The quantity of goods shipped through the Port of Everett during the first three months of 2007 continued to eclipse last year’s figures, officials were told Tuesday. Through March, 46 ships and barges visited the port, compared with 38 during the same period last year. They carried 34,263 tons of cargo, compared with 20,493 tons through March 2006. Several shipping lines started regular Everett visits last year. This year, they’re coming more often and bringing more cargo, officials said.
Mukilteo festival gets $5,000 check
The annual Lighthouse Festival in Mukilteo will receive $5,000 from the Port of Everett for advertising, the commission decided. Last year, the port contributed $2,500. Port commissioner Connie Niva recommended that the port approve the $5,000 requested by the community festival because it’s a popular event in the community that promotes tourism. A portion of Mukilteo is within the port district.
Neah Power secures patent
Bothell’s Neah Power has secured another patent related to silicon-based fuel cells, the company’s specialty. Company officials announced the patent Tuesday, saying it helps Neah increase its position in developing a unique system of fuel cells that can be used in a variety of devices, especially portable items.
Tool precalculates hospital bill
Using a new online calculator, prospective patients will be able to calculate their portion of a hospital bill before they check in, Premera Blue Cross officials said Tuesday. Premera’s Out of Pocket Estimator took about 18 months to develop, the company said in a news release. Starting in February, Providence Everett Medical Center was a test site for the tool, which uses a patient’s benefits package, officials said.
Engine fires result in Ford Escape recall
Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it was recalling more than 500,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles after receiving reports of engine fires linked to corrosion on antilock brake connectors. Ford said the recall involved 444,880 Escapes from the 2001-2004 model years in the United States, and about 75,000 Escapes in Canada, Mexico and Europe. The recall does not affect hybrid versions of the SUV, the automaker said.
Chrysler bid opposed by union
The head of the Canadian Auto Workers says he will try to thwart billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian’s bid for Chrysler, fearing Kerkorian will cost thousands of workers their jobs. CAW President Buzz Hargrove said Tuesday that Kerkorian’s Tracinda Corp., as well as private equity investors who are studying Chrysler, have a history of hurting workers. The CAW represents about 11,000 Chrysler workers in Canada. Its contract with the U.S.-based wing of DaimlerChrysler AG doesn’t expire until September 2008, a year later than its U.S. counterpart, the United Auto Workers. A UAW spokesman declined to comment about Kerkorian.
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