Business Briefs for December 2009

  • Friday, November 27, 2009 9:22am
  • Business

Roy Robinson RV named a Top 50 RV Dealer

RV Business magazine has included local Marysville dealership Roy Robinson RV Center in the organization’s Top 50 RV Dealers in North America list for the second year in a row.

The competition included both American and Canadian dealers. After applications were collected, a panel of independent industry judges convened to review the applications and select the Top 50.

Criteria were not based on sales, but on customer service and satisfaction, employee training and education, and sound planning and initiatives. This year, five times as many applicants had to be cut than in 2008, which made it a difficult process for the judges

The 50 finalists collectively generated approximately $1.6 billion in sales last year and have received hundreds of awards from manufacturers and their local communities. The recovery of the recreation vehicle industry is said by many to be a precursor of economic recovery, making the announcement doubly welcome.

Sterling Savings Bank Open House Event

With the help of branch staff, board and community members, Rich Blacharski, Branch Manager of Sterling Savings Bank in Lynnwood, celebrated an open house on October 21, 2009. Tours of the building were an event highlight.

Western Union aids local habitat affiliate

Habitat for Humanity build sites in Everett were selected by Western Union and Money Tree employees from five states for an annual team building effort. Organized by Denver-based Jereme Marshall, regional manager for Western Union, the 18-member team hung siding for two Habitat Homes located at 6624 Broadway in south Everett.

In addition to hanging a great deal of siding, the team brought with them a $10,000 donation from the Western Union Foundation.

According to Habitat representatives, recent times have been tough for the non-profit and Western Union and Money Tree’s involvement gave volunteers and staff a much needed boost. The four-home development will be called Monagan Mor and be a permanent home to 19 people, including 12 children.

Western Union and its agents build with Habitat somewhere in the U.S. every year, usually in the Denver area. This year they decided to build in Washington State and the Habitat Snohomish County affiliate was the site they chose.

Chamber honors Bickford Motors 75 years

Bickford Motors in Snohomish was honored by the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce for the Ford dealership’s 75 years in business. The family business is now in its fourth generation.

Everett Clinic partners with Cocoon House

The Everett Clinic Foundation has awarded Cocoon House a $15,000 grant to help fund the Cocoon House Emergency Shelter Program. The program is designed to provide a safe haven for homeless teens and transition them into stable, safe, and permanent housing.

Over the next 12 months, Cocoon House projections suggest that over 260 Snohomish County youths will need to access the program. The average stay for the clients is 10-12 days. The organization will also provide these young people with a continuum of care, including medical and dental care, intensive case management, educational services, mental healthcare, and referrals to other services as needed.

Currently, there are shelters in Arlington and in Everett. A new shelter is under construction and will be operational in the first quarter of 2010.

Faded Elegance places for key local award

Faded Elegance, a home décor and antique store formerly in Everett and now on First St. in Snohomish, was recently voted in at 2nd place for the best antique store in Washington from King 5. They were the only store to receive this honor from Snohomish County. The store is noted for an eclectic mix of both new and vintage furnishings and décor.

Snohomish County unemployment climbs to worrisome 10.2 percent in October

Unemployment in Snohomish County climbed to 10.2 percent in October, nearly a full percentage point above the Washington state average. October’s unadjusted numbers put the county’s unemployment rate at the same level as the national average.

Compared with this same period last year, Washington now has 120,000 fewer jobs overall. National employment levels declined by four percent during the same period. In addition, the state lost an estimated 5,100 non-agricultural jobs.

Nearly 311,000 people were looking for work statewide according to recently released data and nearly 229,000 people received unemployment benefits from the state that month.

EvCC Foundation celebrates 25th Anniversary

Everett Community College Foundation celebrated 25 years of supporting EvCC students, services and college programs with a dinner on Nov. 12. Present at the event was “King of Scandinavian Humor” and EvCC distinguished alumni comedian Stan Boreson.

The Foundation provides more than 150 college scholarships to students, equips classrooms with crucial technology and provides training for faculty and staff to help college programs thrive.

The EvCC Foundation was created in 1984 by retired EvCC Dean of Students Bill Deller, who was asked to start the Foundation by then-EvCC president Bob Drewel. Deller established the Foundation with $1,000 from community members and businesses. Today, the Foundation president is Bill Deller’s son Mike Deller, who leads the all-volunteer EvCC Foundation Board of Directors.

County Executive Reardon honored by the National Center for Civic Innovation

Calling him an “innovator in government,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has been honored by the National Center for Civic Innovation for the county’s part in the center’s Trailblazer Grant Program. The Grant Program is intended to encourage governments to engage the public in their performance measurements and financial reporting process.

The program that drew the National Center for Civic Innovation’s attention was SnoStat, the county’s performance measurement program for accountability and transparency that Reardon implemented. SnoStat is guided by the principle that Snohomish County must measure, evaluate and communicate the effectiveness of its services and programs to its residents. The county uses SnoStat to report to the public aspects of public policy, government performance, daily management and long-term planning. As part of the program, Snohomish County received a grant worth $10,000 in 2008 to support the county’s efforts with its performance measurement program.

Register now for free employee relations roundtable discussion group

A free employee relations / HR round table discussion group is coming to the Creative Workspaces conference room in Lynnwood on Dec. 10. The purpose of the discussion group is to give managers an opportunity to share challenging employee relations issues that they are currently experiencing in a confidential setting, and ask for feedback and direction on how best to handle the situation.

Molina Healthcare announces appointment

Molina Healthcare of Washington has announced its new Chief Medical Officer is John W. Robinson, M.D. Robinson received the promotion after the retirement of the previous CMO.

Infoman, Inc. named to the Sage North America President’s Circle for 2009

Infoman, Inc., a Sage North America business partner that specializes in the sales, installation, and support for Sage Business Solutions products, has been named to the Sage America President’s Circle for fiscal year 2009. Sage recognized Infoman and other President’s Circle winners for their outstanding contributions throughout the year.

“It is a great testament to the hard work and focus on our mutual customers that Infoman, Inc. has succeeded in becoming a Sage North America President’s Circle Award winner,” said Jodi Uecker-Rust, president of Sage Business Solutions division. “We applaud the efforts of the entire team at Infoman, Inc. and wish them continued success in the years to come.”

Sage America President’s Circle 2009 award recipients will receive an executive retreat at the Biltmore Resort &Spa in Phoenix, Arizona next month. Infoman, Inc. provides premiere management and accounting system consulting services and product sales in Seattle, Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

AMRI relocation of Bothell unit complete

Albany Molecular Research, Inc. or AMRI, recently completed relocation of its Bothell research unit into approximately 44,000 square feet of newly refurbished laboratory and office space in Canyon Park. In addition to substantial improvements gained by consolidating all staff and services into one building, the new site provides capacity for growth, currently projected to be double the scale of the current operation over the next five years. The EDC helped AMRI secure funding through the State’s financial incentive programs.

AMRI provides scientific services, products and technologies focused on improving the quality of life. Drug discovery and development projects and manufacturing of active ingredients and pharmaceutical intermediates for many of the world’s leading healthcare companies are among the company’s projects.

Port hopes for U.S. DOT recovery grant

The Port of Everett recently submitted a $43.1 million grant request to the U.S. Department of Transportation to redevelop its South Terminal inter-modal shipping facility. The grant is part of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.

Such a grant would significantly improve the Port’s ability to move goods through its facilities. The proposed project includes strengthening the 700-foot wharf, upgrading the storage yard, investing in rail improvements, and installing high-voltage power systems to allow for “cold ironing” of ships which would significantly reduce their air emissions by allowing them to turn off their diesel engines and generators while in dock.

Diamond Knot brewery 15-year anniversary

Diamond Knot brewery of Mukilteo recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary. The company started by Bob Maphet and Brian Sollenberger now has its products available throughout Western Washington and Oregon. According to Maphet, the company began when the founders, who used to work at Boeing, let a hobby get out of control.

From modest beginnings they now have 65 employees at their brew pub, brewing facility and two restaurants. The pair quickly discovered that food sales and beer sales go together. Until last May, the company relied on restaurant and bar keg sales as its mainstay. Now they offer 22-ounce retail bottles.

Maphet believes the future looks good for the company, despite the recent recession. Sollenberger still works at Boeing while Maphet retired from the aerospace company more than two years ago.

Moss Adams named in Best Workplace list

Moss Adams, the 11th largest accounting and consulting firm in the United States, has been named as one of the finalists for Washington’s Best Workplaces by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Moss Adams was one of 20 large companies to be selected out of a total of 66 companies. Employees of the nominated companies completed surveys, which addressed benefit offerings, leadership culture, and work/life balance philosophy. Moss Adams is a member of the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County and serves on the Board of Directors. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Seattle. Moss Adams has 20 locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. There are over 1,800 staff in the organization.

Improvements for business resource Web site

An online resource compiled by the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce and a handful of other non-profits and government agencies, www.bizinfo24x7.com, is getting revamped for search-engine compatibility.

The site is meant to be a one-stop resource for small or prospective business owners who need to find information about doing business in Snohomish County. It includes good information and sound advice designed specifically for start-ups, micro, small and mid-sized businesses in the North Puget Sound.

“No matter what time of day or night they’re looking for information, we would have no more than three clicks to get them to that information,” said Jean Hales, president of the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce.

Hales went on to say that the chamber recognized that most business professionals didn’t have time to search the internet looking for information and that they should find this resource helpful.

51 years for Marysville Everett Ceramic Tile

Marysville Everett Ceramic Tile celebrated its 51st anniversary this fall, according to owners John and Jodi Hiatt. The company that sells carpet, ceramic, tile and other flooring is located at 1220 Second St., Marysville. The couple bought the business from John Hiatt’s parents. Jodi Hiatt is well known in Marysville for her ongoing volunteer work for the Marysville Strawberry Festival. She has been on the Maryfest, Inc. Board of Directors for 12 years

Permit center now accepts electronic plans

Lynnwood’s new one-stop Permit Center is now accepting electronic submittal of new building plans for review. Historically, Lynnwood required applicants to submit four sets of hardcopy plans and specs, plus two extra sets of civil plans. Now, the Permit Center can receive all drawings and specs with no applicant counter time. Distribution of plans can be made to all the plan reviewers electronically.

For a large project, the change could save several thousand dollars for printing, plus the cost of driving and waiting times. Information is available at www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Docs/CD-ElecPlansRevAppDir.pdf, the Permit Center web. An open house is set for Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to noon at its new offices, 4114 198th St. SW, Ste. 7. For more information contact Lynn-wood’s Community Development Deputy Director, Dave Osaki, at 425-670-5406.

CORRECTION – A mistaken headline in a news release resulted in crediting Christmas House as the recipient of this charity golf tournament. The correct version follows:

Judd &Black golf tournament benefits Boys &Girls Club

Bob Long of Judd &Black presented a $2,000 check to Jeremy Oshie, North Everett Boys &Girls Club, after the company’s recent annual charity golf tournament at Battle Creek Golf Course in Marysville.

Thanks to an agreement with the North Everett Boys &Girls Club, Christmas House once again will have a holiday home at 2316-12th Street in Everett. opening its doors Dec. 4 to serve the public through Dec. 21.

Christmas House, a non-profit charity formed in 1981, provided Christmas gifts to 9,511 children and more than 3,302 low-income families throughout Snohomish County in 2008.

To support Christmas House with a monetary donation or by volunteering, contact www.christmas-house.org or call 425.338.2273. Donations may be mailed to Christmas House, P.O. Box 717, Everett, WA 98206.

Bothell-based SonoSite Inc. receives settlement from General Electric

SonoSite Inc. has announced that it has settled all patent litigation with General Electric Corp. in a deal that will pay the Bothell maker of portable ultrasound devices $21 million. In addition, SonoSite announced that General Electric will pay an ongoing royalty on U.S. sales of its hand-carried ultrasound systems weighing less than 10 pounds in exchange for worldwide rights for the devices’ patent, which expires in seven years.

“We are pleased with the outcome of this matter and have now fully resolved all of our pending litigation with GE,” said Kevin Goodwin, president and CEO of SonoSite, in a statement. “It not only affirms the value of our patents, but also will enable the expansion of our research program for point-of-care ultrasound in medicine.”

The company also recently reported a loss for the third quarter. Goodwin has stated he believes the outlook is good and the company is likely to resume revenue growth soon.

Snohomish County’s proximity to Seattle and the economy affect tourist dollars

According to Amy Spain, director of Snohomish County’s Tourism Bureau, Snohomish County’s proximity to Seattle can translate into big tourism dollars or it can take a hit from the competition, depending upon the economy.

Snohomish County, particularly the southern cities, offer a convenient and affordable lodging option when compared with pricey downtown Seattle. But the recent economic downturn has forced Seattle hotels to cut prices to stay in business. This makes them more attractive to tourists.

Although tourism officials such as Spain think it unlikely that the Winter Olympics will help Snohomish County hotels much, they’re somewhat hopeful that 2010 will be better than 2009. Over the next six to nine months, Snohomish County will welcome several new hotels and tourist destinations, which could bring in visitors. Snohomish County will also add to its reputation as an aviation buff’s playground when Kilo-6 opens one of its new hangars at Paine Field. The opening of the Tulalip Tribes Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve should also draw visitors.

Marysville Trusty Threads opens for business

A new vintage clothing store recently opened in Marysville, thanks, in a way, to a down economy. Trusty Threads on Fourth Street is owned by former fashion designer Patricia Schoonmaker. Schoonmaker lost her job in August after the company she worked for moved from Seattle to North Carolina.

Aware that finding a job in her field in this region would be difficult, she decided to go into business for herself. The shop features gently used clothing that Schoonmaker buys, sells and trades.

Stevens Hospital to lease facilities for expanded services

Stevens Hospital may negotiate a 20 to 30-year lease of all of its facilities and equipment to either Providence Health and Services or Swedish Medical Center, both based in Seattle. A spokesperson said a formal proposal may be made by the end of the year to whichever health care organization is chosen. All operations of the hospital would also be turned over to the selected lessee.

Stevens Hospital earned a $5 million profit last year, the best financial performance in 14 years for the taxpayer supported health care facility. Additional financial investment from a larger health care organization could enable Stevens Hospital to expand its services to fill health care gaps in Snohomish County, according to a consultant’s report.

Edward Jones ranked highest in satisfaction according to J.D. Power &Associates

Edward Jones was ranked in first place in customer satisfaction among full-service investment firms researched for 2009 by J.D. Power &Associates. This year marks four times in five years that Edward Jones has won that top slot. In 2009, Edward Jones won with 784 points out of a possible 1,000, scoring 53 points ahead of the next closest contender. The study measures overall customer satisfaction with full-service investment firms in the United States based on six factors: financial advisors, convenience, investment performance, account offerings, account statements and commissions and fees. The average rating for the industry was 731.

Hatloes Carpet One Floor &Home in Everett celebrates 70 years

Hatloes Carpet One Floor &Home in Everett has celebrated 70 years in business. The company, which is in its third location in seven decades, markets paint, floor coverings, window blinds, countertops and experience. Owners Steve and Jim Hatloe carry on a tradition begun by their great-grandfather and grandfather in 1939. Their father is Everett City Councilman and community business leader Arlan Hatloe.

Three local business networking groups to use Facebook as the connection platform

The Greater Snohomish County Business Networking Group, Greater King County Business Networking Group and Greater Whatcom &Skagit Counties Business Networking Group are now using Facebook as the connection platform. Facebook, a free networking platform allows people to share information, communicate, have discussions, show event details and much more was felt to have advantages over other platforms, including the fact that many people are already using it and it is free.

Snohomish County and Aerospace Futures Alliance announce new training facility

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon along with the Aerospace Futures Alliance and other local and state leaders have announced details for a new statewide training facility offering training, research, and development.

Aerospace Futures Alliance will lease a 30,000-square-foot facility at Snohomish County’s Paine Field Airport to be operated as a centralized training center. A similar center will be located at the Spokane International Airport, bringing the east and west together to create a statewide aerospace training program.

The establishment of the aerospace training center is the culmination of ongoing work to advocate and secure funding for support of Washington’s aerospace industry by the AFA, key elected officials, and partners in Snohomish County including Everett Community College, the Workforce Development Council, as well as the EDC.

ORCA card to replaces most paper transfers

On Jan. 1, 2010 transferring between buses and trains in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties will be changing. Paper transfers will be replaced with electronic transfers on ORCA cards for trips that involve transferring between agencies.While King County Metro and Pierce Transit will still offer paper transfers that are good within their own systems, Community Transit and Sound Transit will switch to all-electronic transfers.

Everett Transit and Kitsap Transit have already phased out paper transfers on their systems, so the switch to the new electronic transfers offered by the six ORCA bus and train agencies means riders throughout the region can get a better deal with ORCA.

Cash will continue to be accepted by all seven of the ORCA partner agencies, but beginning Jan. 1, riders using cash instead of an ORCA card to transfer between different agencies’ systems will pay the full fare for each leg of their ride.

First Boeing 747-8 freighter leaves factory

The first 747-8 freighter rolled out of the factory last month. Destined for Cargolux, it is now painted and beginning preparations for flight test.

The 747-8 Freighter is a high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators lower operating costs and the best economics of any freighter airplane. It also provides enhanced environmental performance.

The model is significantly longer than its predecessor and so has 16 percent more revenue cargo volume in comparison. So far, Boeing has secured 105 orders for the 747-8.

Local company lands $7 million contract

The Economic Development Council of Snohomish County and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center have helped Applied Filter Technology in Snohomish County to win a $7 million contract to expand Klickitat County’s H.W. Hill Landfill Gas Power Plant.

The company that engineers and pilots biogas siloxane removal systems has developed unique proprietary technology which also helped them land the recent contract. The biogas removal system filters the methane gases from landfills before it is burned in a gas turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator which produces the energy.

PUD offers energy efficient TV information

In partnership with supporting retailers and utilities such as the Snohomish County PUD, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is offering an energy-efficient electronics program to regional consumers to help them identify the most energy-efficient televisions on the market during this holiday shopping season. According to the International Energy Agency, consumer electronics represent the largest growing category of household power demand in the world, a trend reflected in northwest regional power consumption patterns. Consumers can visit the PUD’s Web site www.snopud.com for more details.

WDCSC and colleges awarded training grant

Workforce Development Council Snohomish County recently announced it was one of 29 agencies nationally to be awarded a grant from the United States Department of Education to benefit working adults and displaced workers pursuing degrees and credentials in community colleges.

Schools benefit from Fluke Grant Program

Twenty-one educational institutions in Canada and the U.S. will receive advanced infrared imaging cameras worth a total of more than $100,000 from Fluke Corporation through the Fluke Education Grant Program.

Each winning school will receive one Fluke Thermal Imager kit including software, two rechargeable batteries, charger, operation manual and USB adapter. These Fluke imagers are designed for inspecting building envelopes to spot leaks and find places where energy is being lost. The Fluke Weatherization Grant Program, announced in July 2009, drew applications from more than 100 high schools, community colleges, universities and training programs across the U.S. and Canada. Winners were chosen by a review committee of industry professionals who examined many program elements, including the breadth of course offerings and the types and numbers of certificates and degrees conferred.

Smiley Dog Woofstock ‘09 event announced

Smiley Dog Home Delivery has announced a date for Woofstock ‘09, the company’s annual open house. The event features representatives from many local pet product companies, sales tax free purchases and other special offers.

This year’s Woofstock exhibitors include companies such as Evergreen Pet Supply, Droolz Organics dog treats, Hands to Paws pet massage, Raw Advantage frozen pet food and many others.

Woofstock ‘09 is the official open house of Smiley Dog Delivery, a local business that has offered pet food and supply delivery to home or office since 1992. The event takes place Dec. 5. from noon until 4 p.m. at 23303 Highway 99 in Edmonds. Pets are welcome. For more information, visit www.smileydog.com

Campfire celebrates 100 year anniversary

Last month, Campfire USA marked its 100 year anniversary at its annual WO HE LO luncheon. The event featured biochemist and former Stanford researcher Dr. Mitra Ray. Ray has authored two books on family health, including “From Here to Longevity” and “Do You Have the GUTS to Be Beautiful?” At the luncheon, she presented the complex topic of childhood obesity and what families can do to prevent and treat it. Campfire USA also honored a 100-year old local board member.

PSE Wild Horse Wind Facility Enters Service

Puget Sound Energy’s Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility is producing even more energy in Kittitas County now, thanks to 22 additional wind turbines that entered commercial operation. The new wind turbines join the facility’s original 127 turbines, which entered service in December 2006, and raise its capacity to produce clean, renewable power from the wind.

In addition, the Wild Horse solar array, already one of the largest in the Northwest, has also expanded with 315 made-in-Washington solar modules totaling 50 kilowatt (kW) of capacity being added to its present 450 kW of generating capability.

PSE is already the nation’s second-largest utility owner and operator of wind power according to the American Wind Energy Association. The Wild Horse facility is located on Whiskey Dick Mountain, a little more than 16 miles east of Ellensburg, on the north side of Interstate 90.

Joyworks in Snohomish celebrates 30 years

Joyworks, a popular Snohomish gift shop at 1002 1st St., celebrated 30 years in business last month.

The shop started as a Christmas-themed store in Lake Stevens but was moved to the s Snohomish location in the 1980’s and added more gifts.

Focus on Farming event draws record attendance

Last month, more than 500 regional farmers, growers and retailers attended the Focus on Farming Conference at the Tulalip Resort Casino’s Conference Center. It was the largest attendance in the event’s six-year history.

Attendance has increased each year since a small group of farmers first met at the Snohomish County fairgrounds for the inaugural event. Now hosted at the Tulalip Resort and Conference Center in Tulalip, participants enjoyed a day of learning, networking and farm-fresh local products prepared by chefs.

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon opened the conference. He highlighted the need to spend as much time providing farmers with opportunities and fostering positive relationships with them as regional and state officials do with the state’s aerospace suppliers.

Conference chair, county’s agriculture project coordinator and local farmer Linda Neunzig, pointed out that nearly 100 new farms have been added to the more than 1,500 already operating in Snohomish County over the last five years.

Attendees also heard former Secretary of Agriculture for New Jersey Charles Kuperus discuss the ever-shrinking U.S. agricultural land. Farmer and author David Mas Masumoto spoke. Wrapping up the afternoon was entertainment by Cowboy Poet Baxter Black.

A gourmet lunch featured clam chowder, blackberry braised beef, white bean chili and mixed heirloom apple chiffon cake all of which was prepared by local chefs with locally grown and raised ingredients. The evening concluded with a wine-and-cheese tasting featuring products from Western Washington wine and cheese makers.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

A closing sign hangs above the entrance of the Big Lots at Evergreen and Madison on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Big Lots announces it will shutter Everett and Lynnwood stores

The Marysville store will remain open for now. The retailer reported declining sales in the first quarter of the year.

George Montemor poses for a photo in front of his office in Lynnwood, Washington on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Despite high mortgage rates, Snohomish County home market still competitive

Snohomish County homes priced from $550K to $850K are pulling in multiple offers and selling quickly.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s robotic team, Jack in the Bot, shake hands at the 2024 Indiana Robotics Invitational.(Henry M. Jackson High School)
Mill Creek robotics team — Jack in the Bot — wins big

Henry M. Jackson High School students took first place at the Indiana Robotic Invitational for the second year in a row.

The computer science and robotics and artificial intelligence department faculty includes (left to right) faculty department head Allison Obourn; Dean Carey Schroyer; Ishaani Priyadarshini; ROBAI department head Sirine Maalej and Charlene Lugli. PHOTO: Arutyun Sargsyan / Edmonds College.
Edmonds College to offer 2 new four-year degree programs

The college is accepting applications for bachelor programs in computer science as well as robotics and artificial intelligence.

FILE — Boeing 737 MAX8 airplanes on the assembly line at the Boeing plant in Renton, Wash., on March 27, 2019. Boeing said on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, that it was shaking up the leadership in its commercial airplanes unit after a harrowing incident last month during which a piece fell off a 737 Max 9 jet in flight. (Ruth Fremson/The New York Times)
Federal judge rejects Boeing’s guilty plea related to 737 Max crashes

The plea agreement included a fine of up to $487 million and three years of probation.

Neetha Hsu practices a command with Marley, left, and Andie Holsten practices with Oshie, right, during a puppy training class at The Everett Zoom Room in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Tricks of the trade: New Everett dog training gym is a people-pleaser

Everett Zoom Room offers training for puppies, dogs and their owners: “We don’t train dogs, we train the people who love them.”

Andy Bronson/ The Herald 

Everett mayor Ray Stephenson looks over the city on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2015 in Everett, Wa. Stephanson sees  Utah’s “housing first” model – dealing with homelessness first before tackling related issues – is one Everett and Snohomish County should adopt.

Local:issuesStephanson

Shot on: 1/5/16
Economic Alliance taps former Everett mayor as CEO

Ray Stephanson will serve as the interim leader of the Snohomish County group.

Molbak's Garden + Home in Woodinville, Washington will close on Jan. 28. (Photo courtesy of Molbak's)
After tumultuous year, Molbak’s is being demolished in Woodinville

The beloved garden store closed in January. And a fundraising initiative to revitalize the space fell short.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center executive director Larry Cluphf, Boeing Director of manufacturing and safety Cameron Myers, Edmonds College President Amit Singh, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 2 celebrating the opening of a new fuselage training lab at Paine Field. Credit: Arutyun Sargsyan / Edmonds College
‘Magic happens’: Paine Field aerospace center dedicates new hands-on lab

Last month, Edmonds College officials cut the ribbon on a new training lab — a section of a 12-ton Boeing 767 tanker.

Gov. Jay Inslee presents CEO Fredrik Hellstrom with the Swedish flag during a grand opening ceremony for Sweden-based Echandia on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Swedish battery maker opens first U.S. facility in Marysville

Echandia’s marine battery systems power everything from tug boats to passenger and car ferries.

Helion Energy CEO and co-founder David Kirtley talks to Governor Jay Inslee about Trenta, Helion’s 6th fusion prototype, during a tour of their facility on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
State grants Everett-based Helion a fusion energy license

The permit allows Helion to use radioactive materials to operate the company’s fusion generator.

People walk past the new J.sweets storefront in Alderwood Mall on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Japanese-style sweets shop to open in Lynnwood

J. Sweets, offering traditional Japanese and western style treats opens, could open by early August at the Alderwood mall.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.