CSX names a new vice president

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Gary Bethel has been appointed as the new vice president-mechanical, replacing Rich Regan, who will retire after 33 years of service with CSX.

The appointment of Bethel, who has served as Atlanta Division manager and in other key operating positions, is effective immediately.

Bethel began his career as a trackman with a CSX Transportation predecessor in 1970, and later became a locomotive engineer. He was division manager-Great Lakes Division prior to the Atlanta post.

Bethel will direct administration and maintenance related to the company's fleet of 3,800 locomotives and 101,000 rail cars.

Hoerl new chamber director

NASSAU COUNTY, FL - New chamber director Lori Hoerl has joined the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce as director of events and programs. Hoerl will organize the chamber's annual dinner, legislative luncheon, annual meeting and other special events. She will also head up the chamber's newest publication, a county- wide business directory, and the annual visitor's guide.

Contact her at lhoerl@aifby. com or 261-3248

Hospice training

Community Hospice of Northeast Florida will hold a three-day volunteer training session on June 10 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., June 11 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and June 13 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at its Yulee office, 96084 Victoria's Place.

Community Hospice volunteers help improve the quality of life for patients and families and provide compassionate guidance at the end of life. Volunteer opportunities range from administrative tasks such as greeting visitors at inpatient centers to direct patient care services like visiting patients and providing respite for caregivers.

Call (904) 407-7064 for information and to register by June 5.

Builders' apprentice program

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Applications for apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical, heating and air conditioning and plumbing will be accepted by the Northeast Florida Builders Association Apprenticeship Program at 7:00 p.m. Mondays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, at the NEFBA offices, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100, Jacksonville.

For more information call the apprenticeship office at (904) 421-0296 or visit www.nefbaapprentice ship.com.

The Northeast Florida Builders Association, Florida's largest builders association, provides education, research, legislative representation, media relations, promotions and programs for its 2,000-plus builder and associate members.

Carpools/Vanpools available

First Coast Commuter Services invites you to try carpooling to work as a way to save on gas costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carpools are comprised of 2-4 people who take turns driving their own cars. Vanpools are comprised of 7-15 people who ride to and from work in an employer or employee-sponsored van.

Pool participants who register with First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization are eligible for the "Emergency Ride Home" program, in which you get a free taxi ride in the event of an emergency.

For information, visit www.cooltopool.com or call 904-306-7500.

Business briefs reports what’s happening to local and area businesses. Items can include mergers, relocations, office and store openings, honor and awards, promotions, personnel changes, or business events. Send information to news@northfloridanewsdaily.com  Photographs must be clearly labeled and must be jpg format. You can also mail information to Theus Media Group, P.O. Box 1900, Glen St. Mary, FL 32040