Area business happenings

Names and Faces

ERA Bill Bahny & Associates Real Estate recently announced several additions to its sales staff.

Robin Hall holds a master's degree in psychology from Montana State University and worked as a manager for 18 years in the private sector before moving to Helena to work for the State of Montana. She has worked in real estate for the past 1½ years and can be reached at 439-3028 or Robin.Hall@

era.com.

Kristine Bell-Kaufman is a Helena native and Capital High graduate who worked in a flower shop before entering the real estate field 3.5 years ago. She can be reached at 439-0582 or Kristine.Kaufman@era.com.

Jerrie Dolan is a Montana native who was the founder and co-owner of a trucking business for 18 years. She recently started and still operates Cedar Stables, a horse boarding and training business. She can be reached at 594-2020 or Jerrie.Dolan@era.com.

R.J. Haddick has joined the Independent Record as an advertising sales consultant. He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and management from the University of Montana and brings seven years of sales experience at Best Buy. He can be reached at 447-4027 or rjhaddick@helenair.com.

Michael Strand has returned to private practice of law following 12 years as CEO and general counsel for Montana Independent Telecommunications Systems. Strand and Associates offer legal and regulatory representation, lobbying and public relations. Strand can be reached at 465-5792.

Student Assistance Foundation recently announced nine new employees.

JoAnn Weber will work in SAF's Information Technology Department in the area of applications.

Blair Lund will work as an Internet marketing coordinator.

Gina Toney will work as a loan education counselor.

Jeffrey Horton will work as a financial controls specialist.

Roxann Altman, Nanette Annas, Kelsey Farry, Michele Gjerde and Amanda Rasmussen will all work as specialists in SAF's Client Assistance Recovery Education (CARE) Department.

Chris Murgel, environmental technician with Tetra Tech, recently completed a 40-hour EPA course on lead inspection and risk assessment in Billings and his now a Certified Lead Inspector and Risk Assessor supporting projects across Montana.

Recognition

St. Peter's Hospital was recently named one of the nation's top hospitals for community value by Cleverley & Associates. This is the third time St. Peter's was named to Cleverley & Associates Community Value Index Five-Star hospitals list. The hospital was also recognized in the 2004 and 2005 editions of The State of the Hospital Industry Handbook.

Barbara Ridgeway, technology administrator for Helena School District #1, was honored by the Northwest Council for Computer Education with the "Making it Happen" Award for applying available technology, forward thinking and strong relationships with both students and teachers.