Oil, gas production below 2008 levels
The Texas oil and gas industry remains in an economic contraction: Low wellhead prices continue, forcing producers to scrap drilling plans and lay off employees, according to petroleum economist Karr Ingham, who created the Texas Petro Index for the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.
The combined value of oil and gas produced during the first eight months of the year totaled less than $32 billion, compared with more than $77 billion during the first eight months of 2008. Ingham said lower oil and gas prices eventually will help spur demand. As the demand for oil and gas increases, parts of the industry will begin to recover.
The number of Texans employed in the state's oil and gas industry at the end of August totaled 202,700, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, compared with a peak of more than 240,000 in December 2008.
Drilling permit applications in the state during August totaled 1,043, bringing total permit filings during 2009 to 7,770. By comparison, Texas producers applied for more than 16,300 permits through the first eight months of 2008.
BV Blood Center welcomes director
The Blood Center of Brazos Valley has a new director.
Chris Baker will oversee all blood center operations in the Brazos Valley service area, including product management and mobile and facility collections for the region.
Baker most recently served as manager of the center, at 1701 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, where he helped open the Neighborhood Donor Center. Before moving to The Blood Center, he worked as a team leader for the Heart of Texas American Red Cross in College Station.
"Under Chris' leadership, the Brazos Valley program has grown into a well-run, efficient program that is exceeding its collection goals," said Doug McClain, chief information and donor services officer.
Messina Hof earns GrapeFest awards
Messina Hof Winery and Resort recently won the People's Choice Award at the 23rd Annual GrapeFest in Grapevine.
The Buick People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic is a consumer-judged wine competition. Thousands of people voted on 126 state wines from 38 different wineries.
Messina Hof won more awards than any other winery, with the following wins: Gold in the White Varietals category with a 2008 Riesling Father & Son; Gold in the White Varietals Sweet category with a 2008 Angel Riesling; Bronze in the Cabernet Sauvignon category with its Paulo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
For more information, go to www.messinahof.com.
B-CS doctor leads national association
Dr. Ronald B. Kuppersmith recently was named president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery for the 2009-10 term.
He began his term at the group's annual meeting in San Diego, Calif., this week. More than 8,000 were in attendance.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
Kuppersmith is a board-certified otolaryngologist and has practiced at Texas ENT and Allergy since 2003. He is a clinical faculty member of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. He is among the first surgeons in North America to successfully perform robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using the daVinci Surgical System.
The doctor also serves as the president of the Texas Association of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery and on the board of trustees of College Station Medical Center. He is a senior examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology and has received numerous awards.
Bryan businesses have ribbon cuttings
Three businesses in Bryan are officially celebrating openings this week.
AgniTEK, at 214 N. Main St., will hold a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday to celebrate a new location.
The 14-employee company formed in 1999 provides for business technology solutions. For more information, go to www.agnitek.com.
On Wednesday, Shipwreck Grill at 206 E. Villa Maria Road celebrated its opening.
For more information about the restaurant, go to www.shipwreckbcs.com.
Sign Pro, at 2112 E. William Joel Bryan Parkway, will have its ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Friday to highlight a new location.
The company, incorporated in 1995, specializes in illuminated signs, decals, vehicle graphics and more. For more information, go to www.signprocs.com.
The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce sponsors the events.
Chamber to host networking event
The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours on Oct. 15.
The free program will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan.
Food, drinks and networking will be offered at the event, which is open to current and prospective members of the chamber.
Career fair targeting local eight-graders
The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce is seeking businesses to participate in a career fair.
The Youth to Career Fair encourages local eighth-graders to look at various career paths and explore occupations they are interested in pursuing.
The event will be held from
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Brazos County Expo Center at 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan.
Any company interested in participating can contact Jordan Meserole at 260-5200 for more information. Booth space is free.
MacResource has Northgate location
MacResource Computers & Service opened its Northgate location Monday at 313 Church Ave.
The Aggie-owned and -operated company has served the Brazos Valley since 1992. The business also has a location in Bryan at 3828 S. Texas Ave.
MacResource Computers & Service will have a grand opening from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to show off the Apple-authorized campus store.
After-hours event planned in Navasota
The Navasota-Grimes County Chamber of Commerce and Scott & White Health Plan are hosting a Business After Hours on Oct. 22.
The program will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Navasota Center, 101 Stadium Drive.
Food, drinks and networking will be offered at the event, which is open to current and prospective members of the chamber.
For more information, call 268-7947.
-- Staff reports
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