It goes without saying that all things are constantly evolving, and for us to earn your time, that has to include your Business Journal. With that in mind, we are taking this opportunity to announce some upcoming changes we hope you’ll both enjoy reading, as well as find useful as an interactive tool for instantaneous communication with both our editorial staff as well as each other.

The Return of “Winners”

From the first issue of this paper, published on April 1, 1988 (yes, that date was intentional) until we switched to the current format about three years ago, we had a very popular feature called “Winners in Business,” which profiled a successful company or entrepreneur. Since discontinuing it, we have had a steady stream of requests to bring it back. So this issue marks the return of “Winners” with a profile of Julie Tappero, owner of West Sound Workforce, which has offices in Gig Harbor and Poulsbo.

We hope you find the experiences of these people helpful in your own business. We will accept suggestions for people to feature, but the advertising value of this isn’t lost on us, so the same rules will apply as in the past. They are basically: Nominating yourself or having an employee, spouse, close friend, etc. do it, will automatically disqualify you. If you are truly a “Winner,” we will find you.

Experience has taught us generally not to consider companies that have been in business less than five years; no matter how fast they’ve grown, but we do make exceptions from time to time.

We will rotate ”Winners” around our readership area, not focus on any specific industry, and as in the past, will keep it as varied and interesting as possible.
Being a “Winner” isn’t always about abundant financial success. “Winners” come in many categories, and people measure success in many different ways. So “Winners” will also feature uplifting stories about one-person businesses that fulfill an owner’s lifelong dream, non-profits catering to a need in our community, family businesses, and much, much more.

Two New Blogs

You can’t be in the newspaper business today and not have a blog or two going at any given time. So to satisfy those electronic junkies that demand an instantaneous opportunity to register their opinion, we have created two.

The first one, appropriately called the KBPJ Blog, is for commentary on general local and state business issues, including land use, growth, and taxes, as well as economic development. It’s located at kpbj.com/blog.

The second one, West Sound Politics, is intended to be much more provocative, freewheeling, and strictly political in nature. It’s an extension of what started out as my personal blog and is focused mainly on local and state politics.

My columns here are often perceived as my personal opinion. That isn’t always the case, as they are usually more of a series of reflections and personal observations than actual opinions. However, you won’t be in any danger of confusing observations with opinions reading West Sound Politics. Find it at westsoundpolitics.blogspot.com.

You’ll find links to both blogs on our Web site, www.kpbj.com. Depending on the response, we will consider expanding into additional blogs.

New Gen-X and Gen-Y Column

We will soon be adding a column specifically for Gen-X and Gen-Y entrepreneurs, as part of expanding our ongoing 40 Under 40 program, which was a huge success last year. We are committed to serving this growing market of young businesspeople, as well as keeping the program moving forward. So if you are part of that demographic and are interested in contributing to this feature, drop me an email at biznews@wetapple.com.

Speaking of 40 Under 40, it’s time for nominations for this year’s class. We’re asking our alumni as well as everyone in the business community to consider nominating someone to be honored later this year. Submit your nominations to Jennifer Christine at communications@wetapple.com.

A Conversation With…

In the past, we had an irregular feature called, A Conversation With… It’s a thought-provoking chat with an eclectic selection of local newsmakers, public figures, as well as with some just downright unusual and interesting people. It returns on its same irregular schedule this issue, with Harrison Medical Center CEO Scott Bosch in the hot seat.

Email News Schedule Change

We have also changed the schedule of our direct email news feature. It will now be delivered to your email box on Monday. You can subscribe on our Web site, and there is no cost.

Editorial Cartoon

We are currently searching for an editorial cartoonist focused on local and state issues. We have talked with a couple, and as soon as one is signed on the dotted line, their work will begin appearing on a redesigned OP/ED page as well as our Web site.

Events Calendar

Finally, one of the things our readers have asked for is an events calendar. We have started one, and will be happy to include your business related events. We will selectively edit anything that smacks of blatant advertising, but do want genuine business related functions. We also want to include a comprehensive list of service club meeting times and places.

You can submit these directly to ramirez@wshomeandgarden.com.

Business will always evolve, and so will we. We always welcome your comments and suggestions on these, as well as other changes you’d like to see, and sincerely look forward to hearing from you about them.