Business - Business News

POSTED: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

Boggs earns state conservation award

George Boggs, Whatcom Conservation District manager, has been awarded the Northwest Area District Manager award from the State Conservation Commission.

Boggs was recognized for his substantial accomplishments in providing examples of innovative ways conservation districts can be effective in addressing difficult natural resource issues.

Boggs was recognized for his leadership with Whatcom County on a program to work with landowners whose property is in or near critical areas, his leadership and efforts to define resource concerns connected with air quality in the Georgia Basin, and his talent for supporting the Whatcom Conservation District Board of Supervisors and staff with mutual respect and effectiveness.

Laudenbach, Walker honored by Realtors

The Whatcom County Association of Realtors recently honored Joe Laudenbach of Sterling Real Estate Group and Tammy Walker of First American Title.

Laudenbach was named the association's Realtor of the Third Quarter. He has been a Realtor for seven years and at Sterling Real Estate Group in Bellingham the last four years. Laudenbach has served on the local association's board of directors the past three years and the board of the Washington Association Realtors the last two years. He also contributed to the committee that planned the celebration of the local association's 100-year anniversary last year.

The association selected Walker as its Affiliate of the Third Quarter. Walker, Whatcom County manager for First American Title, has 18 years of experience in title insurance. She was co-chair of this year's association golf tournament fundraiser, has helped present the organization's spring conference and has supported many of its other events.

Smith honored at national CPA luncheon

Orphalee Smith, a certified public accountant, was honored at a special awards luncheon at the 2009 American Society of Women Accountants Joint National Conference. Smith was the Northwest region winner of the Influential Woman of the Year award.

She was one of six regional semifinalists. The award recognizes individuals whose accomplishments and achievements distinguish them in the financial industry; who have demonstrated leadership and mentored others in their industry; and are committed, involved, and contribute to their communities.

Smith is a founding member of the local chapter of ASWA (1978) and in March was inducted into YWCA Northwest Women's Hall of Fame.