Area businesses have provided updates on new promotions, certifications, employee training and more.
McDonald’s launches ‘MacCoin’ coupon in Bartlett
McDonald’s in Bartlett is participating in the chain’s 50th anniversary celebration, issuing the “MacCoin” for a limited time. The coin has no cash value and will function like a coupon.
Starting today, Aug. 2, customers will receive it when they buy a Big Mac in Bartlett and at other 14,000 participating McDonald’s in the U.S. They can redeem it for a free Big Mac from Aug. 3 through the end of the year.
Five different designs of the coin will represent decades from the 1970s through the 2010s.
Caribou Coffeehouses team up with Bartlett’s Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels began its partnership with Caribou Coffee to offer the roaster’s signature blends at its Bartlett location, beginning July 25. Guests can now enjoy Caribou’s 100 percent Rainforest Alliance-certified, 100 percent Arabica coffee, all from the world’s top 1 percent of beans.
For a limited time, guests can enjoy $2 mochas and lattes in celebration of the new coffee offerings.
Throughout the remainder of 2018, Caribou Coffee will continue to expand its presence across all Einstein Bros. Bagels stores nationally.
City Auto reinvests $100K+ in Covington Pike Corridor


MEMPHIS, Tenn. – City Auto opened its doors on July 17 to unveil a renovated car buying center at 4956 Elmore Rd., off Covington Pike Blvd. The renovation covered four acres of land.
The car buying center is a significant investment for the 30-year old preowned car dealership, as it will house a new staff focused only on buying preowned cars from individuals.
Stan Norton, principal of City Auto, said, “We removed all cars from the lot, repaved, redid the East exterior of the building, and completely refurnished the interior.”
Lynsey Freeman, director of marketing for City Auto, says they are thrilled to expand their business right where they started in Memphis decades ago.
The new car buying facility will house four full-time, salaried employees who will focus on providing quality service to potential City Auto customers. Not working on commission, City Auto’s goal is to provide a pressure-free environment.
Tellini’s closes in Bartlett
Tellini’s Pasta Market in Bartlett, owned and managed by Gary W. Borth, closed on July 29 after more than 20 years in operation.
Southeast Financial Credit Union appoints new committee member
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Southeast Financial Credit Union has announced the appointment of Robert Hale to its Audit Committee. Hale is a 19-year employee of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and has worked in both the technology services and auditing divisions. Hale was appointed to the committee at the Credit Union’s annual meeting of members in late March.
“We’re pleased to welcome Robert to the Southeast Financial family,” said John Jacoway, Credit Union CEO. “His technical background and auditing expertise make him a great addition to the committee, and we look forward to working with him.”
Southeast Financial’s Auditing Committee is composed of volunteers appointed by the Credit Union’s board of directors. Along with the board, committee members dedicate countless unpaid hours to representing and serving their fellow members.
Southeast Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution established in 1936 and headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. For details, visit southeastfinancial.org.
Saint Francis-Bartlett announces certification, accreditations

Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett has received advanced certification of its Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the U.S.
Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
The hospital’s Mammographic Imaging Services also recently received re-accreditation of its program by the American College of Radiology. American College of Radiology accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging.
The three-year accreditation helps assure patients they are receiving the highest level of image quality and safety by documenting facilities meet requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance.
Saint Francis-Bartlett names recent honorees

Saint Francis-Bartlett has recently named three employees who exemplify the hospital’s high standards.
Jillian Goodman was tapped as the 2018 Employee of the Year. She was promoted to the role of accountant in September 2017 to further her skills with the company while maintaining her payroll duties. She has managed both positions exceptionally well, a hospital spokesman said.
Ashley Portis, R.N., received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This national award recognizes nurses for the excellent care they provide to patients. Ashley recently went above and beyond her duties to give emotional support to a family that had experienced a loss.
Cary Hamilton, R.N., was named the hospital’s July Employee of the Month. A patient’s family member recently commented on their visit to the ER, “I just want to let you know that Cary is outstanding. My mother was at the hospital, and he took excellent care of her. His upbeat personality, professional demeanor and encouragement helped us through a difficult situation.”
Enhanced robotics guide spinal surgery at Saint Francis-Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. –Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has expanded the way spine surgery is performed with a $1.2 million upgrade of its current Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance technology with the Mazor X Robotic Guidance System, the next-generation available from Medtronic.
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is the first in the Greater Memphis area to offer patients this minimally invasive, state-of-the-art capability in spine surgery and is one of the pioneers in the country to adopt this advanced technology.
The Mazor X robotic guidance system combines advanced software, robotic technology and instrumentation to help deliver high-quality care and supports more predictable surgical procedures. The system enables surgeons to step into the operating room with a detail-rich, complete surgical plan that can be executed using trajectory guidance. Mazor Robotics technology can be used to treat a variety of debilitating conditions, such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation and kyphosis.
The Mazor X robotic guidance system is indicated for precise positioning of surgical instruments or spinal implants during general spine surgery. Directly connected to the patient’s bony anatomy when in use, the system is specifically designed to provide a stable and precise environment for performing spine surgery and allows for pre-operative or intra-operative planning and robotic-guided execution of multiple trajectories.
“Mazor Robotics is ushering in a new era in spine surgery, and we are thrilled to bring this latest capability in minimally invasive procedures,” said Dr. Audrey Gregory, market chief executive officer, Saint Francis Healthcare. “We have a solid reputation as an established leader in spine surgery, and this latest offering provides our patients with the latest advanced medical technology.”
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 479-bed full-service hospital at 5959 Park Avenue. For more information, visit SaintFrancisHosp.com.
Saint Francis-Memphis gets CARF accreditation

Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has received a three-year accreditation from CARF International (Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities) for its adult Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.
To achieve three-year accreditation, the highest level available, Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis’ Rehabilitation Unit went through a rigorous peer review process. During an on-site visit by a team of surveyors, the rehabilitation team demonstrated its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.
“We are extremely pleased to be recognized as providing the highest quality care to our rehabilitation patients,” said Dr. Audrey Gregory, Market CEO, Saint Francis Healthcare. “To be honored with this prestigious distinction is a testament to our caring, committed staff who challenge themselves to give their very best to our patients.”
The hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit offers specialized, interdisciplinary adult rehabilitation programs that utilize a team approach to care. The hospital’s team of licensed professionals includes: physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, rehabilitation nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, case managers, physiatrists, physicians and social workers.
MAAR CEO Melanie Blakeney to step down
MEMPHIS – Melanie Blakeney, Memphis Area Association of Realtors CEO, is resigning effective Oct. 8. She has been MAAR’s executive leader since Dec. 1, 2011.
MAAR’s Board of Directors will organize a search committee for her replacement.
Blakeney has served MAAR in one capacity or another for 19 years, including a stint heading up the association’s Commercial Council. After Oct. 8, she will continue in a consulting capacity to ease the transition.
“I have a lot of great memories working with some tremendously dedicated professionals,” Blakeney said. “It was not an easy decision to leave, but I know MAAR will continue to thrive.”
Lauren Wiuff, MAAR president, said, “We’re going to miss having Melanie’s thoughtful leadership and steadfast dedication. She had the community’s and MAAR’s best interests at heart in all matters. Change is inevitable in every industry and we will treat this change as an opportunity for further growth in service to Greater Memphis.”
For more information on MAAR, visit maar.org.
Weichert real estate agents complete training
Arlington – Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. has announced that the following agents from Weichert Realtors – SPM in Arlington have successfully completed Fast Track training: Agents Fred McGuffin, Brandon O’Guin and Spence Fuller.
The training helps quickly bring new Weichert affiliated agents, as well as current agents interested in taking a refresher course, up to speed on the latest information and technology available to real estate professionals so they can better communicate with clients to offer the best service available.
For more information, contact Missy Spore at (901) 800-8273 or missy@weichertspm.com.
Pinnacle Financial Partners names new senior VPs
MEMPHIS – Pinnacle Financial Partners has announced the recent selection of two new senior vice presidents.
Nick Mulliniks has joined Pinnacle as a senior vice president and financial advisor for Pinnacle’s client services group. He is based at the Shady Grove office in Memphis.
“Nick has an outstanding reputation of providing superior service to clients,” said Chad Rounder, area manager for Pinnacle’s client services group. “He is extremely active in the community and is an excellent addition to our team here in Memphis.”
Mulliniks, with 13 years of financial services experience, comes from Regions Bank, where roles included serving as a commercial relationship manager, branch manager, investment representative and licensed insurance agent. Previously, he was with Trustmark National Bank in Germantown, where he was a branch manager and licensed insurance representative.
Carla Crocker has joined Pinnacle as a senior vice president and senior credit advisor on the multifamily commercial real estate team. She will be a part of the underwriting team for the firm’s Freddie Mac small balance loan program.
“Pinnacle continues to expand and grow in all lines of business, and we are very excited about the potential in the Freddie Mac small balance program,” said Frank Stallworth, commercial real estate manager. “The opportunity to team up with a real-estate professional like Carla is exactly what we need as we grow this platform.”
Crocker has 25 years of experience in underwriting, operations, portfolio management, compliance and securitizations. Before joining Pinnacle, she was responsible for underwriting both Freddie Mac SBL and Fannie Mae products at other firms. She also served in quality control and loan servicing roles at Magna Bank.
For more information about Pinnacle, visit pnfp.com.