Business briefs News-Chronicle HiTech Manufacturing Solutions Inc. has hired Ken Allender as a senior machine designer. Ken has more than 12 years experience in machine design and will be involved in the design & building of custom automation machines at HiTech. HiTech provides services in control systems integration, control panel design/build and custom automation machinery. It has facilities in Green Bay, Neenah and Ohio. Independent Printing Co. Inc., De Pere, won a coveted "Benny" award at the 55th Annual Premier Print Awards Competition. The contest highlights the skills and craftsmanship of printing companies worldwide. The Independent Benny-winner, "ID," is a consumer marketing piece created by Arketype, Inc. of Green Bay, for Gilbert Paper. Cornerstone Business Services has hired Jason Muenster as a seller coordinator. He will be responsible for assisting Cornerstone clients through closing the sale of their business. Formerly a financial representative for Northwest Mutual Financial Network, Muenster assisted small business owners and other professionals with their insurance and investment planning. He is a 2001 graduate of St. Norbert College. Dr. Mark Duffy has joined the staff of BayCare Clinic/Green Bay Eye Clinic. He is a credentialed oculoplastic, orbital-facial, lacrimal, and reconstructive surgeon. He leaves a position as residency director and assistant professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He will be practicing in Green Bay out of the Green Bay Eye Clinic's main facility at 2253 W. Mason St., as well as at Advanced Cosmetic Solutions at 2140 Velp Ave. Information technology company ZyQuest, Inc., has promoted Connie Hames to the company's new position of Resource Manager. Hames, who joined ZyQuest two years ago as manager of the company's computer learning center, has more than 14 years experience as an educator, programmer/analyst, and software developer WLUK-TV Channel 11 has added Heather Surat as a live-remote reporter for its "Good Day Wisconsin" morning show. She most recently worked at WAOW-TV in Wausau, as the morning anchor/reporter. The Karma Group advertising agency has added Ben Anderson and Nicole Hermans to its staff. Anderson, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, will be an assistant media buyer-planner. Hermans was hired as an accounts payable associate. Computech Resources has been named one of four Distinguished Partners of the Year by Taylor Development. The Green Bay company was cited for identifying additional ways to grow and collaborate with Taylor Development.