New distributor: Shawn Nevin recently became a distributor for Miche Bag in Albany, and will be conducting home parties and gift shows in the area.

Miche Bag, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, is a national retailer of women’s handbags. It is an affordable line of interchangeable handbags that combines a base bag with multiple magnetic shell covers, for quick and easy transformation from a day to evening bag.

The Miche Bag is available at the Heritage Mall Kiosk by the food court through December. To arrange a home party or show, call Nevin at (541) 979-8082.

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Project manager: T. Gerding Construction Company has hired Gene Doll as a project manager.

Doll has degrees in construction engineering management from Oregon State University and microelectronic technology from Portland Community College, and has 17 years experience in institutional and commercial construction.His accomplishments include management of the design-build Lassen National Volcanic Park Visitors Center — the first LEED Platinum project in the National Parks Service System.

Doll joins T. Gerding to manage its presence in federal, state and local agency public works projects and to facilitate its expansion in the Northern Willamette Valley area.

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Project award: Greenberry Industrial has earned a 2008 distinguished project award from the Northwest Construction Consumer Council for the company’s work at the TransAlta power plant in Centralia, Wash.

The accolades were received in the private projects under $10 million category, and follow on the heels of Greenberry’s 2007 NWCCC award for transforming the Port of Everett into a leading cement facility.

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Scientist honored: Kelly Benoit-Bird, an Oregon State University oceanographer who specializes in the study of marine ecological communities, has been named the 2008 recipient of the American Geophysical Union’s Early Career Award for Ocean Sciences.

Benoit-Bird, an assistant professor in OSU’s College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, is the lone recipient. The award honors a scientist who has made significant contributions to oceanographic sciences and shows a promising future. Recipients must have received their doctorate within the last eight years.

Business Calendar

Nov. 26: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Forum: “The Regional Energy Outlook: Tough Challenges, Sensible Solutions.” Speaker: Ed Finklea, executive director of Energy Action Northwest. Sponsored by NW Natural Gas. Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road N.E. Cost: $13 for pre-registered chamber members; $15 for chamber members at the door; $17 for non-members. Info: (541) 926-1517.

Dec. 3: Women in Business Seminar: “Wine, Women and Chocolate.” Speaker: Mary Olson, owner of Airlie Winery. Limited seating, reservations required. Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost: Chamber members, $20; non-members, $25. Location: Spring Hill Country Club, 155 Country Club Lane N.W. Sponsored by Signal Northwest. Info/registration: (541) 926-1517.

Dec. 4: Linn-Benton Mediation Service: “Conflict Resolution Workshop” (in Spanish). Provides training in conflict resolution. Topics will include approaches to conflict, listening skills, brainstorming solutions and dealing with anger. No prerequisites. Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Location: Two Rivers Market, upstairs meeting room, 250 Broadalbin St. S.W., Albany. Cost: $20 (scholarships available). Info/registration: (541) 928-5323 or lbms@

mediate.peak.org.

Dec. 16: Linn-Benton Youth Job Fair. Time: 8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Location: Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany. Mock interviews for high school students in Linn and Benton counties. For registration and additional information contact the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-926-1517.