2-5-2003 COVER STORY Windermere moves to new downtown Bremerton digs First new building constructed downtown in recent memory By Lary Coppola    Windermere Real Estate/Westsound, Inc. has moved into its new 9,000 sq. ft., two-story office complex in downtown Bremerton. The building, located at the corner of 6th and Park, is brand new, but was designed to compliment the existing surrounding architecture of the city. It’s the first new, private sector, non-government building constructed in downtown Bremerton in more than 20 years, and only one of four built there in the past half century...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Profiles In Success History and chocolate, an unlikely recipe for success By Beth Taylor    Sip a mug of Janie Marquiss’ Mayan hot chocolate and it’s like drinking an exotic liquid chocolate bar.    Lure her to your town and it’s like striking gold. So says Jon Rose with Pope Resources, which owns the tiny company town of Port Gamble. Marquiss’ wildly popular chocolate shop, La La Land, is symbolic of the historic community’s renaissance...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Bozeman outlines his priorities for city in 2003    Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman recently released his list of Top Priorities for this year. They are...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 City of Bremerton launches new Web site    In an effort to get more information about the City, its people and projects to the public, the City of Bremerton has launched a totally redesigned Web site...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 New owners at the helm of Suquamish’s Bay Marine Remodeling and expansion plans in the works By Temple A. Stark    The new owners of Bay Marine want to bring a “new energy” to the establishment, a fixture of the Miller Bay waterfront since 1976.    “There’s been some type of boat service here since the early 1900s,” said new owner Chris Cluett...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Budget is Job One for state lawmakers But what else have they got on their minds? By Temple A. Stark    In the year’s first Legislative session, will anything else get done besides balance the state’s $23 billion budget? The 26th and 35th District legislators have a few ideas...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 The price of progress: The real reason for health care cost increases By Daniel Mead Smith, President Washington Policy Center    The average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance increased by 14.7 percent per worker in 2002. That is the largest single-year increase since 1990, and the forecast for 2003 is an additional 14.6 percent increase...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Increased worker’s compensation rates now in effect    Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has adopted an average rate increase of 29 percent for 2003 within the worker’s compensation system...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Bainbridge Endowment elects new officers    The Bainbridge Island Community Endowment has elected new board officers for 2003...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 County completes final data merger    The Kitsap County Administrative Services Department has migrated information between data systems to achieve uniformity among the offices that work with real estate and property files. The merging of the information sets the final steps in motion to eliminate computer system duplication and reap the full benefit of the County’s new Land Information System...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Local businesswoman captures shoplifter    During the recent holiday shopping season, one of the season’s uglier sides played out on the Port Orchard waterfront. When business owner Lisa Viscomi-Malner of ‘In The Company of Angels’ saw a customer walking out the door with unpaid merchandise she placed the shoplifter in a “tight squeeze” and wouldn’t let go until the police arrived...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 AWB victorious in M&E ruling    The Association of Washington Business (AWB) was victorious in a court case about the Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Sales Tax Exemption rule, relating to sales tax on watercraft to non-residents...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Sick leave not just for the sick any more    Effective Jan. 1, employees may use sick leave or other paid time off for expanded purposes under the Washington State Family Care Act. Previously, the law required that an employer permit an employee to take accrued sick leave to care for the employee’s child...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Business station KNWX moves up the dial to 1210    The existing 770AM KNWX business station format and its call letters, has moved up to 1210 on the dial. 770AM is now KTTH and has been re-launched with a new conservative talk format, that will be starting the day with Mike Siegel from 5 to 9 a.m...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Grand Opening of Kitsap Barber Shop    Kitsap Barber Shop is a new, full service, upscale salon for men, that also specializies in women and children’s styles as well.    The shop is located in Sheridan Plaza near Black Angus at 2817 Wheaton Way, Suite 103; Bremerton...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 New (old) kid on the Key Peninsula By Temple A. Stark    Not too many newspapers today make a point of being nonprofit. The re-launched Key Peninsula News has no choice.    It is set up as a 501(3)c organization, as it was before it closed down last August...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 KREDC begins Business Enhancement Program    Trained teams comprised of community members and Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council staff members begin this month to conduct interviews with more than 30 local firms in the manufacturing, technology and defense industries to identify needs and concerns. Results will allow the KREDC to make policy, program, and resource allocation decisions with the objective of creating and maintaining a positive business climate...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Maria’s Place featured at top business site    Maria’s Place, a Poulsbo business owned by Maria Marsala, has been selected by Idea Cafe, The Small Business Gathering Place, to be profiled at www.businessownersideacafe.com. Idea Cafe is consistently rated as a top online destination for small businesses by both independent researchers and national media...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 FORTUNE names Edward Jones best place to work — again    For the second consecutive year, the financial-services firm Edward Jones received the No. 1 ranking by FORTUNE magazine in its annual listing of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Local firm helps healthcare businesses become HIPAA ready    Kimbel Morrow & Associates is a Kitsap County firm focusing on HIPAA compliance for the healthcare industry.    The company’s teams have been working with various aspects of the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for several years including transactions, privacy, and security...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Insurance industry recognizes local talent    The following people were recognized by the Insurance and Financial Advisors Professional Association in appreciation for their support...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Proctor Museum achievement award    Save Outdoor Sculpture!, a national project to preserve our nation’s public sculpture awarded the A. Phimister Proctor Museum of Poulsbo an honorable mention SOS! Achievement Award...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Martha & Mary nursing achieves perfection    Martha and Mary Health Services, a nonprofit 190-bed nursing facility in Poulsbo, received official state notification in December that the annual facility inspection revealed zero deficiencies...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Liberty announces scholarship opportunity    Liberty Tax Service has announced a new scholarship opportunity for local high school seniors. The scholarship is a $500 non-renewable written essay competition open to graduating seniors enrolled in Kitsap County public or private schools...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Kitsap Bank promotes three key employees    Linda Smith is a new senior vice-president at Kitsap Bank.    Smith will also continue her role as credit administrator at the head office in Port Orchard. She is a member of the Senior Loan Committee and is the leader of the bank’s mortgage and consumer lending functions...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Frontier Bank offers free ‘Economic Forecast 2003’    Frontier Bank has scheduled its popular annual Economic Forecasts for February. Kitsap County branches will host the area’s second Economic Forecast., Thursday, Feb. 27, at the West Coast Silverdale Hotel. The program will begin at 7:30 a.m...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Emperor’s Palace Restaurant goes smoke-free for 2003    Lots of people make healthy resolutions for the New Year. But the owners of the Emperor’s Palace restaurant in Bremerton made an even bigger resolution — their entire restaurant went smoke-free on Jan. 1...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Fund established for five young victims of assault    A fund in the name of the five Bremerton children assaulted Jan. 16 in a home invasion has been established at two local financial institutions. The Bremerton Five Children’s Fund will defray the cost of repairs and refurbishment of the crime scene in the home of three of the victims, including restoring the dwelling’s security...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Edward Jones explores retirement questions    The Edward Jones investment representatives in the Kitsap area will host a free one-hour program on Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for individuals unsure about when they can retire...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Great Kitsap Duck Race ranks among tops in nation    The Silverdale, “Great Kitsap Duck Race,” finished last year as the eleventh largest duck race in the country, according to GAME, the Phoenix-based organization that provides racing ducks to more than 600 events worldwide...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Timberland Bank opens Silverdale branch    The new Timberland Bank full service branch in Silverdale is the 14th Timberland Bank, and the second Kitsap County location...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 New physical therapy clinic on Island    Bainbridge Island resident Keith Heinzelman, MSPT, MTC, CHT has eight years of experience as a practicing physical therapist and is proud to open his new clinic at 425 Ericksen Ave, suite 102...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Custom Framing celebrates 8 years    Mallory Jackson of Custom Picture Framing of Bay Street is celebrating her eighth year in business by featuring in-store-specials and a variety of art demonstrations throughout the month of February. Visitors are encouraged to enter a drawing to win a framed art print by romance artist Jack Vetrianno...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Valentines On The Peninsula Tradition never hurts on Valentine’s Day Chocolate, jewelry and of course, flowers, always work By Temple A. Stark    There are many ways to say, “I love you.” But first you have to ask: Does your significant other think you’re in La La land?    If so, give them a taste of the real thing. The Port Gamble store La La Land Chocolates specializes in deep, dark and original truffles. The Key Lime truffle, for instance, is among the 29 different delectables created by owner Jamie Marquiss...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Valentines On The Peninsula Romantic hotel getaways make affordable presents    (ARA) - Put down that sweater. Step away from the perfume counter. Give a gift your loved one will enjoy and use —a hotel mini-getaway.    As the nation’s hotel industry works overtime to attract business, travelers who used to scrimp on accommodations now find they can sample the most luxurious 4-star hotels and resorts at economy prices...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Valentines On The Peninsula Sixty years and counting the ways of love By Temple A. Stark    Couples who’ve been married for at least 50 years look young. An observer might note that they also act young. Mim and Stan Seymour are no exception...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Valentines On The Peninsula Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Home Theater in a Box    (ARA) Trying to plan the perfect evening for Valentine’s Day? Reservations are impossible to get, and prices are high. Why brave the elements and fight traffic to sit in a crowded, stuffy restaurant or theater? A much better idea would be to prepare an intimate dinner for two and enjoy a movie in your own home theater...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Environmental Preparing for EPA’s Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System “We need to bring alive the necessity of clean water so that all Americans act as stewards of their water resources. For safe, clean, abundant water — in our homes, rivers, lakes and streams — is one of our planet&Mac226;’ greatest treasures.” …Senator John H. Chaffee By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes    The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater rule will have far-reaching ramifications for Kitsap County. The issuance on December 8, 1999 started the clock ticking, with municipalities and industry professionals scurrying, to understand its implications...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Environmental ‘Organic’ classes at IslandWood    IslandWood has announced the 2003 Winter/Spring schedule of programs and used customer feedback and ideas to develop new and exciting classes designed for enhanced learning...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Environmental Tribe compares genes of wild, hatchery salmon    The Puyallup Tribe is conducting a genetic study to determine how many distinct populations of chum salmon there are in the Puyallup watershed system.    At the Diru Creek Hatchery genetic samples are collected to compare hatchery-raised chum with their wild cousins spawning elsewhere in the watershed...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Environmental Settlement reached on shorelines case    The Association of Washington Business and the Dept. of Ecology (DOE) have announced that a settlement has been reached regarding the shorelines management case. The agreement comes after seven years of work, which involved several rounds of rule-making, multiple legislative efforts, and countless hours of litigation...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Environmental Trew recognized by EnviroStars    Trew Auto Body in Bremerton was certified by the EnviroStars program for their efforts to reduce hazardous waste...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Barker Creek recognized again for children’s books    Barker Creek Publishing of Siverdale has received another honor for its popular Draw-Write-Now series. The company recently received notification that it has won the 2002 Award of Excellence from Education Clearinghouse...  (Full Article) 2-5-2003 Steele featured at the Bainbridge Arts Walk    Sara Steele who paints watercolor originals and giclee prints will be on exhibit at Domicile, 230 Winslow Way, for the Bainbridge Island Arts Walk, Sunday, Feb. 2, from noon to 5 p.m. Meet the artist and enjoy a Sunday afternoon on Bainbridge Island. 2-5-2003 Lunch-N-Leads ready for the new year    Lunch-N-Leads is a nonprofit, networking organization providing business owners with a forum to meet and learn about other businesses. Current members live throughout the Olympic Peninsula area.    The group meets each Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. at Roundtable Pizza in Silverdale. Guests are always welcome. For more information contact Maria Marsala at (360) 598-3880. 2-5-2003 Don’t forget to post OSHA safety rules    Any employer in Washington who had 11 or more employees at any time during 2002 must complete and post OSHA’S form 300 in a conspicuous place during the entire month of February, even if no injury or illness claims were reported during 2002. For a copy of the form, go to www.osha.gov and then click on “Posters” in the left column. 2-5-2003 Cosmo’s Deli now open on Mondays    Port Orchard’s popular Cosmo’s Deli, which is located next to Starbuck’s on Lund Avenue, is now open Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.    “We see people coming up and trying the locked door on Mondays and they look very disappointed. It’s really killing us not to feed them,” said co-owner Shelly Lewis.    “We’re here cooking and doing other business on Mondays, so we thought ‘Hey, why not let them come in and eat?’”    Cosmo’s also serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call (360) 895-3138 for information or dinner reservations. 2-5-2003 Lunch launch at Bistro Pleasant Beach    Bistro Pleasant Beach has reopened for lunch with all the old favorites and more – Mediterranean specialties, eclectic sandwiches, fresh seafood and daily specials. They now open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and also at 10 a.m. Sunday for Champagne Brunch. 2-5-2003 PIP Printing brings in extra equipment    Bremerton’s PIP Printing recently upgraded all of its digital duplicating equipment. New are a high-speed digital copier, a digital blueprint plotter/copier/scanner and an archival grade wide format printer that can provide full color posters up to 44 inches wide, even from a snapshot or digital file. 2-5-2003 Winslow Paint featured in national trade magazine    Winslow Paint Company’s first-year success was highlighted in the November Paint & Decorating Retailer Magazine’s “Dealer Feature.” The article describes how the company doubled its projected first-year revenues with savvy retailing ideas, a modern, stylish facility, skilled customer-friendly staff and strong outreach to professional and homeowner painters. 2-5-2003 Showing some style and community spirit    The “Elements of Style” building on Silverdale Loop Road has won the second annual Storefront Decorating contest. Runners up were, Pacific Northwest Title, Country Nursery, Butler Chiropractic and The Chiropractors Clinic. 2-5-2003 H&R Block relocates its Poulsbo office    The H&R Bock office in Poulsbo office has moved to a new larger space on the lower level of the John L. Scott Building at 19723 Tenth Avenue., next to Austin Chase Coffee, and just across Highway 305 from its prior location.    The office is completely updated and is open seven days a week during tax season to help in the preparation of both business and personal tax returns. For more information call (360) 779-3515. 2-5-2003 Movies screened for children at ice cream shop    Loral Ann Jorza, the new owner of Island Ice Cream and Coffee, is offering new services in her freshly painted shop at 589 Winslow Way:    • A warm, quiet gathering place for small groups to meet, with discounts on drinks and pastries.    • Child-oriented movies on the small screen. Buy cocoa or ice cream with marshmallows at the bottom and a “Gummie” bear on top and enjoy the movie. Just look for the large, stuffed “Winnie” bear in the window and come on in. 2-5-2003 County set to help small business with loans    Kitsap County Commissioners approved the creation of a local community development corporation tasked with providing small business loans to new and existing businesses that possess strong business plans and exhibit strong potential in the community.    The county has allocated $100,000 in funds from block grant money to seed the project. The corporation will partner with the banking industry and the business sector to support new businesses as they become established. Volunteers are needed for director positions. 2-5-2003 Annual open house at West Sound Academy    West Sound Academy hosts its fifth annual open house from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 5. Faculty members, who come from institutions such as Vanderbilt, Stanford, will be available to meet the community.    Meet other parents, tour the facility and wander the halls to view student math, science and art work. West Sound Academy is located on Suquamish Way in Bremerton. For more information call (360) 598-5954 or visit www.westsoundacademy.org. 2-5-2003 Seasonal menu at Café Nola    Café Nola, at the corner of Winslow Way and Madison Ave., has changed to a winter menu featuring seasonal meats and vegetables, including oven-roasted pork, seared ahi tuna, pumpkin ravioli and their own house-made gnocchi.    The Bainbridge Island café is now open for dinner seven nights a week, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, and for brunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Café Nola will soon be offering pastries and coffee weekday mornings. Call (206) 855-8729 for more information.