CAREER
CLC’s Frisch to lead national webinar
Kari Frisch, an online speech instructor at Central Lakes College, will lead a one-hour national webinar, “How’d You Do That? Tips and Tricks That Might Account for My 95 Percent Retention Rate,” on May 10.
Frisch was selected to be a presenter by the Washington, D.C.-based Instructional Technology Council, which recognized her online instruction and for whom she presented at a national conference.
In 2009, Frisch was named one of 29 Outstanding Educators by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.
Her online courses include interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, online social networking, introduction to mass communication, and service learning.
Frisch tracked her retention rates during two consecutive full-time semesters, and every class came in between 92 and 98 percent. In the webinar she will share 10 tips and tricks from her online teaching experience that might have contributed to those high results. She will highlight teaching ideas, best practices and course management tools.
Distance education has seen double-digit growth. More students are attracted to online classes and degree programs that fit busy schedules and offer a solution for career advancement or change.
CLC uses a customized learning management system, the Ontario, Canada-based Desire 2Learn, or D2L, which Frisch and many other instructors have mastered.
Frisch serves on the International D2L Steering Committee for the Fusion Conference scheduled for July in Denver.
Frisch has been a full-time instructor at CLC since 2001 and was adjunct faculty during the 1998-99 and 2000-01 school years. She is a 1990 Brainerd Community College graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and theater arts from St. Cloud State University in 1992. She has a master’s degree in theater and speech communication from the University of North Dakota.
Lordbock earns designation
Kathleen Lordbock of Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.
Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property.
Weiser named president of architectural division
Stanley H. Weiser has assumed the position of president of the architectural division, Hy-Tec Construction reported.
Since 1988, Weiser has been a licensed architect in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 2008. Weiser merged his services with Hy-Tec, bringing his extensive design and construction management experience in both the custom residential and commercial markets.
Neve gains promotion to regional director
Joseph W. Neve, doctor of audiology, was named Minnesota regional director of its Avada Audiology & Hearing Care Centers business unit, Hearing Healthcare Management’s CEO Steve Barlow announced.
Avada Audiology & Hearing Care Centers operates 30 locations, including one in Brainerd. Neve, a clinical audiologist, was previously president of Neve, Inc., the Minnetonka-based subsidiary of Hearing Healthcare Management doing business as Avada Audiology & Hearing Care.
Neve joined Avada in 1991 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. He received his master’s degree in communication disorders-audiology from the University of Minnesota in 1996 and his doctor of audiology degree from the University of Florida in 2008.
Neve is a Minnesota and Wisconsin-licensed audiologist and received the Certification of Clinical Competency as an audiologist from the American Speech Language Hearing Association in 1997. He has served for seven years as a member of the Minnesota Hearing Instrument Dispenser Advisory Council after being appointed by the commissioner of Health.
Neve has been president of Neve, Inc., a subsidiary of Hearing Healthcare Management Inc., since 2006. Neve’s father, James Neve, was the previous regional director and continues to serve HHM’s national organization as one of its board’s managing directors.
Hofer named LF May Employee of the Month
LITTLE FALLS — The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced Doyle Hofer, Emblom Brenny Funeral Home, is the May Employee of the Month.
Hofer has been a funeral director at Emblom Brenny Funeral Services for 3 1/2 years.
Steve Emblom, owner, said Hofer has a way of putting families he serves at ease during a most difficult time.
The Fine Line staff members complete training
The Fine Line Salon and Spa, Brainerd, reported its styling team recently completed education on the Kera Spa Hair Straightening system.
Lakeland Veterinary Hospital earns AAHA Accreditation
BAXTER — Lakeland Veterinary Hospital, Baxter, earned accreditation following a thorough evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association that included a quality assessment review of the hospital’s practice protocols, medical equipment, facility and client service.
Accreditation is a voluntary commitment practices make to their clients and patients, and AAHA is the only organization in the U.S. and Canada that accredits companion animal hospitals based on standards that go above and beyond state regulations.
The AAHA Standards of Accreditation, viewed as the standard of veterinary excellence, contain more than 900 individual standards, divided into 18 major sections. These areas of focus include: patient care and pain management, surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, medical records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesiology, and continuing education.
Fifteen percent of all small animal hospitals in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the association. To maintain accredited status, Lakeland Veterinary Hospital must continue to be evaluated regularly by AAHA.
Century 21 Brainerd Realty agents honored
Century 21 Lakelands Broker Council hosted its award banquet recognizing the accomplishments of individual agents, teams and offices.
Century 21’s agents and brokers of Baxter and Crosslake offices attended the banquet at Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park.
Linda Steffen was presented the Multi-Million Dollar Producer Award and the Quality Service Producer Award.
Taylor, Kay and Joe Fitterer received the Multi-Million Dollar Producer Award.
Ultrasound department gains recognition
The Ultrasound Department at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd, received a three-year accreditation from the American College of Radiology.
Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illnesses and injuries.
The ultrasound areas accredited included obstetrics; gynecology; vascular services, including peripheral, cerebrovascular, abdominal and deep abdominal; general; breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
The Brainerd staff received 100 percent of possible points in each area of accreditation. St. Joseph’s honored the team with a special lunch last week.
It took a year to achieve this accomplishment as hundreds of images were reviewed for the optimal image/exam submission in each area of accreditation. Staff members in Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center Ultrasound Department include: Danielle Fussy, registered diagnostic medical sonographer and registered vascular technologist; Sheila Dahlman, RDMS and registered technologist/radiology; Cathy Graham, RT and RDMS; Carrie Stegner, RDMS; Angie Farrand, RDMS; Jaclyn Stevens, RDMS, RVT; Rita Sorgert, RT and RDMS.
RedHouseMedia receives Star of Excellence Awards
RedHouseMedia received four awards at the Printing Industry Midwest’s annual Star of Excellence Awards Banquet April 28 at the University of Minnesota.
RedHouseMedia won the Innovation, Best of Category and Best of Class awards for print excellence in special innovations printing — providing new, expanded and unique uses of printing technology — for the production of the Kanabec Hospital Baby Brochure. The brochure, an orientation guidebook for new parents, also won the Best of Class award for print excellence in the booklets category.
The Star of Excellence Awards recognize outstanding leadership, customer service, production and printed materials throughout the Midwest.
Kellie Hinnenkamp, art director at RedHouseMedia, designed the guidebook and also received a gold Addy Award from the American Advertising Federation of Central Minnesota for the project.
Stroot and Associates announces name change
BAXTER — Stroot and Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Baxter, has changed its office name to Stroot, Schumer & Associates.
Recently, Luke Schumer, a financial adviser with Ameriprise Financial in Baxter, achieved the Certified Financial Planner certification.
Meyer named executive vice president
The board of directors of Brainerd Savings and Loan Association named Cathy Meyer to serve as executive vice president.
Meyer was also elected to serve as a director on the board. Meyer has been with Brainerd Savings and Loan since 1993. Meyer will continue as head of its lending department. John Fitzpatrick, board chair, made the announcement.
Bercher staff earn certified Green Professional Accreditation
BAXTER — Brent Gunsbury, owner of Bercher Design & Construction, Baxter, recently achieved the National Association of Home Builders Certified Green Professional designation.
The CGP program requirements are designed to teach building industry professionals strategies for incorporating green building practices into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
During the certification process the benefits of building green for both clients and builders, as well as the relationship between building sciences and the disciplines of green building and remodeling, were covered. Emphasis was also placed on site and lot design and development; water, energy, and resource efficiencies; indoor environmental quality; and homeowner education.
Dustan Nyberg, project manager at Bercher, also attended the program.
Brown gains recognition at Pine Cone Pet Hospital
Walker Brown, veterinarian who previously worked in Brainerd, gained recognition as the Pine Cone Pet Hospital that was named Sartell Business of the Year by the Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce April 28 at its annual awards banquet at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course.
Pine Cone Pet Hospital is a full-service veterinary business founded in 2001 by Beatrice Winkler, a veterinarian who became recognized for expertise in veterinary dermatology. Brown joined the practice in 2009. Brown has a proficiency in soft-tissue and orthopedic surgeries, as well as a strong interest in internal medicine.
Last year, Pine Cone Pet Hospital was named Community Partner of the Year by the Minnesota School of Business. Brown is a volunteer at the school’s veterinary-technician program for career classes, roundtable discussions, hosting internships and a program that emphasizes hiring local graduates. Brown is currently vice president of the chamber.
Brown, originally from Akron, Iowa, received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from South Dakota State University. He then went on to earn a doctorate of veterinary medicine from Iowa State University in 2003. For six years he practiced in the Brainerd lakes area before joining Pine Cone Pet Hospital.
Brainerd Homes receives customer satisfaction award
Brainerd Homes of Brainerd was recently recognized for consistently achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction by Schult Homes, a division of CMH Manufacturing.
The CMH Manufacturing Five Star Customer Service Award symbolizes Brainerd Homes’ commitment and outstanding customer service success, Schult Homes reported. Rock Yliniemi is owner of Brainerd Homes. Jeff Miller is the set and service supervisor.
CAREER
Shire completes training seminar
Dan Shire, Clubs by Shire, Brainerd, recently completed a technical seminar at the Golfsmith Clubmakers Training Program in Austin, Texas.
Golfsmith, a golf club component supplier and golf club making company, started the training program in 1970.
Coulter receives distinguished sales award
CROSSLAKE — Sue Coulter of Edina Realty, Crosslake, received a distinguished sales award.
The Realty Alliance, a network of North America’s elite residential real estate brokerages, presented the sales award to Coulter in recognition of exceptional performance as one of the leading residential real estate sales professionals in North America. Coulter also has certificates for Short Sale Foreclosure Resource from the National Association of Realtors, Certified Distressed Property Specialist, Short Sale Resource and is a member of Edina Realty’s Presidents Circle for the top real estate agents within the company.
Fahey gains award for excellence
WALKER — Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch announced Administrative Assistant Pauline Fahey was awarded the Minnesota Professional Law Enforcement Assistants Association Excellence In Service Award.
The award recognizes a person who is a member of the support staff for a law enforcement agency who provides excellent day to day performance and who helps enhance the agency through innovative thinking, problem solving, leadership and mentoring to other law enforcement staff.
In addition to her normal job functions, Fahey is involved with many initiatives of the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Her time spent on these is strictly on a voluntary basis.
Fahey may be credited for promoting and organizing the Cass County TRIAD, a community-based Partnership between law enforcement agencies and agencies and individuals involved in elderly issues. She is also the State TRIAD Board Secretary. She also manages the Cass County Chaplaincy Initiative.
Fahey was awarded this award on April 28 at the Minnesota Professional Law Enforcement Assistants Association conference at Cragun’s Resort.
Hallbeck, Ianelli join Grand View Lodge
NISSWA — Hospitality professionals Deb Hallbeck and Christine Ianelli joined Grand View Lodge’s leadership team.
Hallbeck was hired as director of restaurant operations and is responsible for leading most of the resort’s food service assets, including the Grand Dining Room, Italian Gardens and Palmer’s Grill, among others. Hallbeck oversees a staff of about 100 during the height of the summer season.
A graduate of the College of St. Benedict and University of Minnesota Law School, Hallbeck was a practicing attorney before leaving the Twin Cities to enter the world of hospitality. Hallbeck and her husband Joseph operated Sibley Station in Pequot Lakes for 13 years. Hallbeck also served as restaurants food and beverage manager at Breezy Point Resort.
Ianelli is restaurant operations manager. She will direct food and beverage training and oversee operations at Freddy’s Grille at the Pines Golf Course and the resort’s newest restaurant called Cru, which opens May 27.
Brown joins Hair Central
BAXTER — Christie Brown, cosmetologist, joined Hair Central in Baxter.
Brown has been in the cosmetology field for 10 years and previously worked for Hair and Beyond. Brown works with color, cuts, perms, waxes, children’s cuts, extensions and up-dos.
EVENTS
LF chamber to sponsor Business After Hours
LITTLE FALLS — The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its next Business After Hours networking event 4:30 to 6 p.m. May 12 at Contegrity Group, Inc., 101 First St. S.E.
Hosting the event is Contegrity Group, Inc. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to all chamber members and their employees. For more information, call the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (320) 632-5155. No RSVP needed.
MMBA general membership meeting scheduled
The Mid-Minnesota Builders Association’s May meeting will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 17 at Ernie’s on Gull Lake, sponsored by Anderson Brothers Construction Co.
For more information, contact the MMBA at 829-4982 or email at mmba@brainerd.net.
Business After Hours at Big Stone Therapies
Big Stone Therapies, Baxter, is hosting the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s networking event Business After Hours from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Chamber members are invited to register and attend this free event.
WORKSHOP
Free energy-related training starts June 2 at CLC
Central Lakes College, working with Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., has scheduled free training in renewable energy and energy efficiency and other important business skills to help employees be more productive on the job.
For dislocated workers and current business employees, the training series starts June 2 in the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus.
Space is limited, and some eligibility requirements apply. Contact Kori Busho at 855-8139 or email to kbusho@clcmn.edu for more information.
The grant series consists of the following training: applied mathematics; computer fundamentals; Going into Business for Yourself; tools and tool safety (Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour construction safety); introduction to renewable/sustainable energy; introduction to green/retro construction; BPI building analyst certification; BPI envelope professional energy resource adviser.
This project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
DONATION
Mille Lacs Band donates $93,479
ONAMIA — The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe donated $93,479 in monetary and in-kind contributions to a variety of nonprofit organizations and other charitable causes in February and March.
Every month, the band contributes to community programs in Minnesota and nationwide.
In February, the Mille Lacs Band donated $3,000 to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Department in Milaca. The donation will be used to help purchase and train a new K-9 dog. The department hopes to have the dog in service this summer.
Other notable area contributions include Crow Wing County Family Care Association in Brainerd.
AWARD
Adventure wins six District ADDY Awards
Adventure, a firm in Brainerd, was recently recognized at the American Advertising Federation’s eighth District.
ADDY Award show, earning one gold ADDY and five silver ADDYs for creative client work produced in 2010. Adventure received more awards than any other firm in the district, which includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. Their award-winning work included: Gold ADDY Award — Self-Promotion Water Bottle Mailer; Silver ADDY Award — Campaign for AAF of Central Minnesota; Silver ADDY Award – Photography for Park Tools; Silver ADDY Award – Campaign for Brainerd Lakes Beer; Silver ADDY Award – Catalog for Striper Boats; Silver ADDY Award – Poster Series for YMCA.
