Area business happenings

Names and Faces

American Federal Savings Bank recently announced staff news.

Alana Binde has been hired as assistant vice president/

human resource officer. She has 10 years of experience in human resources, including previous positions at Summit Aeronautics and Payne Financial.

Chuck Berger has been named corporate secretary, in addition to his current position as assistant vice president/secondary marketing. He has been with the bank for 31 years.

Hillary Purvis, controller, was recently awarded her CPA designation by the Montana Board of Public Accountants.

Courtney Dann McAdams of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network recently completed her Chartered Life Underwriter designation through the American College in Bryn Mawr, Penn. She has been with the firm since 1997 and practiced in Helena since 2005.

CDM recently announced several additions to its Helena staff.

Hunter Simpkins joined the firm as an environmental scientist, transportation planner and GIS analyst. She brings 10 years of experience in environmental analysis and compliance.

Ronnie Schmidt joined the firm as an environmental engineer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from Montana Tech and brings three-plus years of experience in civil design with an emphasis on stormwater.

Jeff Key joined the firm as a senior project manager overseeing transportation sector activities, with 15 years of experience in transportation and civil engineering. He holds a degree in civil engineering from Montana State University.

Mel Lehman joined the firm as a senior program manager leading CDM’s energy business development in the region. He has more than 30 years of experience in environmental engineering and permitting.

Ryan Osterman joined the firm as an environmental engineer. He brings six years of experience in general construction and holds a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from Montana Tech.

Brad Koon has been promoted to office manager at Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson. He has been with the firm for six years and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Montana State University and a certificate in land surveying from the University of Wyoming.

Shanda Broere has moved to the position of personal insurance client account manager with Payne Financial Group. She has been in the industry for 13 years and been with Payne since 2000.

James Scheinz of Jensen Jewelers recently completed the company’s 11-week “Certified Professional Jeweler” program on all aspects of the jewelry industry.

Beth Watson of Jensen Jewelers recently completed the company’s 12-week “Master Jewelry Salesman” program on all aspects of fulfilling customer needs.

Recognition

Dan Miles, chairman of the State Workforce Investment Board, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Workforce Development Leadership Award.

Jim Nys, co-owner of Personnel Plus! and Westaff Services, recently received an award of recognition from the Helena Job Service Employers Committee. Nys was recognized for his support for the JSEC, his free electronic newsletter to employers around the state, and his efforts to keep Montana employers updated on current and pending legislative changes on both the state and federal level.

Briefcase guidelines

The IR welcomes reports of hirings, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and non-profits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred, but we can also use regular photos).

The best way to send information and photos is by e-mail to john.harrington@

helenair.com. We also accept information by fax (447-4052), snail mail (P.O. Box 4249 Helena, MT 59601-4249, attention John Harrington), or dropped off at our downtown office, at 317 Cruse Ave.

We do not accept information over the phone.

Questions? Call John Harrington at 447-4080.