JERRY PETRICK
SBCD names Longview business advisor
The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced that Jerry Petrick will head its center in Longview.
In his new role as a SBDC business advisor, Petrick will work with small business owners who want to start, strengthen or grow their businesses, the organization said.
Petrick, who has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Washington State University Vancouver, has served as director of business expansion at the Columbia River Economic Development Council and manager of business and industries for the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council.
“We are delighted to have Jerry, with his diverse economic and workforce development background, join our network,” said SBDC State Director Brett Rogers. “He is familiar with the economics of Southwest Washington and brings a strong service commitment to clients and stakeholders. We believe he will fit right into our culture of collaboration within the SBDC program.”
Petrick is past president of the Rotary Club of Vancouver and a charter member of the Rotary Club of Vancouver Metro Sunset. He is vice president of the board of the nonprofit Bridge the Gap, which provides support to children in foster care.
The Washington SBDC is a cooperative effort between Washington State University, community colleges, economic development organizations and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
STACEY WADDELL
The Board of Directors of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington has named Stacey Waddell its interim executive director following the announced resignation of Chuck Tourtillott.
Tourtillott headed the nonprofit organization for the past five years, during which time a new facility was constructed in east Vancouver following a multi-year capital campaign.
“We appreciate Chuck’s leadership during a time when our program experienced significant changes ranging from adjusting to the new facility to several reorganizations due to severe economic pressures in recent years,” said Matt Olson, president of Robertson & Olson Construction and chair of the Humane Society’s board of directors.
Waddell is a long-time Humane Society enthusiast who has been serving as a project consultant to the organization and previously sat on its board of directors.
STEVE ABELS
After twenty-eight years working as a vocational career instructor and counselor both in the public and private sectors, Steve Abels has been selected as the new Donor Resource Supervisor for the American Red Cross Blood Services in Southwest Washington.
In his new role, Abels will be responsible for the logistics involved in meeting the demand for blood products. He will be working out of the Clark County Donor Center located near the Vancouver Mall.
Abels first became involved with the Red Cross as a youth through swimming classes. As an adult, he became an instructor for first aid/CPR. He spent more than seven years training others to teach first aid/CPR with the Red Cross in Eugene.
JOHN HARTNEY & VIC OENNING
Corwin Beverage Company announced a pair of executive promotions at the firm’s Ridgefield headquarters last week. General Manager Vic Oenning has been promoted to senior vice president, sales and operations. Sales Manager John Hartney has been promoted to vice president, sales.
Oenning previously held the position of general manager of Corwin Beverage since 1996. He has worked in the beverage industry for more than 30 years and was awarded the President’s Ring of Honor for top performance by PepsiCo in 2006.
Hartney held the position of sales manager of Corwin Beverage since 2006 and previously was a district manager for Frito Lay. He was awarded the President’s Ring of Honor by PepsiCo for top performance in 2010 and is active on several Pepsi committees.