Oct 29, 2003

Miller Nash

Brian W. Esler has joined Miller Nash, a law firm based in Portland, as counsel after spending two years in London. While in London he taught at the University of Hertfordshire. Esler's practice emphasizes commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation and appellate advocacy.

Seattle Hospitality Group

Seattle Hospitality Group, a company with interests in hospitality, tourism, travel and entertainment, promoted Tom Norwalk to president. Prior to his promotion, Norwalk served as the company's chief operating officer and is the former general manager of The Golf Club in Newcastle.

Alexis Hotel

The Alexis Hotel, located in downtown Seattle, hired Kimberly Hussey as sales manager. Hussey will be responsible for account management of corporate, transient and large groups visiting the hotel, as well as prospecting for new business groups and IT segments. The Alexis Hotel is a member of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a company based in San Francisco.

Oct 28, 2003

Half Price Books

Half Price Books, whose first location opened in Bellevue in 1984, added a ninth store -- on Capitol Hill -- to the Seattle area. The new store will offer new and used books, magazines, comics, records, cassettes, videos, CDs, DVDs and collectible items. Half Price Books is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cornerstone Systems

Cornerstone Systems, an intermodal transportation company based in Memphis, Tenn., hired Amy Myron as an account manager in its Seattle office. Previously, Myron was a traffic manager for Fletcher's Fine Foods and held a logistics position with Gordon Trucking.

The Seattle Times

The Seattle Times promoted Alayne Fardella, previously vice president of human resources, to the new position of vice president of human resources/labor relations. The company has been seeking a replacement for James H. Schafer, who retired as senior vice president of employee resources earlier this year, and decided instead to make an organizational change. Fardella will manage human resources, organizational development, compensation issues and the company's performance management initiative.

International Absorbents

International Absorbents, a Bellingham-based manufacturer of environmentally friendly pet care and industrial products, named Ted Ellis director of marketing and Paul Barron brand manager. Ellis was formerly a senior principal and group management director for Publicis and has worked with Kal-Kan Pet Food and PetsMart. Barron was most recently a product manager for WestFarm Foods and has held sales and marketing positions with Kellogg's.

U.S. Trust

U.S. Trust, based in New York City, named Curtis G. Young a vice president and trust officer in the Seattle office. Prior to joining U.S. Trust, Young was a vice president of client administration for Whittier Trust Co. of Washington. He has also worked with Private Bank and First Interstate Bank. Young is a licensed financial planner and works with various civic organizations in the Seattle area.

PhotoWorks

PhotoWorks, a Seattle-based digital and film photofinishing service, named Philippe Sanchez president and chief executive officer. He replaces Gary Christopherson, PhotoWorks' former president and CEO, who will continue as chairman of the board. Previously, Sanchez was senior vice president of marketing at Getty Images.