Three hired

The North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Development Division has hired three new staff members: Larry Anderson is the new state talent coordinator; Ryan Volk is coordinator of grants and contracts; and Rene Gonzalez is the administrative officer.

Anderson will work to develop a cohesive and coordinated strategic plan for workforce development and training, work with partners to develop and implement a career promotion program and establish a workforce intelligence network. Volk will be working with North Dakota Commission for National and Community Service and administrating the AmeriCorps grant. Gonzalez previously worked for Medcenter One College of Nursing as the administrative secretary to the dean.

Liebig awarded

Mark Liebig, soil scientist at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory at Mandan, was presented the NPA Early Career Research Scientist Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Liebig was recognized for improved understanding of management influences on the soil resource and for efforts to communicate research and promote science to a broad range of customers.

Maier attends

Michelle Maier, FNP-C, St. Alexius Medical Center, recently attended the 31st annual Family Medicine Update in Big Sky, Mont. Maier works as a family nurse practitioner at the St. Alexius Specialty Clinics.

Seven awarded

Several consultants from the Bismarck regional office were recognized for several achievements at the 2007 North Dakota Rehabilitation Consulting and Services All Staff Training Conference: Cheryl Hess, North Dakota RCS Directors Award for Excellence, North Dakota RCS Career Achievement Award and for attaining Certified Rehabilitation Counselor status; Eunice Meidinger, Career Achievement Award; and Barb Burghart, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor status.

In addition, Bismarck RCS consultants were nominated for awards in the following categories: Tammy King, Exemplary Case Award; and Sheri Wilson, Rookie of the Year award.

Kelly Fox and Natasha Adamson also were introduced as new RCS consultants within the Bismarck regional office.

Ryan joins

Jack Ryan has joined Applied Engineering Inc. as a technical writer where he will be responsible for writing and publishing parts and service manuals. Ryan attended the University of Minnesota where he received his bachelor of arts degree in journalism; he is pursuing a master's degree in instructional design and technology from Jones International University.

Three awarded

Patrick Bitz has earned January's Digital Solutions Specialist of the Month for Midwest Business Solutions; he has worked with the company for one year and has more than 14 years sales experience.

Laura Engwicht was voted on by her peers as January's Employee of the Month. She is the senior administrative assistant and has been employed with the company for two years.

Ron Emter has earned the honor of January's Service Support Specialist of the Month. He has been employed with Midwest Business Systems for four years and has more than 28 years of experience.

Moch joined

Peter Moch of Bismarck has joined the staff of Ulteig Engineers as a civil engineer. He will be responsible for design and construction of surface transportation and infrastructure projects. Moch is a native of Mandan and a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in civil engineering.

Wellin awarded

Tom Wellin, Realtor with Century 21 Morrison Realty, was awarded the Graduate Realtor Institute designation by the North Dakota Associaton of Realtors. Wellin completed 90 hours of Real Estate Licensing Education and completed the 60 hours of GRI courses I through IV in Bloomington, Minn., in January.

Jessen hired

BlackRidge Financial announced that BlackRidgeBANK Bismarck Loan Office will be managed by John Jessen, who will serve as president. Jessen has 15 years of banking experience, serving the last 11 years in the Bismarck market, most recently as senior vice president and business banking manager.

Kneeland hired

America's Home Loans hired Mike Kneeland as a home loan specialist. Kneeland's duties include assisting in the process of securing a home mortgage.

Eliason named

Keith Eliason has been named a financial executive with Securian Financial Advisors of ND Inc., a Securian Financial Network general agency. He is a native of Bismarck and has been in the financial business for 25 years. He has achieved many sales awards throughout his career.

Woodard awarded

Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc., says Thomas "Woody" Woodard, a representative of Securian Financial Advisors in Mayville, is the top producer for the month of January.

Reister hired

Liberty Tax Service hired Barbara Reister to its staff at the South Washington and Expressway location in Bismarck. She is an enrolled agent and has 15 years of tax preparation experience.

Stone attends

Brenda Stone, marketing director for the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way, recently attended the United Way of America Brand Forum with 500 other United Way representatives from around the country. The conference supplied attendees with information and tools to help brand their local United Ways.

Five attend

Agents from Keller Williams Realty in Bismarck recently spent five days in Austin, Texas, for training. While there, they attended Operations Boot Camp, Market Center Launch and Power Days, learning the fundamental principles of the company. Those attending were John Van Middlesworth, Cathy VanMiddlesworth, Brenda Smith, Jeni Grunseth and Kristi Bohl.

Training completed

Gary Berube, with AXA Advisors in Bismarck, recently completed the required training for the North Dakota Long Term Care Insurance Partnership program.

Sharff joins

Ressler Subaru has added Becky Sharff to its sales staff. She recently completed training and has started serving customers. Her employment history includes 12 years in the automotive industry with her most previous employment at Bismarck Honda Nissan Hyundai in Bismarck.

Two promoted

BNI Coal Ltd. announces the promotion of two employees. Jodey Houn has been promoted to Mining Engineer at BNI Coal's Center Mine, Center. He began his career at BNI Coal as a field engineer. Ryan Wrolstad was promoted to financial analyst III. He joined BNI Coal's Bismarck headquarters in 2001 as financial analyst.

Ulrich moves

Virginia Ulrich has recently relocated to the Bellavante Salon in Bismarck. She specializes in body waxing and all hair services.