Jan 04, 1996

MIDCOM Communications

MIDCOM Communications Inc., a provider of voice and data telecommunications, announced that Ken Hughes has joined the firm as vice president of information services. Hughes will oversee data processing and information systems for the expanding Seattle-based company.

Nor'Wester Brewery

Portland-based Nor'Wester Brewery & Public House announced the release of its newest product, Honey Weizen. The product was developed by Christian Skovborg, Nor'Wester's brewer in charge of new products. Honey Weizen is made from Nor'Wester's Hefe Weizen. The light German style wheat ale is fermented with Clover Honey to impart a crisp honey finish.

Wing Luke Asian Museum

On January 18, the Wing Luke Asian Museum will open two new exhibits: "Out of Focus: Media Stereotypes of Asian Pacific Americans" and "Asian New Year Traditions." "Out of Focus," the first exhibit in the Northwest tracing the development of Asian Pacific American images in popular culture, will explore how negative and inaccurate media images developed over time and examine their impact on Asian Pacific Americans today. Major sponsors for the exhibit are Ruth Mott Fund and Key Bank of Washington. Additional supporters are Seafirst Bank, the Hugh & Jane Ferguson Foundation, Nintendo and Ellen Ferguson. "Asian New Year Traditions" an annual display at the museum, will help usher in the new year by featuring artifacts connected with Asian traditions. The Year of the Rat will be celebrated February 19.

Jan 02, 1996

Washington Insurance Association

Four of the state's largest property/casualty insurance companies have formed the Washington Insurance Association to help shape public policy on behalf of the buyers and sellers of personal insurance lines. The non-profit organization's founding members -- Farmers, Progressive, SAFECO and State Farm -- provide personal lines insurance to nearly half of Washington's residents. The association began operating today and will name a president later this week.

Berkshire Life Insurance Co.

Diana L. Burlew has joined The Berkshire Associates, the Seattle area agency of Pittsfield, Mass.-headquartered Berkshire Life Insurance Co., as a representative. Burlew, who provides insurance and financial services, has 16 years of business management and marketing experience. She specializes in the creation and implementation of practical financial plans for business owners, professional and executives.

Providence Health System

Richard Barwinski has been named director of business development for Providence Health System, Puget Sound. Prior to joining Providence, he was regional director, senior vice president, management services division, at National Medical Enterprises (now Tenet Healthcare Corp.) in Fairfax, VA.

West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau

The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has presented its L.J. Markwardt Award to Bradley Shelley, executive vice president of the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, Portland. The award is handed out annually for distinguished contributions leading to improved design in the field of wood engineering. Shelley was recognized for his work on methods of establishing lumber strength properties and design values. The West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau is a national, non-profit lumber grade rule writing and inspection agency.

Dec 28, 1995

PC Pros

David Witzke has been named sales manager for Tacoma company PC Pro's 'MORE HITS' forensic product line, a digital imaging system for capturing latent prints, documenting evidence and enhancing surveillance images in the laboratory or at the crime scene. Before joining PC Pros, Witzke was the automated fingerprint identification system trainer for North American Morpho Systems Inc.

Everett Area Chamber of Commerce

Bob Drewel, Snohomish County executive since 1992, has been selected as the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce 1995 Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year. Skotdal Enterprises owner Art Skotdal was recognized as the 1995 Corporate Business Executive of the Year, and Kathy DeTuerk, owner of Sunrise Travel Center, is the Small Business Executive of the Year. Drewel co-chairs the Economic Investment Plan for Snohomish County, and has been instrumental in efforts to locate a degree-granting, four-year college within the county. He serves on boards of the Economic Development Council, Regional Transit Authority, YMCA, Puget Sound Regional Council, Communities in Schools and Team Snohomish; chairs the county Needs Assessment Project; and co-chairs the SnoNet "Connected Communities" board that has developed a community-wide computer network to digitally link county schools, businesses, government, citizens and organizations. Skotdal has played a major role in downtown Everett revitalization efforts, upgrading and modernizing numerous downtown buildings and recruiting new tenants. He is a founding director of Frontier Bank, and purchased and rebuilt AM radio station KRKO into a successful operation. DeTuerk has been responsible for the growth of Sunrise Travel Center since it opened in 1977, and taught the first career-development class in the Seattle area for the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. DeTuerk has been active on the Chamber board of directors, serving as vice chair of the area business division, and is currently president of the Rotary Club of Everett. Also, Everett Mayor Ed Hansen has been chosen to receive the 1995 Service to Business award for his contributions to the economic development of the Everett area. Awards will be presented at the EACC Annual Membership and Recognition Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Everett Yacht Club.

King County

Deputy King County Executive Charlie Earl is retiring at the end of January to run a management consulting business. Earl said his longtime dream has been to help local government, state agencies, and private firms with strategic organizational planning. Earl was named to the $97,000-a-year post in 1994 by County Executive Gary Locke to help the transition in the merger of King County and Metro, the county bus and sewer agency. He also helped write the county's growth management act and worked on strategies for improving police service in suburban cities. Locke said he will immediately begin the search for Earl's replacement.