Michels appointed at Life Care Centers

Leigh Michels was promoted to director of Life Care Centers of America's public relations department in Cleveland, Tenn.

Formerly public relations coordinator, Michels now leads the team in the communication efforts of the corporate office and Life Care facilities nationwide.

She will oversee production of marketing collateral, the company's two major magazines and direct mail recruitment efforts. She also will contribute to media and community relations efforts.

"Leigh Michels is a gifted individual with talent and personality that make her an excellent choice for this important role in our company," said Beecher Hunter, Life Care president.

Michels graduated from Lee University with a bachelor's degree in communication.

Martin joins center as surgery nurse

North Georgia Surgery & Comprehensive Breast Center recently added licensed practical nurse Cindy Martin to its surgery team.

She works alongside the general surgeons to assist with in-office procedures, prepares patients for examinations, coordinates outpatient tests and schedules doctor referrals. She also serves as a patient liaison to navigate the journey of North Georgia Surgery's cancer patients.

Martin earned her nursing degree from Dalton State College.

North Georgia Surgery is in Dalton, Ga., at 1504 N. Thornton Ave., Suite 101, in the North Georgia Medical Plaza.

Walker Chamber honors businesses

The Walker County Chamber of Commerce in LaFayette, Ga., honored the top three recipients of the Small Business of the Year Award recently.

The Jimmy Simpson Foundation was named 2012 Small Business of the Year. The foundation was founded in 1998 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through direct services and education for brain injury.

Executive Director Vickie Hodge said it is "an honor to receive the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award."

The Bank of LaFayette was named the first runner-up. Debbi's Flowers was named second runner-up.

Rees receives travel certification

Shelda Spencer Rees, director of tourism at the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau, has received her certified travel industry specialist certification by the American Bus Association.

Graduates were honored at a special ceremony during the January 2012 American Bus Marketplace in Grapevine, Texas.

Rees has been employed by the bureau for 14 years. She is responsible for domestic and international sales to tour operators, travel agents, AAA members and offices, as well as churches, schools, banks and other leisure travel groups.

"We're very proud of Shelda for earning this certification, said Bob Doak, chief executive of the bureau.

Ooltewah Nursery receives honor

Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape Co. Inc. joined the ranks of the horticulture industry's top independent garden centers when it was named one of the "Revolutionary 100" by Today's Garden Center Magazine.

The program surveys garden center owners and managers and culminates in a listing of the 100 most revolutionary garden centers in the nation. It is open to all independent garden centers, large and small, and is based on leadership and innovation, not on size or revenue.

"We are delighted to be named one of the top 100 garden centers in America for 2012," said Gina Whitener, vice president of Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape.

Announcements should be sent to Deputy Business Editor Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or by calling 423-757-6318.