Rachael Perez Rachael Perez has joined the Schmerler Agency. Patrick York

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Perez Joins Schmerler
Rob Schmerler has announced that Rachael Perez has joined the Schmerler Agency as a licensed agent for property and casualty insurance as well as life and health insurance. Specializing in personal service, the Schmerler Agency represents various companies providing car insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, life and health, commercial insurance and more. Details: 713/661-7700.
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Gay Chamber Comes to San Antonio
Cristina Martinez, publisher of the Gay & Lesbian Rainbow Pages, says “it's about time” San Antonio had a chamber of commerce for its gay and lesbian citizens.

Martinez says the gay chamber not only would host monthly dinners, networking opportunities, and other special events to foster business relationships, but also could help promote other social outreach programs, including creating scholarships for area students.

The first edition of the San Antonio Rainbow Pages is scheduled for release in June, Martinez says. Details: 210/212-4700.
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Mortgage Associates Receives Dependability Honor Mortgage Associates of Texas has been selected by Goldline Research as one of the 10 Most Dependable Mortgage Brokers of Texas. The list, naming the top brokers among a field of 2,600 mortgage professionals, was published in the April issue of Texas Monthly magazine.

“A consumer needs to work with a stable, qualified broker to gain access to as many products and options as there are available,” says John Frels, Mortgage Associates president.

The firm celebrates its 14th anniversary in business in May. Details: 713/524-1850.
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Gillman Gets New COO
The Gillman Companies, a 70-year-old family owned and operated institution with 14 dealerships in Texas, has announced the appointment of Patrick York as chief operating officer. York formerly served as vice president of marketing for Service Group, an organization providing training and dealer profit programs to automobile dealerships.
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AssistHers Opens High-end E-shop
Assist-Hers representatives have announced its Little Shop of Wonders is open for business. Compliments of an anonymous supporter, a number of high-quality items including new Waterford tumblers, Wedgwood pieces, and other fine collectibles are available at reasonable prices. All proceeds bene-
fit AssistHers programs of in-home, non-medical assistance for lesbians with life-threatening illnesses.

Details: http://assisthersshop.googlepages.com/home.
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Sweet Honor
Sara Brook, owner of Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café, has been selected the 2008 Women in Business Champion of the Year in Houston by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

A top dessert purveyor since 1983, Brook launched Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café in 1995. Today the company is consistently recognized for having the “Best Desserts in Houston” in a wide variety of publications.

Dessert Gallery is located at 3200 Kirby Drive, 1616 Post Oak Boulevard, and 2260 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square. Details: www.dessertgallery.com.

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