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Cailloux receives SWAN Award
At a ceremony in October, Skagit Valley College Business Resource Center Director and Northwest Business Monthly contributor Laura Cailloux, of Mount Vernon, received the 2005 Skagit County Business and Professional Woman of the Year award by the Skagit Women’s Alliance Network (SWAN). The event took place at Mcintyre Hall on SVC’s campus.
“Laura Cailloux has brought a tremendous ‘can do’ attitude to Skagit Valley College and to our community,” said Dr. Gary Tellefson, President of SVC. “She has helped and inspired so many people to accomplish their personal and professional goals and that makes our community stronger.”
Cailloux began at Skagit Valley College in 1997 as a Business Management instructor. She provided leadership to the program, serving as department chair. In addition, she served as advisor to the DEC student organization, guiding them to many statewide and national competitions and awards.
Stewart Title adds staff
Stewart Title of Bellingham recently added seven new employees to its staff.
Lori Dennis, Mia Olsen, Ashley Kenyon and Francesca Kindle join the team as Escrow Assistants. Dennis came from First American Title in Mount Vernon. She began work in the title industry in 1985 as a report typist in Kenai, Alaska and progressed to title plant maintenance, recorder and courier. Olsen came from California where she worked 20 years in the ski industry at Mammoth Lakes and most recently as an Escrow Assistant for Cuesta Title, an affiliate of Stewart Title. Kenyon had been and assistant at Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason for over four years. She is finishing a Business Management and Administration degree through Washington State University’s Distance Degree Program. Kindle comes to Stewart Title with a background in graphic design and visual Communications. She is from Seattle.
Sarah Pierce will be an escrow closer. She most recently worked as an escrow assistant and closer for Chicago Title in Bellingham. Sarah DeBruler joins Stewart as a receptionist. She most recently worked in membership at the Bellingham Athletic Club. Jordan Brink will join the team as a customer service representative. He graduated from Western Washington University where he studied computer science. He is a Microsoft certified expert with a background as a web designer for North Coast Credit Union.
Zamora nominated
Denise Zamora, the owner of Caregiver Network which provides services to clients in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties was nominated by the National Organization of Registries and Referral Agencies for her innovative business practices which allow her providers to earn above industry standard wages while charging her clients less than any other registered in-home care provider in the US. Zamora is used to being in the spotlight, having won numerous industry awards herself, and seen many of her providers win national awards for service. Caregiver Network will be celebrating seven years in business this January.
Mount Vernon Chamber adds one
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce has hired Jeremy McCullough of Mount Vernon as the new Membership/Tourism Director for the organization. McCullough worked with Eaglemont Golf course for five years and graduated from the University of Washington. McCullough’s focus will be on increasing membership and ensuring programs are running smoothly for current members. He will also be continuing with tourism efforts the chamber works on all year round like attending tradeshows, creating itineraries for group tours and hosting travel writers from around the world.
Vega resigns
Bellingham Planning and Development Director Jorge Vega recently submitted his resignation. He and his wife Sarah will move to Georgia in December to be close to her family. “We moved here expecting to spend many years in Bellingham. I have been fortunate to work with a tremendous group of people and I will miss the camaraderie,” he said. Vega has been at the center of community debate about growth issues.
Horizon hires new VP
Doug Davidson was recently hired as Vice President and Community Business Banking Manager for Horizon Bank.
Davidson will be located at the Whatcom Commercial Center in Bellingham, where he will oversee all aspects of Horizon’s Community Business Banking department. Davidson brings over 30 years of experience in banking to Horizon, having held a variety of positions with such organizations as Key Bank, Peoples Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.
Davidson is a member of the Bellingham Kiwanis Club where he actively participates in several local service projects including the Youth Choices program and other community projects.
“Doug’s management experience is ideal for the Commercial Business Banking department,” said Executive Vice President and Commercial Division Manager, Steve Hoekstra. “His expertise with small businesses will be a key factor in the development and growth of the department.”
Horizon Bank is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and operates 18 full-service branches, three commercial banking centers and three real estate loan centers throughout Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
Tourism executive elected President
John Cooper, President of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, has begun a one-year term as President of the Western Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau (WACVB). WACVB is a professional development association that serves the educational needs of more than 130 tourism bureaus in 13 western U.S. states and Canada. Cooper has been on the WACVB board since 1999 and has held other officer positions for the organization.
Cooper attended the National Tour Association’s (NTA) 2005 Annual Convention in Detroit in early November, in his new position, to promote the region as a group tour destination.
Kinsman new public relations manager
Caroline Kinsman was recently hired as the new public relations and marketing manager for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Kinsman’s new position will have her expanding relationships with local and national media and creating marketing strategies and working within the community to foster interest and attention to local events and attractions. She was recently the marketing manager at 3D Computer Corporation.
Bounds to unveil tulip poster
William Bounds unveiled his framing design for the 2006 Tulip Festival poster on November 3 at Skagit Valley Gardens. William Bounds Custom Framing & Gallery of Burlington won the bid for framing the 275 sponsor posters for the Tulip Festival, the 2006 original art, and the sponsor poster for Whidbey Island Bank. In addition, Bounds serves on the poster artist selection committee for the festival and also volunteers his time and expertise in hanging the original artwork in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Gallery at the Grainery Building in downtown Mount Vernon.
“Bill does a superb job for us each year. His attention to detail and commitment to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is gratifying,” noted Cindy Verge, executive director of the festival. “It is a pleasure to work with such a professional.”
Bounds and 2006 Tulip Festival artist Beki Killorin have collaborated to show some of her new festival themed artwork pieces in his gallery at 160 Cascade Place, Suite 103, in Burlington.
Smit moves office
Leonard Smit has moved his Whatcom County Insurance & Financial Services office to downtown Lynden.
Smit purchased and remodeled a building at 709 Front Street, across from the Bank of America branch. A lifelong county resident, Smit has been based in Lynden since 1998. He recently named Karen Wagter as office manager.
“I enjoy the variety of residents, farmers and business owners we serve,” Smit said. “It’s especially been gratifying to help small contractors and sub-contractors who have found difficulty in obtaining insurance for their construction businesses.”
The Lynden office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with evening appointments available.
Harley-Davidson hires Forbes
Harley-Davidson of Bellingham recently brought Karen Forbes on board as a retail sales associate. Though famous for bikes, Harley-Davidson has an extensive line of motor-clothes, street clothes and accessories. Forbes will fill this retail gap for the ever-expanding company.
“We had a need to hire a new salesperson because we’ve grown so much in our retail sales area this year,” General Manager Barbie Jackson said.
Forbes moved to Bellingham in 2003 from Goldendale, Washington with her husband of 25 years, David. They have two daughters, Nikki and Aimee.
Olsen joins RMC Architects
Susan K. L. Olsen joined Ross McClure Cornwell Architects (RMC) of Bellingham as a Project Architect. Olsen has been working in the industry since 1973 and became a licensed architect in 1988. Her expertise includes the design and project management of mixed-use commercial/retail/residential buildings, food service facilities, office and technology buildings, waterfront structures, and single-family residences.
Before joining RMC, Olsen owned her own architectural firm for nine years. She also worked for several firms in Seattle and Boston. Her past experience includes high profile, mixed-use projects in Seattle such as Pike & Boren and Harbor Steps.
Horizon hires new commercial banking VP
Michael Hall was recently hired as Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Officer for Horizon Bank. Hall will be located at the Snohomish Commercial Center in Everett, where he will work directly with commercial banking clients. Hall brings over 30 years of experience in banking.
Hall graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Currently he is the Sponsorship Chairman for the United Way of Snohomish County, a member of the United Way’s Community Matters Vision Council and a member of the Rotary Club in Everett.
“Mike’s extensive experience in commercial banking is truly an asset,” said Senior Vice President and Snohomish County Commercial Team Leader, Ron Buckner. “His experience and positive attitude is sure to be a benefit to our clients.”
Heath Tecna attracts new CEO
Heath Tecna of Bellingham recently hired Stephan Regulinski as their new CEO. He will also act as president of the aircraft interior product manufacturing company.
Regulinski took the helm in mid-October, replacing Wayne Exton who had been with the company for four years.
Regulinski brings substantial experience in the aviation industry. For the last six years he has been an independent consultant helping companies in the aviation communication and technology industries. He also worked for United Airlines for over 10 years where he held a variety of executive positions.
Heath Tecna is part of Britax Premium Aircraft Interior Group manufacturing aircraft interior products. They employ more than 450 people, making them one of the largest private employers in Whatcom County.
Fairhaven Realty hires two
Fairhaven Realty recently added Michael James and Debbie Griggs to their sales staff. James brings over 30 years of business management experience to the real estate industry. Griggs, a Washington native, raised four daughters on Whidbey Island and was actively involved as a volunteer at their schools. In addition to her “Mom” background, Griggs also brings her paralegal and Microsoft experience to the real estate community.
Stockmann completes training
Robert Stockmann of Pinnacle Inspections recently completed training for use of infrared thermal imaging equipment. Stockmann received the training after acquiring the Fluke Ti30 Thermal Imager. “By taking infrared images of homes and commercial buildings, I’m able to detect items normally undetected by a standard visual inspection,” Stockmann said. “I now can discover existing and potential problems involving moisture and water damage, heat loss, electrical wiring and systems and even termite infestations that couldn’t normally be seen during visual inspections.”.Stockmann founded Bellingham-based Pinnacle Inspections in 2003 after working more than 25 years in custom home and commercial construction. He is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Peterson-Foy joins Oak Harbor Peoples
Tracy Peterson-Foy recently brought her 15 years of mortgage experience to Oak Harbor’s Peoples Bank. Vice-president Charlie Guildner announced that the bank was hiring Peterson-Foy as a Real Estate Loan Representative at the Oak Harbor Financial Center and Anacortes branch.
In her new position, she will originate home loans, provide first-time homebuyer programs and refinance services within Island County and Anacortes. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing with a minor in both Finance and Business Management from Western Washington University. “We are pleased to add Tracy to our Oak Harbor home loan team and provide service to customers in Anacortes,” commented Guildner. “Expanding our loan center staff allows us to help more customers achieve their homeownership goals and provide a higher level of service.”Peoples Bank is a $700 million, independent community bank. The bank was founded in 1921 and operates 24 branches.
Dallas joins Peoples
Jo Dallas was recently hired as the new Assistant Vice President and Real Estate Loan Manager for Peoples Bank. Dallas has over 17 years of mortgage experience and in her new position, she will be responsible for managing the bank’s Bellingham Home Loan Center. She was born and raised in Bellingham, graduated from Sehome High School, and is active in the local Kiwanis’s Choices program.“Jo is a great addition to our real estate management team,” Vice-president Charley Guilder said. “She is well known in the local community and is an outstanding real estate professional.”
Realtor appointed to Skagit project
Bellingham Realtor Mark Brown, of Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom, Inc., is now the Regional Marketing Specialist with the Quadrant Homes Skagit Highlands project.
“It’s an exciting new concept in communities,” said Brown. “Quadrant offers a vision of affordable homes that are not only nice, but well-planned.”The company is currently building 600 homes on 200 acres over the next three years on the east edge of Mount Vernon. As one of Quadrant’s Lifestyle Plan communities, the new homes will offer 1,100 to 3,500 square feet from the mid $100,000’s on up. Six model homes are nearly finished.
Loan officer joins Greenlake
Greenlake Financial Home Loans recently acquired independent loan officer Mitchell Goldman of Bellingham. Goldman had 20 years experience in the auto industry prior to getting into the mortgage business. He holds a double major from Boston University in Accounting and Business Management.
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