Business

Internships in the Time of COVID-19: How Brightree continues development of young professionals

Published

4 years ago

August 20, 2020

Brightree 2020 interns in a Zoom meeting. Top left, Kamryn Taylor, Marketing Sales Rep Intern. Top right, Briana Anderson, Marketing Intern. Bottom left, Lexi Mellott, Marketing Intern. Bottom right, Anete Foss, Graphic Design Intern. (Photos courtesy of Trish Nettleship)

Internships are a key stepping stone on the path to success for college students and recent graduates, but many have seen that important growth period deferred or taken away amid the COVID-19 crisis. Brightree, a software company based in Peachtree Corners that caters to post-acute healthcare, wanted to find a way to continue their thriving internship program in a safe, beneficial manner for both the interns and the company.

The 2020 Brightree Internship Program

“We had to step back and say, ‘How do we want to approach this internship?’ And it was a challenge, because most of our managers (who are part of the internship program) are used to managing people on-site. It was a huge adjustment,” said Trish Nettleship, Vice President of Marketing at Brightree.

Valid concerns were raised regarding working remotely with interns who may require additional guidance. Nettleship and other leaders felt strongly that providing learning opportunities in a real business environment was something that needed to go forward despite the extra challenges that a virtual internship program would present.

This is the fourth official year of the Brightree internship program, though Brightree has intermittently employed interns prior to that as needed. It’s typically a 10-week summer internship program from mid-May to late July, with all interns starting at the same time and collaborating on various work projects. Students in the program were treated just like any new hire, with orientation and being assigned a buddy to assist them and show how team dynamics work at the company.

A throwback to the 2017 Brightree Internship program. The interns were treated to a product overview presentation and received official Brightree backpacks and other goodies.

“(The internship program) has become more and more crucial to our business, quite frankly. The interns, they are younger, they are in college, they are coming in with a fresher perspective than what we have,” said Nettleship.

The Fabulous Four Interns

The number of interns that Brightree took on for the summer was reduced to four individuals, as opposed to the standard 10 to 15 people. Kamryn Taylor served as the Marketing Sales Rep Intern, Aneta Foss was the Graphic Design Intern, and the two additional Marketing Interns were Briana Anderson and Lexi Mellott.

“I was actually really grateful that Brightree was still having their internship,” said Foss.
Every day, the four interns met with the marketing team on Zoom for a daily stand-up to see what had been done on their on-going projects. Foss’ role was more visual and instructional, working on e-book informational guides and supplemental graphic design projects as they arose. Taylor worked directly with clients, as well as cold calling, hoping to walk through interactive tutorials of Brightree’s software offerings.

The two marketing interns “assisted the team in areas of marketing communications, marketing research, and digital marketing. That translates to researching the industry to provide insight for content for the blog and the website, and to provide insight into the brand’s digital footprint,” according to Anderson.

The main issues that came up had to do with longer task completion times simply due to working in different places, as well as having to relay complex information such as new software techniques over the phone versus having the luxury of a manager talking through it face-to-face. However, the four enterprising women rose to the challenge and steadily improved as the weeks went on.

“The company did a really good job, because they scheduled one-on-ones with each member of the team, trying to get to know me and I’m getting to know them. I could reach out to anybody if I needed help,” said Foss.

Taylor also expressed positive views about how the internship program was run. “I would say, despite being online, everyone has been really helpful and really good with communication,” she said.

Anderson had this to say about her time at Brightree: “I’ve learned so much during this internship, but I think the things that have meant the most are not the technical skills but rather what I’ve learned about what I want in a work environment. Brightree has shown to me how much I value the collaborative work environment. Everyone is involved in ideation and planning, even if they won’t be involved in the creation of assets until later down the line — and I love that!” Anderson said.

Another look back at the 2017 Brightree Summer interns as they presented a recap of their projects and experience to the executive team. Kensley, Marketing Intern (left) and Anissa, Business Analyst Intern (right). (Photos Brightree’s Facebook page)

What to expect

The future for these young ladies looks blindingly bright. Taylor is a rising senior from the University of Georgia who plans to continue her career in sales. Foss is a junior at Georgia State University with aspirations to land a graphic design position with a company similar to Brightree after graduation.

Mellott, a local graduate of Wesleyan School, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Georgia Tech. Anderson is entering her fourth year at Georgia Tech and currently deciding between the career paths of UX/UI Design or Marketing.

With the current state of the worldwide business marketplace so in flux because of COVID-19, it is encouraging to see a Peachtree Corners company standing behind the workforce of tomorrow, giving them a foundation to build on.

Related Topics:Brightree Business covid19 Featured Healthcare healthcare technology Internships young professionals

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Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Redevelopment Champion of the Year: Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown

Runner up: Paul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager

Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op

Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs

Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

Published

1 month ago

October 16, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

group of people in a warehouse with two men in front shaking hands

The strategic acquisition strengthens TransPak’s Southeast presence and expands their capabilities in custom packaging for military, aerospace and high-value equipment.

TransPak, a global leader in logistics, packaging and crating services, recently announced the acquisition of Reid Packaging, a long-standing provider of custom packaging solutions based in Peachtree Corners. Both family-owned and operated companies share a deep-rooted commitment to quality craftsmanship, reliability and customer service, making the acquisition a natural fit.

Reid Packaging, founded in 1982, has distinguished itself as the go-to customer industrial packager in the metro Atlanta region, providing corrugated, foam and custom-engineered crating solutions, particularly in the military and aerospace industries.

two people from Reid Packaging standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse — Ward and Anne Phillips of Reid Packaging

Under the ownership of Ward Phillips since 2008, the company has grown to become one of the largest packaging facilities in the region, with a 60,000-square-foot site.

The acquisition will allow TransPak to expand its local manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Reid Packaging’s expertise in specialized and heavy-duty custom crates.

Strategic Atlanta location and enhanced capabilities

The acquisition is part of TransPak’s strategic expansion into the Atlanta market, a critical logistics hub for both the renewable energy and semiconductor industries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Reid Packaging into the TransPak family,” said Tomas Molet, executive vice president of East and Midwest Operations, TransPak. “With Reid Packaging’s prime location in Peachtree Corners, we are now able to serve customers throughout the Southeast, including direct routes to the Carolinas and beyond. This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet the needs of existing clients, especially those in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.”

four people at a ribbon cutting as TransPak acquires Reid Packaging — Tomas Molet and Amanda Gautney with Anne and Ward Phillips

In addition to the strategic location, the acquisition brings new manufacturing capabilities to TransPak’s East Coast operations. Reid Packaging’s facility is now the largest of TransPak’s locations in the region. Its offerings include enhanced services, such as heavy-duty and triple-wall corrugated packaging, which will enable TransPak to meet the growing demand for custom-designed packaging solutions for fragile, high-value equipment.

Commitment to employees and leadership appointments

A key focus of the acquisition was ensuring a smooth transition for Reid Packaging’s employees.

“We made a commitment to Ward Phillips to take care of the staff, and we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Molet. “All employees were retained, and we’ve introduced benefits they previously didn’t have as part of our commitment to making this a positive transition for everyone involved.”

Amanda Gautney, a longtime member of TransPak’s leadership team, has been appointed as the operations manager for the Peachtree Corners facility. “I’m excited to work with the team at Reid and continue the legacy of this respected company,” said Gautney.

two people from TransPak standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse — Amanda Gautney and Tomas Molet

Looking forward in Atlanta

TransPak plans to continue operating under the Reid Packaging name for the immediate future. However, the facility will gradually transition to full integration under the TransPak brand, reflecting the shared values and commitment to quality of both companies.

About TransPak

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, TransPak has been providing innovative and cost-effective design, crating, packaging and global logistics for over 70 years.

As a customer-focused, women- and family-owned company, TransPak combines the agility of a small business with the reliability of a global powerhouse. TransPak lives by the slogan, “We make it happen,” ensuring that high-value, fragile, and oversized goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

For more information about TransPak, visit transpak.com.

Business

Lisa Anders Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Explore Gwinnett

Published

2 months ago

September 17, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, has announced the promotion of Lisa Anders from executive director to chief operating officer (COO). Since joining the organization in 1996, Anders has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has established a track record of developing partnerships essential to leading and expanding the evolving destination marketing organization. The creation and oversight of both the Gwinnett Film Commission and Gwinnett Creativity Fund are just two of her achievements.

“I am honored to step into the role of chief operating officer at Explore Gwinnett,” said Anders. “Over the past 13 years as executive director, I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth for our destination. I am eager to enter this new chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to see how we expand.”

As COO, Anders will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Gwinnett Sports Commission. This division is dedicated to driving economic development through sports, managing a variety of events for youth, collegiate, amateur and professional athletic organizations. Ander’s innovative approach and extensive network of local and national connections will further support the commission’s overall mission to establish Gwinnett County as a premier sports destination.

“The Gwinnett Sports Commission team has excelled in attracting and managing a diverse array of sporting events over the past several years,” Anders added. “I look forward to working closely with this talented team to support their ongoing efforts and foster economic development for our community.”

For more information, visit exploregwinnett.org.