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COVER STORY
Profile: Doug Woodside
Owner of Barefoot Backyards
opens new store in Kingston
By Shauna Kroeger |
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Doug Woodside is owner of a brand new outdoor patio store called Barefoot Backyards, located just off of Bond Road in Kingston. His new showroom displays a variety of decks, spas, and outdoor comfort.
Barefoot Backyards was a three year long project for the award-winning custom home builder that just recently came to fruition.
Before Barefoot Backyards, Woodside ran a construction company called Woodside Construction. He’s been building built custom homes in North Kitsap and Jefferson Counties since 1990.
He began looking for something different in 2003. His wife Karla was in real estate at the time that he was doing construction. After coming up with the idea, they began attending trade shows and getting into the outdoor environment, until the concept of Barefoot Backyards emerged... (Full Article)
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Bremerton Housing Authority seeks
comments on federal grant application |
| The Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) is seeking public comments on pending applications to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Brownfields grants that could secure up to $200,000 per property for examining soils and groundwater for potential hazardous substance contamination at sites located on Kitsap Way and Oyster Bay Road... (Full Article) |
Never being satisfied with new success:
A conversation with Cary Bozeman
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman has become a celebrity of sorts. The transformation of downtown Bremerton has attracted media attention all around the region as well as requests by other governments and entities for Bozeman to share the city’s secret to success... (Full Article) |
Congratulations –
40 Under Forty Class of 2007 |
| With over 70 nominations from all walks of life, including both the public and private sectors to be considered, our extremely discerning panel of judges has selected 40 of the Kitsap Peninsula’s most outstanding individuals to be recognized with our third “40 Under Forty” honors... (Full Article) |
Profile: Amy Igloi-Matsuno
Amy’s on the Bay
creates destination experience
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Amy Igloi-Matsuno and her husband, Grant, have owned their restaurant, Amy’s on the Bay, on the downtown Port Orchard waterfront, for less than two years. But in this time, the former J.J’s restaurant has become a destination and a popular venue both for locals and tourists... (Full Article) |
Are you taking full advantage of your SBDC?
By Wendy Miles |
| As a small business owner, you may often feel as if you have to go it alone. After all, your business doesn’t have the budget or extensive resources that larger businesses have available to bring in outside consultants to provide training for your employees, help you refine your business plan, or develop a vision for your business’ future... (Full Article) |
KCF Celebration of Philanthropy
salutes volunteerism and giving |
| A celebration of local philanthropy took place when the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) recognized individuals and organizations that have exceeded the accepted bounds of generosity. The Celebration of Philanthropy was held at the Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside and both bestowed honors on specific recipients and paid tribute to the spirit that compels people to donate their time and financial resources... (Full Article) |
New poll shows Rossi could win
governor’s race rematch |
| A new poll commissioned recently by the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) in June revealed that a hypothetical rematch between 2004 Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi and Democrat Governor Christine Gregoire results in a statistical dead heat... (Full Article) |
KEDA seeking executive director
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) launched a nationwide search for an executive director in September, with the goal to have someone on board by early next year. Kathy Cocus, who has filled in as interim director since the abrupt departure of David Porter last year, said the search has not started earlier because the board “worked with various partners to figure out what we want economic development to look like... (Full Article) |
Things I can’t Live Without
Kevin Dwyer: Bike trips
By Rodika Tollefson |
| For Kevin Dwyer, his first love is his family. “I cherish them a lot,” he says. But beyond that, one thing he “can’t live without” is his road bicycling. With a small group of buddies, he goes out just about every Sunday for a 20-or-so-mile ride around Bainbridge Island, where he lives and works as the executive director of the island’s Chamber of Commerce... (Full Article) |
Town & Country Market celebrates
50 years in business
By Shauna Kroeger |
| Bainbridge Island’s Town & Country Market recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Picnic in the Park Anniversary Party, along with events and cake inside the store... (Full Article) |
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Supreme Court upholds state definition of Political Action Committee |
| The Washington Supreme Court recently upheld the state’s definition of a “political committee,” ruling that the Seattle-based Voters Education Committee (VEC) was in fact required to register with the Public Disclosure Commission and to disclose the source of its $1.5 million advertising campaign during the 2004 primary election race for attorney general... (Full Article) |
County Commissioners hosting
“Community Conversations” |
| County residents are invited to attend the balance of the three community meetings with the Board of County Commissioners. These “Community Conversations” will allow the commissioners to share an overview of the county’s budget and its current financial challenges. In addition, they can hear questions for citizens first-hand, as well as their concerns and priorities for county services... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Three Inducted into Wild Salmon Hall of Fame |
| The Pacific Northwest Salmon Center held the 5th annual Wild Salmon Hall of Fame celebration Sept. 22 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Fred Barrett, president of the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center, was Master of Ceremonies and keynote speaker was David Dicks, director of the Puget Sound Partnership... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Bremerton neighborhoods get out the vote
to support levy on Nov. 6
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| Over this past spring, and at summer’s end, the majority of Bremerton citizens said they want more than its Parks budget can offer. This November they will have a chance to “walk their talk” by voting YES on Proposition 1... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Protect yourself during the inevitable employee termination process
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Since Washington state is an “at-will” state, companies can terminate employees for any reason. Nonetheless, employers need to protect themselves before taking that step... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
New staffing agency opens in Gig Harbor
By Rodika Tollefson |
| A new employment agency that opened this summer in Gig Harbor hopes to fill the need of matching the right employee to the right job and the right company. SmartTalent, which has four other offices in King County and one in Fife in Pierce County, helps both job seekers and companies find the best match... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
HR professionals and workers split
on what fuels job satisfaction |
| HR professionals rate relationships with managers higher in determining a worker’s job satisfaction than employees themselves do, according to the Society of Human Resource Managers’ (SHRM) survey of 713 of its members... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Rising health costs contribute
to slowed profit growth |
| A resounding 96 percent of companies found increased health care costs contributed to slowed profit growth during the past 12 months, according to research published earlier this week by the PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute. Additionally, 22 percent said increases in medical costs will force them to lower wage increases for employers... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Working from home today?
That’s not what your boss thinks
From Workforce Magazine |
| The phrase “I’m working from home today” strikes fear in one in 5 (21 percent) managers who think working from home really means “I’m taking it easy today,” according to the new annual researched from the European communications company Mitel... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Seven staffing secrets you should know |
| Entrepreneur and Montana resident Andrew Field believes that success has everything to do with surrounding yourself with the right people. Here’s his advice on how to get, retain, and support a strong staff... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Top reasons why workers stay
with their current employer |
| When 2,877 employees were surveyed recently, two out of three (62 percent) said they planned to stay with their current employers for at least the next year... (Full Article) |
DOL issues report on FMLA comments,
but no fix is on the horizon |
| Just a few months after initially requesting comments on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) the Labor Department released a lengthy analysis of the comments highlighting areas of conflict over the law... (Full Article) |
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United Way honors first Annual Community Impact Award recipients |
| On Sept. 10 United Way of Kitsap County presented four separate awards to organizations and businesses who have helped improve the lives of Kitsap residents. This is the first time United Way of Kitsap County has given such awards... (Full Article) |
Stacey Tucker: Local entrepreneur
giving back to the community
By Shauna Kroeger |
| Stacey Tucker is an entrepreneur who has her sights set all over the board. Tucker, who purchased the venerable Chico Towing from her father, also has her foot in the market of window tinting, consulting, and auto sales... (Full Article) |
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Are there “Real Heroes” in our community? |
| Each year, the American Red Cross Serving King and Kitsap Counties host a Real Heroes Breakfast in the Kitsap and North Mason Counties area to bring attention to heroes in the community who have saved lives, committed selfless acts of courage and compassion and exemplify the mission and qualities of the Red Cross movement. It needs help to acknowledge these individuals and to support American Red Cross service delivery in the community... (Full Article) |
Oxford Suites finally opens in Silverdale
By Shauna Kroeger |
| After more than two years of planning and construction, the Oxford Suites in Silverdale opened in late September. The new all-suite hotel offers 104 luxurious rooms located at the corner of Bucklin Hill Road and Silverdale Way... (Full Article) |
Encore Communities name Employees
of the Year |
| Encore Communities announced it’s Employees of the Year for July 2006 —June 2007. Each employee was previously named Employee of the Month for Northwoods Lodge or Employee of the Quarter at Clearbrook Inn or Country Meadows. Each person selected to receive the honor was based upon a nomination by their supervisor... (Full Article) |
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Electronic waste recycling event held at CKHS |
| A Community Electronic Waste Recycling Day was held Saturday, Sept. 15 at Central Kitsap High School (CKHS). During the event, almost 24 tons of electronic waste including 283 computer monitors and 255 televisions were collected to be recycled... (Full Article) |
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Public service career fair set for Oct. 29 |
| Citing an “unprecedented shortage of workers,” Governor Christine Gregoire has issued a proclamation in support of the first-ever Washington State Public Service Career Fair... (Full Article) |
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P. O. Chamber sets installation banquet |
| The 2007 Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce installation banquet will take place on Sunday, Oct.14. at 4 p.m. The event will be held at Amy`s on the Bay Restaurant, located on the downtown waterfront. Tickets are $45 each. Tables of eight with two bottles of wine are available for sponsorship for $460... (Full Article) |
A new brand for locally-owned
Puroclean Disaster Restoration |
| Puroclean Disaster Restoration, a locally-owned and operated provider of emergency restoration and remediation services, recently introduced enhancements to its brand highlighting the “compassionate” side of property damage cleanup — the important “rescuer” role the firm fulfills by providing comfort and support for property owners during stressful and vulnerable times... (Full Article) |
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Dragonfish restaurant still on the table |
| While plans to open an upscale restaurant in downtown Bremerton by the end of last year didn’t materialize, efforts to bring the Dragonfish Café to the Dietz building are still in progress. Craig Hoffman of Hoffman Hospitality said much of the delay is due to other priorities the investment group is tackling. “They’re building a corporate shell, and they want the company to be public,” he said.
The unidentified group, which consists of local investors, is planning to open multiple locations at one time. Dragonfish will be based on the restaurant with the same name that has locations in Seattle and Portland. It offers Pan Asian, high-end cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant’s future home, on Fourth and Pacific, has already been gutted and is ready for construction. Hoffman said the majority of the financing has been obtained, and forms would be sent to the SEC shortly. Construction could start as early as 90 days.
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P. O. Boys & Girls Club looking for used books |
| The Port Orchard Boys & Girls Club is looking for new or gently used books for kids to read when they have no homework to do during what’s called the “Power Hour.” Books should be 1st grade to 6th grade reading levels. They can go higher than 6th grade for advanced readers, but adult books or books with adult themes are inappropriate, as well as often too difficult to meet parental approval. Also, religious books and old encyclopedias are not needed.
Donations may be dropped off at the Sidney Glen Boys & Girls Club site at Sidney Glen Elementary School on Sidney Road, between 12 and 6:30 p.m. or dropped in the school office earlier than that.
For more information, contact Billie Schmidt at (360) 782-1942.
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Be aware of referral bonuses
and Fair Labor Standards Act |
| In our tight labor market, employers are increasingly resorting to two things: employee referral bonuses and overtime for existing employees. But there’s more in common than increasing use.
Like any bonus plan that is not “nondiscretionary,” a referral bonus will affect the “regular rate” of its recipient when the recipient is a “non-exempt” worker. If overtime is worked during the period the bonus is paid, a recalculation of overtime compression will be required.
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Free admission to Maryhill Museum
for local residents |
| Maryhill Museum of Art invites residents of Kitsap County to visit free the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14. This is the 15th year the museum has offered this incentive to its neighbors.
New exhibits include handmade books by Northwest artists, master glassmakers, Orthodox Icons, new acquisitions and the return of the Theatre de la Mode which features French fashions from 1945.
For more information, visit www.maryhillmuseum.org.
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L&I proposal would increase comp rates |
| The state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has proposed a 3.2 percent increase in 2008 workers’ compensation rates to help keep pace with inflation. Average premiums would go up by just more than 2 cents per hour worked.
The proposed increase would raise $58 million and is an average for all state employers. Individual employers could see their rates go up or down, depending on their recent claims history and any changes in the frequency and cost of claims in their industry.
The 2008 rate proposal follows a two percent decrease in average premiums this year and a current partial rate holiday in the second half of 2007. However, L&I generally avoids questions from the press asking why it needs any kind of rate increase when it has a current surplus in excess of $9 billion
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Gig Harbor hotel marks 10th anniversary |
| The INN at Gig Harbor celebrated its 10th year anniversary in September with an open house. The INN, located in the west side of the city, is one of Gig Harbor’s two biggest hotels, and additionally offers a restaurant and conference space. |
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Gig Harbor gas station turns into coffee shop |
| Gig Harbor’s downtown will see a change soon, when Gig Harbor Auto Repair converts its 76 station gas pumps into a drive-through espresso.
The business has been selling gas and repairing cars for more than 40 years. A coffee stand that will sell Cutters Point Coffee is expected to open sometime in the next several months.
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October “Eggs & Issues”
Candidate forums set |
The Bremerton Chamber has announced this year’s “Eggs & Issues” candidate forums. Forums will run on Thursdays in Oct. The schedule is as follows:
- Oct. 4 – Port of Bremerton Commissioner – District 2
- Oct. 11 – Bremerton City Council – District 4 (Carlos Jara and Roy Runyan) and District 8 (Cassandra Helmrich and Dianne Robinson)
- Oct. 18 – Bremerton City Council – District 2 (Cecil McConnell) and Bremerton City Council – District 8 (Will Maupin and Eric Younger)
Programs begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Family Pancake House (3900 Kitsap Way, Bremerton). The forums are free and open to the public. A no-host breakfast is available from the restaurant. Reservations are not required.
For more information, contact the Chamber at (360) 479-3579 or chamber@bremertonchamber.org.
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The Cake Walk opens at mall in Port Orchard |
| The Cake Walk, located in The Towne Square Mall in Port Orchard recently opened, is a cake decorating supply store. The owner, Jackie Choate has been decorating cakes for over 36 years and will offer cake decorating classes as well as carrying candy making supplies and a large assortment of cupcake supplies. Call The Cake Walk at (360) 876-5717. |
Silverdale Chamber elects
new executive board |
| The Board of Directors of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce elected the following officers for the coming year:
Carrie Mulcahy of Ashley Gardens will be the new president of the board. JeanMarie Harmon from Costco was selected as the president-elect, Chris Koebelin of the Silverdale Beach Hotel will assume the treasurer position, Ginny Patton of the Oxford Inn and Suites was elected to the secretary position, and Jeff Reed of State Farm Insurance accepted the position of vice-president for special events. Ed Hannifan, from Prudential Real Estate will be joining remaining Board members Katie Morris, Lorraine May, and Mike Walton. The new officers took offive Sept 26.
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Registration open for Military Fall Festival |
| The Military Affairs Committees of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual “Military Fall Festival” Saturday Oct. 20, at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Events Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to anyone with a military ID card; active duty, reserve, retired, and dependents, admission is free. Vendor/Exhibitor registrations are now being accepted.
The event provides an opportunity for service members and their families to visit vendors representing over 150 area businesses, social service organizations, and service groups. A number of military related services, including Tri-Care and Morale-Welfare-and Recreation (MWR) exhibitors will also be on hand. It’s a “one-stop shopping” experience to discover the products, services, and resources available to service members in Kitsap County in hopes of making the time stationed here a better one.
For more information contact the Silverdale Chamber at (360) 692-6800.
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Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat expands offerings |
| Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat & Charters, LLC, a full service power boat and kayak rental company located at 8829 N. Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor, is expanding into charter and excursion tours.
Already inventoried with a fleet of newer power boats, Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat will be adding a 38 foot twelve passenger aluminum jet boat.
Call (253) 312-1426 for information.
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Literacy Council opens office in Port Orchard |
| The Literacy Council of Kitsap County recently opened a full service office in Port Orchard. Located within Kitsap Community Resource’s (KCR) South Kitsap Family Service Center at 1211 Bay Street, the new office will allow the Council to expand its course offerings in South Kitsap, adding to the GED preparation classes offered since 2004 at the site.
The Council is excited about the expanded partnership with KCR and becoming a part of the “one-stop shop” at the South Kitsap Family Service Center, in addition to WorkSource, WIC, and other programs located there.
Founding sponsors of the Port Orchard office include Louis and Joan Soriano, Kitsap Bank, Wave Broadband, United Way of Kitsap County, Rotary Club of Port Orchard, Kitsap Community Resources, Kiwanis Club of Port Orchard, Talpita Mexican Store, Debbie Macomber, and Staples.
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Gig Harbor to become Ugandan embassy |
| The Gig Harbor City Council plans to formally recognize the city as a Ugandan Embassy in October.
The move comes after Bob Goff, a former Raft Island resident, became recognized in September as the embassy’s honorary consul. Goff founded a nonprofit agency, Restore International, in Gig Harbor, with the goal of helping children in poor countries obtain justice.
The agency has since been acting as an embassy for the Republic of Uganda. Visas and Ugandan passports can be processed in Gig Harbor as a result.
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All Creatures Animal Hospital expands hours |
| All Creatures Animal Hospital, located at 4091 State Hwy 3 in Bremerton (Gorst), recently announced the expansion of its operating hours. It will be an after hours emergent/urgent care facility as well as continuing its regular daytime practice services.
The facility will be offering urgent and emergency care from 8 until 10 p.m. or midnight and critical patient monitoring until 7 a.m. A veterinarian will be on premises until 10 p.m. or midnight and on call until 7 a.m. for urgent cases. Technical Staff will be present 24 hours per day.
Services will include emergency surgeries, on-site laboratory testing, ECG/Pulse oximetry monitoring, doppler blood pressure monitoring, computed radiology, blood/plasma transfusions as well as other routine emergency services including on-site pharmacy.
Reach All Creatures at (360) 377-3801 or visit www.allcreatures24hr.com.
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Self defense classes
to benefit Shriners Hospitals |
| UKO Karate is giving self defense classes to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. These hospitals give out $2 million each week in free health care to children with burns, clef lip and palate, spinal cord injuries, and orthopedic conditions.
Starting Oct. 6, UKO will be giving the following 6-week courses. Kid’s Self Defense; Teen’s Self Defense; Women’s Self Defense; Tai Chi for Adults; and Karate for Kids. These classes will meet on Saturdays. The donation for each class is $49 and is tax deductible. All proceeds go to the Shriners Hospitals.
The Shriners will have a screening at Harrison Hospital on Nov. 10 for Kitsap County children that need help. For more information on the Self Defense classes, contact Janice at (360) 871-5454 or ukokarate@wavecable.com.
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Centering Massage, Silverdale Beach Hotel
announce partnership |
| Connie Weisel owner of Centering Massage recently announced a new partnership with the Silverdale Beach Hotel as its day-spa service provider. Services will be provided at Centering Massage’s location directly across the street from the Silverdale Beach Hotel. The lists of services to be offered include but are not limited to: SeaFlora rejuvenating massage, ‘hot rocks’ massage, Swedish, and deep tissue massage. Eventually esthetician services and salon services will also be added.
“We are excited about this partnership and see this as part of the progressive services offered by the Silverdale Beach Hotel,” offered Dina Manatad, the hotel’s marketing and promotions director.
Gift certificates and packages are also available. To make an appointment contact Weisel at (360) 692-7800.
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Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter
named to Inc. 5000 |
| The Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter, Inc. recently announced that the company has been selected to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The selection was made by analyzing the company’s financial and growth data fro the years 2003 – 2006 by Inc. Magazine. |
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Vintage to Vogue now open on Mondays |
| Vintage to Vogue Treasures and Collectibles (a consignment shop which helps to benefit the South Kitsap Helpline food bank in Port Orchard) will now be open Monday (except for holidays) through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as of Sept. 10.
Vintage to Vogue is located at 1351 Bay Street in the Westbay Center. Currently there is space available for new vendors. Call (360) 876-4089 for more information.
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Aveda Concept Salon and Day Spa
now in Silverdale |
| Seaport Salon & Day Spa located at 3388 NW Byron Street in Old Town Silverdale, now offers a variety of services including: master cut/color services, skin care/hair removal, body treatments/massage, nail care and makeup, in a relaxing and caring environment.
Complimentary consultations and free sensory rituals are offered. The goal to provide a healthier alternative to hair color, and its Aveda color is the first permanent color system that is 97-99 percent naturally derived and helps improve the condition of damaged hair. Aveda products are 93-97 percent naturally derived from pure flower and plant essences and pure-fume aromas. Explore services and products at the website www.seaportsalonandspa.com.
Reach the salon at (360) 698-0781.
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A new voice for Kitsap debuts in Seattle |
| Jean Boyle, a photographer and tourism promoter, has started a blog, blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/kitsapandbeyond, for the Seattle PI/NWSource online called Kitsap and Beyond. The blog talks about what to see and do on the Kitsap Peninsula, from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Hansville in the far north.
The blog features Boyle’s photos, also found on www.KitsapImages.com, and covers whatever she finds of interest as her two jobs take her around the peninsula. For more information contact Boyle at Jean@KitsapImages.com.
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