BUSINESS BEAT.

Byline: The Register-Guard

People

Craig Wanichekhas been hired as vice president and corporate banker by Sterling Savings Bank in Eugene. Wanichek has been in the banking industry for 12 years and formerly was with US Bank.

Mickey Miles has been named account services representative at advertising and public relations firm Cappelli Miles Wiltz Kelly in Eugene. Miles, a University of Oregon graduate, joined the firm in 2003.

D. Scott Miller has joined Wilson-Heirgood Associates in Eugene. Miller, with more than 20 years of experience in group and supplemental insurance and health care administration, specializes in employer-sponsored health plans.

Renee Mael has been hired as sales manager by Western Title & Escrow in Eugene. Mael, with more than 10 years in the escrow business, will co-coordinate with lenders, real estate agents and escrow officers.

Bill Grovehas been hired as a home mortgage consultant by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Eugene. Grove, formerly with Pacific Guarantee Mortgage in Medford, will provide mortgage loans to retail customers in Lane County.

Kudos

Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey was named outstanding elected official for 2003 by the Lane Council of Governments. Also honored were Mike Sullivan, manager of financial and urban services in Eugene's Planning and Development Department, and Dave Hauser, president Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.

Wendy Baker, of Harrang Long Gary Rudnick has been elected chairperson of the board of the Eugene Hearing and Speech Center. Also elected were John Rude, of John Rude & Associates, vice chairperson; Barbara Utt, Camp Fire USA Wilani Council, secretary; Kerry Rasmusson, Kernutt Stokes and Brandt & Co., treasurer.

The Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the following officers for 2004: Vicki Nielsen,of Northwest Lifestyles, president; Randy Garrison, attorney, vice president/president-elect; Gary Gray,executive vice president, Umpqua Bank, treasurer.

Business Beat runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. It covers promotions, new hires, professional achievements, new businesses, relocations and other news. Fax items to Business Beat, 683-7631; e-mail to [e-mail]; or mail to Business Beat, The Register-Guard, P.O. Box 10188, Eugene, OR 97440. If you send a photo and want it returned, print the address on the back. For information, call 338-2359.