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Advertising

Smith, Philips & DiPietro Advertising and Public Relations has hired Kevin Soules as a graphic designer/artist. Soules, a Yakima native, recently worked for Rubber Ducky Media in Santa Monica, Calif. He is a 2006 graduate of Washington State University.

Agriculture

Two Yakima Valley executives have completed the AgForestry Leadership Program. Amanda Hansen, CFO and associate of Whisper Ridge Winery in Yakima, and Paul Ward, a program manager for the Yakama Nation in Wapato, completed the 18-month program through the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation. During the program, they studied local, state, national and international public affairs issues, learned how to analyze issues in a decision-making process, improved personal skills in working with people in communications, and studied issues impacting Washington's natural resource industries.

Economic development

New Vision, the Yakima County Development Association, has appointed Tammy Everts as its business development director. Everts has been serving as the marketing and development coordinator for the organization. In her new position, Everts will work with existing industries and manufacturers on local business retention, expansion initiatives and workforce development programs. Everts, who has more than 15 years of municipal government experience, has a masters of business administration from City University of Seattle and a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho.

Health care

Sterling Health Plans has named Doug Morger to its President Club. He earned the award for outstanding performance, which included being ranked 13th out of all of the field sales mangers nationwide in 2007.

Insurance

Bell-Anderson Insurance has added Timothy Bartlett as a broker for its commercial property and casualty practice in Yakima. Bartlett, a graduate of Western Washington University, will be working with clients in a wide range of industries with a strong focus on construction, agribusiness, distribution and manufacturing. He previously served in sales positions with Safeco Insurance and PACCAR Financial.

Farmers Insurance has named two Yakima agents as "Championship" district managers and agents. Gerald McGree and Wayne Leavitt were one of 47 district managers and 512 agents nationwide who earned the distinction for keeping a high sales volume and maintaining high client retention.