Swedish administrator now president, COO
Longtime Swedish administrator Cal Knight was recently promoted to president and chief operating officer (COO).
Prior to this role, he served as executive vice president and COO. He had been COO of the Swedish/First Hill Campus from 1995 until being named executive vice president and COO in May 2007. Knight is second in command, and works closely and collaboratively with Swedish CEO Dr. Rodney Hochman.
He oversees Swedish’s four campuses (First Hill, Cherry Hill, Ballard and Issaquah), outpatient services, nursing operations, Swedish Physician Division, support functions and more. Officials say he brings a depth of industry experience, a vast knowledge of Swedish, keen business acumen and unmatched personal character. In his 12 years as COO of the First Hill Campus, he earned the widespread trust and admiration of his colleagues, Swedish staff and physicians. According to his peers, Knight is thoughtful, collaborative, creative and universally well-respected.
Prior to joining Swedish, he was senior vice president of operations for ORNDA Healthcorp, where he operated a division of community hospitals and related medical businesses in four states. Before that, Knight held a similar position with Seattle-based Safecare Health Services until it was acquired by ORNDA in 1992.
Knight earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. He also holds master’s degrees in health administration and business administration from the University of Iowa.
Issaquah construction firm wins award
At the recent 2008 “Excellence in Construction” awards banquet, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Washington recognized nine projects for construction excellence in a range of specialty categories. Bird Construction of Issaquah won the award for best commercial construction for their work on Cabela’s in Lacey. The finished Cabela’s store includes a Conservation Mountain, complete with running waterfalls and streams; a 16,700-gallon, walk-through aquarium; an African habitat scene with a life-sized elephant; a gun library, restaurant and more.
“All of the projects entered are indicative of the high standards made possible when contractors and subcontractors are selected on the basis of merit — qualifications, performance and price,” said Karen Say, chair of ABC and owner of Saybr Contractors Inc.
The Cabela’s facility was a 192,000-square-foot, $35 million project built in 180 days.
New business offers to run your errands
An Issaquah woman has started a new business called Eastside Errand Services to help busy people get things done.
“(My business) is offering a way for people to have more time in their lives for their families, their businesses or themselves. I provide many different services from grocery and gift shopping, to making reservations and appointments,” owner Erin Bell said. “What I provide is a way for people to have a more rewarding and stress-free life.”
Bell charges a flat hourly rate of $24 for errands such as dropping off or picking up dry cleaning, returning items, shopping and more. For more information, contact Bell at erinbell@eastsideerrandservices.com or by phone at 425-671-6066, or visit her Web site at www.eastsideerrandservices.com.
New business offers baby gear rental
Visitors to the greater Seattle area have a new option rather than bringing baby furniture or supplies with them during vacations or trips. Amie Brenner recently opened Tiny Tots Travel, a baby furniture rental company. After nearly six years as the mother to three children, and nine years as a registered nurse for Evergreen Hospital, Brenner says she’s convinced that her service is essential for busy travelers.
“Families visiting the greater Seattle area often need a car seat, stroller, crib and toys while staying in local hotels,” Brenner said. “We provide a wide range of products from pack-n-plays, cribs, car seats, exersaucers, baby swings, a box of toys, to strollers. We basically allow families to enjoy all the comforts of home while away from home.”
The company provides delivery and assembly for all orders. For more information, visit www.tinytotstravel.com or call (425)943-0099.
Babysitting service opens in Seattle area
A new babysitting referral service is opening in the Seattle area. SeekingSitters provides safe, reliable babysitting services to families throughout Seattle.
SeekingSitters has private investigators on staff that conduct “extreme background investigations,” utilizing investigative techniques that law enforcement agencies use when performing in-depth background investigations on applicants. SeekingSitters checks criminal, civil, national sex offender records, personal identity verification, and personal character references. Local owner Lisa Rizza is a mom of two boys who says she knows how challenging it can be to find a trustworthy sitter. SeekingSitters is accepting applications for member families and certified professional sitters. For more information, visit www.seekingsitters.com.
