Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga operation has named April Wortham as community relations specialist.

Ms. Wortham, 31, comes to Volkswagen from Automotive News, where she spent the last several years as a reporter in the trade publication’s Nashville bureau.

“Her background in communications and the automotive industry makes her an ideal person to lead our community and media relations activities here in Chattanooga,” said Frank Fischer, chief executive of the Chattanooga production facility.

Prior to Automotive News, Ms. Wortham worked for various newspapers in Alabama and Mississippi. A native of Alabama, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Alabama.

Burbank named at Miller & Martin

Christie Kizer Burbank of the Chattanooga office of Miller & Martin law firm is co-leader of the firm’s health care practice group, according to an announcement by the law firm. She joins Bryant C. Witt of Nashville in that co-leader role.

Miller & Martin’s health care practice group is made up of nearly 40 attorneys from three offices who work to help clients develop ways to deliver and purchase health care services.

Miller & Miller has offices in Atlanta as well as in Chattanooga and Nashville.

Robinson gets industry award

L. Curtis Robinson, vice president for sales of Chattanooga-based Top Flight Inc., has become the 2009 recipient of the Chairman’s Award of the Envelope Manufacturers Association.

The recognition is the highest in the envelope manufacturing industry and is given for contributions to the industry, a news release said.

Mr. Robinson has been a leader of the association and is one of the founders of the Global Envelope Alliance.

“Curt Robinson is a visionary leader whom through his international friendships and vision for the future was able to help create the Global Envelope Alliance,” said Maynard H. Benjamin, president and CEO of the Envelope Manufacturers Association. “It is Curt’s outstanding character, sense of humor, as well as his ability to lead, that carried EMA and GEA through some challenging times.”

Phillip Pickett presented award

Phillip Pickett, a professional engineer at Advanced Energy Engineering & Design Inc., has been designated as a certified commissioning authority by AABC Commissioning Group, according to a news release.

Mr. Pickett is responsible for planning, organizing and facilitating the completion of the commissioning process on behalf of a building owner in new construction and existing buildings as part of his role as a certified commissioning authority, the release said.

The firm with which he is associated is an energy engineering and design business. Its offices are at 408 McCallie Ave.

Dayton Tractor Supply has opening

Tractor Supply Co.’s new Dayton, Tenn., store held its grand opening Saturday.

The 27,200-square-foot store employs 17, headed by store manager Greg Brogan. The store is at 200 Able Drive.

Tractor Supply is a retail farm and ranch supply store chain that has been operating in Tennessee since 1959.

Smith awarded green designation

David Smith of the DJ Smith Co. Inc. has earned the certified green professional designation.

The green designation program is sponsored locally by the Home Builders Association here.

Mr. Smith’s firm recently moved to new office and warehouse space at 1200 E. Main St.