In the first half of 2009, the Jameson Inn hotel brand ranked No. 1 in customer service in a survey by Market Metrix Hospitality Index. This marks five consecutive years Jameson Inn has ranked first in its segment.

"It is great to know our dedication to our guests has been recognized again," said FaLinda Johnson, general manager of the Jameson Inn in Smithfield. "Even in a down economy, our commitment to an excellent lodging experience is our overriding goal."

In Smithfield, the Jameson Inn is at 125 S. Equity Drive.

Conference presenter

Arianna M. Aguilar has been named a presenter at the annual conference of the American Translators Association. She is president of Latino Outreach Consulting of North Carolina, a translation, interpreting and consulting agency in Smithfield.

The conference will be held Oct. 28-31 in New York City. Aguilar's presentation is titled "Mental Health Interpreting: Unique Challenges and Practical Solutions." It explores the medical, legal and ethical challenges that interpreters face and presents case studies and solutions.

"Mental-health interpreting is a much-needed subset of study in both the interpreting and medical fields," Aguilar said. "But surprisingly, there has not been much academic or clinical research done the subject."

Aguilar has 10 years of experience in translating and interpreting.

A top adviser

Smithfield native Kerry Davis has been named a top financial adviser by Tarkenton Financial. Davis' parents were McDonald and Emma Lee Davis. His father operated Hood's Drugstore for many years.

Davis owns and operates Monroe Insurance Agency in Monroe. Tarkenton Financial focuses on investing seniors' retirement money in risk-free investments. Fran Tarkenton, the Hall of Fame quarterback, is chief executive of the company.

"Kerry Davis is dedicated to helping his clients meet their long-term goals and improve their quality of life without risk," Tarkenton said. "I can say that he differentiates himself in his no-pressure, non-sales approach to helping seniors with retirement planning."

New in gift shop

The Ava Gardner Museum gift shop has added shot classes, drink insulators and bumper stickers.

The museum is at 325 E. Market St. in downtown Smithfield. It's open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 till 5 p.m. Sundays.

Mortgage banker honored

D. Bryan Parker of Durham has been named Mortgage Broker of the Year by the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas. He is a home-mortgage consultant with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Durham.

Parker's family roots are in Johnston County. His mother, the late Nancy Jackson Parker, grew up in Four Oaks, and he has an uncle and two aunts in Johnston.

Parker has worked in the mortgage industry since 2001. He has been married for 15 years and has three children.