2-5-2007
Property Solutions Plus opens offering help
with property and permit issues
Kathy Coon, who worked in the county assessor’s office for many years until retiring recently, has opened a new business called Property Solutions Plus. In the years she worked at the county, she established a reputation as the “go to” person when Realtors, builders, developers, surveyors and attorneys needed complete and accurate property and permitting information in a timely manner. In her new venture, she will put her knowledge and experience to work assisting both industry clients and the general public in navigating the application process for permits and property development, as well as permit research and processing. Reach Coon at 360-871-4480 or kjcoon@wavecable.com.
2-5-2007
MBA of Pierce County wins national awards
The National Association of Home Builders has awarded the Master Builders Association of Pierce County four Association Excellence Awards. The awards include: Best Communication to Members; Best Communications; Best Home Builder Association Web site; and Best Governmental Affairs Lobbying Program Administered.

“These awards reflect the hard work of association members and staff to constantly improve our association,” said MBA Executive Vice President Mike Crowley. “To win a national award for our government affairs program is especially important, and it shows how effective and positive the program is on behalf of our local homebuilding community.”

2-5-2007
Nelson earns Coldwell Banker designation
Mike Nelson, a marketing specialist with Coldwell Banker Swanson Realty in Kingston, has earned the Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist designation. To receive this designation, he met a performance based criteria and completed a certification course.

Nelson can be reached at (360) 265-2777 or mike@cbswanson.com.

2-5-2007
Crenshaw earns Seniors Specialist designation
Wendy Crenshaw, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Park Shore Real Estate in Port Orchard was recently awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) professional designation by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council.

Senior Real Estate Specialists help seniors make informed decisions about selling the family home, buying rental property, managing the capital gains and estate tax implications of owning real estate, obtaining a reverse mortgage, moving to a senior community, and other issues.

Crenshaw can be reached at (360) 271-6743 or wendy@wendyc.com.

2-5-2007
Ramirez earns general contractors license
Carlos J. Ramirez was granted a general contractors license Dec. 1, 2006. Now bonded and insured, Ramirez Builders, offers a wide range of home remodel and repair. With an emphasis on kitchens and baths, the services include renovation to routine maintenance.

Ramirez has over 30 years experience in construction including work in electrical, drywall, plumbing, carpentry, concert, flooring, finish work, siding, painting, tile, roofing, doors and windows. He also has worked as a construction foreman, hotel chief engineer and general contractor and was previously licensed in California.

Reach Ramirez Builders at (360) 649-7392 or RamirezBuilders@Mac.com.

2-5-2007
HUD raises FHA mortgage insurance limits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that more homebuyers may be eligible for FHA insurance on their mortgages and home improvement loans. The limits have been changed in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Skagit and Thurston Counties. The new FHA mortgage limit for a single-family unit in Kitsap County is $263,750, up from $261,250 in January.

For information about FHA insured mortgages, go to www.fha.gov or call (800) 225-5342.

2-5-2007
Allen completes training
in foreclosures and short sales
Teri Allen, with Karin Kay Properties, has become aware that many homeowners are finding themselves in the unfortunate position of losing their homes due to foreclosure. Although this is something that no one chooses to go through, there can be solutions to these circumstances that are often overlooked. In response, Allen has broadened her knowledge and services by completing training from McFerran University in “Foreclosures and Short Sales.”

Reach Allen at (360) 286-1985 or via email at tallen222@comcast.net.

2-5-2007
Penny’s Team Real Estate is on the move
Penny McLaughlin, owner of Penny’s Team Real Estate recently announced that the offices in Poulsbo and on Bainbridge Island have moved. The Poulsbo office is now located at 19188 8th Ave., or near the corner of Hwy 305 and Lincoln and can be reached at (360) 779-7229.

The new location for the Bainbridge Island office is located in the Solar Marine Building at 755 Winslow Way, Suite 103. Reach the Bainbridge office at (206) 842-2443. Both offices will be open Mon. – Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The new offices will allow Penny’s Team to better serve clients and make it easier to park the moving trucks. It’s all for better customer service,” added McLaughlin.

1-8-2007
County’s comp plan likely to be appealed
By Rodika Tollefson
Kitsap County commissioners approved the state mandated 10-year update to the county’s comprehensive plan in December, but local groups are considering challenging various parts of the plan....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Angel names Fred Depee
to Planning Commission
Fred Depee, a Realtor with the Port Orchard office of John L. Scott, has been named by Commissioner Jan Angel to the Kitsap County Planning Commission. His term is for four years....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Scott named one of nation’s 25 most
influential people in real estate industry
J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, has recently been selected by REALTOR Magazine as one of the “25 Most Influential People in Real Estate” in the nation. The list features 25 people from around the United States whose leadership and influence has had an effect on the real estate industry. This is the third time the highly coveted honor has been announced; Scott has been selected each time....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
BJC Group to remodel Doctor’s Clinic
The BJC Group Inc. of Port Orchard has been awarded the contract to complete the exterior remodel and entry improvements to the Doctors Clinic Ridgetop Facility located at 9398 Ridgetop Boulevard in Silverdale....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Kitsap SEED project now in design phase
The ambitious Kitsap Sustainable Energy Economic Development (SEED) project, after attracting more than $1.5 million in state and federal funding, has entered its design process. Located at the Port of Bremerton’s Olympic View Business Park, Kitsap SEED ultimately plans to have two million square feet of space....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Alger Appraisals and Alger Property
Management finalists for award
Alger Appraisals and Alger Property Management were selected out of 350 family businesses as a finalist in the “Best in the Northwest Small Family Business Awards,” sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Realtors’ ad campaign draws attention
to shortage of homes
The Washington Association of Realtors recently launched a $1.3 million advertising campaign designed to draw the attention of the public and of policymakers to the shortage of homes for middle-income families. Over the last five years, the shortage has caused the median price of homes to increase by 64 percent, while wages have improved only by an estimated 15 percent statewide....   (Full Article)
1-8-2007
Former Budweiser warehouse sold
Scott and Christy Hensrude, owners of Precision Collision Auto Body, recently purchased the former Budweiser warehouse in Bremerton. The warehouse is 30,000 square feet and is located in the auto center area of West Bremerton, at 300 Wilkes Avenue. The Hensrudes intend to complete renovations and open their eighth Puget Sound location for Precision Collision Auto Body. The concrete tilt-up warehouse was constructed in 1980 on a two acre site. The sale closed on Dec. 4 with a price of $1,450,000.
1-8-2007
D.H. Briant & Associates hired
by Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue
D.H. Briant & Associates recently announced that it has been hired by Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue as its Architect of Record for 2007. The firm will provide design services on a on-call basis for a one year duration.

The scope of work will most likely entail modifications and code upgrades to various fire stations throughout Central Kitsap. For more information about design services contact Doug Briant at (206) 842-4993.

1-8-2007
Getter earns coveted CRS designation
Chuck Getter, a sales associate with RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island, has earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation. Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Only eight Realtors on Bainbridge Island have earned the credential.
1-8-2007
Jensen earns broker license
RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island recently announced that Mary Jensen has passed all State requirements for licensing as a Real Estate Broker and has earned the designation of Associate Broker.

Reach Jensen at (206) 842-9232 or MarySellsHomes4U@aol.com.

12-8-2006
Realtors say initiative shows voters’
demand for reform of land-use bureaucracy
The support of thousands of voters means that Washington’s property rights debate isn’t over, according to The Washington Association of Realtors. The 25,000-member organization, which took a neutral position on the initiative campaign, said today that policymakers should make it a priority to reform the complex system of rules and regulations that govern how people use their land....   (Full Article)
12-8-2006
Rice Fergus Miller announces staff
accreditations, new hires
Staff members pass required exams to become certified and professionally accredited.Bremerton–based Rice Fergus Miller Architecture & Planning has announced that a number of its staff members had obtained the necessary professional qualification to become accredited and certified in their particular disciplines...   (Full Article)
12-8-2006
Rice Fergus Miller’s P.T. Fire Station
design receives national award
Port Townsend’s Fire Station recently won Fire Chief Magazine’s annual Station Style Bronze Award for a new career station. Announcement of the award was published in the magazine’s November issue....   (Full Article)
12-8-2006
BJC Group completes new
Kitsap Bank branch in Port Ludlow
The BJC Group of Port Orchard recently completed construction of Kitsap Bank’s new Port Ludlow branch at 72 Breaker Lane. The new, 3,600 square foot Craftsman-style branch is similar in design and size to a number of other recently constructed Kitsap Bank branches....   (Full Article)
12-8-2006
First Horizon Home Loans makes grant
to Habitat for Humanity
First Horizon Home Loans (formally known as Harborpoint Financial) recently presented a $30,000 check to Habitat for Humanity’s Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Chapter. The donation will be used to help build a new home on the Key Peninsula for the Landsberger family with two sons, both in wheelchairs, suffering from Brittle Bone Disease....   (Full Article)
12-8-2006
Costco sale creates record earnings
for Olympic Property Group
Pope Resources, owner of Olympic Property group, reported third quarter net income of $8.3 million, or $1.74 per share. This compares to net income of $4.1 million, or 87 cents per share for the same period in 2005.

“Operating results for the third quarter, which represent the strongest quarter in the partnership’s history, were dominated by our Real Estate segment’s sale of a 17-acre commercial tract located in our Harbor Hill project in Gig Harbor to Costco Wholesale Corporation,” said David L. Nunes, President and CEO. “This income reflects the culmination of years of work and investment to realize value from former timberlands now located in the path of development.”

12-8-2006
HUD raises FHA mortgage insurance limits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that more homebuyers may be eligible for FHA insurance on their mortgages and home improvement loans. The limits have been changed in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Skagit and Thurston Counties. The new FHA mortgage limit for a single-family unit in Kitsap County is $263,750, up from $261,250 in January.
12-8-2006
Ryan wins Ambulatory Surgery Center contract
Tim Ryan Construction Inc. (TRC) of Poulsbo was recently awarded the contract for the tenant improvements of the new Ambulatory Surgery Center in Silverdale. Surgery Center of Silverdale, LLC will open its doors in the spring of 2007 as an independent outpatient surgical facility. The project is a joint venture between area doctors who make up Kitsap Outpatient Surgery, LLC and Harrison Medical Center. A Certificate of Need was granted for the facility in June from the Washington Department of Health.

For more information, contact TRC at (360) 779-7667.

12-8-2006
Yanick wins national award
for Bainbridge home design
Miles Yanick and Company was recently awarded the 2006 Vetter Windows and Doors VIP Award for a 1,400 square-foot home they designed on Bainbridge Island.

The project design team was Yanick and Will England. The general contractor was Central Sound Construction of Kingston. In addition to a cash prize, the home will be featured in a national publicity campaign in trade and consumer publications.

For more information contact Yanick at (206) 842-6516.

12-8-2006
“60 Minute Workshop” presented
by Hoke for BIAW
Bremerton marketing consultant and speaker Bill Hoke, owner of Hoke Consulting, presented his 60 Minute Membership Plan workshop at the fall meeting of the Building Industry Association of Washington, held in Ocean Shores.

Hoke is offering a new, updated version of his workshop with a new module on branding which offers a three step process to help identify and build the brand name. The workshops can be scheduled for groups, or by individual appointment.

Reach Hoke at hoke@hokeconsulting.com or (360) 271-9448.

12-8-2006
Lowe’s store slated for Port Orchard
A new Lowe’s store is expected to be built at the southwest corner of SR-16 and Sedgwick Road. It is estimated that the store will be open in the winter of 2007.

It will have 117,000 square foot of retail space and a 31,500 square foot garden center which will offer a selection of flowers, bushes, trees and garden supplies tailored to the Washington climate and lifestyle. A store of this size represents an average investment for the company of $18.5 million and creates up to 175 new jobs.

11-7-2006
Olympic Property Group promotes
Gig Harbor North plans
By Rodika Tollefson
Pope Resources, the largest land owner in Kitsap County and the owner of a 320-acre property at Gig Harbor North, announced it closed on its sale of 17 acres to Costco Wholesale Corp. Officials have been tight-lipped about the deal in the last few months, but discussions about the planned Gig Harbor Costco have been in the works for several years....   (Full Article)
11-7-2006
Goller Grade & Gravel earns CAC status
General contractors, Goller Grade & Gravel LLC, owned by Poulsbo’s Jeff and Carrie Goller, have recently been awarded Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) status. It is one out of only five Washington state water garden contractors (and the only contractors on the west side of Puget Sound)  to receive the CAC certification....   (Full Article)
11-7-2006
McCormick Woods community
welcomes new builders and neighborhoods
McCormick Land Company announced the launch of new neighborhoods created by builders who see a growing housing market in Kitsap County....   (Full Article)
11-7-2006
Shamrock Realty purchased by Windermere
By Joshua Campbell
Shamrock Realty was recently purchased by Windermere Real Estate, ending Shamrock’s long relationship as a Kingston mainstay, and beginning a new era with Windermere, one of the largest real estate brokerages in the western U.S....   (Full Article)
11-7-2006
Bushnell Homes adds to its talent pool
Bushnell Homes recently named Rich Simonis as its new field superintendent for residential projects. Simonis is an industry veteran with over 15 years in the Kitsap market....   (Full Article)
11-7-2006
Ellis earns ABR designation
Molly Ells with Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Ells joins more than 39,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR designation. She has also earned the GRI, CRS & e-PRO designations.

11-7-2006
RE/MAX Unlimited announces agent additions
Mark Middleton and Larry Kight recently joined RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island. Both come to RE/MAX Unlimited from other local real estate offices. RE/MAX Unlimited can be reached at (206) 842-9232.
10-6-2006
Rowe-Hornbaker named Assistant
Director at Kitsap County DCD
On Sept. 25, Kitsap County announced that Jeff Rowe-Hornbaker, who has served as Interim Assistant Director for the Department of Community Development (DCD) since April 2006, has been appointed permanently to the position. He was appointed to that slot after former DCD director Cindy Baker resigned unexpectedly....   (Full Article)
10-6-2006
NFIB/Washington announces support of I-933
The Washington chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), recently announced its support of passage of Initiative 933, the property fairness measure, which will appear on the November ballot. In a recent survey, 92 percent of NFIB/Washington members supported I-933. The organization’s political action committee, SAFE Trust, has also donated to the measure’s campaign....   (Full Article)
10-6-2006
Quadrant, DR Horton to start construction
in McCormick Urban Village
By Rodika Tollefson
Site development is underway in several new communities in the McCormick Woods area, with several subdivision builders planning to start vertical construction this fall....   (Full Article)
10-6-2006
NKBA announces 2007 slate of chapter officers
NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association), Olympic-West Sound Subchapter, recently announced its 2007 slate of chapter officers. President: Shain Hamilton, Kitchen Design Group; vice president of tech/communications: Dee Coppola, Wet Apple Media; vice president of government relations....   (Full Article)
10-6-2006
Two earn Associate Broker’s License
Patricia (Pat) McGuire, of the Port Orchard office of John L. Scott Real Estate, and Cindy Lint of the Silverdale office of Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, both recently earned their Associate Broker’s License....   (Full Article)
10-6-2006
Diana Bennett Wirtz joins Prowse & Co.
Diana Bennett Wirtz recently joined the Prowse & Co. real estate team as a buyer specialist.  Bennett Wirtz has been in real estate for close to ten years and when not selling for Prowse & Co., she teaches interior design at the Art Institute of Seattle and offers professional interior design service. She can be reached at (360) 779-2888.
10-6-2006
City of Gig Harbor names new planning director
The city of Gig Harbor filled a six-month vacancy in late September with the hiring of Planning Director Thomas J. Dolan. Dolan previously worked for the city of Tacoma since 1974.

Dolan, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been an urban planner and senior planner in Tacoma, and in 2002 became the land use section supervisor, a position that included supervising 11 professional planners, a sign inspector, wetland specialists and zoning enforcement staff.

Dolan will supervise the city of Gig Harbor Planning Department, which is currently made up of six staff and oversees more than 400 permits annually.

Community Development Director John Vodopich said, “I am excited to have Tom come on board both for the length of his experience and depth of knowledge as well as the leadership qualities he will bring to the planning department.

10-6-2006
Five new agents added at John L. Scott
in Poulsbo
The John L. Scott Poulsbo office recently announced the addition of five new members to its team: Brandon Schmahl, Mary Gorman, George Hoffman, Molly Mooney and Vickie Depudy. They may all be reached at (360) 779-7555.
10-6-2006
RE/Max on Bainbridge expanding to new office
RE/Max Unlimited of Bainbridge Island recently announced the expansion of its office with the opening of a new Welcome Center located next to the Ferry dock at 180 Olympic Drive. The new center has multiple conference rooms and a large work area for agents. The expansion of their services will allow the office to grow, provide a new resource for visitors to the Island, and give current customers better exposure to the buyer. The new office opened August 23. RE/Max Unlimited will continue to occupy its current location at 290 Madison Avenue, next to City Hall.
10-6-2006
Rice Fergus Miller selected for new project
Rice Fergus Miller was recently selected to assist in the restoration of the Morck Hotel, a 1924 grand hotel located in Aberdeen, as well as the master planning of the blocks surrounding it. Interior demolition of the Morck is scheduled for October.

Rice Fergus Miller can be reached at (360) 377-8773.

10-6-2006
Real estate firm in Emerald Downs
winners circle
Karin Kay Properties recently honored agents for outstanding achievements by naming the Karin Kay Properties Purse at Emerald Downs on Aug. 19. Two agents, Julian Larson and Packy Rieder, were presented with recognition awards in a separate ceremony.

Owner Karin Kay, along with Bob Camp and Jim Yurina (Camp Corporation) were present to personally thank and award Rieder for outstanding sales in its newest neighborhood, Esquire Hills, in Central Kitsap. Larson was awarded for achieving top listings and sales in a recent two-month sales contest.

10-6-2006
TRC awarded contract for Drs. Fleischhauer
and Chun tenant improvement
Tim Ryan Construction Inc. (TRC) was awarded the contract for tenant improvements to the new office for Dr. Greg Fleischhauer and Dr. Ty Chun. The office is located at 9800 Levin Rd. NW, in Silverdale and will provide over 2,500 square feet of new space.

The architect for the project is D.H. Briant & Associates Architects of Bainbridge Island. For more information, contact TRC (360) 779-7667.

9-9-2006
T-OZ Construction:
Helping preserve home values
By Rodika Tollefson
T-Oz Construction’s role is different from most construction companies. T-OZ, a general contractor, specializes in foundation repair, slope stabilization, slide repairs, and similar problems. Another specialty is the installation of helical piers that provide an innovative alternative to foundation repairs and retaining walls because they require minimum or no disturbance of the habitat in areas such as wetlands or beaches....   (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Design trends in plumbing, lighting
focus of NKBA September meeting
The Olympic-West Sound subchapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will meet on Thursday, Sept. 14 at Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery, 1441 Lumsden Road in Port Orchard. Alison Baker, who has been with Kohler for 11 years, will present “Design trends in plumbing,” which will include current trends in bathrooms and kitchens and how to achieve the spa look in residential bathrooms....   (Full Article)
9-9-2006
New architecture firm focuses on sustainability
Matthew Coates has recently launched a new architecture and design practice, Coates Design, Inc. on Bainbridge Island. He hopes to offer his sustainable design expertise to a diverse, yet progressive clientele and brings to the table award winning ideas about sustainable homes of the future....   (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Building materials cost rose again in July
The index for finished goods slowed to a 0.1 percent increase in July down from a 0.5 percent in June. July is the last month for which figures are available....   (Full Article)
9-9-2006
Gig Harbor Costco to open
in late summer 2007
Project details being kept under wraps
With few details being released about the future of the Gig Harbor Costco, the only certain thing is that the “big box” store will open in late summer or early fall 2007.

Costco Northwest Regional Marketing Director Christina Phelan said that the project, which is being built in the Harbor Hill area of Gig Harbor, is still in the process of gaining the necessary permits from the City of Gig Harbor.

“This project is really hush-hush right now and I have nothing to report as of right now,” Phelan said.

9-9-2006
Nelson recognized for million dollar successes
Kristi Nelson, of RE/MAX Unlimited has been recognized by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, earning both the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation and the Million Dollar Guild membership level for her recent performance in the million-dollar and above luxury home market within Bainbridge Island.

“To have this recognition of my accomplishments in serving Bainbridge Island is an honor,” said Nelson. “It has strengthened my commitment to the community and its residents.”

9-9-2006
McGuire earns Associate Broker’s License
Patricia (Pat) McGuire, of the Port Orchard office of John L. Scott Real Estate, recently earned her Associate Broker’s License. She has been with the office since January 2003. McGuire was required to complete 120 hours of advanced real estate education and training, including instruction in real estate law, brokerage management and business management to earn the license.
8-4-2006
Farm Bureau submits signatures
to put I-933 on ballot
Property rights advocates turn in over 90,000 more signatures than needed
In a show of strength meant to demonstrate to lawmakers and unelected state and local bureaucrats exactly how serious Washington voters are about property rights, the Washington Farm Bureau and the Property Fairness Coalition recently submitted more than 315,000 signatures in support of Initiative 933 — about 90,000 more than they needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Why it’s important for homebuyers
to find a quality home inspector
By J. Lennox Scott
Chairman & CEO, John L. Scott Real Estate
One of the most important steps to buying a home is the inspection. A home inspection takes place after you’ve made an offer on a home, and it has been accepted by the seller....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Burns earns Associate Broker’s license
Terry Burns of the Poulsbo-North Kitsap office of Windermere Real Estate/Westsound recently earned his Associate Broker’s License. Burns has been with the office since 2003....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Oxford Suites Hotel project
back under construction
The long-delayed Oxford Suites Hotel project in Silverdale appears to be back in the swing of things, after sitting dormant for months....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Pacific Northwest Title moving
to Cavalon Place II
Pacific Northwest Title of Kitsap County is moving to Cavalon Place on Myhre Road, Silverdale’s first office condominium development. It is purchasing space in Cavalon Place II, a three-story, 36,000 sq. ft., Class A office building....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
New president named
at McCormick Land Company
McCormick Land Company, developer of the McCormick Woods community, recently named Doug Skrobut as its new president. He is a Seattle native who formerly served as vice president of finance and development for the company....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Builders Bargains looking for a lending hand
Builders Bargains, the Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County’s non-profit retail store, is in need of volunteers. The store, which is in its third month of operation and runs primarily with volunteer labor and donated materials....   (Full Article)
8-4-2006
Shapiro awarded MAI designation
Stephen Shapiro, with the real estate appraisal firm Resolve on Bainbridge Island, was recently awarded the Appraisal Institute’s MAI membership designation.

Appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties, and who advise clients on real estate investment decisions hold the designation. Shapiro was granted the designation in June, and he will be recognized during the next Seattle Chapter meeting in September.

8-4-2006
The BJC Group awarded bank job
The BJC Group Inc. of Port Orchard has been awarded and is currently constructing a new branch office for Kitsap Bank located in Port Ludlow. The new branch replaces an existing smaller building across the street from the new site. It was designed by BAC Architects of Bainbridge Island and will be a 3,500 square feet, wood-framed structure.

The project is scheduled for completion on August 15.

8-4-2006
Pierce Co. MBA endorses
proposed NASCAR track
The Master Builders Association (MBA) of Pierce County has endorsed the proposed NASCAR racetrack in Kitsap County. “The economic benefit that will be enjoyed by both Kitsap and Pierce Counties from the racetrack and associated business growth is great,” stated MBA President Todd Lord. “Pierce County will also enjoy the synergy between the LeMay car museum and the racetrack – the sum could be greater than the parts.”

For more information contact Tiffany Speir at (253) 272-2112, ext. 105 or at tspeir@mbapierce.com.

8-4-2006
NKBA’s next meeting set for Sept. 14
Olympic West Sound National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) next meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, at Ferguson Enterprises, Inc., located at 1441 Lumsden Road in Port Orchard, on the top of the hill from Evergreen Lumber. Tickers are $35.

If you are a kitchen/bath designer, remodeler, product supplier, or related industry, membership and attendance at NKBA Chapter and National functions can not only improve your professionalism, but your profit margin, too.

For more information, contact Molly McDade at molly@akitchenthatworks.com or Bob Baker at rmbckd@msn.com.

8-4-2006
TRC awarded contract, breaks ground
Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. (TRC) recently announced that it was awarded the tenant improvement contract for Dr. Todd Schneiderman of Retina Center Northwest and Dr. Chris Merifield of Pain Consultants located at 9800 Levin Rd. in Silverdale.

Also, TRC broke ground for Blue Sky Printing in Poulsbo. The new two-story building will provide new offices for Blue Sky on the lower level and three office spaces available for lease on the upper level. The existing building will be replaced with a new parking area. Scheduled completion is for December.

TRC can be reached at (360) 779-7667.

8-4-2006
Building honors Elmer and
Katharine Nordstrom
The Harmony Hill Retreat Center In Union has announced the naming of its newest building as the Elmer and Katharine Nordstrom Great Hall. The grand opening of this new BuiltGreen multi-purpose meeting facility will be part of Harmony Hill’s SummerFest and 20th anniversary celebration on Sat., August 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about Harmony Hill or SummerFest call (360) 898-2363 or visit www.harmonyhill.org.

8-4-2006
Hitchman earns real estate license
Moira Hitchman, of the Carver Real Estate Group, Inc., in Silverdale, recently completed extensive in-office training as well as web-based training and received her Washington State real estate license.

Hitchman works with the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and has worked as a tutor to deaf students at both the elementary school level and as a paraprofessional educator with deaf and hard of hearing students at the high school level.

8-4-2006
John L. Scott ranks 7th most
productive in two national surveys
John L. Scott Real Estate, which operates 10 offices on the Kitsap Peninsula, was recently ranked the seventh most productive independent real estate company in the nation by two national real estate surveys.

The annual “REAL Trends 500” report incorporates fifteen individual reports that rank the largest residential real estate firms in the nation based on varying sales criteria and company data. REALTOR Magazine ranks the nation’s top 100 independent real estate firms by sales and closed transactions.

Both surveys are considered the most trusted standard of measuring the performance of the national leading real estate firms.

8-4-2006
Cox and Elliott earn GRI designation
Meloney Cox and Tanya Elliott, sales associates at Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. recently earned the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation from the Washington Association of Realtors. The designation is awarded to professional real estate practitioners who complete three 30-hour classes.

The material covers real estate practice from the laws that apply transferring real property to how to effectively market homes for sale. Frank Wilson broker at Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. said, “The information an agent gleans from attending and completing the GRI series allows them to offer the next level of service to their home buyers and sellers.”

8-4-2006
Tuman joins Ferguson Enterprises
Lighting and Plumbing
Don Tuman has joined the Ferguson Enterprises Lighting and Plumbing Showroom team in Port Orchard. He transferred from the Tacoma showroom with 12 years experience in the industry. Reach Tuman at (360) 895-4446.
8-4-2006
Prowse and Cooper join KMHS board
Brenda Prowse, owner of Brenda Prowse Properties in Poulsbo, and Bill Cooper of Silverdale have been elected to the Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) Foundation as trustees.

Prowse has been in the real estate business for 26 years and is a graduate of Eastern Washington University. Cooper is semi-retired from Land America Transnation where he served as vice president and Kitsap County manager for 28 years.