FEB NIBJ: On The Move

Young nominee for Small Business of the Year

Verdis President Sandy Young has been nominated for the Idaho Small Business Person of the Year award.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will announce a winner in March prior to National Small Business Week. Young was nominated by Idaho Trust Bank Vice President and Senior Private Banker Julie Fay Barnes.

"I have worked with Sandy for several years now and watched as she built an outstanding team of professionals reputed for excellence in the engineering and construction fields," Barnes wrote in her nomination. "She is a leader not only for her employees, but for other businesswomen and entrepreneurs in the industry. Sandy has served as a mentor to many and has cultivated relationships with several subconsultants and subcontractors helping to support the entire small business network."

Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Verdis provides civil engineering and construction services for private, commercial, industrial and government buyers.

Barta appointed Federal Political Coordinator

Idaho Realtors have appointed Raphael Barta as the Federal Political Coordinator for United States Senator Mike Crapo. Barta has served two terms as the Idaho State President for the Idaho Realtors. He has been honored twice as the Selkirk Association Realtor Of The Year. 

The Federal Political Coordinator position serves as a liaison for Senator Crapo’s office with the approximate 12,000 Idaho Realtor members. Senator Crapo is the Chair for the Budget Committee, and is considered to be the expert in Congress about the federal mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government entities that support the U.S. residential mortgage market. The FPC role is part of the Realtor advocacy platform on behalf of affordable housing and the protection of private property rights.

Adair joins Realm Partners Real Estate Office in Sandpoint

Realm Partners, a premier real estate firm known for its personalized and professional service in North Idaho, proudly announces the addition of Lauren Adair to their dynamic team of real estate professionals.

Adair brings over 21 years of expertise in the North Idaho real estate market, specializing in luxury properties, new developments, and property transformations. A seasoned professional, Adair has built her reputation on integrity, market knowledge and exceptional client service, making her a natural fit for the ethos of Realm Partners.

Throughout her career, Adair has successfully guided clients in buying, selling, remodeling and subdividing properties, earning accolades as one of Sandpoint’s most trusted real estate agents. Her deep ties to the community, coupled with her passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals, set her apart as a leader in the field.

“I’m thrilled to join Realm Partners and contribute to their outstanding legacy of excellence in Sandpoint,” Adair said. “Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients, showcasing the beauty and opportunities of the North Idaho lifestyle.”

Adair's move to Realm Partners underscores her commitment to serving clients with cutting-edge tools, innovative marketing strategies and a client-first philosophy.

Arneson appointed COO, CSO of STRATA

STRATA, a leading innovator in transportation, energy, mining, municipal, and commercial development sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Arneson, P.E., (Mike) as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), effective Jan. 13. 

Over the past 32 years, Arneson has held various positions in the public and private sectors. His roles have included Design Team Leader for the Oregon Department of Transportation, Staff Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, Vice President/Owner for HBH Consulting Engineers, Vice President/Western Engineering and Restoration Services Manager for North Wind Group, and Transportation Services Group Manager for J-U-B Engineers. Arneson holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Idaho. 

"We are excited to welcome Mike to the STRATA team. With his extensive experience in transportation, leadership, and business development, Mike brings a unique blend of strategic vision and operational expertise that will be pivotal as we continue our growth trajectory," said STRATA's CEO, Paxton Anderson, P.E. "Mike has a proven track record of leading transformative and growth-related initiatives, and his leadership will be instrumental in advancing STRATA's commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for our leaders and clients, alike. We are confident that Mike will be a key driver in shaping our future success and further solidifying STRATA's position as a leader in the industry." 

"I am honored to join STRATA at such an exciting time in its journey. I look forward to working alongside the talented team to enhance operations, streamline processes, and develop strategies that will allow STRATA to continue delivering exceptional value and growth for our customers, employees, and shareholders," Arneson said.

Petit graduates from Institute for Organization Management 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Christina Petit of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.  

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”  

Since its commencement in 1921, the institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership, institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

    Raphael Barta

  

    Lauren Adair
  

    Michael Arneson
  

    Christina Petit