BlueCross wins national awards

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee received three national communications awards for its open enrollment campaign, "Creating a Culture of Wellness at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee," according to a news release.

The campaign received these awards:

* The 2009 Gold Quill Award for excellence in employee/member communication from the International Association of Business Communicators;

* The 2009 Silver Anvil for excellence in internal communications from the Public Relations Society of America;

* The 2009 Best of Blue award for excellence in open enrollment communications, given by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

"BlueCross wanted its employee health benefits options to better reflect the product and wellness offerings customers were seeking, resulting in a significant change from previous enrollment options," said Kip Soteres, manager of employee communications at BlueCross. "A tremendous amount of effort went into our Culture of Wellness campaign to ensure our employees had all the information they needed to understand the new plan options and make good choices for themselves and their families. It is very fulfilling to see it recognized in this way."

Corum Engineering now name of firm

Criterium-Corum Engineers is now known as Corum Engineering, according to a news release.

The firm has a satellite office in Chattanooga.

Corum Engineering continues to offer the same services, including property inspections, property condition assessments, real estate due diligence, reserve studies, environmental site assessments, construction monitoring, insurance investigations, litigation support, construction quality control, facilities auditing, and structural evaluation and repair design for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, a news release said.

Nausley a director of Bi-Lo Charities

Chattanoogan Dan Nausley has become a board member of Bi-Lo Charities, it has been announced. Mr. Nausley serves as president of Sandler Training of Chattanooga.

"I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for Bi-Lo Charities," said Mr. Nausley. "Working with an organization like this gives me the chance to touch many charitable organizations not only in Chattanooga but across the Southeast."

Bi-Lo Charities was formed 11 years ago to manage the charitable giving initiatives of Bi-Lo, a Mauldin, S.C.-based supermarket chain that operates in the Chattanooga area.

Wal-Mart salutes Mohawk Home

Mohawk Home, a division of Mohawk Industries, has been recognized by Wal-Mart Stores as a "Supplier of the Year" for the homelines category.

Mohawk Home was recognized for "product innovation, joint key business measurement performance, high standard service levels, and Mohawk Industries' commitment to environmental sustainability, a news release stated. Mohawk Home became the first recipient of Wal-Mart's Sustainability Award last year.

Mohawk Home provides Wal-Mart with a variety of products worldwide, including area rugs, bath mats, doormats and kitchen floor coverings.

Bill Kilbride, Mohawk Home presidnet, said "To capture this honor during the most difficult economic times which we're all experiencing speaks volumes for the spirit of our associates and the culture of our company."

Road builders salutes local road

A 2.51-mile stretch of State Route 29 in Hamilton County was among the winners in a recognition program held by the Tennessee Road Builders Association.

The local stretch of road was recognized for excellence in quality and safety, becoming the Region Two small project winner.

Determined by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Smooth Paving Awards are based on the rideability of asphalt pavement, a news release stated.

"TRBA members are committed to making our slogan -- 'Good roads save lives, time and money' -- a reality for all Tennesseans," said Kent Starwalt, executive vice president of TRBA. "In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, we are proud to recognize these outstanding contractors as 2008 Smooth Paving Award recipients."

The TRBA is an organization of almost 400 contractors and associates dedicated to promoting better contracting and conditions for workers and securing proper funding for road construction projects, the release said.

Broome Jr. named to Extendlife post

Ernest D. Broome Jr. has been named executive vice president of operations of Extendlife Training Systems, a Chattanooga-based, first-response emergency medical training facility.

Mr. Broome also serves as the firm's regional marketing director for 11 states.

He has years of experience in industrial and community safety programs.

C12 Group expands into Chattanooga

The C12 Group, a business that aims to integrate Biblical principles with sound business practice, has entered the Chattanooga market, according to C12 Group Area Chairman James Luster.

"We are tremendously excited to bring C12 to East Tennessee," said Don Barefoot, C12 Group president and CEO. "I believe that there are many in the Chattanooga area looking for this type of objective advisory board and executive personal development. James Luster is a great asset to C12 and to the many East Tennessee CEOs and business owners who are ready to build great companies for a greater purpose."

The company is named for the model Jesus Christ set in Scripture -- purposeful interaction among a group of 12 disciples, Mr. Luster said. The company provides a special "sabbatical day" in business to enable the disciplined planning, learning and accountability that contributes to the program's intensity and proven success.

Mr. Luster said C12 will have its inaugural meetings in Chattanooga on Thursday.

If you are a Christian company owner, CEO or president in the Chattanooga area, "consider becoming a member of this exciting work aimed at transformation in the marketplace and pursuing performance God's way," he said.

With facilitation by the area chairman, members of C12 Group reserve a day monthly to meet together in small groups across the United States to discuss business and ministry performance.

Each C12 member also meets each month for a 60-90 minute one-on-one coaching session with the local area chairman.

To learn added information about C12, go online at www.c12group.com.

Johnny Alvis earns 'green' designation

Johnny Alvis of Re/Max Renaissance has received the green designation from the National Association of Realtors.

He earned the designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for Realtors, according to a news release.

He was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices and other aspects of environmental friendliness.

The designation was developed "in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings," said Dick Gaylord, NAR's immediate past president.

He said the designation helps consumers caring about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices to identify Realtors who can help them in their pursuits.

Kim Peco named customer manager

Kim Peco has become customer service manager at Computerized Payroll Solutions, a local payroll service company.

She has been a payroll specialist at CPS for three years after previously gaining five years of payroll experience with a nationwide company.

She lives in Chickamauga, Ga., with her husband, Troy, and two children.

CPS, which has provided payroll services to Chattanooga area businesses since 1994, has offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Dalton, Ga.

Jackie Miller gets Beltone recognition

Jackie Miller has been named the winner of Beltone's Southwest Region Excellence Award. He got the award at Beltone's national meeting held in Baltimore.

"I'm honored to recognize Mr. Miller for his exceptional hearing care practice," said Beltone President Todd Murray. "He exemplifies Beltone's commitment to providing excellent patient care."

Mr. Miller has been a Beltone dispenser since 2001 with 11 offices in southeastern Tennessee.

Henry Hoss named state CPA secretary

Henry A. Hoss, a Chattanooga certified public accountant, has been elected secretary of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He is a partner in Barto, Hoss & Co. PC and has been a member of the professional association of more than 8,000 CPAs for 35 years.