11-3-2007
AMB Financial Services welcomes
new board members
AMB Financial Services Corporation, the holding company for American Marine Bank, recently welcomed Patty Lent and Bill Benson to its board of directors. The two new members were appointed by the Board during their September meeting and will be formally nominated for election during the annual shareholder meeting in April of 2008...   (Full Article)
11-3-2007
Rohrbacher new Director of Development
at OC
Wendy Rohrbacher recently joined the Olympic College Foundation as its new director of development. She brings wide-ranging experience in nonprofit management, development and capacity building. Rohrbacher was the founder and former executive director of the Friends of Avery Cancer Caregiver Network, which provided education and support services to people caring for a loved one with cancer. She is also a Kitsap County’s 40 Under 40 alumni, Class of 2006.

A former adjunct English professor at OC, Rohrbacher possesses a deep understanding and shared commitment to the OC mission “to serve and enrich all of our communities by providing quality education and training for all who seek to improve their lives through learning.

11-3-2007
West Sound Workforce honors
Arleen Nicholson
West Sound Workforce, a professional staffing company with offices in Poulsbo and Gig Harbor, recently honored Arleen Nicholson as the September Employee of the Month. She joined the firm in 2005, serving as a bookkeeper and office manager. Call (360) 394-1882 or visit www.westsoundworkforce.com for more.
11-3-2007
Mulcahy to lead Silverdale
Chamber of Commerce
Carrie Mulcahy, executive director of Ashley Gardens of Bremerton, was recently named president of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce. Mulcahy will work together with the chamber board of directors and the executive director to continue the chambers community mission.
10-8-2007
Countryman named Employee
of the Quarter by Kitsap Bank
Kitsap Bank recently announced that Cindy Countryman, human resource generalist, has been named employee of the second quarter. Countryman has been an employee of Kitsap Bank for over three years, and often goes above and beyond what is asked of her to ensure that all employees’ needs are met, in particular with insurance claims, coverage issues, and locating approved health care providers for employees.

“Cindy is such an asset to the employees of Kitsap Bank,” remarked Marilyn Hoppen, vice president/human resources. “She has a remarkable upbeat attitude that is contagious, and trickles down to everyone with whom she works.”

10-8-2007
Tripp earns Topper Club honors
Wayne Tripp, of Farmers Insurance in Port Orchard, has been inducted into the Farmers’ “Topper Club” for top sales and service providers. Tripp has been recognized by Farmers for outstanding service and sales achievements during 2006. Wayne Tripp’s Farmer’s agency can be reached at (360) 895-3001.
10-8-2007
Lee switches gears for 2008 election
Pierce County Councilman Terry Lee, a longtime Gig Harbor resident, announced in September his withdrawal from the race for county executive in the 2008 elections. Lee will run for the county assessor/treasurer seat instead. He said he feels his longtime land-use and planning involvement makes him better suited for the assessor job. Lee has previously been a member of the county’s planning commission and other land-use boards.
10-8-2007
Gilmore honored as Employee of the Month
Kathy Gilmore has been awarded the August West Sound Workforce Employee-of-the-Month honors. Gilmore, joined West Sound Workforce in June, has served as a visitor information center coordinator. In her nomination Gilmore’s supervisor commented, “She is a great employee. Without hesitation, she jumped headfirst in to clean up physically and organize the center. Never from day one did I worry after she started. We could not have been happier with Ms. Gilmore.”
10-8-2007
Hanning joins Natural Therapeutics
Natural Therapeutics in Bremerton recently welcomed Jessica Hanning, licensed massage practitioner to its staff. She recently moved from Florida where she had worked for two years in both therapeutic massage and spa facilities. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (360) 377-3601.
10-8-2007
New addition to staff
at Monica’s Waterfront Cafe
Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe’ in Old Town Silverdale recently hired Ivy Detweiler as its newest team member.

Owner, Monica Downen says: “Ivy brings a fresh new perspective and wonderful energy to the team and we are so proud that she chose to partner with our business.”

10-8-2007
Venture Bank hires staff
Venture Bank, which operates several branches on the Kitsap Peninsula, recently hired Pamela S. Dugan as a customer service representative with floating responsibilities in Pierce County. Dugan has 35 years of banking experience.

Also, Melissa Edwards joined the bank as a customer care center support float at the DuPont Financial Center. She has eight years of banking experience.

9-9-2007
Jeff Mead of Edward Jones receives award
Jeff Mead of the financial services firm Edward Jones recently won the firm’s Pacesetters Award for his outstanding performance within the first three years of his career at Edward Jones.

Mead’s office is located at 435 Ericksen Ave NE, Ste 100 and he can be reached at (206) 780-9889.

9-9-2007
Kitsap Bank promotes Sturges and Camacho
Kitsap Bank recently announced the promotions of Wendy Sturges and Carla Camacho. Sturges has been promoted to assistant vice president/regional operations manager. She will oversee Kitsap Bank’s Jefferson County branches in Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, and two Port Townsend full service locations on East Sims Way and in the Mount Baker Building on Taylor Street.

Camacho has been promoted to operations officer, and will manage Kitsap Bank’s Silverdale branch.

“Wendy and Carla have each demonstrated a strong commitment to the success of Kitsap Bank, and to providing our customers the highest level of customer service,” stated John Barmuta, senior vice president/retail banking officer.

9-9-2007
Encore welcomes Duerr back to Clearbrook Inn
Pam Duerr has rejoined Encore Communities at Clearbrook Inn Assisted Living Apartment in Silverdale, where she will serve as community relations director. Duerr forms the other half of the marketing team at Encore Communities.

Her responsibilities include marketing the forty-eight apartments at Clearbrook Inn and resident relations within the greater campus community which includes Northwoods Lodge (short term rehab), Clearbrook Inn and Country Meadows. Over the years she has worked within the business office, activities department and in marketing for Claremont East Retirement Apartments and Country Meadows Independent Retirement Cottages.

9-9-2007
Local Farmers Insurance agent receives honor
Maggie Brewton-Hight, an agent for Farmers Insurance Group of Silverdale, has achieved the company’s highest award for “outstanding overall performance.” Brewton-Hight joins a select group of fellow achievers as a member of the Presidents Council.

Farmers Group Inc., President Robert Woudstra announced the selection of Brewton-Hight at Farmer’s Los Angeles-based home office. “Council selections are based on outstanding customer service, sales production in all insurance lines, overall professional competence and maintenance of the highest quality standards,” said Woudstra.

9-9-2007
KCCDC appoints new executive director
The Kitsap County Community Development Corporation (KCCDC) board of directors recently appointed Ruth Ann Halford to serve as the executive director and loan officer for the organization.

Halford has twenty years’ experience in revolving fund management, providing technical assistance to borrowers, and working with bank lenders, economic development professionals, governmental agencies, and small business development centers. Previously she managed the Olympic Microloan Fund for ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia in nine counties and also helped create the Women’s Business Center for Community Capital Development and assisted clients in securing over four million dollars in financing for small businesses.

Reach Halford at (360) 307-4240.

8-6-2007
Keller honored by mental health professionals
Larry Keller, executive director of Kitsap Mental Health Services, has been presented the prestigious Mary Higgins Award by the Washington Community Mental Health Council (WCMHC). The award is the highest honor that a member of the WCMHC can receive. Keller was presented the award at the WCMHC annual conference in Yakima...   (Full Article)
8-6-2007
Soroptimists install officers for 2007-08
Soroptimist International of Greater Bremerton installed new officers on June 26. They are: President, Mourine (“Mo”) Anduiza; president-elect, Deborah Horn; corresponding secretary, Kayla Wentworth; recording secretary, Gayle Thomson; treasurer, Janelle Cain; assistant treasurer, Jenny Elliott, directors, Holly James and Courtney Turnley.
For information on Soroptimists, visvt www.soroptimistnwr.com.
8-6-2007
Fleury joins Valpak
Valpak recently announced that Sandi Fleury has been hired as a marketing consultant for Kitsap County.

Before coming to Valpak, she was an executive manager and distributor with Tupperware Corp. for 32 years being recognized in the top 10 percent of the nation in sales, recruiting and promoting new managers. She also managed several dental practices through the years.

For more information on Valpak, visit www.valpak.com/vpcol/home.do.

8-6-2007
Bouillon honored by West Sound Workforce
Melinda Bouillon has been awarded the June West Sound Workforce Employee-of-the-Month honor. She joined West Sound Workforce in May, and serves as a receptionist. Her friendly manner and outgoing nature contributed to her success.  In her nomination Bouillon’s supervisor also commented, “She is the often the first contact someone might have with our company. It is an important role that Melinda handles so competently.”
8-6-2007
American Marine Bank
welcomes Lorry Gilbreath
American Marine Bank (AMB recently welcomed Lorry Gilbreath as its new residential loan officer serving Bainbridge Island. She will be working from AMB’s home office on Winslow Way.

Most recently Gilbreath worked for the Metro Park District as its gymnastics coach, supervising the preschool gymnastic program for 12 years. Prior to moving to Bainbridge, she worked for over 10 years in the mortgage lending business.

8-6-2007
Edward Jones adds new financial advisor in P.O.
Edward Jones financial advisor Ron Rada recently announced that a second financial advisor, Schelley Dyess, has joined the office in Port Orchard.

“I’m very impressed with Schelley, and I’m sure my clients will be too,” Rada said. “Edward Jones prides itself on providing the best service possible to those investors who choose to do business with us. Schelley will provide the high level of service investors in Port Orchard have come to expect from us and extend our services to new investor, as well.”

Dyess will work out of Rada’s office over the next several years, and then will continue serving investors throughout the area.

7-8-2007
Ashley Gardens names two new
executive staffers
Ashley Gardens of Bremerton recently announced two new executive staffing assignments, Carrie Mulcahy has been named as executive director for the Alzheimer’s and dementia care community. In that position she will oversee the all aspects of the daily operations of the community. She is an experienced senior care provider with more than 20 years in the industry, and is a certified assisted living administrator and licensed practical nurse...   (Full Article)
7-8-2007
Port of Bremerton Commissioner Mary Ann
Huntington announces bid for re-election
Port of Bremerton Commissioner Mary Ann Huntington recently announced her intention to run for re-election. Her campaign co-chairs are Carolyn Powers and Carol Arends...   (Full Article)
7-8-2007
Inslee fills Kitsap post
Mendy Droke has been named to head U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee’s Kitsap County office. A longtime Bainbridge resident, Droke will be Inslee’s local liaison to communities on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Droke comes to Inslee’s office after leading outreach efforts in the same region for Planned Parenthood of Western Washington. She replaces Clarence Moriwaki, who was recently named as Kitsap County’s public information officer. She will be based in Inslee’s Poulsbo office at Liberty Bay Marina and can be reached at (360) 598-2342.

7-8-2007
Home Tech Wiring welcomes new VP
Home Tech Wiring, Inc. has named Michael Casey to the position of vice president. He has been working in the electrical industry since 1984 and brings extensive experience as a custom home specialist. Reach the firm at (360) 340-8468.
7-8-2007
Bowen joins Exponent Trading Company
Drea Bowen recently joined Exponent Trading Company as an international trading director. Contact Bowen to consign items, arrange an online fundraiser, or for mentoring in starting an online trading business at (360) 509-2948.
7-8-2007
WSB Financial announces
new Chief Lending Officer
WSB Financial Group, Inc., the parent company for Westsound Bank announced that Charles Turner has been named as the senior vice president/chief lending officer. Turner previously served as chief lending officer at Mariner Bank.

He holds a degree in economics from the University of Washington and has extensive experience in banking including commercial lending, locally with both Viking Bank and Frontier Bank.

6-4-2007
Alyea joins West Sound Electric
West Sound Electric, Inc. has named Ken Alyea as its residential division manager. Alyea brings 35 years of experience with his grandfather’s and father’s business (Poulsbo Electric to the firm. His overall responsibilities will include expanding the company’s single and multi-family construction business opportunities. He can be reached at (360) 782-0800, or Resi@westsoundelectric.com.
6-4-2007
Casey now security and low voltage certified
Robert Casey of Home Tech. Wiring, Inc recently completed a certitech training session. The course offers security and low voltage training and certification. Home Tech. is now able to offer its customers service regarding security systems, home theaters and speakers. Reach the firm at (360) 340-8468.
6-4-2007
Martin Van der Does joins the family business
Kenneth J. Van der Does, President of National Benefit Advisory, Inc. recently announced that Martin D. Van der Does has joined the family business as national marketing director. Martin brings to National Benefit several years of customer service, marketing and sales in the United States and Mexico. Reach National Benefit Advisory at (360) 373-6162.
6-4-2007
West Sound Workforce honors Pixton
Nicole Pixton has been awarded the April West Sound Workforce Employee-of-the-Month honor. Pixton joined West Sound Workforce in January and serves as a customer service representative. Her initiative and professionalism contributed to her success. In her nomination Pixton’s supervisor also commented, “In the short time Nicole has been here, she has learned a little about all aspects of our business. She is professional, courteous and always willing to take on new tasks with minimal training and supervision.”
6-4-2007
Alvillar earns Excellence in Caregiving Award
Stephanie Alvillar, a caregiver at Ashley Gardens in Bremerton, has been recognized with the Excellence in Caregiving Award by the Western and Central Washington State Alzheimer’s Association. Alvillar was presented with her award at the 22nd Annual Alzheimer’s Regional Education Conference. She has worked at Ashley Gardens, an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community, since May 2006 and was nominated for the award by the family members of those she cares for. For more information about Alvillar or Ashley Gardens, call (360) 478-7272.