|
|
|
|
COVER STORY
KPS Health Plans CEO hands in her resignation
By Lary Coppola |
|
Saying, “I was sitting in a meeting, knowing my daughter had a swim meet that day, when it hit me — I’d never seen her swim. That was the very moment when I realized it was time.”
Eight years after taking over a community institution on the brink of insolvency and successfully leading it through a major financial restructuring that included engineering a bold plan relying on the region’s medical establishment and the company’s major creditors to accept what would have been worthless paper had she failed, Elizabeth Gilje is walking away.
“There isn’t a better time than right now,” she stated. “I’m at the very top of my game. We’ve come out of receivership, paid off all the outstanding provider notes, and we did it early. The company is operating in the black, and business is pretty darn good. It’s time for me to take care of me, take care of my family, and do it in ways that are much more than just financial... (Full Article)
|
Attorney General visits Bremerton
as part of identity theft tour |
|
Attorney General Rob McKenna will be in Bremerton Monday, August 27 as part of the Guard It! Washington tour. The visit is part of a 15-city statewide tour on identity theft this summer and fall to educate business owners and consumers on how to keep their personal data safe. The campaign is a partnership of the Attorney General’s Office, Federal Trade Commission and AARP.
Attorney General McKenna will open the day with comments before attendees at the Bremerton Rotary. He will share tips to help businesses better protect their customers and employees... (Full Article)
|
|
Eickmeyer to serve only through 2008 |
|
State Representative William ‘Ike’ Eickmeyer will serve out the full two-year term to which he was elected in 2006, but has decided not to run for re-election as State Representative for the 35th District in 2008.
“It is both a privilege and an honor to represent such a diverse and interesting district, and I wish to thank the citizens who continue to place their trust in me to represent them in Olympia.” said Eickmeyer in his statement... (Full Article)
|
Rossi promotes ‘Idea Bank’
at Gig Harbor event
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Dino Rossi visited Gig Harbor in July to talk about ideas to improve the business climate and quality of life in the state. Only he wasn’t really the star of those ideas — instead, he moderated a forum, soliciting ideas from the audience... (Full Article) |
Trading retirement for public service:
A conversation with Steve Bauer
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Steve Bauer was sworn in on July 9 as a Kitsap County commissioner, filling the unexpired term of Chris Endresen. The 62-year-old Hansville resident was the top choice out of 11 candidates. A retired city manager for Bellevue and former finance director for the city of Portland, Ore., Bauer has a 26-year career in public service. He was also one of the two consultants hired by the county last year to analyze the Department of Community Development and suggest solutions for systemic changes... (Full Article) |
New Gig Harbor YMCA
to feature unique concept
By Rodika Tollefson |
| When doors open on Aug. 21 at the new Gig Harbor YMCA, visitors may be surprised to see a facility that looks different from the average YMCA. Billed as the top Y in the region, the Gig Harbor facility has a concept new to the nonprofit, mission-based organization: to serve not just as a fitness facility, but also as a gathering space... (Full Article) |
Court rules employer can be liable
for acts of independent contractor |
| In a case brought under Title VII for sex harassment, an employer was held liable for the acts of an independent contractor working on site when it was brought to the employer’s attention and the employer failed to intervene... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Understand your safety responsibilities
as an employer
By Julie Tappero |
| “Joe has fallen off a ladder and they took him by ambulance to Harrison. He is in critical condition, and they’re not sure he’s going to make it.” These are words that no employer wants to hear about an employee. We think that we are doing everything we can to keep employees safe on the job, but accidents do happen... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Rehiring your former employees
may be beneficial to all |
| For many organizations, reaching out to former employees has become on important recruiting strategy... (Full Article) |
Former Mitzel’s site to unveil
new restaurant concept
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The site of the former Mitzel’s American Kitchen in Poulsbo, which had been destroyed in a fire, has been busy with construction. Parent company Elmer’s Restaurants Inc. is working to rebuild — but when a new restaurant opens its doors later this year, it will look nothing like MItzel’s... (Full Article) |
Landmark Port Orchard restaurant
under new family ownership
By Rodika Tollefson |
| A popular downtown Port Orchard restaurant reopened in July with new menu, new décor — and new owners. From the outside, what was once Tweten’s Lighthouse doesn’t look much different. But inside, the new concept for what is now Gino’s is clearly evident... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Young entrepreneurs launch water sports business in Gig Harbor
By Kathleen Byrne Barrantes |
| Just when health officials warn that America’s youth spend too much time inside with “virtual” action games and not enough time being active, two young wakeboard competition champions bring their sport back home... (Full Article) |
The real story behind Weinstein’s SB 5550
By Brian Minnich, Legislative Affairs Director
Building Industry Association of Washington |
| The bill that garnered the most controversy this legislation session, and whose defeat was the biggest success for the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), was Senator Brian Weinstein’s (D-Mercer Island) so-called “Homeowner’s Bill of Rights.” Weinstein’s bill would have mandated lengthy warranties and extended the amount of time homeowners could sue builders and remodelers... (Full Article) |
Leadership Kitsap announces new executive
committee and board of directors |
| Leadership Kitsap has selected its new executive committee to oversee the local community leadership program. Marla Brady, administrator for service excellence and CMO operations for Harrison Medical Center will serve as president; Kim Churchill, assistant counsel for FISC Puget Sound is now president-elect; Ken Bagwell, assistant city attorney for the City of Bremerton... (Full Article) |
Center for Government Reform taps Mercier
as new director |
| Washington Policy Center (WPC), Washington’s public policy research and education organization, has tapped Jason Mercier to open its new Center for Government Reform... (Full Article) |
Expanding our reach
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” ~Pauline R. Kezer
By Wendy Miles |
| In the case of the Kitsap Business Assistance Center (KBAC) located at the Norm Dicks Government Center, we have the benefit of both. Year to date, the KBAC has created or saved 37 jobs, assisted in finding $3,020,800 in funding for clients, and has had a total economic impact of $5,552,179 in Kitsap County... (Full Article) |
|
SAFE Boats wins Navy Riverine contract |
| Port Orchard-based SAFE Boats International, LLC. (SBI) has been awarded a contract to provide a new asset to the United States Navy’s Riverine force. The vessel, designated as the Riverine Command Boat (RCB), is a 49’ diesel/jet platform with reconfiguration capabilities that will allow the Navy to convert the vessel’s mission with minimal changes to the base design... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Pollard Dental awarded
EnviroStars certification |
| Pollard Dental, located at 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd in Silverdale, recently qualified as a 4-star EnviroStars certified business. The EnviroStars Program recognizes businesses for reducing the use of hazardous chemicals and properly managing their hazardous waste... (Full Article) |
|
FMLA can cover laid-off workers and applicants |
| The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can protect prospective and former employees, not just current ones, a federal appeals court ruled July 14... (Full Article) |
|
Cliff Niederer celebrates 100th birthday |
| Cliff Niederer, long-time Bainbridge resident and American Marine Bank customer, celebrated his 100th birthday on June 29... (Full Article) |
Birkenfeld Trust bestows more than
$900,000 to Kitsap nonprofits |
| The Seattle Foundation’s board of trustees recently approved a total of $1.2 million in grants from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust to area nonprofits, including $925,000 to 11 Kitsap County organizations... (Full Article) |
Aitchinson selected for State Farmers
Markets Association position |
| The Poulsbo Farmers Market announced that market manager Jackie Aitchison has accepted a position as the new administrative director for the Washington State Farmers Markets Association (WSFMA). The former Poulsbo City Council member will continue to serve as the market manager of the Poulsbo Farmers Market while taking on the day-to-day management of the association that is dedicated to supporting and growing farmers markets in Washington State... (Full Article) |
Rabbi Daniel Lapin to speak
at P. O. Chamber luncheon |
| Nationally acclaimed speaker and best-selling author Rabbi Daniel Lapin will speak at the Aug. 9 at 11:30 a.m. general membership luncheon at Le Garmache Catering in the Westbay Center... (Full Article) |
|
Animal Emergency and Trauma Center celebrates 14 years in Poulsbo |
| Animal Emergency and Trauma Center (AETC) recently announced that it is celebrating its 14th year serving the household pets of Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam County residents... (Full Article) |
KMHS named one of Washington’s
Best 100 Companies to work for |
| Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) was selected by Washington CEO magazine as one of the Best 100 companies to work for in the state. It was chosen from over 200 companies nominated for consideration... (Full Article) |
New law says credit checks
must be job related |
| When Governor Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5827 into law, employers became prohibited from obtaining credit reports of job applicants or employees unless the information is “substantially job related,” and the employer’s reasons for obtaining such information are disclosed to the applicant in writing... (Full Article) |
Draft of Keyport Community Plan is released
Public hearing set for Aug. 14 |
| After four years of work with dedicated volunteers from Keyport area community groups and individuals, the Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) has released the draft Keyport Community Plan. A public hearing on the plan will be held on Aug 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street in Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
|
Sungrafx changes ownership |
| Sungrafx, a local provider of advertising, marketing, graphic and website design services, announced recently that the company has changed ownership... (Full Article) |
|
Denny’s to expand state franchise offerings |
| Denny’s Corp. recently announced the launch of its Franchise Growth Initiative, a new program designed to accelerate franchise growth in key markets across the country — including Washington State.
The first successful multi-unit transactions have included the sale of 34 company restaurants to both new and existing Denny’s franchisees, and commitments by those franchisees to develop 26 new restaurants. The largest franchisee of Carl’s Jr., Harshad Dharod, has also become a new franchisee in Washington.
|
|
US Bank promotes Boulch |
| US Bank announced that Jari Boulch has been promoted to assistant vice-president. Boulch is branch manager of Sedgwick Branch in Port Orchard as well as lead manager for six additional Branches. She has received the Pinnacle Award granted nationally at US Bank for landing in the top 10 percent nationwide, for customer service and sales. Boulch recently traveled to Scottsdale, Ariz. to be honored by US Bank’s President and CEO, Richard Davis. |
First American Title announces promotion
and addition |
| First American has announced the promotion of Darci Krieder formerly LPO/branch manager of its Port Orchard office to escrow manager for all First American Kitsap County offices. Krieder has 15 years experience in the title and escrow industry and has been in escrow for 11 years. Krieder can be reached at (360) 692-9314 or at dkrieder@firstam.com.
Also Alicia Bachand joins First American as a sales representative for the Silverdale/Bremerton area. She brings over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing.
|
|
BPA names David Upham as BSO music director |
| Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) and the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcome new music director and conductor David Upham for the symphony’s landmark 2007-2008 35th anniversary season, with concerts in Nov., Mar., and May/June, plus a special program with the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra in Apr.
Having recently completed his doctorate in conducting at the University of Washington under Peter Erös, Upham received prior training at the University of Northern Colorado and Luther College. Additionally, he has worked with Gunther Schuller at the Schweitzer Institute, Gustav Meier and Marin Alsop at the Cabrillo Music Festival, and was awarded a Conducting Apprenticeship at the Hot Springs Music Festival.
|
|
Goller Grade & Gravel earns four EnviroStars |
| Goller Grade & Gravel of Bremerton is the first construction company in Kitsap County to be named an EnviroStar, receiving 4 out of 5 stars, said Niels Nicolaisen, who coordinates the EnviroStars program for the Kitsap County Health District.
The company has incorporated low-toxicity practices into its landscaping operation, he said, noting that even marking paint used to locate landscape features is biodegradable.
The company recycles most of its waste, including asphalt, yard waste, tree limbs, scrap metals and demolition debris. It also uses only fish-friendly products in its water features, and employees are required to attended classes about environmentally safe designs.
|
|
Abiding HomeCare expands space, services |
| With the rapidly growing market for senior “in-home” care in Kitsap County, Abiding HomeCare is expanding its services, adding additional caregivers, and enlarging its office space.
According to Randy Hardin, Abiding HomeCare’s executive director, the additional office space will be utilized not only for training staff, but for offering training to family members who provide home care to loved ones as well.
“We want to help family caregivers do a better job of caring for their loved ones and themselves”, stated Hardin. “Serving as a family caregiver is one of the most rewarding and yet demanding ways a person can help those in need.”
Abiding Homecare can be reached at (360) 692-6929, (877) 266-2856 or www.abidinghomecare.com.
|
|
Smith joins BPA staff |
| Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) recently welcomed new staff member Austin Smith as production manager/technical director. Smith fills the position vacated by BPA veteran Mark Sell who recently took a sabbatical.
Originally from Florida, Smith has a double major in theatrical design/production and stage direction from Pepperdine University. He has served in a wide variety of backstage roles, including lighting and set design.
|
Cimarron Motor Inn joins Oxford Inn chain
Butler named sales manager for chain’s two Silverdale properties |
| Baney Hotels, owners and operators of Oxford Inn and Suites, recently announced that the Cimarron Motor Inn has changed its name to Oxford Inn. In addition, the anticipated date for the grand opening of its sister property, the Oxford Suites, located at 9550 NW Silverdale Way, will be at the beginning of September.
Sandra Butler has been named as the sales manager for both properties. She has worked in the hotel industry in Germany and Hawaii with Radisson, Renaissance, and Hyatt and is excited about this new opportunity.
Contact Butler at sandrab@oxfordsuites.com or (360) 698.9550.
|
|
Summer Golf Scramble set for Aug. 16 |
| The Bainbridge Chamber’s 11th Annual Summer Golf Scramble will be held Thursday Aug. 16 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club. Player cost: $105. Player forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.bainbridgechamber.com.
For more information about sponsoring a hole or playing in the tournament, contact Cathy Smith or Kevin Dwyer at (206) 842-3700.
|
|
Coaching business opens in Silverdale |
| Joanne Victoria, core vision strategist, author and speaker announced the opening of New Directions in Silverdale. She works with small business owners, for example, the construction, real estate and medical industries and is the author of “Vision with a Capital V – Create the Business of Your Dreams and Lighting Your Path - How to Create the Life You Want.”
New Directions can be reached at (360) 377-2995 or visit the website at www.JoanneVictoria.com.
|
|
Bainbridge Island Art Expo |
| The Bainbridge Island Chamber is teaming up with Winslow Contemporary Arts and the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council to present the 2007 Art Expo, located on a farm setting at 13398 Manzanita Road, NE. The first-ever Art Expo will feature 40 artists, 10 organizations, 21 musicians and one historic farm house. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 and 5 on Bainbridge.
For a schedule of events and more info, visit: www.ArtExpoBI.com.
|
|
Spa opens offering new concept in skin care |
| New Image Medical Rejuvenation Center is a locally-owned medical spa operated under the direct supervision of an onsite physician, Dr. J.O. Zapata. Located at 2414 NW Myhre Rd NW in Silverdale, the services offered include: Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Laser hair removal, Photo Rejuvenation, Laser vein removal, micropeels, collagen building, and cellulite reduction.
Complimentary consultations are offered with privacy being a main concern. At New Image its goal is to determine the treatment and skin care program that is best suited to an individual’s lifestyle, skin type, and expectations.
New Image Medical Rejuvenation Center can be reached at (360) 692-7700.
|
|
BSA elects new board for 2007-2008 season |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association (BSO) board of directors has elected the following officers to the board for the 2007-2008 season: Holly James, president; Bryant Arnold, 1st vice president; Jewell Linder, 2nd vice president; Steve Politakis, treasurer; and Sara Nell Davis, secretary. |
Silverdale Chamber names technical
trades’ scholarship winners |
| Each year, in community partnership with the Central Kitsap Kiwanis, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, awards scholarships to three graduating seniors from Central Kitsap School District high schools.
The nominees from each of the schools represented a myriad of interests and backgrounds. The following students were selected as recipients; Jeanne’ Dixon from Central Kitsap High School, Daman Wadke from Klahowya Secondary School, and Sarah Varady from Olympic High School.
|
|
Peninsula Gardens’ designer takes the gold |
| Peninsula Gardens took the gold in the Pt. Defiance Flower and Garden Show container contest. Terri Hiatt, award-winning designer, entered the Treasure Island category. She brought out the true pirate spirit using unique combinations of tropical plants and colorful annuals and perennials. The skeleton pirate, complete with a dead man’s chest full of treasure, accented her creativity.
Hiatt is a highly acclaimed designer and is the creator of Terosa Fertilizer: a once a year fertilizer for roses. For more information on Hiatt and her designs, call Peninsula Gardens at (253) 851-8115.
|
|
Marks named KPS Health Plans President |
| KPS Health Plans board of directors has retained Richard Marks to serve as president on an interim basis. He replaces Elizabeth Gilje who resigned July 13 after eight years as president/CEO of the company... (Full Article) |
Congressman Norm Dicks endorses
Coppola for Port Orchard Mayor |
| Port Orchard Mayoral Candidate Lary Coppola has picked up the endorsement of Congress Norm Dicks (D-Belfair) in support of his bid to be elected Mayor of Port Orchard. Coppola was also recently endorsed by the Port Orchard Police Association and Firefighters Local 2876, as well as IBEW Local 46... (Full Article) |
Tim Eyman speaks at the
Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce |
| Initiative King Tim Eyman, co-sponsor of this year’s I-960, the Taxpayer Protection Initiative, and and head of Voters Want More Choices, a grassroots taxpayer-protection organization, will be speaking at the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce meeting on Sept. 13. The meeting will be held at LaGarmache, with doors opening at 11:30am... (Full Article) |
|
|
| |
|
