HIRES AND PROMOTIONS
Life Enrichment for the Elderly Center in Hibbing announced the following staff changes. Donna Hoag was hired as housing director. Hoag has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has 20 years experience in business management and human resources.
Cheryl Janzen was promoted to occupancy manager. Janzen has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University and has 30 years of experience in management and customer service.
Justin Black joined Cartier Agency as a sales agent. Black has 10 years of experience owning and operating a contracting company. He is a member of the Arrowhead Builders Association, Duluth Builders Exchange and Eco Rotary of Duluth. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
The Comfort Inn West in Duluth was named a recipient of a 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International Inc., franchiser of the Comfort brand. As a top performing property, the hotel is among the top 10 percent of properties within the Comfort brand and one of only six hotels in Minnesota and one out of 94 hotels to receive "Gold Award" status. The hotel received the recognition for demonstrating an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service.
Coldwell Banker East/West Realty in Superior announced the following. Maria Letsos was named the 2009 Top Listing and Top Selling Agent. Letsos has been a real estate agent since 1994 and has been with the company since 1999. She is licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota and serves as board president of the Superior Area Association of Realtors, is board liaison for the Duluth Area Association of Realtors Board and is fundraising chairwoman of the local Realtor political action committee.
Ginger Eckman was named top listing agent for December.
Dick Theien was named top selling agent for December and top listing agent for January.
Johnson, Killen and Seiler PA announced Paul W. Wojciak, Roy J. Christensen and Jessica L. Durbin were recognized as "Rising Stars" by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine. Only 5 percent of Minnesota lawyers are awarded this honor each year. CERTIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS
Two people earned nonprofit administration certification after graduating from Center for Continuing Education/ Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Participants complete workshops aimed at strengthening their skills in a variety of areas including: strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, human resources and program evaluation. Graduates were Katie Nelson, Riverwood Healthcare Center, Aitkin; and Anne Whitworth, St. Luke's hospital, Duluth.
The following people earned certification as human resource generalists from the Center for Continuing Education/Extension at UWS: Rochelle Ballou, St. Luke's hospital, Duluth; Pam VanMassenhove, Douglas County, Superior; and Carol Kinnunen, Memorial Medical Center, Ashland.
Participants complete eight full-day workshops (48 hours of training), which provide a base of knowledge about current law and practices, including personnel issues, human resource management and labor-management relations.
BOARD ELECTIONS
Northland Human Resource Association announced its 2010 Board of Directors: Laurie Pinther, president; Wayne Lindberg, past president/legislative; Terri McGillvrey, president-elect; Pam Grover, treasurer; Heather Turcotte, assistant treasurer; Wendy Sersha, secretary; Patricia Stolee, marketing director; B'elana Aedan, membership director; Judy Aspling, work force readiness; Heather DuVal, college relations; Steve Korby, community relations; Linda Olcott, programs/diversity; Kathy Chalupsky, certification director; and Sandy Plante, board at large. Biz Buzz is a collection of business news tidbits from around the region. Send your business openings or closings, personnel changes or other news of interest in the business community to Biz Buzz, Duluth News Tribune, 424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802, e-mail biz@duluthnews.com , or fax (218) 720-4120.
