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COVER STORY
HBA recognizes best of the best
in 2003 Parade of Homes |
August 22 was an exciting night for local builders as the winners of the 2003 Parade of Homes were announced at a gala awards banquet held at Kitsap Golf and Country Club. The event was emceed by former president of the association and a lifetime director, Jim Smalley.
The Parade of Homes is the Kitsap County Homebuilders Association’s (HBA) annual showcase of its member’s best work. The event was held the weekend of August 9 and 10 and featured two showcase homes, 12 new for sale homes, eight custom homes and 4 remodeled homes... (Full Article) |
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More than gaming at the
new Clearwater Casino |
| Clearwater Casino has come a long way. The Suquamish Tribe originally opened Clearwater Casino in 1992 as a bingo hall. A permanent tent was later added to house the actual casino... (Full Article) |
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Profiles In Success
Robison Plumbing builds on success
through repeat customers
By Rodika Tollefson |
Almost anybody can be a plumber these days, but knowing how to fix a faucet is not enough. At least not for Robison Plumbing, whose bulk of the business comes from repeat customers.
Robison has found a way to float above the average business. Sure, they know how to fix faucets and do it well. But the real key is knowing how to please customers. And that’s not an easy art to perfect... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Credit Union announces
new building in Bremerton |
| Bremerton’s downtown revitalization got it’s second big boost from the private sector when Kitsap Credit Union (KCU) announced plans to build a $9.5 million, 52,000 square foot corporate office complex in downtown Bremerton. The building will serve as a corporate headquarters for the credit union as well as offer rental space... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Seabeck revisited… the stars align with time
You can not step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing on.
It is in changing that things find repose. ~ Heraclitus, fragments 21, 23
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The village of Seabeck, hugging the eastern shore of Hood Canal, sprinkled with small buildings, was once one of the most vibrant settlements in the West. Driving along its scenic highway or floating in by water, the community looks inviting and meticulously maintained – the jewel of Hood Canal. Nevertheless, looks can be deceiving... (Full Article) |
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Business Ethics
Part 2: Contract? What’s a contract?
By Jim Kendall and Paul Murphy, PhD |
| JIM: When one thinks “contract” one tends to remember the admonition to “read the fine print.” Page after page of legalese stacked together for the simplest project. It is almost as if they are designed to trap the unwary. “What’s a contract... (Full Article) |
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Palmer Marine of Washington
Producing the fishermen’s Walkabout of choice |
Submitted by the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council’s Business Assistance Committee
Bo Palmer, of Palmer Marine of Washington, is quick to note that they can sell as many Tiderunner boats as they can build. The company currently produces six to eight boats per month... (Full Article) |
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Let there be illumination |
| Today’s illumination technology opens entirely new dimensions when designing your home. From the ubiquitous front door entryway light to discreetly accenting unique works of art, there are numerous electronic innovations that can add not only safety to your life but make it more convenient, colorful and downright comfortable... (Full Article) |
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Is salary really what counts?
By Norm Ferguson |
| I always find it interesting that, despite so much of the literature to the contrary, many employers still believe salary is the foremost thing that motivates employees. From my twenty years in the business world, much of that as a hiring manager, I can tell you it isn’t so... (Full Article) |
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Personal details at risk
on ‘military aid’ Web sites
By Temple A Stark |
| It’s war time and the scammers come out to play. A group that calls themselves the North American Center for Emergency Communications at NACEC.org is among the latest to come under suspicion... (Full Article) |
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Small employers may be
sued for discrimination
By Louis A. Falcone, Esq. |
| A little over a year ago, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that small employers may be sued for discrimination in state court for “wrongful discharge in violation of public policy... (Full Article) |
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Small Claims Court
addresses issues of fairness
By Temple A Stark |
| “It’s not fair.” Ever said that? “Small Claims” court may be the answer. Small claims courts are where rights encountered every day are protected. No such large constitutional issues as “free speech” or the right to bear arms are ruled upon... (Full Article) |
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Know your rights when L&I shows up |
Can you refuse a state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) representative entry onto the premises of your private business to conduct an inspection for compliance with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA)?
The answer to this question is more complicated than you might think... (Full Article) |
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Keeping employees engaged in their work |
| Seventy percent of U.S. employees say they are not engaged in their work, and the longer they stay with an organization, the less engaged they become. But, a worker’s involvement in and commitment to his or her organization is largely within an employer’s control, according to the Gallup Organization who surveyed 3 million employees in 350 companies and elsewhere... (Full Article) |
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Company cited for NLRA violation
over screen saver |
| Can a computer screen saver cause a violation of National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)? Yes! In much the same way that policies regarding bulletin boards or solicitation/distribution could be violations of the law, screen savers can also cause problems... (Full Article) |
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2003 statewide small business conference set |
| Small businesses from across Washington will gather in Sea-Tac on Oct. 3 for the 2003 Statewide Small Business Conference, where they hope to develop solutions that will improve our state’s business climate... (Full Article) |
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Silverdale Chamber inducts
new board members |
| Virginia Anderson, C.P.A., Cathy Davidson Ed.D, William White III and John Hight will be installed as members of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at the Accolades Awards Gala on Sept. 20. The event will be held at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club... (Full Article) |
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BBB warns consumers about fake Websites |
| Consumers all across the country have been falling for phony e-mails they thought were from legitimate companies in recent weeks. The e-mails appear to be genuine, with a few corporate logos and links, which supposedly take you to a company’s legitimate web site. But instead, the link takes you to a “look-alike” site and into the hands of identity thieves... (Full Article) |
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Insurance for builders puts some in dire straits
By Linda Thomson |
| Builders are finding it expensive – for some, impossible – to get liability insurance, according to Timothy Harris, general counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW). “A number of insurers have pulled out of the market entirely,” he says... (Full Article) |
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L&I proposes double digit workers’ comp
increase for second year |
| The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is proposing to increase workers’ compensation taxes for 2004 by a whopping 20.6 percent for businesses. If adopted, it will be the second year businesses will shoulder a double-digit worker’s comp tax increase. Last year businesses were saddled with a staggering 29 percent increase... (Full Article) |
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Employee Loyalty
How to survive the lean times |
| Many companies are going through very difficult times. Orders and revenues are down and it’s been that way for a couple of years. Unhappily, the near future doesn’t look much better... (Full Article) |
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Franciscan seeks approval for
Gig Harbor hospital
Filing for Certificate of Need first step in process |
| Franciscan Health System has taken the first legal step towards construction of its planned 112-bed hospital in Gig Harbor. Franciscan recently applied for the necessary Certificate of Need from the Washington State Department of Health, which governs to process... (Full Article) |
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WSTPA sets Western Washington
Summit 2003 |
| Empowering the Vision is the theme of the West Sound Technology Professionals Association (WSTPA) Western Washington Summit 2003. The event, which takes place on Oct. 9 at the Sons of Norway in Poulsbo, will be attended by professionals and leaders in government, education, business, technology, and economic development sectors from a seven-county region... (Full Article) |
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Harrison tops off ER expansion project |
| A topping-off ceremony was held on Friday, Aug. 25 that marked a milestone in Harrison Hospital’s $13-million ER expansion and renovation project. At noon, Sellen Construction hoisted the final beam into place, completing the steel framework on the new addition... (Full Article) |
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Honesty the best policy for job seekers |
| Honesty can be a job seeker’s most valuable asset. In a recent survey, 58 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled said the qualities that impress them most about job candidates, aside from ability and willingness to do the job, are honest and integrity, an increase of 26 percent compared to five years ago... (Full Article) |
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Kingston Collision and Glass
awarded EnviroStars honor |
| Kingston Collision & Glass, located at 6107 NE Minder Rd., has been certified at the 4-star level for protecting the environment and properly managing wastes by the EnviroStars Program... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
offers family fun weekend |
| Are you interested in having some quality time with your family and discovering the wonders on the Hood Canal? Would you like to have a unique experience by going on a traditional Native canoe ride, have an overnight campout and dinner with one of our Tribal neighbors... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Clear Creek Task Force holding second
annual “Celebrate Clear Creek” |
| The Clear Creek Task Force, part of the Great Peninsula Conservancy, will be holding its second annual “Celebrate Clear Creek” event on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clear Creek/Saq’ad Interpretive Center (red barn) located at Bucklin Hill Rd. and Levin Rd. in Silverdale... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
The Green Spot:
How should you treat Treated?
By Rick Courson, President
Cedar Bay Homes, Inc. |
| Since the 1940s, treated lumber has been in use in this country. Known in the trades as treated wood, the materials used is called CCA or Chromated Copper Arsenate. CCA wood is used in residential construction as well as decks, playground equipment, posts, and any ground contact application... (Full Article) |
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Lead, follow, or get out of the way |
| According to a new survey, executives give their peers just passing grades on leadership abilities. Sixty-one percent of senior managers polled characterized today’s corporate leaders as good or excellent in their roles. More than a third (36 percent) of survey respondents said executives today are doing only a fair job... (Full Article) |
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KPS Charity Golf Tournament to
benefit local community organizations |
| KPS Health Plans’ Charitable Giving Team is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 25 at McCormick Woods. A casual buffet-style dinner will follow the event... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Port Orchard company wins
environmental leadership award |
| Port Orchard-based Westech Aerosol Corporation has just been presented the coveted Sequoia Award for leadership in environmental innovation. This award was established to honor the development of products or implementation of techniques that promote healthy environment... (Full Article) |
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Ask The Guru
Does e-mail advertising really work?
If so, how?
By Mort Barish
Barish Associates Inc. |
The Guru will answer your questions about how you can increase your sales with better marketing, advertising and public relations.
The Guru recently received this inquiry... (Full Article) |
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Homeland Security guides available to business |
| Washington’s Emergency Management Division (WEMD) has published new guidelines to help businesses, county and local governments, tribes, neighborhoods, families and individuals to plan their own homeland security protective actions... (Full Article) |
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PSRC recognizes Bremerton’s revitalization |
| The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has recognized Bremerton as one of six success stories as part of its Vision 2020 update. Bremerton is among the 21 growth centers and eight manufacturing and industrial centers in the PSRC’s four-county region... (Full Article) |
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New security guidelines issued for business |
Washington’s Emergency Management Division has published new guidelines to help businesses, county and local governments including tribes, neighborhoods, families and individuals to plan their own homeland security protective actions.
The plan guides are tied to each level of the national Homeland Security Advisory System and provide checklists that enable individuals, agencies, businesses and advisory system changes are issued... (Full Article) |
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Duncan named to ferry committee |
| Ralph Duncan, P.E., vice president of marine engineering, with Bremerton’s Art Anderson Associates, has been selected to serve on the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Ferry Transportation... (Full Article) |
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Bremerton Alumni Golf Tournament
to benefit Semancik Scholarship Fund |
| Lexus of Tacoma at Fife has announced that it will be the title sponsor of the first ever Bremerton Alumni Golf Tournament which will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 to benefit the Chuck Semancik Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was established in 2000 in memory of legendary West High football coach Chuck Semancik, Bremerton High School students going on to further their education are eligible for this scholarship... (Full Article) |
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Olympic Printer Resources now
a Brother authorized service center |
| Olympic Printer Resources, Inc. of Kingston, a firm providing repair service for most printers, fax machines and small personal copiers, has been designated a Brother authorized service center for all Brother Laser Printers, Multifunction (MFP) and Intellifax machines... (Full Article) |
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New “Computer Coach” sets up shop in P.O. |
Port Orchard resident Rick Lear has announced the opening of his new computer services business, “The Computer Coach.”
Lear, who is CompTIA A+ certified, offers a variety of services to the new computer user from assisting with the, setup of a new computer system to teaching how to use it... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor to host three events |
| On Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. there will be an opportunity to live like a pioneer and row to Tacoma and back at the annual Gig Harbor Heritage Row fundraiser for the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society... (Full Article) |
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NAHB warns...
Do your homework before you hire
a contractor |
| Before you embark on any remodeling project, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) suggests that you do your homework before hiring a contractor. Don’t let just any contractor whose name you find in the Yellow Pages start tearing apart your home... (Full Article) |
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SBA officials hear Kitsap County
success stories |
| On Aug. 19, officials from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) visited Kitsap County and toured local firms. The purpose of the tour, dubbed “SBA Goes To Town,” was to promote and expand business development through loans made by local banks in conjunction with the SBA... (Full Article) |
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Literacy Council offers
computer classes in Poulsbo |
| The Literacy Council of Kitsap will offer a five-week class in Microsoft Word, beginning Sept. 8. Classes will run 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The class site is a private computer lab in Poulsbo. Mastery of basic computer skills is prerequisite for enrollment... (Full Article) |
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Free tax workshop offered to businesses |
| The Bremerton office of the Department of Revenue is holding a free New Business Outreach workshop to help new and small businesses understand how to report their state taxes. The workshop will be held on Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Branch, Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, in Bremerton... (Full Article) |
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Dream Dinners opens in Poulsbo |
| A new business has opened in Poulsbo that’s aimed at making life a little easier. Dream Dinners is a commercial kitchen where you go to prepare freezer ready meals... (Full Article) |
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Top Ten most common wage
and hour violations |
| According to a Commerce Clearinghouse report, the Top Ten most prevalent wage and hour violations are... (Full Article) |
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How are employers cutting
and controlling costs? |
| The stagnant U.S. economy has prompted employers to implement a variety of measures to control compensation costs. A survey released recently by the Institute of Management and Administration’s Report on Salary Surveys indicated employers were using the following methods to cut compensation costs... (Full Article) |
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Medical-Dental Building to get
major facelift, new name |
| The four-story medical-dental building on Pacific Avenue in downtown Bremerton has been purchased by a group of Seattle investors led by Bremerton native, Wes Larson, an attorney and developer and his wife, Daphne... (Full Article) |
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Alzheimer’s Association offers
free seminar in Kitsap County |
| A free ten-class seminar for those who have mild memory loss problems will be held in Poulsbo beginning September 10, at Martha and Mary Health Center, 19160 Front Street NE, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The seminar sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Western and Central Washington State Chapter will offer individuals the chance to meet and share with others who are experiencing the same... (Full Article) |
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Daigle Design adds outdoor sculpture
on Bainbridge Island |
| On July 4th, Daigle Design added an 8-foot high, bright red metal sculpture that greets drivers and pedestrians as they leave from the ferry... (Full Article) |
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U-Build-It moves to new location in Poulsbo |
North Kitsap building contractor U-Build-It has moved to the Lindvig Building in downtown Poulsbo to better serve its growing clientele.
U-Build-It helps homeowners save money — sometime as much as 30 percent — by lending its expertise to help clients serve as their own general contractor on remodeling, additions and new construction projects. Savings add up on materials, as well, with special discounts available to U-Build-It clients... (Full Article) |
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W.I.N.G.S. announces new
board for 2003-2004 |
| Women In Networking Generating Success (W.I.N.G.S.), announced the new board for 2003-2004... (Full Article) |
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Security consulting firm targets
workplace violence |
| ThreatStop, a security consulting firm specializing in workplace violence awareness and threat management training for businesses, corporations and individuals recently opened for business in North Kitsap... (Full Article) |
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Advanced Financial celebrates five years |
| Local investment and tax professional Harry J. Keppert, Jr. of Advanced Financial in Port Orchard is celebrating five years as an investment professional and registered representative of HD Vest Investment Services. Additionally HD Vest is celebrating its 20-year anniversary serving as a broker dealer to tax professionals... (Full Article) |
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Art Anderson Associates adds to its
over water design expertise |
| Bremerton’s Art Anderson Associates announced the addition of professional engineer Dr. Woosuk Ahn to its facilities division and Ronald G. Carpenter to the construction management group... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Bank posts record
first half earnings in 95th year |
| Kitsap Bank achieved record earnings for the first half of 2003. Earnings for the period were $4.9 million. The return on assets was 2.0 percent and the return on equity increased to 20 percent... (Full Article) |
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East Bremerton Rotary Club Awards
student scholarships |
| The East Bremerton Rotary Club has awarded scholarships for three 2003 graduates of Olympic High School to attend Olympic College... (Full Article) |
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Puget Sound Communicators announce
upcoming training session |
| Puget Sound Communicators (PSC) next training session is Sept 10 at Central Kitsap Jr. High School from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m... (Full Article) |
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New local firm helps seniors stay at home |
| Design Your Care, Inc. is a new firm that provides peace of mind and cost savings to seniors wishing to stay in their homes and hire their own employees... (Full Article) |
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Adams completes luxury
home marketing course |
Colleen Adams of RE/Max Unlimited on Bainbridge Island recently completed a luxury home marketing course offered by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
Adams is now provisional member of the Institute and will shortly be awarded the designation of Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. |
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Bremerton Masons looking for vendors |
| Bremerton Lodge #117, Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, is looking for craft vendors and entertainment for the 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair to be held December 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Jeff at (360) 271-3971 for more information about renting a booth, providing entertainment or donating items for the raffle table. |
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Windermere names new property manager |
Windermere Real Estate recently announced the addition of Jeremy Swaser to its Property Management-Kitsap County office.
Swaser was previously a new business development manager with Group Traveler in San Diego. |
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Port Ludlow man named to sentencing board |
Gov. Gary Locke has appointed Port Ludlow resident and Jefferson County Sheriff Michael Brasfield to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. His term runs through Aug. 2, 2006. He previously served as chief of police of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and assistant chief of the Seattle Police Department.
The Sentencing Commission evaluates and monitors adult and juvenile sentencing policies and practices and recommends modifications to the governor and the Legislature. |
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Land Title returns to Bremerton |
| Gene Kennedy, president of Land Title Company in Silverdale, recently announced that the firm will open a branch office in downtown Bremerton. The new offices will be located in the building on Park Avenue, formerly the Soriano Insurance Company building. |
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Kitsap Bank named one
of nation’s premier banks |
| Port Orchard-based Kitsap Bank has been awarded a top 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. This designation recognizes Kitsap Bank as one of the nation’s premier banks. In addition, Kitsap Bank has earned the prestigious 5-Star award for 21 consecutive quarters. |
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B.I.’s Island Grill goes smoke free |
The Island Grill, located at 321 High School Road on Bainbridge Island, has switched to fresh air by initiating a smoke-free policy for the eatery.
Owner Brett Hayfield made the decision and his manager endorsed it. “We live in a health conscious community,” notes manager Zach Eberspecher. It was a case of “…the sooner the better.” |
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Dick Strom decides to semi-retire |
Dick Strom, who established Modern Collision Rebuild in 1974, has semi-retired. He is sometimes found at the business helping out but keeps busy writing articles for national automotive trade magazines and is active in collision trade associations.
Modern Collision Rebuild is located at 9270 Miller Road on Bainbridge Island and can be reached at (206) 842-8053. |
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Wolfe Law Offices relocate
to downtown Bremerton |
Silverdale attorney Ed Wolfe has moved his law office from Old Town Silverdale to downtown Bremerton. Wolfe bought and remodeled a small building at 6th and Highland Avenue across from the new Governmental Center.
Louie Mentor’s construction firm did the remodel work with interior décor planned by Paulette Mentor. |
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