Business Beat

New faces:

Coffman Engineers has added the following people to its staff:

Jennifer Rappe was named marketing coordinator. She is a recent graduate of Gonzaga University with a degree in public relations.

Kevin Dix joined Coffman as construction manager. He recently received a degree in construction management from Washington State University.

Jim Rogers joined the company as a mechanical engineer. Rogers, who has two years of experience with another company, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University. He also is trained in computer aided drafting.

Wade Poulsen was hired as a mechanical drafter/designer. Poulsen, who has five years of experience with another company, received an AAS in autocad technology from ITT.

Alvin Woolsey, who was hired as an electrical drafter/designer, is a recent graduate of ITT with an AAS in computer aided drafting.

Wayne Ingle joined Coffman as a senior electrical designer. He has more than 25 years of experience in the engineering design and drafting industry and was previously employed in Alaska.

Bill McElroy was hired as senior mechanical engineer. McElroy has been in the industry for 30 years and previously ran his own company. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University.

Laura Rankin joined the company as a mechanical engineer. Rankin, who has 12 years of experience, previously worked for Food Plant Engineering in Yakima.

Moving up:

Washington Trust Bank has promoted the following employees:

Nancy Wilbert has been promoted to assistant vice president. Wilbert, who began her banking career with Washington Trust in 1978, works in administration in the bank’s Private Banking Group.

Patricia Wells was promoted to assistant vice president. She is a trust officer in the bank’s Private Banking Group. Wells, who has 21 years of experience in banking and finance, joined Washington Trust in 1982.

Robin Holland was named an assistant vice president. She is a trust officer in the bank’s Private Banking Group and joined Washington Trust in 1987.

Sue Olson was promoted to vice president. Olson is the compensation and benefits analyst in the Human Resources Department. She has 33 years of banking experience, including 25 years with Washington Trust.

Elected:

The Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Trustees has elected the following officers for 1999-2000: JoAnn Matthiesen, Avista Corp., chair; William Robinson, Whitworth College, chair-elect; Garman Lutz, Empire Health Services, treasurer; and John Wagner, Seafirst Bank, immediate past chair. James McDevitt, Preston Gates & Ellis, will continue as general counsel, and Rich Hadley will continue as president and CEO. New trustees elected to the board for three-year terms include: Don Barbieri, Cavanaughs Hospitality Corp.; Ben Cabildo, AHANA Business & Professional Association; Sheila Collins, Catered for You; David Coombs, Coombs Manufacturing Co.; Stephen Jordan, Eastern Washington University; Connie Lipsker, Bon Marche, Spokane Valley Mall; Chris Marr, Foothills Lincoln Mercury Mazda; John Madri, Global Credit Union; Sandy McCauley, Pacific Crescent Quilting; Bill Norman, Safeco Insurance; Mike Schneider, Altek Inc.; Randy Stamper, Stamper, Rubens, Stocker & Smith P.S.; and Linda Stone, The Children’s Alliance. Charles A. Taylor, chancellor of the Community Colleges of Spokane, was elected to a two-year term. One-year appointments to the board include: Beth Britt, Aurora Development Group; Ray Lawton, Lawton Printing; Dave Lenartz, Byte Dynamics; Bill Mester, Mead School District; Penn Siegel, Potlatch Corp.; Heidi Stanley, Sterling Savings Bank; John Walker, Kaiser Aluminum-Trentwood; and Irv Zakheim, Zak Designs Inc.

The Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has installed the following officers and directors for 1999-2000: Chairman, Greg Bever, Journal of Business; chair-elect, Dick Denenny, Richard Denenny & Co; vice chair, Pat Humphries, Spokane Valley Fire Department; vice chair, Monique Kolonko, Mission Ridge; vice chair, Michael DeVleming, Vera Water & Power; treasurer, Jim Bowles, Safeco Credit Co.; and past chair, Frank Tombari, Farmers & Merchants Bank. Board members serving three-year terms include: Arland Eastwood, FastSigns; Doug Kelley, Avista Utilities; Susan Meyer, Telect; Larry Ross, DoubleTree Hotels; and Bill Stout, Career Connections. Members serving two-year terms include: Dave Blodgett, LeMaster & Daniels; Tamara Gordon, Valley Good Sam; Philip Sandifur, Metropolitan Mortgage and Securities; Donita Skinner, D.A. Davidson; and Arne Thorgerson, Waddell & Reed. Sue Breesnee, A Grand Welcome; Jerry Irwin, Spokane Valley Mall; Craig Kuehl, Farmers & Merchants Bank; Cindy Oyoloker, Maid to Perfection; and Joe Pettit, Ironwood Homes, are serving one-year terms on the board.

Certifications:

Terri Cone, a registered nurse employed by Care Connection, an independent care management company, has been certified as a certified case manager. All CCMs must hold a license or certification that grants the holder of the license or certificate the ability to legally and independently practice without the supervision of another licensed professional.