BUSINESS NOTES

Gary Ficek was certified by the National Board of Social Security Advocacy as a specialist in Social Security Disability Law.

The specialty designation has been authorized by the American Bar Association since 2005. Ficek has clients in the Brainerd area. Ficek has practiced as a solo practitioner in Fargo, N.D., since 1990. Prior to that he worked as a staff attorney for the Social Security Administration. He also previously worked as an associate attorney with a firm in Dickinson, N.D. He has been licensed since 1981.

LAHRA welcomes new board members

The Lakes Area Human Resource Association welcomed new board members for 2009 and thanked the outgoing board members for their past service.

New board members are: President Robin Loftis of Clow Stamping, President-elect Dave Bergin of Fiducia Benefits Group, past President Steve Lackner of Lakeland Mold, Treasurer Joe Schulte of Kelly Services, and Secretary Christine Landree of Pro Staff.

New committee chairs are: Social Committee, Beverly Marx of Bremer Bank; Election Committee, Steve Lackner of Lakeland Mold; Legislative chair, Cara Lanz of Madden's Resort; Diversity chair, Jean Mershon of Central Lakes College; Communications chair, Cindy Bollig of Keystone Automotive; College Relations chair, Amie Anderson of the College of St. Scholostica; Program Committee chair, Cindy Brey of the WorkForce Center; Membership chair, Stephanie Fergerson of Wausau Paper; By-Laws chair Steve Lackner of Lakeland Mold; Certification chair, Dena Robinson of St. Joseph's Medical Center; Marketing chair, Kristi Westbrock of Consolidated Telecommunications Co.; Recognition chair, Becky Wohl of Trident Seafood.

Chamber plans Business After Hours Tuesday

LITTLE FALLS - The Chamber of Commerce, Little Falls, will sponsor its next Business After Hours networking event from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Hosting the event is Rudolph Auto Solutions at 1300 N. Lindbergh Drive. 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 at (320) 632-5155. No RSVP needed.

Camp Ripley to host Friday Morning Coffee

LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce invites all chamber members, employees and guests to Camp Ripley's Morale, Wellness and Recreation Center, from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Friday, 15000 Highway 115, for Friday Morning Coffee.

Announcements and introductions at this chamber networking event will be at 8:15 a.m. Sponsoring this month is Camp Ripley.

Business After Hours planned in Baxter

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber's networking event Business After Hours is planned from 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday at RiverWood Bank, 14633 Edgewood Drive in Baxter. The event is free for chamber members. Beverages and appetizers are planned.

For more information, call 829-2838 or e-mail info@explorebrainerdlakes.com.

CHOW planned at Northland Arboretum

CHOW, a networking lunch event with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber is planned from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Northland Arboretum/Sertoma Winter Wonderland, 14250 Conservation Drive.

The event will showcase meeting space and activities the arboretum is involved with, including the Winter Wonderland. Cost to attend is $5 with advance registrations and $7 at the door. Advance registration and cancellations are accepted until 4 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, e-mail ewolf@explorebrainerdlakes.com or call 822-7107.

CLC offers boiler operation workshop

The Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College will be the site for a nine-hour boiler workshop from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 17, 20, and 24 at the Business and Industry Center.

This course offers attendees an opportunity to prepare for special and second class boiler exams. Instruction will include attendance requirements for heating boilers, safety issues and state boiler rules. Fee is $79. Instructor is Dave Horn.

For more information, call 855-8142 or (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142.

CLC offers boiler operation pre-licensing

Central Lakes College in Brainerd will offer a 30-hour course that is an opportunity to upgrade one's 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. The course is from 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Nov. 17-Dec. 22. There will be no class session on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27. Dave Horn is the instructor. The fee is $329 including book. For more information, call 855-8142 or (800) 933-0346, ext. 8142.