Wilson Bank and Trust picks Cookeville branch locale

PUTNAM COUNTY – Wilson Bank & Trust has chosen a temporary location for its new Cookeville office and continues to review options for a more permanent address.

John McDearman, executive vice president, told the UCBJ that the bank is looking to set up shop at 701 E. Spring St. A branch application has been filed, while the plans are subject to final approval. The bank continues to search for a location to serve as a full-service office, he said.

Wilson Bank & Trust, which has 25 offices in Middle Tennessee, has a presence already in the Upper Cumberland, with offices in DeKalb and Smith counties. It will be the bank’s first Cookeville office.

The bank also recently announced the hire of Cheryl Sandlin, who has been tapped as the bank’s Putnam County president. Sandlin has been a banker in Cookeville for the past 15 years with both First National Bank and First Tennessee Bank. She’s actively involved with the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Cookeville CityScape, Genesis House, Relay for Life, Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association and more.

As far as other hires, the Cookeville branch will likely start out with around five to seven employees, McDearman said. Wilson Bank and Trust is among the top 10 largest banks in the state with assets of $1.839 billion.

Bluegrass Underground wins ‘event of the year’ distinction

MCMINNVILLE – Bluegrass Underground, an Emmy Award-winning PBS music event series, won an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award recently for “Bluegrass Event of the Year.”

The awards were handed out in October in North Carolina. Bluegrass Underground concerts are held inside Cumberland Caverns in Warren County. TV tapings take place and the shows are aired on PBS TV stations around the country.

J&S Construction announces new HR director

COOKEVILLE – J&S Construction recently announced the appointment of Jennifer Guerrero as the director of human resources.

Guerrero brings a wealth of experience to J&S Construction; having served as the director of recruitment at MasterCorp Inc. for more than nine years and having 10 years of service provided to local businesses throughout Middle Tennessee as a human resources consultant.

In her last role, Guerrero provided strategic human capital planning efforts for 80 timeshare resorts nationwide; led a team of 10 staffing professionals placed throughout the U.S. in full-cycle recruitment efforts for entry level positions to vice president level positions; created, developed and implemented companywide training programs; and supported 110 managers located throughout the country with staffing solutions while executing company policies and procedures, among many other responsibilities.

Guerrero’s human resources responsibilities at J&S Construction include employee benefits; process improvements; employee/leadership training, development and coaching; recruiting and hiring activities; human capital profitability measurements; performance management; overseeing the J&S Construction charitable fund committee; human resources information system; execution of company policies and procedures; among additional responsibilities.

J&S Construction is a privately held construction firm, providing general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for a wide variety of markets, including commercial, healthcare, religious, institutional and industrial facilities. J&S Construction has approximately 115 employees.

UC veterinarian named to executive board

CROSSVILLE – The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) recently named its 2014 executive board, and a Crossville doctor was among those tapped.

Dr. Maben Thompson, Upper Cumberland Veterinary Clinic, Crossville, was appointed president-elect.

Since 1909, the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association has been committed to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine. More than 900 members work to ensure that laws and regulations promote the health and well being of all animals, and protect public health and human welfare. Large and small animal practitioners, students, and veterinary school graduates make up TVMA membership. For more information, visit www.tvmanet.org.

Long-time Edgar Evins park manager to retire

SMITHVILLE – Carl Halfacre is retiring after nearly 40 years as the manager at Edgar Evins State Park in DeKalb County. His last day will be Nov. 14

Halfacre has worked for the state of Tennessee more than 40 years, including 36 years of service at Edgar Evins. He’s been serving as park manager since 1996. There was no word on Halfacre’s replacement.

Edgar Evins is a 6,000-acre recreation park located on Center Hill Lake.

Liz Engel is the editor of the Upper Cumberland Business Journal. She can be reached at liz@ucbjournal.com

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