|
|
|
|
COVER STORY
Larry Keeton named as new director at DCD
Retired army colonel and former county chief of staff,
well acquainted with political turmoil
By Lary Coppola |
|
Retired Army colonel Larry Keeton has been named to lead Kitsap County’s beleaguered Department of Community Development (DCD). He brings over 30 years experience in public administration, strategic planning, human resource development, emergency communications and project management to the county, serving most recently as chief of staff for the three Lewis County commissioners, — a position very similar to Cris Gears’ at Kitsap County.
He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Troy University in Alabama, a Masters in Education from Oregon State University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Davis.
Prior to joining Lewis County, Keeton, 55, retired from the U.S. Army as a Garrison Commander at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a position equivalent to that of a City Manager... (Full Article)
|
|
Where does a business go for help?
By Kathy Cocus
Interim Director, Kitsap EDC |
| The answer to that question is the focus of the recently formed Kitsap Business Resource Consortium. Spearheaded by WSU Extension and Olympic College, the group was recently awarded a $24,000 Community Development Block Grant. The planning grant will focus on building the consortium, coordinating services with current offerings and perceived needs, and setting the table for entrepreneurial efforts in Kitsap County... (Full Article) |
|
Roundup of local Chamber of Commerce
executive directors
Who’s who in local Chamber management |
| Kevin Dwyer has been the executive director of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce since 2001. He was a journalist for more than 20 years, including stints with the Puget Sound Business Journal, Washington CEO Magazine and the Kitsap Sun, before spending three years as director of business recruitment for the Kitsap Economical Development Council. He is also an occasional contributor to the Business Journal... (Full Article) |
|
Understanding the impact
of your leadership style |
| It’s an inescapable fact of business life: organizational cultures reflect the personalities of their leaders. The leader’s behavior — how he or she goes about their daily routine or reacts to a crisis — sets the tone for the workplace. Every day, in hundreds of ways, the leader demonstrates to others what is suitable — and unsuitable — in the organization... (Full Article) |
|
|
December Business Calendar |
| Chambers: Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce (206) 842-3700: Saturdays through Dec. 23: Indoor/Outdoor Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eagle Harbor Church. Dec. 1 to 3: Bainbridge Island Studio Tour. Dec. 1 to 3: Bainbridge Island Christmas in the Country... (Full Article) |
|
Compensation in the workplace:
What does it mean?
By Wendy Miles |
| According to Washington’s Department of Transportation, 85,000 vehicles use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge daily, mostly filled with skilled employees leaving the area for higher wages not available locally. How can businesses in Kitsap County provide compensation packages that compete with higher salaries offered across the water... (Full Article) |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL
Brownfields turn over some Green
Cities of Bremerton, Gig Harbor and Kitsap County Housing Authority seeking federal assessment and clean-up grants invite public comments on applications
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grant program was created to help communities redevelop, reuse or expand land that because of that contamination might otherwise be unusable... (Full Article) |
|
|
Port of Bremerton recognizes partnerships |
| The Port of Bremerton recently recognized those who have been “partners in business” over the last several years, contributing to the Port’s success story. “The Port of Bremerton’s mission is to promote economic development and tourism... (Full Article) |
|
Weedin wins Toastmasters
District Championship |
| Dan Weedin has never seen the TV program “Survivor.” But when the local independent insurance consultant recently represented the Little Norway Toastmasters Club of Poulsbo in the District 32 Table Topics competition, he had to convince the judges not to vote him “off the island... (Full Article) |
|
Local restaurateur selling business,
moving on to new ventures
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Frank Tweten, who comes from a family of restaurateurs, has been involved in a dozen restaurants during his long career in the industry. But soon, he hopes his career will take a different turn: He is in the process of selling his last restaurant, the Clubhouse Grill in Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
|
WINNERS IN BUSINESS
Renee Crist: Staying ahead of customer trends
By Rodika Tollefson |
| When Renee Crist opened her photo developing studio in Gig Harbor 21 years ago, the industry had just came up with new, small-scale technology that made it possible for independent labs to operate (vs. regional centers). Those days, the lab had to literally adjust color on every photo frame and calibrate the machines frequently... (Full Article) |
|
Perspectives on organization development —
strategic planning
If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up somewhere else.
By David R. Porter |
| Strategic Planning is a management tool that can be used to focus the organization’s energy and resources; to ensure that members are working towards the same goals and objectives; and to assess and adjust the organization’s direction in response to changing environments. Although disciplined and rational in its construct, strategic planning is as much art as it is science... (Full Article) |
|
|
B. I. Chamber announces new board members |
| The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce elected its new slate of officers for 2006-2007 at its October retreat... (Full Article) |
|
Canadian owner of Sound Publishing
buys King County Journal |
| King County Journal Newspapers has been sold to Black Press Ltd., a Canadian newspaper chain based in Vancouver, British Colombia. Black Press also owns Sound Publishing on Bainbridge Island, which publishes all the weekly newspapers in Kitsap County as well as on Vashon Island... (Full Article) |
|
West Sound Workforce “parties”
for a good cause
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Gig Harbor office of West Sound Workforce was transformed into “shopping central” on Nov. 1. The business organized and sponsored Una Bella Notte (One Beautiful Night), a fund-raiser benefiting a domestic violence shelter located on the Key Peninsula... (Full Article) |
|
|
Gregoire projecting savings for employers |
| According to Governor Chris Gregoire, Washington employers and workers will save an estimated $315 million in workers’ compensation premiums next year as the result of a six-month partial suspension of rates proposed by the Department of Labor and Industries... (Full Article) |
|
|
AG warns of pharmacy, lottery ID theft scams |
| Attorney General Rob McKenna recently warned residents to be aware of a new identity theft scam in which a caller claims to be your pharmacist and asks for a list of medications and a credit card number. He also cautioned consumers about a recent proliferation of foreign lottery and counterfeit check scams... (Full Article) |
|
Consumer confidence poll shows decline
Will holiday shopping season be impacted? |
| When Puget Sound area residents were questioned in October about the state of the region’s economy and their own personal financial condition, their responses indicate a significant drop in optimism from last spring when it registered a four-year high. Growing consumer anxiety could be worrisome for many businesses as the holiday season gets under way, said researcher Don Morgan... (Full Article) |
|
HNew study shows businesses
gain from marriage equality |
| Giving same-sex couples marriage rights will be good for the economy, according to a new study, The Effect of Marriage Equality and Domestic Partnership On Business and the Economy,” from UCLA’s Williams Institute. The study documents gains to businesses from happier and healthier workers that would outweigh new costs for benefits. The economy would also gain from the positive effect of equality on state government budgets... (Full Article) |
|
New report on regional competitiveness
finds good and bad news
Prosperity Partnership issues regions first economic report card |
| People in central Puget Sound are among the best educated in the country. On a per capita basis, the region ranks number one in industry spending for research and development. And the region also has a thriving arts community... (Full Article) |
|
Laugh for Literacy a success
for Literacy Council of Kitsap |
| “The Great Cris” aka Cris Larsen, and the Upfront Players improv group recently performed at “Laugh for Literacy,” a fundraiser for the Literacy Council of Kitsap held at the Silverdale Beach Hotel... (Full Article) |
|
|
Port Orchard Rotary Club’s annual Food Drive |
| The Port Orchard Rotary Club recently held its 25th annual food drive at several supermarkets in South Kitsap. Pictured here are Rotarians Bruce Danielson and Niels Nielsen with their collection of food during their two hour shift, in front of Port Orchard QFC at South Park... (Full Article) |
|
|
PNWSC art auction a success |
| The Pacific Northwest Salmon Center’s (PNWSC) second annual art auction fundraiser was held Oct. 28, beginning with a silent auction, hosted bar and plentiful hors d’oeuvres. As the silent auction closed, the crowd of close to 100 was greeted by PNWSC Board President Fred Barrett, who shared his dedication to the reason for the event... (Full Article) |
|
Top five employer mistakes under
the Fair Labor Standards Act |
| Ever since the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) revised regulations became effective August 23, 2004, overtime has become a hot-button topic for employers and employees alike... (Full Article) |
|
|
KEDC reports BRE results |
| In 2003 and again in July 2005, the (Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC) received grants from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development to run a business retention and expansion (BRE) program. As an element of these contracts, the KEDC visits local businesses and conducts an in-depth survey which in turn provides us with information on which to base our retention and expansion efforts... (Full Article) |
|
|
OC receives grant to expand electronics dept. |
| The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has awarded Olympic College one of nine Workforce Development/Rural Grants for expansion of its electronics program... (Full Article) |
|
Funds available to assist
with veteran memorials |
| The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) is accepting proposals for veterans’ memorials in Washington State. The deadline for accepting proposals is Jan.1... (Full Article) |
|
Taxable retail sales increase
10.5 percent in Q2 |
| Taxable retail sales increased 10.5 percent during the second quarter, the biggest percentage gain in 16 years, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue... (Full Article) |
|
Bainbridge ferry terminal improvement
project seeks public input |
| In compliance with the State and National Environmental Policy Acts (SEPA/NEPA), Washington State Ferries has prepared an in-depth analysis of the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Improvement Project in relationship to the elements of the environment... (Full Article) |
|
Kitsap County partnership offers
Waste Free Holidays discounts |
| Kitsap County residents have the opportunity to purchase “experience” gifts at discounted prices of 15-50 percent at participating companies from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. These gifts include tickets for concerts and sporting events, and gift certificates for restaurant meals, bed & breakfast stays, spa treatments, massages and more... (Full Article) |
|
Kitsap Community Resources partners
with Target for sponsorship |
| Kitsap Community Resources recently announced a partnership with Target department stores for sponsorship of its Parenting Place program. This grant will help sustain classes for “Children who Witness Domestic Violence... (Full Article) |
|
Credit Union names Long sales
and service manager |
| Kitsap Credit Union recently named Terry Long as its sales and service manager. She joined the Credit Union in May, bringing experience in technical writing, accounting, computer programming and applied math. She also has an MBA in marketing and over fifteen years of business communications and management experience. Her responsibilities include tracking sales, measuring member satisfaction, providing front line coaching and sales training and working with marketing on product promotions. |
|
UBS Financial Services Inc. makes donation
to YWCA Alive Program |
| UBS Financial Services Inc. recently announced that its Poulsbo office has made a donation to YWCA of Kitsap County in the amount of $2,500.
“We are delighted to be able to support the Alive Program,” said Jim Hamner, branch manager. “We selected the Alive Program because we wanted to support the development of the Alive North Kitsap Transitional House that will provide shelter to local families. Domestic violence is a community problem that affects all of our lives.”
The Poulsbo UBS Financial Services office can be reached at (360) 779-6548 or in person at 19735 10th Ave NE, Suite N20.
|
|
Symphony’s holiday
concert set for Dec. 16 |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association is having a holiday chorale/orchestra concert titled “Yuletide Memories.” There will be a pre-concert chat with Maestra Elizabeth Stoyanovich. Harrison Medical Center and Kitsap Bank are the seasonal sponsors for this event.
The concert is on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., and the pre-concert chat is at 6:30 p.m. at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1500 13th St in Bremerton. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $10 for youth, group rates are available.
For more information or to purchase tickets call (360) 373-1722 or visit www.bremertonsymphony.org.
|
|
Super WebGroup wins W3 award
for web creativity |
| Super WebGroup’s website redesign for Conservation in Practice was selected as a Silver Winner in the Magazine category for the W3 Awards. The W3 Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of professionals from acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms. Reach Super WebGroup at (206) 842-2983. |
|
|
Group Health going smoke-free in 2007 |
| Group Health Cooperative going 100 percent smoke-free in 2007 at all of its campuses around Washington state and northern Idaho — including 25 medical centers and two hospitals. This transition will incorporate proven support programs and resources for our employees who wish to stop smoking or using other forms of tobacco, such as chew, cigars, or pipes.
Group Health staff, with medical coverage, are being offered free nicotine replacement therapy patches and gum, along with support from the Free & Clear Quit for Life Program, Group Health’s tobacco-cessation partner.
|
|
|
Roman joins Fire One |
| Fire One, Inc. recently named Tom Roman to oversee business development in Kitsap, Mason and Pierce Counties. He has alarm sales experience having worked with ADT Security for several years.
Co-owner Don Casey said, “We brought Tom on because he knows the local businesses as well as the alarm industry and because he shares our commitment to customer service and satisfaction.”
|
|
|
Increased hiring is projected for the holidays |
| Washington retailers are expected to hire some 15,000 workers for the winter holiday season, according to the Employment Security Department. That’s a 1.7 percent increase from a year ago.
Job seekers who are interested in holiday-season jobs should contact their local WorkSource office. WorkSource centers also offer free job listing and recruitment services to businesses seeking seasonal workers. Some career web sites with information on seasonal work are www.fortress.wa.gov, www.go2worksource.com, and www.workforceexplorer.com.
|
|
|
OC Culinary Arts Program selects new chef |
| Chef John Jensen has joined the staff of the Olympic College Culinary Arts program. Jensen served his culinary apprenticeship in Denmark and was the executive chef of O’Hare International Airport and the Danish Pavilion during the New York World’s Fair.
He has also been a corporate chef, owned and operated restaurants in California and Wyoming, and has taught at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where he co-authored “The Professional Chef, 5th Edition” and “Techniques of Healthy Cooking.”
|
|
|
Digital Mammography now available at AMI |
| Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) recently announced that it is the first practice in Kitsap County to offer Direct Digital Mammography, the latest technological advance in breast cancer screening.
Installed in the Women’s Diagnostic Center in Silverdale, digital mammography offers several advantages over conventional film mammography. This relatively new technique may also prevent unnecessary biopsies, as many women need additional screenings such as ultrasound and biopsies to ensure nothing has been missed.
For more information contact the AMI at (360) 415-6100.
|
|
Harrison earns HealthGrades
Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award |
| Harrison Medical Center recently announced that it is ranked best in Washington for cardiac surgery according to a comprehensive study released by HealthGrades. The ranking places Harrison among the top 10 percent of all hospitals nationally for cardiac surgery. With a 5-Star rating for clinical excellence, Harrison is also a recipient of the 2007 HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award.
“To be among the nation’s top hospitals for cardiac surgery is indeed an honor, one that validates our commitment to provide the highest quality care for our patients,” said Harrison Medical Center CEO Scott W. Bosch. “Our heart team is renowned for their exceptional care – clinically and on a personal level – and it shows in our outcomes. Our community doesn’t have to leave home to get the best heart care.”
The 2007 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are available, free of charge, on the organization’s Web site, located at www.healthgrades.com.
|
|
|
Lauborough receives new specialty certification |
| Lou-Ann Lauborough recently received a specialty certification as a clinical social worker in gerontology through the National Association of Social Workers. Social workers who hold this certification are recognized as qualified providers of advanced clinical gerontological social work services. |
|
|
Public meeting on Brownfields set |
| A public meeting to discuss the Brownfields Projects in Kitsap County will be held on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will take place at the City of Bremerton Council Chamber in the Norm Dick’s Government Center located at 345 6th Street in Bremerton. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the EPA grants, project activities, and status. The public will be asked to provide input on the various projects.
For more information, contact Aaron Vernik at (360) 377-0014 or by e-mail at avernik@parametrix.com.
|
|
New community sponsorship program
for Leadership Kitsap |
| Port Madison Enterprises (PME) and Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) are Leadership Kitsap’s first community sponsors for the curriculum year 2006-2007.
“KCCHA’s mission is to build stronger communities, which starts with helping people get into homes. But we can’t go that alone- we rely on the support and guidance of our community leaders-and Leadership Kitsap helps build those leaders for a strong future,” commented KCCHA Executive Director, Norm McLoughlin.
Russell Steele, CEO of Port Madison Enterprises said that “Leadership Kitsap opens doors for his managers and educates tribal leaders about the community.”
|
|
|
Olympic WorkSorce receives $2.5 million |
| The Employment Security Department has released $2.5 million to the Olympic Consortium Workforce Development Council to provide employment and training assistance to youths and adults through June 2007. It will be assisting at-risk students, low-income adults who need help getting a job and workers who lose their jobs due to business downsizing or closure, foreign competition or technological change.
WorkSource offices are listed online at www.go2worksource.com and in the blue pages of the phone book.
|
|
|
Cosmo’s hosting three wine tasting events |
| Cosmo’s Ristorante & Delicatessen is hosting three wine tasting events the first three Mondays in December. It is first-come, first-served, no reservations are required. There will be a different set of three to four wine tastes each Monday accompanied by a light cheese course. It will be on Dec. 4, 11, and 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Christina Balazs of Cosmo’s at (360) 895-3138. |
|
|
Holiday food drive at Modern Collision Rebuild |
| Modern Collision Rebuild is accepting non-perishable food and toiletry donations through Dec. 31 to be given to Helpline House. Those donating two or more items will be given $5 off any mechanical repair or out-of-pocket collision repair exceeding $50, and those donating four or more items will be given $10 off a repair exceeding $100. There is a limit of one discount per repair order. For more information call (206) 842-8053. |
|
|
Baskets Unique opens new store in Bremerton |
| Baskets Unique recently opened a new store location on the corner of Fairgrounds Rd and Hwy 303 Waaga Way in Bremerton. The store has corporate and business gifts, specialty themed chocolates, and Northwest gifts.
For more information call (360) 692-3600, visit www.basketsunique.net, email debbi@basketsuniuqe.net, or visit the store at 1554 NE Fairgrounds Road in Bremerton.
|
|
Choose & Cut Christmas tree
farm guide available |
| A free Choose & Cut Guide to U-Cut Christmas tree plantations in Oregon and Washington has been prepared by the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association. The guide lists 39 U-Cut tree farms in Washington with directions to the farms, operating hours, types of trees for sale, phone numbers, and special attractions.
To view the guide online or to get a list of companies with available guides visit www.nwtrees.com or call (503) 364-2942.
|
|
|
United Moving and Storage honored |
| United Van Lines recently recognized its agents for special achievements. United Moving and Storage of Bremerton, one of its agents, has been honored with the President’s Club Award at the $3 million level. The award was in honor of agents who have generated at least $1 million in sales for the United system during the past year. |
|
Minimum wage increases
to $7.93 per hour Jan. 1 |
| Washington’s minimum wage will increase by 30 cents to $7.93 an hour beginning Jan. 1.
Initiative 688, which was approved by Washington voters in 1998, requires that the state minimum wage be adjusted each year according to the change in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) during the 12 months ending each August 31.
The CPI-W increased 3.9 percent during the 120-month period ending Aug. 31, compared to a 3.8 percent increase during the same period in 2005.
|
|
AWB releases largest pay
and benefits calculation survey |
| The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has joined with Compdata Surveys to release the Compensation Data 2006 — Pacific Northwest survey. It is the largest pay and benefits calculation survey in the state.
“The Compensation Data survey serves as the source for businesses when deciding what to offer potential employees,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “This is also a good way to see if what you are paying your current employees parallels other companies around the country.”
With data collection each spring and results available each August, this resource covers a wide variety of pay and benefits information including base pay and total compensation on more than 530 job titles, positions ranging from entry level to top executives, industry, company size, and region of the state breakouts, and much more.
To review the full pay and benefits report, visit www.compdatasurveys.com. To access pay data on individual job titles visit www.compdatajobs.com.
|
|
SEED Project gets nod
for $1.7 million from feds |
| The Kitsap SEED Project, a proposed sustainable energy business park at the Port of Bremerton’s Olympic View Industrial Park is in line for a $1.7 million grant from the federal government.
The Puget Sound Regional Council has selected the project as its top priority for funding in a recommendation made to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The $1.7 million grant would help pay for infrastructure, including roads that will benefit the entire complex and the water reuse system for the first section.
|
|
Tough Enough to Wear Pink raises money
for the Komen Foundation |
| The Kitsap County Fair and Stampede raised over $5,600 for breast cancer research at this year’s rodeo performance. Proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Puget Sound Affiliate.
Rodeo contestants and fans wore pink and purchased Tough Enough to Wear Pink wristbands, clothing, balloons, bandanas and Stampede breast cancer awareness pins.
A drawing for a pink pair of Justin Roper boots was won by County Commissioner, Patty Lent.
|
|
|
SK Kiwanis holding annual Coats for Kids drive |
| The South Kitsap Kiwanis Breakfast Club is holding its annual Coats for Kids drive. Donations of new or gently used coats, mittens, hats and sweaters will be donated to South Kitsap Helpline.
The following Port Orchard area businesses have opened their doors as donation depots; John L. Scott (on Lund Ave.), Manchester Family Inn, Kitsap Bank (on Mile Hill) and Club House Bar & Grill and Action Chiropractic will have boxes in its lobbies Nov. 9 – Mar. 25, 2007.
Meetings are held on Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. at the Manchester Family Inn.
|
|
|
Leadership Kitsap names new board members |
| Leadership Kitsap (LK) recently announced the addition of Tim Drury and Keith Van Hook to the Board of Directors. Both were voted onto the board in September.
Drury is chief of the felony division of the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s office. Van Hook, a retired Navy officer, he is a past ex-officio member of the LK Board, and has just been elected to serve as the Division 36 Lt. Governor for the nine Kiwanis clubs in the Kitsap area for 2007-2008.
|
|
First Federal collecting coats
and blankets for Salvation Army |
| First Federal Savings & Loan, which has a mortgage lending branch in Poulsbo, will be collecting new and gently used coats and blankets through Dec. 15 for the Salvation Army. Donations may be dropped off at any Sequim or Port Angeles First Federal branch or at any Salvation Army; items will be distributed from Second and Peabody in Port Angeles. |
|
YWCA ALIVE shelter nets $25,000
in two grants |
| The YWCA of Kitsap County has received a $15,000 funding grant from the Medina Foundation and a $10,000 grant from the Women’s Funding Alliance. Grant funds will be used toward general operating costs of the ALIVE Shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
YWCA Executive Director, Linda Joyce said, “We are very grateful to have received these generous contributions from the Medina Foundation and the Women’s Funding Alliance. Funding for operating support is critical toward maintaining a safe, secure home for survivors of abuse victims and their children in Kitsap County as they direct their energy toward achieving economic security and safety.”
|
|
|
|
| |
|
