Oct 06, 2016

Washington Hospitality Association

The state has a new trade group: Washington Hospitality Association. It is located in the former offices of the Washington Restaurant Association in Olympia. Anthony Anton is president and CEO. He led WRA for nine years. A years ago Washington Restaurant Association and Washington Lodging Association combined functions and staff under a joint operating agreement. WHA has more than 6,000 members statewide.

Museum of Flight

Jeff Bezos and Addison Pemberton were chosen as the Museum of Flight's 2016 Pathfinder Award winners. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is a spaceflight entrepreneur who founded Blue Origin and Bezos Expeditions. Pemberton is renowned for restoring antique aircraft and the co-owner of Scanivalve Corp. They will be honored at the annual Pathfinder Awards Dinner at the museum on Oct. 22.

Oct 05, 2016

Tacoma Minority Business Center

Tacoma is using a $1.5 million federal grant to open the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center and help minority-owned businesses get capital, contracts and export opportunities. This is part of a national network of centers. An open house is set for Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Council Chambers of Tacoma Municipal Building at 747 Market St. Information is at mbda.gov/businesscenters/tacoma.

Thurston County Chamber

The Thurston County Chamber is launching a new public policy division, led by Doug Mah of Doug Mah & Associates, to coordinate the Shared Legislative Partnership, organize resources, and work with the county's legislative delegation on issues such as land-use, permitting and regulatory matters. The team will include legal counsel and a public relations expert.

Oct 04, 2016

Lane Powell

Powell

Lane Powell shareholder Bryan E. Powell has been elected a fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys. He is co-chair of the firm's Real Estate and Land Use Practice Groups.

Central Washington University

Central Washington University appointed Lauren Zeutenhorst to a new position: director of executive events, primarily for the Division of Academic and Student Life. She also will manage the use of University House. Zeutenhorst will lead commencement, convocations, receptions and other annual ceremonies. She held a similar position at Boston College.

Sep 30, 2016

Columbia Bank

Devine

David Devine, senior vice president and marketing director for Columbia Bank, was recognized by the American Bankers Association Foundation with the George Bailey Distinguished Service Award for his work with homeless people in the Northwest. Columbia Bank started Warm Hearts Winter Drive in 2015 to help shelters in three states with cash donations and clothing collected at 140 bank branches. The program raised more than $150,000 and collected nearly 12,000 articles of winter wear.

Elle Barksdale and Co.

Loe

Elle Barksdale Loe has opened an office at 2819 Elliott Ave. in Seattle for Elle Barksdale and Co., a full-service public relations firm specializing in web-based services. EBC provides web design/management services, social media marketing and brand management, and assists with digital publicity. Clients include entertainment, fashion, beauty, restaurants, corporations, health/fitness, music and modeling.