Oliver joins Prime Properties

VALDOSTA – Prime Properties Services, LLC announced that Jack Oliver has joined the real estate firm as an associate broker.

Oliver is a graduate of Valdosta High School’s Class of 1961, according to a company press release. Oliver attended the University of Georgia on a golf scholarship. He won the SEC individual golf championship as a sophomore in 1963, and in 1965, graduated with a BBA in business.

Following college, Oliver served in the Army for four years, received an honorable discharge as a first lieutenant in 1969, and returned to Valdosta. After a six-year stint in the insurance business, he earned a real estate agent’s license in 1978, a broker’s license in 1981, and co-owned a company as principal broker from 1981-1989.

In 1990, Oliver and two partners acquired a ReMax franchise, and operated ReMax of Valdosta until 2010. After they sold the business, Oliver stayed on as an agent until 2014. He then re-established Jack Oliver Real Estate, which remains an operating business.

“During his distinguished career in real estate, Oliver served for six years as a director on the Valdosta Board of Realtors and received numerous awards for his success throughout the years,” according to the press release. “He was also active in several local civic organizations.”

“I feel extremely fortunate to be joining Prime Properties Services, LLC with Missy Sherwood and Howard Dasher III,” Oliver said in a press release. “Their credentials are stellar and I’m proud to be part of their team as associate broker. I’m ready to take on the challenge of helping them build Prime Properties Services into Valdosta’s premier real estate company.”

Oliver may be reached at (229) 460-1995 or jackoliver@bellsouth.net.

Prime Properties Services is located at 311 N. Patterson St., Suite A. Call (229) 474-4051.

Urban Bella cuts ribbon

VALDOSTA – The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently held a ribbon cutting for Urban Bella Boutique.

Urban Bella Boutique is an addition to the already established Urban Bella Salon, according to a chamber press release. 

“After three years of business at the salon and a passion for all aspects of beauty, Urban Bella decided it was time to make their business a one-stop beauty shop,” according to the chamber. “They are excited to have the chamber to assist in advertising and promoting their latest addition.”

Urban Bella Boutique offers pieces for everyone. It offers everything from professional wear to everyday casual outfits all for a reasonable price, according to the chamber. 

“They take pride in being able to serve a diverse population. Urban Bella boutique caters to all shapes, sizes and genders. They feel it is important to have selections for everyone in Valdosta since they care so much for their community.”

For more information on Urban Bella Boutique, call (229) 671-1070.

 

Winnersville Fitness cuts ribbon

VALDOSTA – Winnersville Fitness, formerly known as Factor x Fitness, is under new ownership and management. 

The new local owners are Paul and Teresa McSwain and Derek Shaw, according to a press release.

McSwain is a Farm Bureau insurance agent, and Shaw is a contractor and owner of Firm Foundation.

They “felt like it was a great opportunity and they were excited to be part of the fitness industry in this area,” according to the press release.”Since purchasing the gym, they have made a lot of great new changes. The facility has had a slight facelift with new top-of-the-line spin bikes being purchased and a spin program being added along with a revamped group fitness program.” 

The gym carries a full line of energy drinks, pre-workout, protein drinks, and other supplements. Getting ready for the summer, it has installed new tanning bulbs in all of the tanning beds and has a variety of the latest tanning lotions. 

The new general manager, Maria Wells, has hired a qualified staff and is a firm believer in keeping things in working order and having a clean facility, according to the press release. 

The gym rates start at only $14.95 a month as well as corporate packages for businesses. Winnersville is also the official gym of the Valdosta State University Red Hots and Hooters girls. It accepts Flex Card payments for VSU students

The gym is a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, has collected food and supplies for hurricane victims and had a major toy drive for the Tree of Giving during Christmas. 

Upcoming events include the Fifth Annual Community & Family Empowerment Day presented by Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority, and in June, Winnersville will sponsor a sanctioned kickboxing event “Throw Down in Title Town” to promote boxing fitness to the community. 

For more information, contact Winnersville Fitness, (229) 469-4292, 1711 Norman Drive.

Belson named rookie agency  

VALDOSTA – Horace Mann, the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on educators’ financial needs, recently recognized Joe Belson’s agency in South Georgia, Financial Solutions for Educators, LLC, as its rookie agency of the year for 2016.

Mann has more than 700 agencies across the country. 

The award is given to an agency that surpasses all other new agencies in total production and service to its clients during the first full calendar year, according to a press release. 

“Belson and his team work tirelessly to support the South Georgia region educators. They review each educator individually to put together a portfolio that works for them where they are financially now and where they want to be in the future,” according to the press release.

Belson attributes much of his success to building relationships and giving back in the form of free workshops at schools on topics such teacher’s retirement system, DonorsChoose.org and student loan forgiveness programs.

“Belson and his agency are more than an insurance company, they are part of our family,” said John Davis, retired Valdosta City School principal and current principal of St. John’s Catholic School. “He takes the time to get to know the teachers and offers workshops throughout the year. And his industry knowledge and advice help teachers get on the right financial track to save for the future.”

Serving educators in South Georgia since 1973, Belson took over as owner of The Horace Mann Companies Financial Solutions for Educators, LLC in June 2015. It works with more than 4,000 educators in Lowndes, Brooks, Tift, Turner, Berrien, Lanier, Echols, Cook, Thomas and Colquitt counties. It provides auto, home and life insurance to protect what teachers and school employees have today, and retirement and financial solutions to help them secure their future.

More information: Follow on Facebook @JoeBelsonHM or visit www.horacemann.com