Business notes June 18

CAREER

Westbrock named CTC assistant general manager and COO

Kristi Westbrock was named the assistant general manager and chief operations officer of Consolidated Telecommunications Company.

Westbrock will be responsible for all of the day-to-day activities of the internal operation along with assisting the CEO in designated operating areas. Westbrock has worked in telecommunications for 20 years, with 10 years of work experience at CTC.

Westbrock has contributed to the continued growth and development of CTC's internal departments, as well as with the expansion of CTC's footprint within the Brainerd lakes area and beyond. CTC recently completed a vast Fiber-to-the-Home build to all cooperative members within their rural network, under Westbrock's operational leadership. Westbrock is currently the board chair for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce and was the previous board chair of the United Way and of the Lakes Area Human Resource Association.

She is also a Trustee for the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association Group Health Plan. Consolidated Telecommunications Company is a full service telecommunications company based in Brainerd.

Hann and Smith receive recognition

The Good Samaritan Society Communities of Brainerd recently had its annual

recognition banquet.

Megan Hann received the Good Samaritan Society Way Caregiver Champion award at

GSS Woodland. Hann has worked at Woodland since July of 2015 and started her

career with Good Samaritan as a universal worker at the Birchwood Samaritan House.

Lisa Smith recently received the Good Samaritan Society Way Caregiver Champion

award at GSS-Bethany. Smith has worked as a certified nursing assistant since 2006.

Those eligible for the Caregiver Champion Award are certified nursing assistants, home

health aides, nurses, and others who provide direct care. To receive the Caregiver

Champion Award - A Caregiver Champion serves others, cares for others and provide care in an incredible way by living out The Good Samaritan Society Way, especially through the traits of compassion, love, joy and acceptance. He or she shows excellence in their caregiving duties. He or she has an awe-inspiring way of connecting with those being cared for. A caregiver champion goes above and beyond to make everyone feel loved, valued, and at peace.

EVENTS

Brainerd chamber hosts Legislative wrap session

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce's 2017 Legislative Wrap is 10-11:30 a.m. Friday at the chamber's CTC Room.

There is no charge to attend. Registration is required as seating is limited. Event is casual with a question and answer session. Hear representatives reflect on accomplishments and unfinished business. Get an update on the chamber's legislative priorities, including Cuyuna mountain bike trails, predatory lawsuit reform, Real ID, and business property tax relief. Learn what might be next for the Uniform Fair Labor Standards Act. Vetoed by Gov. Dayton, this bill would have prevented a city-by-city patchwork of different wage and benefit laws across Minnesota, the chamber reported.

Crow Wing Power Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting well attended

An estimated that 1,500 people attended the 80th Crow Wing Power Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting. A total of 5,048 ballots were cast in this year's board of directors election.

In District 1 At-Large, Bryan McCulloch was re-elected with 2,912 votes over his challenger, Darrell Shannon, who received 2,077.

In District 2B, incumbent Gert Roggenkamp received 3,195 votes over Kris Graham's 1,810.

In District 3A, Dwight Thiesse, the incumbent, won with 3,865 votes over Lynn Clark Damar, who got 1,132.

Changes to the cooperative's articles of incorporation and bylaws passed with 4,011 voting for it and 420 against changes.

A pancake breakfast was served by Chris Cakes from Iowa, who entertained the crowds by

flipping and tossing pancakes for attendees to catch on their plates. Kids had many activities

including horse rides by the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol. They had the

opportunity to remotely control large utility equipment and diggers and 10 kids won

bikes.

Horizon Health to host Chamber's next Friday Morning Coffee

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

employees and guests from 7:30-9 a.m. June 16 to the Chamber of Commerce, 200 First St. NW, Little Falls for Friday Morning Coffee.

Announcements are at 8 a.m. Sponsoring this month is Horizon Health.

Business After Hours set in Deerwood

Join Cuyuna Rolling Hills and the Deerwood Bank as they co-host Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. June 29 at 24410 State Hwy 210 in Deerwood.

Business after Hours is a Cuyuna Lakes Chamber function for members of the business community and is also open to the public, so bring business cards and network. Event includes hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and raffle prizes.

As a courtesy to the host, advanced registration is recommended.

To make your reservation, call the chamber office at 218-546-8131 or email Jessica@cuyunalakes.com .