Robin Costello has been appointed director of business development for Thetford Web Development Inc., in Cathedral City. With 16 years experience in the sales and hospitality industry, Costello will be responsible for expanding relationships with new clients and partners in the Coachella Valley. Thetford is a full-service Web site design and development firm from concept to delivery, providing user-friendly Web designs.
William A. Austin, CEO and founder of Starkey Laboratories, has been elected to the board of directors of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.
Nancy Downer has joined Cabot's Museum Foundation as general manager. Most recently executive director of Joshua Tree National Park Association, Downer will be responsible for the operation of Cabot's Pueblo Museum, Cabot's Trading Post & Gallery and the Desert Hot Springs Visitors Center.
Angie Hill has joined Teserra, a builder of pools, spas and landscaping, as manager of sales. In addition to heading the Teserra sales department, Hill will oversee the team's design personnel. Formerly California Pools and Spas, the Palm Desert company was renamed Teserra in 2006.
Raymond James & Associates Inc. have relocated to Village Court, 74-710 Highway 111, Suite 101, in Palm Desert. William L. Lavin is senior vice president investment and branch manager. Information: 340-1618
Animal Samaritans SPCA has received a $50,000 donation from Lend-A-Paw co-founders Luanne Parks and Anne Boukidis-Michas, president. The funds have been set aside to be used for the future veterinary medical center in Thousand Palms. For decades, Lend-A-Paw has donated from $25,000 to $35,000 annually to pay for animal spay and neuter operations, vaccinations, injuries and other pet care needs.
Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its second annual Business Awards:
Bill Freeman Award — Chris Romero, Boy Scouts of America
Non-Profit of the Year Award — 21st Century Program, CVUSD
Young Visionary Award — Anthony Rubio
Leonila Torres Business Woman Award — Paula Turner, Desert Pacific Properties
Business Leader of the Year Award — Nachhatar Chandi, Arco Travel Center
Business of the Year Award — Burrtec
Industrial Business of the Year — Esterline Armtec Defense
Agriculture Business of the Year — Richard Bagdasarian
Community Partnership Award — Spotlight 29 Casino
Mayor's Award — Mark Weber, IID
Hometown Hero — Linda Garza, city of Coachella
The awards will be presented at the awards gala on Friday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
The city of Palm Desert has been honored with a Public Agency Council Achievement Award of Excellence in recognition of the city's transportation program. The award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers recognized Palm Desert's traffic signal operations, roadway maintenance, golf-cart transportation program, bikeways, signage and landscaping as well as the overall aesthetic experience of traveling in the city.
Do you have information for Your Business, Your News: E-mail Nina.Ronda@ thedesertsun.com, call 778-4639 or fax 778-4654. Send announcements to the following address: Nina Ronda, The Desert Sun, 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262.
