Aug 07, 2003

KCTS

As part of its internal restructuring, KCTS has formed six departments to run the station and named directors for five of the departments. Jackie Boettcher was named chief financial officer, Randy Brinson was named general manager, Jay Parikh was named director of marketing, Kathleen Agosta was named director of development and community partnerships, and Enrique Cerna was named director of production. The sixth position, human resources manager, has yet to be filled. Naming of the six department heads is the second phase of staff reductions that will eliminate 30 positions between Aug. 20 and Dec. 15.

Hotwire Online Coffeehouse

Seattle-based Hotwire Online Coffeehouse has opened its second espresso and Internet café in Shoreline on 1157 15th Ave. N.E. Hotwire is owned by Lora Vickrey. The first Hotwire was opened last year in the West Seattle Junction.

Microsoft

Microsoft has granted $375,000 to six human-services organizations serving King County. The recipients are: Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest, Hopelink, Fremont Public Association, Multi-Service Center of South King County and YWCA. Since 1983, Microsoft and its employees have supported nonprofit organizations with local donations totaling $36 million in cash and software last year.

North American Energy Services

Issaquah-based North American Energy Services, a provider of services to the power generation industry, has completed its acquisition agreement with Hanover Compressor for its Turbine Field Maintenance Group based in Houston. The group will be renamed the Operating Services International Division of North American Energy.

Morgan Stanley

Shawn Mesaros has joined Morgan Stanley's wealth advisor program in its Seattle office. Mesaros has been a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley since 1997.

Aug 06, 2003

Columbia Bank

Columbia Bank promoted Calvin Pearson from branch manager to assistant vice president/branch manager of its Martin Luther King Jr. branch in Tacoma. Pearson has been with Columbia Bank for three years and was previously with First National Bank of Omaha as a loan officer and senior personal banker.

Gretchen's Shoebox Express

Mara Funk has been named customer service manager for Gretchen's Shoebox Express. Funk has been a customer service representative with Gretchen's since 1999. In her new role she will be responsible for department scheduling, customer communication and serving as liaison for the kitchen, production and delivery staff. Gretchen's is part of Schwartz Brothers Restaurants, based in Bellevue.

The Sorrento Hotel

The Sorrento Hotel appointed Amanda Lowney as associate director of sales. Lowney previously served as group and corporate sales manager at the Alexis Hotel and corporate sales manager for the Edgewater in Seattle. The Sorrento is managed by MTM Management.

Holland America Line

A. Kirk Lanterman, chairman and CEO of Seattle-based Holland America Line, was named an Officer of the Order of Orange Nassau, an honor bestowed by the queen of the Netherlands. The decoration was presented during inaugural festivities for Holland America's newest vessel, the ms Oosterdam, held recently Rotterdam. The Netherlands presents the civilian order of merit to individuals who have contributed to Dutch society through their work and achievements in their profession and community service. Lanterman as been with Holland America since 1970. He also serves on the board of directors of Carnival Corp., which purchased Holland America in 1989.

Corinthian Colleges

Corinthian Colleges of Santa Ana, Calif., has completed its acquisition of Career Choices. Career Choices operates 10 schools in California, Washington and Oregon under the Sequoia Institute, Ashmead College and Eton Technical Institute trade names. The Sequoia Institute campus will be integrated into Corinthian's technical division and Ashmead College and Eton Technical Institute schools will be integrated into Corinthian's allied health division. Ashmead College and Eton Technical Institute operate nine schools in Washington and Oregon offering diploma programs in allied health, including massage therapy, dental assisting and medical assisting. Sequoia Institute, located in Fremont, Calif., focuses on programs in automotive technology and HVAC training.