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COVER STORY
Local real estate trends better
than many other places
By Rodika Tollefson |
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The moral of the story about the state of the real estate market is pretty much this: Those who want to sell better spruce up, and price down. Make that two morals. The other side of the story is that those who ought to be buying are not, but really should be.
That sums up, more or less, the sentiments of the local real estate agents. They say a large part of the local real estate slump can be attributed to fears spurred by national coverage of several parts of the country where homeowners are living through real estate horror stories while financial news about sub-prime mortgages and other related industries have been going from bad to worse. In the Kitsap area, those fears may be unfounded but there is a long chain reaction: Sellers are still reminiscing for the hot offers homes were getting two years ago, and are not willing, or able, to price their homes as low as the market would bare. Prospective buyers who are ready to buy are watching on the outfield — not moving either because of those fears or because they’re waiting for a good deal... (Full Article)
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State-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system arrives at Harrison Silverdale |
| The Silverdale campus of Harrison Medical Center will be the first hospital on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas to offer robotic, minimally invasive surgery... (Full Article) |
Hearing Board rejects arguments
against expanded UGA's |
| Late Friday afternoon, the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board (CPSGMHB) dismissed the Sept. 13, 2007 appeal of Kitsap County's Comprehensive Plan regarding its Capital Facilities Plan, which had resulted in a sewer planning remand. As a consequence of the ruling, the Kitsap County Commissioners had imposed a development moratorium on all land inside the proposed Urban Growth Areas... (Full Article) |
Washington Wine Commission names
Brix 25° “Restaurant of the Year” |
| The Washington Wine Commission and Seattle Business Monthly recently honored 60 restaurants at the sixth annual Washington Wine Restaurant Awards... (Full Article) |
The Check's in the Mail
Explaining how the collection agency
process works
By Paula Bartlett, President, Saba & Associates |
| Since I have been in the collection industry for nearly 30 years, what may be obvious to me, may not be to businesses that use collection agencies. I thought I would explain what the procedure is with a professional collection service once the account has been placed... (Full Article) |
L&I proposed ‘heat rule’ heavily contested
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The state office of Labor & Industries has set a tentative date of June 4 for the adoption of a so-called “heat stress” rule. In mid-May, the agency was analyzing hundreds of comments it received during six public hearings and an open comment period... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENT
Focus on the Puget Sound Partnership
God never made his work for man to mend. ~John Dryden
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) was designed to be a community effort, engaging elected and public officials, tribal and business leaders, scientists, environmentalists and citizens, all working collaboratively to develop the Action Agenda for Puget Sound by December 2008... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
The good, the bad and the ugly of hiring family
By Julie Tappero, President, West Sound Workforce |
| “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!” Michael Corleone famously laments in The Godfather: Part III. While the “family” he was working with had a bit more sinister and, well, let us say organized quality than does the traditional definition of the word, it is certainly true that hiring and working with family members can cause even people of a much less scenery-chewing bent than Al Pacino to tear their hair... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENT
Tacoma Community College offers first
green building program in Pierce County |
| Tacoma Community College in partnership with the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program (NaSBAP) will offer the first green building program in Pierce County and the sixth program of its kind in the State of Washington. This nine-month training certificate is designed for working professionals to apply sustainable concepts to buildings through design, development and construction. Program begins Sept. 22, on TCC’s Tacoma campus... (Full Article) |
Local Boys & Girls Club
receives national award |
| The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound’s North Mason Branch has won one of the most prestigious awards given through Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Celebrating more than 40 years in existence, and sponsored by MetLife Foundation, the Honor Awards for Program Excellence is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s most prestigious program award... (Full Article) |
Change is afoot
By Wendy Miles |
| For three and a half years you have been reading this column to learn more about the issues business owners face and how to address them. Our goal, through these articles, and more significantly through the services offered by our Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been to contribute to the economic development of our region by helping businesses become stronger. Evidence shows that strong businesses employ workers, which, of course, puts money back into our community... (Full Article) |
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Hager joins Intelli-Check – Mobilisa, Inc. |
| Amy Hager has been named as the Communications Manager for Port Townsend-based Intelli-Check - Mobilisa, Inc, a leader in identity and wireless systems. Hager, former Public Relations Director for Wet Apple Media, publishers of the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal and WestSound Home & Garden Magazine, left the company when her husband who is serving in the Navy, was posted to the White House in Washington D.C... (Full Article) |
Kilmer recognized as economic
development “LEADER” |
| The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) recently presented its WEDA LEADER Award to Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) for his commitment to economic development... (Full Article) |
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Agate Pass Café opens in Suquamish |
| With a menu that includes pan-seared sockeye and stuffed date appetizers,, owner and Chef Marty Bracken along with partner Stacy Grega, have opened the Agate Pass Café in Suquamish. The restaurant serves up fusion inspired foods... (Full Article) |
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Brunell tells Port Orchard Chamber state’s competitiveness is major election issue |
| Speaking to the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Association of Washington Business President Don Brunell told South Kitsap businesspeople that the economy is the central issue of the 2008 election. Voters want to know what candidates for the Legislature and other federal and statewide offices — including governor — are going to do to provide jobs and economic opportunities for families... (Full Article) |
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Grounds For Change at Green Fest |
| Stacy and Kelsey Marshall, owners of Poulsbo-based Grounds for Change, are working their booth at the Green Festival in Seattle. Grounds for Change is a roaster of Fair Trade, shade-grown, organic coffee... (Full Article) |
Community electronic waste
recycling event held |
| Recently, a community electronic waste collect event was held at Christ Memorial Church in Poulsbo where over 15 tons of electronic waste was collected to be recycled. Olympic Printer Resources, Inc. of Kingston and EcycleNW of Sequim teamed up with Christ Memorial Church, Sound Publishing, Prowse & Company, and United Rentals to sponsor the event... (Full Article) |
Spring cleaning goes bonkers
on Bainbridge Island |
| A unique event described as the world’s largest 10-hour auction and rummage sale, now in its 47th year, is expected to raise $360,000 and attract over 20,000 people to Woodward Middle School, 9125 Sportsman Club Rd., on Bainbridge Island Sat., June 28... (Full Article) |
Poulsbo Farmers Market to participate
in “Mor For a Difference” program |
| The Poulsbo Farmers Market announced that it will receive five percent of all revenue generated at Poulsbo-based MorMor Bistro every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the month of June through a unique community partnership program called “Mor For a Difference... (Full Article) |
Lawyer creates Blog to help
mortgage fraud victims |
| After encountering several mortgage fraud victims whose financial situations left them unable to afford legal counsel, Port Orchard attorney Richard D. Seward has launched a public service blog to help victims of mortgage fraud understand their rights, entitled “Foreclosure Victims Hotline... (Full Article) |
Bainbridge Graduate Institute wins
award for innovation |
| Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) is the winner of the Bavaria Award for Innovation, an award that honors achievements that have the potential to create lasting change... (Full Article) |
Emily’s Bistro grand opening set
for June 6 & 7 |
| Emily’s Bistro, owned by Herb Myers of Boxlight Corporation, and located at 19472 Powder Hill Place in Poulsbo opened its doors in January with the grand opening celebration slated for June 6 and 7, from 6-9 p.m., both days... (Full Article) |
Ashley Gardens caregivers
continue their education |
| Staff members at Ashley Gardens at Bremerton recently completed several different ongoing educational training courses. Lisa Muntuuntu, Thelma Gomez and Johnny Pantouw completed CPR training and Kathleen Shaw completed First Aid training... (Full Article) |
Bainbridge Island planning director
to take a new post |
| Greg Byrne, Bainbridge Island’s director of planning and community development, has resigned to take a position in Oregon, Mayor Darlene Kordonowy recently announced... (Full Article) |
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BGI’s Pinchot awarded honorary degree |
| Bainbridge Graduate Institute’s (BGI) President Gifford Pinchot III was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Puget Sound at its commencement ceremonies. Pinchot delivered the address for the University’s 116th commencement on May 18, at Baker Stadium... (Full Article) |
SAFE Boats International receives
$579,000 federal grant |
| Senator Patty Murray announced that SAFE Boats International (SBI), of Port Orchard, will receive $579,084 in federal support from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Assistance to Small Shipyards Grant Program. The grant money will go to purchasing two new router tables, a CNC Machining Center, a lathe and upgrades to the Information Technology systems... (Full Article) |
West Sound Workforce honors
two Employees of the Month |
| West Sound Workforce has awarded Christine Broome its March Employee-of-the-Month honor, and recognized Holly Baskins as April’s Employee of the month... (Full Article) |
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Crisis Clinic volunteers honored for service |
| Volunteers for the Crisis Clinic of the Peninsulas were honored recently for their service to the community. Six individuals — Marge Thorne, Michael Klinger, Pat Pavlicek, Lisa Laroslavtsev, and Elizabeth Wagner — have maintained a regular schedule of volunteer hours and serve as mentors and supporters of 5-6 other volunteers in their role as small group leaders with the Crisis Clinic... (Full Article) |
Executive Etiquette seminars
coming to Port Orchard |
| Are bad manners driving your clients crazy? It may be time for an etiquette check-up Join local etiquette expert Stephanie Horton, author of “Are Bad Manners Driving Your Clients Crazy?” for one — or all four — etiquette workshops beginning June 13 at Cosmo’s Ristorante... (Full Article) |
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Nilsson Audiology celebrates one year |
| Nilsson Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic, located at 3311 Bethel Rd SE, Suite 110, in Port Orchard, is celebrating its first year in business and would like to thank the community for a warm welcome and looks forward to many more years assisting residents on the Kitsap Peninsula with their hearing healthcare needs.
Nilsson Audiology & Hearing Air Clinic can be reached at (360) 895-3347.
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Kitsap Optical relocates |
| Kitsap Optical has moved to the Achieve Eye & Laser Specialists Building at 3260 NW Mount Vintage Way in Silverdale.
“We’ve outgrown our space and had an excellent opportunity to move closer to other doctors who have supported us in the past, and into a state-of-the-art eye care facility;” state Doug Fairbanks, manager.
Kitsap Optical may be reached at (360) 479-6301.
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Alfred Interwest adds PEMCO to its offerings |
| Alfred Interwest Insurance in Port Orchard, has added PEMCO to the line of companies it represents. The agency has been serving Kitsap County and surrounding areas since 1980.
“PEMCO is the Northwest, and it’s important to us that the companies we work with understand and care about the people here,” said Owner Kim Punt.
Reach the firm at (360) 876-6399 or kim@alfredinterwest.com.
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VCA Olympic Animal Hospital
receives AAHA accreditation |
| VCA Olympic Animal Hospital of Silverdale has again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital’s facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.
Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved AAHA accreditation. In order to maintain accredited status, VCA Olympic Animal Hospital must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association’s consultants.
VCA Olympic Animal Hospital, located at 3422 NW Byron St, has been an accredited practice member of the association since 2000 and can be reached online at www.vcaolympic.com.
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KCS cancer benefit brings 16
NW football celebrities |
| Kitsap Golf and Country Club will host the fifth annual Kitsap Cancer Services (KCS) Celebrity Benefit for Cancer on Friday, June 13. Sixteen former Husky and Cougar athletes and coaches will participate in the event, which helps provide support services and education for people and families living with cancer in the Kitsap community.
KCS board member, event coordinator, and former longtime Cougar athletic trainer, Mark J Smaha has commitments from Cougars, Jim Walden, Drew Bledsoe, Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, Rueben Mayes, Kerry Porter (1985 Cougar All American “RPM” backfield), Robbie Tobeck, Duane Stewart, and Justin Marquardt. Former Husky’s, Jim Lambright, Dick Baird, Cary Conklin, Greg Lewis, Scott Pelluer, and Paul Skansi, along with former Seahawk kicker, Norm Johnson will also be on hand for the fund raising event.
More information regarding KCS can be found at www.kitsapcancerservices.org.
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Personal Interiors opens in Port Orchard |
| Personal Interiors has recently opened in Port Orchard, serving the Peninsula and South Sound areas. Specializing in one-day room makeovers, Personal Interiors arranges existing furnishings into a dramatic new look. Other services offered include staging, color consulting and complete interior design.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact Ann Foreman at (360) 876-4289.
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New officers for KCCDC |
Officers for the coming year have been announced by the Kitsap County Community Development Corporation (KCCDC) according to Executive Director, Ruth Ann Halford. They are:
- President: Benjamin Smith, Appraiser, owner of Benjamin Smith Real Estate Advisor
- Secretary: Geoffrey Grindeland, Attorney with Mills Meyers Swartling of Seattle
- Treasurer: Mike Walton, Executive Director, Kitsap Public Utilities District
KCCDC is a corporation that was established by the County in 2003 to provide funding to new and expanding businesses in Kitsap County, with the intent of supporting the County economy. Loans of up to $25,000 are currently offered for small businesses throughout the County.
For further information, contact Halford, at (360) 307-4240 or kccdc.org.
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Custom Neon moves to new location |
| Laurie Lewis, owner of Custom Neon, recently announced the expansion and relocation of the company to a new building in the Kennedy Business Park in Kingston. The new address is 5686 Minder Rd. NE. Suite 206, just off Bond Rd. in Kingston.
Located in Hansville for eight years, Custom Neon has been fabricating custom designed neon window signs and art for clients in Kitsap County and the greater Puget Sound area. The firm has also launched its new website: www.sunliteneon.com. Visitors can view the neon process from start to finish. For more information call (360) 638-2284.
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Three Coldwell Banker McKenzie
associates earn specialist designation |
| Barb McKenzie, Arthur Mortell and Georg Syvertsen of Coldwell Banker McKenzie Associates on Bainbridge Island have earned the Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist designation, according to Barb McKenzie, broker/owner of the firm. To date, only eight percent of more than 117,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates have been awarded this designation.
In addition to a demanding performance criteria based on successfully selling luxury properties, McKenzie, Mortell and Syvertsen had to complete a prescribed certification course to earn the Previews Property Specialist designation.
Coldwell Banker McKenzie Associates can be reached online at www.cbmckenzie.com or at (206) 842-1733.
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Steve and Debbie Hill recipients of
“Ardis, Do you have a story” book |
| The Poulsbo North Kitsap Rotary Club announced that Steve and Debbie Hill were the recipients of the first “Ardis, Do you have a story” book that was auctioned off at its annual auction on April 19 at the Sons of Norway in Poulsbo. The books, written by Ardis Morrow, are now officially on sale and available at Kitsap Bank on 7th Ave, the North Kitsap Herald Office, located on Hwy 305 or Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo. The Books are $20 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Domestic Violence prevention projects for the Poulsbo Rotary Club. |
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