Branson/Tri-Lakes Newsmakers

Kanakuk Ministries Director of Human Resources Julie Coxie earned certification as an HR senior professional. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate professional human resources experience.

Aaron Fortson, Kanakuk Ministries' supervisor of ministries-accounting, passed the certified public accountant exam. The licensed CPA is a Missouri State University Master of Accountancy graduate and teaches accounting at Ozarks Technical Community College's Branson campus.

White River Valley Electric Cooperative CEO Chris Hamon received the 2009 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The award recognizes a CEO who improves communication in the electric co-op industry.

Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center named Kerrie Van Sickle as sales manager. Van Sickle coordinates meetings, incentive programs and conventions at the resort for groups in the eastern U.S. and the St. Louis area. She has 15 years of hospitality industry experience, most recently as sales research and information manager at Big Cedar Lodge. Van Sickle is also a member of Meeting Professionals International.

Lou Smith and Teresa Menolascino, emergency responders from Skaggs Regional Medical Center, completed homeland security training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Ala. The CDP provides federally funded training for first responders in emergency management, emergency medical service, fire service, governmental administration, hazardous materials, health care, law enforcement, public health, public safety communications and public works.

Skaggs Foundation received a $15,000 donation from the 2008 Julian Tournament, which benefits programs and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The Julian Tournament honors Jeff Julian, a Professional Golf Association player diagnosed with ALS who spent the last year of his life in southwest Missouri receiving treatment at Skaggs Regional Medical Center and CoxHealth. CoxHealth Foundation also received $15,000 from the tournament.