05/18/09 In Basket

Education

Peter Dallas Finch has earned his doctor of education degree from Washington State University. Finch, assistant superintendent for learning and teaching for the West Valley School District, is a graduate of Wapato High School, has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Harvard University and a master's degree in education administration from Central Washington University.

Financial

The Consumers' Research Council of America has named Clark L. Permann and Erik R. Pielstick among its "Best Financial Planners" for the fourth year in a row. Permann and Pielstick, financial planners with Financial Management, were selected based on their education, ethical standards, credentials, years in practice and affiliations with professional associations.

Insurance

Three local Farmers Insurance agents have been selected to attend the company's annual "Championship Conference." They are Pamela Warren, Gerry McGree and Wayne Leavitt. They were selected for having a high sales volume of auto, home, life and business policies while maintaining high client retention and profitability. The Yakima agents are among the 251 agents and 17 district managers nationwide who have qualified to attend the conference.

Law

Yakima attorney Terry P. Abeyta recently spoke at an auto seminar for the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

Abeyta, of Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, was also elected president of the Damage Attorneys Round Table during the organization's convention in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Abeyta is one of the organization's only members from Central Washington.

Medical

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital has added Monesh Kapadia to its staff at the Medical Center Laboratory. Dr. Kapadia received his medical degree from George Washington University and also completed his internship and residency there. Kapadia is board certified in pathology.

Jim Pinnell and Stephanie Hakala of Comprehensive Mental Health as well as Melissa Gorsuch-Clark and Rick Kenney of Catholic Family and Child Services are now certified to offer Mental Health First Aid training in Yakima, Kittitas, and Klickitat counties.

They received certification after completing a 12-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training covers specific steps to keep the person safe, reassure them and provide valuable information until help arrives or the crisis passes.

Restaurants

McDonald's has given Shelly Hillier an award for outstanding operations. Hillier, director of operations for McDonald's of Yakima & Kittitas Counties, was one of 20 recipients nationwide of the award. Hillier has worked for the local franchise for 30 years.

Real Estate

Lakemont Real Estate has hired realtor Gary Hale as a sales agent. Hale is returning to the real estate business after a career of 27 years in store planning and operations, most recently with Macy's.

Tourism

The Central Washington Fair Association recently elected officers and re-elected directors to its board. Officers are Jake Jundt, chairman; Leslie Roy, vice chairman; Linda Lowe, secretary; Sid Morrison, treasurer; and Greg Stewart, fair president and general manager. Those re-elected for three-year terms on the board are Jundt, Gayle Hall and David Hargreaves. State Sen. Curtis King was re-elected to a one-year term on the board.

* In Basket is a Monday feature noting personnel changes, additions and accomplishments of area business people. To have an item published, mail a brief announcement with a photo to the Business Desk, Yakima Herald-Republic, P.O. Box 9668, Yakima, WA 98909. Items also can be dropped off at our office at 114 N. Fourth St. in Yakima; faxed to us at 509-577-7767; or e-mailed to business@yakimaherald.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for the following Monday.