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COVER STORY
Rosedale Gardens:
A ‘hobby-turns-business’ success story
By Rodika Tollefson |
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Scott Junge became an entrepreneur at age 10. Decades later, his entrepreneurial path winded down two successful businesses he lives seven days a week, and enjoys every minute of it.
Junge and his wife, Lyn, own Rosedale Gardens in Gig Harbor, a nursery that specializes in landscaping plants. In addition, Junge is a landscape designer whose incredible gardens are unique and beautiful. The union between the nursery and the landscape design businesses is as harmonious as the landscapes Junge creates: He uses the vast acreage around Rosedale Gardens for landscaping projects that are as much a display of his talent as they are of the plants sold there.
Junge says the secret to his success is his early start. Starting out with a paper route, he was soon mowing some of his customers’ lawns, and by high school had a list of about 100 customers. He had to hire a small crew of helpers, and after getting a job at a hospital at age 15, soon started landscaping for co-workers. He got his general contractor license at 16... (Full Article)
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How can your business survive when a
big box store moves next door?
By Wendy Miles & Rand Riedrich |
| Has this happened to you? You are busy running your business and wake up one morning to discover a big box store has just moved in next door? You walk into that big box and see they are not only carrying your inventory but they are charging less than your wholesale price. Your world has changed... (Full Article) |
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Great Western Sports pleased
with results of raceway survey |
| “We are very pleased with the recently released results of the Kitsap County NASCAR Survey. Despite some inaccurate characterizations of our financing proposal, county residents demonstrated a strong level of support for the development of a motorsports and multi-use recreational facility south of the Bremerton Airport... (Full Article) |
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Will your business survive you?
It’s never too early to plan for the future of your business
By John Kenney and Douglas Lineberry
Lineberry Kenney LLC |
| According to the US House of Representatives Small Business Committee, 70 percent of small and family-owned businesses fail in the second generation. Another 87 percent don’t make it through the third... (Full Article) |
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Local economic development
options being studied — again
Business community suspicious of possible political agenda
By Lary Coppola |
| The Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) recently authorized its Chair, Bainbridge Island Mayor Darlene Kordonowy, to sign a contract with an economic development consultant, the Athena Institute of Bellevue. According to a KRCC press release, the contract, was negotiated by a project staff team consisting of KRCC Executive Director Mary McClure, County Administrator Cris Gears, Port of Bremerton Executive Director Ken Attebery, Kitsap Economic Development Council Interim Director Kathy Cocus, and Norm McLoughlin, head of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority... (Full Article) |
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ENVIRONMENTAL
Honoring those who protect Puget Sound
and wild salmon
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The Pacific Northwest Wild Salmon Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday Sept. 23 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton... (Full Article) |
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WINNERS IN BUSINESS
Selling RV fun with service and a smile
By Amy Hager |
| Locally owned and operated for the past 30 years, Clear Creek RV Center (formally A-1 RV), is one of the largest RV dealers and service centers on the Kitsap Peninsula... (Full Article) |
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Mailing lists 101
Everything you always wanted to know
about how to get started using direct mail
By Andrejs M. Zommers, President
AMZ Productions, Inc. |
| Most people are aware of the vast amounts of data that are collected about consumers and businesses every day. What many businesses don’t realize, however, is how accessible that information is to them. A company doesn’t have to be the size of Procter & Gamble to afford or acquire this data for their direct marketing efforts... (Full Article) |
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‘Tuna Guys’ family business catches on
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Anyone familiar with gourmet tuna (yes, it exists) is likely familiar with the name “Tuna Guys.” The Gig Harbor-based company has been selling blast-frozen, hand-packed canned tuna all around the country and the world, and can be found at many local grocery stores, usually in the natural foods section... (Full Article) |
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The job of artist and art as a business:
Lots of hard work
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The industry of arts is draped with a light veil of mystery, the artists often romanticized as people who create when the inspiration strikes. And while the old cliché of the “starving artist” describes many individuals with great talent, those lucky few who are able to make a living with their art are likely to agree: Being a professional artist is no different than being a business owner... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor’s Wesley Inn adds rooms,
meeting space
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Best Western Wesley Inn in Gig Harbor recently completed a remodel, which added 29 more rooms and extra meeting space. The hotel, located near downtown, now has a total of 82 rooms... (Full Article) |
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Identity Theft education series to be
hosted by Gig Harbor Police Department |
| In partnership with the Interagency Education Committee and CenturyTel, a local broadband provider, the Pierce County Law Enforcement Interagency Education Committee is producing a three-part education series, entitled “ID Theft…Education, Protection and Prevention... (Full Article) |
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Wise retires from West Sound
Treatment Center
By Amy Hager |
| For the past 14 years John Wise, the executive director of West Sound Treatment Center, has devoted a large part of his life to helping those recovering from an addiction. After serving his community, Wise will retire at the end of the year. Whether dealing with clients who have drug or alcohol addictions or are domestic violence offenders, Wise has always been there to help... (Full Article) |
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Megatrends in Economic Development
From the Kitsap Economic Development Council |
| Currently, economic development is a buzzword among elected officials, business leaders and nonprofit organizations alike. The Kitsap EDC was created in the 1980’s — communities, regions and nations have evolved tremendously since that time. New megatrends are redefining the means and ends of economic development... (Full Article) |
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Prosperity Partnership focuses
on industry clusters, education issues
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Prosperity Partnership coalition has reached a one-year milestone since it started implementing its Regional Economic Strategy for the Central Puget Sound Region. The Prosperity Partnership is a coalition of more than 200 businesses, agencies and government organizations from four counties: King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish... (Full Article) |
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SK8TOWN now open in S.K. |
| SK8TOWN, a brand new skating rink in South Kitsap, opened its doors on Sept. 28, with a ribbon cutting ceremony with city officials and the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce. The facility has over 23,000 square feet including the roller rink, arcade, pool table and inflatables for tots... (Full Article) |
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ENVIRONMENTAL
Public comment sought on Bremerton
Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives |
| The Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) is working to clean up a contaminated property located at 816 7th Street. Referred to as the South Court Lot 31 Site, the property was used as a dry cleaning facility from 1923 until 1972... (Full Article) |
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First female Trustee of Rotary Foundation
to speak in Port Orchard |
| Carolyn E. Jones of Anchorage, AK, 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 local Rotary clubs, to be held at the McCormick Woods Clubhouse restaurant, in Port Orchard, on Wed., Oct. 4 at 6 p.m... (Full Article) |
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Port Orchard Party seeks
patrons and sponsors |
| The Port Orchard Party, an annual charitable gala event held for South Kitsap charities, is seeking interested businesses to participate in this year’s event. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Towne Square Mall in Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
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Funds available for employee training |
| Employers expanding to or located in Washington State with less than 50 employees have the opportunity to use the Washington Customized Employment Training Program. It helps organizations fund training through community and technical college customized contract training programs... (Full Article) |
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New Gig Harbor businesses train
baseball players and athletes |
| Jon Fuller, former catcher for the Cincinnati Reds organization, recently opened the Gig Harbor Baseball & Sports Academy in the North Harbor Business Park off Burnham Drive. The sports academy provides players with the opportunity to learn, develop, and advance their baseball skill levels... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Bank supports children’s program |
| Each year Kitsap Bank makes a donation to Poulsbo-based Martha and Mary Lutheran Services for a featured project. On Sept.12, Marlene Mitchell, AVP Regional Operations Manager and Al Saliba, Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer of the Poulsbo branch, presented Martha and Mary with a $2500 donation... (Full Article) |
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Visual Apex, named to Inc. Magazine’s
2006 Inc. 500 list |
| It was a historic day when Visual Apex of Bainbridge Island was founded — Sept. 11 2001... (Full Article) |
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ESD cracking down on unemployment
fraud, needs employers’ help |
| The Employment Security Department (ESD) uncovered $3.7 million and prevented another $2 million in unemployment-insurance fraud in the first quarter of 2006. The agency uses a variety of techniques to catch people who collect unemployment benefits to which they are not entitled, including cross-matching records with the Social Security Administration and the state Department of Labor & Industries... (Full Article) |
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Symphony announces season
opening concerts |
| The 64th season of the Bremerton Symphony Association will begin Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. with “Encore Repertoire,” and it will feature “Overture from The Barber of Seville” by Rossini; Ravel’s hypnotic “Bolero;” and Sibelius’ Symphony #2. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. there will be a pre-concert chat with Maestra Elizabeth Stoyanovich... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Bank honors Eddy |
| Margaret Eddy, Customer Service Representative at Kitsap Bank’s Port Orchard Main Branch, has been named Employee of the Quarter. Kitsap Bank President and CEO Jim Carmichael noted, “Margaret’s wealth of knowledge and ability to handle complex problems results in customers asking for her by name... (Full Article) |
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Indulgence Bed and Bath Boutique opens on B.I. |
| Indulgence Bed and Bath Boutique opened its doors in August in the Winslow Building at 400 Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon–Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. The store is holding a drawing for $100 worth of in-store products as part of its opening celebration. Indulgence can be reached at (206) 780-2218 or AH@indulgencebb.com. |
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Little Norway Toastmasters meetings set |
| Little Norway Toastmasters of Poulsbo meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. It is a group of professionals, students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and others that meet to learn what is needed to gain better communication skills. For more information and for the location of the meeting, call (360) 271-5336. |
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Northstar Sportswear sets Fall Product Show |
| Northstar Sportswear of Kingston recently announced its Fall Product Show. There will be example items of the custom imprinted and embroidered sportswear and promotional items that are offered with specified company logos. The show will be held at the Silverdale Beach Hotel in the Cove Room on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 12–8 p.m. For more information visit www.northstarsportswear.com or call (800) 445-8270. |
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Fifth Annual Antique Appraisal Fair set |
| The Kitsap Historical Society and The Puget Sound Genealogical Society will present the Fifth Annual Antique Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Givens Community Center in Port Orchard.
If an item is too large or too heavy to carry, bring photographs inside. Verbal appraisals given are $7 per item or 5 items for $30.00. There is a limit of five items per person. For more information call (360) 479-6226 or (360) 874-8813.
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Kitsap Networking Group chosen
to design for auction |
| Silverdale based Kitsap Networking Group recently returned from the Gooding & Company antique auto and automobilia auction in Pebble Beach, Calif. The Group designed and implemented the computer networking and security for the auction. “We were very excited to have been chosen for this event, and are pleased with all aspects of the week,” commented Kitsap Networking Group owner, Andrew Betzing.
Kitsap Networking Group can be reached at (360) 440-8265 or www.kitsapnetworking.com.
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Sound Publishing acquires Little Nickel
and Nickel Ads |
| Black Press Ltd., the Canadian firm that owns Sound Publishing and the Kitsap Newspaper Group, recently announced the acquisition of the Little Nickel and Nickel Ads Classifieds based in Lynnwood and in Portland, Ore.
Formerly owned by Lee Enterprises of Spokane, the publications have a combined weekly distribution of more than 375,000 copies. Black Press Ltd. owns and operates approximately 100 newspapers in western Canada, Hawaii, and Ohio as well as Sound Publishing, which publishes all the weekly papers in Kitsap County. The Little Nickel and Nickel Ads Classifieds will double the size of the company, which will now reach more than 1.4 million readers each week in its combined markets.
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Kitsap Insurance Professionals auction
benefits Literacy Council |
| Kitsap Insurance Professionals (KIP) recently held its first annual Ivory Elephant Auction at the Silverdale Beach Hotel. The auction was to benefit the Literacy Council of Kitsap. The attendees bid on colorfully wrapped mystery gifts and raised over $800. Past-President and organizer, Janine Fixmer, presented the check to Trisha Wilder, fund development director of the Literacy Council of Kitsap. “The Council is extremely grateful for Kitsap Insurance Professional’s support. Groups such as yours are the reason we can stay in business,” said Wilder.
The group meets every third Thursday at at All Star Lanes in Silverdale. A social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and the meeting at 6:30. For more information, contact Barbara Seitz at barbara_seitz@rpsins.com, or (360) 697-3611.
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Local company hired to
create short documentary |
| Talking Point Films (TPF), located on Bainbridge Island has been hired by Apulent, a special events company of Seattle, to produce a short documentary for its corporate website. The documentary is designed to give website visitors a view behind the company’s curtain.
“The films are designed to ask business founders and leaders why they do what they do,” says TPF co-founder Matt Bertles.
Bertles and Michael Klein founded Talking Point Films because of what both saw as a major deficiency on many websites. “I was just seeing a lot of dull sites that needed some sort of intimate explanation or history,” Klein, a former New York gallery owner and curator of the Microsoft Collection, said. For more information, visit www.talkingpointfilms.com.
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Artist Trust supports artists with GAP Awards |
| Artist Trust is supporting 52 recipients through the 2006 Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) Program. The GAP program provides up to $1,400 to individual artists for various projects. This year, Artist Trust received 690 applications from artists working in all disciplines across Washington State. 52 awards totaling $70,033 were distributed to recipients in June. The recipients from Kitsap County include: Elizabeth Smith in visual arts; Annette Spaulding-Convy in literary arts; and Jami Sieber in performing arts. |
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Watson Desking becomes an
EPA-approved supplier |
| Watson Desking was recently accepted into the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Supplier Database, a key component in the government’s “buy recycled” program.
With this acceptance, Watson Desking becomes one of 13 office furniture manufacturers designated by the EPA as a provider of recycled material workplace furnishing. In addition, agencies will be adhering to the mandate to purchase recycled materials under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
For more information visit www2.ergweb.com.
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Kitsap SEED awarded Economic
Development Administration grant |
| The Port of Bremerton recently announced that its Sustainable Energy and Economic Development project, “Kitsap SEED,” has been awarded an economic development funding grant of $427,500 from the Federal Economic Development Administration.
The funds will be used for the concept planning, engineering, and technical design of the project’s initial phase, a sustainable business park known as “Pod 1.” The SEED campus is projected to eventually be the home for several similar business park pods, housing research, development, and manufacturing companies that develop and market alternative energy technologies.
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GAP closes; BAC Express
honoring memberships |
| Bainbridge Athletic Club and Madison Avenue Real Estate, LLC, owner of the Pavilion and majority partner in the Gym at the Pavilion (GAP), have announced the closing of the GAP and the opening of the Bainbridge Athletic Club Express.
The Pavilion location will remain open and current GAP members will have the full terms of their memberships honored along with expanded programs and some reciprocal use of BAC’s one-year-old fitness facility in Meadowmeer. BAC Express members will be able to use the Meadowmeer location during selected hours. The combined clubs will offer over 65 group exercise classes, more programs, amenities and member options than before. Contact BAC at (206) 842-5661.
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Ken’s Auto Body expands business |
| Owner Ken Davis recently announced that Ken’s Auto Body, which is located at 2005 Sidney Avenue in Port Orchard, has expanded the scope of its business. It’s no longer only a body shop, but now includes complete automotive repair services.
“We offer the whole loaf of bread now, with repairs and painting plus mechanical services,” said Davis. The shop’s staff has been expanded, and now includes technicians trained to service car and truck brakes, shocks, struts, steering, suspension and more.
For more information on the expanded services, call (360) 876-2448 or visit www.kensautobody.com.
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