Ivy Court is Center of the Year

Ivy Court, a Coeur d'Alene nursing and rehabilitation center, was recently awarded by Extendicare Health Services Inc., its parent company, the Cornerstone Center of the Year Award for the Western Area, which includes 19 skilled nursing centers.

The award program embodies six cornerstones that are most important when caring for residents, their family members and employees: Responsiveness, Integrity, Compassion, Dignity, Pride and Respect.

Results of Ivy Court's customer satisfaction surveys showed that 98 percent would recommend the center to others and 100 percent expressed overall satisfaction with the care and services the center provided. Employee satisfaction scores and low turnover rates were also considered in selecting Ivy Court for the Cornerstone award.

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Avista Corp. reports financial results

Avista Corp. on Tuesday reported net income attributable to Avista Corp. shareholders of $42.3 million, or 71 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2013, compared to $38.4 million, or 65 cents per diluted share for the first quarter of 2012.

"Avista Corp. had a good first quarter, with better than expected earnings at the utility and solid results at Ecova," said Avista Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Morris.

Ecova is Avista's primary, non-utility subsidiary that offers companies energy management solutions.

"Utility earnings were above our expectations for the first quarter of 2013, resulting from lower operating costs during the quarter," Morris said. "Based on current snowpack levels and recent precipitation, we expect normal hydroelectric generation for the year. In addition, net power supply costs, including natural gas fuel prices, are below the level included in base rates, all of which benefits both customers and shareholders."

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NCCE adds marketing, communications director

Heidi Rogers, CEO/executive director for Northwest Council for Computer Education, has added a full time Marketing and Communications Director to the team.

Britt Towery, formerly Corporate Community Affairs Coordinator for Coeur d'Alene Mines, joins the 5,000+ member nonprofit educational technology organization starting May 1. Over the past 12 years, Ms. Towery has worked in administration, sales, marketing, and public/community relations. A native of Coeur d'Alene, Towery is a graduate of the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Communication with an emphasis in public relations.

Active in various community, civic and nonprofit activities, Ms. Towery is a member of the Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene and serves on the board of directors for the North Idaho College Foundation and the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. She is also a Leadership Coeur d'Alene graduate and serves on the Leadership Committee with the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, Ms. Towery was named one of North Idaho's "Top 30 Under 40."

Info: 292-2521 or btowery@ncce.org

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