Business Briefs

Published 10:30 am Sunday, October 1, 2017

Adams joins SGMC Lakeland

LAKELAND — South Georgia Medical Center campuses and affiliates recently welcomed Dr. Kyle Adams, MD, to its Lanier Campus.

Adams is board certified in family medicine and will join Dr. Cliff Thomas in providing comprehensive primary care to patients 12 years and older, according to an SGMC press release. Initially, Adams will provide care to patients in Dr. Mandy Lucas’ office until she returns in November. Upon her return, Adams and Thomas plan to relocate to an office in Valdosta. 

Adams received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Florida Hospital Allopathic Family Medicine in Orlando, Fla.

Adams received his bachelor’s of science and master’s in public health from Texas A&M University. Adams is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Board of Family Medicine.

Adams has lived in many places but calls Texas his home, according to the press release. When he’s not caring for patients, Adams spends time with his wife, Emma, and daughter Lily. He also hunts, water and snow skis, and cooks. Additionally, he said he enjoys watching college and professional football. 

Patients can schedule appointments during the office hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling (229) 433-8909.

Herndon observes anniversaries

VALDOSTA — The Herndon Company recognized Laurie Gulliksen, 25 years, Stephanie Guess Wallace, 12 years, Sue Barnes, 10 years of dedicated service to the real estate industry and The Herndon Company, according to an organizational press release.

James Lee Herndon, broker/owner, presented the recognition of achievement at the awards/sales meeting at Friends Café.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver cuts ribbon

VALDOSTA – The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out’s new permanent location.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out is an organization that allows the caregivers for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients to have a day off from the physical and mental work it takes to care for their clients, according to the chamber.

“We give the caregivers time to rest and have a life of their own,” said Ann Walker-Smith, program director for Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out is the only respite care service that serves a light breakfast and hot lunch to all their clients and volunteers at the facility, according to a chamber press release. It also keeps clients busy and entertained with crafts, games, music and holiday parties.

Walker-Smith said the facility has a “warm and loving atmosphere staffed with sincere caregivers.”

It is always looking for volunteers within the community to participate in daily activities, assist in fundraising, or joining as a board member, according to the press release.

Visit Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out at 1207 Williams St. or call (229) 245-9094.

Talley named Employee of the Month 

VALDOSTA — Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome honored Lt. Jeffrey Talley as the city Employee of the Month for September.

Talley received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall, according to a city press release.

Talley has been employed with the VFD for 17 years and is responsible for managing the daily operations at the company level, supervising two to three employees, and assuming command during emergency incidents.

In April, VFD firefighters responded to two separate structure fires which resulted in four dogs being rescued. Three out of the four dogs survived. One of the dogs suffered from smoke inhalation and required assistance by SGMC EMS, according to the city.

Since pet oxygen masks were not available, EMS used a human oxygen mask to provide oxygen to the dog until the dog’s breathing returned to normal.

The incident spurred Talley to research resources for pets suffering from smoke inhalation. He soon discovered and contacted a company called Invisible Fence that donates pet oxygen masks through its Project Breathe. 

Talley’s initiative led to the VFD receiving a donated supply of one oxygen mask kit per engine truck containing a small, medium and large mask that fits most domesticated animals, according to the press release.

Firefighters on all Valdosta engine companies are now efficiently trained to administer oxygen with the new masks to animals who suffer from smoke inhalation.

Valdosta Insurance Services named Leading Business

VALDOSTA – The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors honored Valdosta Insurance Services, Inc. as the Leading Business of the Week.

Valdosta Insurance Services has been a locally owned and operated agency in the City of Valdosta since 1933 and has been a member of the chamber since 1957.

Valdosta Insurance Services stands out by providing customers with “exceptional customer service from local people that they know with a personal touch,” according to the chamber press release.

“In the age of online solicitations and 800 numbers we want to stand out as capable of delivering the same availability from someone local that you know and trust,” said Matt Dorsey, Valdosta Insurance Services operations manager.

“The chamber has been a resource for our office in times of change and has provided us with opportunities for contact with like-minded businesses,” Dorsey said.

For more information about Valdosta Insurance Services, Inc., call (229) 242-4560 or visit 812 Northwood Park Drive.

The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the chamber for at least five years. The 2017 Leading Business of the Week program is sponsored by Ashley’s Business Solutions. For more information, visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week.