Craig Cole, president of Brown & Cole Inc. in Bellingham, has been named a “Fellow” by the National Association of Corporate Directors. It is the highest level of credentialing for corporate directors and corporate-governance professionals.

Cole has an extensive background of board service. He currently serves as a director on the boards of Pioneer Human Services Inc., Brown & Cole Inc., and affiliated companies. He and his wife, Sue Cole, are the owners of Straight Talk Consulting LLC, a consultancy on corporate public affairs, strategy, and governance.

Recently, Cole has served as a consultant and spokesperson for the Gateway Pacific Terminal project at Cherry Point in Whatcom County, proposed by SSA Marine of Seattle. He is also a former Whatcom County council member.

Birch Equipment of Bellingham is encouraging its customers to support a company-wide food bank drive that will run until Monday, Nov. 25. Customers can drop off cash or check donations or nonperishable food items at any Birch Equipment store. Customers will be given 5 percent off of any rental or retail purchase for their donations.

Donations will be accepted at Birch Equipment stores in Bellingham, Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sitka, Alaska.

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