Courtesy photo Mark Beale, of CBS Insurance, Abilene, on left, accepts a Circle of Excellence award from Greg Ator, president of Bituminous Insurance Companies.

New owners of Merry Maids of Abilene

Trey and Angie Thornton are the new franchise owners of Merry Maids in Abilene, having purchased it from Turner and Jill Cariker. Angie Thornton will be running day-to-day operations.

The Abilene office will continue to offer home cleanings for customers who are in need of weekly, biweekly or special occasion cleanings.

Angie Thornton graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biological sciences. Upon graduation, she worked for Harte-Hanks Response Management in Austin and ultimately became a program manager for clients included in the Fortune 500.

Edward Jones branch receives award

Susie Scott and Treda Shoop, of Edward Jones in Abilene, recently received the firm's Client Service Excellence award.

Abilene insurance agency honored

CBS Insurance, Abilene, was among the recipients of special awards for outstanding performance presented by Bituminous Insurance Companies. Mark Beale accepted the Circle of Excellence on behalf of CBS Insurance.

Haskell National Bank receives top safety rating

Haskell National Bank has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial Inc., an independent bank rating and research firm. The rating is based on the overall financial structure of the bank.

This is the 65th consecutive quarter that Haskell National Bank has earned this honor, giving it the distinction of being an Exceptional Performance Bank, a designation achieved by banks earning a 5-Star Superior rating for at least ten years.

Dr. Cecelia Boswell

presents study

Dr. Cecelia Boswell presented a research study for International Baccalaureate at the 2008 International Conference July 19 in San Francisco. The report, commissioned by Texas International Baccalaureate Schools, is titled "Influence of International Baccalaureate on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills." The study involves campuses across Texas who provide IB programs.

Dr. Boswell lived in Abilene and worked at Region 14 Education Service Center for 15 years. She earned a bachelor of arts degree and an master of education degree from Tarleton State University and an doctor of education degree from Texas Tech University. She is the founder of Austin Creek Education Systems, an educational consulting business in Comanche County. Information about Dr. Boswell and ACES is available through www.austin-creek.com.

First Financial Bankshares to participate in investor conference

First Financial Bankshares Inc., which is headquartered in Abilene, will make a presentation to investors at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the ninth annual Community Bank Investor Conference in New York. F. Scott Dueser, president and CEO, and J. Bruce Hildebrand, executive vice president and CFO, will discuss the company's recent operational and financial results and its strategic direction.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available at http://cc.talkpoint.com/KEEF001/072908a_ak/. For more information, visit www.ffin.com.