NEWS & NOTES

New agent: Rhodes-Warden Insurance has announce the addition of its newest agent, Mike Alderson, who has been working in the Willamette Valley for more than 35 years. While specializing in home and auto coverage, he is licensed to sell all lines of insurance. Alderson will work out of the Albany location of Rhodes-Warden, 1129 Hill St. S.E., (541) 967-8062. Community-focused, Alderson is involved in the Takena Kiwanis, where he served as a past president. He lives in Albany.

Realtor of the Year: The Willamette Association of Realtors named Linda Long its 2009 Realtor of the Year at its general membership meeting in June. Long was chosen by her peers for her commitment to the real estate profession and for her values and principals. Long is president of Willamette Association of Realtors and has been active in local and state boards since 2006.

She started with Town & Country Realty in 1995 as a receptionist. She holds the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager and Graduate Realtor Institute designations and an Associate in Applied Science in accounting from Linn-Benton Community College. Long is also a managing principal broker as well as Town & Country's office manager.

Joins team: Shayla B. Sharp, a real estate professional in Corvallis has joined the Keller Williams Mid-Willamette Market Center team. The Oregon State University graduate has a background in marketing and real estate. She will work out of the Keller Williams office in Avery Square in Corvallis.

Seventeen designated: Seventeen Albany and Corvallis RE/MAX Integrity agents recently earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation from the Distressed Property Institute of Boca Raton, Fla. The designation credits agents who have completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.

Earning the designation are Fred Adams, Carla Allen, Samantha Alley, Brent Boyter, Dave Brown, Candy Byrholdt, Jason Cadwell, Jennifer Fidler, Pam Gordon, Doug Hall, Ed Lossett, Cindy Martin, Ann Morgan, Rosalie Peck, Christie Pendley, Angela Stuckart and Brian Weinhold.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

Third place: Jonathan Holman, who drives for FedEx Express in Corvallis, won third place in the Step Van class of the 2009 Oregon State Truck Driving Championship held June 20 in Portland. The championship is an opportunity for professional truck drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and commitment to safety. The event includes a driving skills test, pre-trip inspection, and a written examination covering vehicle operation and federal safety regulations.

BUSINESS CALENDAR

July 9: "Introduction to QuickBooks 2009," offered by Linn-Benton Community College Small Business Development Center. Instructor: Ann White, certified public accountant and certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Times/Locations: Thursdays through Aug. 6; 2 to 4 p.m. at LBCC Lebanon Center, 44 Industrial Way, Business Tech Lab, LC-220B; and 6 to 8 p.m. at LBCC campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. S.W., Computer Lab F-202, Albany. Cost: $195. Info: (541) 917-4923.

July 9: Construction Contractors Board education presented by Linn-Benton Community College Small Business Development Center. Designed to help participants pass the Oregon Contractors' Board Test and meet the educational requirements of ORS 701.280. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Location: LBCC campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. S.W., Siletz Room CC-213, Albany. Cost: $315, includes a copy of Oregon Contractors Reference Manual. Info: (541) 917- 4923.

July 10: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament sponsored by Linn-Co Federal Credit Union. Location: Mallard Creek Golf Course, 31966 Bellinger Scale Road, Lebanon. Info: (541) 258-7164.

July 16: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Sweet Home Spotlight. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Location: In the courtyard adjacent to the New Era office, 1313 Main St. Cost: $8. Info: (541) 258-7164.

Aug. 1: Brownsville Antique Faire. Features more than 50 antique dealers. Free to the public. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Pioneer Park, Brownsville. Info: Nell Hanft, (541) 466-3245, or anateeker@yahoo.com.

Aug. 14-15: Sixth annual Lebanon Art in the Park. Artists from throughout Oregon display and sell their work. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Ralston Park, downtown Lebanon. Info: Sally Skaggs, (541) 258-5337 or (541) 259-4255.

Aug. 20: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Aloha Photo Studio. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Location: 868 Main St. Cost: $8. Info: (541) 258-7164.