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Newsmakers, July 6
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Braden joins hospitalist program
The Longstreet Clinic has announced that Robin Braden, a nurse practitioner, has joined Northeast Georgia Inpatient Services' hospitalist program.

A 1975 graduate of Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Braden went on to receive two master's degrees in nursing from Emory, with specialties in adult health and acute care.

She has more than 30 years of experience as a registered nurse in Northeast Georgia. Braden also held teaching positions at Emory and North Georgia College & State University. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau, National Honor Society of Nursing.

The hospitalist program focuses on caring solely for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists ensure continuity of care as they consult with specialists, discuss diagnostic test results and answer questions about patient care.

Northeast Georgia Inpatient Services currently employs 16 physicians and three nurse practitioners.

Pilgrim named senior auditor by Rushton & Co
Clay Pilgrim, a member of the audit staff of Rushton & Co., has obtained certification as a certified public accountant and was promoted to senior auditor within the Gainesville-based accounting firm.

As senior auditor, Pilgrim's responsibilities include assistance with the supervision of audits and staff as well as conducting governmental and nonprofit audits. Pilgrim also is a certified fraud examiner. He earned a degree in accounting from North Georgia College & State University.

Farr, Meusen complete internships
Lija Farr and Jessica Meusen recently completed internships with the Gainesville-based accounting firm of Rushton & Co.

Farr assisted in the preparation of individual income tax returns, data entry functions, bank reconciliations and financial statements. He graduated in May 2008 from North Georgia College & State University as a cum laude graduate with dual majors in management and accounting.

A Gainesville native, Farr is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta national honor societies for business administration and Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Meusen assisted in tax preparation, audits and special projects. She is pursuing a dual degree in accounting and finance from North Georgia College and is scheduled to graduate in August 2009.

Meusen has won numerous academic awards and is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

Schlatmann named operations manager for Hampton Inn at Mall of Georgia
Hotel Equities recently named Joe Schlatmann as operations manager for the Hampton Inn Mall of Georgia. Schlatmann has responsibility for overseeing the daily operation of the hotel's front desk, internal sales, accounting, budgeting, housekeeping and engineering functions.

"Joe brings good skills and an excellent background in hospitality to our Mall of Georgia hotel," said Fred Cerrone, president and CEO of Hotel Equities. "The hotel will benefit from his dedication, enthusiasm and genuine concern for our guests."

Schlatmann began his career in hospitality at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Gainesville. In 2005, he joined Hotel Equities at the Spring Hill Suites-Alpharetta where he worked as a guest service representative.

Schlatmann lives in Gainesville with his wife and young daughter. His interests include coaching Little League baseball as well as fishing and hunting in his free time.

Sprayberry honored by Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Forsyth County Deputy Sheriff Tim Sprayberry has been selected as the North Precinct's Deputy of the Month for June.

Sprayberry, who was employed with the sheriff's office in June 2006, was selected among his peers for his outstanding work in May.

Sprayberry's selection for this award comes in part because of his proactive role in the apprehension of the leader of the "Blue Jean Bandits" during a manhunt in the North Forsyth area.

Though he was off duty at the time, Sprayberry had his sheriff's office portable radio with him to keep abreast of a man hunt in the area of Ga. 306 and Ga. 9. He observed a suspicious vehicle and called for a deputy check it out. This led to the arrest of the suspect and subsequently led to the apprehension of several accomplices.

Collins receives associate broker's license
Kathline Collins of Collins Property Group and Keller Williams Realty Lanier Partners has received her associate broker's license from the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Collins specializes in residential resale, new construction and land sales for the firm.