"Laura has been instrumental to the success of the business development team in the last year through her many creative, actionable ideas and nonstop energy," said David Grandey, director of corporate communications for Meriwest. "I look forward to continued success for the business development team under her direction."

Tercero joined Meriwest in August of 2001 as an account executive. Prior to joining Meriwest, she served as senior sales manager for ELSA Inc. in San Jose and as area sales manager for 3dfx Interactive, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. She has also held sales positions with Axxis Technology Marketing Inc. and Nissei Sangyo America, Ltd. in Dallas.

Tercero was recently named president of the American Business Women's Association Silicon Valley Express Network. She attended the University of Texas in Arlington.

Meriwest is a financial institution servicing the Bay Area and Tucson, Ariz.

—William Jeske


WG resident donates platelets 100 times

Willow Glen resident June Cooley made her 100th platelet donation on Sept. 4 at the Stanford Blood Center in Palo Alto. Cooley is now one of what the blood center calls its "golden donors."

Cooley gave her first donation in October 1996 at the Willow Glen Farmers' Market.

Platelets act to induce clotting and control bleeding. The cellular elements of blood consist of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, comprising about 45 percent of the volume of whole blood. Plasma, which is 92 percent water, makes up the remaining 55 percent.

Blood accounts for approximately 7 percent of a person's weight. An average-size man has about 12 pints of blood, and an average-size woman has about 9 pints. When blood is donated, the body immediately begins replacing the lost blood, so donations can be made as often as six times a year.

For more information on the Stanford Blood Center, 800 Welch Rd. in Palo Alto, call 888.723.7831 or visit http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu.

—William Jeske