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COVER STORY
Conference Center marks
cornerstone for Bremerton
By Rodika Tollefson |
| All the dreams, the talk and the media and politicians’ predictions about Bremerton’s revitalization are about to kick start what many see as a new, long-overdue era for Kitsap’s largest city. With the grand opening of the downtown Kitsap Conference Center, one of many landmarks yet to come, the city formerly known as the sleeping, boring giant will have much more to show for itself than dusty and noisy construction sites that created as much traffic nuisance as buzz about great things to come... (Full Article) |
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Lawyers financing class action lawsuits:
A question of ethics or just business?
By Maura Kate Hallam |
| We are a country that loves to hate lawyers almost as much as we love to sue people. We hear stories of million dollar class action suits where each plaintiff earns a paltry sum, but the plaintiffs’ attorney makes bank. We read articles about overweight people suing fast food companies for making them fat. John Grisham novels paint pictures of sinister, powerful law firms putting up millions of dollars to create class action lawsuit machines designed to line attorney’s pockets... (Full Article) |
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SKHS Community Business Survey (FORM) |
| The Information Technology department of South Kitsap High School requests your input about the competency level and preparedness of our students and recent graduates working in local businesses. Your comments and responses will be used to guide our efforts to prepare students for the world of work... (Full Survey) |
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Environmental
EPA Brownfields program awards $927,405
for local projects
“A healthy ecology is the basis for a healthy economy,”
~ Claudine Schneider, former U.S. Representative
in the “Green Lifestyle Handbook”
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
Three agencies turaed over some “green” for local brownfields projects in Kitsap and Mason counties just recently.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program enables states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic development to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and reuse brownfields by providing federal dollars through competitive grant programs... (Full Article) |
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Bremerton secures top ranking
for tech job growth
Washington Technology Center report benchmarks
state’s innovation economy potential |
| Despite an economic downturn in the state, Bremerton managed to grow its technology job base by more than 15 percent in 2002, according to the Washington Technology Center’s 2004 Washington Index of Innovation & Technology. The Index includes detailed data on ten regions in Washington, evaluating them against drivers necessary to support a technology economy... (Full Article) |
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City of Gig Harbor pays $54K
toward more water rights
By Rodika Tollefson |
| There is plenty of water physically available to serve city of Gig Harbor’s water customers but by May the ability to give actual water rights to new development had dried up. At the end of May, the city imposed a six-month moratorium on all permits requiring new or extended water from its system. The moratorium does not apply to areas serviced by other water purveyors such as Washington Water Services... (Full Article) |
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An opportunity to plan and balance
our future needs
By Commissioner Jan Angel |
| County citizens are shaping the Kitsap County of tomorrow with today’s solutions to extremely complex problems. There is no simple or painless solution, especially when the answer demands the meticulous weaving together of both economic and environmental interests. With corresponding opportunities relying on this delicate balance, common sense, accountability and action are crucial touchstones in navigating the map on the roadway to the future... (Full Article) |
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Simple things can boost your
self-confidence and competitiveness
By Rodika Tollefson |
| In a society where the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” often doesn’t apply to personal appearances, you may only have a fleeting moment to make a first impression. And after that, to be successful you usually must be seen — and seen well... (Full Article) |
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Volunteerism in the new paradigm...
What’s this meeting about?
By Bill Hoke |
| Twelve years ago, I attended my first volunteer meeting in Kitsap, one of the initial ‘save the Admiral Theater’ strategy sessions. At the end of the meeting, the group all opened their daytimers to select a date for the next meeting. It quickly became apparent that most of the people present were volunteering for the same organizations... (Full Article) |
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American Marine Bank awards
three scholarships |
| For the past seven years American Marine Bank has been awarding $4,000 scholarships to seniors from high schools throughout Kitsap County. This year, awards went to three outstanding students who were chosen based on their academic achievement, community or school involvement and financial need... (Full Article) |
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Bergeson to receive
AWB Heavy Lifter Award |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) will recognize Dr. Terry Bergeson, Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, for her dedication and work to implement our state’s basic education reforms. She will receive one of the Association’s “Heavy Lifter Awards” at the annual policy summit on Sept. 22 – 24 at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo... (Full Article) |
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Harrison continues full accreditation |
| Harrison Hospital and Harrison Home Health have received full three-year accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCAHO establishes national standards and monitors the progress of healthcare organizations nationwide, including hospitals, assisted and long-term living facilities, home health organizations, clinics, laboratories and office-based surgery practices. Harrison has been accredited by JCAHO for over 30 years... (Full Article) |
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Credit Union scholarship recipients announced |
| Peninsula Credit Union recently awarded five scholarships to members or the dependents of current members. Every year the Credit Union seeks applications from those pursuing studies at various vocational and educational colleges... (Full Article) |
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AWB disappointed charter school
repeal heading for November ballot |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has expressed its disappointment that Referendum 55 – the measure to repeal Washington’s new charter schools law – may qualify for the November general election... (Full Article) |
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AGC backs Rossi for Governor |
| The Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC) recently endorsed Dino Rossi for the office of Washington State Governor. “For twenty years, state agencies have been hurting the state’s economy and the construction industry with an endless series of overreaching new regulations... (Full Article) |
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The Green Spot
Just a fish-friendly reminder from January
By Rick Courson |
| In January there were press releases all over on the court decision that pesticide spraying along salmon creeks was to stop and a requirement for urban home and garden stores to provide a list of the banned chemicals in Washington, Oregon and California... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap County included in statewide CTED tour |
| The state office of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) in conjunction with Development Counselors International (DCI) sponsored a two-day “Fan Tour” of select Washington State communities. Kitsap County was included as part of the tour. The delegation included 10 to 12 site consultants representing national firms... (Full Article) |
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Patrick Snow, “The Dean of Destiny”
featured at seminar in Bremerton |
| The Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Patrick Snow, “The Dean of Destiny” and author of “World Class Selling: The Complete Selling Process”, will speak at a special seminar in Bremerton on Wed... (Full Article) |
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Bainbridge Island Chamber golf scramble
set for Aug. 19 |
| The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce is presenting its eighth annual Summer Golf Scramble Thurs. Aug. 19 at Wing Point Golf and Country Club on Bainbridge Island... (Full Article) |
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Local Rotarian attends convention in Japan |
Niels Nielsen, past president of the Port Orchard Rotary Club, recently attended the Rotary International annual world convention in Osaka, Japan.
Glenn Estess Sr. from Alabama was installed at the Rotary International President of the 2.1 million member organization which will celebrate its centennial on February 23, 2005. |
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Radix Marine board nominates
two outside directors |
Radix Marine, Inc., a Silverdale-based marine vessel development company specializing in port and homeland security and defense initiatives, announced that the company’s board of directors has nominated Lieutenant General William J. Hilsman, U.S. Army (RET.), and Glenn W. Turcotte as new board members. In the upcoming proxy, shareholders will vote on the board nominations.
Radix Marine can be reached at (360) 692-6446 or www.radixmarine.com. |
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Whitmire joins AMB |
President Rex Townsend recently announced that Susan Whitmire has been tapped as the new American Marine Bank Branch manager in Port Ludlow.
Whitmire brings over nineteen years of experience and financial expertise to the Port Ludlow branch. Previously, she was a branch manager in Eureka, Calif. before moving to Seattle. Whitmire spent two years working for WAMU in downtown Seattle supervising a Loan Servicing Department and the last eight years working for a Canadian based foreign exchange firm where she managed first a branch then a region and finally moved into the audit/compliance arena.
The American Marine Port Ludlow office located is at 9500 Oak Bay Road and can be reached at (360) 437-8805. |
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Entrepreneur’s Magazine
spotlights local business |
Entrepreneur’s fifth annual “Be Your Own Boss” edition prominently features Pamela and Jim Woolford of Comfort Keepers, located in Silverdale. The article by Sara Wilson focuses on the need of services for the growing population of seniors.
Currently, the Woolfords’ serve approximately 40 clients and employ 55 caregivers, although the numbers change constantly. The 2003 sales totaled $325,000, and the projected 2004 sales are $1.1 million.
Comfort Keepers and be reached at (360) 698-5533. |
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Local Brewmaster honored with four awards |
Silver City’s Brewmaster, Don “Big Daddy” Spencer recently won four medals at the 2004 North American Beer Awards. The medals won by Silver City Brewery include: A gold medal for Fat Bastard in the Scotch Ale category; a gold for Imperial Stout in the Stout – Imperial category; silver for Bavarian Hefeweizen in the German Wheat category; and Whoop Pass IPA won a bronze in the American IPA category.
For more information on the North American Beer Awards visit the web site at www.northamericabrewers.org/winners2004.htm. Silver City Brewery can be reached at (360) 698-5879. |
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Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital
earns 4-Star EnviroStar certification |
Dr. James C. Moore and his staff at Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital have earned certification as an EnviroStar business. The animal hospital, located at 11254 East 2nd Street in Kingston, has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment by reducing and properly managing hazardous waste. They have been awarded Four Stars (out of five maximum) for these efforts.
Apple Tree Cove Animal can be reached at (360) 297-2898. |
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Peninsula Work Release honors two |
Kathy Nielsen, a cook at state-owned Peninsula Work Release in Port Orchard since August 2001, was named employee of the quarter by contractor Allvest Work Release, LLC (AWRLLC). She was recognized for her hard work, cheerful disposition, and for being firm, fair and consistent with residents.
Kitty Hawksley, PM1, an employee with AWRLLC since July 2001, received an Honorable Mention for being “strong on policy enforcement” and “going the extra mile when needed.” |
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ABC endorses I-895 |
The Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Washington (ABC) became the first major construction group to join a growing list of business organizations in supporting I-895.
“Providing health care to their employees is a top priority for our members and Initiative 895 will help make health care more affordable and accessible,” said Kathleen Garrity, president of the ABC. |
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Watson Furniture awarded
5-Star EnviroStar certification |
The Watson Furniture Group recently earned the top Five Star rating as an EnviroStar certified business. The company, located at 26246 Twelve Trees Lane NW, Poulsbo, has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment by reducing and properly managing hazardous waste and its proactive waste management and pollution prevention practices.
The Watson Furniture Group also won the prestigious Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices in 2002, and continues to demonstrate its commitment to the environment. |
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Edward Jones opens third office in Poulsbo |
Pat McFadden announced that she has opened a third Edward Jones office, located at 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite F, in Poulsbo.
Also, McFadden, recently traveled to St. Louis to meet with representatives from Lord Abbett, at the “Business Development Workshop.” The purpose of the gathering was to give investment representatives an opportunity to discuss investment management with the portfolio manager and analysts of one of the largest money managers in the United States.
Reach McFadden at (360) 779-6450. |
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New managing broker
at John L. Scott in Silverdale |
John L. Scott Real Estate recently announced the promotion of Larry Kaplan as the new managing broker of its Silverdale office. He replaces Alison Ybarra, who will become managing broker of the firm’s Gig Harbor office.
Kaplan has been with John L. Scott for over nine years, six of which he worked as a top-producing sales associate before being appointed to office administrator of the Silverdale office in 2000. After earning his broker’s license in 2001, Kaplan was appointed to managing broker of the John L. Scott Bellingham office where he has been consistently recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to his team. Reach Kaplan at (360) 692-9777. |
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Sheldon to run as Independent |
State Senator Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), recently announced his candidacy for Mason County Commissioner, District 2, as an Independent candidate.
Sheldon was a non-partisan Mason County PUD No. 1 Commissioner from 2000 through 2003, and presently is a member of the Executive Board of Energy Northwest, a regional consortium of public utilities.
Beginning June 26 until July 3, Sheldon will be at the Belfair Safeway at 9 a.m. each day gathering signatures to qualify for the Nov. ballot. |
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Children’s museum to open on Bainbridge |
Bainbridge Island’s new Children’s Museum opens this October and to celebrate that opening the public was invited to two unique events featuring Bainbridge Island’s own leading mountain climber, Ed Viesturs.
The opening of the museum is the result of two years of work by a large volunteer staff. The museum will feature a kid’s “messy” art room and a theatre for puppet shows and plays. There will also be a temporary award-winning opening exhibit “The Zany Rain Forest,” that was purchased from the Whatcom Children’s Museum in Bellingham. Children and adults can learn about different rain forests by moving through tiered systems of platforms that recreate the different levels of a jungle.
For more information call (206) 855-4650. |
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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 July 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Central Branch, Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton.
To view the updated workshop schedule, register for this date, or for more information, visit the web site at http://dor.wa.gov or call (800) 647-7706. |
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Olympic Printer Resources
reduces plastic in landfills |
Olympic Printer Resources, Inc., of Kingston recently reported it prevented 8.3 tons of inkjet and laser toner cartridges from being disposed in area landfills during 2003. The company made the report in its 2003 Washington State Recycling Survey which was submitted to the State of Washington Department of Ecology.
Most of that weight is ABS plastic which is not biodegradable. The bulk of the recycled material, 56 percent, came from Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason counties. The company also recycled about 5 tons of cardboard at Kitsap County recycling centers. |
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Local tax pro celebrates a decade in business |
Local tax professional Harry J. Keppert, Jr., of Advanced Financial in Port Orchard, recently celebrated his tenth year of providing tax, accounting, and consulting services to individuals and businesses in Kitsap County.
Keppert founded Advanced Financial in 1994 and has since continued to add professional designations and services. Currently Keppert is an Enrolled Agent, an Investment Advisor Representative, and an Insurance Agent among other things.
Reach Keppert at (360) 876-7411 or AdvancedFinancial@hotmail.com. |
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Gorst revitalization garners more
than $2 million in grants |
Commissioner Jan Angel recently announced the award of three EPA grants totaling $600,000 to accomplish the ambitious revitalization planned for the Gorst area.
The grant will contribute to the clean up of the former wrecking yard site west of the railroad overpass and the defunct and rusting concrete plant near the gardens. Work on the Gorst area includes several projects, utilizing funds from various sources and could commence later this year when additional Brownfields cleanup funds, already in hand, are spent restoring shoreline habitat.
Also, Eric Baker, lead staffperson on the Brownfields component, was recently promoted to guide land use and environmental review for the Department of Community Development (DCD), handed off the project to Paul Nelson, who is noted for his expertise in watershed issues. |
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Sound Referrals hosts BNI Visitors Day |
| Sound Referrals recently announced that Business Network International (BNI) Visitors Day has been set for July 6, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Red Lion Inn located in Silverdale. For more information contact Pete Simoneau at (360) 307-0804. |
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Kitsap Bank honors Employee of the Quarter |
What does it take to earn the designation “Employee of the Quarter” at Kitsap Bank? According to James Carmichael, bank president, “Dedication and commitment to excellence. We are therefore pleased to honor Jacquie Langston from our Accounting Department in Port Orchard.”
Langston joined the Accounting department of Kitsap Bank in May 1997. She serves as an Accounting Clerk III and has been described as thorough, independent, accurate, and a very knowledgeable member of the accounting department. |
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