Coming&going

Public relations

Enloe Medical Center has hired a new director of public relations: Ann T. Prater. Prater, who started her new job Oct. 29, has more than a dozen years of experience in health care public relations and marketing.

The Humboldt State University journalism graduate started out in broadcast news and production and later became marketing communications manager for Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation. Most recently, Prater was with Mercy Medical Center in Redding as the Catholic Healthcare West Northstate marketing and communications director.

Water

The nonprofit Klamath Water Users Association, which represents water districts under the Klamath Irrigation Project, has appointed Dan Keppen as its executive director. Keppen’s most-recent job was as a special assistant to the Bureau of Reclamation’s regional director in Sacramento, helping manage operations in California, Oregon and Nevada. The 36-year-old Oregon State University graduate also used to be the director of government relations for the Northern California Water Association, and before that the water resources engineer for the Tehama County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

Parks and recreation

Robin Jernigan announced Oct. 2 her resignation as a member of the Feather River Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors. She had served since November 1998, but personal reasons led her to give up the position.

During her tenure, Jernigan worked toward the development of Riverbend Park and for a share of Proposition 12 funds, in addition to supporting parks and recreation services relating to the Lake Oroville Water Project.

A replacement must be appointed within 90 days, and applications are being accepted.

Retail

T.J. Maxx, an off-price retailer of clothing, gifts and other products, plans to open its Chico store on Nov. 11. The 24,518-square-foot store will be located at Highway 99 and The Skyway, near Home Depot.

The company, which has been in business since 1977, expects the Chico store will offer 75 full- and part-time jobs. This will be the 49th T.J. Maxx in California, of more than 670 stores nationwide.

Award

Chico-based Smucker Quality Beverages has been recognized by the California Integrated Waste Management Board for its exemplary recycling program. The manufacturer, which makes Knudsens’ organic and natural juices, was lauded for its packaging redesign that contributes less waste to landfills and has already saved the company more than $300,000.