Business album briefs
Morgantown Directors named
James A. Sweet, general manager of the premier Radisson Hotel at Waterfront Place, announced that Alice Walsh has been hired as director of sales and Deborah Zaccagnini Cooke will serve as the hotel’s catering sales manager/event planner. The Radisson Hotel, managed by Washington, D.C., based Interstate Hotels and Resorts, is scheduled to open it 16-story guest tower on July 1. More than 10,000 square feet of adjoining meeting space will open in October.
Sweet, who oversees the opening and operation of the hotel, joined the Radisson in November 2002. He served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott and most recently the Radisson Greentree Pittsburgh, Originally from Olean, N.Y., Sweet and his wife, Cathy, have four children and four grandchildren.
“We anticipate opening the finest commercial hotel in the state by focusing on high quality service, food and beverage and personalized care,” Sweet said.
Walsh is responsible for sales and marketing of the hotel, directing reservations for groups and individuals as well as catering sales.
“My goal is to bring conventions and visitors to Morgantown,” Walsh said. “I look forward to working with all of the Morgantown hotels and motels to fill rooms.”
Walsh relocated to Morgantown from the DC metro area where she served as assistant director of sales for the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston. Va.
“Alice brings creativity, great sales instincts, and solid experience to this position,” Sweet noted. “We are very fortunate to have her.”
Cooke is responsible for coordinating all social events and banquets held at the Radisson. As a certified wedding coordinator, Cooke brings vast experience from her position as social and wedding coordinator for Nemacolin Woodlands in Farmington, Pa.
“This property offers unique opportunities, from outdoor weddings to banquets for 700,” she noted. “We will have the largest space in Morgantown and a very experienced culinary team to back it up.”
Cooke, a native of Morgantown, has one son.
“Debbie is a fine,” Sweet said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge about local people, places and events that will benefit the Radisson Hotel and its customers.” The pre-opening office for the Radisson Hotel at Waterfront Place is located at 150 Clay St., Suite 219, in Morgantown’s Wharf District. For reservations and additional information about the property call 304-296-1700.
Uniontown
Childcare workers invited
“Activities for Learning Math: Numbers, Colors and Shapes” is the title of the workshop being presented by Penn State Cooperative Extension. All childcare providers and interested parents can participate in the workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Jewish Community Center in Uniontown.
Cathy Brady, Penn State Cooperative Extension family living agent in Fayette County, says “When most adults think of young children learning math, they usually think of counting activities and naming numbers. As they play, young children are exploring math concepts. These concepts are the foundation for formal math learning that will be taught when they go to school. Unfortunately, many adults don’t recognize that young children are learning while they are playing.” According to Brady, the workshop will discuss a number of different play-based math activities for children of various ages and the role of adults in enhancing children’s math learning.
The workshop is part of a statewide Better Kid Care childcare provider-training program presented by Penn State Cooperative Extension and partially funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Pathways training system.
Childcare providers can receive two Department of Public Welfare training credits for participating in the workshop. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and Act 48 credits are also available.
To register for this workshop or for more information, support materials and other services from “Better Kid Care Program,” call Cathy Brady at (724) 438-0111. Visit the Better Kid Care Website at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
Washington
Reception planned
Seton Hill University’s National Education Center for Women in Business will sponsor a program and reception by Bonnie Gilbert, president and chief pilot for Air Charter Service Inc. on Wednesday, April 30 at the Washington County Airport as part of the center’s new Women & Co. networking series. From 4 to 7 p.m., women are invited to tour the facilities, enjoy beverages, hors d-oeuvres and network with women from southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Washington County event is the fourth of a series of networking events designed to showcase the diversity and economic impact of women-owned businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Sponsored by National City and The Progress Fund, the Women & Co. programs rotate among Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties, engaging women entrepreneurs from a variety of fields to expand their contact base and introduce them to a wide array of resources available throughout the region as they grow and market their businesses.
Women business owners may register for the April 30 Women & Co. event at www.e-magnify.com or contact Seton Hill University’s National Education Center for Women in Business at 724-830-4625 for additional information. Cost for the event is $5.
Somerset
Firm gets ISO certification
Somerset Welding and Steel, Inc., a division of Riggs Industries, has announced they have achieved their ISO 9001:2000 certification, following an audit performed by ABS Quality Evaluations Inc. The ISO 9001:2000 standard, developed by the International Organization of Standardization, emphasizes the integration of quality standards in systems, procedures, documentation, and customer service and satisfaction. This important certification illustrates Somerset Welding & Steel’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a first-class quality management system that will result in manufacturing and delivering products that meet customer requirements.
Bill Riggs, president of Somerset Welding & Steel stated, “This certificate of compliance is our demonstration to our employees and customers that the company is dedicated to satisfying customer needs by producing high quality products, providing on-time delivery, and continuously improving all aspects of our business. According to a press release published by the ISO in July of 2002, less than 10 percent of eligible companies had upgraded to ISO 9001:2000. We are proud to join this small, but select group.”
Founded in 1958, Somerset Welding & Steel, Inc. operates J&J Truck Bodies and Trailers, J&J Truck Equipment, and Lincoln Supply & Equipment. J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers is a leading manufacturer of dump truck bodies and trailers, J&J Truck Equipment specializes in customized truck equipment, and Lincoln Supply & Equipment is an agricultural and industrial distributor and retailer.
For more information on Somerset Welding & Steel’s quality management system, contact Mike Riggs, 10558 Somerset Pike, Somerset, PA 15501, email: mdr@jjbodies.com or call 814-777-2671.