Business Briefs for May 2010

Boeing will meet its 787 deadline this year

According to Boeing CEO Jim McNerney, the company will meet its 787 deadline this year even though profits for the first quarter fell 15 percent. He also reaffirmed that its new 787 Dreamliner will be delivered by the end of this year and more 777s will be made next year. Boeing came in ahead of analysts expectations for the firm. The company anticipates receiving more commercial jet orders in 2010 than it did in 2009.

City Bank sold to Whidbey Island Bank

City Bank was shuttered April 16 and reopened April 19 as Whidbey Island Bank. This latest in a long line of bank closures was the first to specifically hit Snohomish County. City Bank had heavily invested in real estate and reported losses of $119.5 million in 2009. With former City Bank branches added, Whidbey Island Bank now has 26 locations in northwestern Washington. Customers have been advised that there will be no service interruption.

It’s All Good pet treats now available

Sherwood Community Services Career Connection, which provides vocational services to people with disabilities, has opened a new small scale business. It’s All Good offers 100 percent natural dog treats, made with human-grade ingredients. More information and order forms can be obtained by calling 425-334-4071.

The Career Connection also offers employee job matching for businesses. They will help fill part time openings at businesses with qualified disabled workers and provide continued support for both the employee and employer. This is especially valuable for businesses that have openings of just a few hours a week that they want to fill with a worker looking for permanent part time work. More Sherwood Community Services Career Connection information is available online at www.sherwoodcs.org.

Bruce and Becky Foster move Virtual Floor

In readiness for the coming construction of the new I-5 overcrossing at 156th on Smokey Point Blvd., owners Bruce and Becky Foster relocated their Virtual Floor business to a mall near Lowe’s Hardware at exit 206. The Fosters support the overpass project because it will ease traffic problems in the area by linking Smokey Point Blvd. with the new Lakewood Crossing shopping center on the West side of the freeway. The couple has 30 years of experience in the flooring and home furnishings business.

Everett Chamber celebrates grand openings

The Everett Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated grand openings and ribbon cuttings for two area businesses. Structural Design Associates owners Chris and Linnea Covington welcomed guests to an open house and ribbon cutting for their new location at 2802 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett. The business is a professional engineering company for both residential and commercial projects. The Chamber also welcomed El Nevado Mexican Grocery &Butcher for a special two-day grand opening event. Owner Victor Gaspar and his staff offered tours of the store that will cater to the Hispanic community with Mexican-style meats and specialty ingredients. It is located at 11419 19th Ave SE in Everett.

New venue can host corporate events

A new unique outdoor venue is now available for hosting corporate and other events in Snohomish County. “The Fields” is located at Willie Green’s Organic Farm just outside of Monroe. Run in conjunction with Seattle-based award-winning caterer, Herban Feast, the venue is based from a 21-acre working organic farm with expansive views, lush gardens and an intimate rural setting. Up to 120 guests can be accommodated under the cover of a unique Raj tent from India.

Nonprofit Home For Good to offer affordable home ownership opportunities

Five families at risk of homelessness were recently moved into new homes with help from the nonprofit “Home For Good.” Called Project Phoenix, Snohomish County awarded $665,320 in Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to “Home For Good,” which used the money as leverage for $400,000 in low-interest loans from Cascade Bank to purchase five homes. Average cost was $225,000 each with approximately 45 percent of the purchase price costs coming from Fannie Mae loans. The three-bedroom homes in Marysville – where foreclosure rates have been especially high – were rented to homeless or at-risk households who are at 50 percent of the area median income or below.

Valley General Hospital workforce reductions

Valley General Hospital announced a reduction of 2.3 percent in its workforce. Chief Executive Officer Mike Liepman says the reduction is emotional but a necessary part of restructuring to make sure the public hospital can continue. Valley General has the sixth highest percentage of uncompensated care in the state. Liepman became Valley General’s CEO in December 2009.

Associated Painters to get Spokane facility

Spokane International Airport is building a new aircraft painting facility for Associated Painters, Inc. as part of a strategy to attract more aircraft maintenance companies to the Spokane area. The $6.5 million hangar will accommodate two Boeing 737-800s for painting when it opens in October. The painting company will be a part of half a dozen other aircraft maintenance companies at the airport.

Home sales strong in Snohomish County

According to Northwest Multiple Listing Service, local home sales rose 53.5 percent in February with pending sales up 71 percent. A combination of affordable homes, low interest rates and a better than the national average unemployment rate may explain the boost. The local Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent in March while the national unemployment rate was still at 9.7 percent.

First USDA/Tribal self help housing division

Housing Hope’s Self Help Housing “sweat equity” program saw the first five tribal families move into homes they built themselves at the Mission Highlands housing site on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. The project becomes the first USDA funded Self Help Housing subdivision on tribal lands in the United States. It is anticipated that the Mission Highlands project will now become a model for other parts of the United States and its Territories.

Another new pet business at Firdale Village

Firdale Village in Edmonds is now host to six pet related businesses with the May 1 grand opening of Peanut’s Pals Doggie Daycare. Peanut’s Pals caters to dogs under 25 pounds, and provides them with a home-like place to run and play with friends their own size.

New FAA status granted to Out of the Blue

Arlington Airport’s Out of the Blue Aviation has received FAA Part 141 status. This coveted approval will allow the company to provide services to people who have GI and VA benefits. According to owner Cathy Mighell, it is also a “stamp of approval” on the excellence of the school’s training. Out of the Blue has six aircraft and seven instructors who provide training from Light Sport to Commercial categories.

County to offer $20 million in job bonds

More than $20 million in American Recovery Reinvestment Act bonds are being made available to local companies to create new jobs in Snohomish County. The proposal to use the federally subsidized bonds to stimulate the economy was recommended by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and approved by the County Council. A competitive bid process from Economic Development Division will solicit bids for distribution of the $20 million.

Plans on again for Mukilteo ferry terminal

After being put on hold by State–orders to focus instead on replacing old boats, plans to build a new ferry terminal in Mukilteo have reemerged. In 2009, the legislature approved $63.3 million for planning and possible construction of a new terminal on the former Air Force tank farm east of the current dock in Mukilteo. Discussions are now underway with Native American Tribes to make sure the plans would not damage the environment or known archaeological sites. The Mukilteo-Clinton route is one of the top three in the system.

Cascade Bank named Best of Industry for financial services by United Way

Cascade Bank has been named Best of Industry for financial services organizations by United Way of Snohomish County. During the Cascade’s annual eight week fundraising campaign, employees donated more than $75,000 to United Way, which was a 23 percent increase over the previous year. Cascade employees also donated their time during the annual United Way Day of Caring. Last year, United Way honored Cascade Bank’s campaign organizers Cecilia Johnson and Judy Austin as United Way Campaign Managers of the Year.

AquaSox release 2010 promotional schedule

The Everett AquaSox have announced the official release of their 2010 Promotional Schedule. It features new and updated logos, merchandise and team uniforms. A complete listing of souvenir give-aways, firework shows and celebrity appearances is available from www.aquasox.com. The season begins June 21.

PUD names Better Bricks Award recipients

Snohomish County Public Utility District has recognized the contributions of two business customers with the 2010 Puget Sound Better Bricks Awards for energy efficiency projects. NetRiver received the BetterBricks award in the “Building Operator/Manager Team” category for a range of efficiency measures which saved the business 1.5 million kilowatt-hours annually. GVA Kidder Matthews property manager Earl Wayman received a Better Bricks Finalist Award for the ENERGY STAR certification of the Alderwood Business Center in Lynnwood.

GM renews Clyde Revord Motors contract

Clyde Revord Motors, one of about 1,300 General Motors franchises that got a wind-down order last year, has been offered to renew its contract after all. “We’ve been offered back our franchise, and we’ve accepted that offer,” owner Mark Revord said. “There are a few loose ends that need to be tied up.” The company specializes in Pontiac, Buick and GMC models and is locally noted for having colorful celebrity murals painted in its front windows.

BECU first credit union in the country to offer CashEdge PopMoney program

Boeing Employees’ Credit Union has launched CashEdge’s person-to-person payments service, known as Popmoney. Popmoney is the first email and mobile person-to-person payments service that allows credit union members and bank customers to send money directly from their online or mobile banking service, simply using the recipient’s email, mobile number or bank account information.

Howie Wu, BECU’s Vice President of Virtual Banking said that Popmoney is a simple, secure and convenient way for members to send money directly from their BECU account to anyone for free.

Popmoney is an upgrade of CashEdge’s TransferNow service. In 2008, CashEdge processed nearly $50 billion in funds transfers for bank customers. It is a leading provider of Intelligent Money Movement solutions for financial institutions, including mobile and online person-to-person (P2P) payments.

Edmonds Yacht Club to open to the public

Construction is now complete on the Edmonds Yacht Club. A general public Open House will be held May 23. Both boaters and non-boaters are encouraged to attend. Clubhouse facilities are available for event rental. Both rental and membership information is available on the Web at www.EdmondsYachtClub.com. The Edmonds Yacht Club is located at 326 Admiral Way in Edmonds.

Full Circle Farm expands delivery route

Full Circle Farm, in Carnation, a leading organic produce and artisan food provider, has expanded its delivery service to include pickup locations in Bothell, Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens and Snohomish. The farm offers organic produce subscriptions in sizes suitable for couples or for families of four. More information is available at www.fullcirclefarm.com.

Lodging-tax grants to local tourist attractions

Almost $220,000 in lodging-tax grants have been awarded to area tourist attractions, including the Arlington Fly-in, the Marysville Strawberry Festival and the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Twice a year, Snohomish County awards money for tourism from funds generated by a 2-percent tax on hotel and motel rooms. Recommendations from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee help to guide the allocations.

Everett Public Library adds more staff to assist with technology resources

Two new staff members, funded by a grant from Renew Washington, are now available to offer individual assistance to beginning computer users at the Everett Public Library. This addition should also mean increased frequency and variety in introductory computing classes.

The Renew Washington grant is made possible by the Washington State Library and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation. A portion of the grant was also used to purchase and install a resume-building software package called ResumeMaker on most of the public computing stations.

Artists’ Garage Sale moves to Everett

Arts Council of Snohomish County will move the 16th annual Artists’ Garage Sale to downtown Everett. Construction on Mukilteo’s Rosehill Community Center forced the move.

The new event location is the Schack Art Center in Everett. The purpose of the event is to help artists clean out their studios and to allow the public a good deal on artwork or art supplies. The Artists’ Garage sale is June 5. Admission is free.

New fraud law will protect consumers

A new law signed by Governor Christine Gregoire last month will encourage financial institutions to protect consumers from identity theft and financial fraud. It would place recovery costs back on the negligent party when large-scale data compromises occur. Washington is only the second state to enact such legislation. Minnesota passed a similar law in 2007.

TOP Food, Haggen fundraisers top $100,000

TOP Food &Drug and Haggen Food &Pharmacy stores have announced that customer, employee and corporate fundraiser contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will top $100,000 this year after a successful campaign at stores this spring. Overall, TOP Food and Haggen stores have raised $275,000 since 2004 for the MS Society’s Greater Northwest Chapter that serves more than 10,000 people living with MS, plus 60,000 others affected by the disease, in Western and Central Washington and Alaska.

New USB interfaces from Ballard Technologies

Everett-headquartered Ballard Technology, Inc., a leading developer of avionics databus test, simulation, and embedded products, has announced that their new portable USB 2.0 interfaces for MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429/717 protocols are now available. The easy-to-use USB interfaces enable engineers and technicians to test, simulate, and analyze avionics databuses using any available PC either in the lab or in the field without the need for an external power supply.

New Everett consumer Web site launched

Skotdal Real Estate announced the launch of a new consumer website, DowntownEverett.com, as a comprehensive guide for downtown visitors, residents, retailers, employers and employees. Its unique features include a downloadable PDF map of downtown to encourage economic growth.

Everett’s CC’s Café has expansion plans

CC’s Café &Espresso, a popular eatery on Beverly Blvd. in Everett, is about to get a lot bigger. “We’re expecting to take over the whole building in May and open up the new section soon after,” said business co-owner Cari Foster. Last year the Snohomish County Business Journal profiled the restaurant which first opened to the public in Oct. 2008.

Walmart Foundation grant for United Way

The Walmart Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to United Way of Snohomish County to make free tax preparation more accessible to low-income working families. United Way free tax preparation centers are estimated to help return $1 billion in total tax refunds to qualifying, low-income families throughout the U.S.

Rethinking retirement courses to be offered

McIlrath &Eck, a registered investment advisor, is presenting a pair of two-day educational courses for Retirement Planning at Everett Community College. The courses take place May 15 and 22 and May 18 and 25. Total cost for class and materials is $49. To register, call 425-267-0150.

Smart grid for Snohomish County PUD

Snohomish County Public Utility District and the Department of Energy have come to an agreement for a smart grid project. An American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant of $15.8 million will fund the project. The smart grid upgrade will create a stronger, more efficient and reliable electrical system and will also enhance safety.

Fluke Networks debuts networking solution

Fluke Networks has debuted its OptiView Management Suite for network engineers and managers. It provides a complete network view by combining monitoring with in-depth, real-time analysis. This can manage performance and troubleshoot problems.

Cascade Bank to to sell more land assets

Cascade Financial Corporation has agreed to sell the assets associated with its two largest land acquisition and development loans. This will further reduce the Company’s exposure to builder lots designated for residential development. Both lots are subject to customary closing conditions but upon closing would reduce Cascade’s land acquisition and development portfolio to approximately 11 percent of the total loan portfolio.

Machinist program has earned accreditation

Shoreline’s CNC Machinist program has earned a 4.0 with its recent accreditation by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The accreditation is a big plus for students according to CNC instructor Keith Smith who worked to get the coveted accreditation. It provides them with nationally recognized skill sets that would set them apart in the job market.

Free Small Business Administration

loan seminar due at First Heritage Bank

First Heritage Bank is sponsoring a free Small Business Administration Loan Seminar. Christine Heckert, Senior Vice President, head of First Heritage Bank’s SBA Loan Department will conduct the seminar. Heckert has over twenty years of SBA lending experience and was last year’s Washington State Financial Services Champion. It will take place June 23 at First Heritage Bank’s Marysville Branch. More information is available from 360-568-0536 or email businessresources@firstheritage.net.

“Live Green Downtown” recycling debuts

A new recycling plan has come to Everett. “Live Green Downtown” allows pedestrians in Downtown Everett to recycle cans and bottles at 10 different sidewalk locations rather than throwing the containers in the trash or taking them home for recycling. If every container is filled to capacity each week, the total recycling would be 1,000 recycled cans and bottles per week or 52,000 recyclables annually.

Perkins &Will to design Point Wells project

International architecture firm Perkins &Will is developing design concepts for the planned redevelopment at Point Wells, a project in the city of Woodway, that will replace Paramount Petroleum Corp. fuel tanks on the site.