Dr. Angela Diamond, a vascular surgeon with Harrison Medical Center, is not only one of a small (but growing) number of women surgeons, she is actually the only person in a four-state region, and the only woman in the country, to hold three medical board certifications. Her certifications include general surgery, vascular surgery, and thoracic surgery. Since she joined Harrison in 2006, a varicose veins clinic has been added, in addition to thoracic stenting and clotted artery stenting procedures...   (Full Article)

The recent commercial construction boom in Gig Harbor has created the need for various infrastructure improvements — prompting city officials to adopt a 2008 budget that doubles last year’s expenditures. The majority of the extra spending will go toward capital projects, which account for 54 percent of the 2008 spending, compared to 29 percent in 2007...   (Full Article)

Submit your business, community, and event photos plus a 200 word brief
by the 15th of each month for publishing the following month...   (Full Article)

This year’s 60-day legislative session is considered a supplementary one, with no major new initiatives expected. Nonetheless, several bills are being introduced that will impact local businesses. Although local legislators were interviewed by KPBJ before the Jan. 18 bill filing deadline, they offered insights into some of the upcoming issues...   (Full Article)

National Parks Service (NPS) announced Dec. 10, 2007 an Award of Technical Assistance to Kitsap Trees & Shoreline Association (KiTSA) to assist in the development of a Community Based Vision and Action Plan for the Restoration & Reclamation of Puget Sound’s Sinclair Inlet...   (Full Article)

Starting Feb. 6 in Port Orchard and Feb. 7 on Bainbridge Island, Washington State University (WSU) Kitsap County Extension will be offering its popular course on starting and sustaining a profitable small farm or agricultural enterprise. Area farmers and community members are invited to sign up for this intensive, hands-on learning opportunity. The course features a full line-up of local guest speakers: bankers, accountants, attorneys, and successful farm owners...   (Full Article)

As professionals in the staffing industry, our clients occasionally want to hire based on non work-related criteria. They will ask us questions such as, “Is it legal for me to hire only non-smokers? Can I only hire men for this position, since it involves heavy lifting? Is it okay for me to request someone younger for this job...   (Full Article)

When it comes to difficult conversations with employees, which ones cause the most angst for managers? Firings? Nope. Explaining why someone didn’t get a raise? Guess again...   (Full Article)

Kitsap Lake Storage introduces the launch of its new 24-hour Insomniac Rental and Payment Kiosk, the latest trend in service and technology in the Self Storage industry...   (Full Article)

Some experts think we are in a recession while others think we are headed towards a recession. Regardless of what the experts believe, most people are experiencing some form of stress due to less money in their pockets. I know personally each time I look at the gas pump my heart begins to palpitate and I have mixed emotions of anger, disgust, and concern. But regardless, I still have to pump. Fuel prices have definitely impacted everyone...   (Full Article)

The new Bremerton Marina is expected to be completed by the end of March, with work about 70 percent done by mid-January. The $30 million marina will have 235 permanent slips and 100 guest slips. The old marina, which was closed in June, only had 41 slips for visitors and no permanent space...   (Full Article)

Stuart Walton, director of the Washington Community Alliance for Self Help (CASH) micro enterprise program in Kitsap County has announced that three local volunteer mentors have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to the program...   (Full Article)

The Puget Sound Partnership has tapped U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) veteran Ron Kreizenbeck to be its senior adviser. Kreizenbeck, deputy regional administrator of EPA’s Region 10 office since 2001, joined the Partnership on Jan. 20...   (Full Article)

After a recent Washington State Supreme Court ruling declared that lying in a political campaign constitutes free speech, candidates for office will be forced to stick to the truth under Senate Bill 6202, proposed by 35th District Sen. Tim Sheldon...   (Full Article)

Kitsap County State Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) began her fourth year in the Legislature with a coveted seat on the House Capital Budget Committee. One of three budget-writing committees in the House, the Capital Budget panel oversees state spending on construction and repair of state office buildings, colleges and universities, prisons and juvenile-rehabilitation facilities, public schools, parks and several other major elements of the state’s infrastructure...   (Full Article)

Seven area Chambers of Commerce, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bainbridge Island and North Mason County, have all joined together for the first annual Westsound Business Expo — Business Success on the Peninsula...   (Full Article)

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) recently published a comprehensive guide designed to assist employers in deciphering Washington’s complex labor laws. The 5th Edition Wage & Hour Handbook and CD provides the latest information on key issues that are pivotal to a company’s success and will help maintain a positive rapport with employees...   (Full Article)

Dr. Jennifer A. Baron, a board-certified dermatologist with additional fellowship training in both Mohs micrographic surgery and pathology, recently joined the staff at Peninsula Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Gig Harbor. Her specialties include Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous reconstruction for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and rare cutaneous tumors; excisional surgery; cosmetic surgery including dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, rhinophyma correction, acne scar surgery, scar revision, soft tissue augmentation; and laser surgery for removal of telangiectasia and vascular birth marks, age spots and scars. She is also trained in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), Botox, and liposuction...   (Full Article)

In 2002, the latest year for which U.S. Census data is available, nearly 20 percent of the nation’s franchised businesses were owned by minorities and 25 percent were owned by females, according to a report issued recently by the IFA Educational Foundation, an affiliate of the International Franchise Association. Prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the report is based on data from the Census Bureau’s 2002 Survey of Business Owners. Data also revealed that another 17 percent of franchises were equally male and female owned...   (Full Article)

The Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild has voted unanimously to endorse Dino Rossi in the Washington state gubernatorial race. The groups specifically highlighted Rossi’s commitment to end the early release of violent felons and to provide law enforcement officers with the tools to do their job...   (Full Article)

American Marine Bank (AMB) has raised over $1,700 during the holiday season for local food banks. The funds will be distributed to food banks throughout Kitsap and Clallam Counties including Helpline House, Fishline, Central Kitsap Food Bank, Kingston Food Bank and Port Angeles Food Bank...   (Full Article)

2008 marks a special time in Kitsap Bank’s history, as the institution reaches its 100th year of service. The Bank will officially celebrate this milestone anniversary on Aug. 8, 100 years after opening its doors on the corner of Bay and Frederick Streets in Port Orchard...   (Full Article)

The mark of a good leader may lie in his or her ability to be honest and upstanding, a new survey suggests. Nearly one-third (31 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled said the more important quality for a business leader to possess is integrity. Experience and communication skills followed each receiving 27 percent of the response...   (Full Article)

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is again requesting legislation to restore his ability to regulate rates in the individual health insurance market...   (Full Article)

The Grand Opening event for Haselwood Auto Group’s remodeled West Hills Honda dealership resulted in a surprise donation of $4,095 for the Bremerton Boys and Girls Club. Prizes such as a plasma television, trip to Hawaii and a lease of new Honda vehicle for a year were raffled during the event with the proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Bremerton Branch. Sponsors for the event were West Hills Honda, Kitsap Credit Union, Poe Construction, Coca Cola, Hecker Architects, Les Schwab Tires and Scott Alexander Golf Shops.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs, contact Billie Schmidt at (360) 782-1942.

Dr. Joseph Christman and Dr. Tony Lane recently announced that they have installed a new, improved digital radiography system at their 3100 Bucklin Hill location in Silverdale.  The new system is a major upgrade from their initial digital suite. They are the first chiropractic office in Kitsap County to offer digital diagnostic imaging with hospital-grade hardware and software.

Enhanced resolution now provides patients with vastly superior soft-tissue imaging.  Results are obtained faster than film, and backup copies are easily provided to patients or other physicians.  Elimination of all the chemicals involved in film processing also provides significant environmental benefits.

Almost half of human resource (HR) professionals say monetary reward programs are very effective at motivating top-performing employees.

Managers and above are most likely rewarded for reaching long-term goals, which could include incentive compensation, year-end bonus, and profit sharing. Non-managerial employees are more likely to be eligible for new hire referral bonuses and spot bonuses, which are usually associated with short-term goals.

However, HR professionals said that neither was effective at motivating under-performing employees to improve.

D. Matthew Bushley, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in corneal diseases, cataracts and vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and PRK, has joined Franciscan Eye Care in Gig Harbor and Tacoma.

Bushley received his undergraduate degree cum laude from Dartmouth College and graduated with distinction from the George Washington University School of Medicine. Following an internship and residency at Madigan Army Medical Center, he completed advanced fellowship training at Duke University Medical Center.

He has performed over 5000 LASIK and PRK surgeries and is the only cornea, cataract and refractive surgery sub-specialist serving Gig Harbor and Pierce County on a full-time basis. Dr. Bushley welcomes new patients and referrals to his practice which is a part of Franciscan Medical Group.

He can be reached at (253) 502-5965.

Ashley Gardens of Bremerton and Arbor Village’s owner and operator has launched a new Web site at www.CascadeLiving.com. Ashley Gardens is a memory care community at 3231 Pine Road in Bremerton and Arbor Village is a continuing care campus with existing assisted and independent living communities and another memory care community under development in Kent.

To learn more about Cascade Living Group, visit www.CascadeLiving.com or call (425) 408-5141.

To help many of those who were adversely affected by the weather, storms and flooding this past December, Peninsula Credit Union has been taking donations on behalf of the flood relief fund through the Red Cross and distributing them directly to the Red Cross branches in Kitsap, Grays Harbor and Mason Counties. Toys and other donated items were also accepted and passed on.

Many have taken advantage of this opportunity to assist others in need, helping Peninsula collect $5,451.87. The credit union agreed to match contributions dollar for dollar up to $2,500, making the total contribution to the Red Cross $7,951.87.

Sidney Speakers Toastmasters, Club 6171 of Port Orchard, will offer a six-session workshop called “Speechcraft” to overcome nervousness, learn public speaking skills, and increase listening and leadership skills.

Open to the public, the weekly program begins Feb. 5 and will be held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Cascade Room at the Givens Community Center. The cost is $25 with students and seniors 55 and over $20. Class size is limited to 10.

To register, contact Paul at (360) 874-0265 or KathyPrat@sidneyspeakers.freetoasthost.us.

The doors of the Port Orchard Pizza Factory, located at 1541 SE Piperberry Way, will be re-opening in mid-February under the new ownership of Scott and Kathy Nelson. It will offer pasta, sandwiches, indoor/outdoor dining (seasonal), game room, space for birthday and sports team parties, and hand-tossed pizza. Beer and wine are available, as well as dine-in, take out and delivery to home or local business for lunch and dinner. Reach Pizza Factory at (360) 874-8100.

Bella Signature Design Inc., a Seattle-based company best known for lush floral design and décor as well as wedding planning services, has officially opened a second design studio on Bainbridge Island at 4720 Crystal Spring Dr NE. After 10 years in Seattle, and two years of servicing Bainbridge Island and other Kitsap Peninsula events, owner Daniela Faget decided to officially open a meeting and design space for its growing Kitsap County clientele.

The studio offers brides and those planning an event a place to pour over books, join in collaborative design meeting with designers, and plan whichever part of their event that they need help with.

Reach Bella Signature Design at (206) 842-8290.

The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce has created a task force to make a recommendation regarding Silverdale incorporation. The recommendation will be based in-part on information received from the membership and community at-large.

The task force has created a 12-question survey about the topic and is inviting the public to respond. A link to the survey can be found at www.silverdalechamber.com.

Sen. Phil Rockefeller (D-Bainbridge Island) has been selected to lead the Water, Energy & Telecommunications (WET) Committee by the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus. Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, was named to serve as vice chair. Rockefeller’s selection follows the resignation of previous chair Sen. Erik Poulsen, who resigned from the Legislature.

“It is an honor to have been given this responsibility. Our committee has a very broad role developing state policy in the areas of water law, Puget Sound recovery, air quality, traditional and alternative energy sources and telecommunications,” said Rockefeller. “At the top of the list of priorities in the year ahead we’ll be addressing the impact of climate change while doing all we can to reduce green house gas emissions.”

A recent national survey of office workers by Shop.org found that more than half of America’s workforce use their company’s Internet connection to shop online while they are on the clock.

The trend is so clear that many online retailers marketed Internet-only specials for the Monday after Thanksgiving in what was called Cyber Monday, an extension of the Black Friday shopping flurry.

The idea is that shoppers want to extend their gift buying by getting their last gifts at work rather than venture out to battle for parking at the malls.

The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Kitsap Mall will be hosting Military Appreciation Day, Sat. March 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual salute to the men and women of the Armed Services is a chance for business to show their appreciation by offering significant discounts on products and services.

For more information about the event, contact the Chamber office at (360) 692-6800.

MultiCare Regional Cancer Center is now a network affiliate of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The addition of MultiCare will add five locations to the alliance’s network. They are located at Tacoma General Hospital, Allenmore Hospital, Covington MultiCare Clinic, Auburn MultiCare Clinic and the MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park.

MultiCare is the only health system in Pierce County to partner with the alliance. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance unites the expertise of three internationally renowned cancer care institutions — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center — to create the only federally-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Northwest.

Leadership Kitsap is soliciting applications for its Class of 2009. The application deadline is Mar. 31 for this intensive 10-month training program, which leaves participants more knowledgeable about the Kitsap area and teaches how to make a positive impact in civic issues affecting the community.

Applications are available at the Leadership Kitsap office, which is located inside of the United Way at 647 4th Street in Bremerton. For more information, contact Executive Director, Kathy Nelson at (360) 782-1058, exdir@leadershipkitsap.org, or visit www.leadershipkitsap.org.