Small Street Journal: December 30, 2016

The Wisconsin Job Honor Awards, an initiative aimed at recognizing Wisconsinites who have overcome barriers to employment, has selected Larson Companies of Eau Claire as one of its top honorees for 2016. Nominations were judged by a panel of workforce experts and were presented during the Future Wisconsin Economic Summit recently hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). Larson Companies, an asset management company operating hotels and restaurants in the upper Midwest, partnered with Serryn Hawkins, her local representative from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and created an in-house training program they dubbed the Hospitality Training Academy. Beginning with an eight-week training program for housekeepers, their success has motivated Larson Companies to expand the initiative to include cooks and eventually front desk representatives.

The obstetrical ultrasound practice at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire recently received reaccreditation by the Ultrasound Practice Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM). Under AIUM’s review, the entire obstetrical ultrasound practice was examined, including personnel, physical facilities, documentation, storage and record keeping, policies and procedures and quality assurance methods. Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire’s obstetrical ultrasound program has been accredited since 1998. The latest accreditation is for three years. Participation in AIUM’s accreditation program is voluntary.
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Occupational therapist Ellen Christensen recently joined the Rehabilitation Services Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. Christensen earned her master of occupational therapy from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology at UW-Eau Claire. Christensen’s professional interests include adult and geriatric physical rehabilitation, particularly patient care involving orthopedic, surgical and multitrauma diagnoses in the acute care setting.

Cindy O’Brien, office administrator for Edina Realty Chippewa Valley and Spooner, WI. offices, was honored with the Edina Realty Emma L. Rovick Memorial Award, or “Emmy,” on Dec. 13 at a special luncheon for the award winners. Established to honor company founder Emma Rovick, the “Emmy” Award is given annually to two people: one employee and one real estate agent who exemplify Edina Realty’s core values of honesty, integrity and commitment. O’Brien joined Edina Realty in 2004, and is described as hard working and dedicated to the people in her offices. If she doesn't have an answer to a question, she works diligently until she finds it. She also sees to it that new agents get the training that they need to become successful in their careers.
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CCFBank’s Regional President of Commercial Banking Tyler Tomesh announces the promotion of Justin Harings to Commercial Banker. Previously, Harings served as a personal banker, a mortgage loan officer and a commercial loan processor for CCFBank. His most current role has been Treasury Management Operations Supervisor, which he will leave to become a Commercial Banker. His role with CCFBank will be based out of the Fairfax Street office in Altoona, where he is very involved in the Altoona Lions Club. Harings is also an Eau Claire Chamber Ambassador, a Young Professionals member and community volunteer with both Junior Achievement and the Seymour Ball Club.