Business Notes - July 16

CAREER

Dispatch names Perkins community editor

Chelsey Perkins, a Brainerd lakes area native, will celebrate three years with the Dispatch in August. She began her journalism career after graduating cum laude with a bachelor's degree in professional journalism from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. While attending college, she served as copy editor and opinion columnist for The Minnesota Daily.

Following a series of internships, Perkins' first staff position came in 2009, when she was named research editor for the magazine Utne Reader. In Feb. 2014, the Echo Journal hired Perkins as a staff writer, where she covered the cities of Crosslake and Breezy Point along with the Pequot Lakes School District.

In Aug. 2014, Perkins moved to a reporter position at the Brainerd Dispatch, covering Crow Wing County government. Shortly after joining the staff, Perkins and newsroom receptionist/staff writer DeLynn Howard together developed a food column, "Puttin' on The Mitts." In 2015, she earned first place in public notice journalism for the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Perkins most recent undertaking was leading the creation of "DispatchCast," the newsroom's podcast featuring "stories that will reel you in about life in the Brainerd lakes area."

As community editor, Perkins will staff the night editorial desk. Perkins will continue to write for the newspaper as well, including for The Mitts.

Perkins was named community editor after Michael Johnson, former community editor, left the post.

RedHouseMedia adds to creative team

Cory Johnson recently joined the creative staff of Brainerd-based advertising agency RedHouseMedia as a graphic designer.

Johnson graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor's degree in design technology, which included graphic design, digital media and exhibit design. He has three years of professional graphic design experience in the gaming industry.

Originally from Rochester, Johnson volunteered providing resources for youth, food shelves, and park programs, as well as the Ronald McDonald House and the American Cancer Society House.

Mau Named to American Rental Association Committee

Steve Mau, owner of Brainerd General Rental, was appointed to the Construction, Industrial and

General Tool Shared Interest Group by incoming American Rental Association President Mark Gilbertson.

The committee advises the American Rental Association on matters relevant to the rental equipment industry. The 12-member board met at ARA headquarters in Moline, Ill., recently and outlined opportunities for products and services to assist members in business development.

Baillif gains recognition for service

Patti Baillif was recognized as an extraordinary nurse at Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center.

Baillif, registered nurse, caring for patients on the Family Birthplace at Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center, was recognized with a DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses on June 1. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's national program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.

Baillif, Brainerd, has been a nurse with Essentia Health for 44 years. She was honored with the DAISY Award for her kindness, compassion and sensitivity shown to patients and their families.

Essentia Chief Nursing Officer Pat DeLong said, "We are proud to be among the health care organizations participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It's important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that."

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at Essentia to receive the DAISY Award. Awards are given throughout the year. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was created by the family of Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 from an autoimmune disease. Because of the extraordinary nursing care Barnes received, the family wanted to find a way to say "Thank You" to nurses everywhere for what they do every day for patients and families. Throughout the year, people may nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award. Go to Essentia hospital or email Daisy.Central@EssentiaHealth.org for a form to nominate a nurse.

EVENT

Minnesota Power to host next Friday Morning Coffee

LITTLE FALLS-The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce invites all chamber members,

employees and guests to Friday Morning Coffee from 7:30-9 a.m. July 21 at Minnesota Power, 1201 11th St. NE, Little Falls.

The networking event has announcements and introductions are at 8 a.m. Sponsoring this month is Minnesota Power.

1/2: Cory Johnson

2/2: Patti Baillif