Biz Bits

Published 9:06 pm Sunday, April 26, 2009

People

Michael Romito has been named president of the Aerospace Group for Crane Aerospace and Electronics of Lynnwood. He will lead the company’s groups in Lynnwood; Burbank, Calif.; Elyria, Ohio; and Lyon, France. Previously Romito had worked with Parker Hannifin Corp. and as a consult to Alliant Techsystems.

Candace McKenna of Snohomish has been named national Volunteer of the Year by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters for her service at KSER (90.7 FM), Snohomish County’s public radio station. McKenna has volunteered for the station’s board for nine years and been president for four, a period of strong growth.

Charlotte Walther of the Port of Everett has been named buyer of the year for the state chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. She now competes for national honors.

New business

Prime Pacific Bank has opened a second location in Lynnwood. Prime also has locations in Kenmore and in Mill Creek. The latest Lynnwood branch is at 2502 196th St. SW. Chief Executive Glenn Deutsch said the office is open for business and will allow the bank to expand its head office and ease overcrowding at its location at 2710 196th St. A grand opening celebration is planned in June. New staff members Randi Dasalla, Angela Jackson and Becky Gibbs will work at the new branch, as will David Smith, who will move from the original Lynnwood branch to the new location.

Awards

Three local car repair shops have been honored by AAA Washington for high customer- satisfaction scores in surveys. Conaway Motors and GP Automotive in Everett and Jeff’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood were named “AAA Top Shops.”

Sound Harley-Davidson, 16212 Smokey Point Blvd. in Marysville, was awarded Harley-Davidson Motor Co.’s 2008 Gold Bar &Shield Circle of Excellence Award, given to the Top 25 Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States. The dealership is operated by Scott and Marianne Smernis.

Michael Steidley, field manager for Pacific Ridge Homes in Bothell, was recently honored by the Master Builders Care Foundation for building a showcase ramp to kick off the foundation’s Rampathon event, while builds wheelchair ramps for low-income homeowners in King and Snohomish counties.

Classes

The Construction Industry Training Council will offer basic and continuing education classes in the electrical and plumbing trades in May and June. The classes will be held in Everett, and fees generally range from $125 to $150. Register at www.citcwa.org or by calling 425-454-2482

Events

Don Burrows, who has 35 years of experience in human resources, training, recruiting and resume writing, is donating his time to help job-seekers. He plans a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, followed by individual resume consultations, at Uppercase Books, 611 Second St., Snohomish. The cost is a $10 donation, which will be given to a nonprofit group improving child and adult literacy. Call 360-568-5987 or go to www.­uppercasebooksand collectables.com to reserve a spot.

Four area state legislators will give a report on this year’s Legislature at a business roundtable hosted by Snohomish County Councilman John Koster, beginning at 7 a.m. May 12 at the Monte Cristo Hotel, 1507 Wall St., Everett. Speaking will be Rep. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo; Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish; Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens; and Rep. Al O’Brien, D-Mountlake Terrace. Cost for a buffet breakfast will be $25. RSVP: 425-397-7799 or kosterbrt@comcast.net.

The Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce plans its 10th annual Leadership Breakfast for 7:30 a.m. May 14 at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St. NE, Lake Stevens. The cost is $15. RSVP by May 6: 425-334-0433 or info@lschamber.org.

Glenn Crellin, the director of Washington State University’s real estate center, will talk about the market with Chuck Noel on Getting Your Dough to Rise, a monthly personal finance show from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on KSER (90.7 FM), Snohomish County’s public radio station. Other guests: Paul Merriman, a Seattle money manager and author, and Drew DeSilver, a Seattle Times business reporter.

Meetings

The Port of Everett and the Mukilteo City Council will hold a joint meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. today to discuss common issues at the Mukilteo City Hall, 11930 Cyrus Way.