Julie Kuhlmann, a representative and sales associate for Coldwell  Banker  Tomlinson  Real  Estate, was recently honored  as  a  member  of  the  company's  2014  International Diamond Society.  

This distinguished membership is awarded to the top 11 percent of all sales representatives/sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell BankerŪ system. 

Kuhlmann, a Liberty Lake resident, can be reached at julie@spokanehomegirl.com. 

Liberty Lake residents Penny and Todd Rowell recently joined Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative. 

As independent franchise owners, the Rowells offer vacation-goers exclusive pricing on a wide range of cruise, land and destination wedding packages as well as private cruise sales. A press release said the business also offers travel upgrades and value-added amenities such as shore excursions, discounted fares and travel gifts. 

"Everyone travels, and it's important to use a trusted travel specialist to help get the most value out of a vacation," Penny Rowell said in the release. "As a Cruise Planners travel expert, I take the stress and hassle out of planning a vacation for my clients." 

Cruise Planners offers special programs for both American Express card holders and non-card holders. For more on this at-home, full-service travel agency, visit www.sandbetweenyourtoestravel.com. 

STCU employee Lindsey Myhre was recently promoted to Vice President of Finance. She has worked for STCU since 2000, most recently as director of accounting and finance, a press release said.

Myhre holds a degree in business administration from Western Washington University and is currently seeking her master's degree from Western Governor's University.

For more, visit www.stcu.org.

The board of directors for Itron, a Liberty Lake- based technology and services company, recently authorized a stock repurchase program. The program allows for buying back up to $50 million of Itron common stock over a 12-month period.

"The Board's authorization of a new share repurchase program reflects Itron's confidence in the company's long-term outlook," said Philip Mezey, Itron President and Chief Executive Officer. "This authorization provides the ability to return capital to shareholders by repurchasing shares while maintaining flexibility to invest capital internally to grow the business and make strategic investments in our future."

Repurchases under the program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice.

For more, visit www.itron.com. 

Eldonna Shaw-Davis is partnering with her husband Larry Davis to start a new business dedicated to helping people enjoy good food and good health. Shaw-Davis will offer healthy home cooking classes, health and coaching and blog postings offering original recipes and health tips at www.foodflavorfit.com.

The business also highlights Inland Northwest food artisans and restaurants featuring healthy menu items to help promote other small businesses. This new venture combines her passion for cooking and education in home economics. 

Shaw-Davis retired last year as president and CEO of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Larry Davis is currently a college professor at EWU, after a successful career as a management consultant to small and large companies. 

As a couple, the Shaws have successfully lost over 100 pounds together through a sensible weight loss program and attention to healthy food. Last summer Shaw-Davis became a Certified Health Coach through the Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (C.O.P.E.) at Villanova University and Take Shape For Life.