The Times wants to know about promotions, new management hires and other personnel news in your business. We’ll publish the information each Sunday on the Business page. Send information, including a photograph and contact information, to Harris Blackwood at hblackwood@gainesvilletimes.com. You also may use regular mail at Newsmakers, The Times, P.O. Box 838, Gainesville, GA 30503.
Townley promoted at GB&T Bancshares
Karen Townley has been named assistant vice president and benefits specialist at GB&T Bancshares. Townley manages the company’s employee benefit plans and has been involved in the automation of the human resource systems.
A graduate of The University of Georgia with a BBA in human resource management, Townley received designation as a certified employee benefits specialist in May. She is a member of both the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and The International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists.
She also serves as an Impact Cheerleading Commissioner at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church.
Martelle joins Bates, Carter & Co.
Michelle Martelle is a new staff accountant in the tax department of Bates, Carter & Co. She graduated magna cum laude with her undergraduate degree in accounting from North Georgia College and State University.
In 2005, Martelle was the recipient of the Collins, Moody & Co. scholarship through the educational foundation from The Georgia Society of CPAs. She was also listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Gonzalez joins Avian Technology
Diego Gonzalez has joined Avian Technology as the hatching eggs assistant sales manager, where he helps coordinate the sales of broiler hatching eggs within local and international markets.
Gonzalez brings four years of related production management experience, including his previous role as production manager of Kellogg’s.
Gonzalez earned a bachelor of business degree from the European University in Brussels, Belgium.
In his spare time, Gonzalez enjoys golfing and coin collecting. He and his wife, Beth, have two children, ages 7 and 10.
Avian Technology is an American supplier and exporter of broiler hatching eggs, vaccines, and poultry and swine production equipment
Local company awarded food concessions at Mississippi airport
MSE Branded Foods of Gainesville was awarded the food and beverage concessions contract at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The company’s winning proposal features almost $1 million in upgrades to the airport concession facilities.
The company operates service areas in airports, hospitals, universities, specialty shopping malls and resort hotels. It is one of the nation’s leading providers of nationally branded food concepts in nontraditional environments.
MSE will offer, among other choices, Arby’s restaurant, Lazy Magnolia Brewing Co. and MSE’s signature concept, "Bayside Grill." MSE will also add a bakery serving Caribou Coffee.
Construction on the concession area began in November and is scheduled to be operational by early 2008.
Sample joins Professional Landcare Network
Brad Sample with Pro Touch Landscapes LLC of Gainesville has joined the Professional Landcare Network.
The association provides ongoing educational and safety programs and features a national certification program that ensures that PLANET members have the knowledge and technical expertise necessary to perform their jobs at the highest standards. The network represents more than 4,200 member companies.