Movers and Shakers May 15, 2012

T-Mobile seeks to bring cellular, broadband services to all of Idaho

T-Mobile West Corporation is seeking state approval to compete for federal dollars to accelerate deployment of cellular and broadband services in unserved areas of Idaho.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission granted ETC (eligible telecommunications carrier) status to T-Mobile last fall, which qualified the wireless provider to receive federal Universal Service Fund support to help telephone consumers in rural areas where it costs more to provide a telephone network. In this application, T-Mobile requests conditional ETC status in areas not receiving any broadband services.

The conditional ETC designation would allow T-Mobile to compete in a Federal Communications Commission auction for one-time federal support. T-Mobile would be seeking a share of about $300 million available in the FCC's Mobility Fund Phase 1 Auction on Sept. 1.

The commission is taking comments on T-Mobile's application through May 24. Comments are accepted via email by accessing the commission's homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions About a Case." Fill in the case number (TMW-T-10-01) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

Grant Forsyth joins Avista as company's new chief economist

Avista announced that Grant Forsyth has joined the company as its chief economist. In this role Forsyth will provide economic forecasts in Avista's three-state service territory for electric and natural gas usage. Forsyth will take over the position held by Randy Barcus, who is retiring in July.

Forsyth is well-versed in the regional economy having served as a researcher and professor of economics at Eastern Washington University for more than a decade. He also serves on the Washington Governor's Council of Economic Advisors and the Spokane Mayor's Council on Economic Policy and Forecasting.

"Grant comes to us with a great skill set as an academic and private sector researcher and economist," said Mark Thies, Avista's chief financial officer. "His abilities will serve Avista well as we consider revenue forecasts, capital planning, energy resource planning and regulatory activities."

Forsyth is originally from Ellensburg, Wash., but has lived and worked in both the United States, and Europe. He currently lives in Spokane with his wife, Sharon.

Monte Drake is new Community Banking Regional manager

AmericanWest Bank announced that Monte Drake has been promoted to the position of Community Banking Regional manager for North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Drake joined the bank in 2011 and most recently held the position of branch manager at the bank's Hayden location. He has 30 years of banking and finance-related experience, including significant expertise in business banking and commercial lending. Drake holds a bachelor's degree from Montana State University, a master's degree from Idaho State University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.

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 [email protected].