Mortgage professionals open boutique brokerage

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A family with more than 20 years of mortgage industry experience has opened their own mortgaging company, Ardent Loans in Alpharetta.

The small, “boutique” mortgage broker offers various loans and has a lender network for clients to choose from. The company also offers refinancing options and assistance in the home-buying process.

“We are excited to bring our expertise and personalized service to the Alpharetta community,” Ardent Loans President Max Kallos said. “Our goal is to help our clients achieve their dream of home ownership, and we will work tirelessly to make that happen.”

The broker is available in person by appointment only at 8000 Avalon Blvd., Suite 100. For a free consultation, call 404-277-5884 or visit ardentloans.com.

North Fulton NAACP collects coats for kids

ROSWELL, Ga. — The North Fulton County branch of the NAACP hosted a coat drive for Hembree Springs Elementary School students through January, collecting more than 50 coats for kids in need at the Roswell school.

The drive started on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ran to the end of January. The nonprofit partnered with elementary school staff and PTA to gather 50 gently worn and new coats from the community. By the end of the month the drive collected 54 coats.

“During the winter months, the elementary kids that need coats to go outside and play can now have one,” NAACP North Fulton President Kay Howell said.

The drive is a partnership with a nationwide organization called One Warm Coat. Last year the coat drive distributed more than 400,000 coats across the United States.

Before her position at the bureau, Rodgers served as the special events director for the City of Alpharetta. In this role, Rodgers created and produced events such as Taste of Alpharetta.

Rodgers also was the vice president of marketing and sales at the Dekalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as director of marketing and sales at several resort and corporate hotels.

Rodgers will be recognized for her economic impact in the city and for her receipt of the award at the March 6 City Council meeting.

Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Jay Markwalter recognized Rodgers’ role in leading tourism in the city, the state and along the Ga. 400 corridor.

“Working in the tourism and hospitality industry is without question, one of the biggest joys of my life,” Rodgers said. “I will forever be an advocate for this industry, and I am so appreciative to be recognized with the Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement Award.”