Business Examiner

Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:30am

Around the Sound

Business-related events

Business owners not previously able to afford health insurance for their employees have a new tool available to them – government subsidies for employee health insurance. The state's Health Insurance Partnership combines public and private resources to help small employers and their employees purchase health insurance in the marketplace. A free educational workshop on HIP is being offered Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Inn Suites in Olympia. Employers eligible for the subsidies are those: not currently offering health insurance; have between two and 50 employees; and have workforces that have half of their workers earning less than $10 an hour. The workshop is being sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber affiliated Chamber Benefit Services Fund, a leader in small business health insurance solutions. The event is held in cooperation with the Washington Health Care Authority and Choice Regional Health Network. Reservations are requested at (360) 357-3362 or www.ThurstonChamber.com.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual Holly-Jolly Christmas Auction on Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Great American Casino. For $20 admission, guests can enjoy a lovely plated lunch, visit with Santa, enjoy holiday music, as well as take advantage of shopping for family, friends, co-workers and employees in a casual setting. Reservations are required, call (253) 582-9400.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:18am

BE part of the conversation

Comment about the news

Visit BusinessExaminer.com and voice your thoughts on today's news and read comments from other people in the South Sound's business community. The BE blog also offers RSS functions so you can see only the local or industry business news that you want, as it happens.

Comments (1) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 28, 2008 at 8:30am

Business school is now in session at BE

Streaming video covers business topics

The Business Examiner has added a feature to its Web site that features expert advice from the PBS show Small Business School as well as links to gain free access to full shows featuring a range of business topics. New tips will be added each business day.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:14am

Pierce budget punches new holes for belt tightening

The core functions of Pierce County government will stay largely intact in a 2009 budget that reflects the current economic downturn and drop in tax revenue to fund those services.

The County Council unanimously approved its version of the $854.5 million plan last night.

"Our core services - public safety, criminal justice and transportation - were left whole in this budget," said Council Chair Terry Lee, who noted that road improvements scheduled for next year will continue as planned. "Unfortunately, that meant that our other departments and programs had to take a more serious cut."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:09am

Nursing shortage continues in South Sound

When the economy is struggling and unemployment is on the rise, there is still one profession that is actively recruiting.

The Washington State Department of Labor reports that there are nearly 5,000 Registered Nurse vacancies today, and this could grow to 30,000, if nothing changes by the year 2020. There simply are not enough nurses to care for the growing number of patients. This shortage is only predicted to worsen in the coming decades. Locally, there are 241 Registered Nurse vacancies in Pierce County alone.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Human Resources , Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:07am

Blog Watch: road warriors

Tacoma's downtown blog has an item about the Dome District's thoughts about Sound Transit's plans for the train extension through the area. It makes for interesting reading about this changing neighborhood.

Kevin Freitas writes about the filming of the Toyota Commercial in downtown Tacoma last week. He also has pictures of the filming.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:06am

COFFEE BREAK: Holiday blessings or worries

The Business Examiner would like to know your thoughts about the upcoming holiday season. Are your primed for the deep discounts you will likely find in stores or are you wondering if you will have a paycheck by the time the credit card bill comes due? Are you trimming back on gift giving this year?

Nov. 25, 2008 at 11:53am

Workshop set for employee health insurance

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lacey, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:42am

State marks 10th anniversary of tobacco settlement

State officials gathered in Tumwater to mark the 10th anniversary of the national tobacco settlement that brought millions of dollars to the state for tobacco prevention and cessation programs in Washington state.

"So much dedication went into fighting the tobacco industry, and now 10 years later we are seeing the results of that remarkable settlement," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "In Washington state, we have seen tremendous results — youth smoking is down by half and adult smoking is down 25 percent."

As a national leader in tobacco prevention and control, Washington has used funds from the Master Settlement Agreement to establish a program to prevent kids from smoking and help adults quit. Washington has the sixth lowest smoking rate in the nation at 16.5 percent. Before the tobacco program began in 2000, the state was ranked 20th.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:40am

State disciplines South Sound health providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in the South Sound.

In Mason County, the Nursing Assistant Program charged Michael Abrams with unprofessional conduct. He allegedly failed to respond to department inquiries regarding a complaint filed against him. The Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System charged paramedic Barbara J. Bodin with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly worked as a paramedic on an expired license for three years.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Mason County, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 20, 2008 at 11:51am

State takes action against local health care providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken action in the cases of several health care workers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:21pm

Great American Smokeout set for tomorrow

Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW)

Tomorrow is the 33rd annual Great American Smokeout as a way to provide an opportunity for people to take the first step toward quitting smoking and improving their health.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:18pm

COFFEE BREAK: down times

The weather is bad. The news about the local, state and national economy is bad. Retirement accounts are lighter.

The Business Examiner would like to know how you are feeling about your job and what you are doing to ease the stresses in your life.

To reply to the poll, send an e-mail to news@BusinessExaminer.com. Poll results will be published in Friday's BE Daily.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 18, 2008 at 1:23pm

Health care, transportation, green 'fads' top WPC watch list

The Washington Policy Center held its Pierce County 2008 Small Business Issue Forum this morning in Tacoma in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 18, 2008 at 1:06pm

State takes action against South Sound health providers

The state Department of Health has taken action in several cases involving health care providers in the South Sound.

In Pierce County, the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the license of licensed practical nurse Wendy E. Arneson. Arneson charted she changed wound dressings when she did not. She also removed a five-day supply of antibiotics from a supply cabinet without permission and gave a patient incorrect medication.

The Health Care Assistant Program suspended the credential of Cheri A. Hackworth. Hackworth wrote fraudulent prescriptions for herself.

The Medical Commission indefinitely suspended the license of Norma V. Kouklis. Kouklis failed to respond to inquiries from the commission.

The Registered Counselor Program reinstated the credential of Doddie A. Moore. She must comply with terms and conditions. Moore's credential was suspended in September 2008 because she failed to comply with previous terms set against her credential.

The Nursing Commission and the Massage Program permanently revoked the credentials of registered nurse and massage therapist Dale A. Neel. Neel had sexual contact with three clients while giving them massages.

The Registered Counselor Program revoked the credential of Camellia O. Ricks. Ricks entered into a romantic relationship with a patient.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 17, 2008 at 10:22am

Big news of the year?

There has been a lot of big news stories this year, particularly in the last few weeks.

The Business Examiner would like to know what were the biggest news stories in your world this year.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Pierce County, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 13, 2008 at 1:45pm

MultiCare to open Gig Harbor surgery center

MultiCare Health System announced today that it will open a ambulatory surgery center at the MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park on Point Fosdick Drive in the Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Pierce County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 11, 2008 at 11:17am

Capital Medical Center locked down

Just before 9 a.m. this morning, Capital Medical Center in Olympia was locked down after administrators received information that a man armed with a high-powered automatic rifle was stationed across the street from the hospital.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Olympia by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 11, 2008 at 10:52am

California hospital selects Sound to provide inpatient care

Sutter Amador Hospital in Northern California recently selected Tacoma-based Sound Inpatient Physicians to provide inpatient health care for the hospital. The service is scheduled to begin in January.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 11, 2008 at 10:04am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Diane Bingaman has joined Landes Mertz & Co. as a tax manager. Bingaman has a broad base of compliance experience, including federal and multi-state individual and small business returns. Her specialized area of interest is not-for-profit organizations. She is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Capital Centennial Rotary Club. She is a 2008 graduate of LEAD Thurston County and currently serves as the treasurer for South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Human Resources , Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 10, 2008 at 9:40am

Kreidler launches anti-fraud Web site

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is using his office's Web site to help fight insurance fraud.

In an effort to protect consumers, the fraud section of the site has been expanded to educate people on how to recognize and avoid fraud, and to make reporting easier. It also features facts about fraud and examples of real cases.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 7, 2008 at 10:15am

State disciplines South Sound health care providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 7, 2008 at 10:15am

Shellfish harvest approved along King waters

An area of south King County has been approved for commercial geoduck harvest for the first time since the state began monitoring shellfish areas in the 1960s. The Department of Health approved the harvest area, which is located two miles between Des Moines and Federal Way. The area covers some 138 acres.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:38am

St. Joseph adds Neuro Intensive Care Unit

St. Joseph Medical Center has opened a special intensive care unit for patients who are being treated for stroke and other disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Called the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, the eight-bed unit is located within the medical center's Critical Care Unit.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 4, 2008 at 11:59am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Venture Bank recently hired Tasha Wilkinson as a customer service representative at the bank's Eatonville Financial Center. Venture Bank also hired Jennifer Stanley as a customer service representative at the bank's Fircrest Financial Center.

Washington State University entomologist and eco-toxicologist John Stark has been named the new director of the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Stark succeeds Jon Newkirk who has been director of the center for the past four years. Newkirk recently resigned as director at the historic Puyallup facility but will continue his affiliation with WSU as director of the WSU Extension Western Center for Risk Management Education in Spokane. WSU Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences Dan Bernardo praised Newkirk for helping to set a new course for the 21st century at the facility that was established in 1894.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:55am

Blog Watch: street talk

The BIA blog for downtown Tacoma has a string about a national movement for "complete streets" that are designed for all types of users of all ages and abilities, pedestrians, cyclists, transit, trucks, cars, wheelchairs, skateboarders and other users. The post has specific examples of proposed changes for main streets around the city.

Crosscut.com has a chart of newspaper endorsements from around the state about key issues on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Olyblog.net has an ongoing roster of places to eat around the city.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:53am

COFFEE BREAK: Key election issue

The election is almost here. Many people have already voted thanks to the expansion of vote-by-mail programs. The Business Examiner would like to know what issue drove you to vote the way you did this election?

To reply to the poll, send an e-mail to news@BusinessExaminer.com. Poll results will be published in Friday's BE Daily.

Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:08am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Rainier Pacific has elected Bruce W. Valentine to the Board of Directors of Rainier Pacific Financial Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rainier Pacific Savings Bank. Valentine will fill the vacancy created by the death of Robert H. Combs in June of 2008 and he will stand for election at the company's next Annual Meeting of shareholders.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 22, 2008 at 9:44am

Coffee Break: The home stretch

With just two weeks remaining in the election season, politicians across the board are stepping up their efforts to get your vote. Both the federal and local races are heating up, particularly surrounding issues that affect the nation's business communities.

The Business Examiner wants to know who you're voting for and why. Which county council, gubernatorial and presidential candidate would best represent you and your business?

Oct. 21, 2008 at 12:47pm

Medical facility named after Milgard family

The office building under construction at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor will be named the Milgard Medical Pavilion at St. Anthony, in recognition of the generous support of the new hospital by the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Pierce County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 21, 2008 at 10:50am

Tacoma cancer resource center opens

St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma has partnered with the American Cancer Society to launch a community cancer resource center, where patients and their families can learn about support and treatment services that are available locally and across the nation.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Pierce County, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 17, 2008 at 11:47am

South Sound leaders honored for green building

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance hosted the 2008 Puget Sound BetterBricks Awards this morning at the Bell Harbor Conference Center on Seattle's Pier 66.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Health care, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Oct. 16, 2008 at 11:56am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Rick Porso, Sr., public health manager at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, received the Tom Drummey Memorial Award at the Washington State Public Health Association's Annual Joint Conference on Oct. 8. It is the highest award presented by the Association in recognition of the achievements and accomplishments of an individual who has demonstrated continuing interest in, and support of, WSPHA activities.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 15, 2008 at 11:59am

COFFEE BREAK: matter of debate

The last scheduled debate between the presidential candidates between Barack Obama and John McCain is scheduled for this evening and will center on domestic issues. Much of that debate will involve plans to aid the economy.

The Business Examiner would like to know which plans you prefer and if the debates affected your position on any of the issues.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 14, 2008 at 10:24am

St. Clare opens radiology suite

St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood has expanded its services with the addition of a state-of-the-art Interventional radiology suite. Advanced technology in the IR suite aids physicians in providing enhanced diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention without major surgery.

Patients who are admitted to St. Clare Hospital benefit from the increased availability of these procedures because the need to transport patients to other facilities for these services has been eliminated.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Lakewood, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 13, 2008 at 11:22am

In this issue of the Business Examiner

The latest print edition of the Business Examiner is now in mail boxes and newsstands around the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 13, 2008 at 9:46am

Providence Centralia opens sleep center

Providence Centralia Hospital has opened its sleep center today, featuring two, private sleeping suites located next to Providence Centralia Hospital.

The Centralia Sleep Center is located in the Providence Professional Center, 1010 S. Scheuber Road. It is part of the Providence Southwest Washington Sleep Center, with locations in Centralia and Olympia. It is the second sleep center in Washington to be awarded accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 13, 2008 at 9:44am

MultiCare To Host 'Together For Kids: Walk Across America'

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center and the MultiCare Center For Healthy Living are part of a national effort to fight childhood obesity.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 13, 2008 at 9:43am

State disciplines local health care providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lakewood, Mason County, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 10, 2008 at 10:58am

Health services center opens in Tacoma

Maxim Healthcare Services announces the grand opening of its new Personal Care and Companionship Division in Tacoma. The focus of the office is on providing health care services to clients in their homes. The center works with seniors for all their long-term health needs, as well as people who have suffered catastrophic injury, and those near the end of life.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 10, 2008 at 10:57am

State disciplines local health care providers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 7, 2008 at 10:27am

St. Francis names new chief

Tony McLean is the new chief operating officer at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Yesterday was his first day on the job as the top administrator at the 110-bed, acute-care facility.

"Franciscan Health System is renowned for its quality care and commitment to putting the patient first," said McLean. "I'm thrilled to become a part of this organization, and to be able to further its mission to create healthier communities, particularly here at St. Francis Hospital."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 6, 2008 at 2:06pm

State forecast dims outlook

Washington payroll employment declined at a 0.5 percent annual rate in the second quarter of 2008, following a 2.9 percent increase in the first quarter, according to a recent Economic and Revenue Forecast Council report. Manufacturing employment declined at a 0.7 percent rate in spite of a 3.5 percent increase in aerospace employment. Manufacturing employment other than aerospace declined at a 2.3 percent rate.

Construction employment fell at a 6.6 percent rate in the second quarter. Residential building and related special trades employment plunged at a 13.9 percent rate while all other construction employment edged up at a 0.1 percent rate. Natural resources and mining employment, while small, fell at an 8.2 percent rate in the second quarter as both logging and mining declined.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Education, Health care, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 6, 2008 at 11:06am

Lewis cancer center breaks ground

An official ground-breaking ceremony for the Centralia Cancer Center, part of the Providence Regional Cancer System, was held this afternoon.

Providence, RadiantCare Radiation Oncology and Washington Orthopaedic Center are partnering to build a $6 million, 17,000-square-foot cancer treatment center on Cooks Hill Road, across the street from Providence Centralia Hospital. The facility is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2009.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Lewis County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:31am

Speak up: BE wants your opinion

The Business Examiner would like you to take five minutes out of your day to help us grow and improve our BE Daily service.

It is our goal to provide timely and relevant news coverage, while making the BE Daily interesting and valuable for our readers and advertisers. The information you provide in the survey link below is invaluable in helping us reach that goal.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 2, 2008 at 1:30pm

State added to dental initiative

Washington is one of six states chosen to participate in a national Dental Home Initiative. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the federal Office of Head Start will kick off this five-year initiative to provide dental homes and a foundation for oral health with Head Start and Early Head Start children. A dental home is a source of comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered oral health care provided by dentists and dental offices.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 2, 2008 at 1:27pm

State takes action in local health worker cases

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in the South Sound:

In Grays Harbor County, the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Phyllis S. Stephenson with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a medical assessment for a patient and documented that a patient refused medication when there was not an attempt to administer the medication.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 29, 2008 at 10:16am

Small biz index plummets

The Small Business Research Board's Small Business Confidence Index decreased to 30 points in the second quarter of 2008, a downturn of nearly 14 points, or 31 percent, from the previous quarter, according to a report issued today.

The greatest decrease in confidence is among businesses in the Western states, where the index decreased to 27.7 from the 59 points recorded in the previous study, according to the report co-sponsored by International Profit Associates. Businesses in the Western states reported they are most pessimistic about the improvement of the overall economy.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 29, 2008 at 10:05am

State takes action against health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges in the following South Sound cases:

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 29, 2008 at 10:04am

TG wins 11th Consumer Choice Award

South Sound patients have once again selected Tacoma General Hospital as the hospital they would choose for their health care. That's the finding of National Research Corp., which has honored the hospital with a Consumer Choice award.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 25, 2008 at 10:58am

Women of Influence event held

View pictures from the BE's event

The Business Examiner celebrated its sixth annual Women of Influence class last night at Clover Park Technical College's Sharon McGavick Student and Conference Center. The program recognized outstanding female leaders in the South Puget Sound.

Pictures of the event can be viewed here if you missed the event or want to relive it. The recognition program will also be the subject of next month's South Sound Business Report broadcast, which airs on a number of channels throughout the South Sound.

Sep. 23, 2008 at 9:25am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Harborstone Credit Union employees started their summer on a healthy note and won the 10k-A-Day Challenge. This was Harborstone's first year in the program, which challenges participating credit unions to walk the most steps over a six-week period. Harborstone was joined by employees from Peninsula Credit Union, O'Bee Credit Union, TwinStar, Generations Credit Union and WSECU. The challenge is a fitness effort that seeks to build on the health benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day. Harborstone's top walker was Wendy Whitney, an employee at Harborstone's Spanaway location. During the course of six weeks, she covered 869,358 steps and lost 15 pounds. The competition also raised $900 for the Credit Unions for Kids charitable organization. The 10k-A-Day Challenge was coordinated by Melanie Ransom, human resources manager, O'Bee Credit Union.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 19, 2008 at 11:14am

State takes action against local health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken the action in the cases of health care workers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 18, 2008 at 10:46am

Adult smoking drops slightly

A new state survey shows the adult smoking rate in Washington is continuing to go down, yet the decline is slowing. When the Department of Health began its comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in 2000, the adult smoking rate was 22.4 percent. The most recent survey shows the smoking rate has decreased slightly from 17 percent in 2006 to a new low of 16.5 percent in 2007. At the same time, rates remain higher among people with low-income and low education.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lakewood, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 17, 2008 at 2:11pm

L&I plan calls for comp hike of 3 percent

The Department of Labor & Industries today proposed a 3 percent increase in 2009 workers' compensation rates. Average premiums would go up by just under 2 cents per hour worked.

Sep. 17, 2008 at 11:19am

COFFEE BREAK: investment worries

With all the bad news from Wall Street these days about billion dollar firms going into bankruptcy or falling into governmental receivership, the Business Examiner would like to know how comfortable you feel about your own financial situation.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 16, 2008 at 10:43am

Grays Harbor woman charged with fraud

A Grays Harbor woman is accused of fraudulently billing the state for 13 months of in-care for a Medicaid recipient. The problem, according to the Attorney General's Office, is that she was married to him.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 9, 2008 at 10:26am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Woodstone Credit Union has announced it is making a donation of $1,700 to the Mike McIntosh Memorial Scholarship Fund. This is the second year that Woodstone has raised funds to honor Pastor McIntosh and his place in the south King County community. The moneys raised are enough to pay tuition costs for two qualified applicants to attend Advancing Leadership, an affiliate of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. The donation came about when Woodstone recently made a pledge to donate $20 for each member of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce who attended the August "Business After Hours" meeting hosted at Woodstone's headquarters. Pastor McIntosh was a founding member of Advancing Leadership.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lakewood, Law and Legislation, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 5, 2008 at 9:59am

Sprouts from Kent linked to illnesses

State health officials believe alfalfa sprouts are connected to an outbreak of Salmonella that's sickened nine people in the state and four in Oregon.

The outbreak has been tied to alfalfa sprouts from Sprouters Northwest in Kent. The company has agreed to recall the product and has stopped distributing it. The sprouts are sold in a variety of packages labeled as both alfalfa sprouts and as mixed varieties that contain alfalfa sprouts as an ingredient.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Health care, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 5, 2008 at 9:58am

State disciplines health care workers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions against health care providers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 3, 2008 at 3:02pm

Radiologist suspended pending probe

The license of a Kent radiologic technologist has been immediately suspended for inappropriately touching two minor patients.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, South King County by News Room | Email News

Sep. 2, 2008 at 12:04pm

McChord supplies New Orleans

A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base provided rapid deployment of a four-man team and 15,500 pounds of cargo from the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis AFB, Calif., into New Orleans International Airport in preparation for Hurricane Gustav Saturday morning.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Pierce County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Aug. 29, 2008 at 10:17am

State hammers insurance agents

Insurance agents in Washington can lose their licenses if they are deemed "untrustworthy."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 28, 2008 at 1:59pm

Boeing improves contract offer

Boeing today presented what it calls its best – and final – contract offer to almost 27,000 employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas.

The contract offers a general wage increase of 11 percent during the next three years, increases to cost-of-living adjustments and adds to the pension program.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 27, 2008 at 1:08pm

COFFEE BREAK: Class act

With students heading back to school, the Business Examiner would like you to think back to your own classroom days and come up with the best lesson you ever learned during those years. Was it to be organized and do the work? Was it that cheaters prosper? Was it that geometry is applicable to everyday life?

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 27, 2008 at 11:02am

State takes action on health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of multiple health care providers within the state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of providers who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Human Resources , Workforce by News Room | Email News

Aug. 26, 2008 at 1:33pm

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

ManorCare of Tacoma has announced the three new employees at its facility: Tina Irwin, administrator; Eric Dobry, director of nursing; and Janice Suarez-Pena, human resources director. Each of these individuals comes with a wealth of knowledge, experience and solid leadership abilities.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Lakewood, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:50pm

Free drug cards are now available

The Washington Drug Card program is now available to all Washington residents.

The program, which is free to all Washingtonians and provides savings of up to 75 percent on prescription drugs, can now be accessed by visiting any Safeway pharmacy location in Washington. Safeway has been named the preferred pharmacy for the statewide program, while the benefits are accepted at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies around the country.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 25, 2008 at 11:04am

BE Reader Survey

Dear BE Daily Subscriber,

Please take five minutes to provide your feedback on the BE Daily.

The Reader Survey contains 28 questions that are about you, your business and the BE Daily. Your feedback will guide us in creating new features as well as ensuring the news and information we send you is relevant and easy to use.

Click here to take survey

Thank you for being a BE Daily reader and for your valuable feedback! If you have already submitted your questionnaire, thank you!

Emily West
General Manager
ewest@BusinessExaminer.com

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Emily West | Email Emily

Aug. 21, 2008 at 12:08pm

Puget Sound tops C-section list

Cesarean sections, or more commonly known as C-sections, have increased 60 percent in low-risk births between 1997 and 2005 in Washington — similar to national trends. C-section rates are higher in the Puget Sound region than in the rest of the state.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:34am

Action taken against health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken actions on the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:30pm

Accident kills worker at Cardinal Glass

Tumwater police and medical crews responded to an emergency call at the Cardinal Glass plant at 700 Pat Kennedy Way this morning.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 15, 2008 at 9:07am

Smog expected to hit South Sound

The high-pressure system over western Washington pushing temperatures into the 90s this week may also create unhealthful levels of air pollution.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 15, 2008 at 9:06am

State disciplines local health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has taken actions against the following health care providers in the South Sound:

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 6, 2008 at 11:38am

State wage growth edged out inflation

Washington workers earned 5 percent more in 2007 than they did in 2006, while inflation grew by only 3.9 percent, according to a new report released by the state Employment Security Department.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Law and Legislation, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:16am

Around the Sound

Business-related events

Tacoma officials will host an open house this week to provide details on the upcoming Pacific Avenue improvement project and the impact it will have on the area. The project team will share the schedule and phasing for the project and will discuss the scope of the work. Construction is slated to start mid-August and be completed by early November. The open house will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 708 of the Tacoma Municipal Building located at 747 Market St. Visit the project Web site for more information.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by News Room | Email News

Aug. 1, 2008 at 10:41am

Coffee Break: gizmo responses

The Business Examiner asked readers to talk about the one gizmo or gadget that they couldn't live without. Here are some of the responses:

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Human Resources , Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 31, 2008 at 10:56am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

West Sound Workforce has awarded Stephanie Huynh the June employee of the month honor. Huynh serves as an assistant registrar. Huynh was honored by West Sound Workforce with gifts, an award certificate and a floral arrangement at her local awards celebration. West Sound Workforce is a professional staffing company with offices in Gig Harbor and Poulsbo.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 30, 2008 at 12:08pm

State disciplines local health worker

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against a health care provider in the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 29, 2008 at 2:36pm

Safeco approves proposed merger

The shareholders of Safeco Corp. today voted overwhelmingly to approve a merger with Liberty Mutual Group. Of those Safeco shareholders who voted, 99.5 percent voted to approve the transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Liberty Mutual will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Safeco for $68.25 per share, in cash. The transaction is not subject to financing contingencies.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Health care, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 25, 2008 at 2:00pm

Chinese delegates visit Franciscan lab

A delegation of 17 clinical lab directors and medical equipment sales managers from Shanghai, China visited St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma today to tour the Franciscan Health System hospital's fully-automated laboratory, which is the only one of its kind in Washington.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by News Room | Email News

Jul. 24, 2008 at 12:54pm

Yelm medical services to expand

Yelm Family Medicine, Providence Health and Services and RDS, LLC of Olympia, announced plans for the anticipated construction of a new 36,000-square-foot medical office building and surrounding medical park in Yelm.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Pierce County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 23, 2008 at 11:24am

BE's 40 Under Forty photos are online

The Business Examiner's sold out 40 Under Forty event last night recognized outstanding South Sound business and community leaders under the age of 40.

Jul. 22, 2008 at 1:52pm

State cites local health workers

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in the South Sound:

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 22, 2008 at 11:01am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Meta Dooley is the new senior vice president for strategic planning and business development for Franciscan Health System, one of the largest private employers in the South Puget Sound region that includes St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and hospitals in Federal Way, Lakewood, Enumclaw and Gig Harbor. Her appointment was announced July 15 by Franciscan President and CEO Joe Wilczek. She will direct system-wide strategic planning, busine


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