Business Briefs Feb. 2010
Published 9:20 am Friday, January 29, 2010
Energy Efficiency Training Grant to benefit Snohomish County workforce
Thanks to a $3.9 million Recovery Act grant awarded to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, about 473 people in the Puget Sound region will be trained and earn industry recognized certificates in the area of residential energy auditing, as a building operator or in OSHA safety. The project will work closely with the participants with an aim to place them in energy efficiency occupations.
Snohomish County workers will get $629,589 of that grant through a partnership with Edmonds Community College and Workforce Development Snohomish County. The grant is one of the Energy Training Partnership Grants released competitively under the Recovery Act.
Tall Taurus Media and DVGear collect cell phones to help victims of domestic violence
Tall Taurus Media, along with the company’s DVGear division, has been collecting unwanted cell phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims. Any cell phone can dial 911 when charged, even if there is no service plan in place. The idea is to get these cell phones to victims of domestic violence so they can contact 911 in the case of an emergency.
If the donated phones cannot be charged, are broken or missing parts (charger, battery, etc.) the cell phones are sent to special recycling centers that will pay anywhere from $.50 to $20 per phone and the resulting funds would provide more support services to domestic violence victims. For more information about the program, call 425-374-7901.
Department of Licensing launches new self-service option to obtain driver records
The Department of Licensing has redesigned the agency’s Internet Web site to make it easier for customers to find and use online service options. It also includes an easy new way for drivers to buy a copy of their driving record, a service that more than 200,000 Washington drivers use each year.
This new system uses security measures similar to the agency’s online driver license renewal system. It only allows individuals to purchase a copy of their own driving record. The cost is $10. Records are provided in a non-editable Adobe Acrobat format and have been completely redesigned to make them easier to read and understand.
Consumers can purchase the records from their home computer or from one of the many self service stations inside driver licensing offices. The new front page of the DOL Web site will also feature links to the agency’s new blog, YouTube channel and Facebook page. DOL is using these social media tools to provide new ways get useful information about the agency.
Masala Bar &Grill celebrates Grand Opening
Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb recently attended the grand opening of Masala Bar &Grill in Bothell. The celebration included a free tasting buffet and live band.
Masala Bar &Grill is just one of the restaurants owned by chef Sanjay Sharma, a second generation restaurateur who has taught Indian cooking at North Seattle Community College. He sold his last restaurant, Mirch Masala on Capital Hill, in order to concentrate on inventing his dream restaurant at the larger Bothell location. Masala Bar &Grill offers a lunch buffet in addition to a full menu.
WSDOT Aviation now at the Arlington Airport
After almost seven years at the Smokey Point Gateway Center, WSDOT Aviation has moved its offices to the Arlington Airport. The move allows WSDOT to partner with the City of Arlington in sharing office space at the airport.
Another perk of the move is that the new office is closer to WSDOT Aviation’s customer base and so should offer more convenience to existing customers and better opportunities to reach out to new customers. Additionally, efficiencies should improve with better access to the state-owned aircraft and flight line.
Lynnwood conducts branding survey
The City of Lynnwood recently conducted a survey of residents to further the “Lynnwood Moving Forward: Our Community Vision” branding campaign. The purpose of the program is to develop and clearly identify the optimal Lynnwood “marketing brand” and to create a defined image in people’s minds when the city’s name is mentioned. A goal of the project is to develop a consistent and compelling theme and a focused message to create interest in the City of Lynnwood as a destination for businesses, industry and visitors.
The final survey responses were accepted Jan. 17. More information about the Lynnwood branding project is available at www.brandlynnwood.com
HealthForce Occupational Medicine sells four Puget Sound clinics
HealthForce Occupational Medicine has announced that it has sold four of its five occupational medicine clinics to U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group. More than 3,000 local, regional, national and international companies partner with HealthForce to care for employees.
HealthForce will continue to operate its Bellevue Occupational Medicine Clinic as part of a renewed focus on the development of its Worksite Services division. Jack Siemering, HealthForce CEO, said the existing team of physicians and staff in Seattle, Tukwila, Everett, and Paine Field will continue for U.S. HealthWorks after the transition.
Washington’s Boeing workers got biggest hit
When Boeing officials announced plans to cut about 10,000 jobs nationally last year, it was anticipated that the Puget Sound region would be seriously affected. According to recently released figures on the company’s Web site, that was the case.
Boeing slashed a total of 5,118 positions. Of those lost positions, 4,065, or 80 percent, were in Washington State. In addition, Boeing has announced that it will slow production on its 777 wide body jet production line in Everett for 2010. A little over 70,000 employees currently are still working for Boeing in Washington State.
Way cleared for new big box store in Monroe
Last month, the Monroe City Council gave a unanimous vote in favor of development of 24 prime business acres at the corner of N. Kelsey Street and Chain Lake Road. Sabey Corporation, a Seattle developer, has until mid-May to present a site development plan to the council.
There had been some initial opposition regarding the development as many believe Sabey plans to bring in a big box store retailer such as the ever-controversial Wal-Mart. Other names being rumored for the site include Costco or Target. The city council did retain the right of final approval on the proposed site.
Market Facts 2010 Corrections
In the process of producing our annual Market Facts each year, there is always ample opportunity for errors and omissions. To correct the published version of Market Facts 2010, here are three items that also will be updated in our Web version of Market Facts 2010 when it is posted online. – John Wolcott, SCBJ Editor
Information about the Lynnwood Convention Center (www.lynnwoodcc.com, 425-778-7155) was out-of-date. The information on Page 43 of Market Facts 2010 should have mentioned the total meeting space is 34,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and the largest meeting room is 11,750 sq. ft. The “amenities” listing should have read: The Lynnwood Convention Center features 34,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, in-house AV services, exclusive catering, ample free parking, personalized service all within 15 miles of downtown Seattle.
The Everett Community College web site has changed to www.everettcc.edu.
And, an aerospace company not included in the list provided by the Snohomish County Economic Development Council was IDEA International (Innovative Design Engineering and Analysis), 727 2nd St., Ste. A, Mukilteo, WA 98275, serving the international aerospace community; www.idea-international.net; 425-290-9201.
Cascade Financial Corporation posts profitable fourth quarter with deposit growth
Cascade Financial Corporation, the parent company for Cascade Bank, reported it earned $1.1 million for the final quarter of 2009. Income available to common shareholders is $521,000 or $0.04 per diluted common share. Total checking account balances increased 138 percent over the previous year and 36 percent over the previous quarter.
The company’s loan portfolio mix also improved after a significant reduction in non-performing loans over the course of the last year. Cascade remains well-capitalized by regulatory standards.
Zumiez Inc. has unexpected sales increase
Zumiez Inc. surprised analysts last month when it reported that December comparable-store sales at stores open a year or longer increased by 0.3 percent over the same time the previous year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected same-store sales to fall last month by 6.4 percent. After the surprise announcement, shares in the Everett youth apparel company rose more than 14 percent.
Trust grant for Imagine Children’s Museum
Imagine Children’s Museum on Wall Street in Everett has been awarded a “Top-off” grant of $300,000 from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust in support of the Museum’s $5 million Legacy Project capital campaign. The Legacy Project will convert a current garage area into extended Museum space, allowing the organization to enhance and expand its exhibits, programs and special events to better serve the children and families of the community.
Wal-Mart finally breaks ground in Arlington
After six years of speculation, Wal-Mart has finally broken ground on a new superstore in Smokey Point. If the project stays on schedule, the store at 172nd Street NE could open as early as October. The city of Arlington will receive one percentage point of the 8.5 percent sales tax collected at the store. While there was some initial opposition to the store, a pending lawsuit to block the construction was eventually dropped. Wal-Mart has helped to pay for a new traffic signal at 43rd Avenue NE but concerns are still being voiced about potential traffic tie-ups in a known traffic trouble spot.
Day &Nite offers free home safety program
A new homeowner safety program called “I.D. for Free” was started last month by Day &Nite Plumbing and Heating. The program is designed to limit potential damage to home and health caused by water and gas leaks, by educating homeowners before an emergency actually occurs.
Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating technicians will label all accessible water and natural gas shutoff valves with easy-to-read, water resistant identity tags. This service is free to homeowners of single family residences or single-family rental properties. Some rules and restrictions apply. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-972-7000. Details can be found online at www.dayandnite.net.
Boeing beats Airbus in 2009 deliveries value
Airbus may have built more airplanes, but Boeing made more money. Figures suggest Boeing’s figures were about $4 billion higher in the total value over Airbus’ 2009 deliveries. According to figures from aircraft-valuation firm Avitas, Boeing jets delivered in 2009 were worth an estimated $32.8 billion while Airbus’ 2009 deliveries were worth an estimated $28.4 billion. Although the 2008 machinists strike allowed Airbus to beat out Boeing in that year, Boeing also topped the European firm in 2007 and 2006.
NW Plus Credit Union fall food drive success
NW Plus Credit Union was able to donate approximately 800 pounds of food from donations received during the fall food drive. In addition, $1,500 in cash was collected that should provide approximately 7,656 meals. The organization thanked everyone who participated.
2010 World Tulip Summit to be held locally
Skagit Valley is to host the 2010 World Tulip Summit being held Apr. 13-15. It is the first time the international three-day symposium will be held in the United States since its reestablishment in 2002.
The event will take place during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and will be filled with presentations from noted gardeners, growers, festival chairs, professors of horticulture and other industry experts with information on best practices in their field of study. International delegates will speak on the particular tulip-related festival or organization of their home country.
Washington’s economic recovery challenges
According to a report released by the Washington State Employment Security Department, Washington’s economic recovery may continue to be slow. This is in part due to the state’s reliance on sales tax revenues which have taken a hard hit and infrastructure problems such as traffic congestion that could hamper future growth.
The report also stated that Snohomish County lost 13,830 jobs between the recession periods of December 2007 and September 2009, a total decline of 5.3 percent. Following the 2001 recession, it took the state more than three and a half years to get back to pre-recession levels of employment. Future employment growth is expected to be in the professional and business services sector and from education and health services.
Evergreen Bank closed by Washington Department of Financial Institutions
Evergreen Bank was closed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions Jan. 22 and has been assumed by Umpqua Bank. Deposits and loans of former Evergreen Bank customers are now protected by Umpqua Bank. Evergreen suffered from inadequate capital and severe real estate loan losses. Umpqua is a Oregon-based community bank that immediately re-opened Evergreen’s main office and seven branches, including Lynnwood, in an attempt to offer customers a seamless transition.
Unemployment benefit figures released
Washington State paid out a record $3.967 billion in unemployment benefits last year according to figures recently released by the Employment Security Department. Snohomish County took a total of $513,429,203 received by 54,603 people while King County garnered $1,186,809,992 shared with 121,020 unemployed. Skagit County had a total of $70,930,570 for 9,050 people while Pierce County’s figures came to 55,516 unemployed receiving $481,548,245.
Contract for Arlington headquartered firm
A security and intelligence support firm headquartered in Arlington recently received a multiyear contract with the City of Seattle. Pacific Region Security and Intelligence offers services to government and commercial companies in the Pacific region. Company President Scott Whippo said the firm is expected to surpass its first quarter goals for this year.
Snohomish Health District offers food safety excellence awards to six local businesses
Six Snohomish County food related businesses are to be recognized by the Snohomish Health District for excellent food safety standards. Ixtapa in Lynnwood, U-Kawa Teriyaki in Mill Creek, Major League Pizza in Arlington, Haggen Food in Stanwood, Camp Kalsman in Arlington and the Snohomish Lions Weenie Wagon all are honored at a ceremony in the Snohomish Health District auditorium Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.
EvCC Aviation Maintenance Program wins Washington Pilots Association award
Everett Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Department has received the Paine Field chapter of the Washington Pilots Association Sponsor of the Year award. This is the second time the college has received the award.
The group recognized the college for developing and offering the Pilot Preventative Maintenance seminar series, the college’s support for General Aviation Appreciation Day each May and hosting the Aviation Academy’s series of annual aviation career exploration classes for middle and high school students.
EvCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School opened in 1968. Today, more than 70 students are enrolled in the program, learning the background knowledge and practical shop experience to earn an associate’s degree, certificate in aviation maintenance technology, or FAA Mechanic’s Certificate, Airframe &Powerplant ratings. Graduates work in Snohomish County and around the world.
The Washington Pilots Association’s Paine Field chapter also supports the college’s exchange program with the Royal Air Force Museum by helping host the apprentices visiting from England.
The Little Gym honored for fourth year
The Little Gym, which has an Everett location, has ranked number one in the Children’s Fitness category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchises list, also referred to as the Franchise 500. This is the fourth consecutive year the fitness company has earned this ranking. The company offers classes for children from four months of age to 12 years. Programs are built on a structured curriculum where children can progressively build skills.
Lake McMurray Verizon 3G coverage boost
Lake McMurray will now enjoy improved 3G service due to a new Verizon Wireless cell site. The site expands wireless coverage around Lake McMurray and on Highway 9 between Big Lake and Arlington. The network enhancement is part of a multi-billion dollar network investment to stay ahead of the growing demand for the voice and data services.
787 Dreamliner airworthiness test complete
Boeing has announced that it has completed initial airworthiness testing on the 787 Dreamliner. Now, more crew members will be able to take part in flights and more airplanes can join in the flight test program. Since December, the program has conducted 15 flights and taken the airplane to an altitude of 30,000 feet.
The next goal is to take the 787 to an altitude of more than 40,000 feet the eventually test beyond expected operational conditions. First delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
Edmonds Chamber of Commerce plans makeover that includes social media links
Edmonds Chamber of Commerce has reached out to local ad agency Chatter Creative to help update their current brand with a new logo design. Matthew Mikulsky, owner and creative director for Chatter Creative, won the bid for the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce project after presenting a fresh logo concept and vision that he says will launch them into the future.
Through the process of refreshing their brand, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce will also be adding many new member benefits, as well as features that utilize progressive media such as Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the changing times.
Tall Taurus Media name clarification offered
Tall Taurus Media recently sent out a notice to chamber members to help explain recent confusion over the company’s perceived name change. Tall Taurus Media has changed its member name only, and only at the Everett Chamber, to reflect the new DVGear division. Tall Taurus Media is still “Tall Taurus Media” at the South Snohomish County Chamber but will be represented by its DVGear division at the Everett Chamber.
Tall Taurus Media is still an award-winning multimedia creator providing video production, event streaming and digital signage services. DVGear is a division of Tall Taurus Media which builds and supports custom PC computers for home, business, multimedia professionals and an Authorized HP dealer. There will soon be separate newsletters for each arm of the corporation.
PUD promotes energy and water education
Snohomish County PUD has awarded 17 mini-grants for science-related educational projects in several school districts. The grants help schools incorporate energy and water education into their curriculum. Schools include Eagle Creek Elementary in the Arlington School District; Terrace Park Elementary and Beverly Elementary in the Edmonds School District; Jackson High School in the Everett School District; Northlake Middle School, Glenwood Elementary, Skyline Elementary and Highland Elementary in the Lake Stevens School District. Other schools include Marysville School District’s Arts and Technology High School, Totem Middle School and Shoultes Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary; Mukilteo School District’s Challenger Elementary and Voyager Middle School; Northshore School District’s Canyon Creek Elementary and private school St. Mary Magdalen School and Stanwood/Camano School District’s Saratoga School.
Everett Community College Monroe expands
Everett Community College has revealed plans to add day classes to its program in Monroe. The college, that currently uses classrooms at Monroe High School and Park Place Middle School, has always offered night classes in the past. It is hoped that the addition of day classes could double its enrollment over the next five years.
Sky Valley Education Center is to be a temporary base for the new day curriculum. They are also negotiating for 5,000 square feet of leased space that could become teaching space at a later date. In mid-2009, the Everett Community College Board of Trustees approved spending $312,562 to support an initial investment and building lease for expanding the Monroe program.
Grant for YMCA Minority Achiever’s Program
The YMCA of Snohomish County has received a $23,000 grant from Verizon Foundation in support of its Minority Achiever’s Program.
This program is the only one of this type in Snohomish County to motivate and support low income students of color and students of immigrant families in their quest toward achieving higher education and career goals through six key components: educational success, parental support and involvement, career exploration, scholarship opportunities, building community relationships, and adult/youth mentoring relationships.
The Verizon Foundation funding will be used to continue the development and expansion of the program at Explorer Middle School. It will also be used to pilot a six-week Minority Achievers Summer Safe Soccer Program that is designed to offer a positive alternative activity for high-risk students during the summer months.
Weekend workshop for craft businesses
A weekend workshop is coming to Edmonds Mar. 13-14 that is targeted at artists and craftspeople who seek to market their products. The workshop is taught by Pam Corwin, artist and owner of Paper Scissors Rock, and Manya Vee, jewelry designer and owner of Manya Vee Selects, at ArtWorks in Edmonds. The weekend seminar includes classes on selling craft works in retail settings as well as through wholesale outlets. Pricing and marketing tips will be addressed, as well as ideas on how to make display booths stand out in the middle of a crowded show.
There will be an opportunity to hear the stories of other artists who earn their living through selling their art and a panel of art gallery owners who will share tips on how to make a great impression. Registration information is available at www.businessofcrafts.com.
Muckleshoot grant for Bethany Northwest
Bethany of the Northwest has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The funds will go toward the Dignity Project for Bethany of the Northwest facilities which are located in the Providence Regional Medical Center’s Pacific Campus and in Silver Lake.
The Dignity Project provides goods and services that honor, respect and provide for the quality of life of Bethany residents. The Muckleshoot Charitable Fund Committee is a charitable organization with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe who distributes approximately $1 million to worthy causes each year. Administrator of Bethany at Pacific Debra James expressed her gratitude for the award on behalf of the residents.
First Heritage Bank holds private stock sale
Nearly $3 million was raised by First Heritage Bank in Snohomish during a private sale of preferred stock to existing shareholders, employees and “Friends of the Bank.” It reportedly brought in nearly $3 million to bolster its currently stressed capital base.
The majority of First Heritage Bank’s loan portfolio has been in real estate which has made the current recession particularly hard for the organization. They committed to boost their capital ratios through an agreement with the State Department of Financial Institutions. First Heritage lost upwards of $5.9 million during the first nine months of 2009.
Community Transit proposes possible fare increases service cuts and suspensions
For the third year in a row, Community Transit has had to make cuts to its budget due to the economic recession. For 2010, the agency is proposing a major cut in service, as well as a fare increase for local bus and DART paratransit customers.
Details of the proposal are posted online at www.communitytransit.org and available on buses. On Feb. 4, the Community Transit Board of Directors will hold a public hearing and are expected to take action on the proposal in March. If approved, the fare increase would go into effect June 1 and service cuts would begin June 13.
Fleet Service gains AAA repair facility rating
Fleet Service Auto &Truck Repair in Kirkland recently achieved AAA approved status based on standards, certification and customer satisfaction. In return for the certification, the company has agreed to adopt all of AAA’s requirements for a rated repair facility including guaranteed service, written estimates and arbitration.
Local Arts Council gets ready for a busy 2010
The coming year should be a busy one according to the Arts Council of Snohomish County. The organization’s new Schack Art Center currently under construction has begun window installation and will be ready for interior construction by May.
A capital campaign to raise $6 million for the Schack Art Center is now 80 percent complete. If the organization makes its goal to complete the capital campaign by early spring, it is eligible to receive a $400,000 Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation.
The Arts Council also plans to have additional organizational growth. There have been talks of exploring future collaborations with Everett Community College and Pilchuck Glass School. Current programs have more than 10,000 students participating in art education opportunities during the last school year. These figures are anticipated to double once the new facility is open.
