Business briefly: Aerospace jobs grew in 2009, state report says

There were 77,400 people working in aerospace at 221 different companies, the state Department of Revenue reported Tuesday. The employees were reported working at 237 sites by companies filing for an aerospace tax incentive. About 76 percent of the jobs were with the Boeing Co., according to the report. Forty seven percent were production workers and 23 percent were in jobs relating to computer/engineering/mathematics, the report noted. The Aerospace Tax Incentives Report Summary for Tax Year 2009 also found that 76 percent of Boeing employees earned more than $30 per hour compared to 25 percent for all other participating aerospace firms. On the other end of the wage scale, less than 1 percent of Boeing employees earned $15 or less per hour, compared to 22 percent for other aerospace firms. To see the full report, go to tinyurl.com/AerospaceTaxBreak.

Shoreline workshop for small business

A small business workshop on how to secure government contract work and Small Business Administration loans will be offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 First Ave. NE, Shoreline. The workshop is hosted by Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. Representatives from the SBA, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Small Business Development Center will provide tips on winning government contracts. You can call 206-361-0233 for more information about Monday’s seminar.

Sultan to host fair for businesses Saturday

Sultan is offering a free Business Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to showcase local businesses. The fair will be on Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets “There are a lot of large and small businesses that many people don’t know exist in Sultan,” said Mayor Carolyn Eslick. “This is their opportunity for free advertising, exposure and networking with other local business owners.” Jeff Cofer of Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce said that if it rains, the fair will be at the Community Center at 319 Main St. Area businesses are encouraged to participate and can call Debbie Copple at 360-793-0983 for more information.

Everett man named business champion

Steve Neighbors of Everett has named the Washington state Small Business Champion of the Year on Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business. Neighbors co-owns TERRA Staffing Group with his wife Betty. Neighbors was honored for his work in fighting against policies he believes are bad for small business, said Patrick Connor, the state director. “His willingness to rally the troops for the cause is why we look upon him as a top battlefield general in the war on bad policy attacking us from Olympia, Washington D.C., and sometimes locally,” Connor said.