BUSINESS BRIEFS: Clallam Habitat for Humanity names outreach chief, opens Sequim office . . . and other items

Published 12:01 am Sunday, January 18, 2015

PORT ANGELES — Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County has named Colleen R. Robinson as community outreach director of the affordable-housing nonprofit.

Also, the organization has opened a satellite office at 350 W. Washington St. in Sequim.

Robinson, a 20-year North Olympic Peninsula resident, has volunteered for several organizations that support families and children.

“I am looking forward to using my skills and experience to positively impact families as they realize safe, affordable housing in their partnership with Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

The new Sequim satellite office will provide office space for committee work, collaborative staff work and a convenient place to meet with donors and supporters in Sequim, a Habitat spokesperson said.

The Sequim office staff is available by appointment only by phoning 360-681-6780.

The organization’s store and administrative headquarters will remain in Port Angeles. Material and furniture donations to the store will not be accepted at the Sequim office.

Chamber awards

CLALLAM BAY — The ­Clallam Bay-Sekiu Chamber of Commerce has presented its annual awards during a monthly luncheon.

Ali Baker, manager of Chito Beach Resort, was awarded for numerous contributions in promoting tourism and business in the community.

She serves as chamber treasurer and tourism committee chairwoman and represents the chamber at scenic byways, county visitor bureau and Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission meetings.

Excell Charters and the Inn at Neah Bay — previously Kingfisher Inn — were awarded for their tourism package for visitors. The package includes charter fishing and marine tours.

Dick and Cheryl Moody were recognized for their work in improving and maintaining the welcome-sign site.

They created a low-maintenance and attractive landscape that welcomes guests to Clallam Bay-Sekiu.

Patricia Hutson was the winner of the new-for-2015 lunch drawing.

PA chamber endorses

PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce board has voted to endorse two school measures — including a $98 million bond issue to rebuild the high school — that come before voters Feb. 10.

The board endorsed the bond request, which would raise the property tax $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and a request to continue the Port Angeles School District’s maintenance and operations levy of an estimated $3.26 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for two more years.

Chamber President Jim Moran said the chamber board was delighted to participate in the endorsements, and that for the business community and the residents of the area to succeed, Port Angeles needs to work together toward common goals.

New technician

PORT ANGELES — Lisa Gale has been hired as the newest member of the corrections department of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, serving as control room technician.

She moved to Washington in 1995 and resides in Sequim with her husband and three daughters.

Gale holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology.

CEO fetes 25th

SEATTLE — Sequim native Laurie Stewart, president and CEO of Sound Community Bank, is celebrating 25 years with the organization.

Stewart was hired in 1989 as president and CEO of Associated Grocers Federal Employee Credit Union. In the ensuing 25 years, the credit union converted to a thrift and is now a fully public company traded on the NASDAQ.

Stewart oversaw the growth of the organization from $38 million dollars to $496 million dollars.

Stewart has a long history in community banking and participation in industry affairs.

Recognized by American Banker as one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking in 2011, she served as chair of the board of directors of the Washington Bankers Association and is currently chair for Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

Stewart is the chair of the American Bankers’ Association Governmental Affairs Committee, a flagship national banking committee.

She is a frequent speaker at conferences and colleges locally and nationally.

KONP talk guests

PORT ANGELES — Here is this week’s schedule for the 1:05 p.m. to 2 p.m. local talk show segment on KONP radio, at 1450 AM, 101.7 FM and www.konp.com on the Internet outside the Port Angeles area.

Station General Manager Todd Ortloff hosts the Monday through Thursday segments.

This week’s scheduled lineup:

■ Monday: To be announced.

■ Tuesday: School bond PACE co-chair Steve Methner and Shelley Taylor, member of Citizens for Affordable Education Committee.

■ Wednesday: Joan Warren for Direct Home Health, plus a short segment with Scott Kennedy of Olympic Medical Center on flu.

■ Thursday: U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer; College Goal Sunday with financial aid help; Jim DeFelice, co-author of American Sniper.