Getting elected to a public office is big business, especially in a year like 2008 that many people view as a “bellwether.” Although many candidates go outside the local economy for campaign related services, various local businesses such as print shops, mail houses and graphic design firms say they see a nice surge in volume around this time of the year during years that include presidential and gubernatorial elections especially. Several local business owners said they anticipate the rush, and they try to accommodate it by planning on it ahead of time. read more »

The 26th Legislative District is what’s termed a “swing district” — meaning it could vote either way. The Democrats are trying to hang on to their majority positioning in the House, so the races in the 26th are being closely watched. The district includes Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard and parts of Bremerton. Both House positions are on the table, with first-term incumbent Rep. Larry Seaquist, , trying to hang on, and the other position up for grabs following the retirement of Rep. Pat Lantz . read more »

The downturn in the economy is forcing companies to examine their costs of doing business. And among the things that often go first, is hiring professionals for jobs like event planning. Big mistake, event planners say: Skipping the experts saves money upfront, but it may actually lead to a more expensive event.

“A lot of the value the planner brings to the table is helping folks spend their money wisely and maximize their return on investment, allocating those resources where they count,” says Melissa Bryan, owner of Lush Parties & Events on Bainbridge Island. read more »

The Comfort Inn & Suites, located at the top of Kitsap Way in West Bremerton, will be opening its doors sometime this month. The hillside landmark was formerly known as the Bremerton Hotel, and before that it was a Howard Johnson franchise. Some longtime residents may remember that it was constructed by the late Joe Mentor and originally opened as a Holiday Inn in the 1970s.

In the past year and a half, the hotel has undergone a major remodeling, with new ownership and an entirely new look. read more »

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.

“I am proud of Director Andrea Spencer and her staff and want to thank them for the outstanding work they did in the development of our new downtown sub area plan. read more »