Parkridge names Witherspoon

Parkridge names Witherspoon

Dr. Laura Witherspoon, of Chattanooga, recently received a three-year appointment as cancer liaison physician for the cancer program at Parkridge Medical Center.

Cancer liaison physicians are an integral part of cancer programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Witherspoon is among a national network of over 1,500 volunteer physicians who are responsible for providing leadership and direction to establish, maintain, and support their facilities' cancer program.

Witherspoon, who has a significant interest in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant diseases, is a member of the multidisciplinary cancer committee at Parkridge.

Diviney wins dental award

Dr. Shelley Diviney, director of the dental hygiene program at Hiwassee College, was recently selected the Tennessee Dental Hygiene Educator of the Year.

The clinic which is located on campus boasts medical grade tablets for each operatory, digital imaging, intraoral photography and a totally paperless clinic grading and tracking system.

Dr. William R. Morgan said: "She has done an amazing job in organizing and directing the first dental hygiene class to graduate from Hiwassee College.

Gaylor named top secretary

Melissa Gaylor, executive secretary for Life Care Centers of America's Information Technology Department, was named "Secretary of the Year" during a recent ceremony honoring Life Care's secretaries.

"I feel very honored to have won this award," Gaylor said. "I am so thankful that God led me to Life Care and blessed me with such wonderful people to work with."

Gaylor has been a Life Care associate for 13 years. She started in the legal department but went on to serve in human resources, the president's office and the chairman's office before taking her current position.

"Melissa embodies the spirit of support," said Terry Leonard, chief information officer.

Nelson joins Miller & Martin

Merrill F. Nelson II has joined Miller & Martin PLLC as an associate in its Chattanooga office.

Nelson joins the firm's corporate department where he will practice in the areas of corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures and securities.

"It is a privilege to have Merrill join our firm. His business experience will greatly complement the depth of expertise of our corporate department," said Jim Haley, the firm's chairman.

Nelson graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2011. In the same year, he also earned a master's in business administration from the UT College of Business Administration. Nelson grew up on Lookout Mountain and graduated from the McCallie School in 2003.

Gardenhires honored for care

Chattanooga business owners James and Sandra Gardenhire were honored for outstanding business performance last week at the Home Instead Senior Care network's annual international meeting held in Omaha.

The network calls itself the world's leading provider of nonmedical, in-home care and companionship to older adults. It has offices worldwide including in the Hamilton, Marion and Bradley County area.

The Gardenhires were recognized with a Presidential II Award for superior sales and service satisfaction.

Sweetwater log home center sold

A North Carolina company has purchased a previously closed log home sales center visible from Interstate 75 in Sweetwater, Tenn., and is providing new jobs to the area.

eLogHomes, one of the nation's leading manufacturers of log home packages and materials, purchased the sales center.

"Sweetwater was an ideal location," said Michael Wild, eLogHomes information officer. "The area has a rich history in the log home industry and plenty of citizens who are knowledgeable about log homes."

The sales center will have four log home models on display for the public in the coming months and is expected to create several jobs including log home planning specialist, sales manager, and administrative personnel.

Holistic animal center opens

The Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute will open on Monday.

Dr. Colleen Smith and staff will offer veterinary acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic, nutrition therapy, laser therapy, green grooming, awake dental procedures, digital X-ray, vaccinations and vaccine titers, general medicine, canine massage therapy and nutritional supplements in the new facility on the Southside at 918 E. Main St.

"Holistic veterinary medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole animal: body, mind, and spirit," said Smith.

Minhas judging cheerleading

Chattanoogan Omar Minhas has been selected by the United States All Star Federation as one of the top 10 rule interpreters in the world.

He will be judging "The Cheerleading Worlds" in Orlando through Monday. This competition will air on ESPN in late spring.

At The Cheerleading Worlds, the top teams nationally and internationally will face off as this is the grand finale of cheerleading for the 2011-12 season.

Minhas cheered at McCallie School and Vanderbilt University.

"Being selected to judge The Cheerleading Worlds for a fourth time is the greatest and highest honor in the industry," he said.

To submit business promotions, awards and other announcements, contact deputy business editor Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6318.

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