Machinists gather 1,400 pounds of peanut butter

Members of Machinists Union District Lodge 751 collected nearly 1,400 pounds of peanut butter during a recent drive coordinated by the Snohomish County Central Labor Council and Snohomish County United Way benefiting Volunteers of America‘s Everett food bank. The Machinists were the top peanut butter contributors, collecting more than a quarter of all the peanut butter gathered by unions countywide.

Mukilteo student wins $1,000 scholarship for business plan

Western Washington University student Jake Berry has been announced as the winner of the Business Plan Scholarship for Students with Disabilities from Fit Small Business. Berry, from Mukilteo, will receive the $1,000 scholarship based on the strength of the essay he wrote in response to the prompt: “What I learned from writing a business plan.”

Sound Transit honored for approach to transit

Sound Transit has won a 2015 Vision 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for its Regional Transit Long-Range Plan to expand regional transit beyond what voters have already approved and what is scheduled for completion in 2023. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

Inslee organizes group on military downsizing

Gov. Jay Inslee has announced the formation of a subcabinet on military downsizing to address possible reductions in military force in the state. The subcabinet consists of 11 state agencies directly involved in the state’s downsizing response plan. The military and defense sector plays a significant role in Washington’s economy and reduction could have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts in the state.

Bothell companies to merge

Bothell-based Systems Interface Inc. has announced the acquisition of Yeast Systems. After 25 years of working closely together in the food and beverage industry, the Board of Directors at Systems Interface and Gordon Messer, owner of Yeast Systems, have made the decision to merge companies. Yeast Systems will continue to operate as a division of Systems Interface.

More businesses qualify for state Health Benefit Exchange

Less than eight months after its statewide launch, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced that more than 100 Washington businesses from across the state have now enrolled through Washington Healthplanfinder Business. Starting this November under the Affordable Care Act, Washington Healthplanfinder Business will expand its coverage to businesses of up to 50 employees to larger businesses of up to 100 employees.