BusinessTN

On June 12, 2009, Saratoga Technologies announced the acquisition of Johnson City's iPlenus, marking the company's third acquisition in less than two months and its 16th acquisition in eight years. The technology solutions company, which offers products and services in computer networking, printing/copying, telecommunications, business software, programming and Internet solutions, also recently purchased Gilcom and Innovative IT, both located in Pigeon Forge. In April, Saratoga made Accounting Technology magazine's 2009 VAR (Value-added Resellers) 100 List at #44, moving up from 2008's placement of #48 and 2007's placement of #79. It is one of only two Tennessee-based companies to ever make the list.

Taking over for John Melton, who stepped down several months ago for health reasons, as head of Mountain States Health Alliance's flagship hospital, 488-bed Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC). Before taking the position, she served as COO for JCMC, and she joined JCMC from St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Ill. In February, the 69-bed, $36 million Niswonger Children's hospital, which replaced and expanded services previously offered at the Children's Hospital at JCMC, opened on the JCMC campus.

"Saratoga's core offering is managing the computer networks of small- and mid-sized companies. Founded in July 2001 as a Tennessee-registered corporation that originated as a subsidiary of Cape Town, South Africa's Saratoga Software, Saratoga immediately began an acquisition campaign. To date, they have made 12 acquisitions and have grown from two employees to over 60 in just seven years. The company was recently ranked #48 in Accounting Technology magazine's 2008 national list of the country's top accounting solutions providers, up from #79 last year. (Only two Tennessee-based companies made the list.)"

"Marketing executives are shifting their advertising spending from traditional to online media. n-tara, an interactive media development firm, began in 1999 as the brainchild of three then-faculty members of East Tennessee State University teaching in the Digital Animation Lab. n-tara's sales enablement tools created for Xerox recently won ""Best of Show"" at the 2008 Horizon Interactive Awards (considered the ""Oscars"" of interactive international competition), beating out the biggest agencies around the globe and some of the world's most recognizable brands, including Mercedes Benz and Burger King."

President of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. Foremost estate lawyer in the area. Eighth practitioner in Tennessee to be certified as Estate Planning Specialist by the Commission on CLE and Specialization. President, Estate Law Specialist Board, which covers 17 states.

Focuses solely on real estate, representing every major developer between Bristol and Sevierville, as well as the Johnson City Housing Authority. Gets referrals from major firms requiring local counsel.

Retained by lawyers in legal malpractice cases. Focuses almost exclusively on defense work. Defended Jefferson City dentist Woody Stinson in the case over crowning material that had to be removed from plaintiff's intestines.

Big name in commercial mediation, employment discrimination, ERISA and civil cases. One-time permanent arbitrator for labor disputes between Dept. of Energy contractors at Oak Ridge and the Building Trades Union. Handled dozens of mediations of labor and employment discrimination disputes for TVA, U.S. Postal Service and the IRS.

Along with partner Bob Brittian, defended Brooks Furniture Manufacturing against Canada-based Dutailier Inc. As lead trial counsel, has recovered more than $45 million on behalf of clients in patent, copyright and trademark cases.