The Times publishes news on management hires and promotions, major awards and other newsworthy accomplishments involving local businesses each Sunday on the Business page and gainesvilletimes.com. Send information, including photos and contact information, to news@gainesvilletimes.com; please put "Newsmakers" in the subject line. The deadline is 4 p.m. Thursdays for Sunday publication.

Loggins, Wood become partners at Turner Wood & Smith Insurance

Turner Wood & Smith Insurance of Gainesville has named agents Brent Loggins and Trey Wood as vice presidents and partners in the agency.

The two were promoted after meeting prescribed goals within the company, along with their commitment to clients and involvement in the community, president and CEO Joe Wood Jr. said.

"Both Brent and Trey have met and exceeded our expectations and are deserving of being named partners, shareholders and vice presidents in the company," Wood said.

The two join four other existing partners in the company, along with Wood, Executive Vice President and COO Robert Fowler and vice presidents Tony Nix and Jimbo Floyd.

Loggins is a graduate of Johnson High School and earned a degree from the State University of West Georgia. He joined Turner Wood & Smith in 2009 and specializes in commercial insurance risk for businesses. He was honored as the local Insurance Man of the Year in 2007.

Wood is a graduate of Lakeview Academy, where he also served as middle school baseball and basketball coach, and is the third generation of his family to serve with the company. He earned a degree in Insurance & Risk Management from the University of Georgia.

Turner Wood & Smith, in operation since 1905, employs 33 people and is located at 100 Brenau Ave., Gainesville.

Bentley paraprofessional Martin honored as top caregiver by Carter Institute

Wilani Martin of Bentley Assisted Living at Northminster in Jefferson recently was chosen Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year by the Rosalynn Carter Institute.

The award was presented at the organization’s annual awards gala Oct. 25.

Martin, a certified nursing assistant, was nominated by the Atlanta Regional Commission Caregivers-Network for regularly going above and beyond the call of duty in her position at Bentley as a certified nurse assistant and med-tech. She was presented the award by Carter, and she and the other honorees were congratulated by others, including Hillary Clinton by satellite feed.

"I am so excited by all the progress that has been made since we started," said former first lady Carter. "I am energized after hearing about all the wonderful work currently being done to support caregivers across the lifespan. Working to improve the lives of those who are struggling is noble; it is God’s work."

Carter was honored by those on hand for her years of service in the caregiving field, and received a commendation written by Gov. Nathan Deal.

The institute, based at Georgia Southwestern University, was created in 1987 to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals, families and professional caregivers while advancing public and social policies that enhance caring communities.