Biz Bits: People
Published 12:01 am Monday, October 31, 2011
People
United Way of Snohomish County has hired three new staff members. Vicki Trenary, donor relations manager, comes with extensive background in education, banking and small-business ownership. She has lived in Snohomish County for 30 years and holds a master’s degree in education.
Ann Holm, labor donor and community liaison manager, will work with local unions as they participate in United Way campaigns and in conducting community projects. Holm previously worked as legislative assistant to Rep. Hans Dunshee since May 2006. She attended Washington State University, where she graduated with a major in history and a minor in communications.
Neil Parekh is the vice president of marketing and communications. He has more than 15 years of communications, public relations and public policy experience. Before joining United Way, he worked with a local labor union that represents long-term care workers, for a public-private partnership focusing on U.S.-Canadian cross-border issues, an international development project in Cairo, Egypt, the Legislature, as a journalist and as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
Awards and accomplishments
Dillon Works! Inc., a turnkey custom design and fabrication company based in Mukilteo, has announced the installation of the “Technology Column” at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. Working with Hugo Boss, Dillon Works! designed, fabricated and installed a 10-by-3-foot interactive glass column. The high-tech display has motion-activated sensors triggering nature-inspired images that change as customers pass. For more on the company, visit www.dillonworks.com.
The National Federation of Independent Business recently honored the state’s oldest member business, Kuker-Ranken Inc. The Mountlake Terrace firm joined NFIB in 1944, a year after NFIB was founded. NFIB presented Kuker-Ranken owner Bob Lycke with the federation’s first Legacy Award. Kuker-Ranken provides architectural engineering and measuring tools for construction companies. “Almost every big structure built around Puget Sound uses our tools,” said Lycke.
Allen Ake of Glass Doctor of Snohomish and Skagit counties was honored with a Personal Achievement Award during The Dwyer Group’s 2011 Reunion, held in Indianapolis. The Personal Achievement Award is given to owners who attain outstanding achievement in sales, manpower growth, franchise development or personal growth during the year.
Events
KSER-FM is celebrating 20 years on the air at an event from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Weyerhaeuser Room, Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave, Everett. Tickets are $15 and include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice. Order tickets at www.kser.org.
Non-profit and government organizations of Snohomish County are invited to apply for a federal grant that provides emergency food, shelter and rent and mortgage assistance. An application orientation will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Housing Hope Learning Center, 5908 Evergreen Way, Everett. Applications are due Dec. 9. For more information, contact Mary Anne Dillon at 425-258-2766 or mdillon@ywcaworks.org.
The Snohomish County Public Utility District will hold two informational sessions about the utility’s Solar Express program, which offers a range of incentives and educational support for customers interested in solar energy. The first session will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at Edmonds Office Auditorium, 21018 Highway 99, Edmonds. The second will be at noon Nov. 9 at Snohomish Office Auditorium, 807 Rainier, Snohomish. More than 100 customers have participated in the Solar Express program in the past two years.
New businesses
Hobby Lobby Stores, a privately held national retail chain of arts and crafts stores, will open its doors in Lynnwood Monday at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and celebration. The 56,000-square-foot retail facility is on Highway 99 near the Lynnwood Shopping Center. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about Hobby Lobby, visit www.hobbylobby.com.
Good deeds
Traxx Indoor Raceway in Mukilteo will be collecting donations for the Mukilteo Food Bank this holiday season. Customers who bring in at least three nonperishable items will receive a 20 percent discount on races that day. Items needed include baby diapers and baby food, cooking oil, canned fruits, soups and meats, peanut butter, soy milk, pasta and rice, and canned vegetables. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 24. For more information about Traxx, visit www.traxxracing.com.
The Snohomish Boys and Girls Club and Snohomish Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for “Mittens for Our Kittens,” an effort to keep children warm this winter. From Nov. 4 to Dec. 9, they will be collecting gloves, scarves and hats for all ages of kids. The collected items will be distributed by the Holiday Giving Tree Program and through the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. Drop-off locations include the Boys and Girls Club, 405 2nd St., Snohomish; Snohomish Community Food Bank, 1330 Ferguson Park Road, Snohomish; and Columbia Bank, 167 Lincoln Ave., Snohomish. Cash donations may be made at the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. For more information: www.cityofsnohomish.com.
Monroe’s Sky Valley Food Bank is seeking monetary donations, which can may be mailed to Sky Valley Food Bank, P.O. Box 724, Monroe, WA 98272, or dropped off at 233 Sky River Parkway in Monroe. Donations can also be made at www.svfoodbank.org.
