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COVER STORY
Pacific Netting Products finds
unique uses for nets
By Rodika Tollefson |
Kingston-based Pacific Netting Products Inc. is a company that doesn't like to be in the spotlight much. Its two owners, Dave Erickson and Glenn Kramer, like to keep their successes mostly private. Since they founded their company in 1997, they have seen a steady but conservative growth - and that's the way they like it.
“The key word is sustainable growth,” Kramer says. After working for large companies before and seeing the risks involved along with the huge payroll and overhead, the two partners wanted to keep their company's growth under control. “We can grow it faster than we have…(but) we're both fairly conservative,” Erickson says.
The company custom designs and manufactures nets used for sports fields, various industrial applications and fish farming. Each net is designed based on the customer's specific application and requirements, and the company manufactures the finished product at its Kingston warehouse using purchased netting... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Resolutions and the year ahead for environmental protection
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The end of 2005 has been stricken by ecological markers great and small - worthy of two quotes instead of one as we start the New Year... (Full Article) |
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NASCAR proposal faces uphill battle
in Legislature
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The reaction of most state lawmakers has been tepid at best on the recently announced International Speedway Corp.'s (ISC) funding proposal for a NASCAR track in Kitsap County, but local business leaders are working behind and scenes and on the public front to change their minds - as well as convince local community members why the track is a good idea... (Full Article) |
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A response to the County Commissioners’
adoption of the 2004 Critical Areas
Ordinance Update
From the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners |
| Throughout the process leading up to deliberation and adoption of the Critical Areas Ordinance update by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, property rights activists have been continuously cast as villains who have no concern for the environment and who are only driven by greed and a desire to rape the land. Nothing could be further from the truth... (Full Article) |
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Rick and Cathy Flaherty: A local success story
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Leader International Corporation was founded in Kitsap County more than 20 years ago, but it wads not until current owners, Rick and Cathy Flaherty, bought the business in 1992 that the company started to truly blossom... (Full Article) |
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Residents of Key Peninsula tackle questions
of growth vs. preservation
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Hidden behind acres of trees on undeveloped land and surrounded by water on three sides, away from the bustle of city life and full by natural beauty, the Key Peninsula has been seen by many of its residents as an ideal place to raise a family or retire. Located within short minutes from Gig Harbor and abutting Kitsap County, this rural gem has been relatively quiet, found mostly by tourists looking to “get away” or those who don't mind a longer commute time in exchange for some tranquility... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor hospital plans move ahead
in spite of delays
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Plans for building a hospital in Gig Harbor were put on hold last July following a traffic impact study by the city, and officials at various levels have been meeting for the last few months to find a solution. A task force appointed by the mayor of Gig Harbor and comprised of Franciscan Health System representatives, city leaders, as well as county and state officials, has been trying to identify ways to address the traffic dilemma in Gig Harbor North, where Franciscan plans to build the facility... (Full Article) |
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Sen. Murray applauds Port Orchard
Chamber's efforts |
| Washington's Sen. Patty Murray recently recognized the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce for its efforts to support National Guard soldiers. She stopped by the chamber's December luncheon to deliver thank-you remarks and give an update on some of her initiatives... (Full Article) |
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Appeal of MultiCare’s Gig Harbor
day surgery center expected
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The state Department of Health has denied a Certificate of Need for a day surgery center in Gig Harbor proposed by MultiCare. The center was part of an 80,000-square-foot specialty medical center to be built by 2007 near MultiCare's medical center on Point Fosdick... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor Chamber launches
economic development effort
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Gig Harbor Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce is working with an economic development consultant to outline a strategy for bringing jobs and economic development to the area. The chamber's Business Economic Development Committee launched a project in November to identity the community's strengths and use them to leverage future opportunities... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap serving up organic coffee
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Kitsap coffee connoisseurs who love a good cup of coffee can look forward to some new choices for feeling good about their habit: Several local cafés are going organic. Two new diner-cafés were getting ready to open by January, one in Bremerton and one in Poulsbo, which will be serving exclusively organic, shade-grown coffee - brew that lacks harsh chemicals and growing methods, making them not only good for that java kick but also for the environment... (Full Article) |
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Starting a business? Eleven first steps to take.
By Bill Hoke |
At least once a week I'm contacted by someone who wants to open their own business.
It's the American dream and I understand 30,000 new businesses are started every day in the western United States. I take these calls seriously and I'm frank to the point of bluntness. Really frank. Doing business frank... (Full Article) |
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Consumer Alert: labor law poster services
targeting businesses again |
| Attorney General Rob McKenna and Labor and Industries Director Gary Weeks warned consumers to be on the lookout for private companies mailing notices that threaten businesses with up to $17,000 in fines, lawsuits and audits for not displaying labor law posters... (Full Article) |
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Financial planning for your business
By Wendy Miles |
| Early in my career I had a quote on my cupboard that said, “Never live beyond your means, unless you need to borrow the money to do so.” It gave me a little chuckle because clearly this is not a smart way to live - personally or in business... (Full Article) |
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Test Your Safety Knowledge:
Find the OSHA Violations |
| In the picture, how many Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety violations can you spot? Some of the violations are fairly obvious, but some will require a keen knowledge of OSHA regulations... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Community Resources to launch
capital campaign for new facility
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Kitsap Community Resources plans to break ground by mid-year for a new, green facility in downtown Bremerton. The nonprofit organization has received a boost of more than $2.5 million from government and private grants for the $6 million facility... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap County Selects EKO-System |
| Paladin Data Systems announced that Kitsap County has chosen the company's Web-based software solution, EKO-System, for use by Washington State University Extension's noxious weed assessment project in Kitsap County. The project will be overseen by the Kitsap County Noxious Weed Control Board, a cooperative effort of county and state officials and WSU's Kitsap Extension staff, and will utilize EKO-System in its efforts to manage noxious weed encroachment on our county... (Full Article) |
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How to File a Complaint
with the Attorney General |
Consumer: How do I file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and what happens with it?
Attorney General Rob McKenna: As part of our mission to protect the people of Washington, the Attorney General's Office provides informal mediation between consumers and businesses at no cost to either party... (Full Article) |
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Cosmo's opens in new digs |
| Cosmo's Ristorante and Delicatessen, a popular south end eatery, opened the doors of its new building located across the street from its original location on Lund Ave., Dec. 15 to a full house and rave reviews... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap County supports
Port of Kingston Commission |
| The Kitsap Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution proclaiming Kitsap County's support of the Port of Kingston Commission maintaining ownership of the Kingston Ferry Terminal property and continued lease of the property to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The resolution also spells out the county's opposition to the state's pursuit of the right to purchase the property through condemnation or taking of the property upon which the Kingston Ferry Terminal facilities are located... (Full Article) |
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Bremer Trustees announce retirement
of GM Rich McDonald |
| Bremer Trust Trustees announced that General Manager, Rich McDonald, retired on Dec. 31, 2005. Reporting directly to the Trustees, McDonald has been responsible for the management of the Trust's assets for the past twenty-one years... (Full Article) |
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KEDC Decision Makers’ Breakfast
set for Jan. 26 |
| The Kitsap Economic Development Council will hold its eighth annual Decision Makers' Breakfast of Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Bremerton Harborside Convention Center. The event will take place from 7:30 until 10 a.m... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor says good-bye to mayor
after 16 years |
| The city of Gig Harbor hosted a tribute in December to Mayor Gretchen Wilbert, who after four terms in the office did not run for re-election in 2005. Wilbert, who described her job as being a referee, started her first term when Gig Harbor had just one city park and hardly any sidewalks... (Full Article) |
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Art Anderson hires two marine professionals |
| Art Anderson Associates has added James Parker and Mike Campbell to its team of naval architects and marine engineers. Both will be supporting the company's marine projects... (Full Article) |
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WPC Releases First Comprehensive
Study on Measure 37's Impact in Oregon |
| Washington Policy Center (WPC) has released a new study, “Oregon's Measure 37 Property Rights Law, Lessons from the First Eleven Months... (Full Article) |
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Olympic College offering front office training |
| “When the phone rings, are you ready?” will teach front line people how to handle customers. Learn how to create that great first impression whether on the phone or in person, find out what it means to provide excellent customer service, develop skills in resolving problems, and be aware of the proper use of etiquette... (Full Article) |
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NFIB/Washington now offers state
small-business news at the click of mouse |
| The National Federation of Business (NFIB) now offers RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. Frequent visitors of NFIB.com and NFIB.com/WA can not view new content without regularly checking the web site for updates... (Full Article) |
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Key Peninsula News editor receives
Media Awareness Award |
| Key Peninsula News executive editor Rodika Tollefson was recognized with a Media Awareness Award by the Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force for consistent coverage of safety and funding issues on State Route 302. Tollefson was among 22 individuals recognized at the “Night of 1,000 Stars” award ceremony in December that included eight categories, ranging from Good Samaritan to Law Enforcement... (Full Article) |
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Flying Wrench Services adds third
and largest truck to fleet |
| Flying Wrench Services, Inc. is what amounts to a service station on-wheels, offering truck and heavy equipment servicing. According to owner Joe Kiernan, the firm operates a fleet of three on-site welding, mechanical repair and service trucks, all equipped to provide anything from lube and service jobs to specialty mechanical repairs for trucks and heavy equipment... (Full Article) |
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Leader International Corporation advocates
for NASCAR project — with prudence |
| Leader International has announced that it is taking a formal position of advocating and endorsing the ISC locating a NASCAR racetrack in South Kitsap County. Although the Bremerton and Port Orchard Chambers, as well as the Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC) and the Visitor's and Convention Bureau (VCB) have all come out publicly in favor of the project, Leader is among the first private sector businesses to endorse the project... (Full Article) |
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Port of Bremerton welcomes new employees |
| The Port of Bremerton is going through a transition with the pending retirement of two of its long-time employees. The Port welcomes Becky Swanson, CPA, as its new chief financial officer, replacing Lynn Hills, who, after 20 years as the Port's finance and administration director, will be retiring... (Full Article) |
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AWB publishes new environmental
compliance handbook |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) and Marten Law Group PLLC announced the release of the 2006 edition of the Environmental Compliance Handbook, a how-to guide on environmental rights and responsibilities under Washington and federal law... (Full Article) |
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Port Orchard Marina awarded
EnviroStar certification |
| The Port of Bremerton's Port Orchard Marina has been certified as Kitsap's newest EnviroStar. The marina, located at 707 Sydney Parkway in Port Orchard, has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment by reducing and properly managing hazardous waste. It's been awarded four stars for its efforts... (Full Article) |
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Meetings begin for the Chamber's
Armed Forces Committee |
| The Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce will begin meeting to plan the 58th Annual Armed Forces Festival, which will be held in May, 2006 and to create other ways to show support for our nation's military... (Full Article) |
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West Sound Academy completes new campus |
| West Sound Academy faculty, staff and students recently moved into its new, permanent location. Surrounded by forests and fields that overlook Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range, West Sound Academy now offers expanded scientific laboratories, classrooms, computer, library, and performance spaces as well as a professional art gallery that will be open to the public... (Full Article) |
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Franchise Fair coming to Kitsap Pavilion |
| The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and Kitsap Mall are partnering to bring a variety of franchise opportunity businesses to a Franchise Fair, to be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, at the Kitsap Pavilion. The event will be open to the public, free of charge, from noon to 8 p.m. each day... (Full Article) |
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Let Ms. Fancy Pants do the shopping for you |
Ms. Fancy Pants can help you shop for your personal wardrobe, gifts, home décor, even on-line purchases and travel reservations. Ms. Fancy Pants knows how to shop and where to go to get the best deals.
“The idea came to me when I had several friends ask me if I'd be interested in helping them shop. Initially I was helping them put their wardrobe together, but then it grew into shopping for their home décor and on-line purchases,” said Sunshine Nance, owner of Ms. Fancy Pants. “I've always just had an eye for putting things together and have combined that with knowing how and where to shop for things.”
Reach Ms. Fancy Pants at (360) 509-3961 or msfancypants@direcway.com. |
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Tease Boutique expanding |
After six months in the shared space with Tease Salon, the Tease Boutique is moving just 3-doors down into its own space. The close proximity will allow new and existing Tease clients to still do everything in one trip. Tease Salon will be expanding the number of stylists it currently has to handle a larger client base and will also expand its retail lines to provide a larger selection of styling products.
Tease Boutique has selected a 660 square foot space to expand its selection of women's apparel, jeans, purses and accessories. This location will allow the addition of women's shoes and a small baby boutique.
Tease Boutique is located in Manette at 2015 Harkins Street. Reach Tease at teasetoo@comcast.net or (360) 377-6525. |
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American Marine Bank earns 4-star rating |
BauerFinancial, the nation's leading independent bank rating firm, announced that American Marine Bank, based on Bainbridge Island, has earned its recommended 4-star rating for the 12th consecutive quarter.
“This award, based on our analysis of current financial data as well as historical data, is an award of merit, and American Marine Bank has earned it,” stated Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Unlike some industries in which ratings can be purchased, BauerFinancial adheres to a strict set of financial standards in assigning its ratings. No bank pays for its rating, nor can any bank elude it,” she added. |
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OC chef/instructor elected to
lead Chef's Association |
Christopher Plemmons, chef and instructor at Olympic College, has been elected president of the Washington State Chef's Association.
The Chef's Association is the single larges of its kind in the United States with over 375 members in the Puget Sound region. The association is part of the national American Culinary Foundation.
For more information contact Steve Lammers at (360) 475-7571 or slammers@oc.ctc.edu. |
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Lynn Hills lauded for outstanding service |
During its 2005 annual meeting, the Washington Public Ports Association honored Port of Bremerton staff member Lynn Hills for outstanding service to the Port industry.
Hills has served at the Port of Bremerton for 20 years in several positions, including risk manager, auditor, controller, and treasurer, and currently serves as the Port's director of finance and administration, overseeing annual budgets of $8-10 million. She is slated to retire on January 3. |
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Art Anderson Associates hires new
senior mechanical engineer |
Bremerton-based Art Anderson Associates has added Senior Mechanical Engineer Douglas D. Koenen, P.E. to its team of architects and engineers. He joins the firm as a familiar face, having worked as a mechanical engineer at the company for seven years, from 1990-1997.
Koenen has extensive experience providing professional engineering design, consulting, management and energy conservation services on numerous commercial and government projects. He also is experienced in providing construction and project management services and has recent experience with Navy facilities. Koenen is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Washington and is a certified Washington State Non-Residential Energy Code plans examiner and inspector.
Art Anderson Associates can be reached at (360) 479-5600 or www.artanderson.com. |
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'quicksilver' teams up with Q-Country |
Muncey Marketing recently announced that the 'quicksilver” (spelled with a lower-case 'q') regatta has named Q-Country KNBQ 102.9 Radio as its official radio station for 2006.
The hydroplane races and watersports festival which was born in Silverdale, on August 13, 2005 is quickly growing. Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Sam Granato said, “We are excited about the collaboration with Q-Country and our upcoming 'quicksilver' regatta.”
The 2006 running of "quicksilver" will occur on Aug. 18, 19 and 20. In addition to the larger Unlimited Lights hydroplanes, the popular "Lighter-than-LIGHTS" (LTL) Series hydroplanes will return. Lighter-than-LIGHTS are the smaller hydros racing in multiple classes powered by 4 or 8 cylinder engines. |
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Local firm named on Top 100 products list |
The Computer Manager, Inc. (TCM), located in Poulsbo, recently announced its selection as one of the Top 100 Collection Technology Products for 2005 as stated by Collection Advisor magazine.
Collection Advisor is a national, bimonthly publication addressing collection management and technology in the profession. This is the first year it has bestowed an honor on products and services in the collections industry.
TCM produces Debt$Net, a comprehensive financial software designed for collections. Founded in 1987 by Tony LaMagna and Gary Grout, TCM is privately held and supports an international user-base of companies specializing in retail, commercial, medical, legal, and receivables management collection. |
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One Ten Lounge opens in Port Orchard |
One Ten Lounge, an upscale cocktail lounge/martini bar recently opened at 110 Harrison in Port Orchard. Stu Miller, manager said “The lounge is designed as a place for couples or friends to meet and have a few drinks in an upscale and different atmosphere for this area, there is no TV, and is specializing European beers on tap and high-end vodka drinks.”
The hours of operation are 3 p.m. to Midnight Mon-Thurs, Fri and Sat from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. |
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L & I names Langley small business liaison |
Ron Langley has been named the Department of Labor & Industry's first small business liaison.
The position was created after feedback from Association of Washington Business (AWB) and other groups earlier this year. Langley's job is to assist small businesses in dealing with the department and assist the department in better serving the needs of small businesses. |
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All Creatures Animal Hospital adds vet |
All Creatures Animal Hospital announced the recent addition of Dr. Alexandra Wilson to its veterinary care team.
All Creatures Animal Hospital treats a wide variety of pets including, dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians and wildlife. |
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