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SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Major spills affect local bays
For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public
relations, for Nature cannot be fooled. ~Richard P. Feynman
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
On September 29, the City of Poulsbo reported a 532,621-gallon spill of raw sewage discharged from a 4-5 inch hole in the force main of the 4,000 ft iron ductile pipe that runs along the beach between Lindvig Road and the Marine Science Center into the north end of Liberty Bay.
This may have broken a near 10-year state record… if not for the fact that the undiscovered leak occurred over a period of 21 days... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Attracting and retaining good employees
Local HR professionals share their experiences
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Some human resource professionals acknowledge that their job was once viewed as the Darth Vader of a company. But in the past decade, the industry image has changed greatly, with the human resource professional becoming an employee ombudsman, and the front line for communication with both employees and candidates... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Is “Business Casual” being downsized
in the workplace? |
| While “business casual” was the big workplace fashion trend in the 1990s, now the pendulum is swinging back to more conservative attire, according to employment analysts interviewed by the Bureau of National Affairs... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Bringing the past to life
Kitsap County Seeks Designation as a Heritage Tour Route
through Federal Program
By Bill Zupancic and Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| Just four years since the planning for the Mosquito Fleet Trail was completed, the County closes in on its official designation as a Heritage Tour Route in the National Scenic Byways program... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources Questions & Answers
By Julie Tappero, Owner
West Sound Workforce |
| More and more of my employees have cell phones that frequently ring throughout the day. This is very distracting in the office. Can I restrict the use of their personal cell phones during the day... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Techniques for dealing with employee absenteeism and tardiness |
| A widespread discipline problem for employers is absenteeism and tardiness. Some employers have established programs designed to minimize absenteeism and tardiness. Effective programs must be communicated to employees. Employees must know what the attendance policies are and what attendance records will merit incentives or discipline... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
How state “sick leave” law
impacts your business |
| Earlier this year, a new law redefining “sick leave” took effect. “Sick leave” now includes an employer’s self-administered short-term disability plan if the employer does not otherwise offer paid sick leave... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
“Just-in-time” hiring practices are
driving jobless recovery |
| Borne by necessity amid the harsh realities of a troubled economy, “just-in-time” employment practices have proven effective in helping organizations make ends meet. So effective, in fact, that economists should expect more of the same whenever bottom lines are the top priority, according to a study by two economists at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Minimum wage to increase Jan. 1 |
| Washington's minimum wage will increase by 28 cents to $7.63 an hour on Jan. 1, 2006. The Department of Labor and Industries recalculates the state's minimum wage each September as required by Initiative 688... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Performance ratings equal for male
and female bosses |
| According to a National Hudson survey on managerial performance, 69 percent of U.S. workers rate their supervisors as excellent or good, while 27 percent believe that they can perform their bosses' jobs better than their bosses... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Flexible work schedules declining in popularity |
| According to a July report from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the number of full-time wage and salary workers age 16 and older on flexible schedules dropped from 29 million in May 2001 to 27.4 million in 2004... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Light duty freely accepted counts
towards FMLA time |
| A plant employee sued her employer when the latter denied her FMLA leave at the end of a 13-week light-duty assignment that she freely accepted after she injured her back on the job... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Corvette roadster: Powerful and practical
By Bruce Caldwell |
| Most people talk about how fast Corvettes are. I like to boast about the fantastic gas mileage I get. Our test Corvette roadster averaged 28.9 mpg on the highway. That's incredible economy for a 400 horsepower supercar... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Audi debuts exclusive new interiors
for flagship A8 and A8L models |
| Audi has unveiled new Exclusive Interior Packages for the company’s flagship A8 line. The new packages, were designed by Audi’s subsidiary quattro GmbH, and the company believes they are certain to raise the benchmark even higher in premium automobiles... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
The very best Mustang ever
By Bruce Caldwell |
| Many great Mustangs have been produced in the past forty plus years, so it might seem presumptuous to call the new Mustang GT the best ever. Some might dispute best ever laurels, but I challenge anyone to spend a week driving one and then decide. The proof is in the driving... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
2006 Kia Rio 5: A high quality bargain
By Bruce Caldwell |
| We came to a stop sign soon after getting in the all-new 2006 Kia Rio 5 SX for the first time. The car was so quiet I thought I'd killed the engine, but the tach indicated it was still running... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
2006 Volvo XC70: The all-purpose wagon
By Bruce Caldwell |
| The 2006 Volvo XC70 is perfectly suited to Pacific Northwest lifestyles and driving conditions. It offers a great blend of go-anywhere ruggedness and refined urban commuting. The idea of an all-wheel-drive station wagon has always made sense... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Car buying incentives abound during holidays
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Consumers in the market for a new car are in for a good time during the next two months, as most car manufacturers beef up their customer incentives during the holidays. Navigating the incentives would take a bit of time investment, and the only thing certain is that manufacturers will be competing with each during the next two months to offer the best buys... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Toyota Highlander to be auto show prize |
| Attendees at the Seattle International Auto Show's inaugural black tie gala, ”First Night for Charity,” Wednesday, Nov. 2, will have a chance to win a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV, donated by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers Association... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
2006 Mercedes ML500:
All new and vastly improved
By Bruce Caldwell |
| When we first drove the new Mercedes ML320 luxury SUV in 1998 we had high expectations. After a bone-jarring trip over some backcountry washboard roads we thought the new ML was going to come unglued... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Flood-damaged-car database launched
From Cars.com |
| The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently launched a free service that allows people to search for cars and boats damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Harlow Auto Repair earns
high marks from customers
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Mike Harlow has tried to build a good reputation for his shop, Harlow Auto Repair, ever since he opened doors after remodeling an abandoned building in Bremerton in 1988. Little did he know that recently, that reputation had traveled as far as Seattle... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Nissan Murano one stylish and practical SUV
By Lary Coppola |
| Every time I drive a Nissan product, I continue to be more impressed. The mid-size Murano sport-utility vehicle (SUV) is a prime example of just far Nissan has come — after staring bankruptcy in the face less than a decade ago. It's all about product — a lesson larger companies, like GM for example, should heed... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
New Jeep Commander is
both rugged and civilized
By Lary Coppola |
| You won't mistake the new Jeep Commander for anything but a Jeep. With its boxy styling — which Jeep claims is inspired by the 60s-vintage Wagoneer — it actually looks a lot like the original Cherokee before it drove off into the sunset back in 2001... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Pontiac GTO: The original muscle car is back
By Bruce Caldwell |
| The original 1964 Pontiac GTO has achieved icon status as the car that jump-started the muscle car craze. Even though there were other fast domestic cars, the GTO marked the first time a big-block V-8 had been offered in a mid-size car (what passed for mid-size in the sixties seems huge by contemporary standards... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE
Why you're not getting the
miles per gallon you expect
From Consumer Reports and MSN Autos |
Shortfalls in mpg occurred in 90 percent of vehicles Consumer Reports tested and included most makes and models.
For years, automakers have been criticized for producing vehicles that get so-so gas mileage. But as gas prices climb and consumers seek more miles per gallon, it turns out that fuel economy is much worse than it appears... (Full Article)
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
WSTPA to host technology summit
By Rodika Tollefson |
| With technology changing at a rapid place, and bringing along problems ranging from privacy to security, keeping up with all the issues is challenging. The West Sound Technology Professional Association (WSTPA) is trying to keep the dialogue open by bringing nationally recognized speakers to its fourth annual Western Washington Summit on Technology and Economic Development Entrepreneurship on Oct. 13... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Black Hat to offer Seattle training |
| Black Hat Inc., the same group that sponsors the annual Black Hat Briefings in Las Vegas every year, one of the world's premier computer security events, will host four separate world-class trainings in Seattle on October 10-11... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Inslee, Cannon introduce
bipartisan e-mail privacy bill |
| U.S. Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Chris Cannon (R-UT) have introduced the E-Mail Privacy Act (H.R. 3503), legislation addressing a recent federal court ruling that allows e-mails to be read if they are temporarily stored on the way to the intended recipient... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Web design trends:
Simple is still good, fresh content even better
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Thank the Internet gods for sending off animated images and flashing bullets to the basements and attics of Web design trends. The annoying techniques were declared passé after an emerging group of self-made “designers” got over the euphoria of “Look, mom! I can make it wink... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
More Web Site Tips and Tricks |
| • Include contact information like e-mail or phone number on as many pages as possible so visitors don't have to look for that information... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Are wardrivers hijacking your WiFi?
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The ultimate dream brought on by technology: lie down in the back yard, stretch on the couch or even lounge on the beach while surfing the Net. It's a reality for many Internet junkies, thanks to WiFi connections. But those naïve consumers who aren't taking safety steps beware: Someone out there (like your neighbor) may be stealing your wireless connection... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Getting a case of the Bluetooth blues |
| Phones with Bluetooth wireless technology know when they're around other Bluetooth phones. This can let people connect with friends or make new ones (it's even spawned the salacious practice of "toothing," in which strangers arrange for amorous encounters, without ever saying a word... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
Gone “phishing”
By Rodika Tollefson |
| If you have an e-mail account, you've probably received an “urgent” message that appeared to come from your bank, credit card company, eBay, or some other online account you have. The e-mail would convey some problem with your account, and tell you to follow a link to log on and take care of the problem - or lose your access... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - TECHNOLOGY & THE INTERNET
SIRIUS makes mobile debut on Sprint |
| Sprint customers will be the first wireless customers to enjoy SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming via their mobile phones. Sprint announced the availability of SIRIUS Music, which offers customers unlimited access to 20 commercial-free music channels, plus a channel devoted to exclusive artist interviews and performances... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Gilje to remain at helm of KPS |
| KPS Health Plans has announced that Elizabeth Gilje, President of KPS Health Plans and Northwest Credentials Verification Service, will continue to lead the Bremerton-based insurer once the company and its subsidiary become the property of Group Health Cooperative (GHC). The sale of KPS was approved by the courts Aug. 19 and closed Sept. 30... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Concerns over long term community
impact of KPS' sale remain
By Rodika Tollefson |
| With the sale of KPS Health Plans to Group Health Cooperative all but complete, local leaders continue to express skepticism about Group Health's future intentions, and are concerned that in a few years Kitsap will not only lose many family-based jobs, but will also see a monopoly in the health-insurance sector... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
HSAs could benefit many
employers, employees
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The popularity of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) has been increasing ever since insurance companies and employers starting offering this option, which goes hand in hand with high deductible health insurance plans... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Is getting remarried a health hazard for men? |
| A study from the Harvard School of Public Health has found that men who marry again after the death of a spouse or a divorce, exercise less and gain more weight than men who remain single... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Shortcuts doctors may take
when giving you a checkup or physical |
| Remember the good old days when doctors would make house calls? Those days are long gone. Today, we're in a era of assembly-line medicine. HMOs call the shots... and everyone feels the squeeze... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Gig Harbor oncologist helps
patients close to home
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Lauren Colman set off for college to become a chemist, but after getting his chemist's training realized it wasn't fulfilling. Looking for a way to help people while forming relationships, he found the field of oncology a better fit... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
What to do about health insurance
as a small business
By Jenny Hoskins
Licensed Health Insurance Agent, EHL Insurance |
| In these times of double-digit increases in health insurance premiums, what can a small employer due to find reasonably priced health insurance for themselves and any employees... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
MultiCare plans G.H. day surgery center |
| The state Department of Health is expected to rule Nov. 7 on whether to issue a Certificate of Need for a day surgery center proposed in Gig Harbor by MultiCare. The health care organization announced its plans this summer, saying the center would fill a need in the area as the population grows... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Harrison Memorial Hospital is
now Harrison Medical Center |
| Sixty-three years after its inception as Harrison Memorial Hospital, the nonprofit organization has changed its name to Harrison Medical Center. Harrison's volunteer board of directors voted unanimously to legally make the change... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Heart surgeon to speak at
heart and diabetes fair |
| The link between diabetes and heart disease is real and significant, and cardiac surgeon Chris King, MD, wants to spread the word. Harrison's medical director of cardiac surgery will speak on “Diabetes is another name for Heart Disease” at the hospital's Oct. 27 Heart and Diabetes Fair... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Ten things everyone needs
in their medicine cabinet |
- Syrup of Ipecac: Induces vomiting. Poison Control (800) 222-1222
- Antibiotic ointment: Helps wounds heal without infection.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Cleans wounds.
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes): Helps protect healing wounds.
- Ace wrap: Good for sprains.
- Cold pack (in the freezer): For sprains, helps prevent or reduce swelling.
- Tylenol (adult and children, if necessary): For fevers. Tylenol, however, has no anti-inflammatory properties.
- Motrin (adult and children, if necessary): Fever reducer and pain reliever.
- Thermometer (non-mercury)
- Anbesol: Relief for mouth, gum and tooth pain.
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
All that glitters may be underinsured
Tips for properly insuring your valuables |
| Valentine’s Day is the most romantic time of the year and the most popular day for marriage proposals. Although it’s hard to put a price on sentimental items, valuables such as diamond rings need to be properly insured against loss or theft; but sometimes your existing insurance may not provide enough coverage... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
How to choose a financial advisor
(and still have peace of mind)
By Donald Creech |
| More often than not, the intertwined complexities of taxation and finance create a need for professional help in designing and maintaining an effective financial strategy. Making quality financial decisions requires an ample commitment to learning and research... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Don Creech: Building complete client trust
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Don Creech, president and founder of Investor Resources, started his career in financial services as a salesman in 1965. A Certified Financial Planner, he founded Investor Resources Inc. in 1990 based on a “fee for service” model... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Why exactly do you need a Will?
By Ed Wolfe |
| A will is a legal document, which determines the disposition of property after death. The will follows the intentions of the deceased and officially describes who receives property and in what amounts. Under the will, such property (both real and personal) becomes the “probate” estate... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Financial must-haves
Financial products and services that
save time, create value
By Jeff Bilski |
| Not long ago, I had three telecommunications providers – one for local calls, one for long distance and yet another for my cell phone. All were basic “economy plans” with no frills – no extended calling circle, rollover minutes, call-waiting I.D., or voice-activated dialing – and all promised to save me money... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Connie Rose: Helping people one on one
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Connie Rose, an investment representative with Edward Jones in Gig Harbor, joined the company in 1995. With an extensive background in employee benefits consulting, she found the financial planning profession a perfect fit... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Viking Fence: Working hard to
continue the excellent reputation
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Twenty-eight years ago, four California men who knew Puget Sound from vacationing there decided to move to Poulsbo to “get out of the California rat race” and start a fencing business. Many have told them it can’t be done, others said Poulsbo is the last place that needs fences. But they didn’t listen... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Creative Countertops fills a special niche
By Rodika Tollefson |
| When Bill Wyman and his wife decided to move to Washington state from North Carolina four years ago to be closer to her parents, Bill knew it was his chance to start a business. He’s been thinking about it for a while as he worked for a countertop company in North Carolina, so the timing was good... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
College Education Saving Demystified |
| In 2003, there were 17 million students registered in college in the United States, according to the most recent available information from the U.S. Census Bureau. As the years go by, that number continues to increase. Today, having a college degree is more a necessity than an option for students. Employers now require at least a bachelor’s degree, where a high-school diploma was once acceptable... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Bryant Arnold: Taking on a new career
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Bryant Arnold, financial adviser with Waddell & Reed Inc. in Silverdale, entered a new career path in financial services after retiring from the U.S. Navy in April 2002... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Gig Harbor interior designer’s work
out of this world
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Rosanne Sachson recalls constantly changing her room around as a little girl and even helping relatives design their spaces. In college that changed to designing rooms for her friends, long before today’s concept of dorm décor became the fascination of young people and the industry... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Commercial construction going
strong around Kitsap
By Rodika Tollefson |
| While the single-family residential market is seeing leaner times around Kitsap, commercial construction development continues at a brisk pace. Bremerton’s busy downtown apparently has more empty lots to fill with new buildings, even after the boom of the last two years, but the rest of the county is not to be outdone... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Father passes real estate savvy on to son
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Dave and Dan Bennett have been working as a team at John L. Scott Real Estate in Gig Harbor since January. The father and son say each of them brings strengths and weaknesses to the table, and they “complement each other real well... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Viking Bank’s Kitsap Advisory Board
donates to the HBA |
| Viking Bank’s Kitsap Advisory Board has approved a $3,200 donation to the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Kitsap County, announced Doug Stephenson, Viking vice president & Kitsap market manager... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Critical Area Ordinance
sparks questions, ‘outrage’
By Rodika Tollefson |
| The Kitsap County Planning Commission is set to have a lengthy public hearing soon on the proposed updates to the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO), but a number of the planning commissioners themselves say they still have many unanswered questions left... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Traffic study puts future Gig Harbor North
developments on hold
By Rodika Tollefson |
| A task force comprised of officials from Gig Harbor, Pierce County, Legislative District 26 and other stakeholders is discussing potential solutions to a roadblock that will delay or even potentially cancel plans by Franciscan Health Systems to build a hospital in Gig Harbor North... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Revitalization of East Park
in Bremerton moving forward |
| The 47 acres of vacant land known as East Park is emerging as an example of the City of Bremerton’s efforts to expand its revitalization program to residential communities... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Are you on track toward retirement
savings goals?
By Bill Richardson, Edward Jones |
| Although he may never have said it, Mark Twain, the author of Huckleberry Finn, is often credited with this quote: “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Unfortunately, just about the same thing can be said about saving for retirement: We all think about it, but we don’t take much action... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Are your investment dollars
working hard enough?
By Brad Camp, Piper Jaffary & Company |
| We are about to celebrate Labor Day, the time when we honor the contributions of generations of working Americans. Today, we still work hard for our money. So, shouldn’t your money work hard for you... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
U.S. Green Building Council Selected
as Recipient of 2005 Henry C. Turner
Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology |
| The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has been selected as the fourth recipient of the National Building Museum’s Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Five Remodeling and Home-Improvement
Mistakes to Avoid |
| If you’re set on improving your home, you may have already started to calculate the improvement’s positive effect on your home’s value — especially if your short-term or long-term plans include selling your home. Before you pound your first nail or call that contractor, check this list to make sure you can avoid some common “homeowner mistakes... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Kitsap Bank announces record Q2 growth |
| Kitsap Bank, with 17 locations in Kitsap County, announced a 20 percent increase in quarterly earnings over the same period one year ago, totaling $4.6 million through the second quarter, compared to $3.8 million for the previous year. During the first half of 2005 both loans and deposits reflected significant increases... (Full Article) |
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
Trevor Monette joins Mason Mortgage
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Mason Mortgage of Poulsbo has recently announced that Trevor Monette has joined the firm as a mortgage consultant.
Monette brings with him several years of experience as a small business owner and specializes in sales and marketing. He can be reached at (360) 697-3444.
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Geri Jordan joins Alger Property Management |
Longtime Realtor Geri Jordon has joined the staff of Alger Property Management at its new Silverdale office. Jordan has been in property management for over 20 years and will serve all of Kitsap County.
Her commitment to excellence is shown in the two Kitsap County Association of Realtors (KCAR) “Realtor of the Year” awards she has been honored with. Jordon is also a past president and board member of KCAR.
She can be reached at 360-662-8870, or algerpm@wavecable.com.
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
American Express Financial Advisors
now Ameriprise Financial Services |
As of August 1, American Express Financial Advisors started operating as Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. The rebranding is the result of the impending spin-off from American Express Company announced earlier this year.
In Bremerton, the Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, office is located at 500 Pacific Avenue, suite 301, with Peter Taafe as the certified financial planner practitioner.
Although the name will change, the focus on financial planning will remain. Through a long-term relationship personal advisors of Ameriprise Financial help clients visualize and achieve their ideal financial future.
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
FEC Electric now open for business |
Jason and Michelle Foss have opened FEC Electric. The electrical contractor will serve the greater Kitsap Peninsula, as well as the Olympic Peninsula. The firm offers residential, commercial, and industrial experience to all contractors and homeowners. Located in Poulsbo the business was actually established in 2002. but began moving forward with business opportunities in 2005. FEC is licensed, insured, and bonded as required by the State of Washington.
Jason Foss has been in the electrical trade for ten years and has earned his journeyman card as well as his general administrator certificate. FEC Electric can be reached at (360) 598-3243 or emailed at FECElectric@hotmail.com.
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings
opens design center |
Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings owner Bob Simonoff recently announced that in conjunction with its second year anniversary, the firm has opened a design center at 3273 Chico Way in Bremerton.
According to Simonoff, “Nationwide’s business model of providing superior service to its clients will not change and will still “bring the showroom to you.” However, for some of the clients, especially new construction, we have determined the need to a design center.”
Nationwide’s design center will be open by appointment only and can be reached at (360) 692-6212.
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SPECIAL REPORT - BUILDING WEALTH
NAPMW meeting set for Sept. 14 |
| The National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (NAPMW) will meet Wednesday, Sept.14, at noon at the Silverdale Red Lion. The speaker will be Lori Oberlander with Habitat for Humanity. RSVP by Sept. 9 with Linda Moran at lmoran@farmersagent.com or (360) 621-0661. |
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
Clark joins Hecker Architects, PS |
Hecker Architects, PS recently announced that Paul Clark has joined the firm’s professional architectural staff as a project designer. The son of a Las Vegas architect, he brings over 12 years of design and technical expertise in projects that include hotels, marketplaces, mixed-use and industrial buildings, and workplaces. He is currently in the process of taking his licensing exams as the next step in his professional development.
Clark can be reached at (360) 479-5459.
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SPECIAL REPORT - CONSTRUCTION
2005 REX Awards set for Oct. 6 |
The 2005 REX Awards, which recognize local builders for excellence in remodeling, will be presented at the Homebuilders Association’s (HBA) dinner meeting on Oct. 6. The event, sponsored by the HBA’s Remodelor’s Council, will take place at the Red Lion in Silverdale.
Deadline for entries is Sept.9. For applications or more information contact Fae Smith at (360) 710-9289.
In addition to the REX honors, the meeting will also feature the election of the HBA’s 2006 officers and directors.
For more information, call (360) 479-5778 or visit www.kitsaphba.com.
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