Mazda returns to Post Falls; KMC welcomes new hospitalist; Kean promoted at Blue Water

Mazda returns to Post Falls

Two years to the day since its official opening in Coeur d'Alene, the Mazda dealership in Kootenai County opened again on April 1 at the newly named Findlay Hyundai Mazda.

Team Mazda opened just off U.S. 95 north of Kathleen Avenue in Coeur d'Alene after the previous Post Falls Mazda dealership folded late in 2007.

"We bought all the 2010 Mazdas on March 31," said Michael Kargenian, sales manager at Findlay. "We acquired the franchise and all the sales and service." A total of 55 vehicles with less than 200 miles on them were delivered to the Findlay operation at 1665 E. Edmonton Ave., just north of Interstate 90.

"We can handle warranty service in this more modern building, in a better location," Kargenian said.

Now, as a "dual-point" dealership, there will be some cost savings that can be passed on to customers, he said.

Several Mazda certified sales personnel and office staff also joined the Findlay operation. One or two technicians will also be hired, Kargenian said.

Team Mazda owner John Kiefer, who also has dealerships in southern Idaho and Oregon, did not return a call from The Press seeking comment.

Information: 619-2500

KMC welcomes new hospitalist

Dr. Ingrid Lintmaer joined Kootenai Medical Center staff as a hospitalist, a physician who oversees care of patients who are hospitalized.

Lintmaer earned a medical degree at Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest, Romania. She then completed an internship at St. Pantelimon Hospital in Bucharest. After that, she completed a three-year internal medicine residency program at Internal Medicine Residency in Spokane - which is academically affiliated with the University of Washington's School of Medicine.

Kean promoted at Blue Water

Jennifer Kean was promoted to chief financial officer at Blue Water Technologies, Inc. Prior to Blue Water she was treasurer at Coeur d'Alene Mines and director of corporate finance at Sony Pictures.

Circling Raven named top merchandiser

For the second straight year Circling Raven was named PGA Northwest Section "Merchandiser of the Year," the fourth time since its first full season in 2004. The honor is determined by votes from PGA Section members, peers from golf course operations in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana.

The PGA criteria include customer base to shop displays financial details and ongoing training for the staff.

The course also qualified it for National Merchandiser of the Year in 2009

"Golfers and guests may find a pro shop and staff that equals ours, but I honestly don't think they'll find a better one anywhere in the country," said Tom Davidson, director of Golf. "Everyone here is part of that. Everyone here has earned a share of this honor."

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.