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COVER STORY
Speedway legislation finds sponsor in Olympia
County commissioners pass resolution aimed at blocking track
By Lary Coppola |
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Despite heavy personal lobbying efforts by Kitsap County Commissioners Chris Endresen and Josh Brown, as well as almost unanimous opposition from local Democratic legislators, International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has found what it has been looking for in Olympia — someone to prime sponsor the legislation needed to advance it’s proposed 83,500-seat NASCAR-style motorsports facility in Kitsap County.
Last year ISC was unable to find a lawmaker willing to sponsor the necessary legislation. It was generally acknowledged at the time, that since it was a short session — and an election year in which the entire House and half of the Senate were facing the voters — no one wanted to deal with anything controversial.
However, Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington, said on Jan 19, that he would introduce the appropriate legislation to move the bill forward. According to Grant Lynch, spokesman for ISC, there are also enough sponsors on board to introduce the bill in both the House and Senate... (Full Article)
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Charges against Brown dismissed
By Lary Coppola |
| In front of a packed courtroom, the legal residency challenge against Central Kitsap Commissioner Josh Brown was dismissed by visiting Superior Court Judge Craddock D. Verser of Jefferson County. Ross, a Central Kitsap businessman and the son of well-known Silverdale developer Ron Ross, filed the suit minutes before the close of business on Dec. 29, the last day of business for 2006 - and also the last business day before Brown officially took office... (Full Article) |
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Bill filed in state Legislature for a motorsports
and multi-use recreational facility |
| Great Western Sports, Inc. (“GWS”), a subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”), announced the rollout of legislation, requested by Washington Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-47th District), to create the public funding mechanisms to help finance a portion of construction of a motorsports and multi-use recreational facility. In addition, 19 legislators have agreed to co-sponsor the bill in the State House of Representatives. GWS officials expect the Senate Bill counterpart to be submitted in the coming days... (Full Article) |
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Perspectives on organization development —
an overview
By David R. Porter |
| Organization Development (OD) is a planned, systematic change process in which behavioral science principles and practices are used to increase productivity and improve workplace quality. It has application in a wide variety of organizations, public and private, large and small. OD interventions can help companies transform their organization cultures so that people move faster, achieve more, and spend less time on things that do not add value... (Full Article) |
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Mitzel’s Restaurant scheduled
to reopen by summer
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Mitzel’s American Kitchen, a popular Poulsbo restaurant that was destroyed by a fire last May, will reopen its doors in a new building this summer. The project is expected to receive permits from the city in February, and has a five-month anticipated construction timeline... (Full Article) |
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Opposition forms to foot ferry proposal |
| A group opposing a passenger-only ferry proposal was formed in January, less than a month before the ballot measure will go to Kitsap County voters on Feb. 6... (Full Article) |
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Poulsbo’s Marine Science Center shooting
for a spring opening
By Maura Hallam Sweley |
| After months of anxious anticipation, the Poulsbo Marine Science Foundation has finally been granted access to the Marine Science Center building by the city of Poulsbo, after the city council voted 5-1 to approve a lease agreement for the building in late December 2006... (Full Article) |
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Employee recognition and training important
to company’s success |
| Human resource managers who develop employee recognition and training programs are as important as CEOs in determining the success of an organization, according to a speaker at a recent Society for Human Resource Management’s annual conference... (Full Article) |
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Washington Association of Counties FSC
latest EKO-System client |
| Poulsbo-based InterLocking Software (ILSC) recently announced that the Washington State Association of Counties-Financial Service Corporation (WSAC-FSC) has endorsed its EKO-System software. With this endorsement, WSAC member counties can now purchase it directly from ILSC, instead of dealing with the usual purchasing process. In addition to streamlining the procurement process in this deal with WSAC-FSC, ILSC is also offering a ten percent discount to WSAC member counties who wish to purchase EKO-System for their employees... (Full Article) |
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ENVIRONMENTAL
Final Phase 2 Stormwater permit
supports Low Impact Development
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is enlisting help from more cities and counties in Western Washington to tackle the state’s largest source of urban water pollution — stormwater runoff... (Full Article) |
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2007 legislative issues
that may affect businesses
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Although the legislative session was just warming up in January, several issues that may impact local businesses were starting to take shape. Kitsap area legislators shared their take on some of this year’s bills... (Full Article) |
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Tolls advisory group makes
final recommendations
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee forwarded its recommendations in January to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The list includes 15 recommendations regarding tolling on the new bridge, which is estimated to open this June... (Full Article) |
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Port Orchard dance studio
opens second location
Text and photos by Amy Hager |
| The Dance Gallery Inc, now The Dance Gallery of Music & Dance, owned and operated by Kara Morkert and Erin Brinkerhoff, has a new beat to dance to in Silverdale. After a few months of hard work to convert the cinder block grey look of the old landmark J&R Tavern to a beautiful studio, The Dance Gallery of Music & Dance opened it’s doors in Silverdale on Jan. 8. “I can’t believe it… but my joints can,” said Morkert... (Full Article) |
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Sounds like a plan
By Wendy Miles |
| Now that we are into the New Year, you may be contemplating the resolutions you have set for yourself for the coming year. Do you have plans to lose weight? Save more money for retirement? Spend more time with the kids... (Full Article) |
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Naval Hospital Bremerton remodeling
project to commence |
| Naval Hospital Bremerton will undergo a remodeling project that will temporarily relocate the Emergency Room, Physical Therapy Department and Chiropractic Clinic, as well as the facility gymnasium. The relocations began on Jan.25... (Full Article) |
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Eickmeyer bill includes tax break
for small businesses |
| Pointing out that small businesses employ a large percentage of the state’s workers, state Rep. Bill Eickmeyer (D-Belfair) is prime-sponsoring legislation establishing a tax break for “this backbone of our economy... (Full Article) |
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Suit filed to invalidate Brown’s election
set for Feb. 5
By Lary Coppola |
| The controversy surrounding newly elected, 25-year old District 3 Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown’s official residence could be settled as soon as Feb. 5. On Jan. 16, visiting judge, Craddock D. Verser of Jefferson County, set that date to hear Central Kitsap resident Robert Ross’ lawsuit alleging that Brown intentionally lied about his official residency and is not a resident of the district he was elected from, nor has he ever lived in the Perry Avenue apartment he listed as his residence on his declaration of candidacy... (Full Article) |
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Valley Nursery asks “Where’s Valnur?” |
| Valnur, the Valley Nursery troll, is taking an extended vacation from the nursery until the impending highway construction is finished. He is doing some traveling, and has been kind enough to send pictures of some of his stops along the way. Being a very shy and fun loving troll, he has chosen to let us guess where he has been instead of telling us... (Full Article) |
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Diversity policies offer a measurable
business advantage to organizations |
| Three-fourths of U.S. companies have policies that address diversity in to workplace and actively use diversity to gain a business edge, according to a survey released recently by the Society for Human Resources Management... (Full Article) |
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Fewer discrimination charges:
Are employers doing better? |
| Since 2002, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reported that overall discrimination charges have decreased by 11.7 percent, from 84,442 to 75,428... (Full Article) |
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Risks for accidents far greater at home
than on the job |
| The National Safety Council says U.S. workers face a greater risk of accidents at home than on the job. Since 1992, the number of people dying from on-the-job injuries has declined 17 percent... (Full Article) |
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Employers expect outsourcing
to grow significantly by 2008
Top 10 outsourcing blunders |
| Large employers that outsource at least one HR function expect to do more outsourcing over the next three years, according to a survey by Hewitt Associates... (Full Article) |
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PSE customers will be paying more |
| State regulators recently approved an electrical and natural-gas rate hike that will raise utility bills for Puget Sound Energy (PSE) customers... (Full Article) |
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Kreidler launches online insurance
complaint guide |
| Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler launched a new Web-based tool for consumers, called the annual Complaint Comparison Guide at https://fortress.wa.gov/oic/complaints/. It allows consumers to search online for their auto, health and homeowners company and compare the company’s volume of complaints to other similar companies... (Full Article) |
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Racetrack developer renews
LeMay Museum sponsorship |
| The LeMay Museum recently announced the renewed sponsoring gift of $25,000 for 2007 made by Great Western Sports, developer of the proposed NASCAR racetrack in Kitsap County. A formal relationship was forged between the two organizations in 2005 when the major racetrack franchise made its first sponsoring gift of $25,000... (Full Article) |
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KMHS opens North Kitsap office |
| Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) has opened new offices in Poulsbo to better serve those needing mental health and behavioral health services in North Kitsap. The new offices, located in the Community Recreation Center at 19540 Front Street, are open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5p.m. The staff of four clinicians will accommodate an anticipated 200 clients for intake, assessment, brief and longer-term treatment, and limited medical services. Other services, such as inpatient and emergency care, will continue to be provided from the Bremerton location at 5455 Almira Drive... (Full Article) |
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Peoples Bank to open new branch in Poulsbo |
| Peoples Bank recently opened a new office in Poulsbo, located at 21505 Market Place NW, Suite 102... (Full Article) |
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Heronswood Nursery gets a needed boost |
| Preservation of the former Heronswood Nursery property in Kingston recently received a boost. The Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) announced that the “Friends of Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy (PNHC) Fund” has been established to support preservation of the internationally renowned botanical garden and plant collection... (Full Article) |
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KMHS elects members to board of directors |
| Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) recently announced the election of Norm McLoughlin, Bruce Harlow and Bill Snyder to the board of directors.
McLoughlin is director of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority and has collaborated on housing projects for KMHS clients.
Rear Admiral Bruce Harlow, USN (retired), has served on a number of boards in Kitsap County, including the KMHS Foundation Board.
Attorney Bill Snyder joins the KMHS Board after serving on the Seattle Mental Health Board of Directors from 2003-2006.
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KPBJ seeking columnist for under 40 crowd |
| The Business Journal is actively looking for someone to write a monthly column aimed at entrepreneurs under 40 years old. Ideally, the successful applicant will be in that age category. Send a resume and a sample of your writing to biznews@wetapple.com. |
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Olympic Family Practice announces
2006 Employee of the Year |
| Olympic Family Practice recently honored Lisha Herdman, certified medical assistant, as its employee of the year for 2006. Herdman assists in running the office with professionalism, dedication, care and compassion. |
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Consignment store now open in Port Orchard |
| Laney Lu’s Closet, a premium consignment store that also carries specialty gifts, is now open at 160 Harrison Ave. in Port Orchard. Mostly a women’s and children’s clothing store, Laney Lu’s Closet also offers a few men’s items, Italian Charm’s, homemade soaps and a wide variety of new and consigned jewelry.
Located across from Peninsula Feed, owner Laney Kallio says, “I am trying to stay competitive and remain 50/50 for my consigners and offer even greater discounts for using your in store credit.”
Shoppers can stop by and pick up a monthly calendar which will let them know what sales are offered for different days of the week, one of the fun ones is the Mystery Monday Discounts. Shoppers are given a chance to draw a ticket for a ten, fifteen or even twenty percent off discount for their purchase.
Laney Lu’s Closet is open Mon. 12 – 4 p.m., Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Express Personnel announces new
benefits package for associates |
| The Kitsap County Express Personnel Services owner, Wayne Sargent, recently announced a new benefits package is for all associates starting their first day working through Express. “At a time when health-care coverage is increasingly important, we are truly excited to offer this improved coverage for our associates,” said Sargent.
The new plan allows immediate eligibility for associates. It offers three open-enrollment periods, including at the time of application, after the first job assignment and during December each year. In addition, associates will be able to cancel their coverage at any time for any reason.
For information on coverage, rates and requirements, contact the Kitsap County Express Personnel office. The Bremerton office can be reached at (360) 479-4756 and Poulsbo at (360) 697-5627.
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Olympic College renames building
after former VP |
| Olympic College is renaming one of its buildings after retired Vice President of Administrative Services Michael Connolly. The facilities building will be called the Michael D. Connolly Facilities Services Building.
Connolly served as vice president of administrative services for 30 years and as interim president for one year. His work on capital projects for the college led to the successful revitalization of the Bremerton campus. Projects he played a primary role in included the facilities building, the Haselwood Library, the new Science and Technology building, the planned Humanities Student Services building and parking garage.
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Local business group installs new officers |
The Olympic Business Exchange, local chapter of BNI (Business Network International) announces a new leadership team for the coming year. President, Adam Derr; vice president: Bill Richardson; and treasurer/secretary: Kathleen Haag; Additional leadership team members include: Jon Byrd, Christa Elin, Frank Ellerbroek, Peter Newkirk, Dagmar Lacy, Rolly Rollison, and Dr. Michael Wagner.
For more information contact Derr at (360) 613-5614 or visit Olympic Business Exchange Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. at The Silverdale Beach Resort. |
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Applications for NFIB
2007 Young Entrepreneur Awards |
| The 2007 Young Entrepreneur Awards is a program of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation. The annual scholarship program for high-school seniors is designed to set teenage small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship.
Award recipients attend the university, college, community college, vocational or technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Five students will be named regional winners and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. One of the five regional winners will be named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and will be awarded an additional $5,000 for a total scholarship award of $10,000.
For more information, visit www.nfib.com/YEF and click on Young Entrepreneur Awards under the programs section. Online applications will be accepted until Feb. 12.
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West Sound Workforce names new staffer |
| Serena Erickson has joined West Sound Workforce as a full-time staffing and recruiting specialist.
Erickson, who previously worked at West Sound Workforce as a temporary employee, joins the Poulsbo branch team. She’ll handle screening, interviewing and recruiting of employees for West Sound Workforce’s central and north Kitsap County business clients. She has also worked as a staffing assistant for Whatcom Security Agency in Bellingham and has a Bachelors of Arts in cultural anthropology from Western Washington University.
Erickson can be reached at (360) 394-1882 or wsw@westsoundworkforce.com.
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AWB Legislative Day in Olympia set for Feb. 7 |
| The Association of Washington Business’ annual Legislative Day in Olympia, formerly the Legislative Reception and Briefing, will be held on Feb. 7 at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia. It has been expanded to include informative panels on issues that are a priority during the current Legislative session.
At the event, there will be an opportunity to let legislators know how businesses are impacted by their actions in key areas such as workers’ comp., education, competitiveness, and health care. Help influence decision-making by encouraging the legislators to promote policies that create an economic climate that provides the greatest opportunities for the state’s businesses and those they employ.
For more information or to register visit www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp.
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Grant promoted at Kitsap Bank |
| Kitsap Bank recently announced the promotion of Deneen Grant to Assistant Vice President/Human Resources Generalist. While Grant has been with Kitsap Bank just over a year and a half, she has over eleven years of human resources experience, all of which was gained within the banking industry. In her current position, Grant is responsible for the majority of recruitment and employee relations at Kitsap Bank.
“Deneen is a valuable member of our HR team,” remarked Marilyn Hoppen, Kitsap Bank Human Resources Director, “She is highly respected by managers, supervisors and employees, and places a high priority on meeting customer needs.”
Grant is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.
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South Kitsap Relay For Life
kicks-off new season |
| The Relay For Life of South Kitsap, fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, began its annual season of hope with a Kickoff celebration on Thursday, Jan. 25, at Le Garmache Catering in Port Orchard.
The Relay For Life of South Kitsap will take place 6:00 p.m. Fri. to 2:00 p.m. Sat., June 1 - 2 at the South Kitsap High School track. For more information contact: Mary Ann Huntington, Team Development Chair at (360) 876-5450 or mahuntington@wavecable.com.
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Davis opens Tye’s Clean 2 Sell |
| Tye Davis, a graduate of the Kitsap CASH micro-credit program, recently announced that he has opened a new business designed to assist home sellers in the South Kitsap and Key Peninsula areas by providing total interior and exterior cleaning services. He also offers trash removal, appliance disposal, yard clean-up and will assist home sellers in getting the highest price for items they do not wish to move, from garden tools to baby cribs, collectibles and antiques. Tye’s Clean 2 Sell can be reached at (253) 853-5330 or cleanit2sellit@earthlink.net. |
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Brooke Insurance opens office in Silverdale |
| Brook Insurance, an independently owned and operated franchise of Brooke Franchise Corporation, has opened under the direction of Scott Collins in Silverdale at 9857 Silverdale Way NW, Suite 91.
“We are excited to offer Brooke’s extensive selection of insurance options to the residents of Silverdale,” Collins said. “Being an independent agency allows us to be part of our local community while Brooke’s national strength gives us access to some of the top insurance company markets in the country.” Reach the firm at (360) 692-3097.
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Dino Rossi to address Port Orchard Chamber |
| Dino Rossi, who lost the 2004 governor’s race by a highly questionable 129 votes, will be the featured speaker at the Port Orchard Chamber’s March 8 general membership meeting., to be held at Le Garmache’ from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rossi will be talking about his non-profit Forward Washington Foundation, which promotes an improved business climate, responsible state budgets, government accountability, protecting the poor and the vulnerable and other issues important to the state. He will also be signing copies of his book, Lessons in Leadership, Business, Politics and Life. For more information, visit www.forwardwashington.org. Reservations are required. Call 360-876-3505 for more information.
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Democrats set annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner |
| The Kitsap County Democrats will hold their annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner and auction at the Olympic College Bremer Center, Saturday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is the principal fund-raiser each year for the group. Proceeds are used to support Democratic candidates for public office. Tickets are $50 per person. For information, contact Marilyn Boynton at 360-297-2776 or mimib@donobi.net. |
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Bremerton Rotary sets wild game dinner
and auction |
| The Bremerton Rotary Club will offer its 28th annual Wild Game Dinner and Auction on Feb. 23. This event features menu items from pheasant, elk, emu and buffalo to fresh local seafood. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Foundation and its programs.
The dinner and auction takes place at Kitsap Golf and Country Club beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include a wild game buffet, and a live auction. Auction items include travel packages, sporting events and more.
Contact Bill Fogarty for more information and tickets at (360) 308-2034.
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Insurance consultant issues special report |
| Dan Weedin, CIC, owner of Toro Insurance Consultants, recently announced that a second special report, Your Personal Insurance Survival Guide, is now available. The report focuses on how to make informed decisions about personal insurance challenges, from auto and homeowner’s coverage to earthquake, life, disability, and long-term care insurance and more.
The 14-page report defines insurance terms, explains what is covered and how to read a policy’s declaration page, and offers case studies that illustrate the difference insurance decisions can make. The report is available in PDF format for $18.46 (including tax).
To order, visit Toro Insurance Consultants at www.toroic.com, an online resource that also offers free tips and articles on insurance topics. The report will be e-mailed within one business day. For more information, contact Weedin at (360) 697-1058 or dan@toroic.com.
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BAC hosting book drive to support
Bainbridge Library |
| Bainbridge Arts and Crafts (BAC) is hosting a book drive and is asking the community to bring beautiful, but neglected art books to gallery at 151 Winslow Way E., on Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sun. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bainbridge Library chooses the books it wants for its collection. The books that the library does not choose return to the Gallery where they may be purchased for a donation.
For more information, contact Victoria Josslin, at (206) 842-3132 or Victoria@bacart.org.
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Cosmo’s announces two artists showing |
| Cosmo’s Community of Artists Program, dedicated to showing works of local Kitsap artisans in several different mediums, continues with a showing of two artists new to the facility.
Virginia Rollo, an “impressionistic” artist of varied mediums, has received many awards for her art and writing and has several pieces, mostly in oils, hanging in the dining room for public perusal.
Next, Dianne Gardner specializes in “plein air” painting which is done out of doors and on site. She also does romantic portraiture and figurative oils. A member of the Board of South Kitsap Artists’ Association, she is very active in the local art community.
Artist biographies and contact information for these artists can be found on-site at the showing at Cosmo’s, 1821 SE Lund Ave., Port Orchard. For more information, contact Shelly Lewis at (360) 895-3138.
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County appoints new administrator |
| Poulsbo resident Nancy Buonanno-Grennan was appointed by Kitsap County as the new administrator to fill the position to be vacated by Cris Gears in February. Buonanno Grennan, who currently works as the King County’s labor relations manager, previously held the same position with Kitsap County from 2000 to 2004... (Full Article) |
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