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COVER STORY
And out of chaos... Hope emerges.
Local businesses step up to aid hurricane victims
By Janet Mayberry
West Sound Service Area Manager, American Red Cross
Serving Kitsap and King Counties |
Hurricane Katrina has or will affect every one of us. We are opening our communities to the influx of people evacuating from the disaster area and are adjusting to the realization that something of this magnitude could happen in our own community.
Kitsap residents are offering time, money, resources and hope to the disaster victims. Kitsap County, its non-profit organizations, government leaders, local businesses owners, individuals and school children are all responding.
The American Red Cross is looking at the immediate needs of the population and has oriented 107 new volunteers in Kitsap County in the past ten days. Training is now taking place to equip these volunteers to deploy and respond to the needs of the affected communities and to relieve those volunteers already in direct service positions. We've joined in a nationwide movement named “Give Help Now” to attract, train and deploy 40,000 new Red Cross volunteers... (Full Article) |
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When the phone rings, are you ready?
By Wendy Miles |
| Everyone talks about good customer service. We want it when we are the customer, and it can make a difference in where we shop or, with which businesses we choose to work. As business owners, we expect our employees to understand the importance of customer service, even if we have not trained them in this area... (Full Article) |
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Office of the future: 2020
Research identifies future workplace
trends and skills necessary for success |
| The future office will be increasingly mobile, with technology enabling employees to perform their jobs from virtually anywhere, according to Office of the Future: 2020, a research study recently released by Office Team. But greater control over where and how people work won’t necessarily translate into more free time. Forty-two percent of executives polled said they believe employees will be working more hours in the next 10 to 15 years... (Full Article) |
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I-330 vs. I-336
Doctors vs. Lawyers:
Competing ballot initiatives take different
approaches to medical liability reform
By Paul Guppy,
Vice President of Research, Washington Policy Center |
| On election day Washington voters will consider two ballot measures, Initiative 330 and Initiative 336, each of which takes a very different approach to reforming the state's medical liability laws... (Full Article) |
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Allyn company takes a healthy bite
out of the natural foods market
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Drivers passing through Allyn, heading east on State Route 3, may not be aware that the occasional whiff of sweet fruit in the area is the smell of success of a multimillion-dollar company in this rural neighborhood of North Mason County... (Full Article) |
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Local home and garden publication
makes its debut |
| The premier issue of WestSound Home & Garden, a new, upscale magazine for the Kitsap Peninsula, hit the newsstands late last month. The full-color, high gloss magazine is chock full of information on gardening, redecorating, home décor tips, dining out, and much more... (Full Article) |
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Bad Checks: Bad news for anyone in business
By Randy Luvaas, Managing Editor, Yakima Business Times
(Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted with permission from the Yakima Business Times. Although the examples cited aren’t local to us, we thought this was pertinent, as these are typical examples of what local businesses face in dealing with the bad check issue.)
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| Back in October, John Johnson took a $3,458 check for work done on a customer’s car. The check bounced. Nearly five months later it’s still bouncing, and Johnson hasn’t seen any money. He no longer accepts checks... (Full Article) |
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City relents, disabled Bainbridge man’s
home-based small engine repair firm
allowed to stay in business
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Things looked grim for a while for a small-engine repair company on Bainbridge Island, following the city's issuance of a stop work order for the shop. The order was prompted by complaints from neighbors, who said the business, Olsen's Small Engine Repair, was a hindrance for the neighborhood... (Full Article) |
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Paratransit celebrates silver anniversary |
| In 1980, the Kitsap Peninsula Housing Association responded to a need in the county for accessible transportation by forming a transportation department. The new service, which began with only 3 vehicles, was the beginning of the Bremerton-based nonprofit company that today is known as Paratransit Services... (Full Article) |
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Bremerton Symphony Association
announces season-opening concert |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association's 63rd performance season will commence on Saturday, Oct. 1, with a concert entitled “Homegrown Talent”, featuring local guest artists, guitarist Craig Alden Dell and violinist Claire Sledd under the baton of Music Director Elizabeth Stoyanovich, who is beginning her third season with the BSA... (Full Article) |
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Hallam brings business writing
training to Kitsap |
| Hallam Creative Services (HCS), a professional writing and editing service firm with a focus on marketing, public relations and business writing, recently announced it is now offering a three-hour business writing training class, Practical Business Writing... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Around the Sound…
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The 15th Annual Sinclair Inlet Underwater & Shoreline CLEANUP was held on Saturday Sept. 17 at the downtown Bremerton Boardwalk and Annapolis Dock, as part of the Coast Weeks International Beach Cleanup Day through PROJECT AWARE... (Full Article) |
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Seeing the world through a camera lens:
Southworth resident creates art with lights
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The most meticulous part of Stan McMeekin's work is largely invisible. And that's how he knows his project is a success: When no one thinks about his part. McMeekin, who owns video-production company Solana Productions Northwest in Southworth, says another way his work achieves success is by creating emotions in people... (Full Article) |
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Lawmakers looking in the wrong direction
By Don C. Brunell, President, Association of Washington Business |
| This summer Sen. Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) told the State Labor Council convention recently that she intends to push the family leave bill, supports union-backed unemployment insurance changes, and suggested our health care system is inadequate... (Full Article) |
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A call for entries
The SBIC announces the
2005 awards program |
| Recent events around the United States have reinforced the significant impact sustainable and durable buildings can have in the marketplace. For the fifth year in a row, the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) will recognize professionals who are making exceptional contributions to sustainability across the United States... (Full Article) |
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Save fuel without changing your lifestyle |
| Because of Hurricane Katrina, fuel prices continue to rise with no end in sight. According to a survey of service stations by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices are up as much as 38 percent or more from a year ago. Thankfully, you don't have to give up your driving habits or buy a new car to get some relief. There are a number of quick, inexpensive and easy steps you can take to improve you car's fuel economy... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Bank awards scholarships |
| Kitsap Bank recently awarded five scholarships to local high school graduates attending college this fall. The scholarship recipients include Jacob Huelsnitz, Olympic High School graduate and son of Jennifer Pansa-Huelsnitz and Warren Huelsnitz... (Full Article) |
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Community Luncheon to benefit
students and programs at OC |
| Join more than 350 community members and business leaders for the annual Olympic College Community Luncheon 2005 to be held on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10. The luncheon will be held at the Bremer Student Center on the Olympic College Bremerton Campus, and take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The goal for the event is to raise $85,000 for the students and programs at Olympic College... (Full Article) |
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KCU's Brorson to chair NYIB |
| The National Youth Involvement Board (NYIB) has elected Kitsap Credit Union (KCU) Marketing Specialist, Cathy Brorson, as its new chairperson. The NYIB is a network of credit union professionals that promotes the value of financial literacy, youth services and leadership development... (Full Article) |
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American Marine Bank accepting
contributions for Katrina Relief |
| A bank account has been established at American Marine Bank by the Red Cross under the name of “Gulf Coast Relief” for the purpose of hurricane Katrina relief. Funds collected under this account are tax deductible and will go directly to the American Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need... (Full Article) |
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Bainbridge Chamber planning
health & fitness fair for November |
| The Chamber of Commerce is planning a day-long Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Woodward Middle School. The first annual event will be a combination trade show, workshops and demonstrations featuring Bainbridge Island and Kitsap-area firms, organizations and individuals involved in health, fitness and nutrition and related disciplines and businesses... (Full Article) |
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PDC refers local election penalties
to AG for collection |
| The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) recently referred two Kitsap residents to the Attorney General for nonpayment and collection of penalties it had assessed earlier. The penalties are more than 90 days past due... (Full Article) |
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Rossi set to debut new book |
| The working title is "Dino Rossi: Lessons in Leadership, Business, Politics and Life." The new book, written by the man who, according to a recent poll, almost 60 percent of Washington residents still believe won the governor's race last year, is expected to be printed by early November... (Full Article) |
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Red Cross reaching out
to Hurricane Katrina survivors |
| The Red Cross continues to encourage hurricane evacuees who have arrived in Washington State to contact it for assistance... (Full Article) |
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KMHS gets high ratings
from service providers |
| Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) averaged 4.30 on a 5-point scale in the Ancillary Provider Survey conducted annually by the Peninsula Regional Support Network. This is the third consecutive year that KMHS has averaged 4.25 or higher and its scores were again the highest among mental health agencies in the region... (Full Article) |
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Three author book signing set for Oct. 7 |
| On Friday, Oct. 7, during the First Friday Art Walk, the Amy Burnett Gallery, located at 408 Pacific in Bremerton, will present a three-author book signing from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured authors will be Fredi Perry, Michael J. Mjelde and Amy Burnett... (Full Article) |
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Is there a “Real Hero” in your community? |
| The American Red Cross is looking for “real heroes” from your community. Do you know someone who performed life-saving CPR, pulled a person from a burning building or raised money to help someone in need... (Full Article) |
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Hearing care center offers
free hearing screenings |
Avada Hearing Care Center of Port Orchard will be offering free hearing screenings. The screenings will be followed by a detailed discussion of the results and the options available to each patient, and can include tips on hearing conversation.
To arrange for a screening, or request an information booklet, call (360) 874-0953. |
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HBA offering CGB and CGR testing |
The Kitsap County Homebuilders Association (HBA) has scheduled a Bar and Prep Test for those interested in pursuing their National Home Builders Association designations “CGB” (Certified Graduate Builder) and “CGR” (Certified Graduate Remodeler).
The date is Oct. 25. The fee for the three-hour testing is $195 for either the CGB or CGR and you need not be a member of the association to take the qualifying tests. The deadline to register is Oct. 18.
For more information about NAHB's designations, contact Fae Smith, HBA membership/educational director, at (360) 710-9289 or fsmith@kitsaphba.com. |
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911 Driving School expanding into Silverdale |
The Pierce County-based 911 Driving School has announced plans to expand into Seattle and Silverdale. The firm guarantees that only Washington State Certified Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs and Washington State Patrol Officers will instruct any portion of any training, including the behind-the-wheel phase of instruction.
For more information contact Jay Jensen at (253) 565-4138. |
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Pizza Factory opens in Port Orchard |
Pizza Factory has opened in Port Orchard in the new Bethel Center at 1541 SE Piperberry Way, Suite 101. The restaurant seats 79 with patio seating of 25, serving pizzas, pastas, calzones, toasted sandwiches, salads, beer and wine.
The hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with a lunch buffet served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. seven days a week and deliveries starting at 5 p.m.
Pizza Factory is owned and operated by Susan Z. Schroeder of Port Orchard and can be reached at (360) 876-4556. |
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Boeing donates $150,000
to Gig Harbor YMCA effort |
The Boeing Co. will donate $150,000 toward construction of a new Gig Harbor YMCA, bringing the campaign within 60 percent of its fund-raising goal. The Boeing Co. has supported each of the capital campaigns of Pierce County's five YMCA branches. To date, the YMCA has received pledges totaling $2.9 million.
The Gig Harbor YMCA capital campaign will raise a minimum of $5 million toward construction costs of the $18 million facility. The 73,000-square-foot facility will include a pool, gymnasium, exercise rooms and meeting areas. The building will be located off the Burnham Drive exit from Highway 16. |
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L&I proposes increase in workers'
comp premiums |
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) plans to propose an average 3.8 percent increase in the premium for workers compensation insurance, effective in 2006. The exact increase will depend upon an employee's job and how risky it is.
Workers' compensation pays for medical costs and wage replacement when a worker gets hurt. Seventy percent of workers are covered by the state fund, the remainder opting for private insurance - many through retrospective ratings programs which the legislature attempted to disallow in an obvious political payback by supporters of organized labor.
L&I will follow up the announcement with a series of public hearings around the state in October, including one which will take place Oct. 25 at the agency's headquarters in Tumwater. |
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US Bank donates $3000 to Kitsap County CDC |
Following on the heels of Westsound Bank's $5,000 donation, Kitsap County Community Development Corporation (KCCDC) was awarded a $3,000 contribution from US Bank for its Revolving Loan Fund. US Bancorp Foundation shares the commitment to economic development with its ongoing support.
KCCDC manages a revolving loan fund that provides gap financing and micro loans to small business owners who will create jobs in Kitsap County. For more information visit www.kccdc.org or contact KCCDC at kccdc@comcast.net. |
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Printery Communications receives awards
for excellence in printing |
Printery Communications, a full-service, environmentally-sensitive printing firm, has received two state awards for excellence in printing, design and production. It took top honors in the 2005 Washington State Gallery of Superb Printing, winning the Gold Award for its presentation folder for the Inn at Port Hadlock, a six-color piece including die-cuts and also received the group's Silver Award, for its production of American Marine Bank's 2004 Annual Report. This was a multi-faceted six-color project with a die-cut cover, four color interior and 32-page financial report insert.
Reach Printery Communications at (206) 780-3653. |
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KBAC staffing change |
Donna Kirkpatrick of Olympic College's (OC) Electronic Commerce Technical Assistance Group will act as interim counselor for OC's Kitsap Business Assistance Center (KBAC), until a full time replacement is selected. Sharon Zerr, business development specialist at the KBAC recently resigned to take a new position with a technology firm in South Kitsap.
To schedule a counseling session, contact the KBAC at (360) 304-4220, or kbac@olympic.edu. |
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Get lost in county's largest corn maze |
Kitsap County's largest corn maze consists of over one mile of trails and over 100,000 corn stalks It was planted May 18 by Shawn Stolworthy using GPS technology. The corn maze will be open until October 31. Fresh and roasted corn is available for sale. Hours of operation are Wed. to Fri. 4 - 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Sun. 12 - 6 p.m.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children, kids under four are free. Go to mazeplay.com to print a coupon for $2 off adult admission. Directions: Hwy 303 or Waaga Way next to NW Driving Range, for more information email jcarlson@mindermeats.com. |
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Culbert returns from contractor’s event
on waterproofing |
Gale Culbert, president of Clean Space Northwest recently returned from the annual convention for Basement Systems and Clean Space dealers in New Haven, Conn. The convention was the venue for the unveiling of a series of new products to be used in the home waterproofing industry.
Culbert can be reached at (360) 698-0260 or toll free at (877) 698-0260. |
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CFA mortgage loan consultant chosen
as part of Sales Mastery |
Karen Goodgame, a mortgage loan consultant with CFA NW Mortgage Professionals' Seattle office, has been selected by Daniel Harkavy, the president of Building Champions, to be one of four panelists on stage at Sales Mastery in Palm Desert.
She was chosen from 500 Coaches at Building Champions because of her work with her coach, Tammy London.
Todd Duncan and Daniel Harkavy will be interviewing each of the panelists to learn of their coaching experiences with Building Champions.
According to Carolyn Frame, CFA's founder and owner, "This is a big deal, this is the first time CFA has ever had someone on stage at Sales Mastery." |
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