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COVER STORY
Is North Kitsap ready for the big-box invasion?
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
If all has gone according to plan, the “big-box” stores Wal-Mart and Home Depot are officially open for business at College Marketplace, also known as Olhava, in Poulsbo. First to open its doors is the roughly 100,000 square foot Home Depot, which opened Thursday, January 26 at 6 a.m. with a special “Neighborhood Night” set to run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, to commemorate the grand opening.
Hot on its heels is its other big-box neighbor, the 200,000 square foot Wal-Mart Supercenter, which planned to be open for business as of January 31.
The presence of such large, national retailers is quite a change for the North Kitsap area, and how these stores might change the surrounding communities and businesses has long been a topic of discussion. Once all the grand openings and celebrations are completed, and the area settles back into the day-to-day routine of doing business, how will these retail giants affect the area... (Full Article) |
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Mervyns closing doors across Pacific Northwest
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
| California-based retailer Mervyns announced on Jan. 16 that it would be permanently shutting the doors on its 19 stores in Oregon and Washington, as well as one in Salt Lake City. Poor regional performance was cited as the reason for the closings... (Full Article) |
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Stagner announces run for County Auditor |
| Port Orchard resident Steve Stagner has announced his intention to run for the office of Kitsap County Auditor in November — a post held by Democrat Karen Flynn for the past 20 years... (Full Article) |
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Port of Bremerton moves
ahead with marina expansion
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Bremerton Marina project is moving ahead with the bidding process, following a group of decisions in January by the Port of Bremerton commissioners related to design, financing and other aspects... (Full Article) |
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Former Bainbridge resident travels
the world on “working vacation”
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Alyssa Johnson often considers her work a “working vacation.” The owner of the OroAzul international business development company has traveled to 32 countries around the world, visiting most of them as part of her job... (Full Article) |
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Survey shows business leaders believe
employees will shoulder more
of health care costs |
| Faced with rising health care costs, small, medium and large businesses say they must continue to pass a portion of the increased costs on to their employees by requiring them to pay a mounting share of the premiums, co-pays, or deductibles, a new survey of business leaders shows. Four in five business owners (79 percent) who anticipate increases in their health care costs say they are concerned about their employees’ ability to shoulder the projected increases... (Full Article) |
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SCORE counselors offer expertise
and advice to business owners
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
| New business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs don’t have to face the challenges of building a business alone. The Service Corps of Retired Executives, or SCORE, is a national, non-profit association that provides educational resources and free business counseling to small business owners across the nation. Supported by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has been serving small businesses since 1964... (Full Article) |
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Environmental
Nature tests critical areas with recent storms
Nature cares nothing for logic, our human logic: she has her own, which we
do not recognize and do not acknowledge until we are
crushed under its wheel.” ~ Ivan Turgenev (1818-1883)
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The reasonableness of having critical area ordinances to protect ourselves and our properties are put to the test by nature herself. Recent slides, damage to the environment, and rain-soaked hillsides are wreaking havoc throughout Kitsap County just as records for continuous days of rainfall are being set... (Full Article) |
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Should you join a business networking group?
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
| Networking is an important aspect of building a successful business. It can also be one of the most frustrating aspects and, for some, intimidating. Business-focused groups such as chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, and other organizations offer busy professionals the chance to meet colleagues, potential clients, and other business contacts... (Full Article) |
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From construction to politics
Newly retired Gig Harbor builder
now wields the mayor’s gavel
By Rodika Tollefson |
| After 35 years of owning a construction company, Chuck Hunter’s retirement could have entailed traveling south in his motor home and working on some personal projects. Instead, the 65-year-old Gig Harbor resident moved into a new office in January: He started his term as the city’s new mayor... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap SEED project negotiating
with several prospective tenants |
| The Kitsap SEED (Sustainable Energy and Economic Development) Project is negotiating with several interested companies in its hope to attract tenants for its first complex on the future SEED campus... (Full Article) |
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Protecting yourself from identity theft
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
| Identity theft can take many forms and is on everyone’s mind. Legislation in many states requiring companies to inform customers about data breaches has resulted in a spate of recent news stories. New services advertised by banks, Internet service providers, insurance companies and others promise to help clients protect themselves from identity thieves... (Full Article) |
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Will Appleton’s stand against NASCAR
cost her union support in November?
By Lary Coppola |
| 23rd District State Representative Sherry Appleton’s (D-Poulsbo) adamant stand against the proposed NASCAR project may cost her the support of some of the unions which have been an integral part of her political power base for much of her career... (Full Article) |
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Senate Republicans now
offer legislative podcasts |
| Citizens now have access to legislative commentary, bill proposals and legislative solutions to their daily challenges – all in lawmakers’ own words, since the Senate Republican Caucus began podcasting on its Web site... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap’s McDonald’s to sport
new, contemporary looks
By Rodika Tollefson |
| By early next fall, most of Kitsap County’s McDonald’s will have a complete new look, following a $5 million renovation project by owner Brian Beaulaurier... (Full Article) |
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ASA lists top reasons why companies need
to have a current business valuation |
| As the top business valuation experts convene to discuss emerging issues including a company’s fair value, and new regulations governing business, it is clear that many executives still don’t know as much as they could about the field of business valuation... (Full Article) |
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AWB members eligible for big freight discount |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has partnered with several freight carriers to create the AWB Freight Program. On Jan. 16, AWB members began receiving a 67 percent discount – minimum – directly off selected carrier’s base rates for all less than truckload (LTL) shipments... (Full Article) |
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Registered nurses in high demand |
| The hottest jobs at the beginning of 2006 are in the medical, information technology and retail fields, according to a new report released by the Employment Security Department... (Full Article) |
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American Marine makes donation
to Kingston Sharenet and Food Bank |
| American Marine Bank, Kingston Branch Manager, Debbie Anderson recently presented Kingston Sharenet and Food Bank with a contribution totaling $560... (Full Article) |
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Bainbridge ferry project
advisory group selected |
| Washington State Ferries (WSF) recently announced the selection of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Improvement project. After receiving nearly 50 letters of interest, WSF worked with local elected officials to select the final 12 CAG members who represent a broad cross-section of geographic locations, interest groups and community organizations... (Full Article) |
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Latest DVD from Poulsbo’s Earthwise
Media wins prestigious rating |
A national magazine, “Video Librarian” has awarded Earthwise Media’s newest educational production “Rainbows in the Sea” a three and one-half star rating, and accolades such as “… excellent production, highly recommended.” Poulsbo’s Nancy Sefton, a principle in Earthwise, explained that “…the highest rating awarded is four stars, usually reserved for productions from National Geographic or PBS, so we’re thrilled.”
“Rainbows in the Sea” is the story of earth’s coral reef ecosystems and the life they sustain. It’s an undersea journey across the tropics from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific, aimed at both students and adults, produced in partnership with the international Coral Reef Alliance.
The video is available from Earthwise Media, (360) 271-1584 or at www.earthwisevideos.com. The company is owned by Sefton and Wes Nicholson of Silverdale |
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Everblooms opens expansion office |
Everblooms recently announced the opening of an Olympic Peninsula expansion office – specializing in providing custom silk floral designs and plants.
Everblooms will remain family owned and operated by Angie Sharp and Sue Bucat. For more information about Everblooms including commercial plant rental services, contact Sharp at (3600 598-3731 or visit www.everbloomsflowers.com. |
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2006 Master Gardener Speaker series begins |
The 2006 Master Gardener speaker series kicks off on Feb. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., with Cass Turnbull, speaking on the tricky topic of “Difficult plants to prune.” Turnbull is the founder of “Plant Amnesty,” a non-profit organization whose mission is “to end the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs.”
Tickets are $12 (or $35 for all five Speaker Series Seminars) and are available at Valley Nursery and Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, Port Orchard Nursery and Bethel Avenue Book Store in Port Orchard, or the WSU Extension Office in the Norm Dicks Building. The seminar will be held at the Norm Dicks Building “Egg” (off the lobby). |
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West Sound Technical Skills Center
receives top EnviroStar rating |
The West Sound Technical Skills Center’s Automotive Technology Program has earned the top EnviroStars rating – five stars – for its pollution prevention efforts and innovative automotive repair education program.
In addition to recycling automotive wastes, the entire Skills Center campus has a comprehensive recycling program for office paper, aluminum, glass, plastics, packaging materials, and rechargeable batteries.
The Automotive Technology Program also incorporates environmental stewardship into its curriculum. The shop operations class includes training on spill response, waste management, and pollution prevention, and students are required to know how to interpret a Material Safety Data Sheet for all hazardous products they use. |
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Adventure Salmon Camps gearing
up for 2006 summer season |
The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) is offering an Adventure Day Camp for 4th and 5th grade campers Jul. 11–14 and an Adventure Overnight Camp for 6th to 9th grade campers, Aug. 15–18. Campers will have the opportunity to visit locations within the Hood Canal watershed while learning about Wild Salmon related issues from historical perspectives, current trends, and salmon physiology through exploration activities, games, art and journaling. This will be achieved through exposure to agency professionals, local Tribal members, community resources, fieldwork, history, art, and activities that are geared towards learning and understanding the interconnectedness of Wild Salmon ecosystems.
Camp space is limited and registration required. For more information visit www.hcseg.org or call (360) 275-3575 for registration details. |
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Kitsap Bank makes donation to
N.K. Boys and Girls Club |
Fabienne Jorgensen-Finch, Director of the North Kitsap Boys and Girls Club, was recently presented with a $1000 donation by Kitsap Bank’s Lori Hansen, Vice President/Consumer and Residential Loans and Claire Chavanu, Kingston Branch Operations Manager. The donation will go toward the club’s capital campaign fund. According to Jorgensen-Finch, the North Kitsap Boys and Girls Club currently serves 54 seventh through ninth grade students, and is in real need of a new facility.
“The North Kitsap Boys and Girls Club does so much for this community by providing programs and services that enhance the growth and development of our youth,” states Lori Hansen. “At Kitsap Bank, we believe in giving back to our community, and are very pleased to be able to support the Club with this donation.” |
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Romy’s opens at Kitsap Mall |
A new women’s apparel store opened in Kitsap Mall. The boutique known at Romy’s offers clothing with an edge on European fashion. On average a full outfit including shoes retails for $150. Prices for individual items range from $30 to $145.
Romy’s can be reached at (360) 698-5707. |
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Logos created by Daigle Design recognized |
Daigle Design, located on Bainbridge Island recently announced that new logos for the Calico Cat toy store and a residential development named Vineyard Land have both recently won national design recognition in the Creativity 35 Awards.
Daigle Design was recently included among the 44 international design firms featured in the book “Logos: Making a Strong Mark.” Reach Daigle Design at (206) 842-5356. |
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Olympic Fitness offering striptease dance class |
Beginning Jan. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m., Olympic Fitness’ instructor Jennifer Wiebusch will be starting a striptease dance class. It’s a dance style class that is gaining in popularity and is completely modest.
For more information, Olympic Fitness can be reached at (360) 871-3433. |
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Silverdale Chamber reschedules
franchise fair event |
In an effort to accommodate a larger number of franchisor opportunities the Franchise Fair sponsored by the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and Kitsap Mall, scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 is being rescheduled to spring.
For more information reach the Chamber at (360) 692-6800. |
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State awards $6 million
in recreation project grants |
Projects in 24 counties will receive funding totaling more than $6 million to improve trails, boating facilities and firearm and archery ranges in Washington, the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation announced. Kitsap County received $103,701.
The Interagency Committee is responsible for evaluating proposals and distributing funding for grant programs. The agency received 100 proposals requesting more than $12 million in funding under three grant programs. The committee was able to meet only about half that demand because of limited funding. |
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Coast Guard Auxiliary offering classes |
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering two classes:
- Feb. 6 – 23 Basic Costal Navigation: On Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Topics include an introduction to coastal navigation, the marine magnetic compass, the nautical chart, navigator’s tools and instruments, dead reckoning and piloting. The course fee is $45.
- Feb. 27 – Mar. Advanced Coastal Navigation: On Mondays and Thursdays from 7 – 9 p.m. Topics include current sailing, tides and tidal current, radio navigation, navigation reference publications and fuel and voyage planning. Students must have attended Basic Costal Navigation. The course fee is $30.
All classes will be held at Advanced Heating and Cooling located at 1211 Ivy Road in Bremerton. Students must prepay and register two weeks prior to class starting.
For information, contact Charles Huff II at chuff2@advancedhvac.com or (360) 340-3136.
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EmbroidMe opens for business in Silverdale |
Peter Newkirk and Arlin Ard have opened EmbroidMe at 10516 Silverdale Way, Suite 16. The hours are Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EmbroidMe can be reached at (360) 613-5222, silverdale@embroidme.com or at www.embroidme-silverdale.com. |
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Etta Projects garners foundation support |
Etta Projects, a local non-profit humanitarian organization committed to improving lives and building futures for impoverished families in Montero, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was awarded a grant of $8,910 from the Virginia-based AMB Foundation. The funds will be used specifically for parasite analysis and treatment for children, after school programs and adult literacy. The Foundation is dedicated to benefiting indigenous people of the Americas by supporting their health, education, and economic empowerment.
For more information about Etta Projects or to make a contribution, contact Pennye Nixon-West, executive director at (360) 876-7487 or visit www.ettaprojects.org. |
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Seattle company buys
downtown P.O. landmarks |
Shoush Holdings LLC, a family-based holding company based in Seattle, recently purchased the Olde Central Antique Mall in downtown Port Orchard, as well as the building that houses the Dance Gallery and Sidney Village, from the estate of the late Gerry Bruckert.
Shoush reportedly paid $1.3 million on the buildings and does not plan any immediate changes. The buildings have had interest from other parties, including a group of investors who wanted to use them as part of the redevelopment plans for downtown. The company has also not ruled out selling them to the redevelopment group. |
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P.O. Toastmasters set speaking workshops |
Sidney Speakers, Port Orchard’s Toastmaster Club, will present an eight-week series of public speaking workshops at the Givens Community Center. Classes begin Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m.
Topics include gestures, organization, vocal variety, persuasiveness, and more. Cost is $25 for senior and $20 for students. Class size is limited to 10 students.
For more information, or to register, contact Bill Slach at (360) 895-8519 or cabslach@oz.net. |
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Schanilec joins Kids Discovery Museum |
Kids Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island recently announced it has added art instructor Jeanette Schanilec, to staff. She will be responsible for programming in the Kids Discovery art room as well as offer special drop-off group classes.
Students will have the option of choosing a series of classes designed for 4-6 years old on Wednesdays or Fridays. Classes begin on October 19 with “Make a Scene.”
Other classes during November, December and January include “Jungle Books” and “Sew a Rainforest Friend.”
For more information on Kids Discovery Museum or to sign-up for the new art classes, call (206) 855-4650 or visit www.kidimu.org. |
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Weigand joins Puget Sound Collections |
Puget Sound Collections recently announced that Diana Weigand has joined the firm. Weigand is a 33-year resident of Washington and brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and customer service to her new position in Business Development.
Reach her at (253) 566-1800, Ext 220, or dweigand@pugetsoundcollections.com. |
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Ya Betcha Korner Kafe opens in Poulsbo |
Ya Betcha Korner Kafe has opened in Old Poulsbo, with help from the Kitsap County Community Development Corporation (KCCDC). Gap financing provided by the agency allowed Doug Morse to see his dream of a “Viking Burger” restaurant become a reality. In keeping with the Scandinavian theme Ya Betcha Korner Kafe’s motto is “The place where Vikings hang their helmets.”
Morse has hired his father who had several years of experience in the food and restaurant industry, a chef with more than 18 years experience, who devised the menu, and a waitress. He plans to add another cook and waitress as the Kafe becomes established.
KCCDC manages a revolving loan fund that provides gap financing and microloans to small business owners who will create jobs in Kitsap County. |
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Leadership Kitsap accepting applications
for class of 2007 |
Leadership Kitsap is taking applications for the Class of 2007. The application deadline is March 31, for this intensive 10 month training program.
Applications can be picked up at the Leadership Kitsap office located inside of the United Way at 2135 Sheridan Road in Bremerton. Reach Leadership Kitsap at (360) 782-1058 or email: exdir@leadershipkitsap.org.
For general questions contact Executive Director, Kathy Nelson, at the above number. Applications may also be downloaded from www.leadershipkitsap.org. |
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Candy Shoppe plans customer
appreciation event |
The Candy Shoppe in downtown Port Orchard wants to say “Thank You” to all its customers and supporters who have all made it possible for the shop to give many daily donations directly to the community.
To do so, it’s holding a fifth anniversary celebration on Sat., Feb. 4, that will include hourly drawings all day and a super drawing for a hundred dollar gift basket at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be lots of giveaways including 50 chocolate roses and 20 Candy Cups, which are ceramic cups filled with fudge or candy.
Everyone that comes through the doors at 833 Bay Street between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. will get free tastes of Royal Fudge, free Jelly Belly bags, and free candy sticks. |
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Longstreet featured at Roby King Galleries |
The photography of Harry Longstreet will be featured at the Roby King Galleries on Bainbridge Island, Feb. 3 to 25, as well as at Arts Walk Sunday on Feb. 5, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Longstreet, who says his favorite subjects are people because of the stories their faces tell, puts a skilled and resourceful eye developed by more than 25 years in the film and television industry to the viewfinder, to produce visually stunning imagery.
For more information, visit www.robykinggalleries.com or call (206) 842-2063. |
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Funds available for local projects,
deadline Feb. 15 |
The Kitsap Community Foundation announced that it is accepting grant applications for its 2006 Grant Cycle. Grants are made only to qualified non-profit organizations, not to individuals.
Interested organizations are encouraged to visit www.kitsapfoundation.org for grant application criteria and guidelines or contact the foundation at (360) 698-3622 or kcf@kitsapfoundation.org to receive a copy. |
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Bremerton Symphony Youth Orchestra
plans “Classics” concert |
The Bremerton Symphony Youth Orchestra, a student ensemble under the umbrella of the Bremerton Symphony Association, will present its third concert of the 2005-06 season on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center.
The program includes works by Handel, Purcell, Brahms (Symphony #1, mvt. 4), Dvorak (New World Symphony, mvt. 1) and others.
Tickets are $5, general seating, and may be purchased by contacting the Bremerton Symphony office at (360) 373-1722. Tickets are also available at the door one hour prior to the concert. |
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