Area business happenings

Names and Faces

Jason M. Davis recently became a principal in SMA Architects of Helena. He has been with the firm for five years and holds a bachelor's degree in environmental design and a master of architecture degree from Montana State University.

Jolene Robins of Windermere Real Estate recently completed 96 hours of instruction to earn her GRI designation from the Graduate Realtors Institute.

Nicole Walden recently joined St. Peter's Hospital as director of quality, responsible for developing a comprehensive quality and risk management plan for the hospital. She was previously with a law office in Leesburg, Va., and also brings prior experience as a legal nurse consultant, nursing policy analyst and registered nurse among other positions. She holds a law degree from American University Washington College of Law and a bachelor's degree in nursing from George Mason University.

Tracey Olsen and Hollie Koehler recently joined Big Sky Brokers of Helena.

Bison Engineering recently announced several additions to its staff.

Devin McCarthy joined the firm as a staff engineer providing emissions testing for industrial facilities. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from Montana Tech of the University of Montana, and previously worked in laboratory and surveying work.

Grant Rodway joined the firm as a staff engineer providing air quality permitting and compliance services. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from Montana Tech of the University of Montana and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Montana, and previously spent two years in the mining industry.

Derek Fleming joined the firm as a staff engineer providing air quality permitting and compliance services. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Montana State University.

Recognition

The Sanders was one of five Montana inns and lodges listed in the "Where to Stay" section of the 2009 edition of Michelin's Guide to British Columbia and the Rockies.

Shodair Children's Hospital was recognized with a Gold Award in the 2009 Aster Awards, which recognize healthcare professionals for advertising and marketing. Shodair received its award for its Autumn 2008 issue of Reunion magazine, which is distributed to the hospital's donors and supporters. The magazine is produced by the hospital's Community Relations and Marketing Department and designed by Art & Image Creative Resources in Missoula.

Three Helena photographers received awards from the Montana Professional Photographers Association at the group's recent annual convention.

Andrea Jones of Andrea Jones Photography won first place in electronic imaging, first place in wedding album (multi-maker) and third place in unclassified.

Eric Wordal of Masterpiece Portraits won first place in non-wedding album (single maker) and also received the Kodak Gallery Award.

Roger Mathis of Roger Mathis Photography won third Place in men's portrait with his self-portrait entitled "Pulling Me."

The American Business Women Association -- Big Sky Chapter recently announced the recipients of its annual awards.

The Top 10 Candidate for 2009 is Liz Taflan, selected for her leadership skills with the club and her position with the U.S. Veterans Administration in Helena.

The 2009 Woman of the Year was Betsy Allen, honored for her support of the club, her personal and professional development and her commitment to the Helena community.

Changes

Giggle Box Drop-In Daycare recently opened at 4760 N. Montana, offering drop-in service with no reservations necessary. Staff members are trained in CPR and first aid. The daycare is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 422-4913 or 449-8380.

Dave Burda recently opened Montana Telecom & Cabling, specializing in small business telephone systems and voice/data cabling. He has 12 years of experience as a small business phone system installation and repair specialist and is certified on Norstar and Vertical/Comdial telephone key systems. He can be reached at 465-6158.

Anniversaries

The following employee was recently reconized by her employers for years of service:

Eaton Turner Jewelry, Kathy Pahut, sales manager, 20 years.

Briefcase guidelines

The IR welcomes reports of hirings, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and nonprofits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred, but we can also use regular photos; we don't guarantee return of these).

There is no charge for items appearing in the Business Briefcase. Items are run on a space-available basis, and we reserve the right to edit and use information as we see fit. The deadline is Tuesday at noon for publication the following Sunday.

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 you can drop it off at our office at 317 Cruse Ave.

Questions? Call John Harrington at 447-4080.