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Harris moves business
After 13 years in the Crown Plaza (the old Bon Marche) in downtown Bellingham, Allan N. Harris, licensed mortgage broker, has moved into the new ESP building at 301 Prospect Street next to the main post office. Harris has been in the mortgage business for more than 19 years and offers a complete line of residential and commercial real estate loans for new purchases or refinancing. Harris’s contact information will remain the same. Free parking for clients is provided at his new location.

Peoples Bank promotes Olson
Amber Olson of Peoples Bank has been promoted to assistant vice president and credit administrator of the bank’s credit administration department.
Olson joined Peoples Bank in 2003 as audit manager and has more than six years of financial services experience. As credit administrator she will continue to be responsible for helping to maintain the bank’s policies, procedures and loan underwriting standards.
Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington, certificate in accounting from City University, and her CPA license from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, she is a member of the Bellingham Administration of Credit Managers and the Greater Bellingham Running Club.

Local writer lands book deal
Bellingham writer Royce Scott Buckingham has brokered a book deal with Penguin/Putnam Publishing’s Young Readers Division to publish his first novel, “Demon Keeper.”
The Harry Potter-style fantasy is set in Seattle and follows the adventures of a boy who inherits a house full of demons and the job of caring for them.
Buckingham’s screenplay version of “Demon Keeper” has won several screenwriting awards, including the grand prize in the Washington State Screenplay Competition in Seattle, and his agent is working to find a home for “Demon Keeper” in Hollywood.
Buckingham is a county prosecuting attorney who lives in Bellingham with his wife, Cara, and two children.

Grene joins Help-U-Sell
Help-U-Sell NW Washington is pleased to announce that Realtor Candice Grene has joined the firm.
Grene was previously licensed in Florida and New Jersey. Prior to re-establishing her real estate career in Bellingham two years ago, Candice was cost accounting manager for an aerospace corporation in Everett, where she was responsible for overseeing a multi-million dollar inventory. She offers that same level of professionalism and integrity to her real estate clients.
Candice is an active member of the local Realtors Association, the Northwest MLS, the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, and the Grateful Dogs Offleash Association. She volunteers for the Salvation Army and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

Larson Gross welcomes four
Larson Gross PLLC, a locally owned public accounting firm, continues to experience steady growth as marked by the addition of four new accounting staff. Recent Western Washington University graduates Todd Burgers, Kris O’Hare and Jason Perry each followed up previous tax season internships by launching their public accounting careers with Larson Gross this fall. In addition, Josh Turrell joined the Larson Gross audit and accounting team as an experienced audit supervisor. Originally from Bellingham, Josh began his accounting career with a firm in the Tacoma area before deciding to return to Whatcom County. His experience further bolsters the firm’s growing audit and accounting practice.

St. Joseph nurse receives state March of Dimes honor
Diana Meyer, clinical nurse specialist in St. Joseph Hospital’s emergency department, has received a Nurse of the Year award from Washington March of Dimes. Meyer received the honor at an awards breakfast in early December in Bellevue.
Meyer was nominated in the “Advocacy for Patients” category, which recognizes registered nurses who go beyond the call of duty to advocate for patients. Her nomination cited Meyer for her efforts to improve care standards for emergency patients with behavioral health disorders.
“She is the type of person who overwhelms you with her energy and passion for quality patient care,” said Pat Wentworth, director of emergency services at St. Joseph Hospital. “Patient advocacy is so intrinsic to who Diana is and what she does.”

New editor takes helm at Record-Journal
Matthew Anderson has been appointed editor of the Record -Journal news-paper in Ferndale.
Anderson attended Western Washington University and managed a staff of 15 while serving as editor-in-chief of The Western Front. He became familiar with north Whatcom County while serving a reporting internship last summer with the Lynden Tribune. He also has written numerous articles for The News Tribune (Tacoma) and The Kitsap Sun (Bremerton).
Anderson will oversee news coverage and write stories for the Record-Journal, which is published each Wednesday. “Anderson’s writing skills and knowledge of Whatcom County will ensure that Ferndale residents are informed about our community’s issues, schools and events,” said Kimberlly Winjum, publisher of the Record-Journal.

New retail manager joins Northwest Computer
Northwest Computer has added Joshua Hill as its new retail operations manager. Hill managed a 25-person sales team for Best Buy, overseeing the operation of their PC, home office, tech bench and Geek Squad departments.
Hill is focused on the needs of both his customers and his staff. “I try to promote an environment of respect, humility and integrity,” he said. “We strive to be the best we can be – and have fun doing it.”
After managing in large corporate environments, Hill is happy to be working with a locally owned business. “It is a pleasure to be a part of a company that truly is part of the community,” he said.

Heilig receives marketing certification
Rebecca J. Heilig, an advertising account executive for Valley Broadcasters, the owners of KAPS 660 AM & KBRC 1430 AM Radio in Mount Vernon, was recently RMP-certified through the Radio Advertising Bureau. Heilig is responsible for advertising sales, brand marketing and copywriting.
Hellig brings with her a background in sales, marketing and promotions, including public policy. A fairly new resident to Skagit County, Rebecca is a member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, serves as Cultural Director of the Vasa Lodge Solidaritet and sings in her church choir. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater with an associate’s degree in communication from Stephens College in Columbia, Miss.

Matterand joins KAPS/KBRC
Sylvia Matterand has joined KAPS 660 AM and KBRC 1430 AM radio of Mount Vernon as an advertising account executive. She will be responsible for advertising sales, brand marketing and copywriting. Matterand is certified as a Radio Marketing Professional by the Radio Advertising Bureau.
Matterand has lived and worked in the local community since 1982. Her previous experience in sales and marketing allowed her to work with many businesses, helping them achieve their goals. She looks forward to helping business owners grow their business through radio advertising.
Matterand volunteers her time as co-chair of her daughter’s school group, Visions, located in the Sedro-Woolley School District and serves as vice president of the Clear Lake Historical Association.
Rystrom gains diabetes education certification
Jan Kincaid Rystrom, whole health manager for Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, has earned renewal of her certified diabetes educator designation.
Rystrom has more than 10 years of experience as a diabetes educator. Rystrom directs Haggen’s WellAware program, which offers free health and nutrition classes, store tours and nutritional counseling.

Peoples promotes Montana
Peoples Bank has promoted Terri Montana to assistant vice president and real estate loan manager at the bank’s Coupeville and Oak Harbor home loan centers.
Montana joined Peoples Bank in 2002 and helped open the bank’s first office on Whidbey Island in Coupeville. She has more than 17 years of mortgage experience. She is a graduate of Bryman College and the American School of Mortgage Banking. In addition, Terri has been a resident of Whidbey Island for 11 years and owns Coupeville Health and Fitness, a local fitness center.

Lynden resident completes ‘new agent school’
Toby Starcher of Lynden has been named an agent for COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services.
As part of his training, Starcher recently completed the organization’s new agent school. The school is designed to help agents expand their knowledge about the products and financial solutions COUNTRY offers customers. Starcher resides with his wife, Erica, and their children, Kyle and Kolton. He is a member of North County Christ the King Church and the Custer Sportmans Club.

Whidbee tops with clients
The results are in: Financial Advisor Russell J. Whidbee of Bellingham has received high ratings from his clients in Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (formerly American Express Financial Advisors Inc.) annual client satisfaction survey. Whidbee is among the top 27 percent of advisors whose clients rated them highly in areas including overall satisfaction and financial knowledge.

Shelton earns special financial designation
Max Shelton, a Smith Barney financial advisor, has earned the financial planning specialist designation from the firm. To receive this designation, Shelton completed 50 hours of training covering a range of topics including planning for retirement, education, income and estate tax, and investments.
Shelton has been in the financial services industry for three years, most recently with Smith Barney’s Bellingham office. He is a graduate of the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University. Shelton lives in Blaine with his wife Josie and daughter Emma.

Johnson receives broker’s license
Stephanie Johnson, a realtor with Fairhaven Realty since August 2002, received her real estate broker’s license in December.
Stephanie has been actively involved with the Whatcom County Association of Realtors since 2000 and works on the Habitat for Humanity Committee, having served as chairperson for the year 2005. She was recently elected to serve on the WCAR Board of Directors as a local director for the years 2006-2008. Johnson is a board member of the Fairhaven Association and serves as chairperson for the “Dirty Dan Days” celebration in April. Additionally, as a “Big” she spends quality time with here “Little,” Elaine, whom she met through Big Brothers Big Sisters three years ago.

Renowned oboist joins Festival of Music as VP
Joseph Robinson, principal oboe for the New York Philharmonic for the past 27 years, has been appointed vice president of development for the Bellingham Festival of Music. Robinson recently retired from the philharmonic and moved to the Bellingham area. He has been an active proponent of the festival and has served as the principal oboe in the festival orchestra for the past four seasons.
“We at the Bellingham Festival of Music are elated at this appointment” said Board Chair Diane Norman. “The Bellingham community is most fortunate to have this talent in our area. He not only has been considered one of the most distinguished orchestra musicians of his era but has successfully raised funds for a number of entities.”
Robinson’s career as an oboist began effectively with his appointment to the principal chair of the Atlanta Symphony in 1967. He won the New York Philharmonic Principal Oboe audition in December 1977.
The Bellingham Festival of Music is enters its 14th season in August.

Radio museum hires first executive director
The American Museum of Radio and Electricity has moved another step closer to completing its master plan for expansion by hiring its first executive director, Frank Ordway. Ordway brings more than a decade of experience assisting national and international non-profit organizations maximize their resources and increase the impact of their work.
The American Museum of Radio and Electricity, located in Bellingham, is a one-of-a-kind museum that combines the scientific exploration of electricity and the development of broadcast radio into its Golden Age.
“This community is in the middle of creating something that people will enjoy for generations and will benefit the entire region – I look forward to being part of that process,” Ordway said.
As project leader for the public health and technology leadership program at the University of Washington Center for Internet Studies Ordway has lead technology projects for HIV/AIDS clinics in Africa and is a visiting faculty for the Evans School of Public Affairs. He is also a board member of Stone Soup, an organization focusing on sustainable economic development in rural Washington.

McBeath joins Lakeway RE/MAX office
Matt McBeath, a lifelong Whatcom County resident, has joined the Lakeway RE/MAX office in Bellingham. He specializes in residential and investment properties. Before receiving his real estate license in 2003 Matt worked as an investment advisor for Dain Rauscher and Piper Jaffray.
In addition to guiding clients through real estate transactions, Matt also enjoys guiding clients, friends and family on whitewater rafting trips in the Pacific Northwest.

Harris moves business After 13 years in the Crown Plaza (the old Bon Marche) in downtown Bellingham, Allan N. Harris, licensed mortgage broker, has moved into the new ESP building at 301 Prospect Street next to the main post office. Harris has been in the mortgage business for more than 19 years and offers a complete line of residential and commercial real estate loans for new purchases or refinancing. Harris’s contact information will remain the same. Free parking for clients is provided at his new location. Peoples Bank promotes Olson Amber Olson of Peoples Bank has been promoted to assistant vice president and credit administrator of the bank’s credit administration department. Olson joined Peoples Bank in 2003 as audit manager and has more than six years of financial services experience. As credit administrator she will continue to be responsible for helping to maintain the bank’s policies, procedures and loan underwriting standards. Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington, certificate in accounting from City University, and her CPA license from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, she is a member of the Bellingham Administration of Credit Managers and the Greater Bellingham Running Club. Local writer lands book deal Bellingham writer Royce Scott Buckingham has brokered a book deal with Penguin/Putnam Publishing’s Young Readers Division to publish his first novel, “Demon Keeper.” The Harry Potter-style fantasy is set in Seattle and follows the adventures of a boy who inherits a house full of demons and the job of caring for them. Buckingham’s screenplay version of “Demon Keeper” has won several screenwriting awards, including the grand prize in the Washington State Screenplay Competition in Seattle, and his agent is working to find a home for “Demon Keeper” in Hollywood. Buckingham is a county prosecuting attorney who lives in Bellingham with his wife, Cara, and two children. Grene joins Help-U-Sell Help-U-Sell NW Washington is pleased to announce that Realtor Candice Grene has joined the firm. Grene was previously licensed in Florida and New Jersey. Prior to re-establishing her real estate career in Bellingham two years ago, Candice was cost accounting manager for an aerospace corporation in Everett, where she was responsible for overseeing a multi-million dollar inventory. She offers that same level of professionalism and integrity to her real estate clients. Candice is an active member of the local Realtors Association, the Northwest MLS, the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, and the Grateful Dogs Offleash Association. She volunteers for the Salvation Army and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. Larson Gross welcomes four Larson Gross PLLC, a locally owned public accounting firm, continues to experience steady growth as marked by the addition of four new accounting staff. Recent Western Washington University graduates Todd Burgers, Kris O’Hare and Jason Perry each followed up previous tax season internships by launching their public accounting careers with Larson Gross this fall. In addition, Josh Turrell joined the Larson Gross audit and accounting team as an experienced audit supervisor. Originally from Bellingham, Josh began his accounting career with a firm in the Tacoma area before deciding to return to Whatcom County. His experience further bolsters the firm’s growing audit and accounting practice. St. Joseph nurse receives state March of Dimes honor Diana Meyer, clinical nurse specialist in St. Joseph Hospital’s emergency department, has received a Nurse of the Year award from Washington March of Dimes. Meyer received the honor at an awards breakfast in early December in Bellevue. Meyer was nominated in the “Advocacy for Patients” category, which recognizes registered nurses who go beyond the call of duty to advocate for patients. Her nomination cited Meyer for her efforts to improve care standards for emergency patients with behavioral health disorders. “She is the type of person who overwhelms you with her energy and passion for quality patient care,” said Pat Wentworth, director of emergency services at St. Joseph Hospital. “Patient advocacy is so intrinsic to who Diana is and what she does.” New editor takes helm at Record-Journal Matthew Anderson has been appointed editor of the Record -Journal news-paper in Ferndale. Anderson attended Western Washington University and managed a staff of 15 while serving as editor-in-chief of The Western Front. He became familiar with north Whatcom County while serving a reporting internship last summer with the Lynden Tribune. He also has written numerous articles for The News Tribune (Tacoma) and The Kitsap Sun (Bremerton). Anderson will oversee news coverage and write stories for the Record-Journal, which is published each Wednesday. “Anderson’s writing skills and knowledge of Whatcom County will ensure that Ferndale residents are informed about our community’s issues, schools and events,” said Kimberlly Winjum, publisher of the Record-Journal. New retail manager joins Northwest Computer Northwest Computer has added Joshua Hill as its new retail operations manager. Hill managed a 25-person sales team for Best Buy, overseeing the operation of their PC, home office, tech bench and Geek Squad departments. Hill is focused on the needs of both his customers and his staff. “I try to promote an environment of respect, humility and integrity,” he said. “We strive to be the best we can be – and have fun doing it.” After managing in large corporate environments, Hill is happy to be working with a locally owned business. “It is a pleasure to be a part of a company that truly is part of the community,” he said. Heilig receives marketing certification Rebecca J. Heilig, an advertising account executive for Valley Broadcasters, the owners of KAPS 660 AM & KBRC 1430 AM Radio in Mount Vernon, was recently RMP-certified through the Radio Advertising Bureau. Heilig is responsible for advertising sales, brand marketing and copywriting. Hellig brings with her a background in sales, marketing and promotions, including public policy. A fairly new resident to Skagit County, Rebecca is a member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, serves as Cultural Director of the Vasa Lodge Solidaritet and sings in her church choir. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater with an associate’s degree in communication from Stephens College in Columbia, Miss. Matterand joins KAPS/KBRC Sylvia Matterand has joined KAPS 660 AM and KBRC 1430 AM radio of Mount Vernon as an advertising account executive. She will be responsible for advertising sales, brand marketing and copywriting. Matterand is certified as a Radio Marketing Professional by the Radio Advertising Bureau. Matterand has lived and worked in the local community since 1982. Her previous experience in sales and marketing allowed her to work with many businesses, helping them achieve their goals. She looks forward to helping business owners grow their business through radio advertising. Matterand volunteers her time as co-chair of her daughter’s school group, Visions, located in the Sedro-Woolley School District and serves as vice president of the Clear Lake Historical Association. Rystrom gains diabetes education certification Jan Kincaid Rystrom, whole health manager for Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, has earned renewal of her certified diabetes educator designation. Rystrom has more than 10 years of experience as a diabetes educator. Rystrom directs Haggen’s WellAware program, which offers free health and nutrition classes, store tours and nutritional counseling. Peoples promotes Montana Peoples Bank has promoted Terri Montana to assistant vice president and real estate loan manager at the bank’s Coupeville and Oak Harbor home loan centers. Montana joined Peoples Bank in 2002 and helped open the bank’s first office on Whidbey Island in Coupeville. She has more than 17 years of mortgage experience. She is a graduate of Bryman College and the American School of Mortgage Banking. In addition, Terri has been a resident of Whidbey Island for 11 years and owns Coupeville Health and Fitness, a local fitness center. Lynden resident completes ‘new agent school’ Toby Starcher of Lynden has been named an agent for COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services. As part of his training, Starcher recently completed the organization’s new agent school. The school is designed to help agents expand their knowledge about the products and financial solutions COUNTRY offers customers. Starcher resides with his wife, Erica, and their children, Kyle and Kolton. He is a member of North County Christ the King Church and the Custer Sportmans Club. Whidbee tops with clients The results are in: Financial Advisor Russell J. Whidbee of Bellingham has received high ratings from his clients in Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (formerly American Express Financial Advisors Inc.) annual client satisfaction survey. Whidbee is among the top 27 percent of advisors whose clients rated them highly in areas including overall satisfaction and financial knowledge. Shelton earns special financial designation Max Shelton, a Smith Barney financial advisor, has earned the financial planning specialist designation from the firm. To receive this designation, Shelton completed 50 hours of training covering a range of topics including planning for retirement, education, income and estate tax, and investments. Shelton has been in the financial services industry for three years, most recently with Smith Barney’s Bellingham office. He is a graduate of the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University. Shelton lives in Blaine with his wife Josie and daughter Emma. Johnson receives broker’s license Stephanie Johnson, a realtor with Fairhaven Realty since August 2002, received her real estate broker’s license in December. Stephanie has been actively involved with the Whatcom County Association of Realtors since 2000 and works on the Habitat for Humanity Committee, having served as chairperson for the year 2005. She was recently elected to serve on the WCAR Board of Directors as a local director for the years 2006-2008. Johnson is a board member of the Fairhaven Association and serves as chairperson for the “Dirty Dan Days” celebration in April. Additionally, as a “Big” she spends quality time with here “Little,” Elaine, whom she met through Big Brothers Big Sisters three years ago. Renowned oboist joins Festival of Music as VP Joseph Robinson, principal oboe for the New York Philharmonic for the past 27 years, has been appointed vice president of development for the Bellingham Festival of Music. Robinson recently retired from the philharmonic and moved to the Bellingham area. He has been an active proponent of the festival and has served as the principal oboe in the festival orchestra for the past four seasons. “We at the Bellingham Festival of Music are elated at this appointment” said Board Chair Diane Norman. “The Bellingham community is most fortunate to have this talent in our area. He not only has been considered one of the most distinguished orchestra musicians of his era but has successfully raised funds for a number of entities.” Robinson’s career as an oboist began effectively with his appointment to the principal chair of the Atlanta Symphony in 1967. He won the New York Philharmonic Principal Oboe audition in December 1977. The Bellingham Festival of Music is enters its 14th season in August. Radio museum hires first executive director The American Museum of Radio and Electricity has moved another step closer to completing its master plan for expansion by hiring its first executive director, Frank Ordway. Ordway brings more than a decade of experience assisting national and international non-profit organizations maximize their resources and increase the impact of their work. The American Museum of Radio and Electricity, located in Bellingham, is a one-of-a-kind museum that combines the scientific exploration of electricity and the development of broadcast radio into its Golden Age. “This community is in the middle of creating something that people will enjoy for generations and will benefit the entire region – I look forward to being part of that process,” Ordway said. As project leader for the public health and technology leadership program at the University of Washington Center for Internet Studies Ordway has lead technology projects for HIV/AIDS clinics in Africa and is a visiting faculty for the Evans School of Public Affairs. He is also a board member of Stone Soup, an organization focusing on sustainable economic development in rural Washington. McBeath joins Lakeway RE/MAX office Matt McBeath, a lifelong Whatcom County resident, has joined the Lakeway RE/MAX office in Bellingham. He specializes in residential and investment properties. Before receiving his real estate license in 2003 Matt worked as an investment advisor for Dain Rauscher and Piper Jaffray. In addition to guiding clients through real estate transactions, Matt also enjoys guiding clients, friends and family on whitewater rafting trips in the Pacific Northwest.
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