Business Digest: Roberts joins IBM panel

Roberts joins IBM panel

Connie Roberts, director of marketing for InfoSystems in Chattanooga, has been appointed to a 3-year term on the IBM North American Business Partner Marketing Advisory Council. InfoSystems is one of the fastest-growing information technology, communications and software companies in the Southeast.

"Connie is truly deserving of this opportunity, and I feel confident that the mutual exchange of ideas and best practices with IBM and other participating business partners will help all parties involved improve value to customers and expand business," InfoSystems President Clay Hales said.

Roberts joined InfoSystems in 2011 with more than 30 years of experience in advertising, public relations, sales and marketing. Hales currently serves on IBM's Global Business Partner Advisory Council. InfoSystems is an IBM Premier Business Partner with multiple specialty certifications, including IBM System Storage Specialty Elite, System x Specialty Elite and Power Systems Specialty.


Siskin names Cupoli to staff

The Siskin Center for Developmental Pediatrics has added developmental behavioral pediatrician Dr. Michael Cupoli to its staff.

The center welcomes Cupoli at a time when the need for access to developmental pediatric subspecialty services is exceptionally high on a local and national level, according to Siskin.

"Early identification of developmental disorders is needed for best long-term outcome. The addition of Dr. Cupoli to our center will significantly reduce the time a child will wait to receive services. We are focusing our efforts to continue to expand developmental pediatric care for children in our region," said Dr. Regina Gargus, board certified developmental behavioral pediatrician and medical director of the SCDP.

Cupoli joins the institute with more than four decades of experience in the field of pediatrics and child development.


Hutton adds Johnson, Yount

The Hutton Co. has added Kelly Johnson as staff accountant and Stacey Yount as paralegal.

Johnson is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting.

"Kelly is a great fit for the Hutton Co., and we are excited to have her as a part of the Hutton accounting team" said Spencer Chinery, Hutton's vice president of financial services.

Yount graduated Summa Cum Laude from South College where she received her degree in paralegal studies.

"Stacey is a terrific addition to our legal team," said Catherine Long, general counsel of the Hutton Co.


Travel website taps Lookout inn

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel website, named its Traveler's Choice awards recently, and Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast on Lookout Mountain is named among the best in the U.S. TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice awards are based on reviews and opinions from travelers throughout the world.


Burgess joins Hand Energy

Michael Hand, chief executive of Hand Energy Automation and Technology, has named Timothy Burgess as vice president of engineering operations.

During his 23-year career with TVA, Burgess rose from his initial position as a field test engineer to the role of the transmission service manager at TVA's Sequoyah Nuclear Plant.

Burgess holds active professional engineering licenses in six states and will manage global engineering and operational services.


Speakers talk hedge funds

Decosimo, a Chattanooga-based accounting and business advisory firm, provided hedge fund education recently at a New York conference.

Decosimo principal Karl J. Jordan chaired the Hedge Fund Tax 101 and K-1 Boot Camp courses hosted by the Financial Research Associates and the Hedge Fund Business Operations Association on Jan. 23-24 at New York City's Princeton Club.

Additionally, Elizabeth Powell, a tax manager with Decosimo's Financial Services Group, co-presented "Preparation of Hedge Fund Returns and Disclosures" at the event.


Henegar named tax director

Chattanooga-based Decosimo has appointed long-time tax principal John Henegar as the firm's tax director.

The firm's former tax director, Lynn Rodgers, took a temporary sabbatical during the fourth quarter of 2012.

"Decosimo has a strong reputation throughout the region for high-quality tax planning and compliance services," said Henegar. "It is an honor to be asked to serve in this leadership role in the firm's tax practice."

As firm-wide tax director, Henegar provides direction for Decosimo's tax practice.


Berry, Wood appointed

The board of directors for the Tennessee Economic Partnership has added a couple of Chattanooga area economic developers.

Doug Berry, vice president of economic development for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, was chosen to the panel. Also, Charles Wood, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, was picked.

TEP is a public-private partnership that markets Tennessee as a premiere place for business.


Center receives recognition

The Chattanooga Convention Center was awarded ConventionSouth magazine's annual 2012 Readers' Choice Award.

The Convention Center is among 100 convention and visitor bureaus, meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive the award.

"ConventionSouth readers have nominated and voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South," said ConventionSouth Publisher J. Talty O'Connor.

Upcoming Events