Business Briefs
Published 10:48 am Thursday, June 30, 2011
Community Health Center earns awards
EVERETT — Collaboration proves to be a success in the completion of a design-build project for Community Health Centers of Snohomish County-Broadway Medical Office Building and Dental Clinic by Abbott Construction.
The 19,000-square-foo
t, two-story facility housing nine dental operatories, 18 medical exam rooms and two procedure rooms was recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Washington with a 2011 Build Washington Award (private building under $10 million) and was able to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Le
adership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification.
The design replaced two single-story wood-framed buildings with a new two-story facility. With the efforts of the integrated and collaborative team of the owner, general contractor, designers and subcontractors, the buil
ding was delivered on time.
The new building’s front entrance incorporates a porcelain and crushed-glass mural, designed and fabricated by Cascade High School National Art Honor Society students.
Cascade Bank sale gets OK from regulators
Federal regulators have approved t
he sale of Everett’s Cascade Bank to California-based Opus Bank, the companies said June 27.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the California Department of Financial Institutions have approved the previously announced merger. Cascade’s shareholders approved the sale on May 31. The deal
is expected to close June 30.
Once the transaction is completed, each share of Cascade Financial’s outstanding common stock will be exchanged for approximately 45 cents, under the terms of the merger agreement.
TECT Aerospace to acquire Everett facility
EVERETT —
TECT Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace component manufacturing, announced that it has entered into a lease with an option to buy a new manufacturing building in Everett.
The facility, located at 1515 75th St. SW, is 157,000 square feet and will enable TECT Aerospace to consolidate two e
xisting Seattle-area facilities in Everett and Woodinville into the new location. There will be no impact on employment and financial terms were not disclosed.
“This is a great opportunity for TECT Aerospace to consolidate operations in the Seattle area into a single, lean manufacturing facility that can support the future growth needs of our customers,” said Pete Knapper, president of TECT Aerospace. “It also reaffirms our long-term commitment to manufacturing in the Seattle area.”
“TECT Aerospace’s announcement solidifies our strong aerospace industry cluster,” Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “TECT is a leader in aerospace manufacturing, and we are proud to welcome them to our city. This move will allow the company to consolidate its operations and prepare for future growth.”
Chermak Construction takes multiple awards
EDMONDS — The Building Industry Association of Washington announced has cited Edmonds-based Chermak Construction with three awards for remodeling excellence.
The company also took four awards at the annual REX Awards dinner sponsored by the Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties.
The BIAW awards were in the fields of residential specialty-open, residential universal design and historic renovation-restoration.
The REX award categories were universal design, kitchen excellence less than $75,000, outdoor living project and the People’s Choice Award.
Founded by Howard Chermak, Chermak Construction has won multiple awards in its 30-year history. Seattle Business magazine chose Chermak as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in 2009. The company was also a finalist for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Best Workplaces in Washington award two years in a row.
Learn more at www.chermak.com.
E-Waste adds electronics recycling partner
LYNNWOOD — E-Waste LLC, Snohomish County’s premier electronics recycler has added two more collection sites in addition to their south Everett site at 12424 Beverly Park Road, Suite A4, Lynnwood.
Now people can bring old, broken or used electronics for recycling to Pacific Power Batteries’ Everett store seven days a week and Mount Vernon stores six days a week during normal business hours. Drop off for free TVs, computers, monitors, laptops and cell phones. For other electronics, a small recycling fee applies.
For more information, call Pacific Power Batteries in Everett at 425-259-9260 or in Mount Vernon at 360-419-3190 or contact E-Waste at 425-239-4118 or sales@e-wastes.com.
Tulalips get Service to Children Award
EVERETT — Little Red School House has presented this year’s Emil Eriksson Service to Children Award to the Tulalip Tribes for consistent support of and dedication to improving the lives of children.
The award was presented June 16 at Children’s Village in Everett.
Recipients of the award demonstrate a concern for children, advocate for their needs on a local and state-wide level, and work in partnership with others in the community to help children be ready to succeed in school.
Little Red School House acknowledged the tribes’ longstanding commitment to children including those with developmental delays and disabilities. Also noted was the tribes’ close work with Little Red School House, local school districts, Boys & Girls Clubs and a variety of programs supporting children and families.
Boeing begins final phase of 787 testing
EVERETT — Boeing has started function and reliability (F&R) testing and extended operations (ETOPS) demonstrations on the 787 Dreamliner. This is the final phase of flight testing prior to certification of the airplane.
“The team has created a solid plan for accomplishing the hours and test points required for F&R and ETOPS testing in support of delivery to our customer ANA in the August to September time period,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
F&R testing simulates various normal and nonnormal operations for the airplane. ETOPS refers to extended operations — for twin jets, flights that are more than 60 minutes away from a suitable landing field. During ETOPS demonstrations, the company validates the airplane’s ability to safely divert for a variety of reasons, including long diversions with one engine shut down.
In addition to F&R and ETOPS testing for the 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, Boeing continues certification testing on 787s with General Electric engines and will conduct a separate F&R-ETOPS test program for that version of the airplane.
Six county auto repair facilities get AAA Top Shop awards
AAA has recognized six Snohomish County auto repair facilities as AAA Top Shops. The businesses are Jeff’s Auto Repair and KC Martin Automotive in Lynnwood, Evergreen Autoworks and Evergreen Autoworks Body Shop in Mill Creek, L&B Auto Repair in Snohomish and Stanwood Car Care in Stanwood.
Facilities that earn this honor typically have received customer satisfaction rates close to 100 percent during the last calendar year.
AAA-approved auto repair facilities must meet or exceed AAA standards regarding equipment and certified technicians and have an excellent track record of customer satisfaction.
They must also guarantee service or repairs for 12 months or 12,000 miles and offer a written estimate.
Complimentary vehicle inspections must also be provided to AAA members when having other services performed and they must agree to let AAA arbitrate any disputes regarding quality of service or repairs.
AAA Washington evaluates the quality of repair work, courtesy of employees, and the shop cleanliness when giving Top Shop awards.
New boutique winery to open in Everett
EVERETT — The grand opening of Port Gardner Bay Winery will be held from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday, July 8. It is located in the garage just south of Structural Design Associates at the corner of Rockefeller Avenue and California Street. Owners Chris and Linnea Covington own both businesses.
Music will be provided by Big River, a local delta soul country band. Catering of barbecue-style food will be done by Pink Oven Catering. RSVPs may be made through Facebook at Port Gardner Bay Winery or at www.portgardnerbaywinery.com.
Quadrant Corporate Park earns award for efficiency
EVERETT — Quadrant I-5 Corporate Park, Building A, a 75,000-square-foot office building, was recently honored for its energy efficiency programs by The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Seattle King County.
The 2011 Kilowatt Crackdown award is for buildings that have achieved a superior level of energy efficiency. Quadrant I-5 Corporate Park, Building A, was awarded the Highest Performing Small Building.
The Kilowatt Crackdown challenges property managers and building owners to demonstrate their leadership in energy efficient building operations, in order to identify the most energy efficient buildings in the market and the properties making the greatest gains in performance. Participants assess their building’s energy performance, calculate their ENERGY STAR rating and work to improve that score over a two-year period.
Earl Wayman, a senior property manager with Kidder Mathews, managed the process and helped the building’s owners improve the property. The aging building control system was replaced so all systems could be run and monitored efficiently. A contractor adjusted system operations for optimum tenant comfort and energy efficiency.
Express Employment Professionals awarded
EVERETT — Express Employment Professionals announced that it has been named to Inavero’s 2011 Best of Staffing Client list. Best of Staffing, presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, is the nation’s only satisfaction award that recognizes exceptional client service within the staffing industry.
“Less than one percent of staffing firms in the U.S. and Canada have been named to the Best of Staffing List for Client Satisfaction,” said Elizabeth Shinn, franchise owner of the Express Everett office. “We are proud and honored to be recognized for our efforts in this way.”
Staffing firms competing to make the Best of Staffing list underwent a rigorous client survey process followed by careful analysis of responses to determine satisfaction levels. Express received satisfaction ratings of nine or 10 out of 10 from 74 percent of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 47 percent. Best of Staffing participants secured a place on the list by earning an average score that was more than double the national staffing industry benchmark for client satisfaction.
The Everett Express Employment Professionals franchise began operation in 1983. For more information, call 425-339-8400 or go to expresspros.com.
West Plaza acquires MLT Town Center
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The West Plaza property in downtown Mountlake Terrace has been acquired by West Plaza LLC and is planned for commercial use with possible site improvements.
West Plaza, at 5602 232nd St. SW, is central to the future Town Center, adjacent to the post office and within walking distance of the future civic campus, library, transit center and future light rail station. On May 20, the Mountlake Terrace farmers market opened in its new location immediately east of the West Plaza building.
With approximately 18,000 square feet of retail space, the property has several existing businesses, namely Double D Meats, Prime Pizza and Queen’s Cleaners. West Plaza has additional space available and is actively seeking other tenants. Plans include site enhancements to improve the overall appearance, while supporting the existing businesses.
Kirk Ishizaki, representative for West Plaza LLC, said he is excited to join the Mountlake Terrace community. West Plaza LLC owns property in Mukilteo, Monroe and Shoreline.
NOAH, Animal Planet cooperate on cat rescue
STANWOOD — The Northwest Organization for Animal Help joined with two partner agencies and an Animal Planet television program about animal hoarding to rescue pets from a family who became overwhelmed with hundreds of cats on their property.
NOAH rescued 35 cats and kittens. Animal welfare professionals are continuing to trap and rescue the remaining cats. All of the cats are said to be in relatively good health. Some were treated for respiratory infections and many were spayed or neutered after capture. They are now available for adoption.
The episode of “Confessions: Animal Hoarding” that features this rescue is scheduled to air this fall. Learn more at www.thenoahcenter.org or at the NOAH Center’s Facebook page.
Puget Sound Energy seeks gas rate increase
BELLEVUE — Puget Sound Energy has filed a proposal with state regulators to establish new natural gas rates in 2012 to recover the costs of work done to increase electric and gas delivery system reliability and provide a cleaner energy supply for local homes and businesses.
PSE provides natural gas service in much of Snohomish County.
Overall increases of 3 percent for natural gas rates have been suggested.
These proposed increases would raise the average homeowner’s monthly natural gas bill by about $2.84 (based on 68 therms per month). If approved, the increases would take effect in May 2012 following the UTC’s 11-month approval process.
SBA offers free online tool for export business plans
Small businesses interested in starting or expanding sales of their goods and services overseas have access to a new, free online tool that will gauge their readiness to export and help them develop an export business plan.
The Export Business Planner, developed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, offers a ready-made, customizable and easily accessible document that can be updated and referenced continuously as the business grows.
The tool allows businesses to determine their export readiness, learn about training and counseling opportunities, complete worksheets for global market research, obtain financing information and options, customize export marketing plans and access resources for exporters.
It also features an extensive compilation of export research and information, including links to websites, video profiles, training podcasts, trade statistics, contact information to counseling resources such as SCORE and SBDCs, a list of current SBA lenders and more.
For more information, go to www.sba.gov/exportbusinessplanner.
Realtor workshop set for rural property
ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Tribe Natural Resources Department and Snohomish Conservation District will offer a workshop for Realtors who work with buyers looking for rural and farm property on Oct. 11 at the Angel of the Winds Casino Restaurant.
Participants will learn what buyers should look for when buying property if they want livestock, how critical areas and wetlands can impact their plans, and how to assess a property on its suitability for a farm business. Realtor clock hours are pending.
The free workshop requires pre-registration at workshops@snohomishcd.org for food planning purposes.
Moss Adams rates among best firms for women
SEATTLE — Moss Adams LLP was named one of the nation’s best firms for women accountants for a second consecutive year by the Accounting MOVE Project in its annual study.
With 20 offices in five Western states, Moss Adams was recognized for the effectiveness of Forum_W, the firm’s effort to attract, retain, develop and advance women within the organization.
The Accounting MOVE Project is managed by Wilson-Taylor Associates Inc., a specialist in measuring the advancement of women in business. Firms were ranked on the range, depth and success of their workplace cultures and programs that are proven to remove barriers to women’s success, especially at mid-level and above. This year’s study specifically examined how women millennials are shaping the future of public accounting.
The study commended Moss Adams for raising retention rates of women across nearly every segment in the firm and for its higher-than-industry-average share of women partners — currently at 22 percent. The firm was also credited with setting transparency standards in how it measured and reported on the status of women.
Moss Adams is the 11th largest accounting and consulting firm headquartered in the U.S. and the largest in the West, with approximately 230 partners and 1,500 staff.
Fluke Networks introduces new tablet for networks analysis
Fluke Networks has introduced the OptiView XG, the first tablet for network analysis that provides fast solutions for network and application problems for both wireless and wired access anywhere in the network.
The tablet expedites network and application problem solving by automating root cause analysis and providing guided troubleshooting to address problem areas.
According to Gary Ger, vice president for enterprise network analysis at Fluke Networks, OptiView XG is a single, portable tool which helps solve network and application problems faster and improves overall IT efficiency.
Detailed information including multimedia featuring the device is available at www.flukenetworks.com.
Little Red School House lunch nets $42,000
EVERETT — The Little Red School House’s first fundraising luncheon, A Journey of Hope, raised more than $42,000 to benefit families served in the early intervention and outreach programs that the agency provides.
Held May 26 at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Comcast Arena, nearly 300 people joined emcee Bob Drewel to learn more about Little Red School House and offer donations to the organization that serves children, birth to age 3, who are disabled, delayed or are at risk of falling behind their peers.
Sponsors include AMT, The Boeing Co., the Tulalip Tribes, Union Bank, Jim Russell CPA, BECU and Comcast Business Class. Fourteen individuals joined as founding members of the Little Red Circle, providing gifts of $1,000 or more, and 13 families became founding members of the Little Red School House Alumni Society.
This event will be held annually. To donate, go to www.littlered.org/contribute. For more information, email Julie.frauenholtz@littlered.org.
Groups grant Bethany money for equipment
EVERETT — Bethany of the Northwest Foundation has been awarded three grants from local service groups. These grants will buy items for Bethany’s Dignity List of Needs that will enhance the quality of care for the 400-plus residents at Bethany.
The Nysether Family Foundation’s Brad and Kathy Fund gave $4,500 to buy a NuStep exercise machine.
The Greater Everett Community Foundation gave $2,500 to buy a patient transfer sling lift.
Rotary Club of Everett-Port Gardner gave $1,942 to buy two ROHO chairs and cushion covers.
Utilities recycle 40,000th old fridge
EVERETT — Snohomish County Public Utility District and two other local utilities hit a milestone by collectively recycling their 40,000th inefficient refrigerator. The PUD, Seattle City Light and Tacoma Power work together to take energy-wasting refrigerators out of circulation through a partnership with JACO Environmental, a national appliance recycler.
Last month, the utilities were joined at JACO’s recycling plant by fifth graders from Everett’s Fairmount Elementary School. The students, who provided their school’s energy-wasting refrigerator for recycling, saw the 40,000th unit get disassembled and recycled. About 95 percent of each unit is processed and safely recycled, including metal, plastic, glass, polyurethane, mercury and other materials.
The utilities give customers $30 for their old refrigerators and freezers. JACO picks up units at customers’ homes.
County gets grant to redevelop homes
OLYMPIA — The Washington state Department of Commerce recently announced that Snohomish County will receive $1.1 million to help purchase and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned homes, putting them back into productive use.
Snohomish County will use its $1,102,500 on the Park Place Townhome Rentals Project. It will acquire 14 newly constructed, vacant and bank-owned homes. All 14 units will be rented to low-income households.
Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber plans golf tournament, raffle banquet dinner
ARLINGTON — The Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce is ramping up for its 2011 golf tournament at the Gleneagle Golf and Country Club. This year the tournament has moved to Friday, Sept. 23, to take advantage of nice late summer weather.
The chamber is looking for golfers and sponsors for this event. Sponsorship and pledges needed:
• $10,000 hole-in-one sponsor, $395
• Golf hole sponsor, $295
• Men’s team winners trophies, $175
• Women’s team winners trophies, $175
• Mixed team winners trophies, $175
• Men’s long-drive trophy, $100
• Women’s long-drive trophy, $100
• Closest to the pin trophy, $90
• Putting contest winner trophy, $75
• Golf cart sponsorship, $75
• Raffle prize donation-cash, $25 or more (monetary donation go towards purchase of raffle prizes)
• Raffle prize donation-gift item, varies (gift certificates, services, your company’s logo wear, hats, golf towels, windbreakers, etc.)
Some of the sponsorship opportunities are limited, so call the chamber office to reserve your favorite one.
Golfers have the entire summer to practice their skills. Call the chamber office at 360-659-5453 to reserve a foursome or to get sponsorship information.
South Snohomish County Commission for Health accepts funding proposals
The South Snohomish County Commission for Health is accepting funding proposals for health and wellness programs serving south Snohomish County.
The commission is seeking applications in four areas: education and empowerment, prevention, access to health care services, and policy and advocacy. Proposals are being accepted for one-time uses like events and short-term needs in the community, as well as for ongoing health and wellness programs.
The board of commissioners also approved a new mission for the organization: to improve the health and well-being of our community. The mission and funding priorities were developed by the board as part of a strategic planning process that included an assessment of community needs and input from community members through an online survey. Detailed descriptions of funding guidelines, criteria and application materials can be found at www.ssccfh.org.
The Commission for Health is a program of Snohomish County Public Hospital District No. 2. Prior to developing the Commission for Health, the board of commissioners governed Stevens Hospital, now called Swedish/Edmonds. As of the September 2010 hospital affiliation with Swedish, the board no longer governs the operations of the hospital and the commission has turned its attention to improving the health and well-being of community members through community health and wellness programs.
For more information about the Commission for Health, go to www.ssccfh.org.
UW-Bothell to offer new degree options and certificates
BOTHELL — In order to meet the evolving needs of students, the University of Washington-Bothell is adding several new degree programs, options and certificates for students in 2011 and 2012.
A master of fine arts in creative writing and poetics was approved by the UW Board of Regents and will be offered fall 2012. The degree will prepare graduates who wish to work in fields where exceptional writing and critical thinking skills are required, such as communications, journalism or public relations.
In fall 2011, a law, economics and public policy option will be available for undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies. The option will provide graduates with a powerful foundation for careers with non-governmental organizations, policy analysis think-tanks and local, state and federal government. The option will also serve students who wish to pursue graduate study in fields including law, policy studies, public policy or management.
A game design and creation certificate will be offered through UW Professional and Continuing Education in fall 2011. Students in the program will create comprehensive online gaming experiences, learn from leaders in the game industry and work with mentors and industry professionals.
A graduate certificate in software design and development will be directed by the Computing and Software Systems Program. The certificate is designed for students who lack a formal education in computer science, but desire to enter the field of software development or pursue a Master of Science in Computing and Software Systems.
Students from across departments at all three UW campuses will be assigned to interdisciplinary teams from diverse academic fields in the innovative Ecological Restoration Tri-campus Minor. Student teams will work with community partners to undertake local ecological restoration projects for which financial or technical resources are limited.
New students may still apply for fall 2011 admission on a space available basis. For more information, go to www.uwb.edu/admissions/application-dates.
Paine Field offers teachers Science of Flight class
EVERETT — Once again, Snohomish County’s Paine Field is sponsoring The Science of Flight for Teacher, a graduate-level professional development course that will meet at the airport Aug. 8-11.
The class will reveal not only the science behind flight, but will also show teachers the exciting opportunities that await their students in the world of aviation. In addition to receiving a formal flight lesson, teachers will ride in various small aircraft, visit many of the aviation related industries at Paine Field, and will hear from aviation professionals about careers ranging from airframe and power-plant technicians to FAA Air Traffic Control personnel, airport administration, even wildlife management.
Field trips for the teachers will take them to the Everett Boeing assembly plant, Aviation Technical Services, the Paine Field air traffic control tower, the Future of Flight Aviation Center, the Flying Heritage Collection and the recently opened Historic Flight collection.
Cost of the four-day class is $350 and includes three university credits.
For more information, call the Paine Field Airport Office at 425-388-5101 or go to www.painefield.com.
$25,000 grant to support An Edmonds Kind of Fourth
EDMONDS — Edmonds-based Hazel Miller Foundation has awarded the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce a $25,000 grant, supporting An Edmonds Kind of Fourth, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) event. The grant assures that the community driven celebration will march through downtown Edmonds and illuminate the skyline with fireworks on July 4.
“The chamber is very grateful to be awarded this grant and we applaud the Hazel Miller Foundation’s commitment to support the continuance of this special community celebration. A win-win for all!” said chamber President Ron Clyborne.
Hazel Miller and her husband, Morris, were longtime Edmonds residents with a love of Edmonds. The 2011 grant will provide financial support for the daylong Fourth of July celebration. An Edmonds Kind of Fourth features a 5K fun run, children’s parade, main parade and evening fireworks that attracts more than 35,000 spectators.
For more information on An Edmonds Kind of Fourth, go to edmondswa.com.
Washington’s average wage increased in 2010
OLYMPIA — Washington’s average annual wage increased in 2010, due in part to the toll the recession took on lower-paid workers.
The 2.1 percent increase pushed the average annual wage to $48,162. That’s an average weekly wage of $926.
“An increase in the average wage can be misleading, because it’s not caused solely by raises,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause.
The average wage can go up when employers eliminate a lot more low-paying jobs than higher-wage jobs. It also can rise if employers increase work hours for part-time employees rather than hire new workers.
Last year, the number of workers in Washington covered by unemployment insurance fell by 31,756, while total earnings grew by $1.2 billion.
The average annual wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits for jobless workers. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $3 to $138, for new claims opened on or after July 3. At the same time, the maximum weekly benefit, calculated at 63 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $13, to $583.
Currently, about 20 percent of unemployment-insurance claims are paid the maximum benefit amount and 10 percent receive the minimum.
In addition to unemployment benefits, the average annual wage is used in computing employers’ unemployment taxes. Beginning in 2012, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $38,200 paid to each employee, up from $37,300 in 2010.
The state average wage also is used by the Department of Labor & Industries in calculating worker’s compensation benefits.
Everett businesses join city’s downtown recycling effort
EVERETT — Next time you’re walking through downtown Everett with an empty soda can or plastic water bottle, toss it in one of the blue recycling containers instead of a regular garbage can.
The city has partnered with 16 local businesses to make the project possible. The 16 sponsor businesses manage weekly collection of the recyclables.
Last year, the city launched its Live Green Downtown project, which provides pedestrians with the option to recycle cans and bottles at 10 different sidewalk locations. Recently, the city expanded the program by placing six more recycling containers in downtown Everett.
Each container has the capacity to recycle up to 24 gallons, which equates to about 100 cans or bottles. If every container is filled to capacity each week, the total recycling would be 1,600 recycled cans and bottles per week or 83,200 recyclables annually.
“This creative partnership provides an opportunity to enhance our environment in our downtown core,” Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “We appreciate our partner businesses.”
The business partners are Bargreen’s, Stewart Title, Wicked Cellars, Rubatino, Cascade Bank, Cafe Zippy, Pave Specialty Bakery, Mermaid Cafe, Brooklyn Brothers Pizza, Prohibition Grille, Port Gardner Bay Winery, Kennedy’s Place Bistro, Comcast Arena, Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, 90.7 KSER Independent Public Radio and Schack Art Center.
For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact city recycling coordinator Jack Harris at 425-257-8988 or jharris@ci.everett.wa.us.
Quadrant Homes opens new community in Lynnwood
BELLEVUE — Quadrant Homes is bringing its “built your way” approach to home-buying in Lynnwood with the new community of Logan Pointe. The community, which opened on June 10, will showcase distinctive home plans and designs from Quadrant’s all-new Revolution Collection.
With only 52 home sites, the new community embraces a small-neighborhood atmosphere. Quadrant’s new homes in Lynnwood will feature craftsman exteriors designed to provide ample natural light. Other elements include hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, 9-foot ceilings, oversized bedrooms and walk-in closets. In addition, every Quadrant home in this community will be built to Northwest Energy Star specifications.
Logan Pointe is an easy commute to Seattle, Bellevue or Everett.
These new homes in Logan Pointe start in the mid-$200,000s and feature more than 1,600 square feet of living space with a fully landscaped yard.
Homebuyers may also qualify for the innovative Quadrant Assurance program, a 24-month mortgage payment protection insurance policy in the event of a job loss. This is combined with the Built Your Way promise that, if a homeowner isn’t completely satisfied with their home on completion, or if it was not built to their order, they don’t have to buy it, period. For more details on Quadrant Assurance, go to www.quadranthomes.com/built-your-way/assurance.
Boeing declares quarterly dividend
The board of directors for the Boeing Co. has approved a quarterly dividend of 42 cents per share, the company said Monday. The dividend is payable Sept. 2, 2011, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 12, 2011.
Etihad Crystal Cargo gets 777 Freighter
EVERETT — Boeing has announced the delivery of a 777 Freighter to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Crystal Cargo. Etihad Crystal Cargo is the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
The freighter is Etihad’s first Boeing freighter and joins the airline’s existing Boeing 777 fleet, which includes seven 777-300ERs. The 777 Freighter is the world’s longest-range, twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.
WSU telework program wins national award
PULLMAN — Washington State University’s Program for Digital Initiatives has received a national leadership award for excellence in promoting, researching and creating resources that have helped hundreds of employers with telework support since 1989.
Telework Exchange, a public-private partnership focused on demonstrating the tangible value of telework, announced the recipients of its 2011 Tele-Vision Awards in Washington, D.C., last month.
Telework is any arrangement in which an employee regularly performs officially assigned duties at home or other work sites geographically convenient to the employee’s residence.
WSU’s Program for Digital Initiatives PDI conducted one of the first telework research projects in the country, the Puget Sound Telecommuting Demonstration. The program supports urban and rural telework advancement through direct services, training and collaboration with a wide range of external partners.
Boeing, Microsoft pledge new scholarship
The Boeing Co. and Microsoft Corp. have announced a joint commitment to support efforts to increase the number of Washington students earning bachelor’s degrees.
The state’s two largest private employers have pledged $25 million each over the next five years to the new public-private Washington Opportunity Scholarship program. Together with matching state contributions under the new program, this will raise $100 million for scholarships for low- and middle-income students.
At the beginning of 2011, Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Higher Education Funding Task Force recommended that the Legislature create the Washington Opportunity Scholarship program as a public-private higher education endowment.
The goal is to raise $1 billion during the coming decade, based on a combination of private donations and matching contributions from the state.
YWCA seeks donations to outfit kitchens
In July, the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County will open the first portion of Passage Point, a new housing program for women who are coming out of incarceration.
Passage Point provides single mothers with a safe and secure home where they can reunite with their children and begin building a new life. HomeStreet is equipping the first 11 kitchens at Passage Point. There are 24 more kitchens to go, and the YWCA is seeking donations of new kitchen items to help complete these kitchens.
Donations of pots and pans, dishes, silverware and utensils to the YWCA’s Passage Point may be made at any HomeStreet Bank retail bank branch in Snohomish County. Questions may be directed to Liz Mills, YWCA community engagement director, at 206-461-4450.
Winemaker Olympics set for July 27
WOODINVILLE — The Winemaker Olympics and Festival of Washington (formerly the Woodinville Winemakers’ Triathlon) will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 27 at the Redhook Brewery grounds in Woodinville.
This year’s festival features local winemakers and brewmasters, restaurants vendors, gourmet food trucks, live music and light-hearted competition.
The festival’s goal is to benefit Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to wounded service personnel and their families.
Tickets are $49 at www.winemakerfest.com. Ticket price includes a commemorative glass, 10 wine tasting tickets and one food plate ticket. Additional wine, beer and food will be available for purchase. Festival attendees must be at least 21 years old.
State unveils new guide for scenic road trips
OLYMPIA — Washington State Tourism and the state Department of Transportation announced the publication of the state’s first official travel guide for its scenic byways.
The 92-page, full-color guide provides detailed maps and travel tips for all 21 state scenic byways, five national scenic byways and two All-American roads.
Printed copies of the guide are available free by ordering online at www.experiencewa.com. Copies of the guide are also available on state ferries and at visitor information centers.
SBA Patriot Express Loans top $633 million
WASHINGTON — In just four years the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Express Pilot Loan Guarantee Initiative has provided more than $633 million in SBA-guaranteed loans to 7,650 veterans to start or expand their small businesses.
Patriot Express, a pilot loan product with streamlined paperwork and based on the agency’s SBA Express program, offers an enhanced guaranty and interest rate on loans to small businesses owned by veterans, reservists and their spouses.
Patriot Express was launched June 28, 2007, to expand upon the more than $1 billion in loans SBA guarantees annually for veteran-owned businesses across all its loan programs. SBA also offers counseling assistance and procurement support each year to more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard and their spouses.
Patriot Express loans are offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and feature one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan approvals. Patriot Express loans are available for up to $500,000.
The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases. Local SBA district offices can provide lists of Patriot Express lenders in their areas. Learn more at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress.
From SCBJ staff reports
