Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal - Headlines RSS

A century of community service: Kitsap Bank turns 100

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

In an era of bank mergers, acquisitions and closures, one Kitsap institution has remained a mainstay. Kitsap Bank, which marks its centennial this year, has been a local landmark for decades, growing alongside the community. What is just as remarkable is that the bank has remained largely family owned for most of this time, and it has only had eight presidents in its 100 years. Asked how significant is the anniversary, current President and CEO Jim Carmichael says, "It's huge! Kitsap Bank is one of a very small number of banks to achieve this milestone. We came from a small bank with one location in Port Orchard to the major community bank on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas..." Carmichael, who has been president/CEO since 1985, says successful relationships are key to the bank's success. "In an era of corporate mergers, Kitsap Bank has remained the true local bank that cares about its customers and communities," he says. "Building long-term relationships is a commitment that everyone at Kitsap Bank takes very seriously. We look to establish full relationships with our customers, better allowing them to weather the storm during difficult times

Surviving an economic slowdown

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

It's been a hard year for our economy, and all signs point to a further economic slowdown, if not a recession. Small businesses are especially vulnerable during a sluggish economy as they can lack the diverse client base, cash reserves and other financial resources of larger companies

Dino Rossi picks up more key business endorsements

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

More than 96 percent of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) members in the state have endorsed Dino Rossi for governor

KEDA names new executive director

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has named its first, official executive director - at least under that name. The organization is an outgrowth of the former Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC), which has seen four other executive directors in that position in the organization's 25-year history

Collection agency complaints explained

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

According to the Attorney General's Office, complaints regarding collection agencies increased by 37 percent in 2007. Without knowing what the complaints are, I found myself wondering why the percentage of complaints has increased. Media attention, and "get rich quick schemes," have made millions claiming to educate consumers on how to get out of paying their debts

Focus on Puget Sound... can the PSP hope to meaningfully effect its future?

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

In progress is the development of the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) Topic Forum papers and stormwater issues are incorporated in the Water Quality Topic Forum. Input from the scheduled forums will provide background for these important papers that will guide future management and resource allocation for Puget Sound protection and conservation efforts. The upcoming "Puget Sound Action Agenda" to restore the Puget Sound by the year 2020, an effort estimated to cost upwards of $8 billion

Understanding generational differences key to effective personnel management

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

We are living in interesting times. Economists tell us that this is the first time that we have four generations in the workforce. Some from the Silent Generation (those born between 1925-1945) are still working. Many Baby Boomers (1946-1964) will continue to work full time or part time for many more years

NLRB says e-communication is not an employee right

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Does an employee have E-mail communication rights in the workplace when it comes to efforts to organize a union? According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the answer is "No

Kilmer bill provides funds for public safety

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Local communities will soon have help from the state in meeting the ever increasing cost of providing adequate public safety services, and in recruiting and retaining qualified fire fighters and law enforcement officers

KEDA elects 2008 board of directors

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) recently announced the election of its board of directors, approved by unanimous vote of the membership at its March 28 annual meeting

Olympic Business Exchange announces May speakers

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Olympic Business Exchange (OBE), a chapter of Business Network Int'l (BNI), welcomes visitors to its 7:30 a.m. business networking meeting at Silverdale Beach Hotel each Thursday during May

Bainbridge Rotary offers grant to Island kids

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island announced the appropriation of a $50,000 matching grant to the Bainbridge Island Youth Soccer Club (BIYSC) for the purpose of renovating two decrepit play fields at Bainbridge Island's Battle Point Park. Funds will be awarded to "Fields For Our Future" an island-based, non-profit, volunteer organization comprised of community leaders and citizens united by the need to fix existing fields on Bainbridge Island

Valley Nursery named one of Today's Garden Center's "Revolutionary 100"

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Valley Nursery joined the ranks of the horticulture industry's top independent garden centers when it was named one of Today's Garden Center's Revolutionary 100. Sponsored by Activant Solutions, Bayer Advanced, Campania International, Conard-Pyle, Goldsmith Seeds and Nexus Greenhouse Corp

Green showcase

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Stacy and Kelsey Marshall, owners of Poulsbo-based Grounds for Change, worked their booth at the Green Festival, which was held April 12-13 in Seattle. Grounds for Change is a roaster of Fair Trade, shade-grown, organic coffee

Two Snooty Chefs accepted into the honor society of American Chefs

2 May 2008 23:26:32 GMT

Gary Fuller (R), president and Christopher Plemmons (L), vice president of Two Snooty Chefs Gourmet Spice Company, recently announced that it has been accepted into the American Academy of Chefs