Edward Jones representative Barry Ellis of Peachtree City recently received the Partner's Award for outstanding sales and service efforts over the past year. Only 524 of the firm's 4,100 representatives received the award.

"When you work for a firm that is known for its outstanding service, it's quite an honor to be singled out for your service record," Ellis said.

Ellis has been serving the Peachtree City area since 1994 and is active in several local groups, including the Peachtree City Civitan Club. Ellis's family has lived in Fayette County for more than 25 years.

Edward Jones serves the needs of individual investors exclusively. It offers a variety of investments, including certificates of deposit, bonds, individual stocks, mutual funds and IRAs.

Southlake Mall is buzzing with activity and mall officials promise customers the renovations will be completed soon.

The Gap is moving to a larger location and its old store will be transformed into a Gap Kids store. Construction has also started on the new Disney store, which will open this fall.

"We are excited about the progress that we are making even though the mall doesn't look that great with all of the construction barricades up, but in a few months, it will be beautiful," said Mallard Benton, manager of Southlake Mall.

There will be some other new faces at Southlake Mall, including Paul Harris, a retailer that sells women's apparel and Children's Place, which will open late in 1998 or early 1999.

Dr. Erica Runkle has joined the staff at Braelinn Village Animal Hospital in Peachtree City. Runkle graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and has a strong interest in exotic animal medicine.

For the last seven years, Runkle has been extensively involved with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.