Business Briefs

Bank of Washington boosts capital level

LYNNWOOD — Community-based The Bank of Washington recently completed a million-share offering to accredited investors; the success of the offer will strengthen the banks capital position and increase its lending capabilities.

Chief Execut

ive Officer Gary Schmitt of the bank and its parent Washington Bancorp said the new capital will increase The Bank of Washington’s capital-to-asset ratio in excess of 10 percent. In addition, new capital allows the bank to meet its capital ratio regulatory agreement and provides capital available to

increase lending to local businesses and individuals in the communities served by the bank.

Schmitt said the vast majority of the offering was secured by present shareholders.

The six Bank of Washington has headquarters in Lynnwood with branches Edmonds, Mukilteo, Everett, Redmond an

d Issaquah.

McKeon Financial in Broker Dealers Top 30

MARYSVILLE — John McKeon, CEO of McKeon Financial, has earned a top-20 spot on the Broker Dealers’ Top 30 list with his broker-dealer, Independent Financial Group.

He has been on the top producers list for two years in a row.

Many of McKeon Financial’s new clients come from the referrals of clients located in Washington.

Light Doctor client wins energy award

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration have recently been awarded EPA’s 2010 Champions of Environmental Leadership and Green Government Award.

This award recognizes agencies that participate in the Federal Green Challenge, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption and better manage agencies electronics, purchasing, transportation and waste.

The award was based upon a lighting retrofit done by Mountlake Terrace-based Light Doctor LLC at Grand Coulee Dam. This $1.2 million contract involved the installation of thousands of high performance T8 fluorescent lamps in the dams powerhouses and tunnels, LED lamps in turbine rooms and pit areas and induction lighting in the machine shops and high bay areas.

The installation reduced enough energy for Grand Coulee Dam to increase capacity by one full megawatt. The 9 million kilowatt hours of added electricity per year could have powered nearly all U.S. household televisions turned on during the Super Bowl.

Lynnwood Convention Center has record year

LYNNWOOD — SMG announced that the Lynnwood Convention Center had its most successful year ever in 2010. SMG’s Kelvin Moore, general manager of the Lynnwood Convention Center, made the announcement at a recent Lynnwood Public Facilities District board meeting.

The more than $2 million in gross revenues was the highest in the centers history, 10 percent more than 2009 and 23 percent growth since 2006. Facility users also gave SMG their highest customer satisfaction ratings in the centers history.

“SMG has really done an outstanding job,” said Mike Echelbarger, board chairman for the Lynnwood Public Facilities District. “The fact that they were able to exceed the $2 million mark for the first time and simultaneously increase customer satisfaction is testament to the skill and professionalism of their local management team.”

In 2010, more than 80,000 people attended 447 events at the Lynnwood Convention Center, generating an estimated $17.3 million in direct and indirect economic impact for the local economy.

“The Lynnwood Convention Center is a catalyst of Lynnwood’s economic development and revitalization of our city center,” said David Kleitsch, the citys economic development director.

Everett shoe retailer helps Gospel Mission

EVERETT — Doug Carmean, owner of Shoes-N-Feet in Everett and Seattle, would like to raise awareness of his shoe donation program to help the homeless.

Anyone can put gently worn shoes in the donation bin at Shoes-N-Feet at 1203-R SE Everett Mall Way. Shoes are then sorted and the best, most protective shoes are saved for the Everett Gospel Mission.

Shoes that are not suitable for wear are donated to another charity, Retex, for recycling.

The shoe donation program at Shoes-N-Feet reached its peak during the holiday season, but it was so well received by customers that Carmean has decided to keep it going year round.

Jackie Fisher Marketing & Media awarded

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Jackie Fisher Marketing & Media is a double award winner in the eighth annual Service Industry Advertising Awards. Nearly 2,000 entries were received in this years competition. A national panel of judges evaluated and rated entries in 12 groups and 27 categories.

Jackie Fisher Marketing & Media received a gold medal for the Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating advertising campaign and a silver medal for the Lake Washington Technical College advertising campaign.

Since 1995, the company has won numerous national awards for radio and television creative excellence including multiple Telly, SIAA, Medallion and Admission Marketing Awards.

Columbia Bank opens new branch in Everett

EVERETT — Columbia Bank has announced the opening of its 85th retail branch in Everett. It will be led by vice president and branch manager Marci Miller.

The new retail branch includes a full line of services such as personal banking, commercial banking, treasury management, wealth management and private banking.

Miller has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry in the Everett area, having held numerous management-level roles. Most recently, she was assistant vice president and branch manager at Washington Federal Savings in Marysville.

The new branch is located at 11102 Evergreen Way.

Edmonds clinic offers testing for cancer risk

EDMONDS — Sound Women’s Care can now test for BRCA gene mutations to screen for cancer risks.

While this test may indicate an increased risk for developing cancer, it does not mean a woman or man is destined to have cancer.

Since Sound Women’s Care began offering BRCA testing in early 2010, more than a dozen women have had the test. It allows patients to take action to reduce their chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

BRCA genetic testing is painless and involves a simple saliva test to collect the DNA. It is typically covered by health insurance. The average patient pays only 10 percent of the test price out of pocket.

For information, call 425-640-4810 or go to www.soundwomenscare.com.

Collins Building salvage lumber and windows available

EVERETT — The columns, beams and windows from the historic Collins Building are now available to owners of historic properties through an application process to qualifying entities.

The Port of Everett is making materials available, at no cost, to public agencies and owners of buildings listed or eligible to be listed in a local, state or national register of historic places.

Public agencies requesting less than 20 windows do not need to meet the historic standard requirement.

Materials that are not distributed through the application process will be sold through a competitive bid process to a reuse firm at the end six months. Those proceeds will go toward the ongoing restoration of the Weyerhaeuser Building.

The Collins Building was deconstructed in 2010.

For more details and an application, go to www.portofeverett.com/home/index.asp?page=305 or contact Brandon Whitaker at bwhitaker@portofeverett.com or 425-388-0613.

Monroe landscaper earns multiple awards

MONROE — Pacific Earth Works Inc. was recently recognized with three 2010 Environmental Landscape Awards by the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals at its annual state convention at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville.

Owner Jay Curcio was honored by his peers with the 2010 Contractor of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the association and the industry.

The company also received two awards for green roof systems. The Epiphany School landscape and green roof project received an Award of Distinction in the commercial construction category. Also recognized with an Award of Merit was the Issaquah High School green roof in the public works category.

Pacific Earth Works Inc., based in Monroe, is a full-service landscape general contracting firm specializing in commercial and high-end residential projects.

Cocoon House East to celebrate first year

MONROE — Cocoon House has invited Snohomish County to help celebrate the first anniversary of their newest temporary shelter serving homeless and at-risk youth. Cocoon House East in Monroe will open its doors for a birthday celebration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 24.

The year-old facility is a LEED-certified, eco-friendly building that can house up to five residents for up to 90 days. It serves homeless young adults 18 to 20 years old.

For more information, contact Cocoon House at 425-259-3342, DCRinfo@cocoonhouse.org or go to www.cocoonhouse.org.

Emergency Dental Care USA opens in Everett

EVERETT — Emergency Dental Care USA has extended its Seattle-area reach north to patients in Snohomish County with the opening of its Everett office at 10305 19th Ave. SE. The office opened Feb. 9.

According to owner Michael Obeng, DDS, the Everett branch is being opened to serve those who live or work anywhere in Snohomish County.

The office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., including holidays. Appointments can be made by calling 425-357-0911.

Boeing unveils new 747-8 Intercontinental

EVERETT — Boeing unveiled its new 747-8 Intercontinental on Feb. 13. The new high-capacity passenger airplane is said to offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

Approximately 10,000 guests, including customers, Boeing employees, government officials, partners and suppliers, gathered in the factory in Everett to witness the premiere of the Intercontinental at an event themed Incredible, Again.

Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes said the 747-8 Intercontinental is the only airplane in the 400- to 500-seat market that is perfectly suited for long, heavily traveled routes around the world.

The unveiled airplane was painted in a red-orange livery intended to honor those Boeing customers whose cultures recognize these colors as symbols of prosperity and good luck.

Numira Biosciences acquires Bothell lab

Numira Biosciences, a specialty contract research organization and leader in high resolution, 3D imaging services and visualization software for the life science market based in Salt Lake City, acquired the Efficacy Pharmacology operating unit of Ricerca Biosciences LLC, located in Bothell.

The acquisition brings a state-of-the-art, GLP-compliant facility with a highly talented team and a broad range of laboratory capabilities to Numira. Numira will immediately begin integrating the two companies services, operations and employees.

Comcast Arena offers text message service

EVERETT — Global Spectrum, management for the Comcast Arena at Everett, has announced the launch of a text messaging platform.

It will offer guests the ability to discreetly and quickly report issues to building management while at an event. The platform will also include a VIP text club opt-in for fans to receive additional value in the form of special offers.

The text messaging program aligns with Global Spectrum’s “How You Doin?” customer service philosophy.

Free Wi-Fi offered on Amtrak Cascades trains

OLYMPIA — Amtrak Cascades travelers got what they’ve asked for when free Wi-Fi service became available Jan. 31 on all trains.

Using any laptop computer or Wi-Fi-enabled device, Amtrak Cascades passengers traveling between Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Ore., will be able to connect to the Internet for general Web surfing and access to e-mail. The free Wi-Fi service will also allow passengers to access corporate networks through most standard Virtual Private Networks.

Wi-Fi service on Amtrak Cascades trains will remain free during the introductory period, after which the policy will be reviewed based on customer demand and system performance.

Wells Fargo invests in state’s nonprofits

SEATTLE — Wells Fargo & Co. announced that it invested $2.5 million in more than 425 Washington nonprofits in 2010, totaling nearly $7,000 in giving daily to local nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, Wells Fargo team members contributed more than $890,000 and 35,000 volunteer hours to help their neighborhoods and communities succeed.

Summit Academy hosts Winter Ale Fest benefit

CONWAY — Parents from Summit Academy, an independent school that uses a field-based approach for intensive study, will host a Winter Ale Fest at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at The Conway Muse.

Local ale providers include DiamondKnot, Chuckanut Brewery, Skookum, Anacortes Brewery, North Sound Brewing Co. and others. The fundraiser also includes Silvana Meats bratwurst and locally grown oysters. Live music will be provided by Seattle band The Crying Shame.

Winter Ale Fest includes a silent auction, hors doeuvres, a commemorative tasting glass and a souvenir tasting guide. Tickets are $30 online at www.basecamptickets.com or $40 at the door. Participants must be 21 or older to attend.

ATS gets Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s OK

EVERETT — Aviation Technical Services has been awarded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation certification.

The certification allows ATS to pursue opportunities in performing heavy maintenance and installations of interior furnishings, entertainment systems, antennas and cameras on Boeing 737 series aircraft flying or to fly under registration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Within the last 12 months, ATS achieved certifications with United Arab Emirates CAR 145, China CAAC and renewed certification to AS9110 and ISO 9001:2000. These are in addition to FAA, EASA and Bermuda Repair Station certifications ATS previously achieved.

Teo shows TSG-6 phone at conference

MUKILTEO — Teo, an innovative telecommunications company, participated in the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Homeland Security Conference Feb. 22-24 in Washington, D.C.

Teo showed its industry-leading TSG-6 certified phones for secure commercial and government environments.

Teo has led the market for TSG-6 solutions, announcing the first TSG-6 SIP compliant IP phone in April 2009. Since then, the company has continued its leadership in the industry, including two TSG-6-certified Power over Ethernet (PoE)-enabled IP phone models that received formal letters of approval from the Committee on National Security Systems in January 2011.

Teo’s TSG-6 phones have special positive metallic-disconnect circuitry built in to guarantee that no unintended microphonic audio signals are produced on any wires leaving the phone.

Entrepreneur Magazine ranks SERVPRO highly again

MARYSVILLE — SERVPRO, a disaster recovery and restoration firm, has been listed in Entrepreneur magazines 2011 Franchise 500 list for the third year in a row. The company was ranked ninth in 2009 and eighth in 2010.

The company also took a first place ranking in its category for the eighth consecutive year.

SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services for both commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO also offers mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and other home-maintenance and restoration services.

Fluke Networks teams with Ingram Micro

EVERETT — Fluke Networks has announced that Ingram Micro Inc. will serve as its preferred master distribution partner in the U.S.

Under the expanded distribution relationship, Fluke Networks will offer resellers a robust registration program and dedicated support at Ingram Micro, enabling them to better satisfy their customers and deliver more value at each transaction.

Fluke Networks and Ingram Micro will also increase the resources for reseller partners by investing in infrastructure that will assist with presales support, licensing and a Fluke expert within Ingram Micro to assist reseller development and enablement.

Airport land-use planning guide ready

ARLINGTON — Airports, local jurisdictions and decision makers now have access to an updated resource to aid in land-use-compatibility planning near airports.

The updated guidebook does not change land-use requirements for towns, cities and counties. Instead, it incorporates new, interactive tools and resources for navigating the airport land-use-planning process.

The guidebook includes new features such as graphics and visual aids to communicate land-use practices, a user-friendly six-step planning process to encourage informed decision-making and compatibility planning tools.

The updated Airport and Compatible Land-Use Program Guidebook is available at tinyurl.com/SCBJairportplan.

SBA grant to support state job creation

SPOKANE — Small businesses in Washington will soon have greater access to critical resources to help them start or grow their businesses and create jobs, thanks to a $962,280 grant to SBA’s Washington Small Business Development Center.

The funding was provided under a key provision of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. This one-time grant to the Washington Small Business Development Center will allow it to focus on exports by allowing the SBDC to leverage state grant funds intended to provide export assistance to New-to-Export (NTE) small businesses in Washington.

KeyBank modernizes Puget Sound branches

BELLEVUE — KeyBank has completed extensive updating of 10 branches in Snohomish and King counties that began last year.

The accomplishment was celebrated with customer appreciation events in all 10 of the branches on Feb. 11. The remodeled Snohomish County branches are Everett Madison, Arlington, Stanwood, Lake Stevens and Harbour Pointe.

Verizon Wireless pours $114M into its Washington network

BELLEVUE — Verizon Wireless invested more than $114 million in Washington during 2010 in order to provide new wireless services, network coverage and additional capacity for its customers across the state.

The multimillion-dollar expenditure brings the Verizon Wireless network investment in the state to more than $1.21 billion in the last decade.

Electronic tax filing helps employers

OLYMPIA — Electronic tax filing has saved thousands of dollars for employers and the Employment Security Department.

Since 2008, the number of paper filers has been cut in half as more employers move to e-filing. About 15 percent of employers, or about 30,000, still file by paper.

Because e-filing prevents many reporting errors, penalties for errors are down more than 20 percent from three years ago.

Employment Security also benefits, as e-filers saved Employment Security an estimated $650,000 in printing and postage costs in 2010.

Employment Security’s most-commonly used electronic filing program allows department tax specialists to log in and assist employers in filling out their tax forms, helps employers avoid filing errors and maintains historical filing information so it doesn’t have to be re-entered every quarter.

Employers who want to make the switch can find more information at www.esd.wa.gov.

SBA relaunches dealer floor plan pilot loan program

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the re-launch of a pilot loan program aimed at increasing access to inventory financing for auto, boat, RV and other dealerships. The program began last month and will be effective through Sept. 30, 2013.

SBA’s Dealer Floor Plan Pilot Loan program is part of the Jobs Act of 2010.

Floor plan financing is a revolving line of credit that allows a dealership to obtain financing through SBA’s 7(a) program for inventory that can be titled, such as autos, RVs, manufactured homes, boats and trailers.

It is available to qualifying small businesses, including new and used automobile, motorcycle, RV, manufactured homes and boat dealers.

From SCBJ news services