Business Briefs March 17

Published 12:08 pm Sunday, March 17, 2024

The Real Deal Louisiana Eats

holds grand opening

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce has announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of The Real Deal Louisiana Eats, located at 1406 N. Ashley St. in Valdosta. This momentous occasion marked the arrival of an authentic Cajun dining experience in Valdosta, brought to life by a Louisiana native, owner Isaish Mangham.

The Real Deal Louisiana Eats was born out of Mangham’s passion for sharing his culture through food. Recognizing the absence of an authentic Cajun restaurant in Valdosta, Mangham saw an opportunity to fill that void and provide South Georgia with a taste of Louisiana like never before. Since his relocation to Valdosta in 2008, Mangham said, he has witnessed the city’s growth and was eager to contribute to its culinary landscape.

The Real Deal Louisiana Eats prides itself on sourcing most of its products directly from Louisiana, ensuring an authentic and flavorful dining experience for its clients.

“We are honored to be a part of the Valdosta community and grateful for the support we have received,” Mangham said. He added, “The Chamber has played a crucial role, providing invaluable networking opportunities and increasing visibility for our business through various platforms.”

To commemorate its membership with the Chamber of Commerce, The Real Deal Louisiana Eats hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 29.

SGMC Health names Edwards Director of Internal Audit

SGMC Health is pleased to welcome Chris Edwards as its Director of Internal Audit for the health system.

In this role, Edwards will oversee the assessment and management of risks, evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, and communicate findings to senior management and the board to ensure compliance, efficiency, and accountability, according to a press release from the health system.

Edwards brings a wealth of experience to his role, having spent more than a decade in internal audit and public accounting roles. His extensive background in internal audit, coupled with his certifications as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, uniquely positions him to lead this critical function within SGMC Health.

“I am thrilled to join the SGMC Health team as the Director of Internal Audit,” said Edwards. “I look forward to working closely with the hospital authority board and executives to ensure areas of concern are evaluated appropriately so that key stakeholders are well informed of inherent risks, as well as potential solutions. I am eager to build positive working relationships with process owners across the health system.”

He is a graduate of Valdosta State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2012, and Stetson University, where he obtained his Masters of Accounting in 2015.

He is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to his wife Bethany, and they have two daughters, Lilly and Josie.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

SGMC Health recognizes

Parker with DAISY Award

SGMC Health honored Madison Parker, RN, with the March DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing. Parker was recognized for her attentiveness and compassion.

She was nominated by a patient in the intensive care unit who was suffering from cardiac issues. The patient describes how Parker “stayed glued to [the] monitors” to address any issues as they arose. He notes how impressed he was that Parker displayed both empathy and skill by helping him throughout the night and calling the doctor when she was troubled by something.

“I know it’s expected of nurses who work in intensive care to be the best that they can be, but Madison went way beyond those expectations in taking care of me during a possibly deadly situation,” he shared. “She is an extraordinary young woman and nurse — a highly qualified one with a big heart.”

SGMC Health continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their actions and care. Nominations are reviewed by a committee based on criteria that include compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, and skills and knowledge.

DAISY awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” They also receive a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. A special floral arrangement of daisies was generously donated by The Flower Gallery, the local sponsor of SGMC Health’s DAISY Award.

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY award, visit sgmc.org/daisy.

SGMC Health names Usry

Director of Biomedical

Engineering

SGMC Health is pleased to welcome Mark Usry as the Director of Biomedical Engineering for the health system. Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to medicine and biology to improve healthcare.

In this role, Usry will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overall well-being of the biomedical and radiology equipment across all SGMC Health facilities.

With a wealth of experience spanning nearly four decades, Usry brings a deep understanding of biomedical engineering and a proven track record of excellence, according to a press release from the health system. He began his career in 1986 at Doctor’s Hospital Augusta, where he pioneered the hospital’s first official Biomedical Engineering program.

Throughout his career, Usry has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, SGMC Health said. In 1999, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own Biomedical Service company alongside his wife. Serving a diverse clientele of physician surgery centers, practices, and hospitals across the Southeast, Usry gained invaluable experience in providing tailored solutions and exceptional support.

Usry’s journey in the healthcare sector continued to evolve as he assumed leadership roles, including Director of Plant Operations and later transitioning back to his passion for biomedical engineering.

Usry expressed his enthusiasm for joining the SGMC Health team. “It’s an honor to become part of SGMC Health, a community-focused institution renowned for its dedication to patient care and excellence,” he said. “I am eager to lead the Biomedical and Radiology support service, ensuring that every interaction embodies the warmth and professionalism that defines SGMC Health.”

He graduated from Augusta Technical College with an associate’s degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Usry is married to his wife, Lynn, and they have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

Gangler named environmental manager for city Utilities

Department

The City of Valdosta recently announced the appointment of Joseph Gangler as the environmental manager for the Utilities Department.

Assistant Utilities Director Jason Barnes expressed his enthusiasm in making this announcement, highlighting Gangler’s exceptional dedication and expertise.

“Joseph Gangler has consistently demonstrated his capabilities and commitment to excellence throughout his tenure with the City of Valdosta,” Barnes said. “His comprehensive understanding of environmental management programs and his proven leadership skills make him exceptionally well-suited for this role.”

With eight years of dedicated service, Gangler’s journey from meter reader to fog coordinator showcases his commitment and expertise.

“I feel greatly honored that I’ve been selected to fulfill this position for the City of Valdosta, and I look forward to working with the city for the next several years as we work to protect the environment and the citizens of Valdosta,” said Gangler.

Gangler’s responsibilities as environmental manager encompass overseeing critical programs vital to environmental sustainability.

These include the Centralized Laboratory, Water Shed Protection Program, Industrial Pre-Treatment Program, Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Prevention Program, and the Cross-Connection Control Program, also known as Backflow.