COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES was established in 1995. It is the first and only Local News Wire to the Savannah area media provided by Carriage Trade Public Relations
Read More
COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES was established in 1995. It is the first and only Local News Wire to the Savannah area media provided by Carriage Trade Public Relations
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Inspire Your Community podcast, which was launched this year by Chris Tilton, one of two principals at the Dewitt Tilton Group construction firm, to share inspiring local stories of inspiration, kindness and positivity, wrapped up 2019 with a $2,000 donation to Backpacks of Love and a volunteer session of packing family food boxes.
The podcast launched in the spring of 2019, seeking to inspire the community with true stories and to support the organizations that generated those stories with Dewitt Tilton Group’s philanthropy. Projects to date have included support for the family of a police officer who lost his life in the line of duty, funding for art supplies at a local elementary school and a creative project that supports local breast cancer survivors.
For the final episode of the year, the podcast turned its attention to the Backpacks of Love program in Richmond Hill, Ga. This organization, launched in January 2013, sends needy and potentially hungry children home with bags of food every Friday, as well as boxes of food on holiday breaks, filling the gaps ordinarily filled by their school-based breakfasts and lunches. The United Way of the Coastal Empire partners with the New Beginnings Community Church to provide funding that allows the group to obtain food from Second Harvest Food Bank, and other donations supplement the amount and type of food included.
Each Friday, the participating children each receive a bag containing two entrees such as soup or ravioli, a two-pack of instant oatmeal, an individual cereal package, a granola bar, fruit snack, crackers, cookies, fruit cup or fresh fruit, juice box and shelf-stable milk.
Melodie Lane, director of Backpacks of Love, worked with the Dewitt Tilton Group before the holiday break as they and their families packed over 25 food boxes with a ham or turkey, instant potatoes, canned yams, six to eight cans of vegetables and a can of gravy, several boxes of macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, beans, bread, rice, cornmeal mix, pancake mix and syrup, cake mix and frosting, plus a bag of candy canes or other holiday candy.
“The thought of children going hungry is just not acceptable,” said Chris Tilton, host of the podcast. “We wanted to support Backpacks of Love because these folks are not only feeding children during the holidays but throughout the school year. This effort is truly inspiring.”
The podcast is accessible on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8CfBaANc9J4. It is also streamable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and other places where podcasts can be found.
For more information on the Backpacks of Love program, visit https://richmondhill.church/backpacks
MORE INFORMATION ON DEWITT TILTON GROUP
The Dewitt Tilton Group, a premier construction firm in the Lowcountry, specializes in commercial construction. The principals, Andrew Dewitt and Chris Tilton, have over 50 years of combined experience in the local construction industry. The firm manages every aspect of a commercial project from pre-construction to the final walkthrough. Known for using only highly reputable contractors, the Dewitt Tilton Group brings to the table design, engineering and construction capabilities which guarantees a smooth construction process for each client. The firm is headquartered at 2807-A Roger Lacey Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404. For more information or to contact the Dewitt Tilton Group, please call 912.777.3404 or visit www.dewitttiltongroup.com.
CONTACT
Kim Thomas
Dewitt Tilton Group
912-777-3404
kim@dewitttiltongroup.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912.856.9075
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Veterinary Medical Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Mallory Turner von Waldner has joined the practice as the newest associate veterinarian. In her new position, von Waldner will be responsible for routine appointments, performing surgeries, caring for sick patients, counseling clients and providing recommendations based on diagnostic tests.
Originally from Savannah, the Savannah Country Day School graduate earned a degree in animal sciences at Clemson University and is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
She is continuing her education with the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to learn small animal acupuncture.
Von Waldner previously worked at Savannah Veterinary Medical Center during the summer and other breaks throughout her college and veterinary school years. She is excited to be back at the clinic.
“Dr. Brian Mulvey, his staff and clients have always been wonderful. I am honored to become part of the work-family so I can continue to learn from Dr. Mulvey and provide great veterinary care in the Savannah community,” von Waldner said.
The opportunity to return to her hometown was also a blessing, she said.
“After living away from Savannah for seven years, I have longed for my return following graduation. It brings me great joy that I am now back with my family and in the town I adore,” von Waldner said.
Von Waldner is married to Kevin von Waldner and they have two adorable dogs. For more information, visit http://savannahveterinarymedical.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912-856-9075
www.crussomarketing.com
COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES was established in 1995. It is the first and only Local News Wire to the Savannah area media provided by Carriage Trade Public Relations
Two Bethesda Academy Teachers Earn “Master Teacher” Status Awarded by SCISA
(SAVANNAH, GA) Two teachers at Bethesda Academy, a private day and boarding school for young men grades six through 12, were granted “master teacher” status after evaluation by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).
Craig Sherman, Bethesda Academy 
Jennifer Gilmour, Bethesda Academy
Craig Sherman and Jennifer Gilmour are the recipients of this honor. Sherman teaches social studies and history. Gilmour is a science and mathematics teacher, as well as a cottage teacher, whose responsibilities include ensuring all students staying in the cottage complete homework assignments, finish chores and are in bed on time.
“This is a major accomplishment for Mr. Sherman and Mrs. Gilmour, as well as for Bethesda Academy on several counts,” said Michael Hughes, president of Bethesda. “Firstly, an amazing amount of work goes into the application, so it is a lengthy and arduous process. Additionally, it is very rare for one school to have two master teachers named at once.”
The application process includes meeting rigorous teaching qualifications and submitting an entire portfolio for evaluation by a peer committee. It also entails presentations and exhausting interviews, endorsement letters from school officials and sample lesson plans.
“In their evaluation, SCISA staff also noted a ‘surge in professional development and teaching quality at Bethesda,’ because two of our teachers, Kim Godbee-Glisson and Elizabeth Peek, had been recent finalists for Teacher of the Year,” said Hughes. “This recognition is a tribute to our entire faculty and staff. Each consistently personifies Bethesda’s commitment to ensuring students receive a superior education that will enable them to mature into young men with the potential to lead exemplary lives.”
Having formerly been affiliated with the Georgia Independent School Association, Bethesda Academy has been a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association since 2014. SCISA is a non-profit voluntary association of independent schools responsible for establishing accreditation standards, coordinating athletic and academic competitions and providing professional development opportunities for member schools.
ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
Holiday Meals Delivered to Thunderbolt Firefighters, Police Officers and Utility Workers from Local Commercial Construction Firm, the Dewitt Tilton Group
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Dewitt Tilton Group, a premier construction firm in the Lowcountry, showed its gratitude in a special way to the Town of Thunderbolt’s firefighters, police officers and utility workers.
The leadership team and employees of the Dewitt Tilton Group personally delivered Thanksgiving lunches from Thunderbolt restaurant Coach’s Corner at 12 p.m.
“This is our small way of saying thank you to these men and women who work tirelessly to ensure our safety and comfort throughout the holiday season,” said Chris Tilton, one of two principals at the Dewitt Tilton Group. “While we’re enjoying this Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, we wanted these folks, who often don’t get that time off, to know we’re thinking of them and all they do for us.”
This is the second year that the Dewitt Tilton Group has delivered holiday meals to Thunderbolt’s first responders and the first year of providing the meals to the utility workers. In total, over 20 meals were delivered.
ABOUT THE DEWITT TILTON GROUP
The Dewitt Tilton Group, a premier construction firm located in Savannah, Ga., specializes in commercial construction. The principals, Andrew Dewitt and Chris Tilton, have over 50 years of combined experience in the local construction industry. The firm manages every aspect of a commercial project from pre-construction to the final walkthrough. Known for using only highly reputable contractors, the Dewitt Tilton Group brings to the table design, engineering and construction capabilities which guarantees a smooth construction process for each client. The firm is located at 2807-A Roger Lacey Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404. For more information or to contact the Dewitt Tilton Group, please call 912.777.3404 or visit www.dewitttiltongroup.com
CONTACT
Kim Thomas
The Dewitt Tilton Group
912-777-3404
kim@dewitttiltongroup.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912-856-9075
Leadership Southeast Georgia Announces 2020 Board of Directors
(SAVANNAH, GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA), an innovative leadership program serving a 10-county area of southeast Georgia, has announced its Board of Directors. Brynn Grant now chairs the board, assuming the role filled previously by Lee Beckmann of the Georgia Ports Authority.
Grant is the chief operating officer of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, where she has been on staff for more than 18 years. COO since 2013, Brynn also serves as vice president of the World Trade Center of Savannah, a role she has held since the organization was launched in 2011. The Liberty County native holds a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Leadership Southeast Georgia and Leadership Georgia.
LSEGA’s new vice-chairman is Jared Downs with the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. He, too, is a product of the program he now helps lead — in addition to completing the Leadership Georgia program in 2019, he and his wife Kathryn graduated from LSEGA in 2015 and 2016 respectively, and Jared participated in Leadership Savannah in 2008.
Other members of LSEGA’s executive board include:
Treasurer: Jesse Bentley, Evans General Contractors (Chatham Co.);
Secretary: Margaret VanHouten, DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper (Liberty Co.); and
Immediate Past Chairman: Lee Beckmann, Georgia Ports Authority (Chatham Co.)
Additional board members are:
Alyce Thornhill, Georgia Lottery (Camden Co.);
Brianne Yontz (Bryan Co.);
Cedric King, Pinova (Glynn Co.);
Frank Fortune, The Fortune Image (Bulloch Co.);
James Coughlin, Camden County Joint Development Authority (Camden Co.);
Jason Coley, Georgia Power (McIntosh Co.);
Jessica Hood, Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (Effingham Co.);
Joe Marchese, Joe Marchese Construction (Effingham Co.);
Jon Seagraves, Citizens Bank (Bryan Co.);
Kendria Lee, Georgia Southern University (Bulloch Co.);
Marcus Sack, P.C. Simonton (Liberty Co.);
Patton Dugas, SunTrust Bank (Chatham Co.);
Robert Grant, Junior Achievement (Effingham Co.);
Stephanie Dammen-Morrell, Hussey Gay Bell (Liberty Co.); and
Wade Herring, HunterMaclean (Chatham Co.).
For more information, visit http://www.lsega.com/
ABOUT LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Leadership Southeast Georgia is a five-month region-wide program designed to equip, empower and connect community leaders to most effectively advance positive growth and improve the quality of life in the southeast Georgia region. The executive board and program participants represent a variety of industries across Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties. From February through May, the class spends two to three days a month traveling to surrounding counties exploring regional issues such as healthcare, education, natural resources, economic development and transportation. For more information, visit http://www.lsega.com/
CONTACT
Brynn Grant
Chair
Leadership Southeast Georgia
lsegainfo@gmail.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912.856.9075
Chris Gignac Recognized as an FPC Platinum Plus Recruiter in Production
(SAVANNAH, GA) Chris Gignac, with FPC of Savannah, has been recognized by FPC National as a Platinum Plus Recruiter for her success in placing top-level candidates with companies that are the best fit.
Since 1990, FPC of Savannah has served the city as an executive recruiting firm specializing in the placement of top-tier business professionals. This year, the firm was recognized as the top producing office among 65 franchises nationwide.
This marks the third time Gignac has made the list of Platinum Recruiters in only her fourth year with FPC of Savannah. In 2018 she became the top FPC recruiter nationwide and is projected to rank within the top 10 again this year.
Gignac, who joined FPC of Savannah in 2015, specializes in recruiting for supply chain and procurement positions after spending 13 years coaching college basketball, including a stint as the women’s basketball coach at Georgia Southern University.
“I was attracted to a career with FPC of Savannah because the skills from my basketball coaching career actually proved transferrable,” said Gignac. “I wanted to keep recruiting, but starting a young family made following my career all over the country difficult, and I have loved being able to settle down here.”
She received a master’s degree in English literature from the University of New Hampshire. Gignac has an undergraduate degree from Providence College, where she played collegiate basketball and graduated with honors.
“Those years on the basketball court taught me invaluable business lessons,” Gignac said. “Among them managing relationships, juggling multiple obligations simultaneously, prioritizing, as well as the importance of hustle and competitiveness.”
Gignac and her husband Marc are parents to two sons, aged 5 years and 18 months.
ABOUT FPC OF SAVANNAH
Founded in 1990, FPC of Savannah is an executive recruiting firm specializing in the placement of top-tier business professionals. Nationally, FPC is listed as one of Forbes Top 50 Executive Search Firms. In 2018, FPC of Savannah was recognized as the top producing office in the nation out of the 65 franchises. The firm is owned by Mort Shor and operates out of two offices, both located in Savannah’s historic district and his team of recruiters specializes in placing executives in a variety of fields including: distribution and logistics; engineering and project engagement; environmental, health and safety; finance and accounting; hospitality; human resources; lean and six sigma; legal; operations and senior management; quality; sales and marketing; athletics; educational systems; healthcare; specialty chemicals; and supply chain For more information, visit https://www.fpcsav.com/
Computers Donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jasper County from Peacock Automotive
(JASPER COUNTY, S.C.) Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jasper County received 16 refurbished desktop computers that will be used to advance educational programs as the Club aims to empower youth to excel in school, practice good citizenship and lead healthy, productive lives. This donation was presented by Peacock Automotive.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs are so grateful for this donation. Our world is driven by technology, but it can still be costly to provide our Club members with access to the equipment necessary to develop computer skills they will need every day,” said James Dismond, area director of resource development for the Clubs.
Dismond especially looks forward to the impact the computers will have on the Clubs’ literacy program, which bridges in-person tutoring with online learning engagement to help members learn and retain improved reading abilities.
“My team with Peacock Information Technology is thrilled that we can do well by the Boys & Girls Clubs with these computers,” said John Chapman, chief technical officer for Peacock Automotive. “Although we quickly outgrow PCs in our industry, they still make great additions for any classroom, learning center or lab.”
The Dell all-in-one computers features include updated operating systems, 23-inch screens, a minimum of 4 gigabytes of RAM, built-in DVD drives, integrated Intel graphics and Ethernet ports, headphone and mic jacks, keyboards and mice.
ABOUT PEACOCK AUTOMOTIVE
Peacock Automotive owns and operates 12 automotive dealerships representing 21 brands in Ga., S.C. and Fla., employing more than 700 individuals. The company’s headquarters are located at Peacock Auto Mall on U.S. 278, five miles east of I-95 at Exit 8 near Bluffton, S.C. The dealerships at the Auto Mall include Peacock Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, Peacock Subaru, Porsche of Hilton Head, Audi Hilton Head, Jaguar Land Rover Hilton Head, Peacock Hyundai Hilton Head, Genesis of Hilton Head, and Hilton Head Volkswagen. Additionally, the company owns Peacock Hyundai Savannah, Genesis of Savannah and Savannah Volkswagen in Savannah, Ga. Other holdings include Jaguar Land Rover Columbia, Peacock Hyundai Columbia and Hyundai Genesis of Columbia. Its subsidiary, Peacock-Griffey Automotive, owns Peacock Ford in the Orlando area of Fla. Peacock Automotive also owns and operates the Peacock Collision Center in Bluffton, S.C., and Peacock Insurance in Ga., S.C. and Fla. For more information about Peacock Automotive, call (843) 208-1258 or visit https://www.peacockautomotive.com/
CONTACT
Jill Jauch
Peacock Automotive
265 Drivers Way
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Office: 843-208-1217
jj@peacockautomotive.com
RSS Feed
Recent Comments