Newsmakers August 5

Steve Hoopman has been designated Certified Fence Professional (CFP) by the American Fence Association. He is the 3rd person in Minnesota to receive the certification, which recognizes a high competence level in performance, conduct and educational standards. Hoopman owns Keller Fence company in Grand Rapids, providing commercial, industrial and residential fencing to Northern Minnesota. The company is in the process of expanding operations into the newly developed Cohasset Industrial Park.

Chiropractic Health Center

Greg and Kara McGillivray have moved their Chiropractic Health Center in West Duluth to 215 North Central Ave. Also, Gary G. Kohls, MD is setting up an independent medical practice at the clinic, with a focus on de-emphasizing prescription medications and weight management. Kohls is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The health center offers spinal trauma and weight management as well as chiropractic health care, and plans to hold an open house in mid-August.

Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A.

David Oberstar has been elected president of the governing council for the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association. A member of the council since 1993, Oberstar works in Fryberger’s Duluth office, practicing in environmental and natural resources law, civil litigation and appeals, condemnation, family, administrative and municipal law. The firm has provided legal services to the region since 1893.

National Bank of Commerce

Jennifer Kubasta and Ronald Carlson have been hired as mortgage bankers at National Bank of Commerce in Superior. Kubasta is from Virginia MN and holds a Bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Carlson has 20 years of banking experience, most recently as a mortgage lender at Western Bank and Republic Bank.

Charter Communications

Bruce Carlton has been named account executive at Charter Communication’s Duluth office. Carlton, who has 26 years in advertising and marketing, will service local and regional clients. He most recently worked as Marketing Director at BusinessNorth. Charter Communications provides cable television and Internet services to customers nationwide.

Itasca Medical Center/Grand Rapids Clinic

David Reitter, MD, has joined the Itasca Medical Center/Grand Rapids Clinic as a general surgeon. Reitter will perform a variety of surgical treatments and diagnostic procedures including laparoscopy. He most recently worked as a surgeon at General and Vascular Surgery, P.C, in Plymouth, IN. Founded in 1918, Grand Rapids Clinic/Itasca Medical Center is a private, community-governed not-for-profit, patient-centered health care system.

St. Luke’s

Melinda Machones and Jim Holmgren have been added to the St. Luke’s Board of Directors.

Machones owns Melinda Machones Consulting, providing information technology management and strategies for clients. She previously was director of Information Technologies at the College of St. Scholastica, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and an MBA in Management Support Systems.

Holmgren owns Northland Constructors, Inc., providing highway-heavy construction such as building of bridges and roads throughout Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin. He is past president of the Duluth Builders Exchange and serves on several other boards in the Duluth area.