Business Briefs 08-20-19

Posted

Discovery Benefits hires one and promotes two

BROOKINGS – Due to growth, Discovery Benefits has hired one employee and promoted two to new roles with the company. 

Mary Carlson was hired as a participant services specialist.

Kat Morris and Scott Hentges were promoted to senior solution specialists. 

Morris joined Discovery Benefits in 2017 as a participant services specialist. She earned her associate’s degree from Lake Area Technical Institute. 

Hentges started at Discovery Benefits in 2017 as a participant services specialist. 

Discovery Benefits, a WEX company, is a national leader in employee benefits, providing administration of health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), commuter benefits, COBRA and direct bill. 

Fargen named to state banking board

WATERTOWN – The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota announced the appointment of three new directors to its board of directors, as well as a new chairman for 2019. 

Joining the board as directors are Jodi Eich, chief operating office of Rivers Edge Bank in Howard; Valerie Anderson, vice president of Farmers State Bank of Canton; and Greg Fargen, president of BankStar Financial in Brookings. 

“All three of our newest board members embody the spirit of community banking and bring expertise and energy to the association. We are fortunate to have them guiding the association as we continue to advocate for independent community banks throughout South Dakota,” said ICBSD President and CEO Megan Olson.

The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota exclusively promotes and defends the common interests of independently owned and locally controlled South Dakota community banks.

The ICBSD also announced the appointment of Monte Troske as chair of its board of directors. Troske succeeds Preston Steele, chairman of the board of directors for American Bank & Trust in Huron. 

Holmquist a registered landscape architect

KANSAS CITY – Chris Holmquist, a member of Olsson’s Kansas City Northland General Civil team, recently passed the standard requirement exam and is now a registered landscape architect.

 Holmquist is a native of Brookings.

 Holmquist joined Olsson in 2016 after graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. He designs private development projects by working with engineers and city staff to gain governmental approval.

 Olsson is a nationally recognized engineering firm made up of people who craft expert solutions and designs that improve communities. The firm offers design and consulting services in planning and design, engineering, field services, environmental and technology. For more information, go to www.olsson.com.

Engesmoe honored by Avera Medical Group

BROOKINGS – Maryanne Engesmoe has been selected by her co-workers as the Avera Medical Group Brookings Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2019.

Engesmoe has been with Avera for five years as a patient flow coordinator for Dr. Daniel Cecil.  

Engesmoee aid “I very much enjoy helping all of our patients in any way I can. We have a wonderful staff that all care about our patients and each other.”