In Brief - November 1, 2009

Melinda Gibson joins advisory council

OAKLAND — Melinda Gibson has been appointed to the Advisory Council of First United Corp., according to William B. Grant, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer.

Gibson is president of Keystone Paving, Keystone Lime Co. Inc., and is secretary/treasurer of Maryland Minerals Inc. She received a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics/computer science from Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, Pa., graduating summa cum laude and co-valedictorian.

She and her husband, James “Todd” Gibson reside in Grantsville with their two children, Blake and Karina. Melinda Gibson enjoys attending her children’s sporting events, cooking and cross-stitch. She serves as treasurer of Springs Mennonite Church.

Communications firm opens in Frostburg

FROSTBURG — Miniphany Communications LLC recently moved to Western Maryland from the Baltimore-Washington region.

A minority-owned business led by Frostburg native Kristin Lemmert, Miniphany offers marketing writing for companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Services include the writing of advertisements, annual reports, articles, biographies, brochures, case statements, grants and requests for proposals, letters, nominations, pitches and proposals, press releases, speeches and Web sites.

A veteran marketing professional, Lemmert has worked for a congressional political campaign, several nonprofit organizations, a government agency and a law firm. She has written speeches and articles for members of Congress, federal agencies, county executives, company presidents, nonprofit executives and board members and attorneys.

Lemmert has extensive experience handling media relations, staging and publicizing events, and providing trainings on topics ranging from brand policing to business development.

The business can be reached at www.myminiphany.com or by calling (240) 920-1003.

Commercial driver training starts Nov. 18

MCHENRY — Garrett College’s Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute will offer Class A, commercial driver’s license short-term training Nov. 18 through Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No classes will be held on Nov. 25, 26 or 27. Prior to registering for the training, students must acquire a current Department of Transportation physical, which cannot expire during the training period; a negative federal drug screen that is less than 60 days old; and a Class A, CDL learner’s permit.

Garrett College is also still offering the 16-credit weekday and weekend training programs, consisting of 320 hours of training over a 15-week period for weekday students and a 20-week time frame for those choosing the weekend option.

The training is being held at the Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute located in the old county garage at Hilltop, three miles east of Grantsville near the intersection of U.S. Routes 40 and 219, just north of interstate 68.

For additional information or to register, contact Terry Beachy at (301) 895-4700 or terry.beachy@garrettcollege.edu.