Business briefs for July 20, 2010

Pike joins BIA staff Former Camas City Councilwoman and local business owner Liz Pike was recently hired by the Building Industry Association of Clark County. Pike will serve as the organization's political affairs director. In her new role she will oversee political affairs, Build the Vote and Building Industry Group fund raising and programs. Pike has more than 30 years of professional business experience. She served on the Camas City Council from 2004 to 2007, and has owned Pike Advertising Agency since 1995. In a press release, she is described as "a seasoned political consultant, with decades of experience in Clark County's political landscape and has organized numerous political activities and fundraising efforts." Two additional staff members to join the BIA are Steve Madsen of Cougar, who will serve as the government affairs director, and Garrett Delano of Vancouver, who is the new coordinator for membership programs and services. "We are delighted to have recruited such talented and experienced assets to our organization," said BIA Executive Director Avaly Mobbs in a press release. "We are continuously fighting to keep local businesses in business and with our recent hires, we will be able to provide better representation, programs and services to our members." The BIA is an 800-member trade association representing the interests of all business involved with land development, construction and the building industry. For more information, visit www.biaofclarkcounty.org. Roots Restaurant to host classes Scallops, salmon and sirloin will be on the menu for a cooking class at Roots Restaurant and Bar, in Camas. Chef/owner Brad Root will demonstrate how to make figs served with pecorino croutons, local asparagus with scallops and hard cooked egg, king salmon and heirloom tomato salad, tri -tip sirloin with Walla Walla onion relish and a mixed berry tart. The class will be held Thursday, at 6 p.m., on the Roots outdoor patio, 19215 S.E. 34th St. The cost to attend, $80 per person plus tax and gratuity, includes wine pairings. Additional cooking classes are scheduled for Thursdays, Aug. 12, and Sept. 9. A cocktail class will be held Sunday, at 2 p.m., featuring "master mixologist" Randy Jackson. He will teach how to hand-craft five cocktails. The cost to attend, $35 per person, includes appetizers. Additional cocktail classes are scheduled for Sundays, Aug. 29, and Sept. 26. For more information or to make reservations, call 260-3001 or visit www.rootsrestaurantandbar.com. Keith Upkes earns executive coaching certification A Camas business owner recently earned an executive coaching certification. Keith Upkes, contract CFO, executive coach and business consultant was awarded the certification from Gazelles International, a worldwide executive education and coaching firm for leaders of mid-sized firms. Upkes is president of The Upkes Group, which provides financial dashboards and scorecards for businesses, management coaching, financial officer services and support, and custom financial reporting. He founded the company in 2003. "Keith is a great addition to the Gazelles International Coaching team," says Keith Cupp, president of Gazelles International. "His work with Key Performance Indicators, dashboards and analysis provides tremendous financial clarity for businesses." Gazelles International, which currently has more than 80 coaches worldwide, coaches business leaders on how to successfully grow their companies focusing on people, strategy, execution and cash. For more information about The Upkes Group, call (866) 374-1147 or visit www.upkesgroup.com.

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