BUSINESS NOTES
Stroot achieves high score
BAXTER - Scott Stroot, financial adviser with Stroot and Associates office of Ameriprise Financial in Baxter, received high marks from his clients in a Ameriprise Financial adviser client satisfaction survey.
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Stroot ranked in the top 47 percent of 2,608 participating advisers who scored at least 92, out of a possible 100, based on two key ratings - clients' overall satisfaction with the adviser and the amount of proactive contact the client receives from the adviser.
Scott Stroot
Conducted by an independent research organization, the survey gives clients an opportunity to rate their adviser overall and in nine areas ranging from their financial knowledge, ability to listen and to provide customized advice to suit client's needs.
Sypnieski receives certification
BAXTER - Shane Sypnieski, Baxter, recently fulfilled the qualifications to be awarded the designation of certified professional with an emphasis in landscape by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.
Sypnieski is employed by Kuepers Inc. in Baxter.
Sypnieski had to pass a comprehensive examination administered by the MNLA and the University of Minnesota. All recipients of the certification status must also accumulate a minimum of 2,000 hours in horticulture-related employment, or two years in an educational program that includes a structured internship.
As a continuing education requirement, Sypnieski must earn recertification points every three years to maintain the MNLA Certified Professional status.
Paulson joins YMCA training staff
Estelle Paulson has recently joined the YMCA personal training staff.
Estelle Paulson
Estelle was certified through National Exercise Training Association. She also is certified in Group Power, Group Cycle, kickboxing, aerobics, SilverSneakers, and Aquacise.
Paulson has been in the fitness industry for 10 years.
Brainerd Chapter IAAP installs new member
The Brainerd Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals welcomed Lisa Heittola as a new member of the organization at an installation ceremony this month.
Heittola has been employed with Consolidated Telecommunications Co. for the past four years and is the firm's human resource associate. Before joining CTC, Heittola worked at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber where she was the executive assistant. Heittola received her diploma from Minnesota State Community and Technical College Wadena Campus and has worked in the administrative field for 10 years.
Kevin Larson
CTC creates scholarship endowment
Consolidated Telecommunication Co. of Brainerd has created a scholarship endowment fund with the Central Lakes College Foundation.
CTC has pledged $2,000 annually to fund a $10,000 endowment that will provide scholarships for area students at Central Lakes College for future generations. Kevin Larson is CTC's general manager.
Diane Scearcy
The award will be designated for a student traditional or non-traditional - who is enrolled full time at CLC and who lives in the CTC's service area, which includes Crow Wing, Cass and Morrison counties.
Diane Scearcy, CLC foundation director, said the foundation is grateful for CTC's commitment to assist area students with educational opportunities.
EVENTS
Zonta meeting includes guest speaker
Lessons from the Road of Life will be the topic of guest speaker Win Borden at the Brainerd Area Zonta meeting at noon Wednesday at Prairie Bay in Baxter.
Borden is an Eagle Scout, former state senator and attorney. He owns Borden Farm Market and is author of "Ruminations: Memories and Tales from a Furrowed Mind."
Books will be available for purchase and autographing. Guests are welcome to attend.
Networking Magic seminar planned Feb. 7
CROSBY - "Networking Magic - let referrals drive your business," is planned from 8-10 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Hallett Community Center by the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce.
Instructor is Pat Swarthout, CLC business managment instructor. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non members. The seminar is designed to learn key strategies to form valuable business relationships. Trade shows blend face-to-face selling and broadcasting style marketing. Swarthout will discuss tips on how to get the most out of trade show season. RSVP is highly encouraged. For more information, call (218) 546-8131.
WORKSHOPS
Boiler operation workshop planned
Central Lakes College in Brainerd will be the site for a 30-hour boiler workshop Mondays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 4 to March 10 in the Business and Industry Center.
This course offers people an opportunity to upgrade their license or prepare for taking the boiler's license exam from special to chief. Instruction includes operation of low and high-pressure boilers, steam formulas and turbines.
There will not be a class on Feb. 18. Fee is $329, including books. Instructor is Dave Horn.
The deadline to register is Jan. 25.
For more information, call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142.
CLC offers 'Serving It Safe' review
Central Lakes College will offer four hours of continuing education for certified food managers from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Business and Industry Center in Brainerd.
The course will address food sanitation and safety, emerging trends in food preparation and handling sanitation and prevention of food-borne illness.
Colette Pohlkamp is the instructor. The fee is $70. Registration must be completed no later than Jan. 31. For more information, call (800) 933-0346, ext. 8142 or 855-8142.
Electrical technician course offered at CLC
Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will host an electrical technician course, "Power-Limited Technician," from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Business and Industry Center.
Power-limited technicians are required to earn eight hours of continuing education credits every two years. This class will consist of NEC related material as required as well as industry related information. Students will need to bring a calculator, and the 2005 NEC Code Book.
There will also be books available for purchase the day of the class for $57. Tuition is $160 and includes lunch. Instruction is provided by Riverland Community College. The deadline to register is Feb. 1.
For more information, call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142.
Trenching, excavating competency course set
The Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, on Friday, Feb. 8, will conduct a course designed for competency among those in trenching and excavating, including confined-space work.
Instructor for his course, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., is Joe Casey. The fee is $80.
Deadline to register is Feb. 1. For more information, call (800) 933-0346, ext. 8142 or 855-8142.
CORE FOUR business planning offered
Central Lakes College has scheduled a CORE FOUR Business Planning course at the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus.
The course is designed for people with ideas for starting a new business, owners of growing businesses and those seeking business financing. The four-week course is made available through a partnership between Northeast Entrepreneur Fund Inc. and the Small Business Development Center at CLC in Brainerd.
It will be from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28. Instructor is Lynn Wilson of NEF.
Tuition is $244. The deadline to register is Jan. 31. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call (800) 422-0374 or e-mail info@entrepreneurfund.org.
Introduction to VISTA offered at CLC
Ron Houle of the Central Lakes College faculty will teach a four-hour Introduction to Vista workshop from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 6 in W 219 on the Brainerd campus.
The book "Microsoft Windows Vista Illustrated Introductory" by Steve Johnson will be provided. Tuition is $99, payable at the time of registration. Deadline for registration is Jan. 30. For more information, call (800) 933-0346, ext. 8142 or 855-8142.