Biz Memoranda: 7/5/2009

n Two of Gosling Czubak Engineering Sciences' staff members recently received professional registration from the State of Michigan. Mike Stocking passed both the national and Michigan State licensing examinations for professional surveyors. Mike is a graduate of Ferris State University and a member of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors. Eric Burtt passed the Michigan State licensing examination for professional engineers. A graduate of Michigan Technological University, he has worked for Gosling Czubak for four years.

n The Cedar Valley Ridge Development in Long Lake Township was certified as a Four Stars Green Subdivision by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, in Washington D.C. It's the first development in Michigan to receive the certification, based on several factors including protection of wildlife and plant life in the development, use of natural materials and indigenous species, and use of innovative practices in design, construction and zoning. The project developers are Dan Paulson and Susan Sherman.

n Cherry Tree Inn & Suites in Traverse City received a Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification from the state Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. The resort implemented a linen and towel re-use program and installed low-flow water fixtures, launched a recycling program, installed energy-efficient lighting and is conducting an energy audit.

n Delores "Dee" Kratochvil, of Traverse City, celebrated 50 years of service in the legal field as of June 15. She has been continuously employed by the Hubbell family of attorneys in Traverse City, and is currently employed by Hubbell Law Office PC.

n Amanda Peterson has accepted the position of youth market director for the American Heart Association. Peterson will be working with the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs in 11 counties in West Michigan, including Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties. Peterson has been with the association for three years, most recently serving in the Mid-Michigan area.

n Anita Carlson has joined Integrity Home Health Care as the director of marketing and community relations. Carlson has a BS from Oakland University and an MA from Michigan State University. She has spent more than 30 years as an educator and music/theater director.

n Longtime local businessman Sid Lammers was named the 88th president of the Traverse City Rotary Club, succeeding outgoing president Al Bonney. In 1980, Sid founded Trend Window & Design in Traverse City, which he continues to own and operate. He and his family also own and operate the seasonal Gallagher's Farm Market.

n Richard M. Wilson, of Manistee, has been elected to the board of West Michigan Bank & Trust. He is currently practicing law with Gockerman, Wilson, Saylor, & Hesslin, P.C., in Manistee. West Michigan Bank & Trust has offices in Frankfort and Manistee.

n Eric Eishen, president and CEO of Sturgis Bank & Trust Company and Sturgis Bancorp, Inc., was elected to serve as chairman for a one-year term on the Michigan Bankers Association Board of Directors.

n Jillene Craker has been recognized by Integrity Home Health Care as an outstanding employee. She is a native of northern Michigan and has worked as an Integrity home health aide for more than five years.

n Veritas Investment Management, of Traverse City, was selected as the 2009 PEAK Practice of the Year from among 500 members of PEAK, a national consulting firm that provide coaching for independent financial advisors. Veritas owner and president Brian Ursu received the award in Phoenix.

n CenturyTel Inc. and Embarq Corp. completed their merger as of July 1. The combined company will be known as CenturyLink, serving approximately 7.5 million telephone customers and 2.1 million broadband users in 33 states. Michigan customers will be part of the company's nine-state North-East Region to be headed by Duane Ring. The company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CTL.

Photos

Eric Eishen

Anita Carlson

Amanda Peterson