Barbara "Babbie" Jaco has been selected as the 2008 Rotarian of the Year by The Rotary Club of Spring Valley.

Barbara "Babbie" Jaco José Car r ión, Richland Northeast High School orchestra director, has been nominated by the S.C. Arts Commission to participate in the National Symphony Orchestra's summer Teacher Fellowship program in Washington, D.C. He is the only music teacher in the state to be selected for the four- week program.

Ron Roe, chief executive officer of Russell & Jeffcoat, has been named a partner of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Inc.

Bryan Uhrich has joined Palmetto Athletic Center as the full time cheerleading director for United Cheer and Tumble.

Dionne M. Fleshman, director of human resources and community affairs of DESA, Inc., recently earned certification as a professional in human resources.

Rob Strickland has joined First Citizens as insurance officer for the Midlands and will focus on needs- based insurance planning for both individuals and businesses.

Two recent real estate transactions, brokered by Henr y Roe of Colliers Keenan, will bring new businesses to Main Street and help to revitalize the business climate as the City of Columbia continues its streetscaping project and City Center Partnership launches its retail initiative. The first transaction involves 6,300 square feet of office space in the United Way building, located at 1800 Main Street. CarePro Home Health will move from their current location on Elmwood Avenue to occupy the space under a five- year lease agreement. Roe also brokered the sale of 1204 Main Street, the former site of Capitol City News & Maps. The renovated building enjoys close proximity to the State Capi- tol and features 2,500 square feet of first- floor retail space, 2,500 square feet of fully renovated, loft- style office space with a terrace, and two fully renovated, loft- style apartments.

Ron Roe Dionne M. Fleshman Rob Strickland Henry Roe