|
|
|
|
COVER STORY
Olympic Wiring:
A 35-year-old company with humble beginnings
By Rodika Tollefson
|
Olympic Wiring, Inc. began its existence where many small business startups do: in the garage. And the kitchen table. There, while the few employees waited for owner Bill Carter’s orders, his wife, Judi, would serve them breakfast next to the couple’s children.
As many other small business owners do, Bill and Judi Carter wore lots of hats, the size and color of which ranged based on each job... (Full Article) |
|
Pacific Northwest Title works to help homeless
By Linda Thomson |
| Silverdale-based Pacific Northwest Title Company of Kitsap County (PNWT) works for people involved in the purchase of homes. Because of the nature of their business, says Chris Rieland, president and CEO, in 2002 they decided to focus on helping the homeless - those who are “much less fortunate than our customer base... (Full Article) |
|
Paladin develops software
to aid in salmon restoration
By Rodika Tollefson |
| At a Washington, D.C., meeting in 2001 with Congressman Norm Dicks, Paladin Data Systems’ Jim Nall and Gary Macy received a challenge. With all the money spent on salmon restoration, there is really not an effective way to track down the impact, Dicks said — proposing that the group find a solution... (Full Article) |
|
Environmental
A void in local government left by advocate
for the environment, a victory for the Orcas,
and a chance for Hood Canal
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of the water. “ ...Ben Franklin
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| December marked a victory for our Southern Resident Orca whales under the Endangered Species Act, a state commitment of emergency funds from Governor Locke to identify and reduce human contributions of pollution to the Hood Canal, the departure of an untiring advocate for the environment in Poulsbo City Council, and local representation on the state Puget Sound Council... (Full Article) |
|
Environmental
EPA recognizes Kitsap County |
| The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recognized Kitsap County employees for their waste reduction efforts with a Waste Wise Program Champion award for the third consecutive year. Marykay Voytilla, Resource Management and State Programs Unit Manager in the USEPA Region X Office of Waste and Chemicals Management, presented the award to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting on November 10... (Full Article) |
|
Business owners welcome lower
L&I insurance rates |
| Small business owners across Washington State welcome the recent announcement that the state’s industrial insurance rates will be about one-half the amount of the original proposal. “This keeps about $120 million into the state’s economy instead of it going into the government’s coffers... (Full Article) |
|
|
Taxability of certain food items are changing |
| On Jan. 1, bottled water will no longer be subject to sales tax, but “sports” drinks that contain sweeteners will be taxable. Juice will also be taxable if they contain 50 percent or less vegetable or fruit juice... (Full Article) |
|
|
Washington institute awarded $100,000 grant |
| The Washington Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Workforce Innovation Networks (WINs). The Institute is an AWB affiliate that focuses on workforce training and educational issues in addition to studying the business climate and economic competitiveness issues in Washington... (Full Article) |
|
E-payment option added to state
electronic tax filing |
| The Department of Revenue wants to reduce the amount of paper it processes, so it has introduced an E-check payment option for its popular Electronic Filing Service... (Full Article) |
|
Suquamish Tribe donates to local
food banks during holiday season |
| The Suquamish Tribe donated a total of $3,000 to three local food banks to assist food distribution to the needy during the recent holiday season. The Tribe sent checks for $1,000 each to Fishline of Poulsbo, Sharenet of Kingston, and the Suquamish Food Bank in downtown Suquamish... (Full Article) |
|
2003 West Sound Work/Life
Partnership Awards presented |
| County Commission chair Jan Angel presented the 2003 West Sound Work/Life Partnership Awards, at an awards luncheon held on Dec. 10 at Kitsap Gold and Country Club... (Full Article) |
|
Partnerships and entrepreneurialism
a hit at Governor’s Conference
By Dale King, Director of Development
Industry Cluster Institute |
| The Governor’s annual Conference on Economic Development held on Nov. 20 – 21, 2003, was another success this year for Director Martha Choe, and the Washington State Office of Community, Trade and Economic Development (OCTED). Economic practitioners, private businesses and support services such as educational institutions from every corner of the state came together in mass to learn more about new techniques in developing our state’s economy... (Full Article) |
|
AWB says L&I did right by lowering
worker’s comp increase |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) President Don Brunell said his organization is encouraged by the Dept. of Labor and Industries’ (L&I) announcement that the 2004 rate increase will now be 9.8 percent instead of the previously stated 19.4 percent... (Full Article) |
|
Why didn’t they buy? Online surveys
let you turn on a dime
It’s never been easier and faster to find out why prospects aren’t buying. |
To get answers in days, even hours, try online surveys. Instead of waiting weeks for results, you can get immediate results with one of many online services.
Best of all, many are free or inexpensive for small projects... (Full Article) |
|
Endresen meets with ferry operator’s
coalition about Seattle runs
Private Operators Urge Kitsap Transit to Step Aside |
| Kitsap County Commissioner and Kitsap Transit Board Member Chris Endresen recently met with port and chamber officers and private vessel operators to investigate a private-sector passenger ferry proposal to the Board of Kitsap Transit Director’s to consider at their January 20 meeting... (Full Article) |
|
Art Anderson providing design support
for $40 million INLS project |
| Bremeron’s Art Anderson Associates has inked a contract to provide design support for the construction of the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) at Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin. The firm has been heavily involved in the research and development efforts for designing the new INLS prototypes to assist the Navy in evaluating the Lighterage program and its solicitation requirements... (Full Article) |
|
HBA joins NAHB intervention
in FEMA suit by environmentalists |
| The Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County (HBA) has joined National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in its intervention in the lawsuit filed against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by environmental groups... (Full Article) |
|
It’s your advertising: demand results from it!
By Bill Hoke |
A client called a month or so ago and said, “ I want to test radio advertising and I expect a return on my investment in 30 days.”
I was stunned. Then I made the mistake of laughing when I replied, “You and every other client.” He didn’t laugh back... (Full Article) |
|
Kitsap Transit collaborates in
regional “Smart Card” fare plan
By Rodika Tollefson |
| For about a decade, seven Puget Sound agencies representing city, state and county public transportation systems have been working on a common vision: making transportation more convenient. In a collaborative project called Central Puget Sound Regional Fare Coordination, the agencies are developing a Smart Card, a cashless system that can be used on the ferry, commuter rails, and public transit buses in four counties... (Full Article) |
|
Locke accepts draft recommendations
of Competitiveness Council |
| Gov. Gary Locke recently accepted the draft recommendations of the second round of the Washington Competitiveness Council, pledging to continue to focus on higher education and K-12 funding as well as other business climate issues in the coming year... (Full Article) |
|
House approves money for purchase
of land for Pritchard Park |
| First district U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee recently announced that the House of Representatives approved $2 million in a recent Omnibus bill for the acquisition of a parcel of land to create Pritchard Park... (Full Article) |
|
Kitsap County receives
“Best Workplaces for Commuters” award |
| Kitsap County was one of 65 employers throughout Washington State and the only employer in Kitsap County, to receive the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Best Workplaces for Commuters” award... (Full Article) |
|
THE GREEN SPOT
Mow your grass no more!!!
By Rick Courson |
Grass flooring is really becoming popular these days. No mowing or watering and it can go into any room in your house.
Bamboo is not a wood but a grass and has been used for thousands of years. It is an attractive building material because it is very hard, strong and dimensionally stable... (Full Article) |
|
New massage therapy clinic
opens in Port Orchard |
BodiWerks Massage Therapy recently opened for business in Port Orchard.
Located in the EPO Center office complex at 2505 Mile Hill Drive, Suite 106, the firm specializes in Swedish, relaxation, and deep tissue massage... (Full Article) |
|
|
Moss Master Plus opens for business |
| “If you can wet it, we can wash it.” That’s the slogan of a new Bremerton company, Moss Master Plus, that recently opened its doors... (Full Article) |
|
|
Getting the most from a trade-show booth |
| Crowds mob your trade-show booth to leave business cards for a chance to win a big screen TV. You congratulate yourself on generating 6000 leads. Two weeks later, your frustrated sales staff dumps them in the trash... (Full Article) |
|
Bremerton dental office awarded
4-Star EnviroStar certification |
| Doctors Michael Huey, Sami Ali, and Sevak Adamian have earned an EnviroStars certification for their dental office. The business, located at 1275 N.E. Franklin Avenue in Bremerton, has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment by properly managing and reducing hazardous waste. They have been awarded Four Stars (out of five maximum) for their efforts... (Full Article) |
|
Bremerton Symphony formalizes
5-year plan and receives award |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association (BSA) conducted a board retreat on Oct. 25, 2003 and during the daylong retreat the board of directors worked together to formalize a five-year plan for the Association. The goals addressed were generated from current committee work and needs that have consistently surfaced in the 61-year history of the organization. Over the next five years, plans include... (Full Article) |
|
KREDC Decision Makers Breakfast
set for Jan. 13 |
| The Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC) will hold its sixth annual Decision Makers Breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 13, at the Red Lion Silverdale Hotel. The event will be sponsored by Kitsap Bank... (Full Article) |
|
Washington CASH wins grant,
welcomes new team members
Self-help program awarded $495,000
for low-income economic development |
| Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (Washington CASH) has been awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services for Community Economic Development... (Full Article) |
|
|
Do you employ military reservists? |
In light of the current military build-up situation and a possible massive call-up of reservists Express Personnel Services offers advice.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act governs all types of military service and all employers? The law... (Full Article) |
|
|
New technology for infusion molding |
| Westech Aerosol Corporation, located at the Olympic View Industrial Park, has developed a unique and innovative new product to aid in the infusion molding process. InfuZene vacuum infusion enabler will make boat building and aircraft assembly a much easier process with more reliable results... (Full Article) |
|
FishPro wins national award
for Silvery Minnow Refugium |
| A facility designed by FishPro of Port Orchard, which provides a sanctuary for the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, received the first place Award of Excellence from the Association of Conservation Engineers (ACE) in a recent ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina... (Full Article) |
|
Kitsap Bank steps up as KREDC’s
first Platinum Member |
| Kitsap Bank has taken the lead in demonstrating to other local businesses that the time to step up and support the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC) has arrived... (Full Article) |
|
|
Free tax workshop offered |
| 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 Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the central branch, Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton... (Full Article) |
|
|
BKAT needs camera operator volunteers |
| BKAT, the county-city partnership that produces studio and field shows for local access cable TV, needs volunteers high school age and older. Volunteers will receive on the job training. Call (360) 308-0139 for more information. |
|
|
Rorky’s now Rock Cafe |
| Diane Kelly, owner of the “Honey in the Rock Café & Catering,” assumed the contract for food service at the Kitsap County Courthouse on Dec. 22. The change from Rorky’s will include a new staff and new menu. |
|
|
NK School District board elects new officers |
The North Kitsap School District board of directors swore in Dan Delaney (District 2), Ed Strickland (District 5), and Catherine Ahl (District 4) as new board members during their Dec. 11 meeting.
During the same meeting, Ahl was elected board president, Delaney was elected vice president, and Strickland was appointed the board contact for WIAA.
Retiring board members Helen Hoover and Brad Camp were honored for their years of service to the board in special ceremonies. |
|
|
AWB asks for help to bring about tort reform |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is taking action to address liability reform at the state and federal levels. The group says member contributions are needed for this important, multifaceted campaign. |
|
|
TeleTech job fair set |
TeleTech, the call center that is the third largest Kitsap County employer, will recruit part and full time employees on Mon. Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WorkSource Kitsap. Benefit packages for full time employees include medical, dental, 401K, stock purchase, paid training and tuition reimbursement.
The job line telephone number is (360) 662-4746. |
|
|
West Sound Electric celebrates first year |
West Sound Electric recently celebrated its one-year anniversary by donating its resources to the Home Builders Association (HBA) and Silverdale Sunrise Rotary’s joint-ventured Veteran’s Memorial project in Silverdale.
Also, Tony Milo, who worked for well-known local contractor Don King for many years before King’s retirement, has been appointed as commercial projects field supervisor.
West Sound Electric can be reached at (360) 782-0800. |
|
|
CPA firm makes tax tools available on the web |
The certified public accounting firm of Tucker & Buskirk Inc., PS has recently launched a website, www.tuckerbuskirk.com, featuring tools and information related to tax and financial issues that are available to the firm’s clients as well as the general public. It includes IRS tax forms, financial calculators (auto, mortgage, personal finance, investment, retirement ant loan), tax alerts, financial tools, a monthly newsletter and more.
Tucker & Buskirk Inc., can be reached at (360) 692-9811. |
|
|
M&M Market & Deli teams up with 76 |
M&M Market and Deli has chosen a new brand of fuel for the store – 76, a company that offers promotional items and gas discounts at the pumps. M&M will give $5 gift certificates to new 76 cardholders and there will be a 2-cent per gallon discount at the pumps every time a 76 card is used, starting in January and continuing for at least 6 months.
M&M is locally owned by Bainbridge residents Matt and Marie Randish. |
|
|
Radix Marine signs letter of intent |
Radix Marine, Inc., a marine vessel development company specializing in port and homeland security and defense initiatives, recently announced that it has signed a letter of intent to enter into an exclusive development, license, and first right of refusal agreement with GSE, Inc. for the marine application of the company’s high power density compression ignition TSIO 1255 engine series.
For more information, contact Radix Marine at (360) 692-6446; or visit www.RadixMarine.com. |
|
|
Conrad’s grand opening |
The grand opening of Conrad’s, in the Front Street shopping district of Poulsbo, was held on Nov. 10. Lisa Conrad of Poulsbo purchased the business from Kenny’s Northwest Experience. Some changes will be evident inside and out, but the theme of great espresso, ice cream, and unique reasonably priced gifts with a northwest flavor will continue to dominate the corner. The famous chain saw and other wood carvings will still be a significant part of the store’s offerings, including custom-carved cedar signs made to order.
For further information email conradsgifts@aol.com or phone at (360) 471-1407. |
|
|
Interior designer completes project |
NCIDQ certified interior designer Angela S. Wood, of Elements at Work, LLC, recently completed the interior design of Café Bella and Nostalgia Ice Cream Shoppe. Other local food service establishments designed by Elements at Work include: Goodies in Downtown Bremerton and City Blend Espresso on Cherry Ave across from Harrison Hospital.
Wood can be reached at (360) 782-0645 or via email at asw@elementsatwork.com. |
|
Permit application submitted
for new Silverdale hotel |
Cory Chamberlin, representing The Baney Corporation of Bend, Ore. has submitted a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit and Shoreline Variance application to build a 104-unit, suite only hotel. Baney is a family-owned corporation that operates an number of Oxford Inn hotels in Washington and Oregon.
This Silverdale project will have four floors and a daylight basement level. It will include a restaurant, swimming pool and workout room available only to hotel guests. The property is located on an undeveloped lot southeast of the intersection of Silverdale Way and Bucklin Hill Road. |
|
Small Quantity Generator program
could benefit your business |
Kitsap County’s Small Quantity Generator (SQG) program is offered twice per month by appointment to businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste per month or accumulate no more than 2,200 pounds. Here is how a company can participate in the SQG program:
- Call the Open Line at (360) 337-5777 to make an appointment
- Ask the Open Line to send the pre-qualifying worksheet, or visit www.kitsapgov.com/sw/sqg.htm to download the form and bring it with you to your appointment.
|
|
Half of AFL-CIO members now
white-collar workers |
Professional and technical workers make up almost half of the AFL-CIO’s 13 million members, shattering the notion that unions are dominated by blue-collar workers, according to the federation in a recently released report. According to figures from the AFL-CIO, the fastest growing segment of the union movement is government employees.
The report also stated that newly organized white-collar workers accounted for nearly a third of all new union members (more than 232,000) in 2002. |
|
|
Bainbridge Gardens honored by GreenWorks |
| GreenWorks recently commended Bainbridge Gardens for outstanding environmental efforts. This model nursery provides only natural products for lawn and pest control, disease prevention and weed control. Its new health department features natural fertilizers and insect and pest traps, so chemicals can be avoided. |
|
|
Gifts In Kind — Your local gift exchange |
Is that sweater you received more Charlie Brown than you? Did you really need two waffle irons? Wondering what to do with excess inventory? Want to keep discontinued merchandise out of our landfills?
United Way of Kitsap County manages a local Gifts In Kind program. This program facilitates donations of new and or discontinued merchandise to area non-profits. Your donations not only help to meet diverse needs here in Kitsap County but they also help area non-profits keep dollars focused on program services and not on purchasing supplies.
For more information or to arrange for donations, contact program administrator, Lisa Fellows; 360-377-8505, lfellows@unitedwaykitsap.org. |
|
|
|
| |
|
