Business briefs

Local Allstate Agent wins top honor

Allstate Insurance Co. recently awarded Martinez Allstate Agent Tom Sorrells the Agency of the Year Award in his territory and the Life Leader Award in the state for his superior achievement in auto, property, commercial and life insurance sales in 2002. Sorrells, joined Allstate in May 1979, was also awarded the prestigious National Conference and Honor Ring awards.

Dual honors for Kathy Riddleberger Durden

Kathy Riddleberger Durden recently received two honors. Durden was named Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare for 2002-2003. A professional in the mental health/substance abuse field for more than 15 years, she also was recently honored with the Ann James Award for her presentation on "Sensitivity in Program Planning" in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

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She is presently the Adult Mental Health Day Services Coordinator for Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services in Swainsboro, Ga.

Harlem resident graduates from NADA/ATD Dealer Candidate Academy

Brian Culpepper of Culpepper Motor Co. graduated recently from the Dealer Candidate Academy of the National Automobile Dealers Association.

This specialized training curriculum is designed to prepare dealer-successors and key management personnel to operate a new-car or -truck dealership.

Alalof serves as chairman

Columbia County resident M. David Alalof will serve as chairman of the Georgia's five-member State Personnel Board for the next year.

Alalof is president of A.H.S. & Associates Insurance. He and his wife Meryl, a retired school administrator, are long-time residents of Augusta.

In addition to Alalof, Geri P. Thomas, Senior Vice President of Bank of America, will serve as Vice-chair of the State Personnel Board, and Thomas T. Irvin, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Agriculture, will serve as Vice-chair of the Employee Benefits Plan Council. Georgia Merit System Commissioner, Marjorie H. Young serves as Executive Secretary for the Board and the Council.