BUSINESS NOTES

Marco announces changes

Marco, with offices in Brainerd, announced several position changes.

Named in the announcement were Keith Schwichtenberg, vice president of sales; Jonathan Warrey, regional sales director-western Minnesota and North Dakota; Steve Gau, regional sales director-Twin Cities, Mankato and South Dakota; Jack Herold, regional sales director-St. Cloud and central Minnesota; Trevor Akervik, managed services sales director; Eric Casteel, enterprise sales director; Paul Hagen, IT sales manager-Twin Cities.

Straka gains Blue Cross and Blue Shield honor

David Straka, Brainerd, was named a 2009 Blue Partner by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota for sales and service excellence. Fewer than one in 10 Blue Cross agents across Minnesota are given this recognition.

Straka owns Northridge Agency in Brainerd and has been in the insurance industry for more than 15 years.

Juel joins Nystrom & Associates

BAXTER - Morgen Juel, outpatient psychotherapist, joined Nystrom & Associates in Baxter.

Juel has a bachelor's degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a master's degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. Juel previously worked as a therapist at the University of New Hampshire Counseling Center, as a psychodiagnostic test administrator at Galaxy Counseling Center, a therapist at Irving Family Advocacy Center and a therapist at Texas Woman's University Counseling Center, and behavior development specialist at Omegon Inc.

Brainerd Lakes Chamber names new and retiring board members

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber announced new board directors beginning Sept. 1.

Brent Gunsbury, Bercher Design and Construction, will be board chair; John Newhouse, Lakeland Mold Company, vice chair; Karlo Goerges, Pequot Tool & Manufacturing Inc., treasurer; and John Ohlin, Deerwood Bank, past chair.

Board members beginning a three-year term Sept. 1 include: Rhonda Smith, Downtown Art and Frame Co. and The Bead Box; Tom Kavanaugh, Kavanaugh's Resort; and Steve Mau, Brainerd General Rental.

Retiring from the board as of Aug. 31 were: Janelle Riley, Syvantis Technologies, treasurer; Jim Benson, Grand View Lodge; and Chris Robinson, Askegaard & Robinson P.A., past chair.

Continuing as members of the board are: Jerry Graham, Northern National Bank Crosslake; Mary Kolkind, Sears Retail Store; Ron Morris, Insty-Prints; and Tom Reek, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites members to Get in on the Act as ite celebrates the chamber's accomplishments and recognizes the outstanding volunteers at the annual dinner on Tuesday at Gull Lake Center at Grand View Lodge.

The event will begin with a 5 p.m. social, followed by 6:30 p.m. buffet dinner and recognition program at 7:30 p.m. .

Cost to attend this event is $35. Advance registration and cancellations will be accepted until Monday. For more information, go online to www.explorebrainerdlakes.com or call 829-2838.

BHS graduate takes part in leadership academy

Jake Ryan, assistant golf course superintendent, Northland Country Club in Duluth, was one of 25 individuals from around the nation who participated in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Leadership Academy, Sept. 9-10 at association headquarters in Lawrence, Kan.

Ryan is a 2000 Brainerd High School graduate. I

Faith in Action Program receives state grant

PIERZ - Faith in Action, a division of Horizon Health Inc., Pierz, recently was awarded a grant from The Minnesota Department of Human Services.

North Central Alliance, which includes Horizon Health's Faith in Action, Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers, Cass County Faith in Action and Rum River Interfaith Caregivers and includes the counties of Morrison, Mille Lacs, Crow Wing and Cass, together received $80,000 in grants.

They represent 1,000 volunteers who collectively provide 35,000 hours of service to at risk seniors and the disabled in North Central Minnesota. Through volunteers and professional staff, they provide transportation, homemaking services, chore services, home modifications, friendly visits, respite care, caregiver coaching, support groups and education sessions to those in need.

The grant was given to community organizations throughout the state to help aging Minnesotans live independently and remain in their own homes as long as possible. The grants provide seed money to develop service that improves chronic disease management, link formal and informal long-term care services and promote independence for seniors.

Funding is from the Community Service and Community Services Development grant program, which has funded 300 projects throughout Minnesota since 2001. More that 150,000 Minnesotans age 65 and older have benefited from improvements made as the result of these grants, Faith in Action reported.

EVENTS

Conflict management next Lunch & Learn topic at CLC

Central Lakes College's Lunch & Learn series next presents tips on conflict management from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus.

Jean Mershon will cover conflict management skills, techniques and explore the sources of conflict. Ten conflict management strategies will be reviewed and practiced. The interpersonal and behavioral styles associated with conflict will be defined in relationship to team conflicts.

The fee is $35 for the workshop, including lunch.

For more information, call no later than Oct. 16 to (800) 933-0346 extension 8142 or 855-8142.

CLC Foundation board meeting planned

The Central Lakes College Foundation will host its annual board meeting Oct. 21 at Prairie Bay Restaurant in Baxter.

The Investment Committee meeting will begin at 3 p.m. and the full board will convene at 4 p.m. Past CLC Foundation Board members have been invited to join the group for a social at 3:30 p.m.

Kummet, Larson, Bluth & Co., independent auditors for the foundation, will present and review the annual audit report with the board. Commonfund representatives will be in attendance during the investment/finance meeting. Commonfund serves as the asset manager for the foundation.

In addition, the CLC Foundation will welcome newly elected board member Julia Palmer, Staples. She is the director of marketing and public relations at First International Bank and Trust in Staples.

The Kitchen Place to host Business Before Hours

BAXTER - The Kitchen Place, Baxter, will host Business Before Hours from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oct. 14 in the Baxter Village, 15760 Edgewood Drive, Suite 1, near Morey's and Famous Dave's on the west side of Highway 371.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber's networking event includes a light breakfast.

Cost to attend this event is $3 with advance reservations and $5 at the door. Advance registration is requested by noon on Oct. 13. For more information, go online to www.explorebrainerdlakes.com or by calling 829-2838.

Soulstis Med Spa to host Business After Hours

BAXTER - Soulstis Med Spa by Lakewood Health Systemis hosting Business After Hours from 4:30-6 p.m. Oct. 13 at their new location in the Grizzly Center, 15167 Edgewood Drive, in Baxter.

Food and wine are planned from Prairie Bay.

The event is free. Advanced registration is recommended. For more information, go online to www.explorebrainerdlakes.com or call 829-2838.

CHOW event planned Wednesday

PEQUOT LAKES - Seriously Fun Marketing Group & Timeless Design Builders plan to host the Brainerd Lakes Chamber's lunch networking event CHOW time from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at 4407 Mail St. in Pequot Lakess.

Cost to attend is $5 with advance reservations and $7 at the door. Advance registration and cancellations are accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, go online to www.explorebrainerdlakes.com or call 829-2838.

WORKSHOPS

'Serving It Safe' at CLC is Oct. 20

A Serving It Safe review course is planned from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College, Brainerd.

This course provides four hours of continuing education for certified food managers. It 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. Tuition is $70.

Deadline to register is Oct. 13. For more information, call (800) 933-0346 extension 8142 or 855-8142.

Asbestos awareness training scheduled

Two hours of asbestos awareness training required for custodial and maintenance workers is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 21 in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

It is for those who work around, but do not disturb asbestos.

Joe Casey is the instructor for the session, which costs $64.

For more information, call no later than Oct. 14 to (800) 933-0346 extension 8142 or 855-8142.

Construction safety overview is Oct. 21

A construction safety overview workshop is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

It is for residential building contractors as well as trenching and excavating contractors. Joe Casey is the instructor for the session, which costs $64.

For more information. call no later than Oct. 14 to (800) 933-0346 extension 8142 or 855-8142.

AWARDS

Culver's receives Pride Award

BAXTER - Recently, Bea and Mark Liedl, owners of Culver's of Baxter, were one of the select few franchise partners across the country chosen to receive the Restaurant Pride Award from Culver Franchising System Inc.

The Restaurant Pride Award recognizes Culver's franchise partners who meet the highest standards of excellence for keeping their restaurants clean and inviting to guests. CFSI representatives completed a system-wide review of more than 400 restaurants to rate the best at maintaining each restaurants' cleanliness. Twenty Culver's across the country earned the Pride Award this year.

Crow Wing Power announces award

Crow Wing Power is seeking applications for the sixth annual Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes businesses, nonprofit and community groups that have shown a strong commitment to the community.

Anyone who has helped made the area a better place to live and work is eligible for the award, Crow Wing Power reported. Organizations do not have to be a member of the cooperative, but must have served a community need within the service boundaries of Crow Wing Power in Cass, Crow Wing or Morrison counties. The recognition comes with a $500 cash prize to be donated to a community service project of choice.

Community members may nominate a group, association or business by completing an application form, available at Crow Wing Power or online at www.cwpower.com.

For more information, contact Char Kinzer or Jolene Jensen at 829-2827. The application will require a description of the project, program or event and the positive impact it brought to the community. Completed applications must be received at Crow Wing Power's office by Oct. 31.

This year's award recipient will be announced in early November and will contend for the statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award, which has a cash prize of $1,000. The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Cooperative Energy Forum in February 2010. Last year, Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers received the local award.

Little Falls Machine earns achievement award

LITTLE FALLS - Little Falls Machine Inc. of Little Falls was awarded the Harry S. Swearingen Award for outstanding achievement and service by the American Public Works Association at their annual congress and exposition.

The award was accepted by National Sales Manager Jim Owens at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Little Falls Machine reported it is a nationally recognized leader in snow removal manufacturing and design with more than 70 years experience. The company is in its third generation of family ownership.

DONATIONS

Brainerd Insurance Agency particpates in volunteer day

Brainerd Insurance Agency, part of the Anderson Brainerd Protection Team, donated their time as part of the company's annual Volunteer Day Sept.14.

More than 15 company members pitched in on Monday at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center and the Women's Center of Mid-Minnesota doing a variety of tasks to spruce up the indoor and outdoor spaces at the locations.

Employees participating in the company's first-ever volunteer day gave their time in a number of ways. One group of employees spent the day sanding and staining the playground at the Women's Center and weeding and cleaning up the sandbox. The other group spent their time hauling mulch to cover the playground floor and shampooing carpets at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center.

Food Shelves staff attend regional meeting

Representatives from Food Shelves in Pequot Lakes/Nisswa, Brainerd, Crosslake, Pillager and Aitkin attended a regional meeting on Sept. 11 at Blandin Corp. in Grand Rapids hosted by Second Harvest North Central Food Bank.

September is Hunger Action Month.

Speakers included Sue Estee, executive director of Second Harvest; Tikki Brown, Minnesota State Administrator for Food Support Outreach; Colleen Moriarty, executive director of Hunger Solutions; Justin Linnell, operations manager at Second Harvest; and Alice Moren, Kootasca Community Action.

A special Hunger Action Award was presented to Don Messick of the Lakes Area Food Shelf. Messick was involved in the beginning of the food shelf in 1992 when it was located at the Lutheran Church of the Cross and has been a driving influence to help those in need over the years as a working board member.