Fockele chooses project manager for Huntsville

The Fockele Garden Co. of Gainesville recently named Jason Somerville as its Landscape Maintenance Project Manager for Magnolia Trace in Huntsville, Ala.

As Landscape Maintenance Project Manager, Somerville oversees the maintenance of the 42-acre ACTS Retirement-Life Community.

Somerville is a 2002 graduate of Clemson University, earning a bachelor's degree in horticulture with a minor in urban forestry. He spent nearly six years with Southern Living magazine as a horticulturist for the Custom Landscape Program and as a consultant for the Garden Features Department.

The Fockele Garden Co. provides clients with maintenance, landscape and residential gardens throughout the Southeast. Contact 770-532-7117.

Gainesville Edward Jones adviser earns service honor

Edward Jones financial adviser Lance R. Gresham of the Gainesville Community recently received the A.F. McKenzie Achievement Award for his outstanding business building skills and client service efforts over the past year. The award is named for Al McKenzie, who developed the firm's training program during his nearly 60 years of service with Edward Jones.

"Gresham is an outstanding member of the Edward Jones team who personifies the ideal financial advisor, someone who is 100 percent dedicated to serving the financial needs of his clients," said James D. Weddle, Edward Jones' managing partner. "I am very pleased to present this well-deserved award."

Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis.

Hamilton State changes personnel at new branches

Braselton-based Hamilton State Bank has announced personnel changes at its newest branches, formerly McIntosh State Bank, which were acquired June 17 in receivership from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Bruce Bartholomew has been named the new Market President for Hamilton State Bank's South Region, and William K. "Pete" Malone will continue with the bank in a business development role.

"Bruce and Pete have developed extensive ties to the community and are committed to our customers," Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver said. "With their guidance in our South Region, we expect Hamilton State Bank to be a leader in our new market."

Bartholomew, a longtime banker in the area and former president and COO of McIntosh State Bank, will manage the day-to-day operation of the branches in Jackson, McDonough, Monticello and Locust Grove.

Malone, who previously served McIntosh State Bank as chairman for 11 years and CEO for 35 years, will now assume a business development role and serve as a community ambassador for Hamilton State Bank on a reduced time basis.

Hamilton State Bank also has promoted Rob Beall to Senior Credit Officer. Beall has worked for six years as a loan officer in the McDonough branch and will have offices in both the Jackson and McDonough branches moving forward.

The bank's East Region is centered at its Braselton headquarters and consists of branches in Barrow, Hall, Forsyth and Jackson counties.

Hamilton State also named Keith Caudell as its Regional President for the west region of Georgia.

In his new role, he will oversee Hamilton State Bank's four branches in Bartow and Cobb counties. The branches were part of the former Bartow County Bank that Hamilton State Bank acquired April 15 from the FDIC.

Caudell, a Cleveland native, has 32 years of community banking experience and has been the CEO and president of three community banks in Georgia, as well as a regional bank president for another.

"I've been a community banker all my life," Caudell said. "During my career, my energy and passion comes from building a knowledgeable team that develops long term relationships with customers."

Caudell is a graduate of White County High School and the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Lynn, have two children.