Texas Independent Agent Named Trusted Choice Hometown Hero

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) has named Steve Barksdale, vice president at Bancorp South Insurance Services Inc., in Athens, Texas, as its newest Trusted Choice Hometown Hero.

The Hometown Hero program recognizes Trusted Choice insurance agents who go above and beyond to help their communities.

In an age when many high school students move away from their hometowns after graduating, Barksdale is giving local graduates a reason to stay in Athens. He is involved in several initiatives to help create new job opportunities in Athens for talented graduates so they don’t leave to pursue careers in other cities.

Barksdale serves as the chairman of the board on a project to build the Biotech Manufacturing Center of Texas, a non-profit medical and consumer industrial manufacturing facility and business accelerator in Athens. The center provides hi-tech jobs and training that are attractive to young adults.

Under his direction, the board has raised approximately $3.5 million through grants from local, state and federal agencies. The funding helps to continue educational training with Texas State Technical College and Trinity Valley Community College.

Barksdale also serves on the board at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton. He recently worked with the university’s student admissions director and area high school superintendents to organize a trip to the campus for approximately 40 area high school students.

Barksdale’s passion for helping his community is also reflected in his work as an independent insurance agent. “Being ‘independent’ requires much responsibility and one of those responsibilities, without question, is to serve the community you are in,” he said.

Source: IIAT

Topics Texas Agencies Education