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COVER STORY
Wave Broadband to launch
commercial services division
By Rodika Tollefson |
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WaveDivision Holdings LLC is gearing up to launch a new division in 2009 that will offer services to businesses. The division will include new services like Web hosting and commercial phone products while expanding on existing services such as data connectivity.
Steve Weed, company founder and CEO, said this is one of the company’s top initiatives. “We find ourselves with probably the best fiber-optic network on the market… and it just makes sense for us to use the capacity we have to offer quality services to businesses,” he says.
WaveDivision Holdings is based in Kirkland and offers cable, Internet and phone services to about 245,000 customers. It has a customer base in Western Washington, North Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Sacramento area and San Francisco Bay, and operates under three retail brand names: Wave Broadband, Astound Broadband and Wave Media Services (which provides local advertising on its cable system).
Weed has been called a pioneer of the cable industry and has received several awards including being an inductee into the Cable TV Pioneers. He was credited with helping deregulate small cable as part of the 1996 Telecom Act... (Full Article)
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Poulsbo’s The Impressions Group
is an industry leader
By Rodika Tollefson |
| When Ray Norton started his company in his home in 1987, he just wanted a new career. Now, in the promotional products business, The Impressions Group, is a leader and pioneer in its industry... (Full Article) |
Azima acquires Bainbridge Island’s
DLI Engineering |
| Azima Holdings, Inc., an innovation leader in the delivery of condition monitoring services, announced in October it has acquired Bainbridge Island-based DLI Engineering, a pioneer in vibration-based condition analysis. The combined entity, Azima DLI, becomes the market leader in predictive machine maintenance measured by geographic and industry reach, customer base and concentration of experienced vibration analysts... (Full Article) |
St. Anthony Hospital office building
named after the Milgards |
| Thanks to the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation’s generous support of St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, the office building that adjoins Franciscan Health System’s new hospital will be named the Milgard Medical Pavilion... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENT
Bremerton Housing Authority awarded
$20 million grant to revitalize WWII-era neighborhood
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton (BHA) received a $20 million U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Housing Opportunities for Everyone (HOPE VI) grant to redevelop the former Westpark Public Housing neighborhood... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
The impact of the economic crisis
on the workplace
By Julie Tappero |
| As I write this article, the stock market has plummeted for the seventh straight day. Hard earned money we saved has disappeared into thin air. Companies who are struggling to stay afloat have reduced their staff, and many times the remaining employees’ salaries have been frozen... (Full Article) |
The Wal-Mart Effect: Can it be reversed?
By Kim Vogler |
| It didn’t happen overnight. It began forty years ago, when Sam Walton, an honest man with a vision, and a driving desire to bring low prices to the general public, launched what would someday become a corporation so huge, with influences on virtually every consumer, business owner and manufacturer, and in ways beyond any possible comprehension. Having been involved in the Advertising & Marketing Industry for over 40 years, I have observed the results brought about by Wal-Mart on the small to medium sized businesses in each community where we have lived... (Full Article) |
Port of Manchester scores
$577,447 state grant |
| The Port of Manchester will receive a $577,447 Boating Facility Program grant through the state’s Recreation & Conservation Office after ranking #3 in the state competition. The grant application was developed by consultant Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes of Grant-Solutions, who was contracted by the Port earlier this year and led the presentation. Port Commissioner James Strode spoke to state officials and evaluators on behalf of the Port accompanied by Dave Bannon, PE... (Full Article) |
Explaining financial incentives
for recruiting new business
By Bill Stewart, Executive Director
Kitsap Economic Development Alliance |
| Providing public financial incentives to companies for making investments and adding jobs has become a sophisticated, albeit distasteful, aspect of the business recruitment process worldwide... (Full Article) |
15 ways to win more business in 2009
By John Graham |
| How fast things change these days! It seems like just yesterday Starbucks was pouring it on opening new stores. Then before you could down that luscious latte, they’re closing them... (Full Article) |
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Westsound Bank settles class action lawsuit |
| WSB Financial Group the parent company of Westsound Bank (WSB), has announced a settlement agreement with the lead plaintiff in its pending securities class action lawsuit. The settlement, which is subject to approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, provides for the certification of a class consisting of all persons who purchased WSB’s common stock pursuant or traceable to its initial public offering completed on Dec. 21, 2006... (Full Article) |
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West Sound Workforce launches new website |
| West Sound Workforce recently announced that it has launched a new website, www.westsoundworkforce.com, to provide information for both job seekers and employers. “Our goal was to create a great online resource for local job seekers and businesses. We want our website to be a tool people can rely on for assistance with their employment questions and issues, whether they’re an employer or a person looking for work,” says Julie Tappero, president and owner of West Sound Workforce... (Full Article) |
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L&I plan calls for comp hike of 3 percent |
| The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed a three percent increase in 2009 workers’ compensation rates. Average premiums would go up by just under 2 cents per hour worked... (Full Article) |
Bainbridge dot-com caters
to Web 2.0 generation
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Once upon a time, planning a wedding meant stopping by the town’s bridal shop, booking the neighborhood church, and enlisting relatives to help prepare the food. That, of course, was before weddings became an industry of their own—and long before everything from banking to ordering pizza was done on the Internet. Today’s brides and grooms wouldn’t have a complete experience without their own blogs, an online registry and spending hours on their computers “googling away” for information... (Full Article) |
Companies are being recruited
for telework pilot |
| The Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) hopes to recruit 75 businesses from the Kitsap and Jefferson areas for a six-month telecommuting program. Participants in the Telework Pilot Project will have access to a comprehensive telework toolkit that includes everything needed to develop, launch and evaluate a telework program, according to KRCC... (Full Article) |
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KPS receives a SmartCommute Award |
| KPS Health Plans has been awarded the Washington State Governor’s SmartCommute Award for program improvement. KPS is the only Kitsap County recipient in the program improvement category, and one of only four local entities (of 44 statewide) who received CommuteSmart awards for this year... (Full Article) |
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Harrison has a $30.5 million HERO |
| After more than a year-long process that included vendor and equipment selection and months of clinical staff and physician training, Harrison went live in September with the first phase of a $30.5 million state-of-the-art electronic medical record (EMR) system. Known as HERO — Harrison Electronic Record and Orders... (Full Article) |
Gig Harbor airport sale nearly a done deal
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Pierce County Council voted in October to purchase the Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor from the city of Tacoma. The $5 million purchase deal was approved by the county, the city, Federal Aviation Administration and PenMet Parks, Gig Harbor’s metropolitan parks district that will pay $2 million of the price tag... (Full Article) |
Ms. Fancy Pants and Charisma Design
team up for ‘Closet Transformation’ |
| Ms. Fancy Pants and Charisma Design have joined forces to create the ultimate Closet Transformation. The experience includes a two and a half hour adventure through your closet as Ms. Fancy Pants begins perusing your wardrobe selecting ‘keeper’ items while providing an honest opinion of what should be thrown-out. Simultaneously Charisma is getting a general overview of your closet space and discovering the options that the space creates... (Full Article) |
SBA seeks nominations for Small Business
of the Year awards |
| The Seattle District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently accepting nominations for its 2009 Washington State Small Business Awards Competition. During Small Business Week and throughout the year, it recognizes the determination and ingenuity of America’s workers and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in building a more prosperous future for the country... (Full Article) |
AWB takes top honors in chamber
of commerce awards |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) recently took home top honors for membership retention and growth from the Association of State Chamber of Commerce Professionals (ASCP). AWB President Don Brunell accepted the awards at the group’s annual conference... (Full Article) |
“Extension of the family” offers
unique business opportunities
By Marcia Abrams |
| Long gone are the days of keeping your pets at home while you and your family enjoy lavish vacations in other countries. If your pet isn’t already going on your annual family vacation with you, then it’s on its own vacation at a pet lodge or a doggie daycare... (Full Article) |
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Veterans’ Business Registry goes online |
| A new Veteran/Servicemember Business Registry has been launched by the Department of Veteran Affairs, based on legislation sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor). “I think one of our core values is that if you serve this country, we should have your back,” said Kilmer. “Given everything that veterans and servicemembers do for our state and for our country, a tool like this provides us with an opportunity to support their businesses... (Full Article) |
Franciscan to host nurse recruitment fair
in Gig Harbor |
| What economic slowdown? Nurses are being recruited for St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, the new Franciscan Health System acute-care facility that opens in early 2009... (Full Article) |
Silver City Brewery wins Silver Metal
at Great American Beer Festival |
| The Silver City Restaurant & Brewery recently claimed a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Competition, the largest national beer competition that recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competition’s 75 beer-style categories were announced Oct. 11th... (Full Article) |
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Business plays golf in support of KCF |
| Poulsbo headquartered businesses EHL Insurance and Fred Hill Materials co-sponsored the 6th annual charity golf tournament — the Acorn Classic. The annual charity event raised over $19,000 for the Kitsap Community Foundation... (Full Article) |
West Sound Utility District
recognized for innovation |
| The Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts presented West Sound Utility District with an award of Special Recognition for its 21st Century Innovative Solutions... (Full Article) |
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Underground tanks face new rules |
| The Washington Department of Ecology is starting work on changing the state’s rule for preventing leaks of gasoline and diesel fuel from underground storage tanks... (Full Article) |
WSB to relocate Silverdale branch,
build new Poulsbo office |
| Bremerton-based Westsound Bank, the operating subsidiary of WSB Financial Group, recently announced the construction of a new, permanent branch office in Poulsbo, and the relocation of its branch office in Silverdale... (Full Article) |
Jackson named S.K. Small Business
of the Year by Chamber |
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Recently the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce announced at its annual Chamber installation banquet, that Custom Picture Framing on Bay St. was selected by the Chamber Board from four nominees as the first SK Small Business of the Year. The other nominees were Moon Dogs Too, Peninsula Feed and Rill Chapel/Pendleton Gilchrist Funeral home... (Full Article) |
Local company provides
specialized metal services |
| Cross Sound Machine, Inc., a locally owned and operated full service metal fabrication and repair shop, is celebrating its second year in its East Bremerton location. Owner Richard Irvin has more than 25 years experience in the metalworking trade and has established his company in Kitsap County to serve all regional metal fabrication needs... (Full Article) |
Westech Aerosol earns
Best of Port Orchard award |
| Westech Aerosol Corporation has been selected for the Best of Port Orchard Award in the adhesives and glues category by the U.S. Local Business Association... (Full Article) |
Kay offers personal concierge service
focusing on the environment |
| Bainbridge Island resident Sondra Kay mentally envisioned her company for years, before finally leaving the real estate industry and starting her own company. Help Is On The Way offers clients solutions to unique needs. Some of the services offered are organic home and office cleaning, organic gardening, home and office organization and de-cluttering, home sale preparation, re-arranging and staging, handyman services and interior painting, absentee owner care, vacation home arrival preparation, event planning and hospitality, and personal assistance... (Full Article) |
Coffee Roaster first to offer
100 percent CarbonFree certified coffee |
| The coffee craze took a new turn as Poulsbo-based coffee roaster Grounds for Change partnered with Carbonfund.org to offset all the global warming emissions of its coffee. In a dramatic effort to green all aspects of its business operations, Grounds for Change has become the first coffee roaster in the nation to formally calculate and comprehensively offset its carbon dioxide emissions... (Full Article) |
AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax training
and volunteer opportunities |
| The local AARP Tax-Aide Program is seeking volunteer tax counselors to provide free personal income tax preparation and counseling, with special attention to those age 60 and older and to low and middle-income taxpayers. Volunteers are trained during December and January, using IRS-provided training material and tax preparation software. Computer skills are required as most tax returns are filed electronically... (Full Article) |
Red Cross offering November
preparedness classes |
| The American Red Cross is offering CPR, First Aid and other preparedness classes in Kitsap County during the month of November. All classes will be held at the West Sound Service Center at 811 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton unless otherwise indicated. Register at least two days before the class. Class sizes are limited and are as follows... (Full Article) |
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Guardian Security announces staff promotion |
| The Silverdale branch of Guardian Security recently announced the promotion of Michael Wade from lead technician to commercial and residential fire alarm and security system sales. Wade has been in the industry on the Kitsap Peninsula for over 15 years... (Full Article) |
Floor covering store announces new name
on its fifth anniversary |
| Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings owner, Bob Simonoff recently announced some changes to its operation to coincide with its anniversary... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor chef attends national symposium |
| Big league chefs were in abundance when the Personal Chefs Network held its national Personal Chefs Network Symposium in Folly Beach, South Carolina, on Oct. 15-18. Internationally acclaimed chefs Anne Willan and Denise Vivaldo were among the guest instructors, and Michael Ruhlman was the keynote speaker... (Full Article) |
Pet Medical Center offers pick up
and delivery for pets in North Kitsap |
| Todd Herzog, the director of Pet Medical Center at Apple Tree Cove, has announced that they are now offering a pick up and delivery service for pets in Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and other North Kitsap communities... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor Y adds café |
| Occasions Coffee and Crepes is the latest addition to the Gig Harbor YMCA. The café opened in October, offering wraps, crepes, smoothies and coffee. This is the third location in Gig Harbor for the café, which also operates in the Multicare Medical Park on Point Fosdick and across the street at the St. Anthony Medical Clinic.
The cafe, which is popular with visitors to the two medical clinic, uses almost entirely compostable packaging, including the disposable food containers.
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My Kids’ Cookies Shop and commercial
kitchen opens on B.I. |
| My Kids’ Cookies Shop located at 9723 Coppertop Loop, Suite 202 on Bainbridge Island, is now open, Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., It’s a bright and fun atmosphere to sit, relax and enjoy freshly baked cookies and milk, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Cookie lovers can pick up variety to go, choose a gift box of cookies and surprise families, friends or clients with a treat or order directly from the website at www.MyKidsCookies.com for nationwide shipping.
My Kids’ is also offering baking parties where guests will be the bakers and go home with delicious treats to enjoy later on. For more information contact (206) 780-3091 or Barbara@MyKidsCookies.com.
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Photo Dynamics adds custom
framing and matting |
| Photo Dynamics in Silverdale has taken another step in expanding the photography and artwork fields to include both custom framing and custom mat cutting. They have installed a state of the art computer driven Wizard mat cutter. The Wizard can take just about any shape and cut it into a mat. Custom framing includes both hard to find sizes and specific choices. A few frame styles will be available in a fast turnaround for those that need a custom sized frame fast. And for those with more time, Photo Dynamics will offer a larger sampling of frame styles. For further information, call (360) 692-3039. |
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Northwoods Lodge receives top rating |
| Northwoods Lodge has been ranked the best nursing home out of 238 currently licensed skilled nursing facilities in Washington State, according to the most recent CareScout Nursing Home Professional Report. Certified facilities must undergo regular unannounced inspection surveys that follow procedures enforced by the Department of Health and Human Services to assess a facility’s compliance with laws and regulations. Since 1996, CareScout has been interpreting and processing this and other data to produce our proprietary, federally copyrighted Nursing Home Reports. |
Better World Group debuts
“Green Queen” products |
| Robin B. Lund and Frederick O’Grady are the creators and owners of the Better World Group based in Belfair and are now offering its affordable and environmentally friendly house-cleaning products to the public.
For more information or to place an order, contact the firm at Betterworld@wavecable.com.
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Sungrafx announces publication
of new restaurant resource guide |
| Sungrafx recently announced that the company will be publishing a restaurant resource guide, Dine Out Destinations, which will cover the Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding areas. Dine Out Destinations will be published semi-annually with the initial publication release date of Jan. 9, 2009.
Dine Out Destinations will showcase the restaurants throughout our area which offer a variety of unique culinary experiences. The guides will be available in hotels, motels and visitors bureaus throughout the peninsula.
Call (360) 692-3021 or visit www.dineoutdestinations.com for more information.
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Ells earns EcoBroker professional certification |
| Molly Ells, of Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc., in Silverdale, has earned the EcoBroker certified designation, having successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Ells joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings.
National surveys indicate 80 percent of consumers consider themselves “green-minded,” real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a stronger position to serve the consumer.
Reach Ells at mollyells@windermere.com or visit www.MollyElls.com.
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