9-9-2006
COVER STORY
Commercial construction keeping
a steady pace on the Peninsula
By Maura Hallam Sweley
Commercial construction projects continue to proliferate on the Kitsap Peninsula. Here is a sampling of projects going on throughout the area.

Gig Harbor

Franciscan Health Systems is making headway on its new 80-bed Saint Anthony’s Hospital, which will be located in Gig Harbor. The company won approval from the Gig Harbor City Council this summer for a comprehensive plan change that could clear the way for a construction start on the hospital, which has been in the works since 2005, to begin March 2007.

MultiCare is also expanding its medical facilities in Gig Harbor with the construction of its new MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park, scheduled to open sometime around the end of 2006 or early 2007.

Costco has announced plans to build as well but is keeping mum on the progress of the project until some permitting issues are resolved...  (Full Article)

9-9-2006
WINNERS IN BUSINESS
Kelly and Sue White:
Working together for franchise success
By Maura Hallam Sweley
Kelly White, who owns the HoneyBaked Ham Company and Café franchise in Silverdale with his wife, Sue, is no stranger to being a business owner. “I’ve been self-employed for 45 or 46 years,” he said...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Kitsap Bank buys Jefferson County’s
Mariner Bank
In a $16.2 million all cash deal, Port Orchard-based Kitsap Bank has agreed to purchase Mariner Bank in Jefferson County. The deal was announced at a press conference held in Kitsap Bank’s main branch conference room on July 31...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Bremerton project based on
‘new urbanism’ concept
By Rodika Tollefson
A Kingston-based developer hopes to bring the concept of “new urbanism” to Bremerton while helping reduce urban sprawl. Called City Villa, the 20-acre project is being proposed in the Wheaton/Riddell District Center, a 160-acre area zoned as mixed-use...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Is your family ready for you
to start your business?
By Rand Riedrich
Starting a business from scratch can be a very exciting time. Hopefully, the entrepreneur has studied the market, made financials projections, and thought through every detail of the business. However, there is one thing that is often overlooked — the impact on one’s family...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Bainbridge Island Rotary installs new officers
The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island recently installed its new slate of officers for the 2006-2007 Rotary year. Noted for its annual Auction and Rummage Sale, the club raised over $380,000 at its July event, which is used to fund local scholarships, non-profit organizations, a variety of local projects and several international projects in the Third World...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Lantz accused of misleading voters
with “Push-Polling” tactics
The Washington State Republican Party has called on incumbent 26th District State Representative Pat Lantz (D-Gig Harbor) to cease her use of negative “push-polling” campaign tactics against Republican challenger Beckie Krantz. The two will face off against each other in the November general election...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
KEDC facilitates Bryman College’s expansion
to downtown Bremerton
Just because the Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC) is working with an interim director, that’s no reason for the local business community to think it isn’t still running at full speed in a “business as usual” mode...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
ENVIRONMENTAL
Good deeds downunder...
Divers just do it deeper
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
More and more, recreational and professional scuba divers protect what they love and are vocal and proactive in environmental protection and conservation. Sharing their passion for diving, they are also increasingly involved and instrumental in research, restoration, and cleanup efforts...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
INDUSTRY VOICES
No-growthers are cowards
By Tom McCabe
Executive Vice President
Building Industry Association of Washington
The current national debate on immigration reminded me once again how cowardly and hypocritical the no-growth movement is. No-growth environmentalists continually support new land use laws and regulations which make it more difficult (and more expensive) to build houses. But yet, growth keeps occurring in our nation and our state...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Bremerton bats 1000, scoring $3 million
in IAC Grants for local parks and boardwalk
“It’s always complicated to start with a new grant approach and I’m very impressed with you and your staff supporting and integrating the grant requests that Barrantes prepared.  This is an amazing success and a credit not only to Barrantes’ savvy and connections, but to your staff...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Money Wi$e Women Forum set for Sept. 30
Money Wi$e Women Educational Services, a non-profit organization is hosting a forum on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Klahowya Secondary School in Silverdale. The all-day conference is designed to educate and empower women on achieving financial fitness...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Northwoods Lodge receives seventh
perfect survey rating
Northwoods Lodge, a Silverdale nursing and rehabilitation center, has earned state wide recognition as the recipient of its seventh of nine, annual perfect state survey scores...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Bremerton Chamber revises
“Eggs and Issues” schedule
The Bremerton Chamber has issued a revised schedule for its popular “Eggs and Issues” election forums. The schedule from now to election day is as follows...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Amy Hager joins Wet Apple Media
Amy Hager has joined the marketing department of Wet Apple Media, publishers of the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal and WestSound Home & Garden magazine. She will be responsible for event planning and management as well as communications outreach, customer service. and graphic production...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
KCCHA first local organization
to offer federal credit counseling
The Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) has been named by the US Trustee Program the only certified bankruptcy credit counseling program based in Western Washington. This certification adds to a list that includes: pre-home purchase, homeownership, and reverse mortgage counseling...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Miss Washington, UW Cheerleaders team
up for KCF Charity Golf Event
The Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) Acorn Classic Charity Golf Event, hosted by EHL Insurance and Fred Hill Materials, tees off Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Gold Mountain Olympic Course. Participants will enjoy a day of golf, food and fun while investing in the long-term future of local non-profit community organizations...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
New bridge delay will save toll payers
$1 million
Noting there is always a silver lining, retiring Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard, said that as troubling as the delay in the opening of the new Narrows Bridge may be, it will save bridge users $1 million, maybe more...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Grounds For Change helps three local
groups with 1% For The Planet gift
Grounds for Change, a Poulsbo-based organic coffee roasting company, recently made a $6,000 total contribution to three organizations through its participation in the One Percent For The Planet program — an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to create a healthier planet...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Leadership Kitsap announces new
executive committee and board of directors
Leadership Kitsap has recently selected its new executive committee to oversee the local community leadership program. Rick Tift, executive director of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard will serve as board president; Marla Brady, administrator for service excellence and CMO operations for Harrison Medical Center will serve as president-elect; Dr. Bev Cheney, superintendent of South Kitsap School District will serve as secretary; Irmgard Davis, finance and information systems director for Kitsap Community Resources will be finance chair; and Mike Botkin, Kitsap Community Resources project director will serve as past president...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Hoodsport Winery debuts new Orca label
Hoodsport Winery announced recently the release of a series of wines celebrating the whales of the Pacific Northwest. The wines feature bright bold colors and an adaptation of the Native American artwork “Orca.” According to recent surveys Americans buy twice the number of new wines with colorful animals on their labels as they do other new brands...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Auction for the Arts set
Auction for the Arts featuring a moveable feast begins Saturday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. on the Town Square. Three separate and large silent auction tables will feature artwork, donated items, food, wine and a few surprises. While bidding, patrons can enjoy offerings from eleven of Bainbridge Island’s culinary establishments...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Businesses invited to partner
with Waste Free Holidays
Kitsap County businesses are invited to participate in the regional Waste Free Holidays program in an effort to help residents reduce holiday waste. “Give experiences instead of stuff” is the theme of the campaign, which encourages residents to rethink their shopping habits...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Rice Fergus Miller wins new
fire station projects
The Bremerton architectural, planning and interior design firm of Rice Fergus Miller has been selected to design several new fire and emergency services projects. They include...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Beckie Krantz earns NFIB endorsement
The representative group for Washington’s biggest job-generator recently gave its endorsement to Gig Harbor small-business owner Beckie Krantz for the Position 1 House seat in Legislative District 26. That seat is currently held by Democrat Pat Lantz...  (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Bratrud Middleton honored as
a “2006 Best Company to Work For”
Bratrud Middleton Insurance is a finalist named by Washington CEO Magazine as a “2006 Best Company to Work For” published in its July issue.  The magazine received nominations from more than 150 companies for the award this year. Results are based on nominations submitted by companies from across the state. Bratrud Middleton ranked as a medium-sized company and received its highest scores in three of ten categories: 1) training and education, 2) corporate culture, and 3) hiring and retention. The company also received the honor in 2004.
9-9-2006
Dojo Technology’s sponsorship satisfies
hunger in Kitsap County
Dojo Technology’s recent sponsorship of Food Lifeline’s Food Frenzy competition wrapped up in late July and will provide $1.5 million dollars worth of food for hungry children in Western Washington. The annual Food Lifeline event is a creative competition between law firms, accounting firms and public sector organizations. The rules are simple – the organization that put the most meals on the table for Washington’s hungry children wins. However, it is the various schemes that the groups employ in order to reach their goals that make for a memorable event.

For a full report on the results of the competition or to learn more about Food Lifeline visit www.foodlifeline.org.

9-9-2006
First female trustee of Rotary Foundation
to speak in Port Orchard
Carolyn Jones of Anchorage, Alaska, made history in 2005 when she became the first female trustee of The Rotary Foundation. She will be the featured speaker at a joint dinner meeting of several Rotary Clubs in the area at the McCormick Woods Clubhouse restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. Her dedication to the children of Russia and her ability to raise money for The Rotary Foundation were two accomplishments leading to being a trustee.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Rotarian Niels Nielsen at (360) 871-1245 or nielsgnielsen@yahoo.com.

9-9-2006
B.I. Chamber business breakfast set
for Sept. 14
The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce is having a business breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 a.m. Lisa Berg will be the speaker talking about “What is podcasting and why it’s likely to be important for your business in the years ahead.” It will be held at the Wing Point Golf and Country Club and the cost is $10. Call (206) 842-3700 to make reservations or for more information visit the web site at www.bainbridgechamber.com.
9-9-2006
Toastmasters sets meetings in Silverdale
Nervous public speakers or tongue-tied communicators are invited to join the Silverdale Chapter of Toastmasters International. Toastmasters is a non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback.

The Silverdale Chapter luncheon meetings are held each Tuesday, 12:05 – 1:05 p.m. at the Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Rd., Silverdale.

For information, contact Chapter President, Mary Jo Juarez at (360) 692-7065.

9-9-2006
Oke receives second stem cell transplant
Sen. Bob Oke (R-Port Orchard), who was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in mid-2004, was scheduled to receive his second stem cell transplant on Sept. 1. This time, the stem cells will be from his brother, Herb. Oke’s own stem cells were harvested for the first transplant which put him in remission for several months. His cancer returned during the 2006 legislative session.

Because of the risk of rejection, he needs to be close to the Seattle Veterans Hospital and will be living in Seattle in an apartment with his wife, Judy.

9-9-2006
Clear Creek Nursery named one of top shops
in Seattle area market
In the July/August issue of the Northwest Home and Garden magazine, Clear Creek Nursery in Silverdale was chosen as one of the top shops in Seattle.

Written by Marianne Binetti and Elizabeth Tveit, the article recognizes Clear Creek Nursery for going above and beyond typical water garden and pond displays and for holding classes and seminars.

9-9-2006
Golf tournament to raise money
for Etta Projects
The Gig Harbor Mid-Day Rotary Club presents its second annual Golferitaville Golf Tournament at Trophy Lake Golf Course. It will be on Friday, Oct. 13, with tee off scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Entry fee is $110 and includes greens fees, cart, hat, and goodies, pre-event barbeque lunch and post event Caribbean Party with music and food.

Proceeds will go to support Etta Projects (www.ettaprojects.org), a local non-profit organization helping women and children in the small Bolivian town of Monterro.

Register at www.golferitaville.golfreg.com or contact Laureen Lund at (253) 265-8153.

9-9-2006
Allen closes Fox Paw on Bainbridge Island
After 29 years in business, long-time owner Linda Allen has closed her shop, Fox Paw, located in the Winslow Green on Bainbridge Island.

Allen down-sized the space a year ago, but held on to the shop. She will continue on as the landlord and lease to a new tenant expected to take over on Sept.1. Meantime, Allen will sell some of her more popular wares from her Bainbridge Island home.

9-9-2006
Solze joins Advanced Medical Imaging
Dr. Wes Solze recently joined Advanced Medical Imaging as a new radiologist. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Alabama and a medical degree from the University of South Alabama. He is board certified in radiology by the American Board of Radiology.