Business notes

Alan Cibuzar of A.W. Research Laboratories Inc. of Brainerd attended the International Network of Environmental Forensics Conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Cibuzar was a featured plenary speaker at the conference presenting on "The Use of Remote Sensing in the Detection and Prosecution of Environmental Law from County Planning and Zoning to Federal Court."

Cibuzar is the founder and sole owner of A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. and has more than 35 years of experience in water analysis, development and application of remote sensing hardware and interpretation. Since 1974 he has devised and implemented programs for innovative aerial surveys to identify potential pollution sources of surface waters. Located at the Brainerd Regional Airport, A.W. Research Laboratories offers remote sensing, environmental consulting, and analytical laboratory services to a variety of clients ranging from government agencies, watershed districts, lake associations, industry, and individuals who desire to preserve their lakes, rivers and streams for future use.

Northern Psychiatric Associates moves office

BAXTER - Northern Psychiatric Associates is moving a short distance from its current office on 7115 Forthun Road Suite 105 in Baxter to a larger space on the same office campus.

Northern Psychiatric Associates reports the move will provide greater space and additional amenities. The new office, 7111 Forthun Road Suite 200 opened Sept. 14.

Cowell gains recognition

BAXTER - David Cowell, a financial adviser of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, qualified for the 200 Lives Club. This honor recognizes financial representatives who have a total net of 200 lives insured for that award's year, which runs from June to May.

Cowell has been associated with Northwestern Mutual since 2000.

A native of Brainerd, Cowell received a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Karels becomes obstetrical education coordinator

Brainerd Lakes Health announced Tara Karels, registered nurse, accepted the position of obstetrical education coordinator at St. Joseph's Medical Center.

Karels is a certified childbirth educator and a certified doula. She has been with Brainerd Lakes Health for the past 13 years. Karels has worked in the OB clinic doing patient education, as a staff nurse in the Family Birthplace and has taught childbirth classes. She is also an international speaker and published author, traveling worldwide to train nurses in childbirth education.

The obstetrical education coordinator is a new position at SJMC. In her role, Karels will work closely with the Family Birthplace staff, OB clinic staff and prenatal educators to develop extended programs in all areas and provide staff training. She received her nursing degree at Central Lakes College and her certifications through the International Childbirth Education Association.

She is developing additional prenatal education classes that include a Preconception/Early Pregnancy class and a Postpartum Support Group for families delivering at St. Joseph's Medical Center.

Borders joins Brainerd Lakes Health

Brainerd Lakes Health announced the addition of Peggy Borders to the St. Joseph's Medical Center Rehabilitation Department.

Borders is a registered occupational therapist and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She received her occupational therapy degree from the College of St. Catherine's in St. Paul, and was certified as a Lymphedema Therapist through the Klose Training and Consulting Lymphedema Therapy Certification Course.

Borders' background includes work in the outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as home health care and nursing homes. She will head St. Joseph's Medical Center's Lymphedema Program and will partner with therapists at other leading healthcare facilities to provide the most advanced therapy treatments possible for individuals with Lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition that can occur after mastectomies, lumpectomies, radiation treatment, lymph node removal, surgeries, infections or trauma as well as medical conditions, which result in chronic edema problems.

Medical Assistant program starts at Staples

STAPLES - The Staples campus of Central Lakes College added the medical assistant, one-year diploma program, to its nursing programs.

Nicole Weber of Motley and Jade Hangge of Staples are among the 19 students enrolled and being taught by Coordinator/Instructor Dawn Michel of Pequot Lakes.

Students are preparing for clinical, laboratory and administrative work. They will be trained to collect medical histories, take and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures, prepare patients for exams and X-rays, administer medications, remove sutures, change dressings, sterilize medical instruments, prepare exam room equipment, and assist the physician during exams, prepare lab specimens, draw blood, and perform basic lab tests.

The Nursing and Medical Assistant programs will welcome guests to an open house Oct. 20 during Medical Assistant Week.

Chamber to sponsor Business After Hours

LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its next Business After Hours networking event from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at event host the Hilmerson Collision Center, 13148 Haven Road, Little Falls.

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 Chamber of Commerce at (320) 632-5155. No RSVP needed.

Green business tour planned Oct. 8

A green business tour is planned from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 8 with a start and end at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 7678 College Road, Suite 105, Baxter, with the Brainerd Area Environmental Learning Network.

The tour is free but pre-registration is required by Oct. 5. The tour will allow participants to learn about green business practices in the Brainerd lakes area.

Stops include the Fairview Office Park, Madden's Resort and the Pollution Control Agency. Examples include: low impact development cost savings, water conservation, green building design, stormwater management, energy efficiency, waste management and more.

Space is limited. To register, send an e-mail to Jackie B. at ee-events@pca.state.mn.us (preferred) or call (651) 757-2070. (If you do not receive a confirmation notice, notify MPCA) For more information, contact Denise Stromme at denise.stromme@pca.state.mn.us or (218) 316-3888.

Heavy equipment students benefit from golf event

The Central Lakes College Foundation has received a donation of $10,480, which will be used to enhance the Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance program on the Staples campus.

The golf tournament is sponsored each year by Frattalone Companies of Little Canada. Frank Frattalone, company founder, is a 1969 graduate of the CLC Heavy Equipment program.

About 120 golfers participated in the July 21 golf event, and despite rain, most completed 18 holes of play. Funds raised flow through the Frattalone Companies Heavy Equipment Fund with the CLC Foundation.

This was the 11th year for the fundraiser played at Oak Glen Country Club near Stillwater. About $190,000 was raised for students in the CLC Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance program.

It is one of only three public college programs of its kind in the Upper Midwest. Frattalone is a longtime member of the program's advisory council.