the popular
annual Make-a-Wish Car Show. It is also the site
of numerous craft shows and an annual citywide garage sale. Sporting events bring fans
downtown to the Civic Center; a number of
regional and national youth sports competitions
are held in Amarillo. Amarillo’s professional
hockey team and indoor football team play their
games in the Civic Center’s Cal Farley Coliseum.
Above: The Amarillo Civic Center hosts many sports contests like the event where these young ladies participated in tumbling competitions.
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Above: Amarillo Venom, the city’s Indoor football team,
brings fans downtown to the Amarillo Civic Center.
Right: Enthusiastic fans cheer on the Amarillo Venom.
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Opposite: Center City’s Polk Street Block
Party brings thousands of people downtown
each August. All proceeds go toward
downtown revitalization.
Below: The turkey leg booth at the Polk
Street Block Party is a popular place.
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Above: The Christmas
Light Parade.
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Polk Street, Amarillo’s “main drag,” is home to the Center City
Electric Light Parade each December.
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Above: Students from the Lone Star Ballet dance at High Noon
on the Square.
Left: The Potter County Courthouse steps are a perfect stage
for entertainment during “High Noon on the Square.”
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Opposite and above: Farmers, ranchers, and others interested in agriculture visited
the Twenty-seventh Annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show at the
Amarillo Civic Center in November of 2011.
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The Amarillo Civic Center is the site of AKC
dog shows. Hundred of dogs (and their owners)
take part each year; this lady and her dogs are
preparing to show off for the fans and judges.
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Below: The Chase Tower
is home to the Amarillo
offices of Chase Bank,
Xcel Energy, and the
Amarillo campus of
West Texas A&M
University. The Amarillo
Club, located on the
thirty-first floor
offers stunning views
of the city and the
Panhandle beyond.
Opposite: Arial view
of downtown Amarillo.
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m o n e y,
commerce,
and medicine
The late 1800s and early 1900s were years of growth for
Amarillo with the influx of settlers who worked at ranching and
farming, and entrepreneurs who started businesses, many still
operating today. The oil and gas industry has been an integral
part of Amarillo’s economy since the early 1900s. During the
Great Depression, many businesses suffered, but hard work and
fortitude helped them to survive then and throughout downturns
since that time. The years after World War II were prosperous for
Amarillo and the city grew, in part, because of the re-activation
of Amarillo Airbase in 1951. When Amarillo Airbase closed again
in the late 1960s, the economic base was adversely affected and
the city suffered a great economic blow. In subsequent years, city
officials and planners went out on a limb and thought outside the
box to bring industry and business to the Texas Panhandle.
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Above: The Chase Tower is home to the Amarillo Campus of West Texas
A&M University where Amarillo’s future workforce is being trained.
Opposite: The natural gas industry has contributed to the economic
prosperity of Amarillo residents since early in the twentieth century.
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Today, Amarillo’s economy is diverse and
relatively resilient as a result of many years
of long-range planning and wisdom from
far-sighted Amarillo citizens. The Amarillo
Economic Development Corporation has
had great success searching out and bringing
in new industries that have changed the
complexion of what used to be a primarily
agribusiness and oil and gas producing area.
The result is a lower unemployment rate and
a more stable economy than in many other
areas of the country.
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Pump jacks are familiar sights across West Texas.
They move millions of barrels of crude oil from formations
below the earth to tanks where it is then transported
to refineries.
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Right: Amarilloans’ inclination toward hard work and their diverse abilities are at the
core of the city’s resilience during all economic circumstances.
Below: This image depicts a group of construction workers on a Western Builders job site.
The strong Amarillo economy continues to sustain area construction projects.
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Area businesses export an increasingly
diverse array of products to markets outside of Amarillo. Contemporary industries
that increase Amarillo’s opportunity for a
stable economic future include aircraft and
wind energy manufacturing facilities. Wind
energy companies like Alstom Energy,
based in France, and Zarges Aluminum
Systems, based in Germany, have recently
come to the city to build components for
wind turbines. The completion of their
assembly plants in east Amarillo has added
to a growing industrial presence along the
northeastern quadrant of Loop 335. Bell
Helicopter Textron, also located east of
the city in facilities provided by the City of
Amarillo, has returned to Amarillo after a
time of being away. Over 1,000 workers
at the facility assemble the V-22 Osprey,
Huey helicopters, Cobra Helicopters, and
the U.S. 101 presidential helicopters, as
well as refurbishing other aircraft like the
Kiowa Warrior Scout aircraft.
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Opposite, top: The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, built to meet the needs of
all four U. S. Armed Services, is assembled at Amarillo’s Bell Helicopter-Textron Plant.
The aircraft has been deployed for use during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This image depicts the Osprey on the job along with other aircraft
Bell Helicopter works on in the Amarillo facility.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON.
Opposite, bottom: The expansion of wind energy is a newer contribution to the economy
of the Texas Panhandle. Mighty and majestic wind turbines like these pictured here,
are becoming a common sight in the region.
Below: Harnessing water and wind for the benefit of those who live on the
High Plains is part of the past as well as the future.
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The annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch
Show held at the Amarillo Civic Center,
hosts 20,000 to 30,000 visitors from
the agricultural community each year.
Agribusiness accounts for a substantial
amount of commerce in the Tri-State Area.
Agribusiness has changed a great deal in
recent years. Traditionally, agribusiness in the
Texas Panhandle has consisted of raising cattle on ranches, operating feedlots, and farming. The Panhandle is considered to be the
cattle feeding capital of the world. The area is
one of the most productive and important
agricultural areas in the world. Tons of
wheat, sorghum, cotton, and corn are
shipped from Amarillo each year. Only
Kansas surpasses the Texas High Plains in
cattle feeding operations, and the swine
industry is growing rapidly in the area. Today,
agribusiness has expanded to encompass processing and manufacturing the products
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raised and grown in the area. There are four
major packing facilities in the region.
Recently, dairy farms have been established in
the Texas Panhandle and neighboring states,
causing support and outgrowth industries to
spring up in the Amarillo area, most notably,
Hillmar Cheese in Dalhart, Texas. Area farmers and other businesses are now able to
supply feed and supplies to dairies and
related businesses which has resulted in
larger markets for their products. Expanded
agribusiness production has increased
demand for the services of trucking companies to transport agricultural products and
by-products out of the Texas Panhandle.
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Auctioneers at the Amarillo Livestock auction
sell thousands of cattle every year.
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Farming in the Texas Panhandle has been a bedrock industry in the
region since the founding of Amarillo, and remains so today.
Major employers in Amarillo who long
ago recognized the benefits of Amarillo’s central location at the crossroads of interstate
highways, include food distribution companies like Affiliated Foods and Ben E. Keith.
Several major trucking firms are headquartered in Amarillo also, taking advantage
of Amarillo’s central location. Other
long term employers include Tyson Foods,
BWXT Pantex, United Supermarkets, Owens
Corning, and ASARCO. Amarillo Independent
School District and local city and county
governments also employ thousands of
area residents.
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Amarillo’s comprehensive medical facilities keep area
residents from having to travel outside the
region for specialized care.
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The Coffee Memorial Blood Center is a vital part of the medical
services offered to the people of the Texas Panhandle.
Key employers in Amarillo are BSA
Healthcare System, Northwest Texas
Healthcare System, and Thomas E. Creek
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare
System. In addition to employing thousands
of area residents, the Amarillo medical community is a premier location for state-of-theart medical care. Patients in the Texas
Panhandle and neighboring states depend on
the medical care provided by the three hospitals mentioned, approximately thirty other
facilities who are members of the Harrington
Regional Medical Center, and numerous other
providers throughout the city. The Medical
Center’s affiliated members offer acute care,
long-term care to the aged, cancer treatment,
rehabilitative services, and speech and hearing treatment. Mental health, research, blood
bank, and veterinary research facilities are
located in the Medical Center as well.
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Area residents benefit from
extraordinary medical and dental care
unparalleled in a city of the size of Amarillo.
Residents of Amarillo and rural towns
throughout the region rely on cutting-edge-technology
provided by the Amarillo medical community.
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The 400-acre Harrington Regional Medical Center is home to a comprehensive alliance
of medical institutions devoted to healing, education, and research.
LIFESTAR, provided by Northwest
Texas Healthcare System and Med-Trans
Corporation, provides critical care air
transport to the Texas Panhandle and
surrounding states. It is often seen
streaking across the sky, transporting
a struggling newborn baby to the
neo-natal unit, bringing a critically ill
patient to the Heart Hospital, or offering
swift trauma care to an accident victim.
Emergency transport helicopter, LIFESTAR,
operates from a launch/landing pad located
next to Northwest Texas Hospital near their
emergency room and trauma center. The
Medical Center encompasses over 400
acres and is home to Ronald McDonald
House. Education facilities located in the
Medical Center include Texas Tech University
Health Sciences School of Allied Health,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences School
of Medicine, and Texas Tech University
Health Sciences School of Pharmacy. Affiliated
members and others outside the Medical
Complex include Panhandle Eye Group and
the Cardiology Center of Amarillo. Medical
facilities as comprehensive and of the magnitude as the facilities in Amarillo are not often
found in cities the size of Amarillo. The
Amarillo medical community is as high caliber
as any found in cities with much larger populations. The medical quality of life in Amarillo
is first-rate and is recognized throughout the
region as an outstanding attribute for a city the
size of Amarillo or any other.
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holes-in-the-wall,
pit stops, and
hangouts
There’s no place
like the Golden
Light Café.
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Amarilloans are fond of their
hangouts and dives. Some of
the best food in Amarillo
can be found in nondescript, out of the way
places. Some, like the
Golden Light Café, a
National Historic Landmark,
are famous for their location,
longevity, and great hamburgers. The
Café, established in 1946, is the oldest
restaurant in Amarillo and one of the oldest
on old Route 66. The adjacent Golden Light
Cantina features both famous and obscure
musicians who have entertained Amarillo
residents for decades. Barnaby’s Beanery has
been on historic old Route 66 (Sixth Street)
for forty years, and Smokey Joe’s across the
road from the Golden Light Café, packs folks
into the street-front outdoor patio on warm
summer nights. The Stockyard Café, where
the chicken fried steak has been eaten by
cowboys, downtown businessmen and professionals, cattle buyers, tourists, and just
plain folks has appeared on the Travel
Channel. The “Burger from Hell” served up by
the Coyote Bluff Café has also appeared on
the Travel Channel. Amarillo loves Mexican
food, and many hole-in-the-wall Mexican
eateries and large chain restaurants can be
found throughout the city. Acapulco Mexican
Restaurant and Bar has brought Mexican cuisine and a party atmosphere to downtown
Amarillo. La Frontera, on Arthur Street, is a
favorite with local residents, and taco and
burrito stands can be found almost anywhere
in the eastern section of the city.
Mexican fare served up by
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
and Bar is a popular menu for
those who like to hang out
in downtown Amarillo.
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««««««««««««««
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«««««««««««
Opposite and above: The Golden Light Café is the most famous restaurant
in Amarillo. Located in the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District,
it is a beloved pit stop for downtown professionals, bikers,
and Amarillo residents looking for a great burger.
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The Beef Burger Drive-In is a famous Amarillo landmark.
The barrel shaped eatery has been located on
Plains Boulevard for decades.
Beefsteaks are king in Texas; Amarillo is
no exception. Lone Star Bar and Grill on FM
1151 (Claude Highway), and Outlaw Supper
Club hidden out of the city on East Third
Avenue, may be in obscure locations, but
Amarillo residents have no problem finding
them when they hear a steak calling their
name. Amarillo is known for fine dining
also; several upscale restaurants are located
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across the city and urban establishments are
springing up. Elegant dining is the custom at
the Amarillo Club, and at numerous steak
houses and Italian restaurants in the city.
Amarillo is a city where cosmopolitan
lifestyles co-exist with laid back and informal
activities, making the city a well-rounded
place where residents feel at home wherever
they choose to spend their time.
A unique concept of good cowboy food with a gourmet twist,
followed by a dessert of gourmet Italian ice cream,
has made Cowboy Gelato a favorite hangout
on historic old Route 66 (Sixth Street).
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The Ground Café, on the ground floor of the tallest building in
Amarillo (Chase Tower), offers organic coffee, espresso, fountain
items, sandwiches, and pastry to business people,
WTAMU students, and other downtown
denizens each day.
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The 575 Pizzeria is tucked back off the
beaten path, but the food is good, the beer
is cold, and the urban atmosphere makes
it a popular pit stop.
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Opposite: The chicken fried steak at the Stockyard Café is so
famous it has appeared on the Travel Channel.
Below: The Coyote Bluff Café in East Amarillo is famous for the
“Burger from Hell” and cold beer iced down in a tub.
People line up out the door most days at lunch.
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Below: Many business deals have been struck at the Stockyard Café
adjacent to the sale barn of the Amarillo Livestock Auction.
Opposite: Smokey Joe’s patio is a great place to watch the
happenings on old Route 66 (Sixth Street).
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c o m m u n i t y,
traditions, and
lifest yle
There is much in and around Amarillo to do and see year round. Amarillo has a beautiful
municipal park system with over sixty parks in all areas of the city. Thompson Memorial Park,
established in 1930, is located on Highway 287 north of downtown Amarillo. It is home to a
15-acre zoo and a municipal swimming pool. The park has a stream, two beautiful lakes,
and a forest of mature trees that provides abundant shade. Medical Center Park is located in the
Harrington Medical Center complex, and also has two adjoining lakes. Amarillo Botanical
Gardens and Don Harrington Discovery Center, an interactive science center and museum, are
located in Medical Center Park. Amarillo parks have walking trails, ample lighting, and
restroom facilities as well as volleyball and basketball courts in some locations.
The city has two skate parks and several splash pools and full sized municipal pools. In
recent years, Amarillo has taken part in the Rails to Trails project, and converted abandoned
railroad tracks into walking and bike trails that stretch from near downtown to Coulter
Boulevard on the city’s west side. Golf enthusiasts have private, public, and municipal 18-hole
golf courses to choose from throughout Amarillo. Newer sports like disc golf are becoming
more popular, and the city has established a disc golf course at Thompson Memorial Park.
Opposite, top and bottom: An old fashioned croquet
tournament hosted by Friends of the Amarillo
Botanical Gardens, was a unique way to raise funds
for the Botanical Gardens.
Below: Ross Rogers Municipal Golf Course has
beautiful fairways, consists of two 18-hole courses,
has challenging water features, and is well rated.
PHOTOGRAPH BY RICK VANDERPOOL, COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO
CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.
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Below and opposite: Sunset Center,
Amarillo’s first indoor mall, has been
converted into an artist community.
The Galleries at Sunset, with over fifty
studio-galleries, is also home to the
Panhandle Art Center and the Amarillo
Art Institute.
Indoor activities include enjoying the wide
array of visual arts venues the city has to
offer. Amarillo College is home to the
Amarillo Museum of Art, founded in 1967
by community members for the purpose of
showcasing local art as well as loaned
exhibits. Other venues for art lovers in
Amarillo are the Panhandle Art Center,
Amarillo Fine Arts Association, and Amarillo
Art Institute. The Galleries at Sunset Center,
home to a prolific and emerging local arts
scene, opens over fifty galleries to the public
for “First Friday Art Walk” each month.
Private galleries include the IC Gallery, the
Rayburn Gallery, and the Carey-McDuff
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Contemporary Art Gallery. Downtown Amarillo
is home to the Process Art House, a gallery
where emerging contemporary art is featured.
Panhandle Plains Historic Museum in
Canyon offers loaned exhibits and is home
to the permanent collections of Harold
Bugbee, Frank Reaugh, and other Texas and
Southwestern artists, as well as Eastern
American and European art. Other exhibits
appear from time to time in Amarillo’s
banks, hotels, and restaurants. Art shows can
also be found in shops and other venues
like Blue Sage Pottery and Art Gallery, The
Nat Ballroom, and The 806, all within the
U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District.
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Amarillo has one of the lowest crime rates of
comparably sized cities in Texas and the nation.
City leaders attribute the low crime rate to the
high standards and effective work of the Amarillo
Police Department (APD). APD participates in
Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch, and
other programs. The department includes uniformed patrol officers, narcotics and swat units, a
detective unit, community bicycle patrols, and
motorcycle squads. Community support, a stateof-the-art communications system, and support
from city leaders contribute to the progressive,
professional performance of APD.
Opposite: The Amarillo Museum of Art is
located on the campus of
Amarillo College.
Above and below: The Amarillo Police
Department Building is strategically
located at the center of the city
in downtown Amarillo.
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Left and opposite: The mission of the
Amarillo Botanical Gardens is to serve the
community by inspiring interaction with plants
and the environment, creating adventure
and conveying knowledge.
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens offers a summer concert series “Music in the Gardens”
on Thursday nights from June to August.
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Below: The recent addition of a Herpetarium at the Amarillo Zoo offers a new
adventure to Amarillo children.
Opposite: The Don and Sybil Harrington Discovery Center captures the imagination
and provides delight and excitement to the children of the region.
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Above: The Amarillo Fire Department Central Station (Fire Station 1) is located at 400 South Van Buren Street. The station serves downtown Amarillo and adjacent areas.
Below: The Southwest Branch of the Amarillo Public Library is one of four branches that, along with the Central (downtown) Library, serves over 2,000 people every day.
Opposite: Amarillo Globe-News sponsors an annual fireworks show on Independence Day at John S. Stiff Memorial Park.
In addition to community events enjoyed by residents and visitors, the everyday lifestyle and quality of life
in Amarillo is enhanced by the amenities offered in the way of city services. The Amarillo Public Library System,
started with just 123 books in 1902, is one of the oldest institutions in the city. Today, the Downtown Library
and four branches include more than 800,000 books and other publications. The library serves as headquarters
for the Harrington Library Consortium, the only multi-institutional cooperative library network in Texas.
The Consortium serves as vehicle for sharing of resources for public, school, academic, and special libraries.
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The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) consists of twelve fire stations and staff whose mission it is to protect
lives and property in the community by providing the highest quality of professional services. AFD fights fires
and responds to life threatening medical emergencies, as well as responding to HAZMAT incidents. They are
actively involved in investigation, fire safety and prevention, and education. The protection provided by the
Amarillo Fire Department has made them a valued component of a high quality of life in Amarillo.
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This photograph
captures the beauty of
a soft winter snow upon the
trees in Thompson Memorial Park.
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Above and below: Thompson Memorial Park has over 250 acres of land within its boundaries, much of it covered with a forest of trees.
An icy storm in the park creates a beautiful winter wonderland.
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Below: Medical Center Park is a popular destination for Amarillo residents who enjoy
an outdoor lifestyle.
Opposite: This image of colorful Soapbox Derby entries on Northeast Twenty-fourth
Street depicts local community sponsorship of a long-held American traditional.
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The lemurs at the Amarillo Zoo often steal the show with their playful personalities.
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Visitors to the Amarillo Zoo are delighted when the big cats are visible during the daytime.
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Opposite: The annual Tri-State Fair Exposition and Rodeo attracts well over one
hundred thousand people from Amarillo and the surrounding region.
Below: The midway at the Tri-State Fair Exposition is
packed every night; the Ferris wheel remains
a popular attraction each year.
Activities in the Amarillo area are often traditions tied to its agricultural and ranching history. The Tri-State
Fair and Rodeo takes place every year in September, and showcases livestock and agricultural products grown
in the Texas Panhandle and adjacent states. The 4H and FFA clubs throughout the region show hogs, lambs,
steers, rabbits, and other animals. Residents across the Panhandle enter canned goods, textiles, and baked goods
to be judged, and fair goers tour the exhibit halls to get a look at quilts, art, and photography as well. Many
fairgoers attend just to eat the turkey legs, cotton candy, corn dogs, steak on a stick, and other fun food. Others
stroll along the midway or brave the carnival rides, adding to the sounds that permeate the air with the unique
din only a midway can create. Rodeos and concerts held on the fairgrounds during the fair are part of the great
fall tradition of the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo that keeps people coming back year after year.
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This panoramic photograph of The Amarillo
National Bank Sox Stadium shows a
summer crowd cheering on the Amarillo
Sox. Baseball has been a tradition in
Amarillo for many years.
A popular attraction in Amarillo is the
Big Texan Steak Ranch (Home of the Free 72
Ounce Steak), where food and entertainment
are dished up with an Old West flair by
servers in western attire. Destinations like
the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame &
Museum, and the Kwahadi Museum of
the American Indian are known to many
Interstate 40 travelers and enjoyed by local
residents as well. Alibates Flint Quarries
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National Monument, approximately thirtyfive miles north of Amarillo, where ancient
civilizations gathered flint for tools and
weapons and the Panhandle Plains Historic
Museum in nearby Canyon, are places where
the past can be explored and better understood. The Texas Air and Space Museum celebrates Amarillo’s passion for aviation and
preserves the history of area residents who
contributed to our country as aviators.
destinations,
attractions, and
entertainment
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Below: Visiting and local kids love the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum.
Opposite: Shopping on old Route 66 (Sixth Street) in historic San Jacinto is an antique
lover’s delight. Original storefronts from Amarillo’s early days house antique shops,
junk stores, and specialty shops.
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Above: More than sixty singers, dancers, and actors make up the cast of the outdoor musical drama “Texas.”
Below: The outdoor musical drama “Texas” with the Palo Duro Canyon as a backdrop, has drawn millions of visitors from across the world in its forty-five year history.
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Amarillo attracts motorcycle rallies and tours. This group of Goldwing riders is shown
viewing Palo Duro Canyon from an overlook in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
The city’s location on old Route 66 is an
attraction for people from all over the world.
Visitors to the city and residents alike shop for
antiques in the 13-block U.S. Route 66-Sixth
Street Historic District, west of downtown
Amarillo. Other shopping areas are Wolflin
Village and Square, and Westgate Mall.
Weekend searches by “junk to treasure,”
hunters at garage sales, and flea markets in
various parts of the city are popular pastimes.
The outdoor musical drama “Texas” is staged
in the stunning outdoor amphitheater in Palo
Duro Canyon each night from early June to
late August. “Texas” is the longest running outdoor musical in the United States, is attended
by people from countries across the world,
and is preceded by an old fashioned Texas
barbecue. Summer nights also give baseball
fans the opportunity to attend minor league
baseball games played by the hometown
Amarillo Sox. Wonderland Park, located north
of Amarillo in Thompson Memorial Park, is an
amusement park that has been a partner with
the City of Amarillo for sixty years.
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A “must see” at the Panhandle Plains Historic Museum is the Transportation Exhibition.
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The Big Texan Singers provide live western music while diners at the Big Texan Steak Ranch enjoy their meals surrounded by a collection of Old West memorabilia.
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The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
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The Grand Hall of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum showcases the people and horses inducted in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame
and the Foundation Bloodline Chart.
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Above: This exterior photograph of the Panhandle Plains Museum’s Don D. Harrington
Petroleum Wing shows an impressive view of a 1920s cable-tool drilling rig exhibit.
Opposite: Panhandle Plains Historic Museum, founded in 1933 and located on the campus of
West Texas A&M University, has an extensive collection of American Indian artifacts and tells
the story of the People of the Plains dating back over 14,000 years.
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Above: Everyone is a kid at Wonderland Park.
Opposite: Wonderland Park is a prime attraction for families across
the Panhandle who visit Amarillo to shop, patronize local restaurants,
and finish the day with an evening at Wonderland Park.
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Opposite: This birds-eye view of the Amarillo Symphony captures the
unique backdrop of the Globe News Center for the Performing Arts.
Above: The Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian is a beautiful
facility and a favorite tourist destination.
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The architecture of buildings in downtown Amarillo ranges from Art Deco in the Pueblo Decostyle of the White and Kirk Building at 516 South Polk Street, and the Kress Building at 702 South
Polk Street, to Gothic, Mission Revival, and English Tudor. The landmark Santa Fe Building is a
stunning example of the use of Gothic design. Many know the E. F. Rittenberry designed Pueblo
Deco-style building at 802 South Polk Street as the Levine’s Building. The Pueblo Deco-style Fisk
Medical Arts Building at 724 South Polk Street is a treasured icon of early Amarillo construction
and was designed by noted architect, Guy Carlander. Other Guy Carlander designed projects
include the old Northwest Texas Hospital, the Old Tascosa Room at the Herring Hotel, several
Llano Cemetery structures, Amarillo Hardware, and Amarillo College’s Russell and Ordway Halls.
The Mission revival-style Santa Fe Depot was built in 1910 and once served as depot, Harvey
House, and hotel. It is now privately owned, and is located near the Texas Historical Landmark
site of the Santa Fe Railroad Locomotive 5000, “Madam Queen.”
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icons, art, and
sacred pl aces
Above: Cadillac Ranch is known to people across the world as
a quirky, iconic work of art that is a “must see” on a cross
country trek across the United States.
Right: Dramatic architecture in downtown Amarillo features
friezes and gargoyles, features not often seen in cities in the
southwestern United States.
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Another local icon is Stanley Marsh’s
Cadillac Ranch, located on Interstate 40 on
the western edge of the city. Cadillac Ranch
is a 1974 project by the art group, Ant Farm,
consisting of Cadillacs from1949 to 1963,
half-buried nose-first in the ground at an
angle corresponding to the angle of the
Great pyramid of Giza. The 2006 restoration
of the Paramount Theater sign, and its return
to its home on the historic theater was
made possible by Center City of Amarillo,
community support, and the work of the
Amarillo Historic Preservation Foundation.
The relighting of the sign at the Polk Street
Block Party that year was greeted with cheers
from Amarillo residents.
Above: The sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Amarillo, completed in 1929,
is one of the oldest congregations in Amarillo.
Opposite: This bird’s eye view of the organ at the historic First Baptist Church,
captures the scope of the impressive instrument.
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The Jesus Christ is Lord Travel Center on Amarillo’s Interstate 40 East
is a unique, eye catching truck stop, where truck drivers and
weary travelers can find a haven along the road.
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Transient and homeless people of faith have left their mark in this open air place
of worship. Most Sunday mornings, a number of homeless worshipers take
part in “church under the bridge” near the rail yards.
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The steeple and bell tower
of the Gothic Revival-style
First Presbyterian Church
are distinctive components
of one of the most beautiful
churches in Amarillo.
The 1927 structure is
considered eligible for
the National Register
of Historic Places.
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The stunning, lighted bell tower rising
above Polk Street United Methodist
Church, built in 1928, is just
one example of the exquisite
architectural design of historic
downtown churches.
Thousands of Amarilloans worship in
churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples
across the city each week. Many attend
the historic churches in downtown Amarillo,
several carrying historical markers or
eligibility for listing on the National Register
of Historic Places. First Presbyterian Church
and Polk Street Methodist Church, the
city’s oldest congregation, are immaculate
examples of Gothic architecture. Saint Mary’s
Cathedral dedicated a new building in 2009
that is a beautiful structure with modern
and classic lines. Central Church of Christ
and First Baptist Church have both recently
undergone renovations that have improved
access yet complimented the original
architecture. The First Baptist Church
assisted with the building of the original
structure of the 1916 Mount Zion Baptist
Church whose motto is “the friendly church
where we enter to worship and depart
to serve.”
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The Santa Fe Building has been queen of downtown Amarillo since 1930. It was
the regional headquarters of Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company
until late in the twentieth century. After years of vacancy, Potter County bought
the building in 1995 and renovated it to house its offices. The building, now
preserved for future generations, remains a beloved Amarillo landmark with
its distinctive Santa Fe sign still burning brightly and visible for miles.
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The Paramount Theater sign,
an icon of the long-ago age
of downtown theaters, was
restored and brought back to
its original location on Polk
Street in 2006.
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The Madam Queen is emblematic of Amarillo’s important
railroad history. The Santa Fe 5000 steam locomotive is
located on the northern edge of downtown Amarillo
and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The relocation, and restoration of the
“Madam Queen” was celebrated in 2008.
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The Mother Road, Route 66 sliced through Amarillo during its heyday.
Visitors from all over the world follow the iconic road each year.
The portion of the highway that follows modern day Sixth Avenue
(Sixth Street) from Georgia Street to Western Street is designated
as the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District.
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This example of street art with a Texas flair has been present on the
outside of a building on Buchanan Street for many years.
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Bison numbering in the tens of millions once roamed the High Plains. Today, the few descendants of the great Southern Plains bison herd
are sheltered on private ranches and carefully tended in refuges like Caprock Canyons State Park at Quitaque, Texas.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN FRAZIER, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT, COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.
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Chapter3
hides, horns,
and hats
Western heritage is still important to Amarillo residents today. The
famous days of massive cattle drives are long gone, but from time to
time it’s possible to catch a glimpse of a longhorn steer. Many million
head of cattle have been raised in the Texas Panhandle since the first
settlers came to the region and fenced in open range land. The rural
areas surrounding Amarillo are predominantly ranching areas. The
rolling plains with native grass and playa lakes are naturally suited for
raising cattle, just as they were suited for the massive buffalo herds in
centuries past. The sight of cowboys branding, doctoring, and herding
cattle are common sights on the High Plains. Cattle are herded through
loading chutes, and cattle trucks transport beef on the hoof to area
livestock auctions every day.
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«««««««««««««««««««
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«««««««««««««««««««
Cowboy boots tamed the American West and to this day, they are a common sight in
Amarillo among ranchers, horsemen, and “civilians” alike. True West Magazine
named Amarillo one of the fifty Most Western Towns in the United States.
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158
Opposite, top: Cattlemen are a breed unto themselves; their fortunes revolve
around weather, the health of their herd, the price of feed, and the economy.
The tenacity of Texas Panhandle cattlemen has helped shape the character
of Amarillo.
Opposite, bottom: Amarillo Livestock Auction got its start as Western
Stockyards in 1904. Eddie Johnson and Jay Taylor bought it in 1940 and
since 1945, although no longer owned by the legendary duo, the historic
livestock commission market has been known as the Amarillo
Livestock Auction.
Above: Cattle buyers and sellers alike keep a close eye on the size,
condition, and price of cattle being sold at auction.
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Above: Cowboy hats are a distinctive trademark of those who prefer to
wear the symbols of western heritage. The shapes and creases of cowboy
hats are as varied as the personalities of those who wear them.
Opposite: A proficient hat shaper (or creaser) is hard to find; it takes and
artisan to get it right. This gentleman is working at the unique trade
during a local Western event.
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Above: Longhorn cattle made up a large
portion of many herds driven throughout
Texas to railroads in Texas, Oklahoma, and
Kansas during the heyday of the great
cattle drives.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO
CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.
Opposite: Pen riders at local feedlots and
livestock auctions push and prod thousands
of cattle in the Texas Panhandle each day.
Amarillo residents and visitors are accustomed to being surrounded with Old West
tradition. The city is a perfect venue for equestrian events like rodeos, roping, penning and
cutting competitions, cowboy mounted shooting events, and horse shows. The American
Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) brings the
Adequan Select show, one of the world’s
largest single breed world championship horse
shows to the city each year. The show, open
exclusively to amateur exhibitors 50 and
above, is just one equestrian event brought
to Amarillo by AQHA. Large events like the
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Working Ranch Cowboys Association World
Championship Ranch Rodeo or the Women’s
Ranch Rodeo Association World Finals are
hosted downtown at the Amarillo Civic Center
in the Cal Farley Coliseum or at the Tri-State
Fairgrounds in the Amarillo National Center.
Smaller events take place in private arenas and
other facilities throughout the area. Amarillo is
home to the country’s oldest known, continuous western riding club, historic Will Rogers
Range Riders. Formed in 1939 they continue a
tradition of trail rides, charitable equestrian
benefits, and an annual Fourth of July Rodeo.
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164
Opposite: The late cowboy and saddle maker, Terry Brewer,
was an example of the congeniality and friendliness that is
characteristic of Western culture in the Texas Panhandle.
Above: Rodeo is a tradition and serious business
in the American West, especially in the
Texas Panhandle, but a particularly
hilarious and crowd pleasing event at
working ranch rodeos is wild cow milking.
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166
Opposite: The Texas flag is never far behind the Stars and Stripes when the colors are
presented at rodeos and other Western events in the Amarillo area.
Above: Cutting horse competitions are often held in Amarillo. The American Quarter Horse,
the working horse of the West is the primary breed used for cutting cattle out of a herd.
The ranching heritage of the Texas Panhandle makes cutting horse competitions
especially interesting.
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168
sunrises, sunsets,
and big skies
Explorers, trailblazers, traders, cattlemen, Comancheros, and Native
Americans traveled through what is now known as Amarillo long before
it was settled. Explorer, Francisco Vazquez de Coronado described the
area as plains so vast they couldn’t find their limit anywhere and having
no more landmarks than if they had been swallowed by the sea. The
breaks of the Llano Estacado give way to mesquite covered rolling plains,
then a tableland expanse where Amarillo sprawls across an endless sky.
Today, despite the cultivation of millions of acres of farmland, fields of oil
and gas equipment, miles of roads, and the existence of rural towns and
the city of Amarillo, open spaces still define the Texas Panhandle.
Clockwise, starting from the top:
Hot air balloons prepare to launch into the deep blue twilight near Amarillo.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL..
A blazing ball of sunlight sinking into a hot western sky is a familiar sight to residents of the Texas Panhandle.
It would be hard to find anything prettier than the Amarillo skyline splayed against a West Texas sky.
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A hot air balloon rises into a golden early morning sky
during the annual Amarillo Invitational Balloon Rally,
“Pirates of the Canyon.”
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Above: This aerial view of downtown Amarillo, rail yards, and the northeastern section
of the city beyond, showcases the horizontal plane of the earth under the city.
Right: Darkness seeps
onto the Llano Estacado
and pulls a curtain
down across slivers
of fading sunshine.
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A water crossing in the Palo Duro Canyon slices through
fall foliage. Palo Duro Canyon, known as the Grand
Canyon of Texas, was carved by water erosion from
the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.
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The sun shines most days on the High
Plains; Amarillo residents enjoy bright blue
skies and abundant sunshine on an average of
two-thirds of all the days in each year. Cool
mornings are the rule and give respite to residents even in the midst of summer. The glorious skies that encompass the city are the
setting for some of the most beautiful weather
events in the world. After an icy snow, sun usually returns swiftly and colors the Panhandle
with sparkles that look like fairy dust. Rain seldom comes quietly to the city of Amarillo.
Most often, rumbling thunder storms merge
with Panhandle horizons, and roll across the
area bringing lightening shows that can be seen
for miles. Sometimes the roiling storms are
green and black and at other times, they are
brown with tinges of orange about them. On
stormy days, the morning sky starts out as
a vast crystal blue palette where God draws
puffy snow white clouds at mid-day. As the day
marches along, those puffy snow white clouds
amass into an angriness that boils and churns
until they begin to charge across the plains. As
they race across the thirsty earth, they drop
their blessed raindrops and the people of
Amarillo and surrounding area thank God for
the precious moisture.
Foliage in the Palo Duro Canyon turns
bright shades of yellow and crimson in the
fall, adding another layer of color to the
ancient strata of the canyon walls.
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174
Opposite: A chapel spire points to the heavens under an Amarillo
sunset painted with molten-like layers of orange.
Above: Columns of storm clouds rise above the prairie floor with
rays of West Texas sunlight refusing to give way to darkness.
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Ranchers who tend their cattle under the
big sky drive their herds to greener pastures
as they are blessed with rain, farmers thankfully watch their crops soak up the moisture,
and residents sigh with relief. After the rain,
the antelope and deer who roam the plains,
176
coyotes, prairie dogs, and other smaller
wildlife make their way to replenished watering holes they have used for centuries. The
semi-arid region where rainfall is less than
twenty inches per year is a place where the
earth and sky are intrinsically tied together.
Opposite, top: Clouds above Amarillo regularly provide residents
with unique beauty not often seen in cites without the wide open
skies of the High Plains.
Opposite, bottom: Like garland, ribbons of barbed wire adorn
section after section of prairie across the Llano Estacado.
Below: Day’s end on the ranch; a West Texas sunset with a
windmill beneath, is a scene that has played out countless times
since the earliest settlers came to the area.
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Traveling on the Llano Estacado
is an experience where an infinite sky and
immeasurable landscape envelopes the traveler with majesty.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.
Settlement of the Texas Panhandle, with
Amarillo at the center, was brought about
by harnessing water, wind, and dust. Those
elements color the landscape in such a unique
way, that the sunrises and sunsets Amarilloans
enjoy each day are distinctively magnificent.
Morning skies are often luminous transitions
from ebony, to purple, to a radiant crimson
that can be seen from the city and for miles
across the prairie. From silver shimmers
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behind cloud layers, to brilliant orange and
red streaks, the sunsets are a perfect backdrop
for day-end relaxation and reflection. There
are many reasons why the people of the
Amarillo believe themselves to be fortunate to
dwell on the Llano Estacado, but most will say
that one of the best reasons is the privilege of
waking up to wonderful sunrises, marveling
at dazzling sunsets, and being enveloped by
the majestic big sky.
The heritage of sacrifice, hard work, and fortitude
that forms the character of residents
on the Llano Estacado is a
treasured gift handed
down to generation
after generation.
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Amarillo
Partners
Profiles of businesses,
organizations, and families that have
contributed to the development and
economic base of Amarillo
Quality of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 2
The Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 0
Building a Greater Amarillo . . . . . . 2 7 4
AMARILLO PARTNERS
181
Quality
of Life
182
Healthcare providers, school districts,
universities, and other institutions that contribute
to the quality of life in Amarillo
A m a r i l l o H e a r t G ro u p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 4
P ro f f e r S u r g i c a l A s s o c i a t e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 7
Specialized Therapy Services .......................................................188
Helping Hands ..........................................................................189
K i d s , I n c o r p o r a t e d o f A m a r i l l o , Te x a s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 1
C a l F a r l e y ’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 2
We s t Te x a s A & M U n i v e r s i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 4
Amarillo Independent School District ............................................196
Te x a s Te c h U n i v e r s i t y H e a l t h S c i e n c e C e n t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 8
S t . A n d re w s E p i s c o p a l S c h o o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 0
Don & Sybil Harrington Cancer Center .........................................202
BSA Health System ....................................................................203
K i n d re d H o s p i t a l A m a r i l l o
K i n d re d R e h a b i l i t a t i o n H o s p i t a l A m a r i l l o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 4
We s l e y C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r, I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 5
A m a r i l l o D i a g n o s t i c C l i n i c , P. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 6
Amarillo College .......................................................................207
American Quarter Horse Association.............................................208
B u l l a rd F o o t a n d A n k l e I n s t i t u t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 9
P a l o D u ro R e t i re m e n t V i l l a g e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 0
Fountain of Health ....................................................................211
P ro g re s s i v e S t e p R e h a b i l i t a t i o n S e r v i c e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 2
St. Luke Eye Institute .................................................................213
F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u rc h o f A m a r i l l o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 4
Wo n d e r l a n d P a r k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 5
Baptist Community Services ........................................................216
Junior League of Amarillo ...........................................................217
Amarillo Montessori Academy ......................................................218
QUALITY OF LIFE
183
AMARILLO
HEART GROUP
The cardiologists of Amarillo Heart Group
have received area recognition for their
comprehensive understanding and leadership
in prevention and control of heart disease.
Among the first to perform angioplasty in
Amarillo, Amarillo Heart Group has also
introduced other new devices for the
treatment of coronary artery disease, such as
atherectormy and intracoronary stents.
Amarillo Heart Group’s cardiologists
have led the way in regional cardiovascular
care, including:
• ablation
• cardiac catheterization
• cardiac rehabilitation
• cardiovascular CT
• clinical cardiology
• clinical research
• congestive heart failure
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
coronary angioplasty and stents
electrophysiology
implanted defibrillators
interventional cardiology
nuclear cardiology
outpatient cardiac catheterization
pacemakers
peripheral angioplasty and stents
resynchronization therapy
Amarillo Heart Group uses
advanced technology to perform
non-invasive studies. This stateof-the-art technology includes a
wide range of ultrasound services
which enables us to examine
the heart and important blood
vessels of the body. In the
office’s
nuclear
cardiology
department, we evaluate the
flow of blood to the heart
walls. This tells us a great deal
about the effects of hardening of
the arteries (atherosclerosis)—still
a number one cause of death in
this country.
Patients can complete all of
the non-invasive testing needed
in the office. Amarillo Heart
Group
uses
state-of-the-art
technology to treat patients with
heart disease. Amarillo Heart
Group is dedicated to serving the
residents of the Amarillo area by
providing comprehensive highquality cardiovascular care in a
cost-effective office setting.
The professionals of Amarillo
Heart Group include Ismaile
S. H. Abdalla, M.D.; Augustin
Cabrera-Santamaria, M.D.; A.
Alan Chu, M.D.; Prakash K.
Desai, M.D.; Jon Luigi Haddad, M.D.; Robert
E. Jackson III, M.D.; Joaquin MartinezArraras, M.D.; Marc Moreau, M.D.; Rajesh
Nambiar, M.D.; Arunava D. Ray, M.D.;
Ernesto River, M.D.; D. Gary Soya, M.D.; and
Max Warren, M.D.
For more information about Amarillo Heart
Group, please visit its offices at 1901 Port Lane,
Amarillo, Texas 79106, call 806-358-4596, or
visit www.amarilloheartgroup.com.
QUALITY OF LIFE
185
186
Dr. Paul Proffer, his wife, Dr. Liana Proffer,
and his brother, Dr. Patrick Proffer established
Proffer Surgical Associates in 2006 after years
of being away from the city. Their extraordinary practice utilizes the expertise of three
Board Certified highly trained surgeons whose
mission is to provide the Amarillo region
with cutting edge healthcare in the areas of
cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery
and skin care surgery. Their combination of
subspecialties is both unique and complementary to each other. Their extensive training and Board Certification promotes the
safest, the most comfortable, high quality care
for their patients, and their comprehensive
range of services provides distinctive healthcare options for area residents.
Dr. Patrick Proffer attended Texas Tech
University, and received his Doctor of Medicine
Degree at the University of Texas Health
Science Center in San Antonio where he
graduated in the top ten percent of his class.
He trained in general surgery and plastic
and reconstructive surgery at Wake Forest
University and specialized in cosmetic and
reconstructive plastic surgery of the face
and body. He also performs hand surgery,
facial reconstructions, and reconstruction
following extensive weight loss. He is a
member of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons. His wife, Dr. Amy
Proffer, is a retired anesthesiologist.
Dr. Liana Proffer received her Doctor
of Medicine Degree, and dermatology
training at the University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio,
and also served in the United States
Navy. Her Mohs Surgery Fellowship
was with Dr. Ronald Siegle in
Columbus, Ohio. She performs reconstructive surgery and skin cancer surgery using the cutting edge Mohs
micrographic surgery technique. She is
a member of the American Academy of
Dermatology, and the American College
of Mohs Surgeons.
Dr. Paul Proffer attended West Texas
State University, Texas Tech University
School of Medicine and received
his ophthalmology training at the
University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio. After practicing as an
ophthalmologist in San Antonio, he completed
a Fellowship in Oculofacial Cosmetic
and Reconstructive Surgery, at Ophthalmic
Surgeons and Consultants in Columbus, Ohio.
He incorporated these areas of his specialty
into his practice. He also provides laser and
nonsurgical rejuvenation options.
Established at 1301 South Coulter in the
WHA Building, Proffer Surgical Associates has
grown rapidly. The highly trained staff serves
patients in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The three surgeons are dedicated to
staying at the forefront of medical technology.
They look forward to moving to their new
freestanding building on Wallace Boulevard
across from BSA Hospital, where their
patients will enjoy more privacy and convenience in a state-of-the-art facility.
The doctors returned to Amarillo after considering the quality of life in the city. They feel
at home in the Amarillo community and will
continue to be advocates for premier healthcare and the well-being of their patients.
They are also active in the community
supporting organizations like CASA, Power of
the Purse, The United Way, Children’s Miracle
Network and Harrington Cancer Center, as
well as serving on many boards.
PROFFER
SURGICAL
ASSOCIATES
Left to right: Dr. Patrick Proffer, Dr. Liana
Proffer, and Dr. Paul Proffer.
QUALITY OF LIFE
187
SPECIALIZED
THERAPY
SERVICES
Specialized Therapy Services is a place as
unique as the children it serves. When Karen
Day founded the facility in 2002, she had just
$150 dollars in the bank and a rough-aroundthe-edges dream to make sure every child is
able to not just be in their community, but to
thrive there. And Day has been polishing that
dream ever since. A speech therapist by trade,
Day knew to be successful a solid foundation
was key. So she focused on hiring top-notch
therapists and staff to build the programs
that would become the backbone of STS:
speech, physical, occupational therapy, and
case management services.
A tour of the STS facilities reveals expansive areas filled with therapy and training
equipment. Colorful, open, airy rooms are
conducive to placement and use of modern,
cutting edge therapy equipment such as the
Universal Exercise Unit–Spider Cage. Fully
licensed and board certified therapists working under the medical direction of the
patients’ doctors provide occupational and
physical therapy services such as gait training,
neuromuscular habilitation and rehabilitation, wheelchair and other mobility equipment proficiency training, and motor skill
advancement. Speech and language therapy is
conducted in smaller areas with muted surroundings that create fewer distractions for
training and teaching. Computer labs, feeding
labs, and adaptive equipment labs are located
throughout the building.
More than just brick and mortar and stateof-the-art equipment, the resonating theme at
STS is that the center, everyone who works
there, and everyone it serves are one big happy
family. Day envisioned STS as the total package—a facility that would be the head of the
class and a home away from home. That total
package feel hasn’t gone unnoticed. The facility has grown rapidly—300-percent in a
three-year-period since 2008 and it seems it’s
only the beginning. The center’s foundational
therapy services now fuel the innovative
Hands on Achievement Academy.
Housed inside STS, Hands on Achievement
Academy is a benchmark skills school focusing on multidisciplinary education programs
for children with autism and other developmental and physical disorders. They are
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generally children aged two to ten years old
who do not thrive or are unable to function in
public school. Many of them who could not
learn to read in public schools are now
reading at Hands on Achievement. Staffed by
certified teachers who have thorough training
in general, special and early childhood education, the educational therapy programs at
Hands on Achievement are tailored to meet
each child’s individual needs. The teachers
and staff welcome each child—and each
challenge—with a tough love-meets-a-greatbig-hug approach. Here, students are set up
for success, and success is celebrated.
Wanting to take her dream even further,
Day set her sights on a group of children
and families often undiagnosed and underserved—those challenged with autism spectrum disorders. In 2010, STS became home to
Amarillo Area Autism in Action, a parent-led
organization dedicated to raising awareness
about autism and generating support for families facing the puzzling disease. Fundraisers,
including an annual walk held each spring,
raise money to fund Hands on Achievement
Academy and to support a theater program
for all children with special needs.
Currently there is no standardized screening approach for the early diagnosis of autism
spectrum disorders. And many pediatric medical practices don’t consistently screen either.
Thus, many children aren’t diagnosed until
they’re three or older. Day hopes to change
that for families in the Amarillo area, by offering up STS as an autism screening center.
The “spectrum” refers to a group of disorders
characterized by difficulties with verbal and
non-verbal communication, social interaction
and repetitive behavior. Disorders on the autism
spectrum include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise
specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.
To be sure the autism services at STS are
bar-none, Day also lured to Amarillo renowned
autism and behavior consultant, Maria
Wheeler. After living all over the country and
traveling the world teaching others, Wheeler
decided the time was right and so was the offer
to follow her passion and work directly with
children again. Wheeler, who carries a string of
credentials, is a Board Certified Behavior
Analyst. With a B.A. in psychology, a
Masters of Education in special education
Maria is a sought-after expert in her field.
She focuses on neurobehavioral disorders,
including those on the autism spectrum,
ADHD, dyspraxia, emotional disturbances
and any behavior or learning disorder
with a neurological basis. She’s even
authored two books on the subject, Toilet
Training for Individuals with Autism and
Behavior Disorders and A Treasure Chest of
Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism,
both available from Amazon.com
For it’s pioneering autism services and so
much more, the list of awards and accolades
handed to STS is long and growing. STS was
recognized by the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce with the Jim Henson Top Small
Business Award of 2010; ranked among the
Top Small Businesses of 2010; awarded
Employer of the Year in 2010 by Texas
Business Women's Group; and Day herself was
voted Regional Business Person of the year in
2011 by the Small Business Development
Center. Most recently, STS was named among
America’s “Inner City Top 100.”
These days, Karen Day is still dreaming.
She’s planning for the future and what STS will
look like 100-years from now. But in the not-sodistant future, Day intends to continue to add
revolutionary therapy services, grow her facility
as funds become available and provide her kids
with a warm, nurturing place where they’ll
always be included and they’ll learn the skills to
help them not just exist—but to thrive.
Nancy Embry Hanna Helping Hands is the
namesake charitable organization inspired by
a woman who devoted much of her life to
helping people. The nonprofit, founded in
2010, develops unique programs for the
special needs community. Hanna passed
way November 14, 1999 after suffering from
congestive heart failure. Her sister, Karen
Day, President of Specialized Therapy
Services started Helping Hands as a memorial to Hanna and in honor of her children.
Specialized Therapy Services plays
host to the agency by providing inkind services such as office space
and staff.
Helping Hands is a Technology
Demonstration Site for the University
of Texas at Austin in conjunction
with the Texas Center for Disability
Studies. The Assistive Technology
Access Program promotes independence for people with disabilities by
giving them barrier-free access to
technology. The program provides
and maintains a statewide network of
sites for demonstrating assistive technology
such as computer equipment, adaptive toys,
and other devices. The University of Texas
provides training to Helping Hands staff so
children and adults can have a local place to
experiment with adaptive equipment such as
alternative keyboards. Experimentation is useful to see if the equipment is something they
can buy to assist them in their daily lives. The
service is free to the public; funding comes
from a federal grant.
HELPING
HANDS
QUALITY OF LIFE
189
Another avenue of the “try before you
buy” system in action thanks to Helping
Hands is the Assistive Technology Device
Lending Library, which loans assistive technology devices to individuals with disabilities
and their families. The loan program provides
the devices free for a period of six weeks,
once again allowing individuals to make
informed choices about which devices will
work for them or whether to purchase a
device at all.
Helping Hands actively supports individuals with special needs by being involved at
the community level. The organization sponsors the national Down Syndrome Guild
Buddy Walk, AMBUCS Derby Days, and hosts
the Amarillo Area Autism in
Action Walk.
Under the umbrella of
STS, Helping Hands and
Amarillo Area Autism in
Action families affected by
autism are provided with
support programs, education,
and social opportunities.
Families are often isolated
by the day to day care of
special needs children and
Helping Hands works to help
those families gain access to
the community.
Much like its host agency, STS, Helping
Hands strives to make sure all children are
included. The organization’s theater and
fine arts programs for special needs children
do just that. Helping Hands organizes and
sponsors performances of plays in various
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venues such as local churches and the autism
walk. Using the resources of STS, special
needs children are encouraged to take part in
theater activities. In the theater and fine arts
program, the staff of Helping Hands works
with children who have Autism, Down
Syndrome, and other learning and developmental disabilities to help them overcome
challenges. Children with special needs glean
important social skills by doing the same
activities as their non-delayed peers. During
theater activities, the skilled
Helping Hands staff works to
teach children to control inappropriate behaviors that are adjuncts
to their disorders. The children
learn self control, teamwork, and
ways to overcome their often selfimposed isolation. A benefit for
many children who take part in
the theater program is in their
academic performance. Their participation helps boost speech and
language skills, resulting in allaround improvement.
The Helping Hands organization plans to
expand its fine arts program as theater
becomes a part of the curriculum at STS’
Hands on Achievement Academy, a private,
therapeutic school.
To put it simply, Helping Hands ministers
to the special needs community with activities everyone can take part in. It’s all part of
the vision of founder, Karen Day, and a fitting
tribute to the legacy of its namesake, Nancy
Embry Hanna.
Cal Farley’s positive impact on children is
evident every day at Kids, Incorporated of
Amarillo, Texas. His vision for kids lives on
every time a child runs onto a basketball
court, swings a bat, or kicks a soccer ball in
the Kids, Inc., program. Founded in 1945 by
Cal Farley, with Bus Dugger as the first coach,
Kids, Inc., has given four generations of kids
a place to play. Kids, Inc., gives children a
sense of belonging by providing organized
sports programs where every child gets to play.
At Kids, Inc., kids come first. President and
CEO Jimmy Lackey makes every decision
based on what is best for kids. He believes if
his staff puts the child’s best interest at the
forefront, all else will fall into place. They
think about ALL kids; if at the end of the day,
a kid wants to play, it is their job to find a
place for them to play. Kids, Inc., is a place
where there is a level playing field, equal
access, no drafts, no cuts, and no try-outs to
hinder a kid’s chance to play. Being involved in
an organized activity keeps kids from failing
in life and teaches them social skills. Children
learn positive values when playing sports.
At Kids, Inc., they learn how to practice teamwork, play by the rules, share, win graciously,
and be good sports. Coaches are charged with
making sure every kid gets to play, has fun,
and learns about the sport being played.
In addition to a volunteer coaching staff,
Lackey says he has a top-notch professional
staff. Kids, Inc., employs ten full-time and two
part-time employees who have an average of
ten years on staff. Technology helps the staff
serve families conveniently and efficiently.
Parents enroll kids, submit payments, and
access schedules online. Kids, Inc., emails their
newsletter and uses Facebook and Twitter for
updates. They utilize an auto dialer for weather cancellations, and provide mobile alerts and
texts messages to parents and coaches.
It all started on the first Monday in 1945
when Coach Dugger picked up eleven boys
from Glenwood Elementary School and took
them to the Maverick Club after school to
play basketball. Soon after, softball was
added. In 2010, 16,481 boys and girls
participated on 1,568 teams and played
5,850 games. Currently, the program offers
basketball, indoor and outdoor soccer, flag
and tackle football, volleyball, cheerleading,
track, coach-pitch softball and T-ball.
Much has changed since the days when Cal
Farley drove around the city with his daughter, Gene Farley Harriman, looking for vacant
lots where children could play. Dads were at
war and moms were at work; kids needed
something to do after school and places to
play in their own neighborhoods. Harriman
says kids needed “something they could
belong to with people who cared about
them.” Today, Kids, Inc., still cares about kids
and still gives them a place to belong.
KIDS,
INCORPORATED
OF AMARILLO,
TEXAS
Above: Volunteers have the opportunity to
make a lasting impact in the life of a child.
Left: Competition teaches children
leadership skills that can last a lifetime.
QUALITY OF LIFE
191
CAL FARLEY’S
Few people leave as extraordinary a legacy
as did Cal Farley. His belief that boys needed “a
shirttail to hang on to” is an enduring principle
that has changed the lives of over 9,000 children. Today, seventy-two years after America’s
first Boys Ranch was founded, Cal Farley’s,
which consists of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Cal
Farley’s Girlstown, U.S.A., and five Cal Farley’s
Family Resource Centers, continues to fulfill
that legacy. Boys Ranch began in 1939 when
rancher Julian Bivins donated 120 acres at
the town site of Old Tascosa thirty-six miles
northwest of Amarillo, Texas. Through the
years many generous donors have
shared Cal Farley’s belief that
troubled children should have a
second chance, and the original
120-acre site has expanded in size
and has become a nurturing
community for boys and girls.
Boys Ranch has its own independent school district, post
office, fire department, medical
facilities, bank, and chapel. The
self-sufficient community is home
to children from all over the
United States who need a safe,
nurturing, structured environment. Boys and girls ages five to
eighteen live in group homes with
resident house parents and have
the support of teachers, coaches,
case workers, and work mentors.
Boys Ranch Independent School
District (BRISD) is one of the few
districts its size in the state that is
able to offer such a wide variety of
sports and activities.
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Cal Farley’s is funded solely through the
generosity of private donations, and the
organization does not charge for its services
nor does it seek any government funding.
The only exception is BRISD, which receives
approximately half of its funding from the
state of Texas (similar to any other independent school district) while the other half is
provided by Cal Farley’s as a single-payer
tax base.
Cal Farley’s Girlstown, U.S.A., located
forty-five miles west of Lubbock near
Whiteface, Texas, became affiliated with
Cal Farley’s in 1987. It is a residential
Transitional Living Program (TLP) that
provides a vital safety net for girls who are
at risk of not receiving their high school
education. Girls from sixteen to nineteen
years of age who take part in the TLP
leave with a high school diploma, driver’s
license, and savings as well as with an
understanding of social and financial
responsibility. They are either gainfully
employed or enrolled in a vocational
program, college program, or the military
when they complete the program.
Cal Farley’s Family Resource Centers help
families who come to Cal Farley’s for
assistance. The five centers, located in
Amarillo, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas/
Fort Worth, and Austin provide critical
support to families as well as offering information and referral services. The centers
work with families before children are in
placement and then during placement. They
also work toward getting families back
together and functioning properly when
children return home.
Once a child is welcomed into the
Cal Farley’s family, they are always a part
of the family—it is a lifetime commitment. Housing at the Alumni Support
Center in downtown Amarillo is made
available to alumni when they leave
placement. The center provides subsidized apartments as the alumni transition to independent lives, as well as a
way to help those who may have
encountered hard times.
Providing professional services in a
Christ centered atmosphere to strengthen families and support the overall
development of children is the mission
of Cal Farley’s. The organization’s commitment to families is based on the
Model of Leadership and Service® that
sets out six areas of human need that
must be advanced and nurtured in their
leaders, team members, and children.
Those six areas are Safety, Belonging,
Achievement, Power, Purpose, and
Adventure. The evolution and longevity
of Cal Farley’s is directly related to
adherence to those principles.
Christian education at Cal Farley’s
promotes awareness and respect for
individual spirituality and religious
conviction. It is provided through
interdenominational church services,
weekly Bible studies, choir, camps
and retreats, and the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
Every Labor Day weekend Cal Farley’s
features the rodeo skills of the children
by hosting the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch
Rodeo. Close to 10,000 people visit the
campus each year during the Rodeo, which
also serves as a reunion time for Cal Farley’s
alumni. An old-fashioned barbeque meal is
served and there are numerous activities
planned surrounding the actual Rodeo,
which has been held annually since 1944.
The challenges children face today are
different than those they faced in years past.
As our culture has changed, methods used
to care for children have changed as well.
Technology assists in today’s approach to
child care; cutting edge techniques are used
to decipher childhood behavior so as to
determine underlying causes. As team
members strive to deal with underlying issues
rather than symptomatic behavior, the techniques are always in accordance with the
Cal Farley’s Model of Leadership and Service®.
Cal Farley’s values transcend time and have
remained the same throughout its history.
Every day boys and girls are given the
opportunity to become champions because
all those many years ago, Cal Farley saw a
champion in every child.
For donation information or to learn
more about Cal Farley’s, please call toll
free (800) 687-3722 or visit their website
at www.calfarley.org.
QUALITY OF LIFE
193
WEST TEXAS
A&M
UNIVERSITY
Above: Hayward Spirit Tower on the
WTAMU campus.
Below: WTAMU Herdsmen take the mascot
on the traditional “Buffalo Stampede.”
Since its founding in 1910, West Texas
A&M University has grown from a small,
one-building, teacher-training school to a
176-acre residential campus offering a
multitude of exceptional degree programs
designed to meet ever-changing needs in
areas ranging from education and nursing to
agriculture and engineering. Throughout its
100-year history, WTAMU not only has
changed the physical, economic and cultural
194
landscape of the Texas Panhandle region, it
also has provided a unique experience that
has touched the lives of thousands of students by forging friendships, instilling ethics
and values and building skills for success.
West Texas A&M University’s history
dates back to January 14, 1909, when
Representative Thomas J. Barrett of Anson
introduced House Bill 5 calling for the establishment of West Texas State Normal College.
Barrett’s bill passed the House on February
17, 1909, and went to the Senate for passage.
Towns from Amarillo to San Angelo expressed
interest in securing the school, so the Texas
Senate decided to add an amendment to the
bill requiring bidding towns to provide
supplemental funds. The Senate passed the
bill on March 4, and Governor Tom Campbell
signed the bill establishing West Texas State
Normal College on March 31, 1909.
That bill launched the journey of West
Texas State Normal College. Canyon was
the chosen site for the school, and the onebuilding West Texas State Normal School was
built through the determination and generosity of the townspeople and erected near the
center of a forty acre plot of land donated
by Lincoln and Queenie Victoria Conner. On
a September day in 1910, Mamie Conner,
daughter of Lincoln and Queenie Victoria,
walked across the street from her home to
the administration building to be the first to
register at the new school. Little did she
know that she was making history and
opening the door to thousands of students
who would walk the halls into West Texas
A&M University’s second century.
Several name changes through the years
have reflected the University’s continued
growth as well as its ever-expanding role in
higher education. West Texas State Normal
College became West Texas State Teachers
College in 1923 and West Texas State College
in 1949. The name changed again in 1963
to West Texas State University before becoming West Texas A&M University in 1993.
But throughout the various changes, West
Texas has remained a constant part of the
University’s name. It expresses pride and
communicates a commitment to the founding
fathers who dreamed of “the establishment,
maintenance and government of a
state normal school to be located in
West Texas.”
The school’s original forty acres of
land donated by the Conners paved
the way for today’s vibrant 176 acre
main campus, and the townspeople’s
donation of more than $100,000 to
secure the normal school’s location in
Canyon paved the way for state-ofthe-art instructional technology and
cutting-edge academic programs. West
Texas A&M University continues to
stand as a symbol of the generosity of
people like Lincoln and Queenie
Victoria and their extraordinary vision
of endless possibilities.
The size and scope of the campus
are not the only things that have
changed. Yesterday’s domestic science
and manual training classes have made way
for today’s mechanical engineering and environmental studies, and more programs are
being added to meet current workforce
needs. Plus, online programs are available for
students with time and place constraints, and
classes are offered at the University’s Amarillo
Center, located in downtown Amarillo.
The Center opened in fall 2008 to offer
upper-level and graduate classes. Students can
complete their baccalaureate and master’s
degrees in a variety of disciplines, and programs and course offerings continue to expand
at the Center as enrollment numbers increase.
In addition to the Amarillo Center,
WTAMU’s impact is tied to several significant
service, health and entrepreneurship entities
in Amarillo and the Panhandle region that
include the Cross Bar Ranch, Health Partners
Clinic, Small Business Development Center,
West Texas Family and Community Services
and the WTAMU Enterprise Center and its
satellites in Borger, Childress, Dumas and
Guymon, Oklahoma.
With its surging enrollment and new facilities, high-tech classrooms, an amazing
library, winning athletic teams and Texas’
oldest and largest history museum—
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum—the
University has not lost sight of its oldfashioned values and traditions. WTAMU is a
friendly campus where faculty is accessible,
administrators are approachable, undergraduates are taught by tenured professors,
and names are still more important than
numbers. The University is committed to
building on its legacy of growth and
excellence, and it is a commitment that
ensures the students of tomorrow experience
a challenging, stimulating atmosphere
that exemplifies the exceptional experience
and pride found only at West Texas
State University.
Above: WTAMU students in the campus
pedestrian mall by the Original Texans
sculpture and water feature.
Below: WTAMU graduates.
QUALITY OF LIFE
195
AMARILLO
INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Above: From 1922 until 1973, for more
than fifty years, the home of Amarillo High
School was the stately dark brick building at
Twelfth and Polk Streets. On Sunday
morning, March 1, 1970, fire erupted in the
AHS boiler room and spread quickly.
Students, teachers, ex-students and citizensat-large joined forces to save the artwork,
trophies, records, and other irreplaceable
objects. Most of the main building, however,
was severely damaged and had to be
vacated by academic classes for structure
assessment and possible salvage efforts.
Below: Some Amarillo Independent School
District elementary school students look
through a book together in the library.
Recognized on the state and national level
for quality programs and innovative concepts,
the Amarillo Independent School District
is committed to a students-first approach, a
tradition that has stood firm since the first
school opened in Amarillo more than 120
years ago. The formal education of Amarillo
school children began in 1889 inside a little
weatherboard building at 800 Harrison. From
that humble beginning, the commitment to
quality education continues today for more
than 32,000 children in AISD’s fifty-three
schools, encompassing nearly seventy square
miles in Potter and Randall Counties. From
the first teacher, Coleman G. Witherspoon, to
the current teaching staff of more than 2,000
educators, AISD continues to build on its
mission “to graduate every student prepared
for success beyond high school.”
196
AISD has developed its core values and
goals that specify how to bring value to students, parents, and the community and guide
the decision making process. The first core
value is Student Performance; AISD’s goal is to
improve the annual academic performance of
all students it serves by creating and maintaining a culture of high achievement. Secondly,
Customer Service is accomplished by working
to build positive relationships with the
district’s customers in an environment that
is safe and student focused. Another core
value is Cost Effectiveness whereby AISD will
demonstrate fiscal responsibility by operating
efficiently and effectively to meet its mission.
The fourth core value is Quality Staff; AISD
will ensure that teachers work in environments conductive to their growth and that
they will meet highly qualified standards.
Through the years, AISD has
applied those values to effective education programs that have resulted in
great success for Amarillo students
well beyond graduation from high
school. Some of its earliest students
like Tol Ware, third generation president of the largest family owned
bank in the United States, and civic
leader and philanthropist Betty Teel
Bivins Lovell, have left an indelible
mark on the Amarillo community
with their leadership and benevolence. Actor Ron Ely, actress Carolyn
Jones and songwriter J. D. Souther
graduated from AISD schools and
made a splash in the entertainment
world. Authors Gail Caldwell and
Jodi Koumalats got their start at
AISD as did Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Brad Loper and political cartoonist Ben
Sargent. Distinguished judges like Mary Lou
Robinson, the first female appellate judge in
Texas, and Morris Overstreet, the first AfricanAmerican elected to a statewide office as a
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, are products
of the AISD system. Athletics programs in
AISD helped launch the sports careers of
Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl linebacker
William Thomas, champion tennis player Alex
O’Brien, and Olympic Gold Medalist wrestler
Brandon Slay. Other notable AISD graduates
include oilman T. Boone Pickens, former State
Senator and Ambassador to Sweden Teel
Bivins, and NASA astronauts Colonel Paul
Lockhart and Colonel Rick Husband.
Even though AISD is one of the largest
school districts in Texas, students develop close
relationships with district staff as part of the
“cluster” organizational concept. The four traditional high schools, and their feeder middle
and elementary schools are grouped into four
clusters. A team of administrative support staff
is assigned to each cluster to provide direct
support to schools, which results in improved
student learning. Further educational opportunities for students are provided through three
magnet schools, an alternative school and a
specialty high school that offers expanded
courses in math, science and technology.
AISD strives to balance the needs of the
student with the needs of the taxpayer. The
district is in a strong financial position as
indicated by the AA+ bond rating issued by
Standard & Poor’s in 2009. Furthermore,
the Education Research Group, an independent educational research firm, places AISD
in the top twelve percent of the largest 200
Texas school districts for combined financial
and academic performance. AISD has also
consistently received the highest rating
(Superior) in the Financial Integrity
Rating System of Texas.
The superior education offered to
students is provided by professional,
highly qualified teachers supported
by counselors, nurses, librarians,
speech therapists, and assistants. The
district infrastructure is maintained
and administered by nearly 1,000
clerks, secretaries, custodians, maintenance workers, and cafeteria staff.
As the largest employer in the Texas
Panhandle, the district offers a strong
and affordable benefits program for
staff as well as support in areas
including training and professional
development. AISD is dedicated to
hiring, training, and sustaining quality teachers who commit to providing
students the best education possible.
Above: Originally built in the 1930s,
Houston Middle School’s exterior entrance
was renovated as part of an Amarillo
Independent School District bond election
in 2003.
Below: Tascosa High School teacher
Ann Shofner works with students in her
debate class on a drill to improve their
extemporaneous speaking skills.
QUALITY OF LIFE
197
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center (TTUHSC) located in Amarillo’s 417acre Harrington Regional Medical Center
complex, is a major center for medical
education, research, and patient care for the
twenty-six counties of the Texas Panhandle.
People from across the Texas Panhandle and
adjacent states come to Amarillo for specialized care and many of them depend on
198
TTUHSC to provide that care. Amarillo is
home to the main campus of the TTUHSC
School of Pharmacy (SOP) and regional
campuses for TTUHSC’s School of Medicine
(SOM) and School of Allied Health Sciences
(SOAHS). The state-of-the-art pharmacy program has grown steadily since it opened in
1996 increasing its class size at the Amarillo
campus to over 115 students. The growth has
also produced regional campuses in Abilene,
Lubbock, and Dallas/Fort Worth. The SOP in
Amarillo has the distinctive honor of being
the site of the Texas Pharmacy Museum.
The Amarillo regional campus for the
TTUHSC SOM provides approximately eightytwo medical students and seventy-nine residents with medical studies and training using a
one-to-one resident-to-faculty ratio. Medical
education includes instruction for junior and
senior medical students and training of house
officers in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family
Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The TTUHSC SOAHS regional campus
provides education to Physical Therapy and
Occupational Therapy students in a 155,000
square foot facility that houses the academic
and clinical programs for the SOAHS physical
therapy regional program and the SOM.
Lecture classes are presented in combination
with faculty in Amarillo, Lubbock, and
Odessa, yet has a true campus environment in
Amarillo. The TTUHSC SOAHS has working
relationships and clinical affiliations with local
healthcare agencies in Amarillo like Baptist
St. Anthony’s Health System, the Thomas E.
Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and
Northwest Texas Healthcare System.
Texas Tech Physicians of Amarillo provides
quality healthcare to the people of the Texas
Panhandle in the areas of Family Medicine,
Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and
Geriatrics. Medical providers include SOM
faculty, some students, and a number of seasoned physicians. Medical care is open to all
and provides patients the latest technology
and up-to-date skills because many of the
providers are actively teaching the next generation of doctors.
TTHSC is a regional campus of the Laura W.
Bush Institute for Women’s Health where ongoing research will create a new approach to
women’s healthcare. TTUHSC is home to the
Center for Women’s Health and Gender-Based
Medicine. The center provides all stages of
physical, sexual, and emotional health services
to women. It is also home to the Amarillo Breast
Center of Excellence, a collaborative partnership between Texas Oncology, Northwest Texas
Healthcare System, and the SOM to do cancer
research that will be of great benefit to the
women of the Texas Panhandle. The Amarillo
Breast Center of Excellence was awarded a
three-year, full accreditation and will provide a
wide range of care from mammograms, diagnosis, to surgery. Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center will serve as a portal for women
to receive the care they need from any of the
three participating healthcare providers. The
center is the only nationally accredited breast
center within 350 miles.
The InfantRisk Center developed by Dr.
Tom Hale, is a worldwide call center and data
base located on the Amarillo campus,
designed for the purpose of assisting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with questions on the use of medications. The West
Texas Influenza Center, where research in
flu prevention and pandemic studies is done,
and the Texas Panhandle Poison Center
are located at the Amarillo campus as well.
The Texas Tech School of Medicine Cancer
Research Group is a research entity without
walls, run out of the surgery center. It is a
collaboration of all TTUHSC campuses and
Texas Tech University as well
as the University Medical
Center in Lubbock. By joining
forces, the collective potential
for maximum effectiveness in
cancer research will provide
premier cancer treatment for
West Texas residents.
SiMCentral is a center where
a collaborative partnership
with TTUHSC, West Texas
A&M University, and Amarillo
College provides training,
utilizing high fidelity human
patient simulators. The mannequin-like simulators provide multidisciplinary training by assisting students with
simulations of real-life medical procedures
such as tracheal intubations, chest tube insertions, or starting IVs. The high fidelity human
patient simulators are so life-like the students’
experience is almost as if they were performing
procedures on living human beings. The stateof-the-art equipment is available to medical students, nursing students, first responders, and
Allied Health Professionals
in the Texas Panhandle
and surrounding area.
TTUHSC is dedicated
to patient care for the
people of the Texas
Panhandle; research to
learn how to better deliver that care, and education of quality healthcare
professionals who will
take cutting edge medicine to the people of the
region and beyond.
QUALITY OF LIFE
199
ST. ANDREW’S
EPISCOPAL
SCHOOL
Above: Morning kindergarten students, class
of 1963, take part in rhythm band, a
favorite tradition of Miss Margaret Teel, the
School’s first teacher and headmistress.
Below: In 1986, St. Andrew’s Episcopal
School moved to its current home at
1515 South Georgia Street.
For the past sixty years, St. Andrew’s
Episcopal School has been a cornerstone of
the Amarillo community. It has provided
local students with the very best educational
experience possible, rich in academics and
grounded in service and faith.
The School’s graduates have gone on to
become outstanding leaders for our community, for the state of Texas and for the country as
a whole. St. Andrew’s alumni are now doctors,
lawyers, scientists, veterinarians, writers, and
teachers, just to name a few. Every year, they
graduate in the top ranks of high schools—
both here in Amarillo and at boarding schools
across the country—with several former students earning titles as valedictorians and salutatorians.
More importantly, St. Andrew’s
has touched the life of every
student with whom it has
come into contact. One recent
graduate said “St. Andrew’s
nurturing environment, with its
emphasis on academic excellence,
afforded me the confidence and
motivation to follow my dreams.”
The story of St. Andrew’s is one
of vision, hard work and faith.
Betty and Lee Bivins founded the
School in 1951. They hoped to
provide the children of Amarillo
with the opportunity to attend
Kindergarten in a faith-based
environment. As the years passed,
the School grew and the decision was made to
expand slowly by adding one grade level each
year. The School’s first eighth grade class
graduated in 1990, and today, St. Andrew’s
educates children as young as age three. Like all
institutions, it has experienced times of difficulty
200
along with times of prosperity. But the School
has always advanced its mission with the spirit
of progress that was evident in the Bivins’ very
first efforts.
Initially the School was housed within
St. Andrew’s Church. But, thanks to widespread
success in the early decades, those facilities
were bursting at the seams by the early 1980s.
In 1984 a handful of administrators, parents,
and friends began discussions about a new dayschool campus. Within a year, they had raised
the funds, drawn up the plans and built the
building that is today known as St. Andrew’s
Episcopal School. Since then, the School has
undergone two additional expansions. In 1999
the Margaret Teel Early Childhood Center—
named after the very first Headmistress, Miss
Margaret Teel—was built. In 2007 dedicated
facilities were added for middle-school
students, as well as music and art instruction.
Academic achievement and leadership have
long gone hand-in-hand at St. Andrew’s. The
School has participated in the National Junior
Honor Society Program for many years
and was recently named as a founding
member of the National Elementary Honor
Society. St. Andrew’s is well known for its
dynamic science program, and has earned
numerous titles in local and regional science
competitions, as well as First Place at the
United States Department of Energy’s National
Fuel Cell Car Competition in 2008.
All students at St. Andrew’s enjoy a broad
array of enrichment courses as part of their
experience. Today, in addition to their core
classes, every student in kindergarten through
eighth grade receives regular instruction in
Spanish, computer, music, religion, science
and art. Through these diverse pursuits,
students are able to grow into confident,
well-rounded individuals. In the words of
one alumnus, “St. Andrew’s instilled in me an
appreciation for creativity, a passion for
knowledge, and a mind that is open to
different ideas and cultures.”
Academic success is only a part of a
St. Andrew’s education. The School also
strives to foster an environment that
promotes both a Christian respect for the
dignity of all human beings and a sense of
responsibility to the community. The
spiritual identity of St. Andrew’s is grounded
in the Christian faith, and expressed through
the liturgy and the traditions of the Episcopal
Church. Chapel services are an integral
part of our community at every age. We
are an institution whose spiritual selfunderstanding is Christian, but we are also a
place where students of all faiths are
welcomed, respected, and loved.
Service learning is a fundamental aspect
of the School’s curriculum. Through it our
students are made aware of both the world
around them and their obligation to perform
service in support of it. All students
participate in age appropriate service projects
as part of their learning experience. In recent
years, St. Andrew’s has worked extensively
with Heifer International, as well as
organizations here in Amarillo that range from
Martha’s Home to the Opportunity School to
the Food Bank. This philosophy is not new.
It stretches far back into the School’s past.
The students of St. Andrew’s have always
been committed to serving the Amarillo
community, and their tradition of giving back
has remained constant through the years.
Over the past decades, St. Andrew’s has
come to mean many things to many people.
But at its heart we are a family made up of
sixty years of teachers, students, families, and
friends, and the traditions they have created.
We have been blessed by a wealth of hard work,
determination, generosity, and love. Founding
the School in 1951 was an act of faith, and that
faith has been sustained for more than half a
century through the care and dedication of so
many people throughout the Panhandle.
For additional information about
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, please visit
www.standrewsschool.org.
Above: In 1999 students, families, and
community members joined in the blessing of
the Margaret Teel Early Childhood Center.
Below: Today, St. Andrew’s provides its
students with an educational experience rich
in academics and grounded in faith
and service.
QUALITY OF LIFE
201
DON & SYBIL
HARRINGTON
CANCER CENTER
Below: The Don & Sybil Harrington Cancer
Center offers access to the world’s most
advanced cancer treatment including the
TomoTherapy Hi-Art System for
radiation treatment.
Bottom: This architect’s rendering shows
the expanded cancer treatment center to be
located between the original Harrington
Cancer Center building and BSA Hospital.
The founding purpose of the Don & Sybil
Harrington Cancer Center was to provide
world class cancer diagnosis and treatment
in the Texas Panhandle. Don and Sybil
Harrington’s dream was that the center would
serve the needs of friends and neighbors who
previously had to travel great distances for
cancer treatment. The center opened in 1981;
now, thirty years later, those dreams have
been realized. The freestanding, nonprofit
center provides oncology care for Amarillo,
the Texas Panhandle, and adjacent states.
An affiliate of BSA Health System, the Don
& Sybil Harrington Cancer Center provides a
full scope of cutting-edge cancer treatment
with an expert staff of board certified medical
oncology, radiation oncology, hematology,
and radiology physicians. Services include
the Harrington Breast Center, laboratory, and
pharmacy services. Patients have access to
clinical research through the Southwest
Oncology Group. The center is accredited in
the areas of breast imaging, PET scan, laboratory, and radiation oncology services.
202
The Harrington Cancer Center offers
cutting-edge technology in screening and
treatment. The Breast Center provides early
detection with the Aurora ® Breast MRI
System. The fusion of PET scan and CT scan
provides the ability to avoid unnecessary
treatments and offer more accurate diagnoses. Technologies such as tomotherapy and
stereotatic radiosurgery provide precise radiation therapy that minimizes side effects.
The robotic daVinci® S HD Surgical System
at BSA makes it possible for surgeons to provide minimally invasive surgical procedures.
The new mobile mammography coach is
equipped with the same cutting-edge digital
equipment as the Harrington Breast Center
location in Amarillo. It travels throughout the
Texas Panhandle to offer screening services to
outlying towns and rural areas. The mobile
program is an integral part of the Harrington
Cancer Center’s mission to provide cancer
care to all patients regardless of their ability
to pay. They are able to fulfill this mission
through grants and the generosity of individual and corporate donors.
The Harrington Cancer Center has recently announced a vital $25 million expansion
project named the Harold & Joyce Courson
Clinic. The 110,000 square foot expansion
will help relieve crowding in existing treatment areas and will provide space for new
technologies and equipment. Additionally, it
will assist with patient access and comfort,
privacy, and dignity.
As the population ages, the expectation is
that cancer will increase. The already crowded Harrington Cancer Center is implementing
long range plans to be in the position to serve
the increased needs of West Texas. The original vision of ensuring that patients do not
have to leave the area for cancer care continues with their belief that “we can do it here!”
BSA HEALTH
SYSTEM
Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System is a
Christian healthcare system whose mission is
to provide quality healthcare in Christian
love, service, and dignity. In the fifteen years
since the successful merger of High Plains
Baptist Hospital and St. Anthony’s Hospital,
BSA has grown into a healthcare system of
more than 2,700 employees, 450 physicians,
and 200 volunteers. As the largest hospital
in the Texas Panhandle, BSA served 408,187
patients in seventeen locations in 2010. For
the last five years BSA has received the Patient
Safety Excellence Award, from the healthcare
ratings company HealthGrades, Inc., which
places the hospital in the top five percent in
the nation for patient safety.
Medical services offered by BSA to the
Amarillo community are diverse and extensive.
Services offered include a twenty-four hour
emergency room with board certified emergency physicians, a state-of-the-art neonatal
intensive care unit, and four physician clinics
to meet the needs of patients of all ages. BSA
has expanded beyond the traditional hospital
setting. Physicians Surgical Hospitals is a joint
venture with Amarillo surgeons to provide surgical services at two surgical hospitals. These
two sites, Panhandle Surgical Hospital and
Quail Creek Surgical Hospital, enable patients
to have a choice in surgical care. Off-site imaging services at Advanced Imaging Centers of
Amarillo and Texas Diagnostic Imaging Center
and endoscopy services at ADC Endoscopy
Specialists are also provided through joint
ventures with Amarillo physicians. The Don &
Sybil Harrington Cancer Center, a nonprofit
community cancer center, is an affiliate of BSA.
BSA has embraced the importance of state-ofthe-art technology by investing in the only
robot-assisted surgery program in the Amarillo
area. The daVinci® SHD Surgical System enables
surgeons to provide a minimally invasive option
for gynecological or urological surgical procedures. The benefits to patients are smaller
incisions, less blood loss, reduced recovery
time, and shorter hospital stays.
Twice a year the Amarillo Khiva Temple
brings a medical team to Amarillo from the
Shriners’ Houston Orthopedic Clinic to
screen children who may not otherwise
receive care. The BSA Family Medical Clinic
offers its clinic to allow the Shriners the use of
the facility to examine the children from the
tri-state region for orthopedic problems. BSA
is also proud to be one of the Children’s
Miracle network (CMN) hospitals in America
and the only CMN hospital in our region.
CMN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
saving and improving the lives of children by
raising funds for children’s hospitals.
Thousands of people are helped and
healthcare access has been improved through
collaboration with social service agencies,
nonprofit organizations and healthcare institutions. In 2010, BSA provided $14.2 million
in charity care and $36.5 million in community benefits. The philanthropic mission of
BSA is extended to the people of Amarillo and
the surrounding communities every day.
QUALITY OF LIFE
203
KINDRED
HOSPITAL
AMARILLO
KINDRED
REHABILITATION
HOSPITAL
AMARILLO
Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo
is located in the Harrington Regional
Medical Center.
Many people who become ill or injured
enter the hospital, recover quickly, and go
home after their hospital visit to resume normal lives. However, some people leave the
hospital needing continued acute medical
care because their condition prevents them
from being able to care for themselves at
home or the severity of their condition
precludes them from being accepted into a
rehabilitation hospital or a skilled nursing
facility. Kindred Hospital Amarillo is a Long
Term Acute Care (LTAC) facility that meets
the needs of those who have medical conditions requiring extended recovery time.
Located in the Medical Center, Kindred is
one of only two hospitals in Amarillo that
provides post acute inpatient care. Kindred
provides aggressive, specialized, interdisciplinary care, designed to bridge the gap
between short-term acute hospitals and
rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long term
care, and home.
Kindred’s seventy-two bed hospital includes
a state-of-the-art, seven bed Intensive Care
Unit as well as a sixty-five bed Medical
Surgical Unit with spacious rooms and private
bathrooms. Chronically ill, catastrophically
injured, or patients with medically complex
conditions receive customized care provided
by a team of physicians, nurses, and allied
health professionals. Pharmacists, dietitians,
case managers, and others also provide
support and resources with a goal of achieving
the most positive outcomes.
Kindred Healthcare, the parent company
of Kindred Hospital Amarillo, is dedicated to
delivering quality medical interventions,
facilitating transitions to the lowest cost
setting that meets their patients’ medical
204
needs, and augmenting their quality of life.
Kindred Healthcare also operates Kindred
Rehabilitation Hospital Amarillo, a forty-four
bed physical rehabilitation hospital. Kindred
Healthcare is one of the largest operators of
nursing and rehabilitation centers, and LTAC
across the nation. Currently Amarillo is one
of only two cities having both a LTAC hospital and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
Kindred Rehabilitation cares for people
with debilitating injuries and illnesses by
providing specialized programs designed to
help them achieve functional independence.
People who benefit by the specialty programs
include amputees, those with brain injuries,
spinal cord injuries, cardiac patients, recipients of joint replacements, and those needing
wound care, orthopedic rehabilitation, or
pain management. Patients can be admitted
from home, the hospital, nursing home, or
other medical providers for services including physical therapy, speech therapy, or
occupational therapy. Support services like
nutritional counseling, pharmacy, radiology,
and laboratory services are also provided as
components of comprehensive plans uniquely designed for each patient in an environment that optimizes each patient’s abilities.
Wesley Community Center
was founded in 1951. Maria
Fields and other United Methodist
Women of Polk Street Methodist
Church began community outreach in a building donated by
the Seay family. For sixty years, its
mission has been to see all individuals realize positive self worth.
Seeking always to maximize both
individual potential and community empowerment, the center’s
purpose is to respond to the
expressed needs of the community. That response is accomplished through a
program of educational, recreational, and spiritual activities for children, youth, and adults of
all races and faiths. The center serves all ages,
providing integrated services under one roof
with a focus on twelve primary programs.
Programs for the youngest include licensed
daycare and Pre-Kindergarten from six weeks
to five years old. Children from Kindergarten
to sixth grade attend after school programs
and camp during the summer months. Area
youth have the opportunity to participate in
the United Way supported “Behind the
Scenes” youth modeling program whose
mission is to enhance the lives of youth by
WESLEY
COMMUNITY
CENTER, INC.
fostering resilience, promoting self-esteem and
building leadership skills. Other youth programs include wrestling and scouting. United
Way also supports our senior citizen’s program.
The center offers counseling services to people
of all ages. Current Executive Director Belinda
Gonzales Taylor, M. Ed., LPC-S provides counseling services and supervises graduate interns
from the WTAMU counseling department.
In 1981 the center built the current 27,000
square foot facility at 1615 South Roberts next
to its original location. The building was constructed with funds raised under the leadership of Reverend Jacinto Alderete, the center’s
executive director from 1967 to 1998. In addition to the wide array of services offered by
Wesley Community Center, other organizations having a collaborative relationship with
the center also offer opportunities to area
residents. Partnering organizations range from
Boy Scouts of America to the Amarillo Opera.
Organizations like Leadership Amarillo/
Canyon conduct various trainings, and Los
Barrios de Amarillo uses the center for meetings and organizing Step Up to Success Youth
Leadership Conferences twice each year.
Other Services include free legal clinics
provided by Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
and immigration clinics provided by
Representative Mac Thornberry’s office. Other
collaborative community support comes from
area colleges and universities as well as entities
such as the United States Marines with
projects like Toys for Tots. Wesley Community
Center empowers and supports each person in
reaching their best potential while enhancing
community and neighborhood.
Above: The Seay family, early Amarillo
pioneers, donated the historic first Wesley
Community Center Building.
Left: The Wesley Community Center is a
welcoming presence in its neighborhood.
QUALITY OF LIFE
205
AMARILLO
DIAGNOSTIC
CLINIC, P.A.
In the 1960s, Dr. Tom W. Duke believed
Amarillo needed a comprehensive, centralized, full-service facility where patients could
receive quality medical care in the Texas
Panhandle without traveling to Dallas or
Houston. His idea became a reality when he,
Dr. H. Wayne Smith, and Dr. John Milton,
formed the Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic, P.A.
(ADC) in 1968. In 1971 they opened for
business on eleven acres of open prairie at
6700 West Ninth Avenue. The facility, strategically located across from the Amarillo
Medical Center, was expanded in 1981 and
1991. Today comprehensive healthcare under
one roof is a reality; ADC is an integral part
of a vibrant, medical community that far
surpasses those early dreams.
Currently, fifteen highly qualified, board
certified or board eligible physicians practice
adult general and subspecialty care at ADC.
Medical specialties offered by ADC physicians
include Endocrinology, Gastroenterology,
Infectious Diseases, Pulmonology, and
Rheumatology. Other specialties are Neurology,
Nuclear Medicine, Internal Medicine, and
Sleep Medicine. Physician Assistants (PAs) and
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) serve as physician
extenders and provide routine
and urgent care for patients by
working under clinical protocols
developed with the physicians.
ADC provides a wide range of
medical and diagnostic services
including a travel clinic, nuclear
medicine, full laboratory services, pulmonary function testing,
radiology and imaging, and infusion therapy. They offer EEG,
EMG, and nerve conduction
206
studies as well as MRI, PET, and CT scanning.
Patients can also utilize an onsite, independent, full-service pharmacy and home medical
equipment center (a separate legal entity).
The ADC Sleep Disorders Center, accredited by the American Board of Sleep Medicine,
is the only clinic with comprehensive services
of board certified physicians in internal
medicine, sleep medicine, and pulmonary
diseases. The no-hassle clinic conducts
various studies, tests, and dispenses CPAP
equipment onsite.
ADC Endoscopy Specialists (a separate legal
entity) is located at 1 Care Circle Drive, they
offer convenient care in an ambulatory surgical
facility. ADC physicians, board certified in their
specialties, provide procedures including
Colonoscopy, Esophogogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD), and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in an
outpatient setting.
Online services are available to provide
patients self service from the home or office at
www.adcpa.com. Convenience and accessibility are essential in ADC’s mission to provide
quality care with a personal touch to their customers, (referrers, patients, and payers). Their
ongoing vision is to be the regional leader in
primary, subspecialty, and internal medicine.
ADC is a member of the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, and supports various nonprofit
and charitable organizations. Staff physicians
serve on various boards and assist with
Texas Tech residencies and internships. ADC
is involved with education of area children,
proudly supports Amarillo Independent
School System, and partners with Amarillo
Area Center for Advanced Learning in helping
students with job training.
AMARILLO
COLLEGE
Amarillo College has not merely stood the
test of time; it has long since exceeded the
expectations of even its most visionary founders.
Established in 1929, with eighty-six students answering the inaugural roll call,
Amarillo College today is a vibrant, multifaceted community college that typically enrolls
more than 11,000 students in academic
classes at six campuses and an outreach center.
Additionally, some 26,000 area residents
regularly take advantage of AC’s plentiful
assortment of professional development and
personal enrichment courses under the
umbrella of Continuing Education.
With a proven blend of quality and affordability that makes Texas community colleges
so appealing—fifty-five percent of students
enrolled in higher education in Texas attend
a community college—Amarillo College provides students with a solid academic foundation, whether they are looking to immediately
enter the workforce or proceed to a university.
The cost of attending Amarillo College is
approximately one-third that of the cost of a
public university in Texas, and it is by law
that AC credits transfer to Texas’ public
universities. About sixty percent of academic
students at AC aspire to at least a four year
degree, so those who earn an associate degree
before they transfer to a university are halfway
to their goal and at a fraction of the cost they
might have otherwise absorbed.
For those looking to enter the workforce
without delay, AC offers certificate and
technical-degree programs designed in collaboration with local industry to equip students
with the skills necessary to take advantage of
immediate career opportunities. The result is
an economic boon for families and industry,
alike. Among AC’s most recent additions in
response to industry need are programs in
wind and solar energy, sonography and utility
power worker.
AC, which enjoys unflagging community
support, received a major boost in 2007 with
passage of a $68 million bond issue. Among
the many projects this enabled AC to
undertake was construction of the
Science Laboratory Building on the
Washington Street Campus and a three
story nursing and dental health center
known as Jones Hall that opened in
late 2010 on the West Campus.
In 2011, AC joined elite company
when it was chosen to become a
member of Achieving the Dream,
a prestigious, select nationwide
consortium of community colleges
joined through nonprofits like the
Lumina Foundation for Education.
The aim of Achieving the Dream is
to prioritize the improvement of student success, and AC became only
the 130th community college selected for inclusion from a pool of more
than 1,200 throughout the nation.
AC is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools.
Above: Amarillo College typically enrolls
more than 11,000 students in academic
classes at six campuses and an outreach
center. Amarillo College blends quality
and affordability.
Below: Amarillo College enjoys unflagging
community support, as evidenced by
passage of a $68 million bond issue
in 2007.
QUALITY OF LIFE
207
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
Above: Wimpy, the grand champion stallion
at the 1941 Fort Worth Stock Show owned
by the famous King Ranch was honored
with the first number in the AQHA stud
book. His statue is prominently displayed in
front of AQHA headquarters.
Below: The American Quarter Horse Hall
of Fame & Museum sits beside AQHA
headquarters; a beautiful destination for
visitors to Amarillo and residents alike.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RALPH DUKE.
Amarillo is the perfect home for the world
headquarters of the American Quarter Horse
Association because it is the gateway to the
American West and the American Quarter
Horse is the horse of the West. The American
Quarter Horse’s versatility makes him a great
partner for racing, showing, recreation, and
ranch work. The American Quarter Horse
Association or AQHA has been a great friend
and partner to the city of Amarillo, Texas,
since 1946. They are proud to be part of the
community, proud of their workforce, and
proud to bring their membership to Amarillo
to visit AQHA headquarters.
AQHA, the world’s largest equine breed
registry and membership organization, has
registered more than five million American
Quarter Horses worldwide. Originally founded
208
in 1940 in Fort Worth, Texas, the organization
has grown to more than 300,000 members
across the world.
It is the mission of AQHA to record and
preserve the pedigrees of the American
Quarter Horse while maintaining the integrity
of the breed, to provide beneficial and exceptional services for its members that enhance
and encourage ownership of the breed, to
generate growth of the AQHA membership
through marketing, promotion, advertising,
and publicity of the American Quarter Horse,
and to develop diverse educational programs
that promote AQHA as the leading resource
organization in the equine industry.
A significant way AQHA increases education of the public and its members is through
the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame
& Museum located on Interstate 40 next to
their headquarters building. Convenient for
tourists and members alike, the beautiful
facility was built to preserve the past, serve as
a place for horse lovers to learn more about
the breed, to further the education mission of
AQHA, and to be the showcase for exceptional Western art by well known Western artists.
AQHA brings events such as the Adequan
Select World Championship Show to Amarillo
with great pride. They believe in being good
citizens of the city by using local vendors and
actively take part in the Shop Smart, Shop
Local Campaign. Because they promote
Amarillo as an ideal destination for their
members across the world, their international
membership knows about Amarillo primarily
because of the ambassadorship of AQHA.
The American Quarter Horse Foundation
is the related philanthropic organization of
AQHA. The promotion of a noble horse and
the partnership it shares
with man is the bedrock
for a partnership with
the community. It provides
the ability to contribute
physical and emotional
benefits to individuals in
need as well as protecting
the physical well being of
all equines. Those principles work hand in hand
with the mission of AQHA.
Bryan P. Bullard, DPM, is excited every
day to learn more about technology he
can use to help people. He established
Bullard Foot and Ankle Institute in 1995 to
provide the specialty practice of medicine
and surgery of the foot, ankle, and related
structures. At Bullard Foot and Ankle
Institute, Dr. Bullard and his staff treat
conditions like heel pain, plantar
fasciitis, sports medicine injuries, cosmetic
conditions of the foot and
ankle, and simple and complex
deformities. In addition, Dr.
Bullard takes a proactive stance
to address mechanical issues
through health and wellness
management. Dr. Bullard says
his mission is “promoting
health and movement one step
at a time.”
The most important things
to Dr. Bullard and his staff are to offer answers
to patients’ questions, and to establish good
relationships with these patients. One aspect
of developing trusting relationships with
patients is that Dr. Bullard works to spare
them the pain of surgery. He tries the most
conservative treatment first to keep invasive
procedures at a minimum. Often, that can
be accomplished by helping the patient to
find the right shoe and in other cases it
is accomplished by the use of cuttingedge technology.
Bullard Foot and Ankle Institute is
the place to go for the most modern
technology and care. Dr. Bullard strives to
offer treatments that no other provider
in West Texas offers. New techniques
and technologies enable Dr. Bullard to
successfully tackle conditions like nerve pain,
neuropathy, complex reconstructive foot and
ankle surgery, and complex bio-mechanical
issues. Other modern methods such as
the use of botox and lasers have been an
instrumental in treating advanced cosmetic
issues for some patients. Bullard Foot and
Ankle Institute has the only FDA approved
MLS Laser in the region for effective, painless
treatment of different types of pain to chronic
non-healing wounds.
BULLARD
FOOT AND
ANKLE
INSTITUTE
There is never a lack of patients at Bullard
Foot and Ankle Institute because they
appreciate Dr. Bullard’s level of patient care.
Cooperative relationships with primary care
physicians and other podiatrists in the region
as well as good relationships with each patient
have created a large thriving practice. As a
result, there are plans to build new facilities in
the near future in conjunction with a fitness
center which will further Dr. Bullard’s efforts
in preventative treatment through health and
wellness management.
Dr. Bullard is not only
deeply involved in his
practice but in the
Amarillo community as
well. He is a member of
the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce, and has
served on the boards of
the Lone Star Ballet
and Camp Cactus. He
currently serves on the
board of the American Diabetes Association,
supports the Men’s Health Center, and local
youth athletics.
For more information, please visit Bullard
Foot and Ankle Institute at 500 Quail Creek
Drive, Suite B, Amarillo, Texas 79124, or call
806-356-8003.
QUALITY OF LIFE
209
PALO DURO
RETIREMENT
VILLAGE
Above: The entry into the Palo Duro
Retirement Village leads to inviting grounds
and an attractive community many older
residents of Canyon call home.
Below: Founder Louis Hinders (center,
seated) is shown here on the grounds of Palo
Duro Retirement Village surrounded by his
family, son David Hinders, daughter-in-law
Tammy Hinders (standing), and his wife
Carolyn Hinders.
A need for a senior retirement facility that
would provide residents with companionship,
recreation, and security led to the formation
of the Palo Duro Village Cooperative in the
early 1980s. Louis Hinders and other Canyon
residents including Dale Pulliam, Joe Wieck,
Emmitt Smith, Ray Lumry, Charles Gerald,
and A. W. Lair were the founders. Hinders’
retired mother and mother-in-law both had
challenges finding safe, affordable housing.
Knowing those challenges, he visited the
Ebenezer Society of Minneapolis, a facility
much like the one he envisioned for Canyon,
Texas. He spearheaded the process that ultimately established a facility that would “provide quality senior citizen housing at cost and
promote an active and independent lifestyle
that fosters privacy, safety and companionship.” After researching financing options
and fact finding, Hinders and other founding
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board members determined that forming
a private cooperative would be the optimal way to proceed.
In 1984, after several years of
planning, a land purchase, a land swap
with then West Texas State University,
construction of the original facility
designed by architect Howard Ensign was
completed by Paige and Wirtz. The innovative, forward thinking plan for cooperative ownership has been an ongoing
success. Occupants purchase stock in the
cooperative that entitles them to occupy a
housing unit; the value of the unit determines
the cost of the stock. The cooperative operates
at cost with no profit; all funds are re-invested
in the cooperative. Each year costs are
reviewed, an emergency reserve is set aside,
and the next year’s operating cost is set and
divided between the units accordingly.
Palo Duro Retirement Village attracts people with children in the area, as well as
WTAMU alumni who want to live near the
university. It is a close-knit community where
relationships are encouraged. Activities range
from potluck suppers, coffee groups, and
organized games to massage therapy and
blood pressure checks. Other activities
include weekly Bible studies, sing-alongs,
and birthday parties. Included in the cost of
living at the facility is inside and all outside
maintenance, monthly housekeeping, 24/7
attendant on duty and transportation to
attend Amarillo Symphony, WTAMU events,
and Monthly-Dine-Around. Other amenities
include a library, Laundromat, Jacuzzi, beauty shop, and notary services. Grandchildren
are welcome and ponds on the property are
stocked with fish where grandparents take
their grandchildren fishing.
The facility encompasses several acres and
has an apartment complex with units ranging
from 712 to 1,331 square feet. Starting in
2007 garden homes were added to the compound because younger retirees are attracted
to the growing trend of living in garden
homes in personalized planned communities.
Palo Duro Retirement Village has a working
agreement with an adjacent nursing home
and assisted living center to make transition
from their facility a seamless process.
An interest in nutrition, a desire to
become well, and a determination to stay
well, propelled Judie Boothe into a vocation
dedicated to helping others. Judie and her
husband Ron had suffered from years of poor
health when she began to seek alternatives
that would put them on a path to wellness.
She began to study nutrition in
earnest and as she visited health
food stores, she found help in the
use of vitamins and supplements.
In her quest to educate herself in
alternative healing, Judie began
to study with many of the experts
in the field and changed their diets
to raw, organic foods and quality
supplements. Putting her new
found knowledge to work, Judie
and Ron began a journey toward
health. The process took several
years, but the education Judie
acquired changed her life so
dramatically, she wanted to use it to
help others.
The Boothes purchased Fountain
of Health in 1975, and successfully
developed the store into a leading
source for healthy food choices,
supplements, and an education
center for those seeking a better
quality of life. Fountain of Health
supplies a loyal customer base
from the tri-state region with
supplements from trusted sources
like Bluebonnet Nutrition, Nordic
Naturals, SolarRay, Carlson and Bell Lifestyle.
Fountain of Health also developed, exclusive
to the store, AdVite Nutrition supplements
from trusted manufacturers, ranging from
multivitamins, to products for eye health,
heart health and bone health. The store also
carries a line of whole, natural foods, gluten
free products, cosmetics and body care items.
The staff is well trained and available to
answer questions to help customers make
better food and supplement choices.
Fountain of Health uses no chemicals in
the store and works to promote conservation
and eco-friendly practices. Judie, Board
Certified in Clinical Nutrition, has a clinical
practice as well; she has to have twenty hours
of continuing education annually and testing
every four years to retain her certification.
She has studied with experts in the
industry for over forty years, and now teaches
others to change their lifestyles, put away
unhealthy habits, and achieve a better quality
of life.
Judie’s dedication to the nutrition field
and alternative healing has caused industry
leaders to recognize her expertise. She has
stepped up to leadership roles by serving the
industry as president of the Natural Products
Association-Southwest Region for eight
years on the regional board, and four years
on the national board. She also has served
on the board of the Texas Chapter of
International and American Association of
Clinical Nutritionists. She has been active as
a volunteer in the Amarillo community as
well. Judie continues to help people in
the community and at Fountain of Health;
her goal is to change people’s health one
individual at a time.
FOUNTAIN
OF HEALTH
Judie Boothe, a certified clinical nutritionist,
has owned Fountain of Health since 1975.
QUALITY OF LIFE
211
PROGRESSIVE
STEP
REHABILITATION
SERVICES
When walking through the facilities of
Progressive Step Rehabilitation Services, it
becomes apparent that it is a happy, joyful
place. The laughter of children is mixed with
gentle encouraging voices of the staff and the
sounds of various therapy activities.
The mission of the therapeutic company is
to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs of the highest quality to improve the
functional independence of those they serve.
They are currently the only freestanding
Medicare and Medicaid certified outpatient
clinic in Amarillo to offer physical, occupational, aquatic, and speech therapy services.
Physical therapy services focus on diagnosis
and treatment of disorders related to movement and physical function, restoring function, or alleviating acute or chronic pain, as
well as prevention of disability. Occupational
therapy is centered on developing or restoring
independence for patients with challenges
such as perceptual motor skill problems,
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attention and academic achievement difficulties, and self care deficits. Speech therapy is
offered for patients who have had injuries,
strokes, neurological deficits, or developmental delays. The unique use of aquatic therapy
is provided in the facility’s heated pool if recommended by the patient’s treatment plan.
Also named ProStep of Amarillo, the company was established by a group of therapists
in the Amarillo area to fill a need for pediatric
outpatient therapy. Outpatient therapy is
now provided to children and adults with a
wide range of diagnosis and disabilities and
is complemented by patient and family
education programs. The business, whose
parent company Extendicare is located in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, started in Amarillo
with four employees in 1997. It now employs
thirty-five staffers in its Panhandle offices
located in Amarillo, Borger, and Dumas and
an additional fourteen in Lubbock. A new
office has been added in Longview, Texas.
The firm participates in charitable
activities and community organizations that directly affect the patients
it serves such as the Buddy Walk,
March of Dimes, and Autism United.
Amazing transformations are
celebrated at Progressive Step
Rehabilitation Services. Children
who start therapy may have such
debilitating disability that the parents’ concerns absorb much mental,
physical, and emotional energy. The
investment of day by day hard work
results in the development of more
typical family routines and parentchild relationships. Melissa, a parent
of one patient tells of her child,
Chloe starting therapy at the age of
seventeen months old, not being able
to sit or drink. Chloe can now not
only drink, but walk, talk, and eat.
Her social skills are developing and
though she was not supposed to live
past her first birthday, she is now a
smiling, laughing four-year old girl
who loves life. That is a story Melissa
loves to tell and a story ProStep
Rehabilitation Services wants to tell
the community.
St. Luke Eye Institute has been committed
to providing Amarillo with superior eye care
for more than twenty-five years. The family
eye care practice includes Dr. John Alpar,
ophthalmologist, and his son and daughterin-law, Dr. Andrew Alpar and Dr. Candace
Lipshy, optometrists. The roots of St. Luke
Eye Institute can be traced back to 1959 when
Dr. John Alpar brought his family to Amarillo
after their immigration from Hungary to
escape the Russian occupation. He joined
the practice of Doctors Streit, Murphy, and
McKay. Drs. Andrew and John Alpar founded
St Luke Eye Institute in 1986 in its current
location at 5311 Southwest Ninth Avenue.
Dr. Lipshy joined them in 1993.
The doctors and staff of St. Luke Eye
Institute serve the Amarillo community by
utilizing the latest technology to provide
exceptional eye care for children, adults, and
seniors. The doctors have attained
the highest levels of certification,
assuring that patients receive the
best eye examination and treatment
available. Services include routine
eye examinations for glasses and
contact lenses, as well as diagnosis
and treatment of eye disease. The
doctors have participated in many
FDA clinical drug trials, resulting in
the development of several eye medications. St. Luke Eye Institute has
partnered with several local service
organizations, including High Plains
Food Bank, Lions Eyeglass Program,
and Catholic Family Services.
Ninth Avenue Optical, located
onsite, has a large selection of
designer eyewear. Experienced opticians expertly fit patients into glasses
that suit their lifestyle, vision needs,
and budget. Ninth Avenue Optical teams with
the best optical labs in the country to provide
patients with superior products, including
Varilux, Crizal, and HD digitally enhanced
lens designs.
At St. Luke Eye Institute, eye care is
tailored to meet the specific needs of
each patient. The professional, yet relaxed
atmosphere reduces patient anxiety, providing
for the best examination results possible.
Families come from throughout Texas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, as far away
as California, and even China to entrust their
vision care to Drs. Alpar and Lipshy!
Dr. Alpar, M.D. serves as Clinical Professor
of Ophthalmology at Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center. He helped develop
the surgical techniques and investigated the
clinical aspects of early intraocular lenses
used in cataract surgery. Dr. Alpar has published over 130 articles, and coauthored a
textbook on intraocular lenses. He performed
missionary work in Africa and South America.
He served for more than a decade on the
National and International Standardization
Committee on ophthalmic devices. John and
his wife Elizabeth had six children and are
active members of St. Mary’s Cathedral,
patrons of the Amarillo Symphony and
Opera, and many charitable organizations.
Andrew is a Fellow of the American
Academy of Optometry, and Dr. Lipshy is
currently a candidate for fellowship. They
have four children and are active members
of both St. Mary’s Cathedral and Temple
B’Nai Israel. They are sponsors of the
Amarillo Youth Choirs, and have participated
in Boy and Girl Scouts. Hobbies include
scuba diving, bicycling, and spending time
with their granddaughter, Keira.
ST. LUKE
EYE INSTITUTE
Left to right: Doctors Andrew Alpar, OD,
John Alpar, MD, and Candace Lipshy, OD.
QUALITY OF LIFE
213
FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH OF
AMARILLO
Top: The 2010 exterior renovation of First
Baptist Church included beautiful arched
walkways, artful lighting, landscaping, and
increased accessibility.
Above: The historic First Baptist Church
sanctuary holds sixty foot ceilings, pastel
frescoes, and stained glass windows.
Organized in 1889 by sixteen charter
members, First Baptist Church (FBC) of
Amarillo, Texas, has stood as a testament of
faith for over 120 years. From the first pastor,
Reverend George Walter Capps, to the current
pastor, Dr. Howard K. Batson, FBC has been
dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. FBC advances the Gospel by ministering to the Amarillo community and engaging
in international missions. Over two thousand
people from very diverse backgrounds worship at FBC each weekend.
FBC provides Christian education to people of
all ages. From telling Bible stories to preschoolers,
encouraging children and pre-teens, and equipping teens to make sound life decisions, FBC has
a place for your family to grow in faith. Adult
ministries provide Bible studies, fellowship, and
encouragement in all aspects of life, including
marriage, single life, careers, raising children,
and retirement. Relationships are very important
at FBC and many opportunities are available for
people to connect with their church family.
214
Pastors like Dr. Winfred Moore, who served
for thirty years, have guided a vibrant congregation toward expansion of its facilities to provide a base for ministry and outreach projects.
The 1929 sanctuary, with ornate stained glass
and pastel frescoes, has been impeccably
maintained over the years. Additions to the
church campus have created beautiful and
functional facilities that stand as a tribute to
the sacrifices of generations of members. The
most recent restorations updated the sanctuary, chapel, fellowship hall, Family Life Center,
and education space. The entire exterior of the
church was renovated in 2010 when outdoor
worship areas, arched walkways, landscaping,
and increased accessibility were added.
Emphasis on local missions has expanded
as well and includes programs such as
prison ministry, ESL for refugees, Christian
Job Corps, nursing home ministry, and
the Perkins Center. FBC’s local television
ministry is the longest running televised
broadcast program in Amarillo.
FBC’s global outreach supports ongoing
humanitarian and spiritual projects in Africa,
Mexico, Europe, Central and South America, and
Asia. More than ten percent of the weekly attendance leaves the United States on mission trips
each year. It is the goal of FBC to share the
Good News of Christ, perpetuating the Great
Commission to the Amarillo community and
beyond. FBC has had an international ministry
for almost fifty years and continues to welcome
worshippers from all corners of the globe. The
congregation is becoming increasingly diverse
with over a dozen cultures worshipping together.
FBC’s global ministry is reflected in their theme,
“Many Faces. One Faith. We are First Baptist.”
WONDERLAND
PARK
Smiling faces, giggles, and family fun for
more than sixty years! Wonderland Park is
the summertime place to be in the Texas
Panhandle. The magic began in 1951 when
Paul and Alethea Roads’ vision turned into
a reality. The name was Kiddieland and the
fun started with three kiddie-rides, a boat
ride, Lil’ Dipper roller coaster, and a car ride
built by Paul Roads. Today the park, named
Wonderland greets about 200,000 guests
each year with a plethora of fun filled rides.
The Roads created a legacy of joy and delight
for those who visit the park and a heritage
of hard work and dedication to their family.
The Roads’ daughter Paula, and her husband
Paul Borchardt, and the Borchardt’s daughter
Rebecca Parker, operate the park today with
the same dedication. Alethea is still active in
the park.
A partnership with the City of Amarillo
that began when Kiddieland opened sixty
years ago continues today. Wonderland Park
is located within the city’s Thompson
Memorial Park north of downtown Amarillo.
A prominent landmark beside U. S. Highway
287, Wonderland Park has been a viable part
of the community on Amarillo’s north side.
The park adds to Amarillo’s economy each
year and provides employment opportunities
for youth across the region. Summertime
employment runs about 250 and fourteen
workers maintain the park year-round.
Wonderland provides Amarillo residents
and visitors a unique experience not available
in most cities of Amarillo’s size. It draws people from the surrounding region, and that
money stays in Amarillo. Wonderland Park
hires contractors and buys supplies locally.
Generally, new rides are developed and
reconditioned onsite. Wonderland continues
to work with the City to develop Wonderland
Park by providing a safe, fun place for family
entertainment in Amarillo.
Top: Wonderland Park has brought joy to
thousands of children since 1951.
Left: The Texas Tornado is in the American
Coaster Enthusiasts Hall of Fame.
Today, Wonderland Park is the largest
family-owned amusement park in Texas.
Attractions include 6 water rides, the exciting
200-foot Drop of Fear, 4 roller coasters
including the famous Texas Tornado with its
thrilling loops, and an 18-hole miniature golf
course. Wonderland Park has something for
everyone and the magic, the smiles and of
course, the cotton candy—continue!
QUALITY OF LIFE
215
BAPTIST
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
In 1996, Baptist Community Services
(BCS), formerly High Plains Baptist Health
Systems, evolved from the merger of High
Plains Baptist Hospital and St. Anthony’s
Hospital. Today BCS owns and operates
Park Central, a continuing care retirement
community and two family fitness centers,
the Amarillo Town Clubs. The BCS leadership
teams, from the Board of Trustees to the staff,
recognize that the residents and those who use
any of the services and facilities deserve the
best. BCS is dedicated to ministering to the
whole person. This commitment is fulfilled by
providing superior care and customer service
in an efficient manner and in an atmosphere of
Christian love and understanding.
Park Central, located adjacent to downtown
Amarillo, is committed to a ministry of enhancing quality of life for senior adults and their
families in the loving atmosphere of a Christian
community. Two ten-story retirement facilities,
Park Place Towers and The Continental, offer
245 retirement living apartments for people
age sixty-two and over. Park Place Towers and
Above: President and CEO T. H. (Tim)
Holloway retired in 2011 after forty-one
years with BCS.
Right: The Mary Ware Clock Tower
stands at the heart of the Park
Central Retirement Community.
216
The Continental offer a full array of services
including fine dining, housekeeping, transportation, and a full calendar of social events.
Other retirement facilities include the Plemons
Court and the historic Talmage Apartments;
both offer discounted rates for seniors with
qualifying annual incomes.
Park Central also includes Ware Living
Center, a licensed long-term care facility and
the Village, a certified Alzheimer’s Center.
Ware strives to maintain a diverse, harmonious, life-affirming environment that meets
the residents’ individual needs while helping
them maintain as much independence as possible. Located directly north of Ware Living
Center, Harrington Assisted Living Center is
an elegant sixty residence facility with
spacious apartments surrounded by beautiful
outdoor courtyards. The Moore Assisted
Living located west of Park Place Towers, provides more complex support services within
the comfort and privacy of residents’ own
apartments, near the serene water gardens.
Part of the Park Central family, The Arbors,
offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation at a
separate location within minutes of the
Harrington Regional Medical Center.
Park Central is home to a variety of
convenient amenities and services designed
to meet and exceed the expectations of our
residents and their families. These amenities
include an onsite family friendly diner,
Jackson Square Grill open daily to the public
serving up old fashioned favorites, the
Wellness Center, Day Spa, Pharmacy and
the BSA clinic. Community service offerings
include Custom Home Care, Nurse Navigator
and Pastoral Care programs.
The two Amarillo Town Clubs are committed to the health of families and offer programs including water and group classes.
Amenities include 2 indoor pools, 2 outdoor
pools, full-size basketball and volleyball
courts, indoor running track, modern weightlifting equipment and 2 cardio theaters.
Members have access to personal trainers and
classes including aerobics, Yoga and Pilates.
The core values of BCS are promoting
Christian values, providing superior customer
service, valuing all employees, and performing with honesty and integrity.
The Junior League of Amarillo is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism, developing the potential of
women, and improving communities through
the effective action and leadership of trained
volunteers. Their exclusively educational and
charitable purpose has been the hallmark of
their community involvement during their
eighty-one year history. Each year, Junior
League women volunteer more than 15,000
hours of which over 5,000 are directly to
community agencies. Currently, over 800
women are affiliated with the Junior League
of Amarillo.
Originally founded as the Junior Welfare
League in 1930, the organization became a
member of the Association of Junior Leagues
of America in 1943. During the first fifteen
years, the principle project of the League
was support of a free clinic for preschool
children with Gladys Seewald as the full
time chairwoman. Today, the League is
still dedicated to the welfare of children
in Amarillo. In the current year, they will
award grants to Kids’ Café, Child Protective
Services Rainbow Room, Teen Court, Hope
and Healing Place, Camp Alphie, and the
Amarillo Zoo. They will also give Community
Assistance Grants to other nonprofits, and
award a $5,000 ACE scholarship to a
recipient who attends West Texas A&M
University. An important project funded by
the League is the Medical Center League
House, a facility created in collaboration with
Baptist Community Services and Harrington
Regional Medical Center that provides a
home away from home for families with
loved ones in the hospital as well as patients
receiving outpatient care.
The League’s fundraising efforts include the
annual Best of Texas event, sales of the cookbooks, Junior League of Amarillo Asparagus
Cookbook, and Beyond the Rim: A Taste of
Amarillo, a bi-annual Rummage Sale with a
preview party the evening before, and the
Junior League Golf Classic.
The League is located in the historic
Shelton-Houghton House at 1700 South
Polk. The Prairie-style home with a Classical
porch was donated to them by Martha
Shelton Houghton in 1965. Houghton, the
daughter of pioneer ranchers, John Malcolm
Shelton and Flora Exum Shelton, donated
her home at the request
of her daughter, League
member, Martha Houghton
Garner. The home features a
grand staircase, mahogany
paneling, and maple floors.
Many original elements of
the home are still intact
today. The stately home
has received both Texas
Historical Marker and
National Register of Historic
Places designations.
The Junior League of Amarillo looks
forward to continuing as an organization of
women committed to promoting voluntarism. They are dedicated to impacting the
Amarillo area by building stronger families,
ensuring that children and youth have the
opportunities and services essential for
their physical, emotional, intellectual, and
social growth, promoting civic and cultural
enrichment, and enhancing women’s health
and well-being.
JUNIOR LEAGUE
OF AMARILLO
Above: The Junior League of Amarillo is
headquartered in the historic SheltonHoughton House.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GRAY’S STUDIO.
Below: The League House, “home away
from home” for families with a loved one in
the hospital as well as patients receiving
outpatient care, is a signature project of the
Junior League of Amarillo.
QUALITY OF LIFE
217
AMARILLO
MONTESSORI
ACADEMY
Imagination, fascination, and exploration
are doors to discovering a world of knowledge. At Amarillo Montessori Academy (AMA)
children are given the opportunity to walk
through those doors. The teachers at AMA
give children the tools to empower them to
discover, experience, and explore the world
around them. They encourage an explosion
of fascination by providing resources for
learning rather than teaching from their own
experiences and knowledge. The Academy’s
mission is a commitment to providing education in a Montessori setting, encouraging
students to develop their potential as self
directed learners and as active, caring, and
contributing members of society.
The Montessori Method of education emanated from the beliefs
and work of Italian doctor, Maria
Montessori early in the twentieth
century. Her revolutionary approach
to education is attuned to the child’s
inner drives and promotes interaction of the child and his surroundings. That process leads to the
child’s mastery of himself and his
environment, and develops children
who are confident, competent, and
self disciplined.
The school, founded in 1968 as
the Wee Wisdom School, became
the Amarillo Montessori Academy
in 1974. It began with a vision
by Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Moffitt
and others. They and community
members like Mr. and Mrs. David
Kritser III, Mr. and Mrs. Jess
Ben Latham, and Paul Harpole
218
continue to support the Academy. It is a nonprofit, nonsectarian school governed by a
twelve member board of directors elected from
parents of students who attend the Academy
and interested community members.
AMA offers an excellent education in a
Montessori environment for preschool children and kindergarteners. The Academy’s
teachers are nationally certified Montessori
instructors and/or possess a state teaching
certificate. The facility is also licensed
through the Texas Department of Human
Services as a day care center. AMA’s infant
program couples quality individual care
with encouragement toward emotional and
intellectual independence. Toddlers learn
language skills and are introduced to
concepts of independence and self-control.
They learn to care for themselves and become
self-sufficient in a child sized environment.
Children attending AMA benefit from
small classes with low student/teacher ratio.
Early education at AMA introduces children
to the concept of making choices, having
real world duties, and household chores like
folding socks and matching items. Children
are encouraged to care for animals and
plants, and be aware of the environment
around them; interaction is encouraged to
help them be more responsive to their
surroundings. Children are challenged,
learn critical thinking skills, and are directed
toward pursuing their own interests.
Teachers guide each child to “do it myself,”
satisfying each child’s need for independence.
AMA works to ensure that each child
experiences the adventure of discovery and
the joy of accomplishment.
Hot air balloons sail
over the majestic
Palo Duro Canyon.
QUALITY OF LIFE
219
The
Marketplace
220
A m a r i l l o ’s re t a i l a n d c o m m e r c i a l e s t a b l i s h m e n t s
offer an impressive variety of choices
H o l i d a y I n n A m a r i l l o We s t – M e d i c a l C e n t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2
T h e N u n n C o m p a n y, L t d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 6
A m a r i l l o C h a m b e r o f C o m m e rc e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 9
We s t Te x a s A & M U n i v e r s i t y E n t e r p r i s e C e n t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 0
Amarillo Grain Exchange, Inc. .....................................................232
Amarillo National Bank ..............................................................234
S p ro u s e S h r a d e r S m i t h P. C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 6
We s t e r n N a t i o n a l L i f e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 8
FirstBank Southwest ...................................................................240
B ro w n A u t o m o t i v e G ro u p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 2
T- M i l l e r Wre c k e r S e r v i c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 4
H o a re l S i g n C o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 6
H i l l ’s S p o r t S h o p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 8
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation .................................250
Baldwin Distribution ..................................................................251
C a i n ’s C a r p e t C a re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 2
Wo o d F i n a n c i a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 3
Bio-Klenz .................................................................................254
Auction Systems of Amarillo ........................................................255
U p s h a w I n s u r a n c e A g e n c y, I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 6
H a p p y S t a t e B a n k & Tr u s t C o m p a n y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 7
B e n t l e y ’s & A s s o c i a t e s , L L C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 8
E d u c a t i o n C re d i t U n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 9
J o r g e ’s M e x i c a n B a r a n d G r i l l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 0
A a rd v a r k S e r v i c e s , I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 1
E v e re t t ’s P l u m b i n g S u p p l y & F a u c e t P a r t s C e n t e r, I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 2
Money Methods .........................................................................263
Bechtol Fine Arts .......................................................................264
B ro w n , G r a h a m & C o m p a n y, P. C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 5
Acme Body Shop ........................................................................266
Rabern Rental Center
Classic Events .....................................................................267
M a rc e l l a F u r s & L e a t h e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 8
M c D o n a l d ’s R e s t a u r a n t s o f A m a r i l l o
Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo .......................................269
F r a n k ’s R e p a i r P l u m b i n g , I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 0
Timeless Designs .......................................................................271
Glass Doctor of Amarillo ............................................................272
SPECIAL
THANKS TO
Western National Life
THE MARKETPLACE
221
HOLIDAY INN AMARILLO WEST–
MEDICAL CENTER
Top: Welcome to the Holiday Inn Amarillo
West-Medical Center.
Above: The hotel lobby has an atmosphere
of today’s Texas.
Amarillo’s newest Holiday Inn is conveniently located in one of the most vibrant
areas of Amarillo. Located at 8231 Amarillo
Boulevard West, the hotel is just north of
Interstate 40 between Coulter Street and
Soncy Street. The full service hotel is near
Westgate Mall, Signature Mall, and scores of
retail shopping opportunities along Soncy
Street. UA Amarillo Star 14 is located next
door within walking distance, and many
chain and specialty restaurants are located on
the adjacent Interstate 40 access road and
surrounding area. Amarillo’s premier medical
complex, the Harrington Regional Medical
Center, is only three minutes away.
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Holiday Inn Amarillo West-Medical Center
is ideally located for travelers having business
in Amarillo. Major area businesses including
Bell Helicopter Textron, Pantex, American
Quarter Horse Association, Xcel Energy, and
Owens Corning are only minutes away. In
addition to the hotel’s proximity to Interstate
40 and area businesses its amenities for the
business traveler include complimentary
wired and wireless high speed Internet and
iPod docking stations in each room. A complimentary twenty-four hour guest business
center is located on the ground floor. The center offers privacy, includes two computers,
and printing and faxing capabilities. Copying
service is available upon request as well.
Shuttle service to Rick Husband Amarillo
International Airport and locations within a
two mile radius of the hotel is available.
The attractively landscaped hotel has an
inviting, beautiful entry and lobby where a
friendly staff greets visitors at the front desk.
Information on shopping, attractions, restaurants, and other area offerings is available on
a touch screen smart board in the lobby. The
hotel has a “Texas feel” with a unique contemporary look that reflects today’s Texas. A
two story water feature incorporated into a
natural rock image of the map of Texas is the
focal point of the lobby. The décor is sleek,
contemporary, yet tastefully rustic and inviting; western art is displayed throughout. The
low key, quiet bar/lounge located at the rear of
the lobby is the perfect place to meet clients
while conducting business in Amarillo. Its
understated, peaceful atmosphere is also a
place where local residents can visit or meet
with business associates and clients after
work. The bar is “business informal” with big
screen televisions and welcomes the opportunity to cater to local residents who want an
upscale, quiet place to unwind.
is a business friendly hotel; it is well equipped
to handle meetings and training sessions for
visitors or local companies alike. Over 8,500
square feet of meeting and convention facilities for 200 to 250 people inside the hotel is
available for business meetings, conferences,
and training sessions. Complete one-stopshop meeting and convention offerings
include room accommodations, meeting
space, coffee break, and meal services.
Catered banquet service with a full banquet
menu is also available. Holiday Inn Amarillo
West-Medical Center also is an ideal location
for weddings, receptions, and other events
like family reunions. Small intimate events are
welcomed also. Outdoor space is available on
the patio. The 5,000 square foot patio space is
a lovely setting for receptions and other night
time events. The fire pit, high tech lighting,
and speakers are perfect for festive evenings,
and the beautiful softly lit walls provide an
intimate, private setting.
offers over 150 guest rooms featuring the same
relaxing, stylish décor as the public areas of
the hotel. The spacious rooms feature beds
with pillow top mattresses, and the guest’s
choice of soft or firm pillows. All rooms have
either two queen sized beds or king sized
beds. Ironing boards, irons, and hair dryers
are also included in every room. Each room
has a microwave, coffee maker, and a refrigerator as well as ample seating, desk, and table;
ample electrical outlets are available. All rooms
have thirty-seven inch flat panel televisions
with fifty HD premium channels and free
movie channels. The hotel’s rooms are perfect
for vacationers or business people, and offer
ample storage. Room sizes vary from studios
to suites with lovely sitting areas for families
or larger parties. Rollaway beds and baby cribs
are available upon request. Bathrooms in guest
rooms feature electric fog-free makeup/
shaving mirrors and spacious showers/tub
combinations. The facility has two presidential
suites, the Quarter Horse Suite, and the Triple
Crown Suite. Expansive, stylish, and sumptuous, with separate living rooms, the presidential suites are well suited for special guests.
Their bathrooms include walk-in showers,
Jacuzzis, and expanded electric fog-free
mirrors. All guest rooms are non-smoking
only. All rooms also have electric door bells
and “do not disturb” privacy indicators. The
facility has twenty-four hour security.
The hotel is prepared to address accessibility needs of its guests; it is handicapped
accessible throughout. When booking
accommodations online, guests can complete
the “Special or Accessibility Requests” section
of “Trip Preferences” on the reservation
template. Available options include accessibility equipment for the deaf, accessible
bathrooms, accessible path of travel, handicapped parking, in-room accessibility, and
wheelchair roll-in showers.
Guests are offered a complimentary, full
hot buffet breakfast each morning, and room
service is available as well. Holiday Inn
Amarillo West-Medical Center features a special onsite restaurant, “Flame” Mexican Bistro.
Flame is unique to Amarillo; its upscale
cuisine is authentic Mexican with a Southern
flare. The menu items have a slightly different
flavor than other Amarillo restaurants.
Above: The lobby at Holiday Inn Amarillo
West-Medical Center showcases a Texas
water feature in a contemporary setting.
Below: Flame Mexican Bistro is a quiet,
upscale place to have a relaxing,
delicious meal.
THE MARKETPLACE
223
Above: The hotel’s lounge is a great place to
unwind after work or in the evening after
checking in.
Below: Holiday Inn Amarillo West-Medical
Center is a family friendly hotel.
The fresh tasting salsa and meals have a Rio
Grande influence; they are not the usual
cookie cutter offerings. The menu includes
thirty-five selections with signature items
being white cheese queso, chile relleño, and
tres leches cake. A selection of appetizers is
available, as are soup, salad, and sandwich
choices. Prime steaks and chops from the grill
as well as unique seafood items complement
the authentic Mexican favorites on the menu.
Mexican favorites include the chile relleños
and other authentic dishes such as barbacoa,
bistek a la Mexicana, chile colorado, and
chile verde. Enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas,
Mexican style pork chops, and carne guisada
round out the authentic Mexican selection.
Desserts include the tres leches cake and
other selections such as sopapillas, cheesecake, and Key Lime pie. Wine and other adult
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beverages are available from the
bar. There are a variety of affordable kids’ meals on the menu
along with drinks and a frozen
treat. The ambience of Flame is
conducive to conversation; it
has an intimate and private
atmosphere, and the décor is
understated and tasteful. It is a
place where local residents as
well as hotel guests are welcome. The restaurant is open to
the public, and is a perfect place
to have a lovely evening with a
classy atmosphere and an upscale meal.
Relaxing recreational amenities at Holiday
Inn Amarillo West-Medical Center include an
indoor heated pool with a waterslide. The pleasant enclosed pool area also features a children’s
pool, spa hot tub, and sauna. The adjacent
enclosed sundeck offers privacy, a quiet conversation area, and plenty of sun. Other amenities
are an adjacent bar and a snack area near
the pool. An attractive fitness center is located
on the ground floor near the pool area.
Equipment in the facility center is modern,
state-of-the-art, and clean. A variety of equipment available for guests includes treadmills,
elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, stair
steppers, and weight machines. Televisions are
provided in the fitness center as well.
Hotel policies include a requirement that
guests contact hotel personnel prior to arrival
to make shuttle arrangements from Rick
Husband Amarillo International Airport.
Other policies are check in time starts at
3 p.m., check out time is at 11 a.m., minimum guest age is twenty-one, pets are not
allowed, free guest parking only during stay,
and parking height restrictions apply. There
is a nominal charge for rollaway beds and
baby cribs. Major credit cards accepted
include Diners Club, American Express, Visa,
Master Card, and Discover Card. Guests are
reminded to bring government issued photo
identification to check in. A credit card or
cash deposit is required at check-in for
incidental charges that may be incurred. The
hotel does not accept bookings for certain
group events including pre-wedding stag/
bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Holiday Inn Amarillo West-Medical
Center offers competitive rates. Guests
have the opportunity to participate in
the Priority Club Rewards Program to
maximize their savings when staying at a
Holiday Inn. The Priority Club Rewards
Program is a leading reward program
in the hospitality industry. Holiday Inn
Amarillo West-Medical Center is just
one of 4,500 hotels worldwide where
Priority Club Rewards can be earned.
Frequent guests earn points and miles
by staying at hotels ranging from luxury
to convenient, from exotic to urban.
Rewards are earned in a variety of ways, and
points and miles are easy to redeem. Miles
and points are redeemable at more than forty
airlines, various car rental companies, and
over 10,000 restaurants. The Priority Club
Rewards Program is the first and largest
program of its kind in the world, and the
wide selection of credit card partners makes
participation an easy choice for Holiday Inn’s
loyal guests. Membership is free, points never
expire, and points can be redeemed anywhere
in the world. Holiday Inn Amarillo WestMedical Center is proud to be a Priority Club
Rewards partner.
Whether visitors to Amarillo come to the
city for business or healthcare, Holiday Inn
Amarillo West-Medical Center is convenient,
accommodating, and comfortable. It is a place
to relax at the end of the day, a place to rest
before the trip home, and a place to enjoy
a quiet meal. It is an ideal place to stay and
use as a home base when enjoying all the
attractions the Texas Panhandle has to offer.
A trip to Palo Duro Canyon, an afternoon at
Wonderland Park, shopping at Westgate Mall,
enjoying the Panhandle Plains Historical
Museum, and lunch at the Big Texan Steak
Ranch are just a few reasons to visit Amarillo
and stay at the hotel. The perfect ending
after an evening at the Amarillo Museum of
Art, the Amarillo Globe-News Center for the
Performing Arts or the outdoor musical
drama Texas is relaxing in the lounge or dining at the Flame before retiring. Holiday Inn
Amarillo West-Medical Center is the perfect
home away from home.
Above: Holiday Inn Amarillo West-Medical
Center is the perfect venue to have business
meetings, conventions, or training sessions.
Below: Holiday Inn Amarillo West-Medical
Center is 8231 Amarillo Boulevard West,
one block north of Interstate 40 West.
THE MARKETPLACE
225
THE NUNN
COMPANY,
LTD.
Above: Nunn Electric was part of the
vibrant business community along historic
Polk Street in 1915.
Below: Nunn Electric, seen here in 1928,
is one of the oldest continuously operated
businesses in Amarillo.
The story of The Nunn
Company parallels the story
of Amarillo; they have grown
up together. First established
in 1910, The Nunn Electric
Company was started by John
Lindsey Nunn, later acquired
by Carl Hare, Sr., and is one
of the longest continually run
businesses in Amarillo. Just
like Amarillo, The Nunn
Company has prospered and
weathered storms and economic downturns.
Nunn Electric Company began by providing
items like wire, connectors, and insulators
for early telephone companies in the region.
The company evolved into the retail sale of
electrical supplies and appliances with Nunn
operating retail outlets throughout North
and West Texas, eastern New Mexico, and
adjacent Oklahoma.
Hare, Sr., came to Nunn’s attention in 1925.
Hare was working in Nunn Electric’s Wichita
Falls, Texas, store. He had taken leave from a
job at T & P Railroad to see if he was more
suited for sales. He quickly sold $50,000
worth of RCA Orthophonic Victrolas, and
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Nunn, being suitably impressed, hired him as
a manager in his Amarillo store, and offered
him a partnership as well. Hare packed up his
wife Zula and moved to Amarillo in 1926; and
from that time to present, the Hare family has
been involved with the company.
Hare went to work in the store at 425
Polk Street, Nunn Electric’s first downtown
Amarillo location. The inventory was primarily Frigidaire refrigerators, RCA Victrolas and
records, and lighting fixtures. Soon, the store
began selling wholesale electrical supplies and
would continue to do so for decades. In 1936,
Hare bought Nunn’s interest in the company.
Nunn moved on to be involved in utility
companies, real estate, and newspaper
publishing, and Hare, being a natural
salesman took over the company. Hare
had an excellent partner in his wife,
Zula who worked tirelessly providing
stability and business sense that kept
the company going during the hard
times. Zula was one of the smartest
businesswomen in Amarillo during
the Depression and helped the company stay solvent. During the 1930s,
Hare, then no longer a Frigidaire
dealer, began to sell Zenith radio
products, branched out into wholesale appliance and radio sales, and
expanded to a second retail location
in Lubbock.
During World War II as materials
became scarce, and because merchandise was hard to come by, Hare closed
the Lubbock store and became a contractor for the government. At the end
of World War II, Hare converted his
business completely to a wholesale
operation, sold the retail business, and
bought a building at 105 Polk Street. The 100
block of Polk Street is still home to the
company today. Hare had a knack for lining
up suppliers; they were very happy with his
superior ability to sell their products.
Throughout the 1950s and into the 1970s,
the company had great success with wholesale
distribution of electrical supplies, in RCA’s
consumer electronics products line, and
Whirlpool major appliances. The company
also distributed Litton microwaves and ranges
as well as Imperial and Corning cooking
systems and Soundesign audio products.
Carl Hare, Jr., began working at Nunn
Electric part-time as a high school student in
1947 and joined the company full time after
his graduation from college at the University of
Oklahoma and a stint as a pilot in the United
States Air Force. From learning by starting in
the appliance division sales training program to
overseeing the entire appliance division, Hare,
Jr., was ready to step in when his father became
ill in 1965. The city of Amarillo and businesses suffered during the 1960s after the Amarillo
Air Force Base closed, Nunn Electric persevered and survived. Hare, Jr., revamped the
company’s management methods in the 1970s,
streamlined operations, and restructured the
management team. As a result, the company
grew and sales increased dramatically; other supply businesses were purchased around
the region and added to the
company. By 1970, Nunn
Electric Supply Corporation
served as wholesale distributor
of major brand appliances for
a 90,000 square mile area and
had over 750,000 square feet
of warehouse, office, and display space in four major cities
in Central and West Texas.
The mid 1970s brought 30 million dollars
of sales to the company from thousands of
customers and the company was a major force
in the appliance market. The excellent success
of the appliance division was because of the
company’s network of superb dealers and the
long-standing relationship the company had
with its suppliers. Televisions were introduced in the mid 1950s, and in the 1960s and
1970s became a major component in the
company’s distribution product lines. The
award winning electrical supply division
remained successful over the years due to
excellent staff, a diverse inventory, and exceptional customer service. Robert E. Stanford
was a driving force in the electrical supply
division. R. L. (Bob) Burdette, the company’s
Above and left: Located at 425 Polk Street
in 1929, Nunn Electric sold lighting, small
appliances, Victrolas, and records.
Below: Nunn Electric survived the Great
Depression and became a Zenith dealer in
1937. This photograph was taken in 1939.
THE MARKETPLACE
227
long time chief financial officer, was made
president when Stanford became vice chairman. Burdette was an exceptional manager
and a tough negotiator; yet he became very
popular with both suppliers and customers.
As president he led Nunn Electric Supply
Corporation’s growth in profitable sales to
$130 million, and guided the company into a
debt free position during his final year with
the company.
Left to right: Randall Hare, Carl Hare, Jr.,
Kevin Hare, and John Randall Hare held by
his grandfather.
An electronic supply and parts division
complemented and rounded out the other
divisions of the company; its extensive inventory and superior product lines were a
dependable source of parts and electronics
throughout the region. Throughout the
1980s and 1990s and into the twenty-first
century, Nunn Electric Supply Corporation
continued to be a major distributor of electrical supplies in addition to its appliance distribution. In 2006 the electrical supply side
of the business was sold to Border States
Electric as a result of Burdette successfully
leading the company’s negotiating team. At
the time of the sale, Nunn Electric Supply
Corporation had twenty-three branches of
electrical supply locations, and was doing a
228
large percent of the electrical supply business
in Texas and New Mexico.
In recent years, the appliance distribution
business has continued to grow and Hare, Jr.,
is still at the helm of the company. Furniture
lines have been added, and today the focus of
the company is the wholesale distribution of
home appliances, consumer electronics, bedding, and furniture. They serve over 150
independent dealers in the Texas Panhandle
and tri-state region, and are dedicated to providing the best products for the best price. Product
lines include General Electric,
Frigidaire, Samsung, Speed Queen,
LG, and Broyhill. They credit their
extensive network of excellent
dealers for their continued growth
and success. Now named The
Nunn Company, Ltd., the firm continues the tradition of establishing
and nurturing relationships with
suppliers and dealers alike. As in
any business, an understanding of
the marketplace and fulfilling a
need are ingredients for success.
Being able to adapt and identify a
niche in the marketplace has kept
the company viable for over 100
years. A pattern of success and
business growth can also be attributed to the company’s management
group, consisting of General
Manager Michael Hunt; Operations
Manager Jennie Thornberry; Marketing
Manager Richard Kirkland; and President
Randall Hare. Together, they have 127 years
of successful dedication to the company. CEO
Carl Hare, Jr., and President Randall Hare
look forward to working with their experienced management team along with their
capable workers, and continuing their
exemplary model of success into the future.
An ongoing membership in the Better
Business Bureau demonstrates their devotion
to ethical standards. A long-standing
membership in the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce as well as support for civic
activities in Amarillo, demonstrates their
commitment to the community today and for
the next 100 years.
Amarillo has been a business friendly
town, with far-sighted, business savvy leaders
from the very beginning of its existence. The
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce has been a
leader for the Amarillo business community
since 1926. Founded for the purpose of
providing leadership for the improvement of
the economy of Amarillo, the Chamber
strives “to improve all segments of the area
economy by stimulating not only economic
expansion, but also growth and improvement
in the cultural, social, educational, environmental, and governmental services in the
region.” The Chamber works to implement
programs that improve the area economy
and quality of life by providing a platform for
volunteer leadership to carry out its mission
to build a better Amarillo.
The Chamber serves as a catalyst to bring
business people together to work toward
common goals, is an advocate for attracting
business investment, and promotes programs
to advance profitability of area businesses.
These goals are facilitated by the successful
coupling of a small Chamber staff and a
vibrant membership who make up councils
and committees that further the mission of
the Chamber. The Membership Council,
Women’s Council, and Round-Up Committee
work to encourage membership, promote
business and commerce in Amarillo, and
celebrate new businesses. The Quality of
Life Council and its subcommittees promote
education, city beautification, and other
elements in the community that pertain to
the well-being of area residents.
The Governmental Affairs Council monitors legislation and interacts with legislators
regarding important issues that affect the Texas
Panhandle. The Business Council develops
and promotes programs like “Shop Smart,
Shop Local” that support and assist area
businesses. Working throughout the year
to increase the visibility of agriculture, and
elevate awareness of its importance to the
Panhandle economy, the Agriculture Council
hosts the Annual Farm and Ranch Show as
well. Amarillo is well represented by the
Convention and Visitor Council; as an ambassador for the city it seeks to garner tourism
and convention business for the region. The
Arts Committee promotes the arts in the
Amarillo area, and other committees including the convention and tourism committee,
communications committee, and sports
committee, all work together to promote
Amarillo’s wonderful qualities.
Membership in the Chamber offers
a directory listing, Chamber website
listing, notification of Chamber events
and news, and information regarding
Amarillo’s business climate. The
Chamber offers members opportunities to celebrate grand openings,
expansions, and relocations, as well
as numerous networking events
like the “Good Times Celebration
Barbecue Cook-Off” and “Summer
Fiesta.” Members may participate in
BusinessConnection, an annual business tradeshow that hosts over 400
exhibitors and welcomes the attendance of over 10,000 people each
May. Other membership advantages
include opportunities to advertise in
Chamber publications, the Chamber
website, and opportunities for business promotion by sponsoring events.
Serving on Chamber committees and volunteering at Chamber events gives members
the experience of being part of the business
community in a personal
and rewarding way.
Amarillo’s business
outlook is positive, and
the Chamber’s progressive leadership is paving
the way into the future
for
area
business.
Technology, combined
with the Chamber’s
award winning social
media work, is getting
the word out about the
benefits of living and
doing
business
in
Amarillo. The Chamber,
in partnership with Amarillo’s high-caliber
workforce, innovative business community,
and its dynamic pool of dedicated volunteers
will continue to make good things happen for
the Texas Panhandle for years to come.
AMARILLO
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
Above: The Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce in springtime.
THE MARKETPLACE
229
WEST TEXAS
A&M
UNIVERSITY
ENTERPRISE
CENTER
Above: David Terry is the executive director
of the WTAMU Enterprise Center.
Below: The WTAMU Enterprise Center
facility at 2300 North Western is
designed to provide clients office space,
manufacturing space, and shared support
staff and equipment.
A small business can be a fragile thing and
the West Texas A&M University (WTAMU)
Enterprise Center understands that. The
Enterprise Center, founded in 2001, is a
place where entrepreneurs are cultivated and
nurtured. The late Don Taylor had a vision
that if fledgling businesses could be “incubated” by a network of advisors, partners, and
mentors, they would stand a better chance of
succeeding. The Enterprise Center started
with that vision and has become a reality
with the help of Executive Director David
Terry, his team, and collaborators throughout
the region and the state.
Enterprise Center is a community organization that serves as the leader in providing
business resources and links with other
economic development organizations in
the broader community. The mission of the
WTAMU Enterprise Center is to apply the
principles of business incubation as a catalyst
for innovation and entrepreneurial development, in order to foster economic growth for
Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle Region.
The Center supports clients through membership and collaboration with business incubation professionals in the National Business
Incubation Association (NBIA). Participation
in the NBIA provides the Center’s team with
connections to resources throughout the
world and best practices for incubation startup and early stage entrepreneurial companies.
The Center focuses on helping growth oriented, basic industry businesses that export
goods and services out of the region. The preference is toward assisting clients who derive
income from outside of Potter and Randall
230
Counties, thus bringing new money into
the local economy and growing profitable,
sustainable jobs for the Texas Panhandle.
“Entrepreneurship is a regional concept,” says
Terry. “It takes a community of resources to
develop entrepreneurs and there is not a
better place than the Texas Panhandle. Our
‘big tent’ mentality works together to grow
a culture of entrepreneurial thinkers in
the region.” Collaborative partners in those
efforts across the region include the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce, the Amarillo EDC,
Dumas EDC, Borger EDC, Pampa EDC,
WTAMU Small Business Development Center,
Perryton CDC, Texas Panhandle Regional
Development Corporation, and the State
of Texas.
In association with Amarillo Economic
Development Corporation, the WTAMU
Enterprise Center conducts an annual
Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge. The Challenge
is a business plan competition that prepares
companies for investment. Recipients are
awarded grants provided by the Amarillo
Economic Development Corporation with
funds furnished by local sales tax dollars. In
addition to the cash award, the grant recipients receive coaching in the Enterprise
Center’s incubation program with a goal of
helping the businesses become sustainable.
The Enterprise Center endeavors to support its clients’ passions and provide them
with resources, options, and guidance through
a unique coaching approach. Coaching is the
foundation of the client’s experience with the
Enterprise Center. It creates a safe environment that inspires motivation, inspiration, and
development of relationships that encourage
exploring beliefs, values, and vision. Coaching
provides an atmosphere of accountability as
well as an opportunity for thinking out loud
and creating possibilities to accelerate entrepreneurial development and business growth.
The Enterprise Center’s certified coaches have
owned companies and are experienced entrepreneurs. They do not make decisions for
clients; they support their passions, ask hard
questions, and help them make life decisions
that support their business aspirations.
Clients that locate at the Center receive
access to state-of-the-art production and
office facilities. Tangible assistance with office
facilities provides clients with shipping and
receiving services, reception services, the use
of support equipment, secure mail boxes,
office equipment, phone system, and resource
library. Offering clients valuable resources like
shared resources helps clients preserve capital
and become more efficient as they grow their
businesses. The Enterprise Center is a “glove
for the hand” of the early stage entrepreneur.
Another important function of the Center is
to facilitate relationships between their clients
and the community. Business networking is an
important component of establishing a sphere
of influence or creating a pool of resources.
Every business needs a network of “go to”
people for services, advice, collaboration, or
problem resolution. The Enterprise Center
helps their entrepreneur clients find resources
like CPAs, attorneys, and technical support.
In addition to community support center,
a primary element of strengthening business
skills is education. The Enterprise Center has
collaborative partnerships with institutions
of higher education like Amarillo College,
West Texas A&M University and the Texas
A&M University System. In 2010 the Center
launched an internship program targeted
toward educating and developing young entrepreneurial minded WTAMU students pursuing a career in business. The Center has also
established partnerships with high schools to
support entrepreneurial development. Other
partnerships include the High Ground of
Texas, Texas Agri-life Extension, and the Texas
Manufacturing Assistance Center. The diversity of Enterprise Center collaborators facilitates
customized assistance to clients.
WTAMU Enterprise Center is an incubator
for businesses and entrepreneurs.
The WTAMU Enterprise Center is measured and funded by its clients’ success. As its
clients have “left the nest” over the years and
continued their businesses, their success stories have been told throughout the region.
Those successes have increased revenue coming into the region, caused over $5 million in
capital investment, and have created employment for over three hundred people. Those
achievements have resulted in increased
funding for the Center, enabling the Center to
assist more entrepreneurs. Expanded support
for those with an entrepreneurial spirit will
continue to provide innovative opportunities
for economic growth throughout our region.
THE MARKETPLACE
231
AMARILLO
GRAIN
EXCHANGE,
INC.
Above: Amarillo Grain Exchange moved
into more modern facilities at 512 East
Fourth Avenue in the late 1930s and
remained in that location for many years.
Below: Before grain testing became
streamlined by modern technology, many
employees and great amounts of equipment
were needed to complete the process.
Fields of grain have been a familiar sight
in the Texas Panhandle since early settlers
came to the region. Amarillo Grain Exchange,
Inc., has been part of the grain industry since
1920. Originally formed as an association by
John F. Ross and a dozen grain men, Amarillo
Grain Exchange was launched in a meeting
at the Amarillo Hotel. The grain exchange
operated as an association for eight years
then incorporated in 1928, again with grain
men at the helm. Amarillo Grain Exchange
headquartered in various historic buildings
during the 1920s and the 1930s including
Amarillo Hotel, the Blackburn Building, the
Fisk Building, and the Amarillo Building.
In the early days of the Amarillo Grain
Exchange grain harvest drove the business.
Numerous country elevators dotted the
Panhandle landscape and many elevators had
train tracks that were used to ship grain to
larger transportation points. Employees stayed
on the road grading grain at country elevators,
inserting probes into grain cars to obtain
samples. Grain was sorted in hand sieves and
moisture tests were made by cooking samples
and driving the moisture into a tube where it
232
then dripped into a vial. In the 1930s more
modern electrical equipment replaced older
methods saving time and eliminating some of
the human involvement in testing.
In 1958, Don Burris went to work for
Amarillo Grain Exchange as a weigh master.
He eventually was promoted to the position of
general manager. In 1976 the company was
still being run as a corporation with grain
men serving as stockholders when the federal
government implemented the Federal Grain
Inspection Service. The grain industry had
not been standardized and grain men who ran
grain inspection companies sometimes ran lax
operations. Although the federal government
licensed grain inspectors and had supervised
the industry since 1916, the rules were in
large part regionalized and grain inspection
was sometimes passed off with a wink and a
nod. Dishonest practices on the Gulf Coast
led the government to standardize the grading
processes for grain in the United States. When
the industry became subject to the rules of
the Federal Grain Inspection Service in 1976,
Amarillo Grain Exchange was required to dissolve its board. Its stockholders were required
to divest themselves of their financial interest
in the company because they were grain men
whose ownership of the company was a conflict of interest. Don bought the company
from its stockholders, implemented Federal
Grain Inspection Service standards, and operated the company from 1976 to 2000 when
he passed away.
Today there are fewer country elevators and
less train tracks across the Texas Panhandle.
Grain is trucked to Amarillo grain elevators to
be loaded on trains. Inspectors test grain coming from smaller towns and they test the grain
in each rail car that leaves the region. Grain
transported from Amarillo goes to California
mills, Mexico, and to the Gulf Coast to be
shipped overseas. Before the grain leaves
Amarillo, Amarillo Grain Exchange tests it for
moisture content, protein content, and insect
infestation. Two trainloads include 100 rail
cars, or 800 truckloads consisting of about
350,000 bushels. Amarillo Grain Exchange’s
job is to insure a standard of control from start
to finish in the shipping process.
As busy as Amarillo Grain Exchange is during grain harvest season, its principle customer base is the cattle feeding industry.
Testing grain for the cattle industry is a yearround business. Feedlots prefer certain grades
of grain for their feed mixes and it is up to
Amarillo Grain Exchange to determine the
grade of each grain shipment to the feed lots.
Grade determines the cost, consequently
dockage or reduction in price due to presence
of objects like seeds or chaff in the grain
sample saves feed yards thousands of dollars.
Today Don’s son Cash is the owner and
manager of Amarillo Grain Exchange. He has
worked for the company since 1982 and started as a grain sampler technician. The company
has two locations, one in Amarillo and one in
Guymon, Oklahoma. Its designated geographical service area is primarily the Texas and
Oklahoma Panhandles. The company employs
16 employees; 12 in Amarillo and
4 in Guymon. Inspectors spend
many hours on the road visiting
feed yards in the area collecting
samples and grading them. Sample
technicians are trained and tested in
house. Grain inspectors are trained
in house for each grain and tested
and licensed by the federal government for each grain. Grains tested
include corn, grain sorghum,
wheat, soybeans, and oats; they are
tested for moisture content, infestation, damaged kernels, foreign
material, and shrinkage. Through
the years technology has enabled
Amarillo Grain Exchange to test
more grain, test it faster, and test it
more accurately. The testing process
for protein content in wheat has
been improved dramatically, which
is of great benefit because protein
content in wheat is a major consideration in wheat sales.
Cash believes Amarillo Grain Exchange was
a valuable service in the early days and remains
so today. Although today’s methods of grain
grading are more streamlined and the customer
base has changed to feedlots, his firm’s services
are still vital to the local economy. He is proud
to be an integral part of the diverse agricultural community in the Texas Panhandle.
Cash is active in the community, has
coached Kid’s Inc., has supported the MS
Society, and is a member of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce, Texas Cattle Feeders,
and American Association of Grain Inspection.
Above: Amarillo Grain Exchange has been
located at 1300 South Johnson since the
late 1960s.
Below: Today’s modern methods of grain
inspection streamline the testing process.
THE MARKETPLACE
233
AMARILLO
NATIONAL
BANK
Below: Amarillo National Bank has been
headquartered in the same block in
downtown Amarillo since 1892.
Bottom: Amarillo National Bank developed
the Heart of Amarillo Park in
downtown Amarillo.
Founded at Fourth Avenue and Polk Street
in 1892, Amarillo National Bank has always
been headquartered in the same block in
downtown Amarillo. From that location the
bank has been a financial anchor, a constant
partner with Amarillo through good times and
bad times. Benjamin (B. T.) Ware purchased
Amarillo National Bank (ANB) in 1909 and the
Ware family continues to own the bank today.
Currently, B. T. (Tol) Ware II, the semi-retired
grandson of B. T. Ware, serves as chairman of
the bank. His sons Richard and Bill, the fourth
generation of Wares, manage the bank and the
fifth generation of Wares work at the bank.
ANB has been a stable economic mainstay
for Amarillo through the Great Depression,
droughts, wars, and recessions. As the largest
family owned bank in the United States, ANB
does not have to answer to stockholders or
give attention to the price of their stock. Their
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independence is why their focus has always
been on their customers. The closure of the
Amarillo Air Force Base and other major
employers in the 1960s and 1970s as well as
the oil and gas industry collapse in the 1980s
were serious blows to the Amarillo economy.
The bank worked with Amarillo’s families and
businesses then and throughout the years to
help them weather the storms. Through careful lending practices and commitment to their
customers, ANB has survived and remained
strong for over 100 years. ANB’s loyalty to the
people of Amarillo has resulted in extraordinary growth for the bank because the people
of Amarillo see ANB as a place near to the
heart of the community.
Investment in the people and businesses of
Amarillo is a policy ANB applies to everybody.
They believe everyone deserves access to
opportunity from the little guy and small businesses to established businesses and retirees.
Access to opportunity is why ANB works to
have the lowest fees and rates in the marketplace, provides the most branches and ATMs
in Amarillo, and provides a full array of services at each branch office. Another service that
opens doors to a wide range of people is small
business loans, and small personal loans. ANB
loves to see Amarillo grow and thrive; they
believe helping customers establish credit creates opportunities for success down the road.
ANB’s loan services include personal loans,
debt consolidation loans, automobile, boat,
and RV loans. They offer home mortgage,
home improvement, refinancing loans, and
home equity second loans. Services offered to
businesses are lending, eCorp online banking,
business credit card services, checking, and
employee retirement services. Commercial
customer services are commercial lending,
checking, and cash management services.
ANB’s online banking services include a bill
pay option, check and deposit tracking, and
transfer features. ANB Account Messages services provide instant notification of account
activity on loans, checking, savings, and CD
accounts. Customers can receive notifications
on activity such as low balances, deposit postings, and loan payment notices. Notifications
can be received via email, cell phone text message, or at the ANB Online Banking website.
ANB also offers a Student Spending Account
for teens that enables them to use “plastic that
is safer than cash and smarter than credit”
to help them develop financial responsibility.
The bank stays on the cutting edge of technology and with the prevalence of mobile devices,
mobile banking is in the works.
At ANB, confidentiality and trust is
important; customers receive discrete,
personalized service. Wealth Management for
complex banking needs is available with
Private Banking Services that provide
consultation and analysis to formulate plans
that meet customers’ financial goals. Efforts to
meet those goals are augmented by assistance
with everyday banking, investments, and
lending. Trust and estate administration
services provided by experienced professionals
in the Asset Management Division also help
customers meet their goals. ANB studies the
local economy and shares their findings by
offering their “Amarillo Economic Analysis” to
the marketplace each month as a free service
that provides area residents and businesses
with valuable insights into the local economy.
The presence of almost 100 Amarillo ATM
locations, with stamp purchases available at
one third of them, and deposits accepted at
three of them is one reason ANB says “they are
Absolutely Everywhere!” In addition to the
main bank in downtown Amarillo, ANB has
fourteen other branch offices in Amarillo and
a Borger Bank branch office. They also offer
access through 43,000 worldwide “Allpoint”
surcharge-free ATM’s. Being “Absolutely
Everywhere” is just another way ANB is a
good neighbor to the people of Amarillo.
ANB is a major employer in Amarillo and
is devoted to their employees as they are to
their customers. They believe in teamwork
and promoting a “culture of nice.” Customers
are met with friendly greetings in every
ANB office they enter. ANB’s philosophy of
steady leadership encompasses their business
practices as well as their interaction with
employees and their customers. That leadership extends outside the bank into their
involvement with community support.
Left and below: Amarillo National Bank is
“Absolutely Everywhere.”
ANB stays involved in community issues
such as addressing the needs of low-tomoderate-income residents. ANB and their
employees’ tireless dedication to charities like
United Way, the Susan G. Komen Race for the
Cure, and Amarillo Area CASA is a reflection
of their commitment to Amarillo. They
support Amarillo area schools, the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce, and many civic and
charitable organizations. The Ware family and
ANB love Amarillo and believe in helping
Amarillo have an unparalleled quality of life.
THE MARKETPLACE
235
SPROUSE
SHRADER
SMITH P.C.
Above: Sprouse Shrader Smith is
located in the beautiful Happy State Bank
Building in downtown Amarillo at
701 South Taylor Street.
Below: Sprouse Shrader Smith attorneys
pose in the atrium at their
downtown offices.
Distinguished, experienced, and respected,
Sprouse Shrader Smith is one of the foremost
law firms in the Tri-State area. With more than
thirty-five attorneys actively working to assist
the residents of the Texas Panhandle, the range
of expertise the firm offers is comprehensive
and extensive. Talented attorneys come to
Sprouse Shrader Smith from leading regional
law schools and remain with the firm longterm, creating a high quality and consistent
level of service for each client. The firm has
a long-standing tradition of encouraging
upward growth of younger shareholders.
Camaraderie among the shareholders, associates, and other employees establishes a cohesiveness that contributes to a higher standard
of service for their clients. The extraordinary
level of service each client receives has allowed
the firm to grow to a prominent place in the
region where people know and trust them.
The founders of the firm established the
bedrock principles of expertise and superior
service clients receive today. Respected
statewide, attorneys Harlow Sprouse and
Jerry Smith founded the firm in 1990, and
under their leadership the firm established
a pattern for growth in the region. They
believed if the firm did good work and provided excellent service, they would attract
excellent clients who trusted and appreciated
them. The mission of the firm today is to
“provide quality legal services in a supportive
and respectful environment zealously,
ethically, and efficiently.” Large businesses,
premier organizations, and many individuals
choose Sprouse Shrader Smith as their law
firm because they understand the firm is
ethical, has wide ranging expertise, and
profound experience. Attorneys and support
staff alike provide each client with confidential, personalized, high-quality service.
236
The businesses that seek representation
from the firm are as high caliber as the firm
itself. Sprouse Shrader Smith represents
nationally recognized entertainment related
firms and major manufacturers. Their clientele also includes various utility, energy, and
oil and gas industry related companies. The
firm’s oil and gas lawyers have many years
experience in the industry throughout West
Texas, the Texas Panhandle, North Texas,
Oklahoma, and elsewhere. Ranchers, farmers,
feedlots, and others in agriculture turn to the
firm for representation as well. The banking
industry also utilizes the firm’s services.
Several industry leading banks depend on
Sprouse Shrader Smith to represent their
interests. The firm works with bank trust
departments and assists mortgage departments with lending documents. Local banks,
agriculture related businesses, oil and gas
companies, and those concerned with water
rights rely on Sprouse Shrader Smith’s extensive experience with regional issues and more.
In addition to agribusiness, oil, gas, and
other natural resources expertise, the firm
assists businesses in many other areas. They
are experienced in areas of law concerning
bankruptcy, creditor rights, business organization, and insurance. They routinely handle
commercial transactions in the hundreds of
millions of dollars throughout the nation.
They provide legal services to businesses
regarding other matters like employment,
litigation, and taxation.
Individuals and businesses alike benefit
from the firm’s expertise in copyright and
trademark law, civil trials, mediation, and real
estate. Sprouse Shrader Smith works to prepare clients for future retirement and financial
stability with their estate planning assistance
and wealth management services. They are
able to assist with probate matters and fiduciary litigation. One of their estate attorneys is a
fellow of the American College of Trust and
Estate Counsel. Their firm’s knowledge of litigation extends to governmental entities as well
as commercial litigation, oil and gas litigation,
and personal injury. Litigation services are
enhanced by the caliber of their trial attorneys,
several of whom are recognized across Texas as
being in the top five percent of all Texas attorneys. Two of their attorneys have been inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Sprouse Shrader Smith is proud to provide
wide-ranging services and multidisciplinary
expertise to the community. They provide
legal services to nonprofit organizations as
well as individuals and businesses in the
region. They believe it is important to support
the community beyond legal representation.
Partners, associates, and staff serve nonprofit
and civic organizations throughout the community. They serve on various industry
boards for oil, gas, and agribusiness organizations as well as charitable and civic boards.
Many contribute time, expertise, and services
to charitable groups, civic organizations, and
social services.
Following the example of founder Jerry
Smith, the firm actively supports fine arts in
Amarillo. To enhance the quality of life in the
Panhandle region through the construction
of the Globe-News Center for The Performing
Arts, Sprouse Shrader Smith contributed
toward the completion of the facility by
underwriting the Founders Room. The firm is
also an avid member and supporter of the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. They have
recently opened an office in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
and continue to serve clients in other areas
throughout the Southwest. Their commitment
to Amarillo continues. They love Amarillo,
and are dedicated to serving the people of the
Texas Panhandle and the southwestern region
of the United States.
Above: Sprouse Shrader Smith is proud to
represent the interests of the Texas
Panhandle ranching industry.
Below: The firm is an avid supporter of the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and
participates each year in the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce “Good Times
Celebration” Barbecue Cook-Off.
THE MARKETPLACE
237
WESTERN
NATIONAL LIFE
Above: The Western National Life building,
shown here in 1979 is a prominent
landmark at the corner of East Tenth
Avenue and Taylor Street.
Right: The Western National Life business
office in the 1940s featured manual
typewriters and dial telephones.
Opposite, top: The Western National Life
building in Amarillo, is located at
205 East Tenth Avenue.
Opposite, bottom: Today, Western National
Life offices have evolved into a more
contemporary environment.
In 1944, Earl and Wayne O’Keefe, two
brothers from Pampa, saw the need for a
locally based insurance company to assure
borrowers that payments on their loans
would continue in the event of sickness,
death or disability. Little did they know that
Palo Duro Insurance Company would grow
to become Western National Life, one of the
nation’s leading fixed annuity providers.
In 1948 the O’Keefes
renamed their insurance
company Western National
and moved the company
to its present location in
Amarillo. By 1959 the company had grown to $4.5
million in assets and more
than $100 million of life
insurance in force. When
the company started selling
annuities in the 1970s, the
growth skyrocketed.
One of the most popular
retirement investment vehicles in America today, an annuity is a deferred
savings vehicle that provides for retirement
income. The company pioneered tax sheltered
annuities, primarily for nonprofit employee
retirement plans, and structured settlement
annuities, which are used for settling injury or
damage claims without large cash payments.
A major growth spurt for Western National
occurred in 1971 when the company was purchased by Beatrice Foods, then by Beneficial
in 1979, and finally by Conseco, Inc., in
1985. During that time, Western National
began aggressively marketing its products,
and by 1992 had reached $5.8 billion in
assets. The company became one of the first
insurance companies to develop fixed annuity
products specifically for sale through banks.
In February 1998, Western National
Corporation completed a merger with one
of the nation’s largest diversified financial
service companies, American General, and
was renamed American General Annuity
Insurance Company. In 2001, American
International Group, Inc. (AIG) acquired
American General leading to yet another
name change in 2002 to AIG Annuity
Insurance Company. Today, operating under
238
its legacy name Western National Life and
American General are part of SunAmerica
Financial Group, one of the largest life insurance and retirement services organizations in
the nation with over 19 million customers
and $248.5 billion in assets under management (as of year-end 2010).
For the past fifteen years, Western National
Life has been the number one provider of
fixed annuity products in the bank marketplace and has maintained its leadership position by partnering with over 600 national and
regional banks with some 77,000 financial
representatives. The company offers innovative products tailored to the needs of conservative investors who are seeking guaranteed
fixed investment returns.
Throughout all the growth and changes
at Western National Life, two things have
remained constant: a deep love of the
community and the Panhandle work ethic
evident in Western National’s people. With
over one thousand employees, the Amarillobased National Service Center is one of the
largest in the financial services industry. In
addition to Western National Life, employees
are servicing financial products to include
fixed annuities, variable annuities, and mutual funds for multiple SunAmerica Financial
Group companies such as VALIC, American
General Life, and SunAmerica Life.
Western National Life is committed to
philanthropic efforts in Amarillo. The company’s employees play a very active role in the
community, volunteering their time and
money to support a number of deserving
charities, including United Way, Big Brothers
Big Sisters, and American Cancer Society,
to name a few.
Western National Life is dedicated to
providing solutions for consumers who are
planning for, nearing, or already in retirement. We have been serving clients for over
sixty years and will continue to respond to
changing markets with flexible products that
meet the needs of Americans today, tomorrow
and for generations to come.
THE MARKETPLACE
239
FIRSTBANK
SOUTHWEST
Above: In 1919, when the town of Ochiltree
and surrounding towns literally picked up
and moved to be near the new Santa Fe
Railroad, this bank was physically moved
from the town of Ochiltree to Perryton,
Texas, becoming First National Bank
of Perryton.
Below: Wolflin Banking Center on South
Georgia Street in Amarillo.
A heritage of tenacity, wisdom, and loyalty
is the foundation of FirstBank Southwest. The
104 year old bank has survived mergers,
the Great Depression, ownership and name
changes, and wars. Federally chartered as The
First National Bank of Ochiltree at “North”
Ochiltree in 1907, it merged with Ochiltree
National Bank in 1909, and consolidated with
First State Bank in 1912. The FNB of Ochiltree
became FNB of Perryton under a new charter
in 1919 by literally moving the bank building
from Ochiltree, Texas, to Perryton, Texas. The
bank remained open for business during its
seven mile move to the new town with the
bank’s bookkeeper C. B. Rogers inside the
building the entire distance.
The Ellis family became involved with the
FNB of Perryton in the 1920s when Carl Ellis
and his father Smith Ellis joined the board as
directors. Strong, careful leadership during
the 1920s by bank president F. P. Rogers and
the board of directors caused the bank to
prosper and placed the bank in a solid position to weather the Depression. When thousands of banks failed and closed their doors
in the 1930s because of crop failures and
240
plummeting crop prices, the FNB of Perryton
survived. During the Depression the officers
and directors asked rancher, Carl Ellis to
actively manage the bank. Ellis did not feel
qualified, but after much persuasion, he
exercised great personal sacrifice and
agreed to take the position of president. With
help from experienced bankers such as
C. B. Rogers and R. H. Holland he learned the
banking business and led the bank through
the dark days of the Depression. On one
occasion he mortgaged much of his own land
to provide capital for the bank because he
knew that without the bank the town would
cease to exist.
Bumper crops and a booming oil industry
in the 1940s and 1950s brought expansion of
the bank’s facilities, the addition of employees
and a new bank building completed in 1963.
In the 1980s the stockholders of FNB of
Perryton authorized the formation of a
bank holding company named FirstPerryton
Bancorp, Inc., that soon facilitated the
purchase of the First Bank and Trust Co. of
Booker. Later, in 1988, the holding company
purchased the FNB of Hereford.
In the 1990s, FirstPerryton Bancorp, Inc.,
acquired Citizens Bank and Trust of Pampa
and expanded into Amarillo with the purchase of Texas Commerce Bank. In 1995 all
the banks owned by the holding company
were consolidated under the original bank
charter of FNB of Perryton under the name
of FirstBank Southwest, N.A. The Amarillo
location became the main office and the banks
in the outlying towns of Perryton, Hereford,
and Pampa became full services branches of
FirstBank Southwest. FirstBank Southwest
added Covenant Title Company as its subsidiary in 1997. Additional branches were
added in Amarillo throughout the 1990s and
in 2001 the new main Amarillo bank was
constructed at 2401 South Georgia Street.
The Gem Lake Banking Center was added in
August 2009. The Ellis family, Larry J. Orman,
Bruce E. Julian, Randy W. Brillhart, and
others have led the bank to the position of
being one of the largest deposit institutions
based in the Texas Panhandle. Smith Ellis
currently serves as chairman, president, and
CEO, representing the fourth generation of
the Ellis family to serve the bank.
In recent years, technologies such as online
banking and electronic payment services have
been a major area of advancement. Today,
the now state chartered bank is primarily a
commercial lending bank. Careful decisions
coupled with conservative lending practices
facilitate the ongoing stability of the bank.
The commercial lending department offers
operating and working capital loans to professional and retail businesses as well as for businesses in the oil and gas industry. In its quest
to be a leader in the growth of the Panhandle,
FirstBank Southwest provides loans for commercial real estate development. The bank
continues to support the agricultural community by offering various farming and ranching
loan products. The bank also offers residential
loans for development, construction, and
existing homes as well as personal loans.
The wealth management services of
FirstBank Southwest include real property
management, investments, and trust services.
Relationships and putting the needs of their
clients first sets them apart because they take
great care in discovering the unique needs of
each client. Principles applied to preserving,
protecting, and growing their clients’ wealth
are the same steadfast principles that have
served their customers well over the years.
The bank’s commitment to excellent customer service starts with the family atmosphere within the bank. Employees are valued,
often serving the bank many years. The belief
that Panhandle roots run deep is evident in
FirstBank Southwest’s significant reinvestment into the community. Their five year
partnership with High Plains Food Bank has
been a collaboration between them, local
businesses, and the Food Bank. FirstBank
Southwest has been a dedicated Panhandle
partner throughout its history and continues
to serve its community as a loyal corporate
citizen today. The small country bank that
started over a century ago has grown to a
financial institution with more than three
quarters of a billion dollars in assets. Its
commitment to sound decisions, steadfast
growth, and safety for its clients has not
changed. It is a valuable contributor to the
community, thereby honoring the dedication
of the bankers who worked hard to provide a
fine heritage that will continue into the future
of the Texas Panhandle.
Left: The business development team,
including members from the commercial
and mortgage lending, business and retail
banking, and wealth management
departments. Back row, from left to right:
Marty R. Murry, James E. Wells, David L.
Ellis, Angela C. Garcia, and Lance E.
Purcell. Middle row: Judy A. Whiteley and
Will C. Miller. Front row: Dennis W. Falk
and Kevin L. Kuehler.
Right: This image captures the outside
directors for FirstPerryton Bancorp, Inc.,
and FirstBank Southwest, along with
Donald Smith Ellis, chairman of the Board,
chief executive officer, and president. Seated
from left to right: Donald Smith Ellis,
Carl W. Ellis, and Randy W. Brillhart.
Standing: Johnny E. Mize, Larry J. Orman,
Terry W. Caviness and Bruce E. Julian.
THE MARKETPLACE
241
BROWN
AUTOMOTIVE
GROUP
Above: The Brown Buick GMC Building was
renovated and modernized in 2011 to
facilitate better customer service.
Below: The distinctive Southwest Honda
building is at the corner of Interstate 27 and
Georgia Street.
Elmer Brown could not have realized when
he and Erwin Russell purchased Doc Coffee
Pontiac on Sixth Avenue in 1964 his business
would be as long-lived and as wide-ranging as
it is today. Brown, who had previously owned
an independent used car sales lot, was in
business with Russell until 1970. In 1970,
Brown Pontiac expanded and added a Honda
dealership when Honda just starting in the car
market. Honda was looking for established
car dealers to market their products and
Brown saw the potential of the Honda automotive market. His Honda franchise, started
with just $500, a sign, and three cars, is now
one of the oldest in the United States.
In 1977 the Brown Automotive dealerships moved into a brand new facility in
the 4300 block of South Georgia Street. In
1982 they added a GMC dealership, in 2001
added Brown Subaru, and in 2003 added a
Buick dealership. In 1985, Southwest Honda
became a separate facility next door at
the corner of Interstate 27 and Georgia Street.
In 2000, Southwest Honda’s facility was
revamped to reflect Honda’s distinctive
“image facility” concept.
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Today, Brown Automotive Group is still
operated by the Brown family. Elmer’s sons
Brian, Kent, and Randy oversee day to day
operations and the third generation of the
Brown family is involved in the business.
They are the oldest ongoing, locally owned
and operated family automotive business in
the Tri-State area and have expanded to being
the largest volume dealer in the Tri-State area
for Buick, GMC, and Honda. Although the
Pontiac dealership was discontinued in 2009,
Brown Buick GMC remains strong, viable,
and better than ever. Brown Automotive
Group has maintained a high volume business, expanding into the Dallas/Fort Worth
area with the addition of Gateway Buick GMC
in 2010. Since 1964, Brown Automotive
Group has sold about 100,000 vehicles. The
initial 1964 $3 million sales volume has
grown to $140 million in 2011 and from
1,000 cars per year in the 1960s to 4,500 cars
per year today. The first dealership employed
thirty people and in 2011 the staff has grown
to 160 highly valued employees. Many are
long term and dedicated employees who started when Elmer operated the business.
A strong Amarillo economy has
helped the growth of their dealerships;
during national economical downturns
and industry upheavals, sales have
been relatively consistent. They have
grown the business year after year.
Surviving economic declines has been
possible because of steady repeat and referral
business. Elmer set the standard that a customer’s automobile purchase is just the first
step in their relationship with the Brown’s dealerships. His family continues the tradition of
providing quality customer service that goes
beyond making sales. They believe in selling
vehicles, servicing them, and maintaining an
ongoing relationship with their customers.
Brown Collision Repair Center, GM and ASE
certified, has recently moved into an onsite
newly built body shop with state-of-the-art
paint facilities. The I-CAR trained staff can repair
all makes and models and can work with all
insurance companies. They help customers with
estimates, towing, shuttle service, and insurance
and rental car arrangements. The experienced
repair specialists are skilled in fixing hail damage, small dents and scratches, major collision
damage, and paintless dent repair. The shop is a
Texas Panhandle Better Business Bureau accredited shop. It posts its rates and services on its
website, www.browncollisionrepair.com, covers
its work with a lifetime warranty, and always
puts the customer first.
Brown GMC Buick is currently moving
into a newly renovated “image facility” that
has been tailored to look like other GMC dealerships so customers will recognize the brand
anywhere in the country. The main showroom
and service department have been expanded
to provide room for better customer service.
Brown Automotive Group has adapted to
state-of-the-art technology in sales, service, and
repair. They have expanded their online services
because the Internet has changed the way
consumers shop for vehicles. They provide a
comprehensive website, www.smallerprofit.com,
where their customers search online and do comparison shopping before they walk into the dealership. They use the Internet to stay in contact
with customers, schedule service appointments
online, and provide ongoing education to customers by providing informational newsletters.
Being locally owned is important to the
Browns; they like doing business with local
banks and taking part in the Shop Smart, Shop
Local Campaign. They see their success as an
opportunity to make a positive impact in the
Amarillo area, to give back. Brown Automotive
Group and their employees are part of the local
community, staying involved in local charities,
churches, and schools. They support the Junior
League, United Way, and Lions Club’s charities.
Brown Automotive Group donated a van and
free service work to the March of Dimes’ Mom
Mobile program. The March of Dimes’ Mom
Mobile, operated by the Northwest Texas
Healthcare System, is a free shuttle service to
expectant moms for prenatal doctor visits and
for women and children who do not have transportation to access healthcare. The Browns saw
the program as a good cause and a place where
they were ideally suited to provide assistance.
The future of Brown Automotive Group
will be a reflection of the previous forty-eight
years of the business. As in the past, they will
be continually striving to find new ways to
provide better service, offering an outstanding
purchase experience, and providing a one-stop
location for their customers’ needs. The Brown
Family believes “it’s all about tradition.”
Above: Brown Automotive’s new facility
includes a state-of-the-art repair and
collision repair center.
Below: Brown Automotive delivers excellent
customer service in its attractively
renovated showroom.
THE MARKETPLACE
243
T-MILLER
WRECKER
SERVICE
Little did Jeni Ferril know when she went
to work at T-Miller Wrecker Service in 1978
that some day she would be an owner and the
operator of the company. Founded in 1958
by Ray T. Miller, the wrecker service became
wholly owned by Lonnie L. and Joyce Ferril
in the mid 1960s. Ferril had initially worked
part time at T-Miller while working full time
as an Amarillo police officer. He and his wife
started Cherry Avenue Auto Salvage in 1963
and bought Amarillo Auto Crushing in the
late 1990s. The Ferrils’ sons Lonnie L. (J. R.)
and Byron Ferril grew up in the wrecker
and salvage business. Jeni married J. R. in
1979 and has been part of the business from
that time.
Lonnie and Joyce went into semi-retirement in January 2004 when Joyce became ill
with cancer. Joyce passed away in the summer
of 2004 and Byron took over the salvage and
crusher business. J. R. took over the operation
of T-Miller Wrecker Service with the help of
Jeni. His parents had worked hard to build
T-Miller and the younger Ferril worked hard
to continue the legacy. However, J. R. suddenly passed away in March of 2005, leaving his
wife Jeni and their children David and Megan
to continue the business. Jeni has operated
T-Miller Wrecker Service since 2005.
244
T-Miller is regulated by the Texas Department
of Licensing and Regulation as to the fees they
can charge for their services, the equipment
licenses and permits required to operate, and
licenses their employees must have to work in
the business. T-Miller’s drivers are state and
nationally certified. Drivers study to receive
their licenses, are tested, and take continuing
education each year to retain their licenses.
Their clerks receive and maintain vehicle storage licenses. T-Miller goes beyond minimum
standards to insure that their employees have
the credentials to be highly qualified and provide the best customer service. T-Miller is fully
licensed and insured, and complies with all
city, state, and federal regulations. They want
to run a quality, reputable business. They are
long time members of Towing and Recovery
Association of America and the Texas Towing
and Storage Association.
T-Miller tows for individuals, area dealerships, and repair shops. They provide relocation services, transporting vehicles to and from
Amarillo. T-Miller brings many vehicles into
Amarillo that have broken down or been
involved in collisions. T-Miller is the preferred
vendor for major trucking companies, many
of the largest trucking companies in the
nation, because of their heavy towing capabilities. They often travel to nearby states like New
Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas to
bring trucks into Amarillo. They literally drag
business into Amarillo; the repair shops benefit and motels and restaurants benefit when
owners accompany their vehicles.
In T-Miller’s early days, their equipment
was two 1956 Ford Trucks with homemade
wrecker beds. Gradually, as the business prospered, new trucks came on line with factory
beds. Today, T-Miller has the most modern
state-of-the-art equipment available. Their recovery fleet includes
16 units ranging from 5 ton to 50
ton capacity. Their trailer equipment consists of dry box and
refrigeration trailers, a fifty-three
foot low load angle trailer, and
cattle pins and chutes. They have
transloading and load shift capabilities as well as being able to
provide air bag recovery. Their
heavy towing capabilities make them unique
in the area. They are the only towing company from Dallas northward that has a 50 ton
SP850 XP recovery unit with two extra
winches and side pulling capability.
T-Miller is contracted by the city of
Amarillo to be in the rotation with other towing companies to do the city’s towing.
They haul abandoned and disabled
vehicles as well as vehicles involved in
accidents if the owners do not express
a preference for a towing company. The
city also calls them to haul vehicles that
have been impounded as a result of the
owner being arrested or if the vehicle
has been involved in violation of city
ordinances. They are in the Potter and
Randall Counties rotation as well.
T-Miller Wrecker Service is active in
the community. They have sponsored
a “Gene Howe Elementary School Day” for
second graders each year for seventeen
years where they showcase their equipment
and the children climb and crawl around on
the units. In 2011, T-Miller put on an exhibition with Amarillo’s first responders to
demonstrate emergency services to the
second graders. They have participated in
the “Touch a Truck” program sponsored by
the Junior League of Amarillo where children
can climb on the trucks. They are long time
and dedicated supporters of the churches
they attend and support charities like MakeA-Wish Foundation, the Haley
Foundation, and Special Olympics.
The Ferril family has an ongoing
involvement with Crime-Stoppers
including board membership.
Currently, there are over twenty
employees on staff; many are long
term employees. The Ferrils credit
their employees as a factor in
the company’s success. Employees
like John Massey, general manager
for twenty-eight years, are like family to
the Ferrils.
Today, T-Miller Wrecker Service is still a
family business with Jeni at the helm. She has
succeeded in a man’s world and the company
continues to grow and prosper under her
leadership. Her son David and her daughter
Megan work for the company as well. Jeni is
dedicated to preserving the legacy of the
Ferrils for her children and grandchildren.
THE MARKETPLACE
245
HOAREL
SIGN CO.
Below: Hoarel & Company was founded at
813 Northeast Seventh Street in 1927.
Bottom: Hoarel Sign Company continues to
be headquartered in its original location;
this picture taken in the mid-1940s, shows
the company’s growth at that time and its
then-modern fleet of equipment.
Family owned, award winning, and dedicated to customer service are just a few of the
things that set Hoarel Sign Co. apart. Current
owner, Gary Cox works to continue the traditions and same excellent level of service the
historic Amarillo company has maintained
since 1927. The company’s founder Louis F.
Hoarel began his sign career by painting
sidewalks for Pictorium Theater in Vernon,
Texas. He came to Amarillo in 1922 and went
to work as a stage hand and lobby display
artist providing theater cards and lobby
displays for Amarillo’s downtown Fair Theater.
Hoarel, known as Louie to his friends, established Hoarel Neon Sign Co. in 1927 at 813
Northeast Seventh Avenue; the company
remains at that location today. A hand drawn
sign that still hangs in the firm’s office,
announces Hoarel’s self-proclaimed hobby of
246
enjoying traveling in Mexico and the
Southwest. His love for the Southwestern
United States and its culture influenced his
choice of a logo for his sign business. He modeled the logo after a picture of a Native
American chief he found in a postcard and that
logo is still used by Hoarel Sign Co.
H. L. Cox, Gary’s father, arrived in Amarillo
in 1947 after serving with the United States
Army Quartermaster Corps in the Pacific during World War II. One of ten children, he lost
his father at age five, dropped out of school,
worked for the railroad, learned to weld, and
worked on a construction crew before joining
the Army. After the War, he worked in oilfields and did construction and farm work
until he arrived in Amarillo and went to work
for Hoarel. That turned out to be the best and
last move of his life as he found a stable life,
worked for Hoarel, and bought the company
in 1960. Since H. L. bought the company,
three generations of the Cox family have
worked to provide customers with the same
excellence started by Hoarel. A favorite family
story is that the address on Gary’s birth
certificate is the same address as his business
address today because when he was born,
H. L. and his wife Janelle lived in an apartment above the business. Gary grew up in
the business and started out sweeping floors.
Today his wife Linda helps run the business,
as does their son Ray and their daughter Lisa.
The company has evolved from using ropes
and pulleys for sign installation to using
hydraulic lift and other state-of-the-art equipment. In the early days, Hoarel Sign Co. started with neon signs and large building signs
including large scale business signs for car
dealers, motels, service stations, and retail
stores. The company has transitioned into a
full-service sign business and over the years
has put up signs Amarilloans regard as
landmarks. The Cox family proudly says they
have been redecorating skylines in Texas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas,
and as far away as Washington and Nebraska.
Not only has installation of signs been modernized, but signs have changed dramatically.
The business has gone from producing hand
painted, to neon, to LED, to interior or backlit,
and reverse lit signs. New technology in the
way of creating and delivering designs has even
changed in the last ten years, for example from
fax to now Internet based processes such as
scanning and emailing. Today sign making
equipment is also computerized and their
billing and invoicing has gone from manual
methods to a streamlined computerized
method. The sign business has begun to move
toward “going green” and emphasis is being
put into refurbishing signs to reduce additions
to landfills as well as the manufacture of
more energy efficient signs. Hoarel Sign Co. is
working to become certified and qualified to
work on the signs of the future.
In addition to interior lit and neon signs,
Hoarel Sign Co. offers lighted awnings, time and
temperature, electronic message centers, and
LED or Neon Channel Letters. Also available is
computer graphics service, ADA engraved
signs, vehicle decals and wraps, and custom
vinyl letters and logos. They have qualified,
experienced employees and the best equipment, use the finest materials and superior
construction to make sure their signs can stand
up to the Texas Panhandle weather. When a
customer calls, they start a process that is the
beginning of a relationship where they visit
the customer’s business, size up the project,
develop a comprehensive plan, and submit an
estimate. They obtain the necessary permits,
fabricate and install the signs, and stand behind
their work to cement what they hope will be a
long-term mutually rewarding relationship.
Louis Hoarel began the custom of belonging
to trade associations such as the Texas
Sign Association (TSA), International Sign
Association (ISA), World Sign Association
(WSA), United States Sign Council (USSC),
and being involved in economic and civic
organizations in Amarillo like the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce. Today the Cox family
continues that tradition and has several awards
from the TSA in design and fabrication and
both Gary and Ray have served on numerous
boards of their trade associations. They are an
accredited Better Business Bureau (BBB) company and have been finalists two years for the
BBB Torch Award. Gary also has served in an
advisory capacity during discussions for formulating and amending city sign ordinances.
The Cox family is proud to have carried on
the Hoarel name that has always signified
quality. They are proud to be in the same location since 1927 and proud to be still lighting
the sky after eighty-five years.
Left: Hoarel Sign Company lit up Route 66
in Amarillo during the 1930s.
Right: This image shows Hoarel Sign
Company raising a pole sign in 1952.
THE MARKETPLACE
247
HILL’S
SPORT SHOP
The story of Hill’s Sport Shop is a story of
leadership, dedication, and innovation. The
evolution of the family owned business
throughout its almost fifty year existence came
about as trends and technology changed.
Sports and sports philosophies have been
revolutionized since Gene Hill opened for
business in 1964. The business began when
he bought a Cushman dealership on West
Sixth Street named AmTex Cushman Sales
complete with Norman (Banty) Herring who
knew the business inside and out. Soon after,
in 1965, the business moved to the current
location at 4021 Mockingbird and was named
Wheels Inc. for a time. After a period of selling
scooters/motorcycles and Trucksters, as well as
golf carts all over the Panhandle and to entities
like Pantex and Phillips Petroleum, Cushman
developed financial difficulties and Gene
changed his focus to selling bicycles.
Through the years, Hill’s Sport Shop has
kept pace with the marketplace by selling items
like lawnmowers, water skis, swimsuits, roller
blades, and the original Airdyne exercise bike,
finding products to fit customer demand.
Today the shop carries a diverse product line
suited for today’s sports enthusiasts. They carry
the largest inventory of specialty bicycles
in the area including Trek, Specialized, Felt,
248
Redline and We the People brands. They have
a large stock of cycling supplies and accessories
including helmets and clothing. In addition to
bicycle sales, Hill’s Sport Shop wants you to
know that “A bicycle is a machine with hundreds of parts, and just like a car, it requires
regular service to stay at peak performance.
We offer free estimates and a full explanation
of what your bicycle needs and why. From flat
repair to a complete tune-up, we’ll inspect your
bike to ensure safe operation. Your satisfaction
is guaranteed with all our service work. Many
repairs can be done while you wait.” Bicycle
rentals are available for those who have outings
planned, but not enough equipment and for
those wishing to test out cycling before buying.
The full service sports shop carries skis and
accessories as well as hats, sweaters, goggles,
jackets, and pants. It is also the place to buy
other cold weather sports equipment like
snowboarding products; they are the Burton
Dealer for the Texas Panhandle. Hill’s Sport
Shop is the headquarters for the latest
footwear designs for walking, running, hiking, climbing, and cycling. Their brands
include Salomon, Vibram Fivefingers, Sanuk,
Keen, UGG, Patagonia, The North Face, and
Chaco. Backcountry equipment for camping,
hiking, and climbing is available as well.
Hill’s Sport Shop takes pride in their
diverse product lines, but since the 1970s
bicycles have been the focal point of their
business. In the 1970s the popularity of
bicycles surged and then continued to grow.
Gene has been an advocate of the benefits of
bicycling for decades. He was a pioneer in
the promotion of the sport, citing the facts
that it is more economical, is environmentally
responsible, and provides a healthier lifestyle.
As a result of Amarillo having wide streets,
friendly people, and the support of city
leaders, Gene has been successful in helping
bicycling become a more acceptable mode of
transportation in the city. Gene and his son,
Kirk Hill, have worked to promote the
establishment of bike lanes and bike trails.
Kirk, who has been with the company for
over thirty years, now owns the company and
serves as its president. He has worked with
city officials and community leaders to plan
and implement the Rails to Trails system.
It has long been the mission of the Hill’s to
make Amarillo a place where bicycling is a
safe and accessible alternative mode of transportation. They were involved
in the “Safe Routes for Kids to
School” program and taught
bike safety in Amarillo schools
where bike safety is now part
of the AISD curriculum. They
were instrumental in the formation of biking trails in Palo
Duro Canyon. After receiving
permission from the State of
Texas, the first trails in the
Canyon were carved out and
maintenance was performed
on a volunteer basis. For ten
years, Hill’s Sport Shop hosted
a two-day event called Capital
Peak Trail Days for the purpose
of trail maintenance at the
Canyon. Those efforts gave the
community a sense of stewardship over the trail project and
the Palo Duro bike trails are
now well established.
Although retired, Gene still
comes into the shop part-time
and Kirk continues, along with
the company’s dedicated employees, to serve
the bicycling community. Norman Herring
retired after thirty-six years with the company
and office manager Althea Harris has been
with the firm for over thirty years. The shop’s
excellent customer service has won them the
Amarillo Globe News’ “Best of Amarillo” award
for seven years, from 2005 to 2011, and they
were selected as the 2008 Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce Small Business.
Hill’s Sport Shop is involved with countless
bicycling events and charities. They sponsor
24 Hours in the Canyon to raise funds to fight
cancer, and they held the Hill’s 100 bike tour
for over ten years. They support the Faith City
Mission Bicycles for Christmas project and are
involved with the “Share the Road” campaign.
Their memberships in bicycling organizations
include Texas Bike Coalition, Bikes Belong,
Old Tascosa Cycling, West Texas Cycling,
Partners in Palo Duro Canyon, and USA
Cycling. They have been members of the
Better Business Bureau since 1967, belong to
the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and the
National Retailers Association.
THE MARKETPLACE
249
AMARILLO
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Since 1989 the Amarillo Economic
Development Corporation (EDC) has been
“building a stronger, more diversified economy for Amarillo.” Utilizing a dedicated
half-cent 4A sales tax approved by Amarillo
voters, the Amarillo EDC implements programs to assist new and local primary businesses, or businesses with goods and services
that are exchanged outside the region. Since
its inception, the Amarillo EDC has worked
toward the goal of attracting businesses
that offer highly-skilled positions at high
wages. It has also
worked to expand and
retain existing businesses in Amarillo and
the surrounding region
and to create a business
environment conducive
for entrepreneurialism.
The impact and success of the Amarillo
EDC is measurable
because the Amarillo
community continues
250
to improve in economic-strength rankings. The
success of the Amarillo EDC is also measured
by the prominent presence of new business in
the Amarillo area over the last twenty years.
New industries attracted by the Amarillo EDC,
bringing increased economic stability and
added employment to the region, are Bell
Helicopter Textron, Alstom Power, and Arden
Company. Others are Hilmar Cheese Company,
Sitel, and Rocla Concrete Tie Company.
Some of the businesses the Amarillo
EDC has helped expand and remain in the
region are AirUps, Golden Spread Electric
Cooperative, Western National Life, Cooper
Crouse-Hinds, Multiple Systems, Sage Oil
Vac, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, and Plains
Dairy. The Amarillo EDC has worked with
educational institutions such as Amarillo
College, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech
University Health Sciences Center, and West
Texas A&M University to expand their
workforce programs. Expanded educational
programs targeted toward current industries
and technologies will provide potential
employers with a highly-trained workforce
making Amarillo a more attractive place to
locate businesses.
The Amarillo EDC partners with community organizations to enhance the effectiveness
of their efforts. Its collaborative partners
include the City of Amarillo, Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce, Amarillo Independent School
District, West Texas A&M University, and
Amarillo College. It also has relationships
with the office of the governor of Texas,
Department of Economic Development and
Tourism, the High Ground of Texas, Team
Texas, and Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor.
Another partnership is the funding of the
Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge administered
by West Texas A&M University Enterprise
Network. The annual $500,000 grant enables
several start-up companies and established
businesses to grow their businesses, sell more
goods and services outside the region, bringing new revenue to the Amarillo economy.
In the future, the Amarillo EDC will
continue to focus on attraction, retention, and
expansion strategies to help improve the
Amarillo economy, the standard of living for all
residents, and the climate for further growth.
Dudley and Kathy Baldwin enjoy showing
visitors the Baldwin Distribution facility at
the corner of Loop 335 and Highway 60. The
thirty year old homegrown company moved
to the current location in 2006 after being
headquartered in a smaller building it shared
with Baldwin Trucking owned by Dudley’s
father Charles. The new location is much
closer to major highways and has allowed the
Baldwin’s to provide their employees, several
who have worked for the company since it
started, with more elbow room.
Baldwin Distribution employs 180 people
and operates 125 refrigerated tractor-trailers
to points in the Pacific Northwest, the
Southwest, the West Coast, and the Midwest.
Those rigs transport locally produced beef,
cheese, and pork out of the Panhandle
area. On return trips they are loaded with
frozen foods, groceries, and produce as
well as hazmat products for the food
service industry. Incoming loads supply local
distributors such as Ben E. Keith, Pepsi, and
Affiliated Foods.
Services include refrigerated transportation backed up with Internet load tracking,
logistics packages, and satellite equipped
trucks. The company offers twenty-four hour
dispatch, seven days a week and has hazmat
certified drivers. Customized service such
as lift gate trailers, safe delivery of fragile
and hazardous materials as well as air-ride
equipment have led to excellent customer
satisfaction. Additionally, Baldwin Distribution
maintains a satisfactory safety rating with the
Department of Transportation.
Baldwin Distribution is a member of the
Truckload Carriers Association, Texas Motor
Transportation Association, U. S. Chamber of
Commerce, and the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce. Participation in community
activities and charitable endeavors is important to the Baldwins. They have been
involved in Red Ribbon Campaign, Make-aWish, Snack Pak 4 Kids, Shop with a
Cop and they donate the use of trailers for
charity events.
Dudley says because he grew up in the
family trucking business, it is in his blood
and he naturally gravitated toward that
vocation. The trucking tradition of the
Baldwin family that started with Charles
has been handed down to Dudley’s daughter
Shannon Dowis who serves as the company
comptroller. Dudley is an Amarillo native as
is his wife Kathy who kept the family home
organized for many years and officially began
work at the trucking facility in 2008. They
believe in being part of the hardworking
fabric of Amarillo; part of what binds us
together as a community. They are pleased
to contribute to the economy of Amarillo
and the diversity of industry in the Texas
Panhandle. They credit their success to
God, their heritage, their employees, and the
application of hard work and faith.
BALDWIN
DISTRIBUTION
Below: The Baldwin Distribution
headquarters is located at 8351 Amarillo
Boulevard East in Amarillo and at
www.baldwin-dist.com.
Bottom: The Baldwin Distribution
refrigerated tractor-trailer fleet is highly
visible with its distinctive logo and bright
red paint.
THE MARKETPLACE
251
CAIN’S
CARPET CARE
In 1978, Cain’s Carpet Care began as a side
business for Allen Cain with an initial investment of $100, a few rolls of binding, and
some staples. In the evenings after a day of
working for a carpet store in Amarillo, he
filled his spare time by cutting carpet to
required specifications and then binding the
edges. Originally named Cain’s Rug Shop, the
side business eventually had so much evening
work, he only had time to cut carpet each
evening and his wife Debbie began helping
with the binding. When they added borders
and beveling to their services the business
quickly grew to the point that they bought
business cards. As the carpet binding business
grew, Cain bought a cleaning machine and
business has not slowed down since that time.
Today Cain’s Carpet Care runs four trucks
and has seven employees with over 100 combined years of experience. When the business
became profitable enough, the Cains bought
the property at their current location at 6325
Star Lane. The services Cain’s Carpet Care
offers today have expanded considerably
since the early days of the company. They
offer carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, air
duct cleaning, as well as ceramic tile cleaning,
fiber protection, carpet repair, and odor elimination. Custom made area rugs using carpet
remnants with the addition of binding and
fringe are another specialty of Cain’s Carpet
Care. Fire restoration service is available
twenty-four hours to remove smoke odor
252
and residue from furniture and valuables.
Emergency water and flood damage services
are also available twenty-four hours a day.
They can dry the customer’s structure, carpet,
and pads, then apply disinfectant to kill mold
and mildew causing bacteria.
The highly specialized ability to care for
Oriental rugs is the forte of Cain’s Carpet
Care; they have cared for them for more than
thirty-three years. They understand that
Oriental rugs are fine works of art and valued
investments. They have a fine reputation for
being a trustworthy cleaning and repair center
for Oriental Rugs.
The mission statement of Cain’s Carpet
Care sums up Allen’s business philosophy:
“To glorify God in all we do and to treat
all our customers as we would like to be
treated.” Cain’s Carpet Care is recognized by
area consumers as a company that delivers
excellent customer service and has won
Amarillo Globe News’ Best of Amarillo contest.
They are bonded and insured to protect
their customers, certified by the Institute
of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration
Certification, are a member of the Better
Business Bureau, the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce, and the Amarillo Executive
Association. Allen and his company support
organizations like Lion’s Club, Faith
City Mission, and Community Options, Inc.
an organization that works to empower
disabled citizens.
WOOD
FINANCIAL
Wood Financial has been in business serving
individuals, small businesses, charitable foundations, and corporations in the Texas
Panhandle since 1985. Steve Wood, a long time
Amarillo resident, founded the company. He
has grown the family operated business by
building relationships with his clients rather
than “selling a product.” His sons Josh and Jake
Wood work along side him to keep people
informed as to how to simplify the complex language of money. David Zybach operates their
satellite office in the eastern Texas Panhandle.
Their firm is geared toward keeping
their clients educated about finances and
“in-touch” through a number of methods.
They offer educational seminars, updated
information on their website, and referrals to
recommended reading. They believe education is the key to smart financial decisions.
Wood Financial is in the “people business”
as an independent company with the freedom
to meet clients’ individual needs. They assist
their clients in organizing their money to
achieve financial health for their current
circumstances, their future, and for their
children. More than one generation has
come to rely on the support Wood Financial
provides in regard to preparing for the future.
Accessibility is a high priority at Wood
Financial; they can always be reached by
email, cell phone, office phone, and toll-free
number. Their clients are welcomed to the
office for meetings as often as they like. They
believe accessibility is one way they can bring
peace to their clients’ long-term financial life.
Steve’s long-term commitment to his
clients is coupled with his commitment to
his church, his family, and his community.
He and his wife Connie attend Central
Church of Christ where he serves as an elder.
He is a member of the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce. Josh belongs to the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce,
brings finance and banking experience to the firm.
He and his wife, Careese,
are the proud parents of
six children and are active
in their church and civic
activities. Jake is the
newest family member to
join the firm. Jake and his
wife, Julie, are also active
in the community, serving
on the Business Council
Board of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce.
David began work with
Wood Financial in 1986,
is a Wheeler County resident, and serves as an
elder in his church as well.
The Woods are proud of their successful
family business. They are looking forward to
a third generation of the Wood family having
the privilege of working with their long-term
clients. Those clients trust them because
they have helped them see the “total financial
picture” enabling them to better prepare for
the future.
Above: Left to right: Jake, Steve, and
Josh Wood.
Below: Wood Financial is conveniently
located at 6208 Hillside, Suite 1300.
THE MARKETPLACE
253
BIO-KLENZ
Bio-Klenz is truly a family business.
Left to right: Sarah Lewis, Christie,
Zachary, and Brandon Barber, and Lindsey
Lewis, August 2011.
Bio-Klenz, founded in July 2010, provides
services of a delicate nature to the Texas
Panhandle and surrounding states. The company cleans and restores areas in homes,
businesses, or other crime or trauma scenes
affected by the presence of biological, infectious, or toxic waste. Those areas include
crime scenes, sites where an unattended
death has occurred, and locations where
suicide or homicide have taken place. Their
motto is “Extreme Cleaning for Life’s Extreme
Circumstances.” The fully bonded, insured,
and OSHA certified company provides emergency response service twenty-four hours a
day, seven days a week. Bio-Klenz is locally
and family owned by Brandon and Christie
Barber who bring twenty-one years of experience to the marketplace.
Bio-Klenz can safely and properly clean
areas affected with infectious body fluids and
other toxic substances. Bio-Klenz is Hazmat
and HAZWOPER trained and certified to
clean areas where biohazard is present and to
dispose of biohazard materials. They comply
with all state and federal laws and guidelines
in biohazard removal and disposal. BioKlenz’s removal and disposal services are
used for decomposition or unattended death
clean up, blood clean up, meth lab remediation, and transportation of medical waste.
They can also handle some chemical spills,
tear gas clean up, odor removal, and fingerprint dust removal.
Bio-Klenz provides the unique service of
cleaning up hoards. They are the only top of
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the Panhandle extreme cleaning and hoarding
remediation company. They accept referrals
and calls from local governments to clean up
hoards and cluttered properties. They are
also available for commercial and residential
cleaning as well as smoke removal. Our
newest company is Carpet-Klenz.
Additional efforts to assist their customers
in recovering from tragedy include their partnership with Hospice of the Southwest and
the Hope and Healing Place. Most types of
insurance cover the services Bio-Klenz provide and often the only financial responsibility of customers is the insurance deductible.
They also assist victims with applications for
the Victims of Crime Compensation Fund
requesting help paying cleanup costs.
Bio-Klenz supports community causes like
suicide prevention efforts and programs to
assist family members who take in children of
crime victims. They support Big Brothers Big
Sisters and have been involved in cancer
walks. Their efforts to serve their customers
and give back to the community stem from a
desire to operate their company with compassionate Christian values. They believe their
customers deserve respect, dignity, discretion,
and privacy during times of tragedy. BioKlenz helps victims or surviving family members with referrals to counseling or other
resources so they can receive help on an ongoing basis. They work to restore normalcy to
their customers’ lives. Bio-Klenz is privileged
to provide compassionate services during
times of tragedy.
Many people do not hear about Auction
Systems of Amarillo until they need them.
The company, owned by Doug and Kay
Owens since 1978, serves as a vehicle
liquidation facility for insurance companies,
rental car agencies, and lending institutions.
When a vehicle is involved in an accident
and the owner’s insurance company totals
the vehicle, the vehicle’s next stop is often
the back lot at Auction Systems of Amarillo.
Various lending institutions remarket
repossessed vehicles through their auction
process as do rental car agencies when fleets
are updated.
The company, formerly known as Amarillo
Salvage Pool, has locations in Lubbock,
Abilene, and Wichita Falls in addition to
the Amarillo facility. The company currently
employs twenty-nine people including
ten in Amarillo. Several family members
are on staff with the company in Amarillo
and Lubbock.
The vehicle liquidation process starts when
the vehicle owner confirms to Auction
Systems of Amarillo that the vehicle is to be
released from a towing company, body shop,
or home. The vehicle is then picked up, taken
to the Auction Systems lot, inspected, and
cleaned out. The cleaning process is
thoroughly and carefully done to insure all
personal items like receipts are returned to
the previous owner; privacy concerns are
paramount. Discretion and compassion after
traumatic automobile accidents where serious
injury or death has occurred is an important
part of their service. When necessary, they
pack and ship possessions left in vehicles to
previous owners who are unable to retrieve
them in person. They also help smooth the
process by guiding the previous owners
through the paperwork tangle of chores like
transferring title.
The staff at Auction Systems of Amarillo
are experts at handling documents and the
red tape involved in liquidating vehicles. After
previous owners release their vehicles, the
staff works with the state of registration to
obtain appropriate titles for their clients.
Different types of titles like salvage titles, nonrepairable titles, or dismantler titles determine
the status of the car and who can purchase
AUCTION SYSTEMS OF AMARILLO
them at auction. The auctions are held at
the Auction Systems of Amarillo facility
and online at www.texassalvagepools.com.
The auctions are limited to licensed
automobile dealer recyclers.
Auction Systems of Amarillo is proud to be
family owned and operated. They are happy
to provide compassionate, confidential service
to customers who have been inconvenienced
or traumatized. Their hometown, efficient
service also helps them retain their insurance
and lender client base. They feel being locally
owned is the key to their success and growth.
They also believe being locally owned is a
good reason to take part in the Shop Local
project and they are supporters of the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, Center City
and other civic organizations.
THE MARKETPLACE
255
UPSHAW
INSURANCE
AGENCY, INC.
Left: Fifty years ago in the early 1960s
Upshaw Insurance Agency was located on
East Third Avenue.
Right: Today, Upshaw Insurance Agency,
located at 801 South Fillmore, is proud to
help light up the Amarillo skyline.
Upshaw Insurance Agency, Inc. has been a
part of the Amarillo business community
since 1927. As an independent insurance
agency, Upshaw provides commercial insurance such as General Liability, Property,
Business Auto, Workers’ Compensation and
Professional Liability coverage as well as
Bonds and Benefit products such as Group
and Individual Life and Health Insurance.
The primary goal of Upshaw is to offer the
best coverage for the best price. They market
their clients’ individual needs to various
insurance companies in order to compare
coverage available and pricing. They are
knowledgeable in a variety of fields and
specialize in oilfield and construction.
Upshaw employs forty-two people including staff at the corporate office in Amarillo
and satellite offices in Dallas and Borger. Each
individual’s expertise is utilized to provide
the highest quality customer service. They
apply innovative, problem solving ideas to
serve each client’s insurance needs.
Technology plays an important role in
Upshaw’s ability to provide clients with superior service. They have a user friendly, comprehensive website www.upshaw-insurance.com
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that allows clients to log in to view account
information and claims as well as print
insurance documents.
As a trusted member of the insurance
industry, Upshaw Insurance Agency is a
Trusted Choice agent and a Better Business
Bureau Accredited Business. They are members of United Benefits Advisors, Independent
Insurance Agents and National Association of
Health Underwriters.
More importantly, Upshaw and its
employees are committed to their community, serving in boardrooms, classrooms and
churches. They are members of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce, Borger Chamber of
Commerce, Perryton Chamber of Commerce
and Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
Upshaw supports many civic and charitable
organizations such as the High Plains Food
Bank, Opportunity School and Center City of
Amarillo and is dedicated to sustaining fine
arts in Amarillo such as Lone Star Ballet and
the Amarillo Symphony Endowment.
Upshaw Insurance Agency has been a long
time partner of the Amarillo community and
feels fortunate to be able to give back to the
people who have given so much to them.
Are you Happy today? Chairman and CEO
J. Pat Hickman says he wants their customers
to have a “Happy Experience” when visiting
the bank. In fact, the mission and credo of
Happy State Bank is “Work hard, have fun,
make money, while providing outstanding
customer service and honoring the Golden
Rule.” Founded in 1908 as First State Bank,
Happy, Texas, by L. T. Lester, the bank operated only one banking office located in the town
of Happy during its first eighty-one years.
Hickman and other investors purchased the
bank with its one banking office in 1990 and
formed Happy Bancshares, Inc. A plan to serve
the Panhandle as a whole was implemented
with the concept of providing area residents
with a regional bank dedicated to serving multiple communities. As a result of an aggressive
growth strategy tied to buying healthy banks
with great bankers and providing exceptional
customer service, Happy now has a presence
in nineteen communities with twenty-eight
branches across the Texas Panhandle.
Now named Happy State Bank & Trust
Company to reflect its attitude and identify its
roots, the bank has been the fastest growing
bank in the Texas Panhandle, increasing from
six employees to approximately 450 employees and from $13 million in total assets in
1990 to over $1.6 billion in total assets in
2011. Hickman says “we like, know, and
understand the Texas Panhandle as well
or better than anyone. We understand
agriculture, oil and gas, and real estate.
We know the people of the Panhandle.”
That understanding gives Happy the
ability to offer a full array of banking
services including personal and commercial banking, investment and trust services, and cash management services for
commercial customers. As a leader in
the banking industry, Happy provides
online banking, ATM/MasterCard debit
cards, text banking, and offers a free
mobile app for Android, Apple, and
Blackberry devices.
Happy believes in the strong
Panhandle culture where it is customary
and normal to be genuinely friendly and
courteous. What sets Happy apart is that
it wants its customers to have a ‘Happy
HAPPY STATE
BANK &
TRUST
COMPANY
Experience’ where the level of service exceeds
the normal standard. Hickman says, “We want
people to talk about us. When good service
is commonplace, people don’t talk about
good service, exceptional service is what ‘gets
people talking’ and that’s their objective.”
As an excellent corporate citizen, Happy
State Bank supports and serves the Panhandle
by being involved in the arts, faith-based
charities, and “kid related” activities. Happy
has stayed involved with education and has
supported schools across the Panhandle.
Employees are encouraged to serve on school,
hospital, and civic boards. The goal at Happy
is to keep serving the Panhandle by making
people happy and helping them fulfill their
personal and financial dreams at Happy State
Bank and throughout the community.
Above: L. T. Lester, (seated on safe) founded
Happy State Bank in 1908.
Below: J. Pat Hickman, chairman and CEO,
(center under arch) is surrounded by the
officers of Happy State Bank &
Trust Company.
THE MARKETPLACE
257
BENTLEY’S &
ASSOCIATES,
LLC
Top, left: Bentley’s Amarillo facility is
ideally located near major highways.
Above: Bentley’s auction floor in Amarillo,
Texas, easily accommodates extensive
amounts of sale items.
Founded in 1979, Bentley’s & Associates,
LLC evolved from C. L. Bentley’s interest in
auctioneering while being involved in livestock
shows with his sons. After attending auctioneer
school and serving an apprenticeship with a
Dalhart auctioneer, Bentley’s was started on
Historic Route 66 (Sixth Street) in Amarillo.
Initially Bentley’s auctions consisted of estates
and antiques. As relationships were built, and
C. L.’s honest reputation became known, the
auctions became larger and more diverse.
In 1987, Bentley’s began
auction services for Pantex,
selling surplus office equipment, furniture, computers,
and plant equipment. After
starting with a couple auctions per month, Bentley’s
now conducts three to
five auctions per month,
with about half being in
Albuquerque. Today, Bentley’s
serves BWXT Pantex, Sandia
Labs, Los Alamos Labs, the
State of New Mexico, and the
State of Texas as well as other federal, state, and
local government entities. Bentley’s presence in
New Mexico is substantial; their 20,000 square
foot/three-acre facility in Albuquerque has been
the site of countless auctions and millions of
dollars in revenue for their clients. Their 80,000
square foot, seven-acre headquarters is conveniently located at 7148 Bell Street in Amarillo
258
and in recent years a Rainbow City, Alabama
23,000 square foot facility has been added.
Bentley’s still auctions estates, antiques,
and other personal property, but now sells a
wide range of goods for their clients. Surplus
auctions are a major portion of their business
and they auction real estate, vehicles, and
machinery as well. In addition to government
entities, their clients range from individuals
to banks and corporations. Bentley’s is a onestop-shop in regard to their range of services.
They take care of the marketing, appraisal, sale, trucking,
accounting, and parking.
Bentley’s responds to their
clients’ diverse needs in each
situation with a customized
marketing strategy. Bentley’s
has a competent, experienced staff who stay
informed on the value of
goods and commodities in
today’s market. In addition to
appraisal of items offered for
auction, Bentley’s also does appraisals on a
fee basis for banks, businesses, estates, and
clients doing estate planning. Keeping up
with technology, Bentley’s is also expanding
into live web auctions for the Department of
Energy and other government entities making the business a coast to coast operation.
Giving back to the community is important
to Bentley’s; they conduct many charitable
auctions and support local charities and nonprofit organizations.
The journey from a humble beginning to a
successful, thriving business has been accomplished because of dedication and honesty.
The family owned and operated company was
established and managed throughout the years
with those values always at the forefront. C. L.
is gratified in knowing he is leaving a legacy
for his family based on the principles of hard
work and keeping his word.
Visit www.bentleysauction.com for additional information on Bentley’s & Associates.
Founded January 19, 1935, with ten Amarillo
teachers as the first contributors, the Education
Credit Union operates under the philosophy of
“excelling in service, care, and financial protection for their members and their families.” ECU
is a nonprofit institution where members share
in the profits through their cooperative ownership of $150 million in assets and low cost
services. Initially the credit union staff was all
volunteers and they operated out of a cigar
box. Eventually ECU moved to a room in the
Wolflin School. In the late 1960s, paid staff was
added and buildings were purchased.
Today there are two ECU locations in
Amarillo, one in Canyon, and one in Bushland.
ECU staff has grown to seventy-five employees
and a membership of more than 17,700. ECU
provides the most contemporary online services including: home banking, electronic bill
payment, funds transfer, mobile and text banking, and online loan applications. In addition
to online services, a full service mortgage lending program was launched in recent years.
The primary focus of ECU is its membership. It is completely member oriented with a
volunteer, non-paid board, and each member
has one vote. ECU members include public and
private parochial school employees and students from sixteen counties. Members of school
boards, PTA’s, Amarillo College, and West Texas
A&M University can also belong to the ECU.
Membership is further extended to those living,
working, or attending school within a ten mile
radius of the Bushland or Canyon Branches.
The intense focus on service resulted in ECU’s
being runner up for the 2010 Better Business
Bureau Torch Award and winning the Torch
Award in 2011. The credit union was also
voted “Best Credit Union” five years in a row
by the readers of Amarillo Globe News.
An important service offered to the membership is education through newsletters and
workshops. ECU’s belief that appropriate
financial decisions are the hallmark of financial success has compelled ECU’s involvement
in youth financial education. ECU employs a
full time staff member to teach financial
education classes at area schools, churches,
after school programs, and other youth
organizations. Young people who attend the
workshops learn about savings, borrowing,
and responsible spending.
ECU underwrites programming on Amarillo
College’s KACV television station such as
BIZ Kids, and also sponsors community events
relating to education. ECU proudly supports
career planning days and activities at the
Don Harrington Discovery Center and the
Panhandle Plains Historic Museum. The ECU
staff and board raise funds each year that
provide grants to teachers and classrooms to
finance field trips and provide supplies and
tools they would not otherwise receive.
Because ECU believes in providing excellent
service to its membership, support and education extends to future members as well.
EDUCATION
CREDIT UNION
Above: ECU’s original branch on I-40
houses their lending, member services,
special services/collections, and our
IT departments and features a six lane
drive-up location for convenience.
Below: Punk Rock Patty and Jivin’ Jim are
seen driving all over town. Their message is
simple, “You can be a member, just ask us.”
THE MARKETPLACE
259
JORGE’S MEXICAN BAR AND GRILL
At Jorge’s Mexican Bar and Grill the focus is
on flavor and customer service. Owner Jorge
Albarran says his competition is himself; he
constantly stays on top of the details of his business to be the best restaurant possible. He says
customers come first and his customers have
made him successful; he greets many customers
personally. He serves a combination of authentic Mexican food and Tex-Mex items as well as
some American menu selections. He is particularly proud of the fajitas, crispy chile relleños,
260
and crispy chimichangas. The restaurant,
founded in 2004, has grown dramatically and
moved into a newly constructed 7,000 square
foot building in 2009 with patio and bar
space and room for parties.
Albarran attributes the restaurant’s growth
to the idea that if food tastes good people will
want to eat it. He credits his brother Jose, who
serves as chief cook, with having the natural
talent for perfecting the flavor of menu items.
Their mother, Maria Campuzano, is also on
staff and brings authenticity to the kitchen.
Albarran believes a family operated business
is ideal because when family works together,
consistency and quality are the result.
Because Albarran has washed dishes,
bussed and waited tables, cooked, and tended
bar, he is uniquely qualified to run his own
establishment. His intimate knowledge of the
business gives him an appreciation of his staff;
he employs fifty to sixty people. Albarran says
his employees are happy because he treats
them like family, recognizes their talents, and
gives them the freedom to develop their talents to the best of their ability.
Albarran came to the United States with his
parents when he was fifteen with no knowledge of English and little education. He
worked two jobs at various restaurants
including Santa Fe Restaurant for fifteen years
all the while saving his money. He continued
saving and reinvesting until he was self sufficient. He is a self-made man who loves
America and the opportunity it has given him.
He believes anyone can succeed in America
because success is attainable if a person will
just take advantage of the opportunities available. He believes if people work hard, save
their money, be financially responsible, and
do not spend more than they make, they can
achieve great things in America.
Albarran is active in the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce and the Amarillo Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. He is thankful
for the loyalty of his Amarillo customers
and supports various local charities and
churches. He looks forward to opening
another restaurant in the future. Jorge’s
Mexican Bar and Grill is located at 6051
South Bell Street and more information is
available at www.jorgesmexican.com.
Aardvark Services, Inc., or
Aardvark Automotive has
been repairing foreign cars
since 1980. For over thirty
years, the family owned and
operated automotive repair
center has been one of the
foremost foreign automotive
repair centers in Amarillo.
Owners, Robert and Lynda
Archer, along with their staff
are uniquely qualified to offer
high quality service. They are
unique in that they are knowledgeable and
trained to work on all foreign vehicles including European models. They are the repair
center of choice for Mercedes, Mini Cooper,
Land Rover, and Volvo. Amenities and conveniences in European automobiles make
them the most complicated automobiles in
the world. The experience of Robert Archer
who has done automotive repair since 1967
and has held the Master Technician status
since 1975, along the experience of his ASE
Certified technicians makes them the first
choice for European automobile repairs.
In addition to having a competent longterm staff, Aardvark Automotive has the equipment needed to diagnose a vehicle’s problems.
They have the scan tools and other up-to-date
equipment needed to efficiently and accurately
determine what repairs are needed. They have
the technological capability to offer full service
and repair on Asian and American vehicles as
well as European vehicles.
Aardvark Automotive clearly displays
their code of ethics on their website;
www.aardvarkautorepair.com, they are forthright about their goal to maintain a good reputation and to have fully satisfied customers.
In addition to automotive repair, they provide added services including washing the
car and doing free inspection of belts, hoses,
and other areas to make sure the vehicle is
safe before it leaves their shop. They do pretrip inspections, pre-purchase inspections,
and mail service reminders to customers.
Aardvark Automotive’s experience with
repairing a wide range of vehicles brings customers from Amarillo, the Texas Panhandle,
Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The
AARDVARK
SERVICES, INC.
Archers believe they provide an economic
asset to Amarillo by bringing visitors to the
city. They are active members and supporters
of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, members of Welcome Partners, and are involved
with charitable endeavors such as the High
Plains Food Bank. They enlist the help of
their customers in benevolent projects such
as the 2011 wildfire relief by giving them
the opportunity to donate amounts in lieu of
discounts in their shop. They then match
their customers’ donations and pass it along
to the charity. They are also involved in a
program called “Wheels to Prosper” that gives
away vehicles to needy individuals.
The Archers want their customers to know
they stand behind their work. They want to
be known as a dependable repair center
whose customers trust them and have peace
of mind when they drive their automobiles
away from their shop.
The Aardvark Automotive shop.
Robert and Lynda Archer.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating
Aardvark Automotive’s thirty years
in business.
THE MARKETPLACE
261
EVERETT’S
PLUMBING
SUPPLY &
FAUCET PARTS
CENTER, INC.
Above: Everett Rury founded Everett’s
Plumbing Supply & Faucet Parts Center
in 1971.
Below: Everett’s is a busy place. Plumbing
companies and homeowners alike depend on
Everett’s for their faucet parts and
plumbing supplies.
Knowledgeable employees, a vast inventory, and good customer service has kept
people coming back to Everett’s Plumbing
Supply & Faucet Parts Center over the years.
The faucet parts and full-line plumbing
supply company is the only business in the
Amarillo area that specializes in faucet repair
parts. Everett’s was founded by Everett Rury
who established a much needed niche in
the marketplace to make faucet parts
available in the Amarillo area. In 1971 when
he established the company, faucet repair
parts were in short supply. Everett who was
a master plumber, and had established
Everett’s Plumbing in 1952 set out to amass
an inventory of faucet parts.
Over the years he worked to buy out the
inventories of companies who were going out
of business and acquired parts everywhere he
could. The concept worked because the business thrived, the company became successful.
Today Everett’s continues to buy out old
inventories and carries most brands of parts
including Delta, Moen, Price Pfister, Kohler,
and American Standard. People in Amarillo
have come to know that Everett’s carries parts
and supplies that cannot be found elsewhere.
Other stores often send people to Everett’s to
find parts to help with their repairs because
“even if Everett’s doesn’t have it, they can usually get it.” Customers have said “if Everett’s
doesn’t have it, you can’t get it anymore!”
262
Throughout the years, Everett was in business with Cliff Lowrance who founded C&E
Mechanical with him and he also founded
ABE Mechanical with his brother-in-law Albert
Robertson and his son-in-law Bob Weaver.
His wife Lynn Rury was his biggest supporter
and worked in the business at times. When
Everett’s Faucet Parts became a successful
venture, he quit plumbing and stayed active
there until his retirement. Subsequently, Bob
and Linda Weaver operated the firm until
their retirement when their son Scott Weaver
and his wife Nikki became the owners. Today,
Scott and Nikki are proud to be Everett’s
third-generation family owner/operators.
They provide excellent customer service
and have a reputation that brings repeat business. People keep coming back, because the
knowledgeable Everett’s staff has the answers
to their plumbing questions. Many employees throughout the firm’s history have plumbing backgrounds and hands-on experience.
Customers are reassured when the people at
the counter know what they are doing.
Whether sponsoring various charities’
fundraisers, supporting teams at the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce Barbeque, or donating supplies for plumbers involved in
Habitat for Humanity projects, the company
is also dedicated to service outside of the
business. They consider it a privilege to serve
the people of Amarillo.
Founded in 1985 by Charlotte Adams,
CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™), Money
Methods became a Registered Investment
Advisory firm in 1994. At Money Methods
relationships are paramount. The firm
believes every investor deserves the
highest standard of care known to law—
the fiduciary standard. Advice should be
based on the client’s best interest, and
not commission or product driven. This
focus has resulted in a loyal and dedicated
client base.
Money Methods enjoys teaching investors
the few simple concepts they need to
know in order to give them the best
opportunity for a successful and stress
free investing experience. Money Methods
takes the topic of investing, which has
been made complex by the industry, and
puts it in a very simple, easy to understand,
and smart approach, that is backed
by over fifty years of award winning
academic research.
Money Methods is proud to be a locally
owned, family business. The staff includes
Charlotte Adams and her husband
Brent Adams, who has
served as comptroller
since 1992. Their son
Matt Adams, AIFA ®
(Accredited Investment
Fiduciary Analyst®) has
been a partner since
1997. Carol Walker,
administrative assistant,
has been with Charlotte
since 1988. Other staff includes Cindy Hall
and Rena Adams. They stay on the cuttingedge of financial education by constantly
updating and expanding their certifications
and qualifications.
Money Methods was a finalist for the
Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for
market place ethics in 2003. They have
been a Better Business Bureau accredited
business since 1991 and they belong to
the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, as
well as several civic organizations. Charlotte
has served on various community
boards including the Amarillo
Airport Board, the Better
Business Bureau Board, and the
Endowment Board of the
High Plains Children’s Home.
Charlotte and Matt are both
accomplished trainers/instructors
for industry professionals and
consumers, having traveled
throughout the United States
conducting training sessions.
Every staff person at Money
Methods demonstrates a strong
Christian faith and fulfills
service and leadership roles within
Amarillo churches.
Money Methods continues to educate,
motivate, and equip those who come to
them to achieve a place of stress free
investing. They continue to be on the leading
edge of industry trends and developments.
Money Methods attributes its success to
the careful life application of the “Golden
Rule” practiced with their clients, business
associates and acquaintances. You can expect
the same!
Additional information is available on the
Internet at www.moneymethods.com.
MONEY
METHODS
Above: Charlotte Adams, CFP®, founder of
Money Methods is pictured here with her
son Matt Adams, AIFA®. They are proud to
be a family owned and operated business.
Below: Money Methods is conveniently
located at Belpree Road and Bell Street.
THE MARKETPLACE
263
BECHTOL
FINE ARTS
David and Mary Bechtol have
shared a life together, each with
individual talents, but with one creative heart. Mary has loved art since
she was a child and has painted
since she was in third grade. She
uses art to outwardly express what
she feels on the inside about the
world around her. Although she is a
registered nurse, and has worked in
other fields, art has been a constant
love throughout her life. Mary has
studied art for many years, at West
Texas A&M University, with watercolorist Stephan Kramer, Charles
Reid, Charles Sovek, and Scott Burdick. Her
most recent mentor, Rick Howell, has taught
her to have the courage to express herself in
her unique way.
Mary first noticed inflections in shades,
hues, and tones while traveling in the back
seat of her family’s car as they moved from
one place to another. Mary describes what
she saw as “the landscape in motion.” Using
a distinctive ability to capture inflection and harness
light, Mary brilliantly illuminates each canvas. She
creates paintings with a
limited palette of four or
five colors. Her ability to
infuse color with the light
she captures with her
brush enables her to create
a “rich rainbow of color in
each piece.”
264
Mary includes at least one bird in her
landscape paintings. She shares a love of
wildlife and bird watching with her husband
David T. Bechtol, D.V.M. He has coupled his
career in veterinary medicine with photography of landscapes, birds, and other wildlife.
His unforgettable trip to South Africa as a
consultant to vaccinate Roan Antelope for
anthrax from a helicopter created a passion
for conservation and wildlife/nature photography. David’s ability to capture intimate
moments among his wildlife subjects brings
forth images with exquisite insight. His gift of
portraying the essence of each creature in its
habitat provides glimpses into often unseen
worlds where wildlife lives free from human
interference. His bird photography skillfully
seizes minute detail and movement that
brings unparalleled clarity to the beholder.
Like Mary, David has acquired a love of
light and shadow that has been applied to his
photography. Both have the gift of capturing
magical elements of their subjects and
bringing the joy of light to their work. Many
years of work and study have brought
the Bechtols to a place of fruition in their
journey with art. David and Mary both have
participated in the Coastal Bend Photography
Contest in Corpus Christi, Texas, and David
was invited to compete with nineteen other
professional photographers in the Images
for Conservation Fund. Today, each has a
studio at the Galleries at Sunset Center.
Mary’s paintings are displayed at Studio 88
and David’s photography is displayed at
at Studio 83H.
Brown, Graham & Company, P.C. (BGC) was
founded in the boom days of the Texas
Panhandle by brothers Bob and Howard Brown,
Wilmer Graham, and Art Glover. During the
mid twentieth century, the region prospered
and grew as did much of the nation during
that time. Traditional Texas Panhandle industries like agribusiness and petroleum flourished
and Amarillo experienced huge growth in the
1950s and 1960s. BGC opened the majority of
their offices in those years and grew along with
their clients and others in the area.
Offices in smaller communities like
Hereford, Spearman, and Tulia had to provide
a wide range of services to clients.
Relationships based on respect and trust
between the founders and their clients set the
standard for the core values of BGC to this
day. BGC’s core values are dedication to passionate pursuit of uncommon service to their
clients and their communities, professionalism, demonstrating exemplary character, and
respecting their employees’ personal lives by
encouraging a balance between work and life.
BGC offers tax services including estate
and gift, quarterly estimates, state and local
taxes, and tax controversy services. They also
offer audit and assurance services including
reviews and compilations. Their accounting
and business services include payroll processing and compliance, accounts payable and
receivables processing, financial statements,
general ledger maintenance, and QuickBooks
installation and support. They also assist with
internal control analysis. They provide consulting and advisory services like business
consulting, forensic and fraud, mergers and
acquisitions, business expansion, litigation
support, and valuation services.
Currently the company has offices in the
Texas Panhandle towns of Amarillo, Canyon,
Pampa, Spearman, Dimmitt, and Tulia along
with three locations in Central Texas, which
include Austin, Georgetown, and Marble Falls.
BGC is actively involved in the communities
they serve and offer educational seminars
to the public. They support fine arts, the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, Fellowship
of Christian Athletes, Boy Scouts of America,
Martha’s Home and many more. BGC is a
supporter of the WTAMU Booster Club and
BROWN, GRAHAM & COMPANY, P.C.
Above: Brown, Graham & Company, P.C.
looks forward to being headquartered in
their new building on Continental Parkway,
just off Coulter in June of 2012.
Left: Presidents of Brown, Graham &
offers support to the WTAMU Accounting
Club, actively recruiting WTAMU graduates
into their firm.
Adherence to the principles of developing
community involvement, professionalism,
and respect for their clients sets Brown,
Graham & Company, P.C. apart. They are a
client service oriented firm that puts the
client first, an ongoing philosophy that
explains them becoming the largest CPA firm
in the Texas Panhandle. Their growth is tied
to the development of a long-range strategic
plan with an emphasis on the succession of
the firm; this plan provides a frame work for
services to be provided for generations to
come. Their diverse experience and focus on
individual attention will continue to set them
apart as well. As their firm grows in the
future, they will continue to look for new
opportunities to serve their clients.
Company, P.C. since 1975 are from left to
right: W. C. “Chick” Russell, president 1975
to 2003, Gregg Morgan, president 2004 to
2007, and Ed Nichols, president 2008 to
present, 2011.
THE MARKETPLACE
265
ACME
BODY SHOP
Left: This aerial view of Acme Body Shop’s
state-of-the-art facilities portrays its neat,
attractive presence in its neighborhood.
Right: Acme Body Shop has an attractive
entrance and a comfortable waiting area for
their customers.
Trust is important to Tommy and Regina
O’Quin who are the long-time owners of
Acme Body Shop. They work to earn and
keep the trust of their customers and insurance companies. Tommy believes when he
gives his word that he will provide the
highest quality work, his customers trust
him to follow through with his promise.
Customer satisfaction from the time they
step into the comfortable Acme Body Shop
waiting room until their vehicles roll out
the door is his main focus. The business,
founded by Regina’s father Earl Fisher, has
been family owned since 1949 and has
maintained the tradition of superior service
for over fifty years.
The O’Quins are proud of their trained
and experienced employees; most have
worked for them for many years. They
believe their employees are the best in
Amarillo and “can fix anything.” In fact
they think their technicians are awesome
and the best in their field. They love to fix
cars that are severely damaged and are
known for doing so quickly and efficiently.
Acme Body Shop has a new, modern shop
equipped with state-of-the-art shop and
paint equipment. They are careful to maintain all required licenses and certifications as
well as insurance to give their customers the
maximum protection.
Acme Body Shop is an I-Car certified shop
specializing in collision insurance work.
They are an insurance company program
266
shop affiliated with Allstate, Progressive,
Charter, Farmers, Hartford, State Farm,
American National, Metropolitan, and Met
Life. Their reputation is known to insurance
agents and adjusters in the area because
they maintain appropriate program status by
having the proper certificates, inspections,
and training. Insurance companies trust
them because they are honest and adhere
to program guidelines ensuring excellent
customer service.
They also provide all types of fiber glass
work for the repair of automobiles and recreation vehicles like boats, jet skies, and RV’s.
Other services include 4-wheel alignment
and suspension work, pinstriping, paintless
dent repair, and detailing. The staff is available to help with towing service and acquiring rental cars. The company also runs a
separate facility that is a custom shop. They
take existing project cars and finish them
out or initiate and complete custom cars
according to a customer’s specifications.
The long-term goal at Acme Body Shop is
to continue taking care of their customers
and providing safe cars. The O’Quin family
has been dedicated to that goal since 1949.
They look forward to continuing the family
tradition of serving the people of the
Amarillo area by providing the highest quality product better and faster at the most economical prices available. They stand by their
motto, “The customer is the most important
person in our business.”
RABERN
RENTAL CENTER
CLASSIC EVENTS
When founders Gene Rahll and Steve Berner
opened Rabern Rentals in 1984, they primarily
served homeowners and contractors for construction and repair projects. They also offered
some party and wedding items, all under the
same roof with lawn and home improvement
equipment. In 2000 heavy equipment was
added to the rental inventory. The rental center,
now solely owned by Berner, currently offers a
much wider range of items and has expanded to
separate facilities and two locations.
Rabern Rental Center, located at 4807 South
Washington Street and 8900 West Thirty-Fourth
Avenue, rents home improvement and repair
equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and
heavy-duty commercial grade equipment. The
2007 expansion to the Thirty-Fourth Street
location added convenience for residents and
contractors in western Amarillo. They offer
residential and commercial grade equipment
suited for everything from weekend home
improvement and repair projects to large-scale
construction jobs. Available rentals range from
air tools to forklifts and eighty foot boom lifts.
Hand tools, ladders, air compressors, lawn
and garden equipment, skid loaders, and
backhoes are just a few of the items Rabern
Rentals have available to meet their customers’
equipment needs. The Washington Street location offers concrete for big and small jobs.
At Rabern Rentals, their motto is “we rent and
sell almost everything.”
In 2009, Rabern Rentals built a separate party
division at their Washington Street location
and opened Classic Events, Amarillo’s one-stop
party and event shop. Classic Events has an
extensive inventory of items for weddings,
parties, and other events. Their showroom
displays a selection of fountains, dinnerware,
silverware, linens, glassware, serving and
beverage pieces, elegant gold and silver items,
wedding accessories, and audio/visual equipment. They also rent tables, chairs, canopies,
and tents. Delivery and pick up and set up and
break down service is available with advance
request. Experienced staff is available to ease
stress for brides and grooms by helping with
planning the perfect wedding from rehearsal
dinner to the reception. A full line of party and
wedding napkins, glasses, plates, invitations,
candles and favors is available for sale.
Rabern Rental’s diverse selection of rental
equipment and party and wedding decor is new
and up-to-date. Ongoing reinvestment and
replacement keeps the inventory modern and in
good repair. They credit excellent equipment and
long-term customer relationships with bringing
customers back year after year. The company’s
goal is to keep reinvesting in equipment and reinvesting in Amarillo—to grow as Amarillo grows.
Steve Berner’s employees say his familyoriented, caring approach to business makes
Rabern Rentals and Classic Events great
places to work. That atmosphere carries over
into the community with support for organizations including Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce, the WT Buffalo Club, Boy Scouts,
and Amarillo Area Casa.
Rabern Rentals at 4807 South Washington.
Classic Events.
Owner and operator of Rabern Rentals and
Classic Events, Steve Berner.
Rabern Rental Center at 8900 West ThirtyFourth Avenue.
THE MARKETPLACE
267
MARCELLA
FURS &
LEATHER
Professional, expert, and devoted to customer service, Marcella Furs & Leather, Inc.,
provides Amarillo residents with unparalleled
excellence as a high-quality furrier. The retail
store specializes in the sale of fur and leather
outerwear, handbags, and accessories.
Marcella Furs & Leather opened in historic
Wolflin Village in 2003. In just three short
years, the store outgrew the first location and
had to move to a larger facility. Today they
remain an elegant presence in their current
location at 2611 Wolflin Village. The 4,000
square foot store includes a stylish showroom
and a state-of-the-art fur
vault capable of holding
2,500 furs. In winter
months, the business is
devoted to fur sales.
Although furs are sold
throughout the year, in
the spring and summer,
complete care of fur and
leather products becomes
their focus. They offer
onsite cold storage, fur
cleaning and repair, and
redesign and restyling
of furs. They attribute
much of their success to
hard work, developing
relationships with their
customers, and having a
knowledgeable staff.
Founded by Marcie Rea,
the business began in her
home where she recycled
fur coats by restyling them
268
into updated garments and children’s teddy
bears. She also provided consulting and
buying services for people looking for fur
coats and other items. Marcie’s knowledge
and dedication to customer service quickly
propelled an expansion of her business into
retail sales of new furs under the Marcella
Furs & Leather label. The nationally recognized brand was honored in 2011 when
Marcella Furs & Leather was selected to
outfit the cast of the highly anticipated
remake of the Dallas series. Stars such as
Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy and Brenda Strong
will be seen wearing furs, shearlings, vests,
and other accessories from Marcella Furs &
Leather when the series airs on TNT in 2012.
The expertise Marcie brings to the business was enhanced by older mentors in the
fur business. Some of the finest furriers in
North America and the world have shared
their knowledge with her. At the time Marcie
began her business, others had closed shops,
but she had faith that the desire for furs
and finer things in Amarillo had never gone
away. Her professionalism has been recognized by her peers, and in 2010 she was
asked to serve on the board of directors for
the Fur Information Council of America.
The business has built a reputation of
ethical business standards and operates as
a Christian business. They won the Better
Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace
Ethics in 2007. Their values are evident in their
contribution to the Amarillo community. They
support fine arts, charities, and civic organizations, and are thankful to be able to give to the
community that has supported them.
MCDONALD’S
RESTAURANTS
OF AMARILLO
McDonald’s Restaurants in Amarillo is a
family owned and operated company. The
Dana Family is proud to be part of the
Amarillo community. They enjoy customizing
the restaurants, giving them an Amarillo
feel by doing things like erecting a Center
City “Hoof Prints” horse being ridden by
Ronald McDonald.
The Dana’s goal as a family business is
“to make our customers’ day” and “to give
back to our community.” That challenge has
led them to rebuild many of the restaurants
in Amarillo, and they will continue rebuilding
more in the next few years and grow within
the communities they proudly serve. Also,
McDonald’s Restaurants are very active in
the community. McDonald’s in Amarillo hosts
many school fundraisers and supports many
local organizations and charities.
A charity very near and dear to their hearts
is the Ronald McDonald House; they are
thankful the community came together and
built a Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo.
In 2009 all local McDonald’s owner/operators
helped organize a fundraiser with the
Amarillo Symphony to benefit the Ronald
McDonald House of Amarillo where Ronald
McDonald himself conducted the orchestra.
The Amarillo Ronald McDonald House operates with funds received from area companies,
individuals, and organizations.
The facility, located in the Harrington
Regional Medical Center is the only place
where entire families have a “home away from
home” so they can concentrate on the health
of their child while he or she is ill rather
than the day to day cares or worries of life. The
RONALD
MCDONALD
HOUSE
OF AMARILLO
Amarillo Ronald McDonald House can house
thirteen families and provides them private
space and a fully stocked kitchen. As an added
benefit, two ADA rooms with bathrooms are
onsite as well as a playroom for the families’
children, and a laundry room. Families find
the Ronald McDonald House a place of
refuge and a place where they can draw
strength from interaction with other residents
who have children in the same situation.
The family room at Northwest Texas
Hospital is a project of Ronald McDonald
House. It is staffed with volunteers who help
provide a respite room at the hospital for
parents who spend days and nights with
their children in the hospital. Opened in
1983, Ronald McDonald House has served
thousands of families by offering sanctuary,
support, and rest because of the generosity of
residents of the Amarillo area.
THE MARKETPLACE
269
FRANK’S REPAIR
PLUMBING, INC.
Above: Frank E. Willburn, grandfather,
helping a customer, c. 1960.
Below: Back row, left to right: Frank O. M.
Willburn, Jack D. Willburn, and John L.
Willburn. Front row, left to right: Kenneth
A. Willburn, Frank M. Willburn, and
Frank O. Willburn.
Frank Edward Marion Willburn started his
plumbing business in 1953 with a small fleet
of pink, white, and black trucks. He could not
have known that two generations later, over
forty trucks would be traveling the streets of
Amarillo as well as other cities in the Texas
Panhandle, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
In 1968, after Amarillo Air Force Base
closed, Willburn sold the business to his
son, Frank Overton Willburn, and moved
to Houston. Frank O. continued to grow
and expand the presence of Frank’s Repair
Plumbing in the community until he retired
in 1999 when two of his sons, Frank Marion
and John Leroy Willburn, assumed control.
Frank’s Repair Plumbing advanced with the
times by navigating through changes in the
plumbing, heating, and cooling industry and
weathering challenging economic climates.
270
Today, the scope of work performed by Frank’s
includes service and repair of homeowners’
existing plumbing and heating and cooling
systems, installation of heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They
also provide plumbing for new home construction as well as light commercial projects.
Frank’s began flat rate service pricing in
September 1998 to better serve their customers. By having a predetermined price for a
job, the customer knows the cost in advance,
enabling him to make an informed decision.
In 2011, Frank’s has a workforce of seventy. The Willburns believe the company’s
strong and consistent growth through the
years is indicative of employees’ dedication
to the company and to the high standard of
providing customers with quality work
and the same superior service initiated by
Frank E. Willburn sixty years ago. Frank’s
Repair Plumbing has received “Amarillo’s Best
Plumber” award numerous times in the
Amarillo Globe-News readers’ poll.
As Amarillo natives, Frank and John have
great incentive to give back to the community
they call home. Frank’s Repair Plumbing
proudly supports Opportunity School,
Martha’s Home, Ronald McDonald House,
and High Plains Children’s Home, among
other organizations.
Frank and John, third generation owners,
believe their grandfather would be pleased to
know that at least fifteen of his descendants
have chosen plumbing for
their vocation. Currently,
family members with
Frank’s Repair Plumbing
include co-owner Frank
Marion Willburn, and his
sons, Frank Overton
Marion Willburn, and
Kenneth Aaron Willburn,
co-owner John Leroy
Willburn, and brother Jack
Daniel Willburn. They
believe plumbing is a necessary and respected profession and are committed
to serving families in the
Amarillo area now and in
the generations to come.
Entering the Timeless Designs showroom
is a delightful experience; a doorway into a
beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. The unique
concept of displays in a working showroom is
an enjoyable way to shop for lighting, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Brothers Frank
Marion and John Leroy Willburn, co-owners
of Frank’s Repair Plumbing started Timeless
Designs in 2004 to complement their plumbing business. They saw a need in the market
for a better way to serve their customers and
offer a seamless bridge from their plumbing
service to installation of actual components
in their customers’ homes. The one-stop
service takes some of the stress from a customer who is remodeling an existing home or
building a new home.
Timeless Designs is also proud to be a family owned business. Holly Willburn Brister,
daughter of Frank M. Willburn co-manages
Timeless Designs and has been heavily
involved since its inception. Timeless Designs
has an experienced and helpful sales team
that employs the advantage of more easily
meeting their customers’ needs by utilizing
Frank and John’s expertise in plumbing and
installation of appliances and fixtures.
Homebuilders and remodeling professionals
often send customers to Timeless Designs to
see kitchens and bathrooms in action.
The displays of working appliances and
plumbing fixtures in the showroom provide
customers the opportunity to try them out for
themselves. Bathtubs can be filled, faucets can
be turned on, and kitchen appliances can be
opened, closed and turned on. Distinctive and
elegant lighting selections
are exhibited overhead and
throughout the display area,
making it possible for customers to see lighting choices
previously unavailable in
Amarillo. The variety of lighting choices in the showroom
is impressive and includes
elegant options like Jeremiah
Designs and Crystorama.
The model kitchens display familiar fine quality
brands like Whirlpool,
Kitchen-Aid, Sub-Zero and
Wolf. In addition, Timeless Designs showcases the rugged line of Gladiator GarageWorks
appliances and accessories. The model bathrooms and fixture selections exhibit excellent
brands like Kohler and Delta and exclusive
brands like Porcher, Toto, and Oceania.
Before Timeless Designs opened for business,
residents had to travel several hundred miles
to find the stylish products now available in
the showroom. Today, people from throughout the Texas Panhandle and surrounding
states make the trip to Amarillo to visit the
exceptional showroom. Timeless Designs is
located at 1000 North Western Street—customers are welcome to call ahead for an
appointment or drop in anytime.
TIMELESS
DESIGNS
Below: Left to right: Frank M. Willburn,
Holly Willburn Brister, and
John L. Willburn.
Bottom: Timeless Designs is located at
1000 North Western Street.
THE MARKETPLACE
271
GLASS DOCTOR
OF AMARILLO
Glass Doctor of Amarillo at
2515 Britain Drive.
Wayne Robinson, the owner of Glass Doctor
of Amarillo has a code of values. It just so
happens that the Dwyer Group, Inc., who
provides the Glass Doctor franchise has the
same code of values. Those values are put forth
on every business card and into every job that
his shop completes. Robinson wants integrity
to drive his business practices and his word to
mean something. He knows he cannot please
everyone and make all his customers one
hundred percent happy, but he believes that
the effort is what counts.
Glass Doctor of Amarillo is a family
operation with the support of Robinson’s coowner, his wife Edythe. His son Jason worked
for him at one time and his daughter Brandy
Hall now serves as office manager. His son-inlaw Neil Hall started working for him when he
was fifteen years old and is now the company’s
general manager.
Robinson believes experience and dedication
sets his company apart in the glass industry. He
started work at Professional Auto Glass in 1974
and decided to open his own shop in 1986.
Wayne’s Quality Auto Glass opened December
272
1, 1986, in a rented building with Robinson and
his wife as the only two employees. He gradually
added employees and bought his current
building at 2515 Britain Drive in 1999. Hard
work and excellent customer service caused the
company to grow to the point that he needed
help to properly manage the business. Joining
the Glass Doctor franchise in 2006 gave him the
resources he needed, the opportunity to improve
systems, and the potential for further growth.
Glass Doctor of Amarillo is now a fullservice glass shop serving homes, businesses,
and automobile owners. The company offers
home glass repair, replacement windows,
mirrors, shower doors, and custom glass
products. Commercial glass service includes
installation and repair of storefronts, mirrors,
glass walls, scratch removal, and display cases.
Auto glass repair and replacement customers
receive guarantees that the company uses high
quality replacement auto glass. When repairing
damage to windshields smaller than a dollar
bill, Glass Doctor can restore structural integrity
and visual clarity.
Robinson appreciates his employees and says
“without his staff he would be nothing.”
Currently Glass Doctor of Amarillo employs
twelve people and has added territory to the
franchise with plans to expand throughout the
Panhandle. Robinson believes expansion to new
locations will give him the opportunity to serve
people in areas other than Amarillo. His
principles of commitment to a code of values,
dedication to family and employees, and
excellent customer service creates an atmosphere
where every time someone walks into his
business there is an opportunity to make
someone happy.
THE MARKETPLACE
273
274
Building a
Greater
Amarillo
A m a r i l l o ’s re a l e s t a t e d e v e l o p e r s ,
construction companies, heavy industries,
SPECIAL
and manufacturers provide the
THANKS TO
economic foundation of the region
Abrahamson & Associates Engineering •Planning • Surveying ..........276
C o m m e rc i a l I n d u s t r i a l B u i l d e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 8
A l l e n ’s Tr i - S t a t e M e c h a n i c a l , I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 0
E u ro p e a n C o n t r a c t o r s , L t d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 2
B ro w n C o n s u l t i n g E n g i n e e r s , I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 4
Austin Distributing ....................................................................286
Dobbs Corporation, Inc. .............................................................288
Jenkins Doors and Windows .........................................................290
P a t D a v i s P ro p e r t i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9 1
Philcon Development Company.....................................................292
Rushing Oil & Gas Consultants ....................................................293
Furman Land Surveyors, Inc. ......................................................294
Public Steel ..............................................................................295
Owens Corning-Amarillo Plant ....................................................296
EnergyNet.com, Inc. ...................................................................297
Panhandle Steel Buildings, Inc. ....................................................298
We s t e r n B u i l d e r s o f A m a r i l l o , I n c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9 9
C o o p e r C ro u s e - H i n d s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 0
O m e g a E l e c t ro n i c s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 1
Austin Distributing
BUILDING A GREATER AMARILLO
275
ABRAHAMSON & ASSOCIATES
ENGINEERING • PLANNING • SURVEYING
Above: Left to right, George Abrahamson,
Trudi Hargrave and Ted Abrahamson.
Below: West Texas A&M University
Event Center.
The altruistic nature of the work
Abrahamson & Associates has performed for
forty years is demonstrated by the projects
founder R. T. (Ted) Abrahamson, PE, RPLS
has undertaken during his career. After
the U.S. Army and upon earning his civil
engineering degree in 1957 at then Texas
Technological College, now Texas Tech
University, Ted went to work for the city of
276
Amarillo as a traffic engineer. Ted began to
understand civil engineering as a humanitarian vocation and earned degrees in government and management at West Texas State
University. His growing interest in the human
factor as it relates to engineering, motivated
Ted to form his own multidiscipline consulting civil engineering firm. As Traffic Engineer
for the city of Amarillo, Ted worked to move
traffic more efficiently throughout the city by
recognizing the human factor element in
transportation engineering. After forming his
firm in 1972, his belief in a need for accident
analysis and reconstruction created a unique
place for him in the industry as an expert in
forensic and human factors engineering.
Ted’s son George W. Abrahamson joined
the firm in 1973, graduated at Amarillo
College with a degree in engineering technology in 1983 and then graduated at Texas Tech
University where he earned his civil engineering bachelor’s degree in 1991. Together, the
Abrahamsons have provided the finest in
engineering, planning, and surveying locally,
nationally, and internationally. Their engineering excellence lies in the structural, traffic
and transportation, geotechnical, hydrology
and hydraulics, and environmental fields and
incorporates land surveying into their site
development projects.
They have provided professional opinions
through forensic engineering for numerous
legal cases within thirty-eight of the United
States and five outside the U.S. Their investigative research, scientific vehicle accident
analysis and reconstruction, and presentation
of comprehensive engineering reports have
helped resolve many controversies. Their
meticulous research is supported by an extensive library accumulated through years
of focused methodical collection.
Attorneys, insurance companies and
other engineering firms rely on the
accident reconstruction services of
Abrahamson & Associates as their
work has been instrumental in
published landmark court cases. Their
expert witness testimonies in the legal
arena regarding structural failures
have formed court opinions in cases
involving multimillion dollar projects.
As chairman of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE) Expert Witness Council, Ted
was instrumental in helping bring about legislation that revamped railroad grade crossing
safety. Ted has devoted his career to delivering
solutions that have contributed to saving and
improving the quality of life. Ted served as
chairman of the Texas Society of Professional
Engineers Merger Committee that brought
Texas A&M University and West Texas State
University together to establish engineering
education at West Texas A&M University. He
worked and met with Governor Mark White in
Austin to establish the Buffalo Lake Heritage
Association. Abrahamson & Associates has
performed site development engineering and
surveying for the West Texas A&M University
Event Center and nearby Collegiate Station
along Tierra Blanca Creek. The Abrahamsons
have assisted in growing Amarillo and the
Panhandle region. One branch of civil engineering focuses on site development of land by
designing the surface grading for drainage,
paving, and utilities. Their site engineering has
been praised by First American Bank headquarters, Bruckner’s Truck facility, Travel Centers of
America, William’s Travel Center, Flying J Travel
Center, Health South, BSA Surgery, Ben E. Keith
Foods, and Fed-X Freight. Their structural
engineering expertise includes retrofit of the
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport
VOR antenna and in-depth study for corrections
to the Potter County District Courts building.
Both Ted and George are highly educated,
credentialed and qualified, and proficient in the
latest state-of-the-art technology. Ted is a Life
Member of the National Society of Professional
Engineers, as well as Fellow and Life Member of
ITE, past president and chairman of numerous
professional organizations and committees. His
published case works include contributions
to industry journals and reports. George is
a member of the National and Texas Societies
of Professional Engineers, American Society of
Civil Engineers, Texas
Society of Professional
Surveyors, and several
related professional
organizations. They are
recognized by their
peers as leaders in their
fields and are honored
recipients of numerous
prestigious awards.
Ted and his two
sons George and Steve
are all active in the Boy
Scouts of America. All
three are Eagle Scouts
and Life Members of
the National Eagle
Scout Association. Ted received his 70-Year
Active Scout Veteran award in 2009 and many
Scout Leadership honors including those in
recognition of his participation in multiple
areas of Scouting. Ted and George are involved
in many other civic organizations. They are
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow recipients and long standing members of the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. George is
past board president of Goodwill Industries,
past chairman of the Better Business Bureau,
and past president of Amarillo West Rotary;
in 2010 he received his 50-Year Active Scout
Veteran award.
Abrahamson & Associates is proud to be
family owned and operated. Ted’s wife Jan
worked along side him in the firm from the
beginning before her ascension in 2007. Their
dedicated and trusted office manager, financial
administrator, and technical assistant, Trudi
Hargrave is a valued part of their family. The
cohesiveness of their family-like team helps
form their high level of service. Families leave
legacies; Abrahamson & Associates is leaving a
legacy of continuing the noble profession of
civil engineering that contributes to quality
health, safety and welfare in life for all people.
Top: Ben E. Keith Foods.
Above: Travel Centers of America.
277
COMMERCIAL
INDUSTRIAL
BUILDERS
Right: Hastings, Amarillo, Texas.
Below: Border States, Lubbock, Texas.
Comprehensive, unique, and best quality
are all apt descriptions of the work
Commercial Industrial Builders (CIB) has
done for their customers since 1984. CIB,
founded by Cledon and Barbara Billington is
recognized as a premier name in the construction industry across the Texas Panhandle.
Their son, Greg Billington stepped into their
shoes upon their retirement and currently
serves as president. He has over twenty-two
years of experience in construction and design
and leads an experienced and qualified staff.
Garre Waddell, who serves as vice president,
brings an understanding and familiarity with
the construction industry to the firm.
CIB is able to provide the best quality work
because they offer comprehensive services,
pricing, drawing, engineering, and building
all from a single source. The Design-Build
process combines designing and building
functions all under one umbrella. The unique
concept involves working directly with a project design team to maximize communication,
efficiency, and to minimize confusion. The
process streamlines the project and creates a
faster, more cost efficient outcome. With their
278
design team on the job, utilizing an in-house
draftsman, and collaborating with trusted
architects and engineers, CIB delivers a
“one-stop-shop” package to their customers.
Their mode of operation has given them a
niche in the marketplace. Comprehensive
services, with up front detailed job specifications, and fast track progress toward timely
completion has enabled CIB to acquire ongoing contracts. Construction Management
and General Construction services work
hand-in-hand with Design-Build processes
by ensuring quality control, cooperation, and
meeting scheduling goals. CIB can get the job
done from building permits, site development, to final landscaping. Satisfied customers like Hastings, First United Bank,
Zarges, Border States Electric, Allergy A R T S,
and Potter County represent the wide spectrum of businesses, public entities, and industries CIB has served.
CIB is proud to be a qualified builder
for Butler Manufacturing Company, a worldwide leader in building systems design and
construction. 2010 was a milestone year for
CIB when they sold over $1,000,000 in
Butler Steel. Butler Manufacturing started
their pre-engineered steel business over 100
years ago and is a recognized provider of high
quality materials and innovative procedures
for the manufacture of buildings and roof
systems. As one of their qualified builders,
CIB is able to offer their customers the finest
quality and latest technological advances
in construction.
CIB’s appreciation of their hometown and
their customers can be seen in their community involvement and loyalty to Amarillo. CIB
is a member of the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce and takes part in the Shop Smart
Shop Local Campaign whenever possible by
purchasing building materials locally and
using local subcontractors even when working outside of Amarillo. They are dedicated to
keeping pace and growing with Amarillo.
CIB is located at 2901 East Eleventh Street
in Amarillo and at www.cib-inc.com.
Above: A hangar at Cannon Air Force Base,
Clovis, New Mexico.
Left: McLean Independent School District
gymnasium, McLean, Texas.
279
ALLEN’S TRI-STATE MECHANICAL, INC.
Above: Howard C. Allen, in 2006.
Below: Left to right, John, JoBeth and
Linda Allen.
Howard C. Allen is the first employee in
the office each morning at Allen’s Tri-State
Mechanical. The business that is the center of
his life began serving residences as Allen
Plumbing Company soon after World War II.
Allen’s continuous ownership since that time
and his hands-on dedication to excellent service has caused the company to grow to one of
the largest commercial and industrial plumbing services in the Amarillo area with a customer base of over 4,000. His company has
grown from just a solo operation to now
280
employing over forty employees. Expansion
facilitated the company’s move to its current
location at 404 South Hayden. The use of the
former home of Clark Brick Company, refurbished and branded with Allen’s Tri-State
Mechanical orange and white paint scheme,
has been a superb recycle of a historic building.
Initially the company started with the only
electric sewer machine in Amarillo and one
pickup to haul it to service calls. Allen’s TriState Mechanical still offers residential service
including plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and residential appliance repair.
However, as technology has advanced, the
now more aptly named mechanical company
has diversified to serve commercial and
industrial customers. The company’s distinctive orange and white fleet of forty vehicles is
dispatched daily to provide twenty-four hour
full service to both the Texas and Oklahoma
Panhandles and surrounding states.
Those services are primarily commercial
plumbing, pumping, heating and air conditioning, camera inspection, boiler repair,
refrigeration, line washing, and commercial
restaurant equipment installation and repair.
As Amarillo and the surrounding region
grows, so does Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical.
The firm offers mechanical contracting for
new construction and repair and their commercial and industrial customer base has
kept pace with the industrial growth in
Amarillo’s great economy. Their work with
big industries in Amarillo has grown to the
place where “they help keep the big wheels
going.” Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical works for
county and city governmental entities providing services for their facilities and public
infrastructure as well.
Being a leader in providing value-added
services to customers by creating successful
partnerships with them is the mission of
Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical. That mission is a
reflection of the personality of Howard C. Allen.
He cares about people, is very customer
oriented, and has a “do it right” attitude. His
philosophy of not going the cheapest route,
but solving his customers’ problems has
cemented his pledge to establish lasting relationships with his customers by exceeding
their expectations. He has gained the trust of
his customers over the years by providing excellent service through exceptional performances by his employees.
Allen is loved by his employees and
they respect his hands-on business
approach. He is a trustworthy employer who is humble and says money is not
his god. After a major fire at Allen’s
Tri-State Mechanical in 2004, he surveyed the damage and although the
business incurred substantial damage,
he commended the fire department and
expressed his relief that no employees
were harmed. His employees say he
makes them feel like family and that he
loves to cook; his specialties are potato
salad and banana pudding.
Allen’s philosophy of doing the right
thing extends to his company’s involvement
in the community. Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical
has supported City Church, Faith City
Mission, various local school athletes, and the
Amarillo Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
As a supporter of Center City of Amarillo,
Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical has taken part in
the Center City Electric Light Parade. The
company has been nominated for an Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce Golden Nail Award
because of its support of fine arts in Amarillo
such as the Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo
Little Theater. The principles that have
guided Howard C. Allen for fifty-five years
have served his company, its customers, its
employees, and the Amarillo community
well and are the principles that will lead the
company into the future.
More information about Allen’s Tri-State
Mechanical is available at www.allentri.com
and they can be reached at 800-227-9022,
806-376-8345, or [email protected].
Above and below: Allen’s Tri-State
Mechanical, Inc., in 2011.
281
EUROPEAN
CONTRACTORS,
LTD.
European Contractors, Ltd., is all about
America! When owners, Artur and Joanna
Budzynski came to the United States in 1989 as
visitors from Poland, they immediately felt at
home although neither could speak English.
They rolled up their sleeves, went to work, and
with the help of sponsors settled in Amarillo.
Joanna had earned a degree in dental technology in Poland and went to work in the
dental field. Artur, a graduate of a college in
Warsaw, Poland, had a degree in construction
and gravitated to the construction industry
in Amarillo. He began painting houses as
an employee of a local painter and learned
English along the way. After one year, his
creative eye and natural talent led him to start
his own business with Amarillo Country Club
as his first customer. He immediately stood
out as an innovator because his wall treatments had a different look; he was one of the
first contractors in Amarillo to use glazes and
other special finishes.
The formation of European Contractors,
Ltd., came about after the remodel of the
Budzynski’s home and its subsequent sale as
word spread and his reputation for high
quality work grew. Intimate knowledge of
European design and his eye for detail has created a solid reputation for him as a builder for
people who want a custom home created by an
artisan with a gift for old world craftsmanship.
Artur is known for being a “product driven”
builder because of his use of new materials
and special finish work. He constantly stays
educated by attending builder shows as well as
schools and seminars to understand new
trends and emerging styles. His special talent
is the incorporation of innovative materials
with creativity that reflects the charm of
282
European style. People have come to recognize
his distinctive homes in prestigious Amarillo
communities by their unique design.
Artur’s family and customers speak of his
passion, his distinctive style, and his exceptional customer service. He is a people pleaser
who wants happy customers who will enjoy
their homes. He is known for his affinity for
building large homes because he needs enough
room to showcase the countless ideas in his
head. He loves large houses because he sees
them as blank palettes. Artur serves as chief
designer of every home European Contractors,
Ltd., builds. He is involved with every aspect
of the building process including planning,
budgeting, designing, and construction of
each home. Joanna is involved in the business
as well. Additionally, the team at European
Contractors, Ltd., works to keep open communication with their customers. They want
customers to be fully involved in the construction of their new home and schedule meetings
as needed to go over costs, schedules, and
other aspects of the construction progress.
Artur’s commitment to providing unmatched
quality and workmanship on a consistent
basis led him to form affiliated companies. Art
Concrete, founded in 1995, was established
to complement the work of European
Contractors, Ltd. The company also reflects
Artur’s ongoing dedication to staying current
with the use of cutting-edge products and
ideas. Art Concrete was first in the Amarillo
area to introduce stamped concrete and
specializes in decorative concrete work.
They provide unique looks like cobblestone,
slate, brick, granite, tile and more. They are
experts in stamping or impressing three
dimensional patterns into colored concrete.
Their stamped, sealed, and stained concrete
jobs reflect the beauty of masonry with
the durability of concrete. Stamping provides
a more attractive and long lasting product
because there are no individual units or joints
that can shift or collect dirt and grass. They
build driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches,
pool decks, and retaining walls as well as
many other concrete products.
Another affiliated company, Connected
Electric, co-owned with master electrician,
Mathew Fournier, offers full-service lighting
and electrical systems design. The three year
old company offers services including lighting
design and installation, installation of circuits,
single and three phase systems, meter and
panel installation and repair, and electrical
systems for pools. Same day and emergency
service, green and energy saving plans, free
estimates, and consultations are available;
contact Connected Electric at (806) 679-6638.
Both companies provide stand-alone services
and seamless customer service when integrated with the premier services of European
Contractors, Ltd. Experienced long-term
employees of all the Budzynski’s companies
compliment Artur’s thorough knowledge of
every aspect of the building process.
The Budzynski’s have assimilated into the
Amarillo community in places other than
business. Artur, Joanna, and their children,
enjoy and support school projects and attend
Hillside Christian Church. They have participated in open house parades to benefit cancer
patients and have supported Habitat for
Humanity projects. The Budzynski’s have felt
welcome in Amarillo and believe Amarillo has
been good to them.
Artur’s and Joanna’s love for Amarillo is
surpassed only by their profound love for
America. Artur’s passion was well suited for
America; he just fit. The Budzynskis believe
“with all their heart” that America is the land
of great opportunity. They know beyond a
shadow of a doubt there is nowhere else in the
world where they could have arrived with a
few hundred dollars and a suitcase apiece
and achieved all they have achieved. They are
exceedingly grateful for being accepted and
having the opportunity to create a successful
business. They say the United States is an
amazing country!
Artur Budzynski.
283
BROWN
CONSULTING
ENGINEERS,
INC.
Right: Brown Consulting Engineers’
mechanical design work is depicted in this
image of the boilers at Texas Tech Health
Sciences Center in Amarillo.
Below: Brown Consulting Engineers recently
completed an extensive mechanical design
project at WTAMU during the university’s
expansion. This picture is an outside view of
the recently completed Chilled Water Plant.
When Travis Brown, PE, moved to Amarillo
in 1990 he soon realized there was a niche
to be filled in the local engineering field.
In 1994 he founded Brown Consulting
Engineers to provide comprehensive, detailed,
and accurate designs to the construction
industry. Previously, engineering services had
often been provided by out of town firms.
The business started small as a mechanical
engineering firm and has grown to one of the
area’s premier engineering firms specializing
in mechanical and electrical engineering for
commercial and institutional projects.
Brown Consulting Engineers is the only
engineering firm in Amarillo that provides
both mechanical and electrical engineering
services to design heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical
power and lighting systems. The result is a
comprehensive and coordinated design product for commercial and institutional projects
including schools, office buildings, hospitals,
university facilities, airports, and retirement
centers. Their work includes new construction as well as renovation projects, including
historical renovation. The firm has provided
engineering services for several landmark
facilities in Amarillo and Canyon, including
the historic renovation of the Santa Fe
284
Building, the Fisk Downtown Marriott Hotel,
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center, Texas Tech University School of
Pharmacy, the VA Hospital, BSA Hospital,
and Northwest Texas Hospital. Other projects
include Childers Place Retirement Center, the
Women’s Healthcare Associates building, and
the Craig Methodist Retirement Community.
The firm is proud to be recognized in the
industry for providing Building Commissioning
services and providing expert engineering
services to assess and troubleshoot existing
facilities and systems. They ensure that building systems work as they are designed and
intended to work by performing detailed functional testing of systems and components.
They have become expert in performing life
cycle cost analysis and helping to determine
the best systems for buildings based on owning and operating costs over the life of the
building rather than simple initial costs.
The firm’s practical knowledge of control
systems and application of Energy Management
Systems (EMS) adds to their status as experts
in their field. Designing systems with longterm energy goals in mind has become an
important component of their work. They
have applied their thorough knowledge of
EMS in their work, with several EMS retrofits
on existing facilities, and have identified EMS
solutions for many new facilities.
Providing quality service, using an experienced staff, and staying involved with projects
over time has set Brown Consulting Engineers
apart in the industry. They strive to provide
the best service, be actively involved in resolving conflicts on projects, and complete every
job in a timely manner. New and emerging
technology helps them with speed and accuracy when designing sound, high performing,
and energy efficient systems. Their
use of state-of-the-art CAD and BIM
software facilitates the system design
process. Drawings produced by the
firm are recognized among the local
construction industry as accurate and
complete and the firm takes great
pride in providing the best designs
and construction documents.
Brown Consulting Engineers is
locally owned and operated and has a
staff of ten experienced and crosstrained employees. Many of the staff
are long-term employees who are
natives of Amarillo with a hometown
pride in the work they do. They
are members of ASHRAE (American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration
and Air Conditioning Engineers),
ACEC (American Council of Engineering
Companies), and have engineers registered
in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. They
are proud to be mentors and supporters of
students from the Amarillo Area Center for
Advanced Learning (AACAL) and West Texas
A&M University College of Engineering.
The firm continues to be a leader in the
local economy. The firm is looking forward to
working with developers involved with
Downtown Amarillo revitalization and renovation projects for the Amarillo Civic Center.
Above: New boilers and water heaters sit
next to original water tanks at the historic
Santa Fe Building.
Below: The new Chilled Water Plant at
WTAMU is an example of Brown
Consulting Engineers’ mechanical design.
285
AUSTIN
DISTRIBUTING
Above, left to right: Chief Executive Officer
Tom Scherlen, Chief Financial Officer
Bonnie Gwin, with owners, Dennis Clounch
and Jim Cramer.
Below: Austin Distributing has four regional
warehouses to provide the best service to
their customers.
Jim Cramer believes in Amarillo and thinks
successful businesses should be headquartered in Amarillo. In 2004, he and co-owner
Dennis Clounch bought Austin Distributing
with a group of investors thirty-eight years
after Fred Austin, Sr., founded the hydraulic
parts and accessories company. Austin
Distributing has had a presence in Amarillo
since 1967 after moving from Earth, Texas.
Amarillo continued to be the headquarters
while the Austin family built the company
and expanded across Texas and into Kansas
throughout the years. The retirement of Fred
Austin, Jr., launched Cramer’s desire to ensure
that the longtime Amarillo based company
remained in the city.
Today, Cramer and Clounch, the two
remaining partners and experienced staff at
Austin Distributing, work to provide the
same superior products and services that built
the company. They strive
to maintain the principles
derived from the company’s
small town roots and continue the focus on one-onone service started by the
Austin family.
Driving past the company’s unassuming corporate
office at 4018 Southwest
Fiftieth Street and large
warehouse located on
Forty-Ninth Street, one
would never realize Austin
Distributing makes a major
286
contribution to keeping machinery moving
and at work in the Amarillo area. Their sales
territory is generally located in Texas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Missouri, although their customer base extends nationally and globally. The
economic impact Austin Distributing has on
Amarillo is remarkable in that the thriving
company is one of the largest distributors of
its kind in North America, probably ranking
in the top two to three in the industry. It is
very unusual for a company to have annual
sales of over 20 million dollars in a town
the size of Amarillo. The Amarillo Economic
Development Corporation recognized the
growth potential of Austin Distributing and in
2008 granted a small business interest rebate to
assist them in expansion.
Austin Distributing is primarily a wholesale
distributor of hydraulic hose, fittings, and
accessories. Their wide variety of product lines
enables them to provide the best quality parts
for the best prices and exceptional service.
They offer high quality products from major
manufacturers including Gates, Goodyear,
Pioneer, and Dixon. They are a source for high
pressure hose, couplings, belts, and clamps
for automotive, industrial, and agricultural
equipment. Austin Distributing provides
industrial manufacturers with customized
hose kits for use in their manufacture of
equipment. Another specialized service is
custom order work when a customer requires
a uniquely designed hose or hose assembly to
suit their needs.
The diversity of Austin Distributing’s
product lines enables them to supply a
wide range of industries throughout the
region and the strategic location of regional warehouses streamlines the delivery
process. The Amarillo warehouse provides
hose kits, wholesale items to resellers, and
supplies general industrial customers. In
addition, the Amarillo warehouse furnishes the agricultural and oil and gas industries with vital parts. The Wichita, Kansas,
warehouse is an original equipment manufacturer or (OEM) center for agriculture
related hydraulic parts used in the production of tractors and other machinery. It
is also a source of wholesale hose, couplings,
and fittings. The Odessa facility is ideally located for supplying parts and accessories to
Permian Basin oil patch producers and the oilfield service industry. The San Antonio warehouse also distributes hydraulic equipment
and supplies to the oilfield. Additionally, the
San Antonio location supplies agricultural
customers in southern regions of Texas as well
as providing the construction industry with
various hoses and fittings.
Cramer and Clounch credit their experienced, high caliber employees in all the
company’s locations with helping Austin
Distributing grow. They employ sixty-five people throughout the company including corporate and warehouse staff. Some long-term
employees have been with the company
between thirty and forty years and were instrumental in facilitating the progression of the
company after it was purchased in 2004. Much
of Austin Distributing’s success can be attributed to the leadership of the Chief Executive
Officer Tom Scherlen, and Chief Financial
Officer Bonnie Gwin. These two long term
executives give credit to their staff for the prosperous business that Austin Distributing has
become. In addition to having the right people
in place, they say initial upgrades in rolling
stock and other equipment gave the company
a new look. New technology has been utilized
in the areas of inventory control and pricing
by installation of a state-of-the-art computer
upgrade. The upgrade, coupled with future
plans of implementing a bar-code system, has
increased efficiency and accuracy.
Ongoing reinvestment and capital improvements are part of the long-term goal of Austin
Distributing to stay local. They feel very
blessed to be headquartered in Amarillo and
are committed to staying in Amarillo. Austin
Distributing is a Christian based business and
they believe Amarillo is the perfect location for
their values-driven company. Their Christian
principles guide their policies for interaction
with staff, vendors, and customers and they
attribute their success in part to being led by
those principles. They also believe their successes to date and in the future are tied to
practicing sound stewardship. They contribute
monthly to a number of charities and as needed to others. Amarillo has been good to Austin
Distributing and they feel a responsibility to
support the local community.
Above: Austin Distributing has a
comprehensive and substantial inventory
that enables them to provide exceptional
customer service.
Below: Austin Distributing warehouse
employees work to fill a customer’s order.
287
DOBBS
CORPORATION,
INC.
Above: L. R. and Doris Dobbs.
Right: L. R., Doris, and Debbie Dobbs.
During the 1960s, a little girl tagged along
with her dad as he went about his business.
She rode along on sales calls, went to the
shop with him, and hung back listening to
him talk with customers, farmers, and potential distributors. She grew up watching a
hard-working, dedicated family man start a
business from the ground up. She watched
him personally see to it that every customer
was satisfied. Today, Debbie, that little girl,
is now owner-operator of the company
her father, L. R. Dobbs, founded those many
years ago. Debbie holds the memory of her
father and her mother, Doris Dobbs, close to
her every day that she enters the offices at
Dobbs Corporation, Inc.
The company was started by
L. R. Dobbs in 1960 when as a
farmer in the Muleshoe, Texas, area;
he sought a solution to his irrigation problems. Irrigating out of tailwater pits and other surface water
sources was problematic because
most pumping equipment pulled
mud and sludge from the bottom of
bodies of water. The foreign matter
in irrigation water plugged pumps
and caused equipment malfunctions. He set out to correct the
problem and invented the Dobbs
Floating Pump. Since 1960, pumping surface water has been the business of the
Dobbs family. The early days were filled with
hard work and sacrifice; Dobbs traveled all
over the country selling his floating pumps
and looking for dealers to distribute them. All
the while, Doris worked along side him, keeping the home, working at the business, and
288
keeping the books. Sales were accomplished
the old fashioned way; personal calls and
traveling many miles on roads all over the
country built the business before the Internet.
L. R. and Doris both have passed away, but
their legacy lives on. Dobbs Floating Pumps
are sold all over the United States and in other
countries. The Dobbs family is amazed that
the little company founded over fifty years
ago in the Texas Panhandle has grown into the
successful company of today. They are still
hands-on family operators; they want to
ensure that their customers receive the same
level of service as they did from L. R. throughout his lifetime. Because she appreciates her
parents’ legacy, Debbie raised her children in
the business and they continue to work with
her today. Debbie and her children, Tiffany
and Lance all started at the bottom with the
most menial of jobs, worked their way up,
and have achieved college degrees. In addition to family members, their key employees
are long-term and experienced, which ensures
continuity in quality control. Other employees have been West Texas A&M students
through the years; many Texas Panhandle
professional residents with college degrees got
their early employment experience working
part-time at Dobbs Corporation.
Today, Dobbs Corporation still primarily
manufactures and sells floating surface water
pumps. Although the marketing has been
modernized, in many ways the company
remains the same as it did in the early
days. Every pump is still hand-built in their
facility west of Canyon, Texas. Every pump is
individually machined in-house and hand
tested under actual load conditions for function and quality before delivery. Each pump is
custom built for each customer’s specific application. That specificity is the baseline for how
voltage, amperage, gallons per minute, and
PSI are monitored. Dobbs Floating Pumps
are built to meet and exceed each customer’s
desired expectations. A record is on file for
every customer and every pump ever built by
the Dobbs in the fifty-year-plus history of the
company. There are many instances of pumps
from the 1960s still being in service today.
The centrifugal pumps range from five
horsepower to seventy-five horsepower and
are available in single phase or three phase
power. Capacity ranges from 300 gallons
per minute to 2,300 gallons per minute.
They sell replacement parts, discharge hose,
control panels, water resistant SO Cable,
mooring systems, and self-cleaning screens.
Additionally, Dobbs manufactures their own
custom Styrofoam flotation devices specifically designed for their pumps. UV resistant
plastic floats are available also.
The Dobbs product line has evolved from
the first humble floating surface water pump
designed for farm irrigation and dewatering.
The Dobbs family, through ingenuity and a
knack for invention now offers floating aerators/evaporators and fountains. Dobbs Pumps
and other products are now used by feedlots,
hog farms, dairies, waste water treatment
facilities, and golf courses. Sand and gravel
companies use them in quarry operations and
large mines use them in dewatering processes.
The limitless uses of their floating pumps
has enabled them to prevent or minimize
damages in floods from torrential rains,
rivers, hurricanes, and other instances of
rising water. Entire fields of crops, homes,
and neighborhoods have been saved by
Dobbs Floating Pumps.
The Dobbs family appreciates the heritage
they received from L. R. and Doris. Their
model of hard work, integrity, and quality
customer service has brought years of word
of mouth and repeat business. The most
treasured principle handed down by L. R.
and Doris is that family is always first and
operating a family business is a priceless
privilege. Debbie the “tag along girl” believes
the best way to honor her parents is to continue the legacy with the same dedication and
integrity as her parents did on that journey
from a farm in Muleshoe, Texas, to the
successful Dobbs Corporation of today.
A close-up of a pump.
An industrial pump.
An agricultural pump.
289
JENKINS DOORS
AND WINDOWS
Above: Jenkins Brick and Mantle, located at
212 West Sixth Street, c. 1943.
Below: Jenkins Brick and Supply, located at
820 West Sixth Street, c. 1948. In 1982 the
company name was changed to Jenkins
Doors and Windows and still operates from
this location today.
A proud history, customer relationships,
quality products, and the best possible service
have shaped the character of Jenkins Doors
and Windows. Spanning a period of eightyfour years, it started with the purchase of
Amarillo Mantle Brick and Tile Company in
1927 by Joe Jenkins. A diverse product base
enabled Jenkins to survive the Depression and
prepared the company to supply construction
materials during WWII.
When Joe’s son Al returned from military
service after WWII, they operated the
business together and changed the name to
Jenkins Brick and Supply. In 1947 as the
company expanded, it was relocated to its
current location at 820 West Sixth Street.
After Joe’s retirement in 1959, Al took over
and changed the focus of the company to
residential doors and windows. The product
line evolved from brick and mantles to
windows, doors, trim, and hardware. Jenkins
started manufacturing windows in 1962 and
added a pre-hung door facility in 1972. Both
facilities still operate today.
In the early 1980s brick was eliminated
from the product mix and the name was
290
changed to Jenkins Doors and Windows.
The new name more accurately reflected the
nature of the business. In 1982, Anthony
Ledwig went to work as a salesman and
worked up to a minority partner. In 2000,
Al retired and Anthony purchased the
business. A desire to perpetuate the proud
family tradition continues with the addition
of the three Ledwig children to the list of
employees. The oldest, Rob, went to work in
2004, his middle son, Chuck, in 2007, and
his youngest, Regina, in 2011. A dedicated,
loyal, and knowledgeable staff has enabled
the company to thrive during the years with
a combined 115 years of experience between
the eleven employees.
The Jenkins staff works with architects,
builders and homeowners to provide the best
doors and windows available on the market
today. They work closely with the design
team, the frame carpenters, and the finish
trim carpenters to insure a smooth transition
from the drawings on the plans to the
finished home. Jenkins has a wide selection
of the highest quality windows and doors
and they work hard to fit the right product to
the right project.
Jenkins Doors and Windows has survived
through the years by going the extra mile.
They realize customers want quality products, service, dependability, and a good
working relationship with their door and
window suppliers. After more than eighty
years of exhibiting these qualities, this family
business is the type that people want to trade
with year after year.
A business is only as strong as its customers allow it to be—thank you to the
Panhandle for all of your support over the
past eighty-four years. For additional information on Jenkins Doors and Windows, visit
www.jenkinsdoorsandwindows.com.
The Davis family has been involved with the
real estate industry in Amarillo since 1927
when Pat Davis’ grandfather, Mark Davis, Sr.,
moved to the city. Pat began his real estate
career in Dallas, and returned to Amarillo in
1984 to work with his father, Mark Davis, Jr., in
the families commercial real estate brokerage,
leasing, and management business. He then
founded Pat Davis Properties in 1989 and
expanded his commercial real estate brokerage
into the previously unfilled niche of institutional representation in 1990. He further diversified
his business in 1993 when he purchased his
first commercial office complex with several
partners in southwest Amarillo. Pat Davis
Properties continued along that course, buying
“value enhancement” properties with investors,
then implementing viable leasing, management,
and maintenance programs, growing into one
of the largest commercial real estate firms in
Amarillo. It has also expanded into to the Dallas
and Phoenix commercial real estate markets.
Like other businesses in the Texas Panhandle,
Davis attributes diversification as a primary
reason for the survival of his company over
the years.
He believes his employees are the firm’s
greatest asset and credits his staff with much of
his business’ success. Keeping as much service
to clients in-house as possible enables Pat Davis
Properties to provide exceptional service. Their
clients appreciate the personal attention they
receive with detailed property management,
prompt maintenance response, interior design
and construction management as well as inhouse accounting for the properties being managed. Davis says the key to successful property
management with low tenant turnover is keeping tenants happy with attention to detail and
commitment to meeting their specific needs.
In recent years, Pat Davis Properties has also
expanded their “full service” concept by providing commercial build-to-suit projects from the
ground up, by designing, building, leasing, and
then managing these properties. The distinctive
WHA Medical Building on Coulter and the
Atmos Energy Regional Operations Center on
Interstate 27 are examples of recent projects.
At Pat Davis Properties, the combination of
professional knowledge, market experience, and
high quality client service has resulted in the
firm winning the U.S. Small Business Association
award for three consecutive years, being recognized as Best Real Estate Management by the
U. S. Local Business Association, and winning
the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Top 10
Small Business award. Pat Davis Properties is also
an accredited Better Business Bureau Company.
Pat and all of his staff are active in the Amarillo
community and serve on various charitable,
civic, and industry boards. He and his employees
support the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce,
the Harrington Foundation, Kids Inc., and a
variety of other organizations.
Just as he worked for his father in the business, Pat’s daughter Emily now works with
him in the company’s property management,
design and construction areas and his son
James works in the Dallas area with office
property leasing. The Davis family’s longstanding tradition of providing commercial
real estate services in Amarillo is on track to
continue to grow and they are committed to
serving their clients well into the future.
PAT DAVIS
PROPERTIES
Left: The WHA Building is a Pat Davis
Properties project.
Right: The staff of Pat Davis Properties.
291
PHILCON
DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY
Above: Harry Phillips (left) and Danny
Conklin founded Philcon Development
Company in 1960.
Below: Left to right, Todd, Ivan, Danny and
Tim Conklin at a family gathering in
the 1980s.
Harry Phillips and Danny Conklin had a
valuable and exceptional relationship that
took them on an extraordinary journey for
over forty-one years. The duo founded Philcon
Development Company in 1960 with virtually
nothing and built the oil and gas exploration
and development company into a viable
business. The company was established by
the two friends after their mutual employer
restructured and they found themselves jobless. They named their new business Philcon
“Development” Company because they needed
flexibility if the oil and gas venture failed and
they needed to “develop” something else. It
did not fail; through hard work and tenacity,
the company survived the cyclical roller coaster ride that is the oil and gas industry. Sacrifice
by both partners and their families helped
them survive the tough conditions they faced
in the early years. Conklin credited his wife
Carolyn with being a great support always and
especially during the lean years.
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The fledgling company started out
in Phillips’ home and after a succession of office upgrades, Philcon is
now located in a downtown bank
high-rise. A business plan, low overhead, and maintaining a reserve fund
contributed to their success. Philcon,
and both Conklin and Phillips,
became recognized as leaders in the
oil and gas industry and the community. Their diverse personalities made
the company work. Conklin, a geologist, was the jovial workhorse who
spent many hours at well sites, and
Phillips was the land man who
acquired the leases, and accomplished the
legal and title work. Through the years, the
partners gave credit to the other; both recognized the talents of the other contributed
to the achievements of the business. Philcon
was active in the Amarillo Chamber of
Commerce and both partners served on
numerous boards and supported civic and
charitable organizations.
His father worked in the oil and gas industry and Conklin grew up in the oil fields near
Canadian, Texas. Those factors contributed to
his becoming a respected expert in the industry; he was often called upon to represent the
industry during energy policy discussions
regionally and nationally. Conklin was often
in the national spotlight because of his
chairmanship of the Independent Petroleum
Association of America, his term as president
of the Panhandle Producers and Royalty
Owners Association (PPROA), and his service
on many other industry boards. He received
numerous awards including Chief Roughneck
and PPROA’s Living Legend Award. At the
time of his death in 2001, he was president of
U.S. Oil and Gas. Today both his sons, Todd
and Tim work in oil and gas related careers.
Phillips also was active in the PPROA as
well as the Landman’s Association. Phillips
stepped up and took the reins of Philcon
when Conklin passed away. He has since
sold his interest in the company and retired;
he now devotes his energies to the fine arts
community in Amarillo. He received the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Golden Nail
Award for contribution to the arts in 2011.
RUSHING
OIL & GAS
CONSULTANTS
Pam Rushing knows the oil and gas
industry. She knows the challenges they face
and can provide them with cost-effective
alternatives through a range of services that
can add value to their bottom line. Her thirty
years experience, attention to detail, and her
“no job too large or small” attitude caught the
attention of the local oil and gas community
leading her to form Rushing Oil & Gas
Consultants (ROGC). Rushing has combined
her expertise in the oil and gas industry
with the formation of a uniquely qualified
team to create a highly specialized offering
of services.
The firm’s services include, but are not
limited to bookkeeping, accounting support,
litigation support, title research, and estate
settlement services. ROGC serves oil and gas
companies and individual clients with
customized services tailored to their needs.
Offering comprehensive support in one place
provides high quality, less costly service.
ROGC has an experienced accounting staff
that excels in tracking money for oil and gas
companies. They also can do the necessary
bookkeeping for tracking revenue and
expense by the well, furnishing monthly,
quarterly, or annual financial statements, and
handling IRS matters.
ROGC provides timely reports and statements by utilizing state-of-the-art accounting
software. The software, designed solely for
the oil and gas industry, increases speed and
efficiency with direct import of automated
transactions from oil and gas purchasers that
eliminates manual data entry. The addition of
up-to-date software, setting up office space
with growth in mind, and exceeding clients’
expectations, all point toward future expansion of their accounting services.
Other cutting edge software assists in title
search services and litigation support. Their
title research service assists oil and gas
companies with ownership issues and helps
people find money, property, and mineral
rights that belong to them. ROGC can
research drilling information and production
data as well as ownership information. Their
research resources, coupled with a highly
trained staff with many years of experience
enables them to provide comprehensive
service that makes them unique. When
providing litigation support, they work
closely with attorneys and can save clients
money by doing the legwork, then handing it
off to the attorney.
Pam is a member of Panhandle Producers
and Royalty Owners Association, and as a former Pioneer employee, she remains a member
of Pioneer Exes. Her civic and charitable
involvement is impressive and includes
Distinguished Past President and Paul Harris
Fellow of the Rotary Club of Amarillo, past
board member of Family Support Services,
and the YMCA. She has served as a United
Way cabinet member and the Chair of the
Steering Committee of the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce Women’s Council.
Pam Rushing, president of Rushing Oil &
Gas Consultants is shown here in her
downtown Amarillo office.
293
FURMAN LAND
SURVEYORS,
INC.
Above: This photograph shows a survey
crew at work near a wind farm.
Below: This photograph depicts a surveying
project in a vast, open expanse of the
High Plains.
Furman Land Surveyors, Inc., is the only
second generation, family run surveying company in Amarillo; someone with the Furman
name has been surveying in the Texas
Panhandle since the 1970s. After honorable
discharge from the military, where he first
began to survey, Donald Furman moved to
Amarillo and worked for the City of Amarillo
Surveying department. He later joined Jimmie
Nail and Company earned an Engineering
Technology degree at West Texas State
University, and became a Registered Public
Surveyor. Furman eventually partnered with
Jimmie Nail to form Nail-Furman and
Associates. Subsequently the
company became FurmanKeys Land Surveyors. In 1984,
Furman started his own firm,
Furman Land Surveyors, today
a thriving, growing company
that makes a significant contribution to the development of
the Texas Panhandle.
With the addition of sons—
Daryl in 1988, and Daniel in
1993—Furman Land Surveyors,
Inc., has continued to expand.
Their work extends throughout
the Panhandle of Texas and into
Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas,
and New Mexico. They maintain offices in
Amarillo and Dumas, Texas, as well as
Guymon, Oklahoma, with eight licensed
surveyors on staff. All three offices provide
services for residential, commercial, industrial
and governmental agency clients.
294
Furman Land Surveyors
field crews work with
state of the art equipment
and are highly trained
in its use and operation.
Top of the line GPS
equipment, ground penetrating radar and 3-D laser
scanning technology are
just a few of the tools used
to provide the highest
quality products to their
clients. These tools are
utilized in many aspects
of surveying, including
oil refineries, wind energy, transmission
lines, and residential surveys. Their superbly
credentialed, experienced, and skilled staff
strives every day to perform above and
beyond expectations.
Another important asset Furman Land
Surveyors utilizes in providing exceptional
service is their extensive archives of survey
data. They have bought many archives over
the years; some dating back to the 1800s.
They are committed to an ongoing program of
growth by acquiring other surveying companies and surveying records with the goal of
providing the best service possible.
The Furmans are proud of their history of
quality service and customer satisfaction.
They are committed to the ongoing presence
of their family business in Amarillo, and, with
the third generation starting work, hope to
remain for years to come.
PUBLIC STEEL
Public Steel has been a part of the Amarillo
Community since 1948. The Gleason family
has been part of Public Steel since 1958 when
Jack N. Gleason moved from Oklahoma to
Amarillo to take a job as manager with the
company then named Jeoffroy Manufacturing
Company. Gleason bought the company in
1968 when it was still primarily a steel warehouse, became president, and developed it
into a major structural steel supplier for the
Texas Panhandle and the surrounding region.
Gleason’s son James (Jim) N. Gleason joined
the company in 1979 as general manager. Jim
worked with his father to diversify the
company and was instrumental in its
expansion into structural steel fabrication.
The company fabricates components for the
construction of structures such as office
buildings, hotels, schools, churches, and
banks. The 1994 purchase of its current
96,000 square foot facility located at 1012
West Fourth Avenue helped facilitate the
growth of the company’s fabrication business.
Today the company is led by Jim’s widow,
Eva Gleason and their son Christopher. Eva
believes the family owned business is indicative of the heartbeat of Amarillo. She credits
the seamless transition from her husband’s
leadership to her son Christopher’s leadership as one reason for the ongoing success of
Public Steel. Today, the company is a major
steel supplier and fabricator, providing high
quality products and outstanding customer
service to the region. Equipment such as steel
shears, press breaks, plate rolls, and high
tech CNC plasma machines gives Public Steel
the capability to manufacture nearly any type
of fabricated steel for construction projects.
Working closely with local contractors has
brought Public Steel through several hard
economic downturns as well as allowing
them to contribute to the construction of
meat packing plants, strip malls, electrical
generating facilities, and industrial plants.
The Gleason family credits the company’s
ongoing success in part to loyal and experienced employees. Many of Public Steel’s
employees have been with them for
10 to 20 years and 2 employees have been
with the company for over
35 years.
Eva identifies an interesting
concept in multi-generational
business ownership that one can
typically look back and see how
each generation puts its unique
stamp on the business. In the
case of Public Steel, Jack led
the company to the position of
being a major steel supplier, Jim
expanded the company into fabrication, and today Christopher is
introducing technology into the
way the company does business.
Public Steel supports the
Amarillo community as a generous corporate citizen. The company is a member of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce and
supports the Ronald McDonald
House, Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch,
local Boy Scouts, Children’s
Miracle Network, as well as
several local area churches.
Above: Public Steel’s facility located at 1012
Southwest Fourth Avenue is a prominent
presence in its industrial neighborhood.
Below: Public Steel’s skilled welders are an
integral part of its structural steel
fabrication business.
295
OWENS
CORNINGAMARILLO
PLANT
Every time we use a ladder, hold a tennis
racket, drive a car, or strap on a pair of skis,
it is a safe bet the Amarillo plant of Owens
Corning provided the fiberglass material
incorporated into that product. The company
so well known for fiberglass insulation is the
leader in the manufacture of composites. The
Amarillo plant is the largest Owens Corning
composites plant and manufactures fiberglass
strands that are used by their customers who
integrate them into their products. The molten
glass produced by the plant’s furnaces, are
formed into hair-like filaments of glass that
are formed into the fiberglass strands. The
Amarillo plant’s fiberglass is used in products
like bathroom fixtures, recreational vehicles,
windmills, and corrosion resistant pipes used
296
in many industries. The plant ships tons of wet
used chop-strand fiberglass composite material to shingle plants every year. The plant in
Amarillo has a global reach; fiberglass composite materials made by Amarillo workers are
shipped to international destinations including China, India, Europe, and South America.
The plant, established in Amarillo in 1978,
started production in 1979 and has been part
of the southern Amarillo skyline since that
time. There has been at least one furnace in
operation since 1979 and the plant now operates continuously at full capacity around the
clock. The company has partnered with the
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
to expand its Amarillo plant and keep
Amarilloans employed. The plant presently
employs about 570 employees, including
assembly workers, chemists, engineers, and
support personnel. Owens Corning employees bring diverse backgrounds to Amarillo
from other areas of the United States and
around the world.
Owens Corning, headquartered in Toledo,
Ohio, was established as a result of a spin-off
from two American glassworks, OwensIllinois Glass Company and the Corning Glass
Works in 1938. Fiberglass, invented by a
collaboration between those two
companies, has come a long way and
has contributed to the enhancement of
lives, safety, and preservation of the
environment. Modern construction
materials, diverse consumer products,
safe tools and implements, and energy
savings are just some of the ways fiberglass and its composite materials have
enhanced lives around the world.
The employees of the Amarillo
Owens Corning Plant work to enhance
the lives of the residents of Amarillo.
The company actively takes part in
Amarillo’s United Way Campaign each
year and encourages its employees
to take part also. Other community
involvement includes projects including Race for the Cure, and charities
such as Big Brothers Big Sisters. Owens
Corning is a member of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce and is involved
in other civic organizations.
ENERGYNET.COM,
INC.
EnergyNet.com, Inc. was founded in 1999
by William W. Britain and Jim J. Brewer with
two core purposes: to increase the liquidity of
oil and gas assets by designing the most
streamlined and efficient acquisition and
divestment process possible; and create the
most transparent oil and gas property
marketplace available for buyers and sellers.
After more than a decade in business,
EnergyNet.com, Inc. has logged nearly 37,000
successful property sales, a tribute to the
company’s sales process. From its beginning,
EnergyNet has continually studied and refined
its processes and workflows to adapt to the
industry’s changing needs and to better meet
the requirements of its customers.
EnergyNet.com, Inc. has sold properties
in virtually every U.S. producing basin and
successfully completes more than 2,000
transactions annually.
When
the
founders
established
EnergyNet.com, Inc., the aim was to create a
liquid marketplace for buyers and sellers to
conduct business on their own terms and
timelines. Instead of reinventing the already
established one-day hotel-hybrid auction, they
wanted to create a marketplace that is active
and vibrant in both good times and bad.
The goal of EnergyNet.com, Inc. has always
been to bring an efficient, ethical and convenient marketplace for oil and gas industry
professionals who need to participate in either
acquisition or divestiture activities.
The EnergyNet.com, Inc. team specializes
in auction and mid-tier negotiated sales and
is the only oil and gas property marketplace
that operates continuously, twenty-four
hours a day, every day of the year.
EnergyNet.com, Inc.’s Internet-based platform allows for nationwide user participation
without travel restrictions, increasing bidder
competition by expanding the potential bidder
pool. EnergyNet.com, Inc.
clients are able to buy and
sell oil and gas properties
from virtually any computer
using its unique and
active online marketplace.
EnergyNet.com, Inc.’s online
registration and bidding
process allows buyers to
participate from nearly
any Internet-enabled device
with a web browser.
The oil and gas industry
has embraced the online
auction format and the
host of benefits it brings to
the table. EnergyNet.com, Inc.’s clients
include major oil companies, large independent oil companies, bank trust departments,
foundations, churches, universities and
individuals. Users of the EnergyNet.com, Inc.
platform include Chevron, ExxonMobil,
Shell, EnCana, Bank of America and many
other large companies. In addition, the FDIC,
Bureau of Land Management, and the State of
North Dakota have divested properties using
the EnergyNet platform.
EnergyNet.com, Inc. has registered bidders
in all fifty states and has sold properties in every
producing state and every basin.
Headquartered in Amarillo, EnergyNet.com,
Inc. has Business Development representatives
in Houston, Amarillo, Dallas, Oklahoma
City, Denver and Bloomfield, Michigan.
EnergyNet.com, Inc. principles have more
than thirty years experience in the oil and gas
industry and have been actively involved in
acquisition and divestiture, exploration and
production, producing well operations, drilling
geology, engineering and land management.
Please visit the EnergyNet.com, Inc. website
at www.energynet.com for more information.
Above: Our booth at Winter NAPE 2011,
the world’s largest prospect expo,
in Houston, Texas.
297
PANHANDLE STEEL BUILDINGS, INC.
Top: The Panhandle Steel Buildings facility
has been located on the same corner since it
was founded.
Above: This photograph depicts the
Panhandle Steel Buildings facility as it
appears today.
Steel is the foundation of Panhandle Steel
Buildings, Inc., as well as framework for
many buildings in the Texas Panhandle area.
Panhandle Steel Buildings (PSB) was established in 1951 and has helped build the
Panhandle, literally, in the last six decades.
The company has proudly retained the word
“steel” in the company name as it has evolved
from a primarily steel erection company into
a general contracting company. The current
owner, Kyle Powers, has built on the legacy
of original owner R. C. Davis, who relied on
the philosophy that the company would have
long term success and viability if it adapted
to changing times and evolving technology.
298
PSB began with the construction of grain
bins, expanded into commercial construction
in the 1970s, and gradually added remodeling,
major renovation, demolition, relocation, and
general construction. PSB offers comprehensive
services including, engineering, custom design,
and construction management. Today, PSB’s
portfolio includes substantial projects such as
the expansion of Plains Dairy, industrial facilities for firms like Weyerhaeuser, construction of
aircraft facilities, medical complexes, churches,
and feedlot structures. They have completed
buildings for the city of Amarillo and they were
the contractor on the Panhandle Plains Student
Loan Center. PSB enjoys their involvement in
the expansion of new and existing area businesses. They like seeing new businesses come
into Amarillo and go on to succeed; they have
an ongoing commitment to help Amarillo grow.
PSB offers a range of pre-construction
services and makes it a policy to work toward
timely completion on each project. They often
work for institutional customers such as
universities. They are proud of their long term
relationship with West Texas A&M University
in Canyon where they have done minor
repairs, major renovations, building relocation,
and new construction. Other work throughout
the Panhandle includes jobs completed in
Bushland, Dalhart, and Hartley. Their work
also extends to projects outside the Panhandle,
into New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Powers and his staff, many who are highly
qualified long term employees, have continued
a tradition of treating customers as valued
friends and neighbors. Adhering to that tradition has resulted in PSB earning tremendous
referral and repeat business. PSB strives to set
examples of mutual respect, integrity, common
sense, and honesty with all people they interact
with including customers, vendors, employees,
subcontractors, and the community at large.
They are involved with charities like Sharing
Hope Ministries and the YMCA, and actively
support West Texas A&M University.
Panhandle Steel Buildings is located at 1001
Northeast Fifth Avenue in the same building
where the business originated. Their website is
www.psb-inc.com; where their extensive client
list and portfolio can be viewed. They can be
contacted by telephone at 806-376-6397.
Western Builders was established in 1955
by Horace Scott as a design-build firm for
camp housing along the Pacific Northwest
Gas Pipeline. Strong leadership and top-notch
quality provided by Horace and two of his
long-time business associates, Kerm Albertson
and Clayton Knapp, quickly developed into a
reputation for excellence and integrity. They
began leaving their mark across the country
through a relational approach to general contracting, and, in 1973, the company was incorporated as Western Builders of Amarillo, Inc.
Kerm and Clayton acquired ownership in
the company in 1973 and 1984, respectively.
They built upon Horace’s belief that “growth
and success must come from competence; it
must come from harder work, careful planning,
analytical cost accounting, prudent buying,
exacting supervision, more competitive workmen, and all the countless other qualities that
create greater efficiencies.” These principles are
still the cornerstone of Western Builders
fifty-six years later and serve as our company’s
foundation for distinction as we continue to use
the tools of building to impact lives.
Located at the corner of Southeast Seventh
Avenue and South Grant Street in the heart
of downtown Amarillo’s historic warehouse
district, Western Builders has grown
substantially over the years. It is now
governed by President Jerry Rohane, P.E.
and Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer Mike
Robertson. Their combined tenure of more
than sixty years of service to the company has
enabled them to preserve a family-and-teamoriented culture as Western Builders
continues to expand.
Western Builders’ vision is to
impact God’s world through building
with excellence while investing in
relationships. We invest our time and
utmost attention into each of our
clients’ projects. Although our primary focus is building and improving
structures in the central United States,
we have impacted communities and
built relationships across the country
from California to Georgia. Our
diverse portfolio includes educational
and religious structures, industrial
and distribution facilities, commercial
WESTERN BUILDERS OF AMARILLO, INC.
and retail buildings, and a number of other
industries such as medical, retirement and
assisted living, food processing, and aviation.
Educating ourselves about our clients’
processes, appreciating their end-use needs,
and working alongside them as an integral
team member from the first day of every
project comes naturally. Our team of
professionals undertakes the challenges of
construction without hesitation. The excellent
services we provide, such as detailed
preliminary scheduling, budget estimating,
finish carpentry, and all types of concrete
work, are reflections of our ongoing and
uncompromising commitment to providing
Experience, Ingenuity, Integrity, Excellence,
and Relationships in each project in Western
Builders’ growing portfolio.
Above: Bell Helicopter, Amarillo Campus.
Below: Mary E. Bivins Childers Place.
299
COOPER
CROUSE-HINDS
Cooper Crouse-Hinds manufactures a
diverse range of electrical products. The
company, founded in 1897, manufactures
and markets its comprehensive line of
products worldwide.
Top: Cooper Crouse-Hinds Amarillo Plant
manufactures high-quality electrical fittings
and markets them across the world.
Above: Cooper Crouse-Hinds opened its
Amarillo Plant in 1981 and is a valued
corporate neighbor to the city of Amarillo
and the surrounding region.
The Cooper Crouse-Hinds Amarillo Plant,
opened in 1981, is a foundry that manufactures iron electrical fittings that are part of
the high quality, comprehensive line of
products sold under the Cooper CrouseHinds brand. The Amarillo plant is a
leader in industry efficiency, safety, and
environmental stewardship. By setting the
standards by which other manufacturers in
the industry are measured, Cooper CrouseHinds has earned the support of the Amarillo
business community.
Community involvement is important to
Cooper Crouse-Hinds and its employees.
Employees are active leaders in Boy Scouts,
little league baseball, soccer and softball.
300
Community support is encouraged by
Cooper Crouse-Hinds, which provides
matching funds for cash contributions to
charitable organizations.
Cooper Crouse-Hinds has grown into a
diversified worldwide provider of electrical
products that perform reliably and safely
in harsh and hazardous environments. Our
leadership in product innovation, engineering, manufacturing, distribution and technical support has become the benchmark for
entire industries.
Through organic growth and strategic
acquisitions, Cooper Crouse-Hinds serves
more markets than ever before. Our products
meet codes, standards and certifications in
rapidly growing regions throughout Asia,
Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Our technical expertise, distribution and
support services extend our global reach.
Yet we are far more than a product supplier
or a solutions provider. For customers across
the world, we are a partner that integrates a
comprehensive product line with global distribution and technical support, industry
insights and marketing assistance. We devote
extraordinary resources to listening to our customers—to understanding their individual
and evolving needs, the characteristics of their
markets, and the trends that influence them.
Combining insights with innovation, we not
only stay in step with our customers, we keep
miles ahead of the competition.
OMEGA
ELECTRONICS
Above: Omega Electronics has been located
at 2700 Climer Circle since 1974.
Chances are, the next time you see a first
responder vehicle in the Texas Panhandle,
Omega Electronics either outfitted it with
electronics or did the support work for their
communications system. Founded in 1974
by Calvin Smith, the company has survived
many industry transformations. Incorporated
in 1991, Calvin’s wife Barcine and long-time
employee Stephen Bernhardt became coowners, and the company continued to grow.
Today, Stephen and his wife Kelly own and
manage the business together. Since 1976,
Stephen has worked on radio and other electronic equipment at their shop located at
2700 Climer Circle. He has extensive experience and stays current by attending certification and industry specific training. Omega
Electronics is an Accredited Better Business
Bureau Company and a member of the
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.
Stephen has seen many changes over the
years. Previously, radio work consisted of consumer products like citizens band radios. The
company transitioned into commercial 2-way
systems and public safety type radio equipment sales, service, and installation in 1979.
System design has become a part of their business as communications systems have become
more sophisticated. They provide communication equipment and systems for colleges,
hospitals, and school campuses. Other customers include the construction, farming, and
towing industries. Omega Electronics is a
dealer for E. F. Johnson Technologies, ICOM,
Kenwood, and Vertex Standard equipment.
The longevity of Omega Electronics is partly
attributed to staying current with technology
as it enters the marketplace. Today, because
digital, computer, and network technology
skills are needed to stay current in the industry, Stephen stays educated in the latest innovations. Test equipment has to be up to date
to troubleshoot malfunctioning electronics,
consequently Omega Electronics regularly
reinvests into the business to keep their
equipment technically viable.
In addition to providing radio
equipment for public safety vehicles,
Omega Electronics is the contractor
and consultant for PANCOM; Regional
Public Safety Radio Communications
System administered by Panhandle
Regional Planning Commission. They
are involved with installation of tower
sites for the PANCOM repeater system
as well as the ongoing repairs and
technical support. Omega Electronics
also outfits law enforcement and other
emergency vehicles with light bars,
lighting systems, sirens, protective
cages, and video systems.
The Bernhardts feel privileged to
be an integral part of outfitting first
responders for their work in public
safety and are proud to be working on their
area wide communications systems. They
attribute their continued success to their
commitment to staying on top of the market.
They are thankful for their loyal customers
and the opportunity to do important work.
The customers who continue to depend on
Omega Electronics appreciate their handson service and technical expertise. Some customers say “if Stephen can’t fix it nobody can.”
Below: Omega Electronics is the contractor
for the PANCOM Regional Public Safety
Radio Communications System. Shown in
this image is the PANCOM Repeater Site
Equipment Rack, part of the radio
equipment used by first responders
throughout the region.
301
Sponsors
Aardvark Services, Inc...........................................................................................................261
Abrahamson & Associates Engineering •Planning • Surveying .............................................276
Acme Body Shop...................................................................................................................266
Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. ...........................................................................................280
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce ...........................................................................................229
Amarillo College ...................................................................................................................207
Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic, P.A..............................................................................................206
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation ......................................................................250
Amarillo Grain Exchange, Inc. ..............................................................................................232
Amarillo Heart Group ...........................................................................................................184
Amarillo Independent School District ...................................................................................196
Amarillo Montessori Academy...............................................................................................218
Amarillo National Bank.........................................................................................................234
American Quarter Horse Association.....................................................................................208
Auction Systems of Amarillo .................................................................................................255
Austin Distributing .......................................................................................................275, 286
Baldwin Distribution.............................................................................................................251
Baptist Community Services..................................................................................................216
Bechtol Fine Arts ..................................................................................................................264
Bentley’s & Associates, LLC...................................................................................................258
Bio-Klenz ..............................................................................................................................254
Brown Automotive Group .....................................................................................................242
Brown Consulting Engineers, Inc ..........................................................................................284
Brown, Graham & Company, P.C. .........................................................................................265
BSA Health System................................................................................................................203
Bullard Foot and Ankle Institute ...........................................................................................209
Cain’s Carpet Care.................................................................................................................252
Cal Farley’s ...........................................................................................................................192
Commercial Industrial Builders.............................................................................................278
Cooper Crouse-Hinds ...........................................................................................................300
Dobbs Corporation, Inc. .......................................................................................................288
Don & Sybil Harrington Cancer Center ................................................................................202
Education Credit Union ........................................................................................................259
EnergyNet.com, Inc. .............................................................................................................297
European Contractors, Ltd. ...................................................................................................282
Everett’s Plumbing Supply & Faucet Parts Center, Inc...........................................................262
First Baptist Church of Amarillo............................................................................................214
FirstBank Southwest .............................................................................................................240
Fountain of Health................................................................................................................211
Frank’s Repair Plumbing, Inc. ...............................................................................................270
Furman Land Surveyors, Inc. ................................................................................................294
302
Glass Doctor of Amarillo .......................................................................................................272
Happy State Bank & Trust Company.....................................................................................257
Helping Hands......................................................................................................................189
Hill’s Sport Shop ...................................................................................................................248
Hoarel Sign Co. ....................................................................................................................246
Holiday Inn Amarillo West–Medical Center ..........................................................................222
Jenkins Doors and Windows .................................................................................................290
Jorge’s Mexican Bar and Grill ................................................................................................260
Junior League of Amarillo .....................................................................................................217
Kids, Incorporated of Amarillo, Texas ...................................................................................191
Kindred Hospital Amarillo
Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital Amarillo ........................................................................204
Marcella Furs & Leather .......................................................................................................268
McDonald’s Restaurants of Amarillo
Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo ..............................................................................269
Money Methods ....................................................................................................................263
Omega Electronics ................................................................................................................301
Owens Corning-Amarillo Plant .............................................................................................296
Palo Duro Retirement Village ................................................................................................210
Panhandle Steel Buildings, Inc. .............................................................................................298
Pat Davis Properties ..............................................................................................................291
Philcon Development Company ............................................................................................292
Proffer Surgical Associates.....................................................................................................187
Progressive Step Rehabilitation Services ................................................................................212
Public Steel ...........................................................................................................................295
Rabern Rental Center
Classic Events..................................................................................................................267
Rushing Oil & Gas Consultants ............................................................................................293
Specialized Therapy Services.................................................................................................188
Sprouse Shrader Smith P.C. ...................................................................................................236
St. Andrews Episcopal School ...............................................................................................200
St. Luke Eye Institute............................................................................................................213
T-Miller Wrecker Service .......................................................................................................244
Texas Tech University Health Science Center.........................................................................198
The Nunn Company, Ltd. .....................................................................................................226
Timeless Designs...................................................................................................................271
Upshaw Insurance Agency, Inc..............................................................................................256
Wesley Community Center, Inc.............................................................................................205
West Texas A&M University..................................................................................................194
West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center......................................................................230
Western Builders of Amarillo, Inc. ........................................................................................299
Western National Life ...................................................................................................221, 238
Wonderland Park ..................................................................................................................215
Wood Financial.....................................................................................................................253
SPONSORS
303
About the Photographer
R A L P H
D U K E
Ralph Duke sees his world through a camera’s viewfinder. He has been photographing images for more than forty years.
Ralph honed his skills as an award-winning photojournalist. Today he is a free-lance commercial editorial photographer. He
specializes in shooting images of people and places in a way that tells their stories or sells a product.
His lens has captured everyone from presidents to performers. His portfolio ranges from food and fashion to architecture and fine art.
Ralph’s client list spans coast to coast. His work has appeared in publications including Time, Business Week, Forbes, Rolling Stone,
Amarillo Style, New York Daily News, PC World, Women’s Wear Daily, and Vanity Fair. His clients include Hasting’s Entertainment,
Ronald McDonald House, Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, Wilson/Doche Parkhill Smith & Cooper, Amarillo Area Foundation,
Xcel Energy, McDonald’s, Amarillo National Bank, American Quarter Horse Museum and Guitar World.
The images you will see in this book reflect Ralph’s photographic vision telling the story of the people and places that make
Amarillo unique.
Ralph’s eyes are always looking for the next photograph to make a statement or communicate a message. See his portfolio at
www.ralphduke.com.
About the Author
C H R I S T I N E
W Y L Y
Christine Wyly, an Amarillo resident for thirty nine years, works as a REALTOR ® who specializes in residential properties. She is the
author of the book Amarillo’s Historic Wolfin District which chronicles the history of one of Texas’ most beautiful historic districts. She is
a member of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council, currently serves on the Civic
Beautification Committee, and previously served on the Women’s Council Steering Committee.
She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Texas Association of REALTORS®, and Amarillo Association of REALTORS®.
She currently serves on the board of directors of the Amarillo Association of REALTORS®, as well as the Multiple Listing Service Committee,
the Governmental Affairs Committee, and has served on various task forces and committees including the Community Outreach Committee.
She is also a member of Graduate REALTOR® Institute, Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, and Associated Home Brokers.
Wyly has owned and served as president of T. T. I., a bookkeeping and business consulting service since 1995, and has served on the
board of directors of California based All Stat Courier Services, Inc., and Oregon based All Stat Business Support Services, LLC, since 1996.
She is the parent of two daughters and has six grandchildren who also live in Amarillo. Her interests include researching historic
Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, photography, architectural design, traveling, genealogy, mentoring, and writing for publication.
Previous writing projects and other published works include various trade journals, newsletters, contributions to Amarillo Uptown,
Amarillo Magazine, and several websites.
304
«««««««««««««««««««
««««««««««««««««««««
LEADERSHIP
SPONSOR
WWW.AMARILLO-CHAMBER.ORG
806.373.7800
ISBN: 9781935377771

Amarillo - HPN Books

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