Business - Business News

POSTED: Sunday, Jan. 04, 2009

Pate elected president of new state chapter of NATP

Bill Pate, an accountant and owner of Bookkeeping Solutions NW in Lynden, recently was elected president of the new Washington chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Pate has more than 20 years of experience in taxes and accounting. Bookkeeping Solutions NW, founded in 2002, is located at 1897 Front St. and offers accounting, payroll and tax preparation services for business and individuals.

The new Washington state chapter will offer tax professionals opportunities to network, share information and concerns, participate in continuing-education seminars and follow state tax legislation issues, Pate said. NATP members also dedicate themselves to a high code of ethics and professional conduct. For more information, visit www.natptax.com.

REALTOR AWARDED DESIGNATION

Ken Gustafson has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 38,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential.

Gustafson is a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate in Bellingham. He is a member of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors and is a lifetime resident of Whatcom County.

BRUMLEY RECEIVES 4TH QUARTER HONOR

Dustin Brumley of Neighborhood Mortgage was announced as the 4th Quarter Licensed Mortgage Advisor of 2008.

Brumley was recognized for his teamwork, motivation, determination, dedication and many additional qualities that he has demonstrated, according to co-owner Anny Havland.

Neighborhood Mortgage is at 432 W. Bakerview Road. For more information, call 671-8044.

BARNHART NAMED VICE PRESIDENT

Jenny Barnhart, manager at the Skagit State Bank Sunset office in Bellingham, has been given the new designation of vice president.

Barnhart has been at Skagit State Bank since 2005 and has more than 20 years in the banking industry.

Skagit State Bank was founded in Skagit County in 1958. Locally operated, Skagit State Bank has 13 offices from north Whatcom County to north Snohomish County.

AWARD PRESENTED TO BREWSTER

Patricia L. Brewster was recently awarded the Harry J. Harwick Lifetime Achievement Award from the Medical Group Management Association.

Brewster, a Bellingham High School graduate who grew up in Bellingham and attended Western Washington University, is CEO of Southern Orthopaedic Specialists LLC in Atlanta. Her career spans more than 25 years, leading several orthopedic groups in Atlanta in that time.

The award is given to an individual who has made outstanding, nationally recognized contributions to health care administration and advancing the field of medical practice management. The award is named for the first medical group practice administrator - Harry J. Harwick, who joined the Mayo Clinic in 1908.

BATTY DIRECTING OTHOTIC SERVICES

Under the direction of Cheryl Batty, Lynden Therapy Specialists has begun offering orthotic services.

Orthotics refers to foot-supporting devices or insoles that provide relief from painful foot problems or injury. A doctor of physical therapy for more than 12 years, Batty specializes in foot and ankle rehabilitation, as well as running, biking and lower-back issues.

She studied biomechanics and worked with the U.S. Olympic Track Team during her schooling. She is an American Physical Therapy Association certified clinical instructor, and performs injury prevention screenings at Fairhaven Runners. For more information, call Christine Nelson, clinic administrator, at 354-5245