Apr 06, 2007

HomeTeam

Seattle-based HomeTeam, creator of the television program of the same name, named Stephen J. Cohen president. He has more than 35 years of experience in media consulting and marketing, and is the recipient of four Emmy awards for excellence in news. HomeTeam creates TV programming, real estate affinity partnerships and Web-based technologies.

Jones Soda

Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. appointed Peter Burns to senior executive vice president, sales and marketing. Burns was with Izze Beverage Co. as vice president, sales. Jones Soda sells soda across North America.

Joe's Sports, Outdoor & More

Joe's Sports, Outdoor & More opened new stores in Bellevue at 699 120th Ave. N.E. and in Kirkland at 12321 120th Place N.E. Both were Larry's Markets. The openings coincide with the company's 55th anniversary and the official change of name from G.I. Joe's to Joe's. The additions bring Joe's total number of stores to 27 throughout Oregon and Washington. Joe's is headquartered in Willsonville, Ore.

Apr 05, 2007

The Schuster Group

The Schuster Group hired Mark Walsh as chief operating officer for the Seattle-based real estate development and investment firm. Walsh has 20 years of real estate investment management experience. Schuster oversees over $200 million in real estate projects, including housing, commercial and retail.

Guardian Management

Guardian Management LLC, a Portland-based real estate investment and management firm specializing in multifamily housing investment and property management, bought the former Park Sheridan Apartments at 14812 Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park. Guardian purchased the 174-unit project in February and renamed it Watercrest. Guardian plans internal and external upgrades costing $5 million. This is Guardian's first acquisition purchased through a $50 million equity fund formed with Morgan Stanley. Guardian plans to buy approximately 2,000 units this year. It now has 13,000 units in its portfolio.

CREW Network

The Seattle chapter of CREW Network (Commercial Real Estate Women) is starting an interactive program called CREW Careers to introduce young women to careers in the commercial real estate industry. It was developed by CREW Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CREW Network. Girls from local non-profit groups YWCA Girls First, Powerful Voices and Campfire USA will learn about the field. On April 13, CREW Careers will be held at Lincoln Square in Bellevue. The project will be used to illustrate all aspects of commercial real estate from acquiring raw land through lease up. Tina Pappas is co-chair of CREW Careers for CREW Seattle.

Lion Inc.

Lion Inc., a provider of online lead generation and mortgage fulfillment services, said its chairman and chief executive officer, Randall D. Miles, resigned April 1. Miles held those positions since December 2003. He will remain an advisor to the company. John A. McMillan has been elected chairman of the board and Dave Stedman is president and interim CEO. Stedman was CEO in 2002 and 2003.

Hidden City Games

Seattle-based Hidden City Games hired Judy Sorenson as chief operating officer. Sorenson has worked with Wizards of the Coast, Advanced H2O and Vectra Technologies. Hidden City Games is the licensor of Bellar Sara for worldwide distribution outside of Scandinavia.

Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland

The Seattle law firm Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland announced Thomas H. Grimm has joined the firm as of counsel attorney. Grimm specializes in commercial and complex business transactions and litigation.

City of Seattle

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said Germaine Covington, director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, will retire in June after 29 years of city service. Covington became the office director in 1994. “Germaine has left her mark on almost every aspect of city government,” Nickels said. Nickels named Julie Nelson acting director.

City of Kent

The city of Kent announced two personnel changes in the mayor's office. Michelle Witham was promoted to community and public affairs manager. She was the neighborhood program manager. Toni Azzola is the new neighborhood program coordinator. Azzola was the neighborhood coordinator for the city of SeaTac.