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American Marine Bank annual report
wins award |
| American Marine Bank and Printery Communications have been honored with a Bronze Washington State Gallery Award in recognition of graphic arts excellence for the production of the American Marine Bank annual report. The report was designed by Judy Thorpe, vice president of marketing for American Marine Bank and printed by Printery Communications of Port Townsend... (Full Article) |
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AMB declares dividend |
| The Board of Directors of AMB Financial Services Corporation, parent company of American Marine Bank, has declared a cash dividend of 14 cents per share on the company’s common stock for Q3 of 2007. The dividend is for shareholders of record on Sept. 30, and it is payable Oct. 15... (Full Article) |
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Venture announces stock repurchase plan |
| Venture Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Venture Bank, announced the implementation of a new stock repurchase program. Under the program, the company is authorized to buy up to 200,000 shares of its common stock or approximately 2.8 percent of the total common shares currently outstanding. The stock repurchase program authorizes the company to make scheduled purchases over time in either privately negotiated transactions or through the open market. |
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Smith Barney moves into new building |
| Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup, announced it has relocated to a new building in Silverdale. The new address is 2011 NW Myhre Rd, Suite 301, located in the new Cavalon Place development. The phone numbers remain the same.
Smith Barney is staffed by 17 financial advisors and 10 support staff, some with tenure greater than 25 years, and has served clients in the community since 1976.
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Holiday Ideas Expo presented by WINGS |
| Women In Networking Generating Success (WINGS) is presenting a holiday ideas expo which will take place Nov. 17 at the Poulsbo Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The many businesswomen in WINGS will be showcasing products and services for early and easy holiday shopping convenience.
For more information, contact Helen Patterson at (360) 434-2695 or Mari Moffit at (253) 853-6492.
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Turn panic into profits boot camp
set for November |
| Local speaker Dan Weedin is holding his “Panic to Power: Turning Panic into $$$$” boot camp on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at the Port Gamble Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Participants will learn how to master the art of public speaking and communicating. This program is designed for CEO’s, sales professionals, non-profit executives, and community leaders. Weedin also provides individual coaching.
The cost for the conference is $89.95 and includes Weedin’s CD “Panic to Power” if paid prior to Oct. 15. After Oct. 15, the admission is $129.95 without the CD. To register, contact Weedin at (360) 271-1592, or at www.danweedin.com.
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Komorous named FPFE
State Chapter Director |
| The Foundation for Personal Financial Education has selected Michael Komorous, an associate of Integrated Financial Services (IFS) in Gig Harbor to be its chapter director in Tacoma. The Foundation for Personal Financial Education (FPFE) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to personal financial awareness. The organization consists of experienced financial services professionals who donate their time at no charge, speaking to government agencies, large corporations, small businesses, professional groups, and trade organizations. Komorous and IFS were selected due to his commitment toward ethical unbiased advice that he gives to pre-retirees and retirees.
The Washington State chapter of FPFE is located at 4423 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 300, in Gig Harbor. Contact Komorous at (253) 851-2232.
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KeyCorp drops prime lending rate to 7.75% |
| KeyCorp and its banking affiliates announced on Sept 19, that it had lowered its prime lending rate to 7.75 percent from 8.25 percent.
KeyCorp operates numerous branches on the Kitsap Peninsula. For more information, visit www.key.com.
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Frontier Bank opens new Bremerton office |
| Long time banker, Christine Christoff has recently joined Frontier Bank to open its new Bremerton office. She brings with her 34 years of experience in the banking industry and was previously with American Marine Bank.
The new office, located at 3651 Wheaton Way, officially opened Sept. 10 with a staff of four. Christoff is vice president and branch manager and can be reached at (360) 377-0250.
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Do all your stocks and mutual funds look alike?
By Ron Rada |
| Like most people, you probably gravitate toward things that you’re familiar with and that you like. If you enjoy classical music, your shelves may be full of Beethoven and Ravel. If you love pasta, your cupboards may be bulging with spaghetti and ravioli. In most parts of your life, there’s nothing wrong with this type of devotion — but if it applies to your investment portfolio, you could run into problems... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Bank shows record first half growth |
| Kitsap Bank announced that it experienced continued growth for the first half of 2007. At the conclusion of the 2nd quarter, Kitsap Bank’s total assets reached a record high of $754 million — a 10 percent increase during the past year. Deposits grew by $19 million during the first half, increasing by 8 percent over the past year... (Full Article) |
Protect yourself from identity theft
By Ron Rada |
| First, the bad news: There’s still plenty of identity theft out there. Now, the better news: There’s not as much as in previous years. And here’s the best news: You can do a lot to protect yourself from being victimized... (Full Article) |
The Check Is In The Mail
What you need to know when hiring
a collection agency
By Paula Bartlett |
| I find that many business owners and managers find it difficult to make the decision to place an account with a professional collection service. It is always an unpleasant experience to give a portion of your money to a third party to collect something that should have already been paid... (Full Article) |
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Venture announces plans to go public |
| Venture Financial Group Inc., the parent company for Venture Bank, announced that officials there have filed papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission to publicly offer shares of its common stock. The application will be made to list the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “VNBK.” Venture Financial Group anticipates offering these shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007... (Full Article) |
Washington Federal, Inc. to acquire
First Mutual Bancshares, Inc. |
| Washington Federal, Inc. and First Mutual Bancshares, Inc. announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement, in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $189.8 million. After consummation of the merger, the combined Company will have 148 offices in eight western states with total assets of approximately $11 billion and total deposits of approximately $6.8 billion... (Full Article) |
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SBA launches military loan initiative |
| The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a comprehensive initiative that focuses the agency’s full menu of financial, procurement, and technical assistance programs on the military community. The Patriot Express Initiative includes a suite of services for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses. The capstone of this initiative is a streamlined loan product based on SBA’s highly successful SBA Express loan program... (Full Article) |
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Learn all about the Kitsap County budget |
| Did you know that if you live in Kitsap County, less than one-fourth of your property taxes actually go to the Kitsap County government? If you live in a city, it’s even less, with under ten percent going to the county... (Full Article) |
WSB Financial included in
Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars |
| David K. Johnson, president and CEO of WSB Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Westsound Bank and Mortgage announced that it has been included as 1 of 24 banks and thrifts added to the list to comprise the 2007 Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars... (Full Article) |
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Shareholders approve Columbia merger |
| Columbia Banking System Inc. and Town Center Bancorp have announced that Town Center shareholders overwhelmingly approved its merger with Columbia at a special shareholders meeting.
The merger has received final regulatory approval and was expected to close on July 23. Upon closing, Town Center Bank, the banking subsidiary of Town Center Bancorp, will be merged into Columbia State Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System.
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Smart financial moves for college graduates
By Ron Rada |
| It’s that time of year when students from across the country graduate from college. If you’re one of them, you’ll be anticipating a new chapter in your life. And that means you’ll have to do your homework on a very important topic: your financial situation. It’s one subject in which you’ll definitely want to earn a passing grade... (Full Article) |
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Viking Bank makes big gains in dental market |
| Viking Bank has gained the endorsement of the Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency and the Washington State Dental Association, announced Patrick Redmond, CEO of Viking Bank... (Full Article) |
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Spencer signs on with Kitsap Credit Union |
| Kitsap Credit Union recently welcomed Shawnee Spencer as its newest loan officer. She brings over 14 years of financial service and 12 years of real estate lending experience to the Credit Union. She specializes in construction financing, manufactured home and land packages and all other real estate financing. She also works with members looking to consolidate their debt to allow them more flexibility with their funds... (Full Article) |
Women must plan (extra) carefully
for retirement
By Anji Sell |
| If you’re a woman, you have to be actively involved in your financial preparations for retirement – and that’s true whether you’re single or married. As a woman, you have at least two special considerations associated with your retirement planning... (Full Article) |
Washington Federal increases cash
dividend to 21 cents |
| The Board of Directors of Washington Federal, Inc. parent company of Washington Federal Savings, has announced a 2.4 percent increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend to 21 cents per share, from 20.5 cents per share. The dividend will be payable July 20, to common stockholders of record on July 6. This will be Washington Federal’s 98th consecutive quarterly cash dividend... (Full Article) |
AMB Financial Services Corporation
welcomes new board member |
| AMB Financial Services Corporation, the holding company for American Marine Bank, recently welcomed Thomas Kilbane to its board of directors. Kilbane brings a diverse background to the board that includes experience in advertising, planning and economic development. He retired in 2001 as founder and president of Kilbane Advertising, Inc., an outdoor advertising company operating in North Central Ohio. He also previously held public office in Ohio as a Huron County Commissioner and President of the Avon Lake, Ohio Board of Education. Kilbane currently holds a board position for both the Bainbridge Island Senior Center and Kitsap Community Foundation. |
Timberland Bank rated excellent
by TheStreet.com |
| Timberland Bank has received a financial strength rating of “A” or “Excellent” from TheStreet.com Ratings, one of the nation’s leading independent providers of ratings and analyses of financial services companies, mutual funds, and stocks.
The rating recognizes Timberland Bank as offering excellent financial stability for its customers, vendors and employees. According to TheStreet.com, fewer than 4.5 percent of the nation’s banks meet their criteria for exceptional financial strength.
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WSB Financial Group listed as one of
state’s fastest-growing public companies |
| WSB Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG), the parent company for Bremerton-based Westsound Bank and Mortgage, reported placement on the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Fastest-Growing Public Companies list. WSFG ranked tenth of all public companies headquartered in Washington State ranked by the three-year compounded annual percent change in revenue with a 53.2 percent change. |
Camacho leads Kitsap Bank’s
6th & Park Bremerton branch |
| Kitsap Bank recently announced that Carla Camacho has joined the Bank as operations manager of the bank’s 6th & Park branch in Bremerton. With nearly ten years of experience in the financial services industry, Camacho most recently served as Training Officer at Westsound Bank.
“Carla is very knowledgeable about the banking industry, and skilled in management,” noted John Barmuta, Kitsap Bank senior vice president/retail banking officer. “She shares Kitsap Bank’s commitment to motivating employees and helping them reach their fullest potential.”
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Financial tips for newlyweds
By Ron Rada |
| It’s June — a popular month for weddings. If you’re getting married this month, you have a lot to think about: a rehearsal, a ceremony, a reception and possibly a honeymoon. But most important of all, you’ve got the anticipation of starting a new life together. To help make that life a happy one, you and your new spouse will need to communicate with each other on all types of issues — and one of the most important of those issues is your joint financial situation... (Full Article) |
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AMB parking lot sale benefiting Relay For Life |
| The Kingston Office of American Marine Bank (AMB) announced recently it will hold a parking lot sale in the bank’s parking lot at the corner of Lindvog and Highway 104 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 2. Employees of the office will be donating items for sale and the proceeds will go to the Relay For Life of North Kitsap which will be held in mid-July in Kingston... (Full Article) |
Time for some financial “Spring Cleaning?”
By Glenn Anderson |
| Now that April is here, you might decide to spruce up your home, both inside and out. But you also may want to do a little “spring cleaning” to help keep your financial house in order... (Full Article) |
Guide for financial business growth
offers advice for women business owners |
| For the first time, years of research on the business practices of women business owners has been distilled into an accessible and comprehensive guide to obtaining and strategically using capital to grow a business... (Full Article) |
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New community bank forming in North Kitsap |
| Poulsbo will be the home of new community bank before the year is out according to Bill Fogerty, who will serve as the CEO. Liberty Bank (in organization) will be headquartered on 7th Avenue, and anticipates opening in November if all goes as planned... (Full Article) |
Gregoire signs Kilmer bill
to boost veteran-run firms |
| Veteran-owned businesses could see a boost in business, thanks to a bill signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire... (Full Article) |
Kitsap County names new
Public Information Officer |
| Clarence Moriwaki has been named as the new public information officer/policy analyst for Kitsap County. He brings over 25 years experience in government, media and community relations, public affairs, journalism and broadcasting to the $67,766 per year job... (Full Article) |
Business and Beyond to feature
Investor Resources, Inc. |
| PTG Studios has announceds the selection of Investor Resources, Inc. for its educational television series Business and Beyond. The Port Orchard based company will be featured in a segment on “Planning for Your Retirement,” as part of the “Investment Corner Series... (Full Article) |
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Rose earns AAMS designation |
| Connie Rose, of Edward Jones in Gig Harbor, successfully completed the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), Professional Education Program from the Denver-based College for Financial Planning. To earn the designation, participants must pass an exam and sign a code of ethics and disclosure form. The advanced training offers investment professionals the hands-on information needed to provide comprehensive financial services. Study topics include understanding the asset management process to understanding asset allocation and strategies. Reach her at (253) 853-7988. |
The follies of market timing
By Ron Rada |
| Many investors try to “time” the market by “buying low and selling high.” In theory, that’s a great idea — but it’s almost impossible to put into practice... (Full Article) |
Should you choose a Roth or Traditional IRA?
By Glenn Anderson |
| An IRA is a great way to save money for retirement. But which IRA is right for you — “traditional” or Roth? As is often the case in the investment world, there’s no one “right answer” for everyone — but the more you know before making a choice, the better off you’ll be... (Full Article) |
Peninsula Credit Union offering
scholarship opportunities |
| Acting upon the belief that “part of being a community based credit union, is investing in our youth,” Peninsula Credit Union is offering the following three $1,000 academic/vocational scholarships again this year to students within its membership area... (Full Article) |
Silverdale Prudential Representative
honored with Gold Award
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| For the 16th time, Denis Fuchs is the recipient of Liberty Mutual Group’s Property and Casualty Gold Award. Fuchs is a Prudential representative in the Pacific Northwest Agency, located at 10356 Silverdale Way Northwest in Silverdale... (Full Article) |
Parker earns Million Dollar
Round Table membership |
| Jason Parker, certified senior advisor at Sound Retirement Planning in old town Silverdale, has earned membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Achieving membership in the MDRT is attained by those who have demonstrated professional knowledge, expertise and client service. Parker is among the top life insurance and financial service professionals worldwide that are awarded the MDRT. |
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AMB Financial declares dividend |
| The Board of Directors of AMB Financial Services Corporation, parent company of American Marine Bank, declared a cash dividend of 40 cents per share on the company’s common stock for the 1st quarter. The stock continues to provide consistent share value, demonstrated by steadily increasing independent appraisal values for shares held in the employee stock ownership plan. For 2006, dividend payout rate remained steady at $1.60 per share annually, paid quarterly. |
Consider benefits before changing jobs
By Ron Rada |
| If you are thinking of switching jobs — especially in mid-to-late career — you’ll want to pay careful attention to the benefits offered by your new employer. At this stage of your life, you’ve got a lot to protect... (Full Article) |
Tax deductions you may be overlooking
By Wendy Miles |
| Now that we are well past the new year’s festivities, thoughts of many small business owners begin to turn (reluctantly!) to tax time. As you gather your 2006 information to begin your tax filing, here are a few little known or under utilized tax deductions that you, as a small business owner, might want to explore with your qualified tax advisor... (Full Article) |
College funding can be a good
year-end deduction
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Many business owners look at the month of December as one last chance to get some tax deductions, which is why equipment purchases and other expenditures are common at the end of the year. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of year-end tax deductions, but some accountants caution: Don’t spend the money if you don’t have to... (Full Article) |
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