Gwinnett Daily Post

Heather Brinson

BUFORD -- Hotel Equities recently promoted Alpharetta resident Heather Brinson to director of sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Buford, located at the Mall of Georgia.

Brinson is responsible for initiating sales and implementing the marketing strategy for corporate and leisure market sales for the hotel. She generates new business and builds relationships with current clients by capitalizing on the hotel's amenities and services.

"We're delighted to promote Heather to the Mall of Georgia area, where she can use her marketing skills," said Elizabeth Derby, vice president of sales and marketing. "She also brings excellent sales experience and great enthusiasm that will help her grow revenue and continue the success of the hotel."

Brinson holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from the University of Alabama. A resident of Alpharetta in North Fulton County, she and husband, Jared, have two young children.

Fitness pioneer brings 'new concept' to Norcross

NORCROSS -- The founder of a fast-growing fitness company has opened a new club in Norcross -- the first of its kind in the state.

Rick Berks founded Youfit Health Clubs in 2008. He owns 42 Youfit Health Clubs in Florida and Arizona, which he touts as a gym "for the rest of us."

"We're building clubs for people who don't want to deal with the trauma and drama of the usual health club," Berks said. "You wouldn't believe how often I speak with people who actually believe they have to get in shape before they'll feel comfortable walking in to a club."

Berks said the Youfit name is meant to convey the message that "anyone can fit in without feeling uncomfortable and without feeling pressure from pushy salespeople."

The new fitness club, which recently opened, is located at 6000 Singleton Road in Norcross.

For more information, visit www.youfithealthclubs.com.

Wedding venue coming to Sugar Hill

SUGAR HILL -- An event planning business that offers corporate events and weddings with a chapel and banquet room has plans to open in 2013, according to a news release from the company.

Based in Texas, Ashton Gardens builds their sites into the tree line with specialty landscaping for "the perfect outdoor wedding presentation."

According to the news release, the business also offers a five-star menu and caters to a first class customer base. The business will be located at 260 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Sugar Hill.

For more information, visit www.ashtongardens.com/atlanta/default.aspx.

Quality Search comes to Suwanee

SUWANEE -- Quality Search LLC opened its doors Oct. 25 at 553 Buford Highway, Suwanee.

The company focuses on staffing and recruiting, direct hiring and temp to hire.

Quality Search LLC is headed by Bernard Hendricks, who has 18 plus years as a human resources manager. Hendricks said his goal is to respect his customers "listen closely to what they desire to achieve and to find ways to work effectively and efficiently to meet and surpass their highest expectations."

For more information, call 678 765-8466 or visit www.qualitysearch.info.