“Anybody who’s working over 6 feet in the air has the opportunity to fall and get hurt or killed,” says Pat Irish, sales manager. “Regardless of what industry you’re in, the idea is to teach you how to prevent a fall, and if you do fall, how to arrest the fall safely.”

The company employs about 30 people, six of whom are engineers. In addition to engineering, designing, and testing fall-protection systems and offering a full line of equipment from major manufacturers, Gravitec has an extensive training program conducted in-house as well as on-site all over the world...   (Full Article)

Did you know that 60 to 80 percent of new businesses fail in the first five years? The reasons for this staggering number can vary, but there is often a common denominator: no business plan...   (Full Article)

The City of Gig Harbor is requesting sealed bid proposals for construction of the Eddon Boatyard Sediment Remediation Project (CPP-0801). This contract generally provides for the demolition and removal of existing marine and shoreline structures...   (Full Article)

Companies looking for a tasty way to say thank you to their customers, vendors or employees this holiday season can look to My Kids’ Cookies. Offering freshly baked, individually wrapped cookies packaged by the dozen, My Kids’ Cookies is the brainchild of Bainbridge Island mom Barbara Reininger...   (Full Article)

Gig Harbor’s picturesque and quaint downtown has long been an attraction for visitors, but behind the scenes many merchants have struggled to grow their customer base. Various attempts have been made to create a revitalization plan, and now that new commercial centers and chain stores are taking shoppers to other areas of town, the city is paying close attention to its downtown, and looking for way to boost its vitality...   (Full Article)

As you’re out and about getting into the holiday spirit, there is no better way to feel good about the holidays than lending a helping hand. The local food banks rely on the community year-round, but during the holiday season the generosity of the community is especially needed. All the food banks, as well as several other organizations, give holiday food baskets to families in need...   (Full Article)

One of the more unpleasant responsibilities of managers and HR personnel is to terminate employees. While this is never an enjoyable task, it is important that it be done with forethought and planning in order to protect the security of the facility and company...   (Full Article)

As the free-flowing red ink continues to deepen, other problems continue to mount for beleaguered Westsound Bank (WSB). Meanwhile president and CEO Dave Johnson keeps trying to spin what is seemingly daily doses of bad news, as if everything were just business as usual...   (Full Article)

After over thirty years of service, Paul Dorn, Suquamish Tribe’s Salmon Recovery Coordinator and fisheries biologist, was formally recognized, honored, and thanked by the Suquamish Tribe.

About 150 people attended the celebration held at the Kiana Lodge Nov. 19. The crowd was full of family, friends and community members who expressed gratitude and accolades for Dorn’s numerous contributions to restore salmon and enhance habitat conditions that will safeguard their existence for generations to come...   (Full Article)

Consider these stark statistics:

50 percent of all companies recently surveyed say they expect to lose more than half of their senior managers in the next three years (RHR International study)

15 percent say they expect to lose 75 percent or more...   (Full Article)

It wasn’t too long ago that most companies offered some sort of year-end incentive for workers. Whether a gift of food, a lavish party, or an extra envelope from the payroll department, people looked forward to what reward the month of December would bring. But the times, they are a-changing, in many business sectors...   (Full Article)

The sight of a taxi driving around Gig Harbor has been rare for many years, but that changed in November. Raft Island resident and longtime entrepreneur, Steve Summerday, launched Harbor Taxi in November, a 24/7 service. Summerday’s business is licensed to pick up passengers around Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula areas, but can drop them off anywhere they desire...   (Full Article)

The ‘90 Minute Branding and Marketing Plan’ workshops created by Small Business Marketing Partners of Bremerton continue to sell out...   (Full Article)

All of us who own or manage any type of business will have our favorite customers or clients. Each one of us can reflect on what makes a client or customer more appreciated than others. The same is true in the collection business. I thought some of you may be interested in what my idea of a valued client is...   (Full Article)

The Doctors Clinic is preparing a new medical facility to serve the residents of Bainbridge Island. According to The Doctors Clinic president, Brian P. Wicks, “The Bainbridge Island Clinic will fill the gap in local medical services by giving access to the broad range of primary, specialty and urgent care services offered by the premier multi-specialty medical group in the West Sound region...   (Full Article)

The annual Port Orchard Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade with Santa in the lead, greeting children by name all along the shoreline is set for Saturday, Dec. 15 beginning at 5 p.m. The Lighted Boat Parade/Santa Ship route and approximate times of arrival are...   (Full Article)

The Port of Bremerton, in cooperation with the Karcher Creek Sewer District, has announced it intends to install its first Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) waste water treatment system in a new industrial building being constructed by SaTraP LLC just inside the main entrance to the Olympic View Business Park. The system, developed by Huber Technology, will provide on-site wastewater treatment through membrane technology that results in clean, Class A effluent...   (Full Article)

Dozens of architects, PTA presidents, school board members, school superintendents and others from across the country are ready to begin a grassroots effort to further the vision of green schools for every child within a generation...   (Full Article)

The “Tough Enough To Wear Pink?” Program raised $12,000 at this year’s Kitsap County Stampede and Rodeo and presented the check to Harrison Medical Center Oncology Services at the Harrison Foundation’s October board meeting. The funds will benefit complimentary services for radiation and chemotherapy patients at Harrison Medical Center...   (Full Article)

Kitsap Bank recently presented Ray Schuler, chairman of the board of the South Puget Sound Boys and Girls Club, with a check in the amount of $10,000 for the Bremerton and North Mason programs...   (Full Article)

In a tribute to its retiring Executive Director, Larry Keller, Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) has announced that the agency’s new building project will be named The Keller House. The naming was revealed at the organization’s annual dinner on Oct. 26. The event, also celebrating KMHS’ 30th anniversary, was Keller’s last annual dinner as the agency’s director...   (Full Article)

The City of Port Orchard is extending its deadline accepting applications for appointment to the new Port Orchard Design Review Board (DRB). The City recently adopted design regulations for the downtown core. The city is looking for creative and innovative citizens who want to be involved in the downtown’s redevelopment...   (Full Article)

Family Bundles, the Port Orchard-based affiliate marketing firm, was recently featured on KING 5 News. The story, first outlined by news anchors Jean Enerson and Dennis Bounds, was then filmed on location and featured veteran reporter Linda Brill...   (Full Article)

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has announced the finalists for the competition for the Business of the Year in Western Washington, and among the select group is Abiding HomeCare, an in-home care business serving the needs of seniors in Kitsap County who wish to live independently in their own residence...   (Full Article)

At the company’s fiftieth anniversary banquet, Eric Anderson, CEO, honored long-time employees James R. Levey and Eric Snyder for their technical leadership in their scientific fields and years of commitment to the company. Levey and Snyder are the first employees to be honored as part of the company’s Fellow Associate-Emeritus Program, created to recognize and reward technical employees whose contributions have been transformational to the company and industry...   (Full Article)

Graf-Hoke Communication of Bremerton has changed its name to Small Business Marketing Partners, Inc., and have announced the affiliation with a Colorado company to offer the “90 Minute Branding and Marketing Plan’” workshops in the Rocky Mountain and southwestern United States...   (Full Article)

Until Dec. 31, Modern Collision Rebuild on Bainbridge Island is accepting non-perishable food and toiletry donations to be given to Helpline House. If you donate two or more items you will receive $5 off any mechanical repair or out-of-pocket collision repair exceeding $50. If you donate four or more items you will receive $10 off any mechanical or out-of-pocket collision repair exceeding $100. Limit of one discount per repair order. Call (206) 842-8053 for more information.

The Bra Lady is now located in Gig Harbor at 5800 Soundview Dr. Owner Janice Elaine is eager to help, because she says 9 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra. She has been fitting women for 30 years, and specializes in sports bras, bridal, maternity, nursing, first teen bra and mastectomy fittings. She can be reached at 253-851-2266 for a private appointment.

Ambrosia Catering, LLC recently announced the opening of its new lunch café located at 4954 State Highway 303 in Bremerton. The café is open Mon. – Fri., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Menu includes fresh sandwiches, salads and daily specials as well as a variety of homemade desserts and sweet treats.

For more information visit www.ambrosicateringllc.com.

Brenda Matheson, owner of Wisteria Lane, has opened a new type of antique shop at 810 Bay Street in downtown Port Orchard. “When you come in to buy antiques from the shop the displays will show you how to place your antiques in your home,” Matheson said. “It’s an extra service that our customers appreciate,” she added.

Wisteria Lane offers everything that other antique shops offer, only the setting is different. The shop has antiques, gift baskets, handmade candles, jewelry, collectibles, dolls, local art and high quality silk floral, many made by Port Orchard artisans.

Hours are Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. 12 to 6 p.m.

Wisteria Lane Antique Gifts & Art can be reached at (360) 874-7800 or brendaericmath@msn.com.

Seven Washington based staffing companies recently made the Puget Sound Business Journal’s top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies list. The placement of two staffing firms in the top five attests to the overall strength of the industry.

An increase in foreign imports combined with aging baby boomers exiting the work force has left a shortage of available workers. This shortage has forced companies across numerous industries to utilize staffing firms to find qualified workers for them. According to the American Staffing Association, U.S. staffing companies employ three million people each day and generated $87 billion in sales last year.

The Fastest Growing Private Companies list is published annually.

Just in time for the holidays, Lazelle Nature Photography, and Especially for You, announced that Sequim resident Sandy Frankfurth will be overseeing the sales and marketing of the Lazelle note cards and “Journal of Seasons” calendar in Clallam and Kitsap counties. Both make excellent, personalized gifts for that special person on your holiday shopping list. Based on Dabob Bay, near Quilcene, Lazelle Nature Photography is now in its 24th year of business. Frankfurth can be reached at sandyesp4u@wavecable.com.

Adele Heinrich has been selected by the Great Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce to replace executive director Stuart Leidner. Heinrich has been a resident of Poulsbo for two years and was previously with the Sons of Norway.

Heinrich said she is looking forward to growing the chamber’s membership and intensifying the focus of the current advertising plan. Heinrich said she feels she knows many Poulsbo residents from her work at the Son’s of Norway and will now have to meet the City Council members and business community.

As part of its largest grand opening in company history, Kohl’s Department Stores officially opened its Silverdale Mall store Nov. 14. It’s one of 95 stores to open nationwide this fall, creating approximately 150 local jobs.

The new store is one of nearly 200 nationwide featuring Kohl’s newly enhanced look.

CBC Chocolates announced the opening of a full service coffee/espresso bar, featuring CBC Chocolates Signature Mocha and Drinking Chocolate. In addition, its handmade chocolates in a variety of flavors are offered along with several types of pastries. CBC Chocolates is located at 19880 7th Ave NE Suite 102 in Poulsbo. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Sat. Visit www.cbcchocolates.com for more information.

The Port Orchard Bay Street Association (POBSA) will host a holiday open house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14. Refreshments, in-store specials and more will be featured. “This is our chance to show appreciation to our regular customers and open our doors to new visitors in Downtown Port Orchard,” said POBSA president Mallory Jackson.

The South Kitsap High School Jazz Band will be playing holiday music from 4 to 5 p.m. in front of the movie theater. Donations will be accepted by the band to help fund its trip to a competition in New York.