NOW OPEN A Shell Gas Station opened in July at 3600 E. University Ave., Georgetown, near the Hwy. 29 crossing with SH 130. The station has 10 gas pumps and a Fresh Basket mini-mart that includes M+M Fresh Deli, which serves shawarma plates and wraps, gyros and breakfast and lunch to-go items. 512-688-5503. www.shell.com Pipe and Metal Center of Texas, a structural metal, custom welding and fabrication company, opened in July at 40102 Industrial Park Circle, Georgetown. The wholesale and retail business sells new and used pipe and structural steel for fences, pens and other construction projects. 512-688-5535. www.pipeandmetalcenter.com IN THE NEWS Kristen Smith started in September as the new director of development for the Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. Smith oversees the theater’s capital campaign for the Doug Smith Performance Center, a future education center and children’s performance venue. Smith recently worked for the Hutto Education Foundation. Her other previous professional work includes jobs with the George P. Bush campaign and Austin-based III Strategies. 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com