Business Beat

New faces:

Recent additions to the staff of Webiness Inc., a Web design, development and hosting company established by Bernard Daines, include:

Karen Shields joined Webiness as public relations manager. She previously was a marketing representative for Automated Retail Systems for 10 years. Shields, who was on the board of the Spokane Restaurant and Hospitality Association and serves on the Operating Committee of Hoopfest, received a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.

Peter Sanburn was named marketing communications manager.

He will oversee the design, development and distribution of promotional, advertising and marketing materials. Sanburn previously was marketing manager for Mountain Gear, where he oversaw its mail order and Web site business and directed promotional and advertising campaigns. Earlier, he owned Henry Co., a direct marketing business. Sanburn received a bachelor’s degree in English from Ripon College in Wisconsin.

Bryan Osborn joined the company as content editor. Osborn, who previously was a technical writer at Packet Engines, writes Webiness’ bimonthly articles about the Web, titled “Webizone.” He also writes technical papers and provides general editing services for both Webiness and World Wide Packets. Osborn earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University.

Todd Hyde joined Webiness as a network systems technician. Hyde, who was formerly an escalation team member for Software Spectrum in Liberty Lake, is helping to develop Webiness’ data center. He is a graduate of Washington State University.

Michael Dwyer was hired as a Web developer. Previously a software engineer for Gentronics Wang in the banking software support division, he is proficient in several programming languages, including Visual Basic, C++, C, Java, JavaScript and ASP. Dwyer received a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Eastern Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington.

Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels has been named winemaker at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars by owners Harold and Marcia Mielke. Mielke-van Loben Sels, who is the Mielke’s daughter, joined Arbor Crest after six years as associate winemaker with Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County California.

David Powell has joined Coffman Engineers as a senior electrical engineer. Powell, a professional engineer, previously worked for Riley Engineering as the electrical department manager. His background includes both design and installation of electrical distribution systems, lighting systems, telecommunications systems, motor and process control systems and medium voltage distribution systems for industrial, commercial and medical buildings and large food warehouse distribution plants.

Starting up:

NovaStar Home Mortgage Inc. has opened four new branches, including three in the Spokane area and one in Wenatchee. The local branches are at 503 W. Francis and 720 N. Argonne in Spokane, and at 1810 Schnidmiller in Post Falls. Pat Wise has been appointed regional manager of all four new locations. NovaStar, which has offices nationwide, offers several financing options, including FHA, VA, conforming, nonconforming, second mortgages, refinancing and all-in-one construction loans, as well as debt consolidation programs.

Rick and Barbara Kubesh have opened Kubesh’s Site Mixed Concrete in Colville. Barbara Kubesh, a customer service representative at USB Insurance, has more than 15 years of service-oriented experience. Rick Kubesh has been in the construction industry for more than 10 years, including eight years in the ready mix industry. He also has 13 years of experience with retail management. The company specializes in small deliveries, residential customers, small contractors and do-it-yourselfers.

Transactions:

Maple Street Press has acquired the printing business of Pre-Vocational Training Center, including its equipment and accounts. The staff, headed by Ken Thornberg, has joined Maple Street Press at 1404 N. Ash. Pre-Vocational Training Center had operated the business for 27 years.

Kudos:

Robyn Baird, a senior marketing specialist for Numerica Credit Union, has been chosen Employee of the Quarter. Baird, who joined Numerica in 1996, produces internal and external communications material for the credit union. She also coordinates Numerica’s public relations events and serves as co-chairperson of the company’s community involvement team. Baird recently won a CUES Golden Mirror Award for copywriting and design of Numerica’s member newsletter.