Two join Dispatch marketing staff
Celeste Koznick and Phil Seibel recently joined the Brainerd Dispatch marketing staff.
Koznick, from Lakeville, graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato. She was an assistant branch manager at TCF Bank, media consultant small and new business development specialist. At the Dispatch, Koznick is a media consultant business development specialist working with smaller businesses.
Seibel, who grew up in Morris, graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He's been in the area for the last six years working at Madden's Resort on Gull Lake in food and beverage and as an event coordinator. Seibel is the Dispatch's online media consultant. He'll be specializing in helping businesses and advertisers in planning their online marketing.
Marchel wins wildlife contest
FORT RIPLEY - Bill Marchel of Fort Ripley was named the winner of the Nikonians 2010 Wildlife Forum November Challenge.
The monthly theme was "Drinking." Marchel won with his image of a male green-winged teal drinking while standing on a log. Nikonians vast membership spans more than 140 countries. Nikonians is the largest site for Nikon camera users in the world with more than 10 million page views per month. More than 40,000 photographers visit the site daily.
Whitebirch announces new president
Joyce Bzoskie was appointed president of Whitebirch Inc. and its subsidiaries, announced Robert Spizzo, owner and chief executive officer of Whitebirch Inc.
Before Bzoski's 24-year employment with Whitebirch, she was involved in commercial lending and development.
Whitebirch Inc. is the parent corporation of eight Minnesota subsidiaries, which focus on the operations of Breezy Point Resort, Forest Hills Resort and Mille Lacs Island Resort.
CTC sponsors trip to Washington for area youths
Consolidated Telecommunications Co. is sponsoring an all-expense paid educational trip to Washington, D.C.
One area student will attend the Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour, June 4-8, 2011. CTC will be selecting one student from the areas it serves and that student will gain a first-hand look at the telecommunications industry and the legislative process by visiting Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies.
The students are given time to explore the nation's capital and its many attractions. Cost for the five-day youth tour will be paid entirely by CTC, including airfare, hotel, meals and miscellaneous expenses.
To qualify, a student must be in high school, age 16 or 17, at the time of the tour and the student's parent or legal guardian must be a CTC year-round member in CTC's service area.
Each student is required to write a short essay on the telecommunications industry or the benefits of belonging to a cooperative. The essay and application are due to CTC by Jan. 14. Applications have been sent to the guidance offices of local schools or contact CTC at (218) 454-1234 or (800) 753-9104.
CLC names Hirsch admission representative
Jennifer K. Hirsch, a native of Howard Lake, has begun working as a full-time admissions representative at Central Lakes College.
Hirsch has experience developing and implementing internal and external communications for University of Phoenix online and ground campuses.
She joins Central Lakes College following a stint as director of student services at the Academy of Natural Therapy, Greeley, Colo.
Earlier, Hirsch was an enrollment adviser and team leader for University of Phoenix in Fort Collins, Colo. She earned her master of arts in education/adult education and training from University of Phoenix in April after receiving a bachelor's degree with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2002.
Fisher named Little Falls chamber December Employee of the Month
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced Judy Fisher is December Employee of the Month.
Fisher has been with Employment Enterprises Inc. for eight years and is a team coordinator.
Her supervisor, Byron Quinn, praised Fisher's ability to work with customers.
Haugen presents at national workshop
University of Minnesota Extension Youth Development Educator Heidi Haugen presented a workshop at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in Phoenix, on Oct. 27.
The workshop focused on "Exploring Your Environment," a newly-rewritten, research-based environmental sciences curriculum which passed a prestigious national 4-H jury review this past summer.
Haugen was one of several Minnesota Extension staffers who wrote the curriculum, which focuses on middles school youth.
Minnesota 4-H youth development offers age-appropriate, hands-on learning via short-and long-term projects and activities. This learn-by-doing model teaches young people (K-13th grade) essential, transferrable skills that they'll use throughout their lives.
Little Falls Soft Water Service acquired by area Culligan dealer
LITTLE FALLS - Sterling Water, Inc. doing business as Culligan of Central Minnesota, announced its acquisition of Little Falls Soft Water Service effective Nov. 23, 2010.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal includes assets, customers, rental customers, inventory, and accounts receivable for the entire operation, Sterling Water Inc. reported.
Aaron Neubert is general manager of Sterling Water's Sauk Centre location.
Both Neubert's store and Little Falls Soft Water Service maintain accounts in Stearns, Morrison and Todd counties. Additional Little Falls Soft Water Service customers are located in the neighboring communities of Onamia and Benson.
A variety of additional products and services will be made available to interested Little Falls Soft Water Service customers.
In a news release, Bret P. Tangley, president of Sterling Water Culligan praised Chris Reger, previous owner of Little Falls Soft Water Service.
Neubert pointed out that Sterling Water will continue to service and maintain all Little Falls Soft Water Service clients, regardless of the make and model of their current equipment.
Entrepreneur training planned Tuesday
CASS LAKE - Entrepreneur training is coming in a series of five classes at the Tribal Development Offices in Cass Lake beginning with the first session from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7.
The first class helps participants identify personal objectives, skills and experience and financial resources.
Classes two and three help participants define customers, what they are selling and how much it will cost them. Classes four and five will describe management requirements, define operations strategy, develop a sales forecast, identify startup expenses, estimate a 12-month operating budget, estimate a three-year income statement and cash flow.
Class Two is Dec. 14, Class Three is Dec. 21, Class Four is Dec. 28 and Class Five is Jan . 4. Classes will be offered again in February.
Those interested in applying for a business loan may qualify for a revolving loan of up to $50,000 based on the business plan. Economic development requires loan applicants to attend these classes.
For more information, contact Theresa Flocken at (218) 335-8266.
Free housing seminar planned Tuesday
The Central Minnesota Regional Housing Advisory Group is inviting housing counselors, housing education providers, lenders, real estate agents, developers, nonprofits, organizations serving emerging markets, governmental units and all housing related organizations to attend a free, interactive stress relief seminar.
The seminar is planned from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library, Mississippi Room. The seminar will include breakfast, an introduction about RHAG and how to become involved, a presentation by motivational speaker Dave Faust of the Law of Attraction Center, and networking opportunities. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required by going online to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1014671911 to register.
For more information, contact RHAG Chair, Stacy Esboldt at (320) 259-0393 or stacy@cmhp.net.
How to submit a business note
The Dispatch welcomes business notes submissions via e-mail to renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com, or fax to (218) 829-0211, mail to Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401 or use the drop-off box in the alley next to the Dispatch building on James Street. Questions are welcome to Renee Richardson at 855-5852.
