Two earn special certifications

Merri Mai Williamson, founder and chairwoman of Applications Researchers, and Toni Grant, human resources manager with the firm, have earned certification as senior professionals in human resources from the HR Certification Institute.

"Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession," said Mary Power, executive director of the HR Certification Institute.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience, according to a news release.

The institute is the credentialing group for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management.

Merger produces OrthoSouth

Four local orthopedic surgeons from three practices have combined into a group that will be known as OrthoSouth, according to an announcement.

Dr. Richard Alvarez of Southern Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center brings a large subspecialty foot and ankle practice. Dr. Jad Dorizas of Wellspring Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics is an arthroscopic specialist of the knee and shoulder and is a team physician for UTC, Bryan College and Lee University.

Drs. Channappa Chandra and Mark Freeman of Orthopaedic Institute of Chattanooga provide general orthopedic surgery care of adults and children, the release said.

Dr. Chandra has 27 years' experience handling all general orthopedic conditions, it was stated, while Dr. Freeman specializes in hip, knee and shoulder problems.

All four of the physicians are certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and are on the faculty of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine residency training program.

The main office of OrthoSouth is downtown while there are satellites in East Brainerd and Hixson.

Orthodontist heads state group

Dr. James W. McDaniel, a local orthodontist, has become president-elect of the Tennessee Association of Orthodontists.

He opened his orthodontic practice in 1977 in Chattanooga. His son, Dr. Andrew McDaniel, joined the practice five years ago. They have satellite offices in Cleveland and Jasper, Tenn.

Walldorf earns certification

Nathan Walldorf of Herman Walldorf & Co. Realtors has earned the short sales and foreclosure resource certification from the National Association of Realtors.

A news release said those earning the certification are able to help buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions.

An NAR survey recently showed nearly a third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures.

"As leading advocates for homeownership, Realtors believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results," 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said.

"Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it's extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a Realtor who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases," he said.

Prudential salutes Edrington Team

Grace, George and Doug Edrington, members of The Edrington Team at Prudential Realty Center, were recently saluted at the Prudential Real Estate national convention by being named winners of Prudential's Platinum Award.

They received the recognition for being in the top 1 percent of all real estate teams in the country, a news release said.

Former Olympic gold medalist skater Scott Hamilton presented them with their award.

North receives designation

Kathy North of Keller Williams Realty Downtown has earned the certified distressed property expert designation.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," she said. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said Realtors like Ms. North with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales and can offer a homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training onsite and online, a news release said.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Mr. Charfen said.

Roberson named group chairman

Dr. Eddie Roberson, a former Chattanoogan who serves as a member of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, has been named to lead a national panel that provides educational opportunities for state public service commissioners across the nation.

He will lead the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' subcommittee on education and research. The association represents the country's state public service commissioners who regulate essential utility services.

Dr. Roberson was appointed by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority in 2006 and was reappointed two years ago. He served as chairman of the TRA in 2007-2009.

Hamilton Place carnival opens

Hamilton Place mall's spring carnival will run through April 11.

It will feature more than 30 rides, games and attractions along with traditional carnival food and concessions.

The carnival is located across from Abuelo's and will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 9 p.m., including Easter.

Chatt Town Scooters opens

Chatt Town Scooters recently celebrated its 324 Market St. location on the North Shore.

Its 1,300-square-foot showroom and store is a one-stop destination for all things scooter-related, a news release said.

The store has sales, service, parts and repairs of scooters and accessories. Scooter rentals are also available.

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