Roll call: Officials with island-based American National Insurance Co. confirm the company laid off some employees last week but said rumors that hundreds lost their jobs are greatly exaggerated.
American National, which has about 850 employees in its downtown tower, laid off 33 people in its health insurance division, G. Richard Ferdinandtsen, president and CEO, said.
Health insurance is not among the company’s core products. American National doesn’t offer managed care plans, which dominate the market, Ferdinandtsen said.
Less than half the 33 employees worked on the island, he said. But there’s no doubt American National’s downtown work force has shrunk. In 2005, when the company marked a century in business, it had about 1,400 employees in Galveston. Earlier this year, the company said it would move 400 employees to League City offices in effort to avoid business disruption from hurricanes.
Welcome back: About 120 employees of the island’s Transitional Learning Center returned to work in Galveston after working a year in League City, reports Jim Lovelace, director of business development. Storm surge from Hurricane Ike, which struck in September 2008, damaged the building at 1528 Postoffice St., which is finally repaired. But the not-for-profit treatment center for people with acute brain injuries never stopped. It operated at League City Regent Care Center, 2620 W. Walker St. Tideway, the organization’s long-term living center, 6444 Central City Blvd. on the island, made a complete return last month.
Hollywood ending: Observant readers report activity at the space left vacant after the storm by Hollywood Video, 6105 Stewart Road on the island. Owners of the shopping center could not immediately be reached for comment. Stay tuned.
How high? Ever since Hurricane Ike, which badly flooded hundreds of island buildings, a common question is: “How high did the water get?” A new company — Galveston Island Designs — is helping home and business owners answer that question. The company, owned by Mark Staples, is selling solid brass Hurricane Ike water markers for $24.90.
But the company isn’t trying to compete with the Galveston Historical Foundation, which is selling a bronze high-water marker for $108.25, owners said. Galveston Island Designs will donate 3 percent of proceeds from sales to the foundation’s Hurricane Ike recovery fund, Staples said. For information, visit www.galvestonislanddesigns.com.
Bragging rights: Several local businesses are getting national attention. First, downtown island boutique Tina’s, 2326 The Strand, was featured prominently in Dallas Market Center Instore Magazine. Tina’s was featured for weathering both the economic recession and Hurricane Ike. Tina’s, which offers apparel, home décor and gifts, credits its success to a smart selection of luxury goods and exclusive lines and a national following, managers told the magazine.
Gig ’em: Meanwhile, Kettler Veterinary Hospitals, also known as Dickinson Animal Hospital, was among the companies named to the fifth annual Aggie 100, which honors the fastest-growing companies in the world owned by former Texas A&M University students.
Dickinson Animal Hospital, 1100 FM 517, is owned by Dr. Kevin Kettler. Kettler and wife Jonna, the practice administrator, founded the hospital in 1997.
Grab the remote: Locals already know and love Kemah’s T-Bone Tom’s, 707 state Highway 146. But a national following is sure to come with the restaurant’s debut on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives 9 p.m. Monday. Barry Terrell and family own the 35-year-old eatery known for such fare as Texas barbecue, chicken fried steak and blackened catfish.
