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COVER STORY
Brock’s Commons Opening in Poulsbo
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
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When Brock Baker and his wife Nancy moved to Poulsbo in 1993, they never expected to be business owners before they were 24. The two recent graduates of Northwest College moved to the area to be close to family. Their first jobs were with a floor covering store in Bremerton. When the store owners announced, a year and a half later, that they were closing up shop, the young couple was faced with a decision.
“We always thought we would own a business,” said Brock Baker, who co-owns Brock’s Interiors in Poulsbo with his wife. “We just didn’t expect it to be so soon in our lives.”
The two decided to take the plunge, renting 300 square feet of space on Lindvig Way in Poulsbo. They got a few samples and started cultivating business with property managers and builders.
“We really clicked with new construction,” Baker said... (Full Article)
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Case Management:
The challenge of landing the deal!
By Kathy Cocus, Business
Recruitment and Retention Manager
Kitsap Economic Development Council |
| Business retention/expansion and business attraction/recruitment are the two major categories of economic development work in relation to companies. Both require basic product and community development... (Full Article) |
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It takes more than a business plan
to protect your assets…
By John Kenney and Doug Lineberry
Lineberry Kenney PLLC |
| Many of us know the old adage, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The desire to avoid failure is why most business owners develop a business plan at some point in the evolution of their business. Business planning usually includes financial analysis and projections, market research, and goal setting... (Full Article) |
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Legislative inaction pushing
home prices continually upwards
By Terry Sullivan, 2006 Washington
REALTOR® President |
| There’s a housing crisis in our state that the Legislature overlooked this year. Home prices have escalated everywhere in our state due to a severe shortage of housing. During the recent legislative session, lawmakers had the chance to relieve pressure on the housing market but let the opportunity slip away. Legislative inaction virtually guarantees a continuing and dramatic escalation of home prices that puts homeownership out of the reach of too many families... (Full Article) |
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Hill Moving Services couple
recognized by B.I. chamber
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Steve and Debbie Hill have built a reputation in the community for their company’s quality of service and for giving back through numerous contributions. The owners of Hill Moving Services, Inc. were recognized in May as the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Couple of the Year... (Full Article) |
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Organized labor comes out
in favor of NASCAR track
Split growing between elitist environmentalists and working class Democrats |
| In what appears to be a fast growing divide along ideological lines within the local Democratic Party, a coalition of organized labor groups have come out in favor of the proposed NASCAR track. As of May 18, as many as 16 separate labor organizations, including our state’s largest and most powerful, the Washington State Labor Council, which represents a myriad of individual unions, had come out in favor of the project. So has the Kitsap County Central Labor Council, Pierce County Central Labor Council and the Puget Sound Metal Trades Council, which represents the trades in the shipyards... (Full Article) |
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Splyce Software hires former
cinema pro, unveils tech grant |
| Gig Harbor software development company Splyce Software has hired Patty Goodman as a software installation and support technician... (Full Article) |
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BI Chamber accepting applications
for “Grand Old Fourth” celebration |
| The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce announced recently that it is accepting applications for the Grand Old Fourth of July’s street fair, parade or classic car show... (Full Article) |
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HBA to build rain garden demonstration project
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Kitsap Home Builders Foundation plans to build a bioretention rain garden on its site, in a continuing effort to promote low-impact development techniques in the county... (Full Article) |
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Morgan Hill Retreat announces opening |
| Morgan Hill Retreat, a new Country Inn, located at 1921 NE Sawdust Hill Road in Poulsbo is now open. Rough cut cedar siding, milled on site, covers the farmhouse and the trout pond reflects the beauty all around... (Full Article) |
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New first run movie house set
to open in Bremerton |
| Olympic Cinemas opens this month in the Redwood Plaza shopping center at 1500 NE Riddell Road just off of Wheaton Way in Bremerton. Opening at the location Redwood Plaza Cinemas, Olympic Cinemas is freshly remodeled with new chairs, screens, auditorium interiors, and paint. It will also feature an expanded concession area and a state-of-the-art projection system with Dolby Digital Surround Sound... (Full Article) |
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Silverdale doctors announce expansion plans |
| Drs. Joseph Christman and Tony Lane have announced plans for a major expansion of their chiropractic offices located in Silverdale. The doctors plan to construct a 4,000 square foot facility on Myhre Road adjacent to Ridgetop Blvd. Completion is scheduled for spring of 2007... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Business Assistance Center:
Kitsap County’s vision –
a thriving local economy
By Wendy Miles |
| Recently I spoke with Kitsap County Commissioner Chair, Jan Angel, about business development opportunities in Kitsap. In her capacity she is charged with upholding the County’s Visions. One of the Visions listed on the County’s website is a “thriving local economy.” It states, “a well-educated workforce and strategic investment in county infrastructure prompt businesses to expand or locate in Kitsap County, creating well-paying jobs and enhancing our quality of life... (Full Article) |
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Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café
now open in Bremerton |
| Heidi and Lowell Yoxsimer recently announced the opening of Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café, located at 2720 15th Street in Bremerton. The café is open Tues – Sat. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday... (Full Article) |
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Amy Burnett Gallery moves, sort of... |
| Bremerton artist and entrepreneur Amy Burnett has moved her gallery from its location on Pacific Avenue in Bremerton, and is now around the corner in one of the same building’s smaller spaces... (Full Article) |
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19 States choose B.I.’s
Avalara Certified Service Provider |
| A 13-month certification process ended recently as the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Governing Board, the group overseeing implementation of Streamlined Sales Tax, now in force in 19 states, named Bainbridge Island-based Avalara as one of just three firms selected to operate as Certified Service Providers for the program... (Full Article) |
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Harmony Hill Executive Director receives award |
| Gretchen Schodde, founder and executive director of Harmony Hill Retreat Center was awarded the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the University of Washington, School of Nursing at its 2006 Nurses Recognition Banquet on May 11... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap County citizen survey
now available for online response |
| Kitsap County recently conducted a citizen survey over the phone, asking 405 Kitsap residents for their feedback on a variety of topics related to county performance. While the results of that survey are being compiled and analyzed, the county is also offering the survey in an online form... (Full Article) |
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Wholesalers endorse McGavick over Cantwell |
| The Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee (WDPAC) announced its endorsement of Mike McGavick in the 2006 U.S. Senate race in Washington. WDPAC is the political arm of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), a trade group with which 300 companies located in Washington are affiliated... (Full Article) |
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Tollefson recognized with journalism honor |
| Key Peninsula News executive editor Rodika Tollefson was one of the award recipients of the 2006 Society of Professional Journalism’s Excellence in Journalism contest of the Western Washington Pro chapter... (Full Article) |
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Viles selected as Employee of the Month |
| West Sound Workforce has selected Gretchen Viles as the March employee of the month. Viles joined West Sound Workforce in February and serves as a graphic designer and marketing assistant.
For more information, call (360) 394-1882 or visit www.westsoundworkforce.com.
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KCR offers one-stop WorkSource access |
| Kitsap Community Resource’s (KCR) South Kitsap Family Service Center, an official WorkSource affiliate site employment services, offers a one-stop access to community services for low income residents and job seekers. For more information contact KCR at (360) 473-2144. |
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Abiding HomeCare relocates to larger quarters |
| With the rapidly growing market for senior “in-home” care in Kitsap County, Abiding HomeCare is expanding its services by adding additional caregivers and relocating into larger office space located at 3594 Byron Street, Suite 205 in Silverdale.
After moving into the new office space, a training session of caregivers was convened, and Randy Hardin, the agency administrator for the firm acknowledged the accomplishments of several caregivers.
Abiding HomeCare can be reached at (360) 692-6929, (877) 266-2856 or by visiting www.abidinghomecare.com.
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G.H. design firm helps
Credit Union publication win award |
| Fosberg Media Group, Inc., located in Gig Harbor, recently announced that Harborstone Credit Union’s “Community” magazine recently won the diamond award for excellence in the magazine/publication category. The diamond award is the highest honor which judges awarded at the 13th annual CUNA (Credit Union National Association) marketing and business development council conference. Fosberg Media was responsible for the graphic design of the publication.
Reach Fosberg Media Group, Inc. at (253) 853-2728 or www.fosberg.com.
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Family Bundles returns to Kitsap County |
| Family Bundles, the co-op loyalty program that supports independently owned businesses by paying cash to consumers, is launching an improved version. According to Founder and CEO Kim Vogler, “After four years of extensive test marketing we are pleased to bring the program back, with additional benefits that will boost the local economy, by recycling disposable income to consumers and business owners alike."
For more information, visit www.familybundles.com or call (888) 209-0077.
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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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Valley Produce building construction begins |
| Tim Ryan Construction (TRC), Inc. has started construction of the Valley Produce building in Bremerton. The 4,000 square foot warehouse and office will be a pre-engineered steel building with architectural design by Richard Prine. The owner of the building is Dean Moergeli who is president of Port Orchard Sand & Gravel.
For more information contact TRC at (360) 779-7667.
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Parkman Foundation Services open on Winslow |
| Parkman Foundation Services (PFS), located at 342 Winslow Way West, Suite 2, on Bainbridge Island, serves families who are considering creating a philanthropic foundation. PFS brings 26 years of non-profit management experience to the service of helping clients think through the issues and steps to create a foundation. It also assists families or groups in managing their grant making process, providing the day to day administration and communication with the non-profit grant seeking community.
Reach PFS at (206) 780-9160 or www.parkmanfoundationservices.com.
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Silverdale’s HoneyBaked Ham honored |
| Silverdale’s HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café, owned by Kelly and Sue White, has been honored as the “Best Franchise Store of the Year” by the HoneyBaked Ham Franchise Co., L.L.C.
The Whites opened the Silverdale store two years ago at 10516 Silverdale Way, in the Clear Creek Shopping Center across from the Kitsap Mall. The store’s main product lines are HoneyBaked Hams, proprietary desserts, and a line of dinners to go. The store also offers catering for business meetings and other special events. The café offers soups and sandwiches and has become known for its great background music.
HoneyBaked Hams can be reached at (360) 692-8400.
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Free summer shuttle available in Gig Harbor |
| The City of Gig Harbor will be providing a free trial shuttle this summer for visitors and residents to get around the harbor. The free service will take place on Saturdays in July and August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will make stops along the historic waterfront, at each hotel, at the Gig Harbor Farmers Market and the Gig harbor Visitor Center.
For more information or a route map call (253) 857-4842 or visit www.gigharborguide.com.
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American Marine Bank achieves 4-Star rating |
| BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating and research firm, announced that American Marine Bank on Bainbridge Island has achieved its 4-star recommended rating for strength and stability. By achieving this rating, American Marine Bank has proved that it is among the safest banks in the country. American Marine Bank has earned this recommended rating consistently for 14 quarters. |
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PIP Printing changes hands |
| PIP Printing and Document Services announced recently that Troy Turnley, manager for 13 years, is now the owner. Shane and Janet Foraker retired after operating the business for 15 years. PIP Printing can be reached at (360) 373-4523. |
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Gig Harbor Garden and Nursery Tours set |
| The annual Gig Harbor Garden Tour will be held on Sat., June 24. The tour will cover seven local gardens. A newly added event, the Nursery Tour, will be held on Sun., June 25. For more information, visit www.gigharborguide.com. |
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Bremerton Symphony announces
2006-07 season |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association (BSA) has announced the concert schedule and details for the 2006-07 season. The season includes several concert series for a range of ages and musical preferences, including classic, chorale and family concerts.
Full season details as well as season tickets are available at www.bremertonsymphony.org or by calling the BSA office at (360) 373-1722. Season ticket prices are $152 for adults, $142 for seniors and $76 for youth.
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Silverdale Chamber appoints acting director |
| The Board of Directors of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce recently appointed Darla Murker to the position of acting director. Murker has been the Chamber’s communications coordinator since Oct. 2001.
With the recent retirement of Chamber Executive Director Sam Granato, the board is re-evaluating the Chamber’s personnel requirements and organizational structure. It is also reviewing the Chamber’s By Laws with the purpose of bringing them up-to-date with the organization’s focus and goals.
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Wave Broadband debuts home phone service |
| Wave Broadband recently announced the immediate launch of WavePhone, which will offer customers a new choice for home phone service and savings on their monthly bill. Customers can get unlimited local and long distance calling for one low monthly price of $39.95, which includes the most popular calling features like voice mail, call waiting, and caller ID.
Subscription to cable or Internet services to get WavePhone is not required, as service is delivered through the existing telephone wiring and there’s no special equipment to buy. Wave supplies a multiple terminal adaptor (MTA) free of charge to translate the signal, making the installation is nearly invisible. You can keep using a regular home phone handset, and in most cases, it is possible to keep the existing number.
For more information on the WavePhone, call Wave Broadband at (866) 928-3123.
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Chafe’ signs on with Alliance Equity |
| Alliance Equity Mergers & Acquisitions has named Gail Chafe’ Director of Business Development for five locations throughout the West Coast. She brings over 20 years of experience in public relations, advertising and marketing in a variety of industries to the position.
Most recently as co-owner of a web design and internet advertising company on the Kitsap Peninsula, she will advise business owners and referral sources on Alliance Equity’s services for exit strategy planning, business valuation, equity investment, and growth strategies toward the ultimate goal of selling their businesses.
Visit the firm at www.allianceequity.com.
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New business provides local stock photos |
| Jean and Jim Boyle have launched a new website, www.kitsapimages.com that has a variety of photos of the Kitsap area. They include scenic, lifestyle and nature pictures, and additional photos are available upon request.
Jean Boyle, as director of tourism development, has supplied photos for Kitsap Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau websites, print ads, and brochures; the state tourism site www.experiencewashington.com and to several other local businesses and organizations.
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NK Family Practice and Urgent Care goes online |
| North Kitsap Family Practice & Urgent Care is a family practice clinic in Poulsbo and now has a website. It is a secure site that has a messaging program that allows patients to access their providers online. It also lets patients see part of their medical records, request appointments and medication refills, pay bills online, and submit health information to the office.
For more information call the Bethel Clinic Administrator at (360) 697-1957.
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