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COVER STORY
Builders showcase their best
in annual Parade of Homes
By Lary Coppola |
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The Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County (HBA) proudly recognized the best work its 500+ members have to offer in its annual Parade of Homes event, which was held the weekend of August 4-5.
The event featured the work of 39 builders and included homes located from Port Orchard to Port Ludlow. The winners were announced at the annual Parade Banquet, held at the Silverdale Hotel on August 17.
The nominations were broken down into price categories that ranged from under $300,000 to $1 million and over. Winners included some familiar names from past Parade events as well as some newcomers.
Winning in the under $300,000 category was Cascade Specialties for its home at 1216 Humphrey Ave. in Bremerton. The next category was $300,000 to $450,000, which was won by American Dream Homes for its offering at 1890 Redwood Place in Port Orchard. Both American Dream Homes and Cascade Specialties are first-time event winners... (Full Article)
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Westbay Auto Parts joins
Napa Auto Parts program |
| Westbay Auto Parts, Inc. the largest auto parts chain in Kitsap County will be using NAPA Auto Parts as their primary parts and accessories supplier... (Full Article) |
Westsound Bank lays off 33
from mortgage lending operation
By Lary Coppola |
| In a tersely worded, three sentence press release sent out after the stock market closed on Friday, Sept. 21, WSB Financial Group, Inc., the parent company for Bremerton-based Westsound Bank and Mortgage, announced that it had laid off 33 people in its mortgage lending division. A call to Bank President and CEO Dave Johnson on that Friday morning only elicited the response that a press release would be forthcoming after the market closed... (Full Article) |
Grass-roots Key Peninsula project
receives national funding
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Key Peninsula added a new senior information center in August where residents can call in or stop by to find out about the local resources available to seniors. Trained volunteers will staff the service, which has been in the works for several months... (Full Article) |
What businesses can learn
from the iPhone phenomenon
By John Graham |
| “If you’re not a reviewer, chances are you won’t even bother to look at the manual,” wrote Time reviewer Lev Grossman. That’s nothing less than a stunning comment about any cell phone, particularly one that brings you phone, camera, Internet, wi-fi and, of course, an iPod music player... (Full Article) |
WINNERS IN BUSINESS
Sharon Snuffin of Snuffin’s Catering
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The name of Snuffin’s Catering is well-known around Gig Harbor, where its headquarters reside, and all around the region. A company that has served clients ranging from the Museum of Glass and the Russell Investment Group to Microsoft and the city of Tacoma, Snuffin’s Catering has earned a great reputation both for its corporate services and its private parties like weddings... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Wild salmon recovery on the upswing
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| As predicted this is turning out to be a huge trapping year for salmon marking the return from four years ago in 2003 when 12,000 adults returned to the Union River... (Full Article) |
Puget Sound grocery workers
win nation’s best labor contract
Three-year recommended contract overwhelmingly ratified |
| By 92%, Puget Sound grocery workers overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract agreement with three national grocery chains: Safeway, SuperValue (Albertson’s) and Kroger (Fred Meyer and QFC). United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 21 had recommended members ratify the contract after over five months of negotiations... (Full Article) |
Mason County tourism website
officially launched |
| A new tourism website is open for business at www.explorehoodcanal.com. Funded by lodging tax revenue, the website showcases the Hood Canal and South Puget Sound Region. The site’s navigation and interactive menu is complemented by its editorial content, photography, mapping capabilities and panoramic views of the area’s beauty... (Full Article) |
Finalists announced for 2007
Wild Salmon Hall of Fame |
| Fall is in the air, and as the Wild Salmon return to our rivers the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center is preparing for the 5th annual Wild Salmon Hall of Fame celebration. The gala award ceremony will be held Sept.22, at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton... (Full Article) |
Preparing for the unexpected
By Wendy Miles |
| Marilyn runs a small accounting firm in Kitsap. She has a bustling business with many clients and three staff. One evening, after a week of rain, the hill behind Marilyn’s office building gave way, slamming into the back of the building. The force of the mudslide caused enough damage to make the building dangerous and therefore inaccessible to employees. It also left 18 inches of mud inside the building... (Full Article) |
New SBA rules increase access to bonds
for small and emerging businesses |
| The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a number of steps to reinvigorate its Surety Bond Guarantee Program and make it easier for small businesses to obtain bonds... (Full Article) |
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Dicks applauds online habitat work schedule |
| Congressman Norm Dicks (D-Belfair), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) director Dr. Jeff Koenings, special assistant Tim Smith and InterLocking Software Corporation (ILSC) president Jim Nall recently recognized the development of a new tool to aid salmon recovery... (Full Article) |
How old is too old when trying
to collect on past due debt?
By Paula Bartlett |
| The statute of limitations varies from state to state, with Washington’s statute of limitations set at six years, (RCW 4.16.040) in regards to written contracts. Oral contracts are three years, (RCW 4.16.080), while Judgments and recovery of property are 10 years... (Full Article) |
Community electronic waste recycling
event held at Central Market
Second event set for Sept. 15 in Silverdale |
| Olympic Printer Resources, Inc. of Kingston and EcycleNW of Sequim teamed up with Poulsbo Central Market, The North Kitsap Herald, American Marine Bank and Prowse & Company to sponsor a Community Electronic Waste Recycling Day recently at the Central Market parking lot in Poulsbo... (Full Article) |
Nominations sought for Port Orchard
Chamber Man and Woman of the Year |
| In 1963 the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce selected the first Man of the Year, Dr. Howard Minor. Since 1963, 68 men and women have been honored as Man and Woman of the Year, for their commitment to the South Kitsap Community. Last year’s Man and Woman of the year were Fire Chief Wayne Senter and Debi Smith... (Full Article) |
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Art Anderson welcomes more new personnel |
| Bremerton-based Art Anderson Associates recently added four new people to its staff to meet its growing project needs. Robert (Bob) Dullanty, Scott Newbury, Daniel Green and Shan Zhao have recently joined the team... (Full Article) |
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Tim Eyman to speak at P. O. Chamber lunch |
| The Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce brings a well-known name to Port Orchard for its general membership luncheon meeting presentation: Tim Eyman. Eyman will present his perspective of the Taxpayer Protection Initiative 960, which he co-sponsored... (Full Article) |
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Two of Kitsap’s oldest CPA firms merge |
| Two of Kitsap County’s oldest CPA firms, Southard, Beckham, Atwater & Berry, and Tucker & Buskirk Inc., announced on August 27, that they will merge. The combined firm will operate from the Port Orchard office of Southard, Beckham, Atwater & Berry, at 691 Bethel Avenue, in Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
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Kingston’s Entertainment Northwest honored by The Knot magazine |
| Entertainment Northwest has just been awarded the “Top Pick” and “Best of the Best” in the Northwest for wedding disc jockey entertainment by The Knot magazine, a leading bridal magazine and website. The Kingston company eclipsed the ratings of competing entertainment companies to win the award in an independent market survey of brides and was recently featured in an article in The Knot Best Of Weddings issue, of which over 200,000 copies were distributed coast-to-coast... (Full Article) |
Northwoods Lodge receives perfect
state inspection, under new management |
| Northwoods Lodge, of Encore Communities, has once again received a “zero-deficiency” survey, this time under the leadership and direction of its new executive director, Melissa Halverson. She was promoted to executive director position after serving as director of nursing. She has been with Northwoods Lodge for ten years and has an extensive history of perfect State Survey Awards... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
New sustainability task force created
to help determine future of parks |
| With the $4 million budget shortfall facing the Kitsap County general fund, budget cuts being considered are pointing to discretionary — or elective — departments such as Parks and Recreation, the largest among the county’s few non-mandated programs... (Full Article) |
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Finn announces bid for 35th District Seat |
| Fred Finn, a Democrat who lives in rural Thurston County, announces his candidacy for position of State Representative from the 35th Legislative District. The 35th District includes all of Mason and parts of Kitsap, Grays Harbor and Thurston Counties. Longtime incumbent Bill Eickmeyer (D-Belfair) recently announced he would not seek re-election to the seat... (Full Article) |
KCDEM receives grant from PSE
for emergency preparedness videos |
| With the region’s stormy season just around the corner, the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) received a $10,000 grant from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to help fund streaming videos. The videos are designed to provide citizens with a visual guide to help prepare themselves and their households for potential emergencies... (Full Article) |
KPS hosts 7th annual
charity golf tourney Sept. 7 |
| The 7th annual KPS Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Sept. 7 at McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard. The four-person scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m., with prizes. A casual buffet-style dinner will follow... (Full Article) |
Clearing the air:
Harrison Medical Center to go smoke-free |
| On Nov. 15, the day of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, Harrison Medical Center is going smoke- and tobacco-free inside and out. The hospital has announced it will eliminate the use of tobacco products at all Harrison sites — Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
Legislative veteran named
to lead NFIB/Washington |
| Troy Nichols has been the top advisor to a Speaker of the House, a legislative director for a majority leader, an aide to a U.S. Senator and Congressman, directed political campaigns, won elective office, and run his own public affairs firm. Now, Nichols brings his experience to the new role as the Washington state director for the small-business advocacy group, NFIB, the National Federation of Independent Business... (Full Article) |
Telebyte NW, Convergence Technologies and
NW Commnet invite public to open house |
| Convergence Technologies, Telebyte NW and NW Commnet have consolidated its three locations to better suit the needs of the three growing companies, as well as enhance service to their customers. The firms are inviting the public to an open house on Wednesday, Sept 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 900 Sheridan Road, Suite 108 in Bremerton... (Full Article) |
Cosmo’s Ristorante and Deli
announces new hours |
| Cosmo’s Ristorante in Port Orchard has announced extended hours. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 4, Cosmo’s will no longer close between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m... (Full Article) |
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OPG makes plans for historic farm |
| The Olympic Property Group recently acquired the historic Babcock Farm in Port Gamble, and plans to turn it into a showcase farm that both preserves history and provides locally grown produce. The 40-acre space will be turned into a working farm that would be leased to a farmer for growing organic produce and possibly operating a crop-sharing program known as CSA (community supported agriculture). The farm will be part of OPG’s master plan for Port Gamble, a town it owns and operates... (Full Article) |
Sound Publishing acquires publications
from Sun News, Inc. |
| Sound Publishing, Inc., publisher of six weekly papers in Kitsap County, and community newspapers and shoppers in the Pacific Northwest, has purchased two established community newspapers, a regional shopper and two monthly business publications... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Eco-friendly refrigerant ready to replace freon |
| Most air conditioners curently use refrigerant R-22, which adds to the problem of global climate change. So, when it comes time to decide how to replace an outdated air conditioning unit, the Environmental Protection Agency urges consumers to select one that uses eco-friendly R-410A... (Full Article) |
Silverdale Chamber announces
new connection opportunities |
| In an effort to reach out to businesses and individuals who may not be members of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce the Chamber is offering guest subscriptions to its weekly email newsletter and event announcements... (Full Article) |
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Soroptimist charters in Gig Harbor |
| Soroptimist International, an international volunteer organization for business and professional women, recently chartered a new club in Gig Harbor. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world... (Full Article) |
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New Allstate insurance agency opens in P.O. |
| Allstate Insurance Company announced the opening of a new agency in Port Orchard at 3010 Bethel Rd. Owned and operated by agent Dale Huysman, the agency offers a complete line of products and services, including auto, property, commercial and life insurance... (Full Article) |
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Closet Tailors open new showroom in Poulsbo |
| Closet Tailors of Poulsbo, a locally owned franchise that specializes in organization systems for home and business, recently announced the opening of a brand new showroom. The new facility is located next to Brocks Interiors, and across the street from Central Market... (Full Article) |
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Tribe buys business park to diversify holdings |
| The Suquamish Tribe has purchased a business park off Highway 305, to diversify its businesses, which include the Clearwater Casino Resort, Kiana Lodge and the Masi Shop. Port Madison Enterprises (PME) recently completed the land deal for the 6-acre Agate Pass Business Park, between George Lane and Totten Road on the Port Madison Reservation... (Full Article) |
State requires consent for
corporate-owned life insurance |
| It is now illegal in Washington State for corporations to secretly take out life insurance policies on rank-and-file employees. State law requires the written consent of the employee before coverage is taken out, and it forces the employer to provide additional notification to the insured within 30 days of purchasing the insurance... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Enforcement of unemployment tax
pays off for state |
| Employers trying to manipulate the unemployment-insurance system are learning that fraud does not pay. The state Employment Security Department added a new unit last summer dedicated to finding employers that defraud the system. In its first year, the unit discovered some $5 million in unpaid taxes... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Secrets to staying strong
at the bargaining table |
| A reputation for toughness is a great asset for a negotiator. It earns respect and diminishes your opponents’ expectations. Playing tough is part technique, part acting. Here are a few suggestions... (Full Article) |
Court finds e-mail harassing
even if not received by employee |
| A sexually derogatory e-mail concerning a female sales manager that was exchanged in the office was evidence of harassment, even though the e-mail was not sent to the female manager herself, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled recently... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Cost of employees continues to increase |
| Total employee compensation costs increased 0.9 percent during the second quarter, the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Cost Index recently released. The increase mirrored a first quarter increase of 0.8 percent. Wages and salaries rose 0.8 percent during the second quarter while benefit costs increased 1.3 percent, up from 0.1 percent during the first quarter... (Full Article) |
Silverdale Chamber unveils
minority business partnership |
| The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce recently announced the creation of the ‘Diversity Prosperity Partnership.’ The purpose of the partnership is to collaborate with minority owned businesses and minority business people to create avenues to success... (Full Article) |
Businesses invited to partner
with Waste Free Holidays |
| Kitsap County businesses are invited to participate in the regional Waste Free Holidays program in an effort to help residents reduce holiday waste. “Give experiences instead of stuff,” is the theme of the campaign, which encourages residents to rethink shopping habits. Participating business offer discounts of 15 percent or more on tickets of gift certificates for music, plays, sporting events, museums, restaurant meals, spa treatments, lodging, tanning, or other “gift” services purchased from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31... (Full Article) |
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Perlego appoints Alan Beauchamp new CFO |
| Perlego Systems, Inc., located in Gig Harbor, announced that Alan Beauchamp has joined the executive team as chief financial officer (CFO). With more than two decades of technology and financial industry experience, Beauchamp will oversee Perlego’s strategic financial initiatives as the company expands its market share in the U.S. and abroad... (Full Article) |
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Beware of fraudulent 800 number phone calls |
| The Washington State Department of Revenue has received reports that taxpayers have received automated phone messages from a party identifying itself as the Department of Revenue... (Full Article) |
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