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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Family businesses look for competive edge
By Rodika Tollefson |
| While it’s undisputed that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, every year those businesses find themselves pitted against big corporations. For a family-owned business with a small staff, competition is not only for customers but also for employees lured away by benefits small firms can’t afford... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
The DOs and DON'Ts of the business reception
Receptions are premier networking events.
Make the most of them and get invited back. |
The business reception — be it a chamber networking event, grand opening of a new facility such as Bremerton’s Harborside complex, a service club event or even your own company party — how you act reflects on your future business.
There’s piles of complimentary food, entertainment on the house and overflowing alcohol, all at no cost. Before you indulge, just remember that your boss, everyone else you work with, as well as clients — and competitors — are all watching. And that you may have to see more than one of them the next day... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Internet may be a goldmine for tourists,
but not hotels
By Rodika Tollefson |
| There are plenty of consumers left who like to make travel plans the old-fashion way — in person or via the telephone — but personal contact cannot beat information easily accessible 24/7 on the Internet. Finding the next vacation getaway online sounds time consuming, but it sure beats going to the library or bookstore, making phone calls to dozens of visitors bureaus and waiting for brochures... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - MEETING FACILITIES
Bremerton Harborside opening fills a niche
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton’s Harborside had barely opened its doors but some events are already being booked for 2005 and 2006. For this year, the interest in space rental has exceeded expectations... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - MEETING FACILITIES
A roundup of where to meet
and what’s offered
Everything you need to know about our local facilities |
Alderbrook Resort & Spa
10 East Alderbrook Drive, Union, (800) 622-9370
Number of Rooms: 77 and 15 2-Bedroom Cottages. Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted. www.alderbrookresort.com
Nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is less than two hours from Seattle. Recreated to four-star luxury in 2004, Alderbrook is a breath of fresh air for meetings and special events. Groups from 12 to 200 can come together to learn, play and share ideas at this unique site... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Succession Planning:
Now is always the best time to start
By Mike Hihn, Rent-A-Manager.com |
Here’s a concise definition of succession planning. I found it at the National Federation of Independent Business web site (Succession-Planning Preparedness Quiz):
“Effective succession planning involves building the value of your business during your period of ownership and management, and having a plan in place when you’re ready to step down. It means that management authority and control are delegated responsibly. Finally, it means that the benefits of ownership are fairly distributed to those who are entitled to them... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
On the stage: Gig Harbor couple view
their business as a lifestyle
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Bruce and Linda Gair have started 12enterprises together, including several retail shops. The couple’s newest adventure is “The Keeping Room,” a fine wines and accessories store in downtown Gig Harbor... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Entrepreneurship: Not just for entrepreneurs
Managing the transition(s) to more professional management
By Mike Hihn, Rent-A-Manager.com |
Entrepreneurship is not just for entrepreneurs. The critical elements of personal autonomy and earned rewards can be just as effective on the shop floor.
Consider Lincoln Electric, a Cleveland-based manufacturer of welding equipment. In its markets, Lincoln’s reputation in a rare combination of cutthroat pricing and high quality. Shareholders receive above-average returns. Line workers earn $80,000 per year, with a few topping $100,000 per year... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Keeping it all in the family
By Sarah Lee |
| Family-owned companies - large and small – are the foundation of the nation’s business. How important are these companies to the nation’s economy? Consider these statistics... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
A home-based business is a family affair
Working from home can create unique family challenges. Be ready! |
| A great way to make more money is to start a home business. Most people think it's complex, but it's actually quite simple. All you need is the proper amount of motivation and a detailed plan to get the ball - and the profits - rolling. However, one caution, a home-based business isn’t just your business, it will impact every member of your family in some way, and the budding entrepreneur needs to keep that in mind... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - MEETING FACILITIES
Alderbrook Resort and Spa reopens under
new ownership after major two-year renovation
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Nine decades ago, a hotelman wanted to create a unique destination resort in the Northwest — and the shores of the Hood Canal in Union were the perfect place for vacationers arriving by boat. Through the years, Alderbrook Inn changed several owners, looks and even purposes... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - MEETING FACILITIES
WestCoast spending heavily on upgrades |
| Even though it lost a whooping $2.3 million dollars, Spokane-based WestCoast Hotels is investing in its future, spending big bucks to press forward with several initiatives designed to boost occupancy... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - MEETING FACILITIES
Hotels and online travel agencies
battle for market share
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| Online sales have changed the face of hotel distribution. While 46 percent of U.S. hotel sales will be sold through the hotel call center in 2004, that figure will decline to 36% by 2006... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HOTEL FACILITIES
Avoiding honeymoon hotel pitfalls |
| A honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime for both partners, full of romance and relaxation. But so many expectations are built into a honeymoon trip that it can become somewhat of a disappointment. Here are some tips offered by local hospitality professionals from around the peninsula to help newlyweds avoid some common honeymoon pitfalls and misconceptions — whether you stay in this area or not... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Third generation Realtor earns
her broker’s license |
Barb McKenzie, owner/broker of Coldwell Banker McKenzie on Bainbridge Island, has proudly announced that her daughter, Kate Dean, has successfully completed her education and received her associate broker’s license.
Dean, is a third generation Realtor, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Betty Ames.
Ames was well known as the owner of Betty Ames Realty in Kingston for many years before selling her office and retiring from the business about 10 years ago.
Kate Dean may be reached at (206) 842-1733.
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SPECIAL REPORT - FAMILY BUSINESSES
Art & Soul Photography...
Keeping photos in the family |
Art & Soul Photographic Image Artistry, located at 21659 Bond Rd. NE in Poulsbo, is a family endeavor with over fifty years of collective experience in the photographic field. Father, mother, daughter and son, have joined forces and creativity to form new, fresh, and fun photographic company.
Art & Soul can be reached at (360) 598-4017 or visit the Web site at www.artandsould.20m.com.
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Aquatic Therapy helps many
ride exercise wave |
| Anita Quinn has fitness goals, but you won’t find her shrieking about them on any infomercial. If she’s fortunate enough to see a grandchild or two come down the pike, Quinn just wants to be strong enough to hold on tight... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Turning to Tai Chi |
| Practiced for centuries in China, the gentle art of tai chi has now become an American mainstay. Despite its deceptive gentleness, Tai Chi boasts robust health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, improved stamina and a deeper sense of relaxation... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
DEXA scan can offer accurate
body fat composition
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Anyone who has hired a personal trainer or embarked on a weight-loss program has likely been subjected to the “pinch test,” underwater weighing or some other experience to measure body fat composition. Used to determine how far a person is from his or her ideal weight, the body fat composition can be a painful indication to some on how far they must travel on the road to weight loss... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Kitsap Physical Therapy offering new
Cold Laser Therapy in Poulsbo |
| Cold Laser Therapy, available at the Poulsbo Bond Rd. clinic of Kitsap Physical Therapy, uses low-level light or photon energy with the unique property of being able to penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no tissue damage whatsoever... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Harrison earns Level III trauma recertification |
| The Washington State Department of Health has granted Harrison Hospital a three-year extension of its Level III status as a trauma care facility, a designation achieved in 1994 and one shared with only 19 other Washington hospitals... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
No economic slow down
for local cosmetic surgeons
By Maura Kate Hallam |
| In a slow economy, it is usually the luxuries that are sacrificed first. But that does not seem to be the case when it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Despite the fact that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance policies, doctors who perform cosmetic procedures are busier than ever across the nation... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Healthy makeovers
Who’s getting fit and how they are doing it
By Maura Kate Hallam |
Jan West, 49, began her exercise program two years ago after a routine doctor’s visit, and she discovered her blood pressure was 140/90.
“I used to exercise, but then I sprained my ankle and got out of the habit,” said West. “But after that doctor’s visit, I knew I needed to get active.... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
“Don’t Eat Your Heart Out,”
says best-selling author
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Gig Harbor’s Joe Piscatella, a best-selling author and renowned authority on healthy lifestyles, says a person can change to healthy habits in six months. As the presenter at a Bainbridge Island event recently, he was told by a man who read one of his books 10 years ago that he followed his advice after a doctor gave him three months to shape up or take medications for the rest of his life... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
To smoke or not to smoke inside a public place?
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Smoking may be considered one of civilization’s longest traditions that has thrived through centuries and crossed cultures. But as of late, perhaps in a sign of the changing times, nations are declaring wars on smoking using ammunition that ranges from restrictions on advertising to making entire countries smoke-free in public places... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Peninsula Dermatology opens Gig Harbor office
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Silverdale-based Peninsula Dermatology and Laser Clinic opened a new office in Gig Harbor in June, offering a range of services. Dr. Eric Rasmussen, who has been practicing in Kitsap for 21 years, will offer medical and cosmetic dermatology at the clinic, located in the medical center on Point Fosdick Drive... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Exercise for good mental health
By Maura Kate Hallam |
| A regular fitness regimen is important to keep one’s body healthy and fit. But exercise is also important for the mind. In addition to controlling waistlines and firming muscles, regular exercise can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and provide valuable downtime away from the daily rigors of everyday life... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE IN KITSAP
Gym at the Pavilion adds equipment
and expands massage therapy |
| The Gym at the Pavilion recently acquired a Pilates Reformer and is holding training sessions for members. Betsy Emison, a STOTT Pilates trained and certified instructor, is available to conduct private lessons on Wed., Fri. and Sat. mornings from 7 a.m. to noon... (Full Article) |
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