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Serious changes afoot
at the Housing Authority
Executive Director Norm McLoughlin, KCCHA, part company
after 20 years. As many as 15 others may be laid off |
| After almost 20 years as executive director of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) Executive Director Norm McLoughlin announced his retirement effective at the close of business on Oct. 14. KCCHA’s Finance Director Debbie Broughton agreed to take the helm of the agency in the interim, and a committee has been appointed to initiate the search for new executive director. Broughton has told the board she is not interested in the position permanently, and has tenatively agreed to accept a similar finance position with another agency... (Full Article) |
BJC Group completes remodel
at Blue Agave Mexican Grille |
| The BJC Group Inc. of Port Orchard recently completed the Blue Agave Mexican Grille. Port Orchard’s newest restaurant, located at the intersection of Jackson and Sedgwick, is an up-scale taco and tequila bar... (Full Article) |
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Rice Fergus Miller announces promotions |
| The Bremerton architural design firm of Rice Fergus Miller, has announced the promotion of the following six staff members... (Full Article) |
BHA Westpark resident relocation
over one-third complete |
| The Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton (BHA) announced that over one-third of the residents at BHA’s Westpark public housing development have been successfully relocated. As of Sept. 26, 177 of the 571 units at Westpark were vacant. A majority of BHA’s residents have relocated to other housing units within Kitsap County, while a handful of others have moved to other areas of the state and country using portable Housing Choice Vouchers... (Full Article) |
UBuildIt – Poulsbo celebrates
10 years in business |
| The UBuildIt – Poulsbo office is celebrating its 10th year is business. It has helped homeowners of Kitsap, Mason and Jefferson counties save thousands of dollars by managing their own building, remodeling and addition projects... (Full Article) |
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Bradley Scott honors five employees |
| Bradley Scott recently honored five employees with a party at the Kitsap Conference Center for a combined total of over 100 years of real estate experience... (Full Article) |
Joe Gates Construction again
named to Top 50 |
| Joe Gates Construction, Inc has been named one of the top 50 Remodelers by the editors of NW Home + Garden, published by Seattle Magazine. The firm was also recognized in 2007 with the same distinction... (Full Article) |
Countrywide providing help
to at-risk homeowners |
| Attorney General Rob McKenna announced a landmark settlement brokered by Washington and other states requiring Countrywide Financial Corp. to provide loan modifications for up to 395,000 borrowers nationwide. As a result, nearly 10,000 Washington homeowners will receive about $200 million in payment relief... (Full Article) |
Drury Construction celebrates first year
under expanded ownership |
| On Oct. 31, Drury Construction of Poulsbo celebrated one year under expanded ownership. Long time employees Bruce Corey and Roger Wagner joined Rick Cadwell, Don Drury, Gail Fleming and Brian Russell as principals in the Poulsbo based commercial construction company... (Full Article) |
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Abbey Carpet opens in Gig Harbor |
| Abbey Carpet of Bremerton recently opened a new location in Gig Harbor. Len and Kim Mallory, owners of Abbey Carpet, bought the business previously located in the same place, Dreyer’s Interiors, which was almost four decades old.
Len Mallory bought Abbey Carpet about seven years ago but has been in the industry for about two decades. Kim Mallory is a retired King County sheriff’s detective.
Abbey Carpet is a nationwide franchise that has products such as hardwood, tile and laminate flooring. The new store is located at Kimball Drive.
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Rice Fergus Miller opens an office
in Minnesota |
| The Bremerton-based architural design form of Rice Fergus Miller has recently opened an office in Minneapolis, Minn. The office is staffed with a team of four to include architects and technical designers. Presently, the team is responsible for the design of Trillium Woods; a continuing care retirement community located in Plymouth, Minn. Trillium Woods is scheduled to begin construction in the Spring of 2009. |
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Study says multi-unit housing remains strong |
| Grubb & Ellis Co., a real estate services and investment firm concentrated in the Puget Sound, announced recently in a third quarter research report that the area’s multi-unit housing market posted increases in both rents and vacancy, yet still generated $436 million in sales for the quarter.
The study cited two primary causes for the escalations in vacancy: layoffs and rent increases. Rents have inflated steadily during the past five years, and they rose again this year. During the past 12 months rents jumped 7 percent, and in the next six months, apartment managers forecast rent increases of 2.7 percent.
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NKBA and GE recognize
“green” design students |
| The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced the GE Monogram sponsorship of a new award category in its Design Competition. The Best Sustainable Kitchen Award recognizes the importance of sustainability in kitchen design, and will honor those designers who have created the most environmentally responsible kitchens.
GE will also once again sponsor the NKBA Student Charette; a competition awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships to design students from NKBA accredited and supported colleges. Given a list of GE appliance specifications, the kitchen floor-plan, and the homeowner’s wish list, students are allotted only three hours to design the perfect kitchen that meets all the client’s needs using the available appliances in the space provided.
For more information, contact Bill Darcy, at (800) 843-6522, ext. 4812 or at bdarcy@nkba.org.
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Chris Miller earns broker’s license |
| Coldwell Banker McKenzie Associates on Bainbridge Island, recently announced that Chris Miller has earned his Washington State Real Estate Broker’s License. Miller is a specialist in residential real estate with the firm.
He started his career with Deschamps Realty, Inc. in 1989 under the tutelage of Brokers Pauline Deschamps and Georg Syvertsen. Over the years he has demonstrated the highest professional standards and a dedication to satisfying the needs of his clients by providing them with the highest level of support available.
In addition to his broker’s license Miller has earned the 2008 International Sterling Society Award from Coldwell Banker National for production achieved in 2007. Reach Miller at (206)780-6146.
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Coldwell Banker Bain
0pens Port Orchard office |
| Coldwell Banker Bain (CBB) has opened an office in Port Orchard, allowing the residential brokerage to better serve customers and agents in the Kitsap and Key peninsulas. Previously, CBB agents commuted to Port Orchard from the firm’s Gig Harbor office to meet with clients and visit properties.
“Opening an office in Port Orchard is an important strategic step for us,” said Dick Fulton, executive vice president of Coldwell Banker Bain.
The firm works with one of the nation’s largest relocation companies and does a great deal of business with military families. Opening an office in Port Orchard will enable the company to build on those relationships.
David Bastian is the regional managing broker for the CBB offices in Port Orchard and Gig Harbor.
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DCD hands pink slips to 11
By the time cuts are complete 22 positions
expected to be eliminated |
| In a move aimed at helping address the county’s $1.9 million budget shortfall, the Department of Community Development (DCD) laid off 11 employees on Sept. 17, with another four layoffs scheduled before the end of the year... (Full Article) |
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Port wins EDA grant for SEED construction |
| The Port of Bremerton has received a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for $2.58 million to build the controversial clean technology incubator building at the Port’s Olympic View Business and Industrial Park, as part of the Kitsap Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) initiative... (Full Article) |
Construction gets underway
at retirement site in G.H. |
| Frontier Management, LLC has been selected to represent and manage The Lodge at Mallard Landing Community in Gig Harbor. Early ground work has begun on the project to prepare the property for construction activities, which are expected to begin in September, and the opening may be as early as December... (Full Article) |
2008 Home buyer/seller study
J.D. Power ranks Prudential Real Estate
highest in seller satisfaction |
| Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., and Prudential Northwest Real Estate recently announced that Prudential Real Estate ranked “Highest Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study... (Full Article) |
Executive committee member
to visit local NKBA chapter |
| The Olympic-West Sound Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recently announced that Bob Garner, 2008 NKBA immediate past president, will be speaking at its upcoming chapter meeting on Oct. 8. The meeting offers a unique opportunity for casual networking among industry peers and will be held at the Clearwater Casino, with an afternoon session starting at 3 p.m. and an evening session starting at 6... (Full Article) |
Commercial construction showing
increases in spite of slow economy |
| “Nonresidential construction spending continued growing, both in Washington state as well as nationally, despite the weak economy and housing slump,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), following the release of construction spending data from the Census Bureau... (Full Article) |
Joe Gates Construction named among
Top 50 remodelers again |
| Joe Gates Construction, Inc has been named one of the top 50 Remodelers by the Editors of NW Home & Garden, published by Seattle Magazine. The firm was also recognized in 2007 with the same distinction... (Full Article) |
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Yanick receives LEED certification |
| Local architect Miles Yanick has announced that he has received his LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Accredited Professional) credentials... (Full Article) |
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Coen join Republic Mortgage Home Loans |
| Republic Mortgage Home Loans recently announced the addition of Dayna Coen as operations manager of its Port Orchard branch. Coen brings over twenty six years of real estate and mortgage experience.
“Dayna is a welcome addition to our team,” stated Jerry Lampert, branch manager for the Olympic Peninsula. “She is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service.”
According to Coen, her decision to join Republic was because of its large presence in the community and its genuine caring attitude about customers and our local business sphere partners.
Reach Coen at (360) 874-1248 or via email at dcoen@repmtg.com.
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EHT awarded contract
to repair Whidbey airfield |
| AnnaLee Todd, owner of Bremerton-based EHT Enterprises, Inc., recently announced that the firm has been awarded a three-year contract at Naval Station Whidbey to repair the airfield.
Reach EHT Enterprises at (360) 874-1222 or visit www.ehtenterprises.com.
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Appraisal Associates adds FHA
and expands territory |
| Larry Peterson, CEO of Appraisal Associates of Puget Sound, Inc. recently announced that Kenneth Campana is now on the FHA select list. Campana can be reached by phone at (360) 377-0923 or kencampana@comcast.net.
Appraisal Associates also announced that its service area for has been extended beyond Kitsap, Mason, and Jefferson Counties and the Gig Harbor area to include all of Pierce, Clallam and Thurston Counties.
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Baker awarded IMSA Journal Award |
| Bremerton area Master Electrician and Instructor Tom Baker was awarded his third journalistic excellence award from the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA). His recent two-part article on the 2008 National Electrical Code Changes for Traffic Signal and Roadway Lighting was voted best article by the IMSA. “Tom supplied information that several members appreciated and commented on”, according to Sharon Earl, IMSA Journal editor.
Baker is the IMSA representative to the Illumination Engineering Society and a member of the Roadway Lighting Committee.
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Singer joins RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge |
| Jane Singer recently joined RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island. She was previously with Harbor Real Estate Northwest. |
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Goller Grade & Gravel helps out at Wolfhaven |
| Suquamish-based Goller Grade & Gravel LLC has completed an August volunteer water feature project by assisting with installation of a pondless waterfall to beautify the park entry at Wolfhaven, a Northern Wolf sanctuary located at Offut Lake, near Tenino.
The company is a Washington State Envirostar and a Certified Aquascape Contractor and additionally offers other heavy landscape services such as driveways, deliveries, rock walls, demolition, drainage and brush cutting.
Reach them at (206) 842-0581, (360) 779-2388, info@wedoponds.com, or visit www.WeDoPonds.com.
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KCAR receives national recognition |
| The 1.2 million-member National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recognized the Kitsap County Association of Realtors (KCAR) for its efforts and activities to protect the natural environment.
Prominently featured in the summer edition of Realtor AE Magazine, the Kitsap Association achieved the recognition as a direct result of its position to oppose the Pit-to-Pier project, and the industrialization of Hood Canal.
Realtor AE Magazine can be found at www.realtor.org. Select “Association Executives” followed by “New Issue of REALTOR AE Magazine Online.”
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John L. Scott adds Cryder to roster |
| Donna Cryder recently announced that she has returned to the Port Orchard office of John L. Scott Real Estate. She can be reached directly at (360) 731-2356. |
New shopping complex slated
for Gig Harbor’s west side
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Months of speculations recently ended when details were made public regarding a new shopping complex in Gig Harbor’s West Side. The complex, called Olympic Towne Center, is planned for an area on Point Fosdick Drive that once was home to Courtesy Ford and Olson Chevrolet. The two dealerships, the only franchises in Gig Harbor, closed more than a year ago. Future plans for the two properties were first announced in late 2006, but the property owners had released few details before submitting a site plan review to the city last fall... (Full Article) |
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TN Miller honored with Big50 Award |
| TN Miller Remodeling of Grapeview was recently selected by Remodeling magazine as a winner of its 2008 Big50 Award... (Full Article) |
New KCR building earns
LEED Silver certification |
| Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification plaque, which signifies its new facility at 845 8th St. meets the nationally accepted standards of design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings... (Full Article) |
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KeyBank boosts mortgage staff in state |
| KeyBank has recruited Michael D. Taylor, a former Washington Mutual regional sales executive, to triple its mortgage lending capability this year in Washington. Taylor, who will be based in Tacoma, was named vice president and regional sales manager for the bank’s Northwest region... (Full Article) |
Reynolds opens land use and
environmental issues law practice |
| Dennis D. Reynolds, attorney at law, has opened a private practice on Bainbridge Island specializing in land use and environmental issues. Reynolds is well known throughout the region as an aggressive advocate with a winning record in land use issues... (Full Article) |
Grant donated to Habitat for Humanity
of Kitsap in Thomas Moreland’s name |
| The Northwestern Mutual Foundation announced that Thomas Moreland of Port Gamble has been recognized as an “Outstanding Volunteer” in the company’s national Community Service Award (CSA) program. As a result, the Foundation will present a $10,000 grant in his name to Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County... (Full Article) |
Bremerton honored with Governor’s
Planning Award |
| The City of Bremerton was recently awarded the Governor’s Smart Communities Award for the development of its downtown regional center sub area plan. The award was presented to the Director of Community Development Andrea Spencer. Other cities that were recognized for good planning practices were Everett, Newcastle, Kirkland, Sumner, and Adams County... (Full Article) |
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Home Tech Wiring promotes and adds staff |
| Port Orchard’s Home Tech Wiring Inc., recently announced that Michael Casey, vice president, has obtained his commercial administrator license and has been promoted to the position of administrator.
Also, Commercial Electrician Ken Baker, who has been in the electrical industry for over 20 years has joined the firm.
Reach Home Tech Wiring at (360) 340-8468 or www.hometechwriringinc.com.
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Erving joins Action Now Property Management |
| Action Now Property Management Co. recently announced the addition of Elizabeth Erving as its new property manager. Erving has been in the real estate profession for many years and holds an associate broker’s license.
Action Now Property Management Co., located on Bainbridge Island, and can be reached at (206) 842-5851 or at www.actionnowpm.com.
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TRC completes phase III of Tribal Center |
| Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. (TRC) of Poulsbo has completed the 19,000 square foot phase III office building for the Suquamish Tribe. The building is located at 18490 NE Suquamish Way. The new two-story facility will provide office space for the Fisheries, Natural Resources and Human Services departments. For more information reach TRC at (360) 779-7667. |
Habitat finalizes the purchase of
adjacent properties in Port Orchard |
| Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County has made a bold move towards ending substandard housing in the Port Orchard Area. With the purchase of two adjacent parcels off of Lund Avenue in Port Orchard Kitsap Habitat will provide a safe affordable housing option for 32 families in the coming years. The two developments are directly off of Harris Road. The smaller parcel contains 5-7 lots while the larger parcel has potential for 25 homes. |
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Carver joins Karin Kay Properties |
| Bremerton’s Karin Kay Properties recently announced the newest addition to its team of agents. Peggy Carver comes with a great deal real estate experience, most recently as the broker/owner of The Real Estate Shoppe. Her decision to join this locally owned company was because of its large presence in the community and its genuine “Karin About You” motto. Carver has brought with her a strong client base, a great reputation and enthusiasm. Reach Carver by phone or email at (360) 479-7653, (360) 271-8507 or peggy@karinaboutyou.com. |
TRC completes Bremerton
professional building |
| Tim Ryan Construction (TRC), Inc. of Poulsbo recently completed the 5,000 square foot professional office building for Chiropractic Lifestyle Center located at 991 NE Riddell Road in Bremerton. The offices of Doctors Meg and Ron Simans can be reached at (360) 373-2225. Contact TRC at (360) 779-7667 for more information. |
Hearing Board rejects arguments
against expanded UGAs
Commissioners lift development moratorium
By Lary Coppola |
| 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) |
Bremerton Marina earns professional
recognition with two regional awards |
| In May, the Port of Bremerton received two awards. The first was an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the second was a Project Achievement Award presented by the Construction Management Association of America, Northwest Chapter... (Full Article) |
KeyBank gives Point Fosdick branch
a makeover |
| KeyBank has significantly enhanced and revitalized its Point Fosdick branch located at 5001 Olympic Drive N.W. in Gig Harbor... (Full Article) |
Gig Harbor’s Maritime Inn
completes major remodel project |
| Gig Harbor’s Maritime Inn has re-opened having completed a $275,000 renovation. The announcement was made by Joanie Mitton and Jannae Jolibois, co-owners of the 15-room harbor-front property. Each room has been outfitted with air-jetted tubs, flat-screen televisions and in-room refrigerators... (Full Article) |
John L. Scott ranked 8th most productive
firm in two national surveys |
| J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, recently announced that the company his grandfather founded 77 years ago has been ranked the eighth most productive real estate company in the nation on two national surveys. These rankings were issued by REAL Trends and RIS Media, both national real estate news and information sources... (Full Article) |
Kitsap Realtors announce
candidate endorsements |
| The Kitsap County Association of Realtors has released it list of endorsements for the upcoming election. They are... (Full Article) |
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Dana’s Heating adds new sales consultant |
| Dana’s Heating announced the addition of its newest sales consultant, Tim Whetson. With prior experience in the heating industry, he will be helping bring in new accounts and contractors looking for any and all HVAC products. Reach Whetson at (360)876-7670 or (888)290-7670. |
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Home Tech Wiring adds contracting services |
| Home Tech Wiring recently announced that it is expanding its company to include commercial electrical contracting. In addition to the commercial department, Home Tech Wiring will keep its existing residential electrical contracting and audio/video departments operating at full capacity.
Reach Home Tech Wiring at (360) 340-8468 or www.hometechwiringinc.com.
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TRC completes eye clinic project |
| Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. of Poulsbo (TRC) has recently completed the tenant improvement for Achieve Eye & Laser Specialists for Dr’s T.C. Olsen, Paul Kremer and Martha Leen. The clinic was previously located in East Bremerton known as Pacific EyeCare of Bremerton. The new space provides over 10,000 square feet of space for exams, laser or testing. Reach Achieve Eye & Laser Specialists at (360) 698-9500 located at 3260 NW Mount Vintage Way in Silverdale. Reach TRC at (360) 779-7667. |
RE/MAX Town & Country announces
a pair of recent staff additions |
| RE/MAX Town & Country recently announced the addition of Susan Clark and Earl Steinmetz to its staff.
Clark is designated as an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist and a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has been a recipient of the President’s Elite and President’s Gold Awards for outstanding production each year she’s been in the real estate industry and can be reached at (360)874-4603 or via email at susan.clark@yahoo.com.
Steinmetz feels buying or selling a home can be an emotional experience and attempts to serve as a “buffer” for home buyers, taking pride in being honest, assertive when necessary. He can be reached at (253)238-1533 or at EarlSteinmetz@remax.net.
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Real estate market to rebound —
but not too soon |
| The 400 condominiums in downtown Bremerton went for auction at the end of April, some starting at nearly half their price. Washington Mutual has closed its loan processing center in Silverdale. The number of foreclosures in Kitsap is up. Everywhere, there are signs of the real estate market in apparent trouble... (Full Article) |
State Realtors group announces
endorsements in 8 statewide races |
| The Washington Association of Realtors’ political action committee announced endorsements in six statewide races... (Full Article) |
UBuildIt – Poulsbo adds
new Planning Consultant |
| The Poulsbo office of UBuildIt recently announced that Rich Clayton has joined its team. Clayton will be assisting new clients in getting started with their projects, and helping them throughout both the planning and construction phases... (Full Article) |
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Gov. Gregoire approves change to license law |
| Kitsap County Association of Realtors Executive Mike Eliason joined officials from the Department of Licensing at a bill signing ceremony in which Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed SHB 2778 into law... (Full Article) |
Pacific Northwest Title names
senior title officer |
| Pacific Northwest Title recently announced that Dan Kirk, senior title officer, has relocated to the Bainbridge Island Office at 921 Hildebrand Lane. Kirk has been with Pacific Northwest, in Silverdale, since its opening in June of 1990.
Julie Hohenstein, LPO/escrow closer, Mary Devlin, LPO/escrow closer and Rachel Snelson, escrow assistant complete the branch team. Tamara Linder will remain as the area sales representative.
Reach the Bainbridge Island staff at (206) 842-2082 or (800) 884-7636.
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Casteel joins National Pacific Mortgage |
| National Pacific Mortgage, located at 3888 Randall Way NW Suite 203 in Silverdale, recently announced that Shirley Casteel has joined the firm as a mortgage broker.
Casteel brings over 20 years in the mortgage banking business to the position. She has experience in all areas of mortgage lending including conventional, government, spec. and custom construction loans.
Reach Casteel at (360) 271-0560.
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Windermere’s Port Orchard Office
adds two new associates |
| Windermere Real Estate recently announced the addition of the following associates to its Port Orchard office.
Cyndi Wilson has years of real estate experience and knowledge of the Gig Harbor area. She was formerly an agent with Windermere Gig Harbor for five years and the sales manager with Windermere Key Realty. Wilson is now the Managing Broker at the Windermere Port Orchard office.
Leann Knight has spent several years in multi-family property management, residential and commercial real estate sales. Knight has specialized in new construction since 2001. She has earned the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation as well as the At Home with Diversity Certification (AHWD).
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Drury Construction promotes intern
to full time position |
| Drury Construction has recently welcomed Jake Hanes to its staff. Hanes came to Drury Construction as an intern from Brigham Young University in January. He is currently assisting project managers with estimating and on-site work.
The skills acquired in his new role with the Poulsbo general contractor will allow him to manage projects of his own in the future upon completion of his college education.
Hanes plans to attend Olympic Community College to finish his prerequisites before transferring to the University of Washington’s Construction Management program. Drury will support Hanes with a flexible schedule while he obtains his bachelor degree in construction management.
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