Business Examiner

Dec. 1, 2008 at 2:24pm

Former WaMu employees eligible for assistance

Washington Mutual employees who are receiving layoff notices from JPMorgan Chase are also receiving information from state and local layoff-response officials about unemployment benefits and job-search assistance that are available to them.

Leaders from the state Employment Security Department's mass-layoff unit and the Seattle-King County rapid-response team met recently with JPMorgan officials to plan informational sessions that will supplement the company's own severance and employee-assistance efforts.

A series of one-hour sessions will be held on Dec. 12 for Washington Mutual employees who are being laid off in the next few months.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Dec. 1, 2008 at 12:19pm

Saint Martin's paving the way for professional teachers

Saint Martin's University will host information sessions on its Secondary Teacher Alternate Route Program at 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Jan. 21 and Feb. 4 at the university's Norman Worthington Conference Center, located at 5300 Pacific Ave. SE. Saint Martin's STAR Program provides working professionals with an intensive alternative route to becoming a secondary school teacher in Washington.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Lacey by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

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 10:07am

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. 24, 2008 at 12:14pm

Columbia, Heritage complete Treasury deals

Tacoma-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. and Lacey-based Heritage Bank announced separately that they had completed federal transactions with the Department of the Treasury.

Columbia raised $76.9 million in capital by issuing 76,898 shares of Series A preferred stock for $1,000 per share to the U.S. Department of Treasury as a voluntary participant in the federal government's Capital Purchase Program.

"We are pleased to have been selected as one of the first regional banks to participate in the Treasury's program, further affirming our financial strength," said Melanie Dressel, president and chief executive officer. "The additional equity bolsters our already strong capital levels, enhances our ability to lend and increases our flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities which may arise. We believe this additional measure of strength will be well received by our employees, customers and shareholders."

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lacey, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:23pm

State revenue forecast continues to fall

Economic conditions in both the nation and the state have deteriorated sharply since the last Revenue Forecast in September, according to the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

"The credit crunch has knocked the wind out of an already weakening national economy," an economic forecast released today stated. "Consumer and business spending have stalled as access to credit has been choked off, and confidence has worsened."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Tacoma, Thurston County, 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. 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. 10, 2008 at 8:27am

In this issue of the Business Examiner

Check out the stand locations near you

The current issue of the Business Examiner is in newstands now, if you do not have a subscription sent to your home or office. In this issue, you will find:

-- One Business, One vote
-- Belay wins Olympia's city hall contest
-- Rainier Connect links to new home, new era
-- Owners: restaurant giveaway is no laughing matter

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Nov. 6, 2008 at 12:00pm

October housing: disappointing, but not unexpected

Housing activity for Northwest Multiple Listing Service members was disappointing last month, but not surprising, according to one industry executive. He and other representatives of the Northwest's largest MLS believe the situation is improving.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:48am

Reed issues post-election statement

Secretary of State Sam Reed has released a post-election statement to the state's voting public:

"Washington's voters were the big winners in this truly memorable watershed election. Following on the heels of the first-ever running of our voter-approved Top 2 Primary this summer, voters were fired up for the main event. They shattered the record for voter registrations, many signing up online for the first time, and then turned out in huge, possibly unprecedented numbers. They helped pick a president, voted their favorites in the closely watched rematch for governor and chose their new congressmen, legislators, judges and local elected officials who will deal with the critical issues facing our state and nation. I couldn't be prouder of our thoughtful and engaged voters, who endured a seemingly endless campaign season with good humor and great intelligence.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater 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. 27, 2008 at 11:15am

Correction: Heritage financial report

In Friday's BE Daily, it was mistakenly reported that Heritage Financial Corp.'s total assets had dropped significantly from one year ago. The correct figure is $500,000, much less than the amount mentioned in the news item.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:12am

Businesses eligible for upgrade reimbursement

Puget Sound Energy's residential and business customers can now take advantage of more than 80 money-saving, energy-efficiency rebate and grant programs.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:27am

State sets voter record

With the election two weeks away, Washington has just surpassed the 3.6 million mark for registered voters for the first time in state history, according to David Ammons, communications director for the Office of the Secretary of State.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:23am

Papa Murphy's awarded 'Best Pizza Chain in America'

Vancouver-based Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza has been named the "Best Pizza Chain in America," according to consumers.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Oct. 22, 2008 at 9:59am

Blog Watch: Political roundup

The Association of Washington Business' Olympia Business Watch explains the reasoning behind the AWB's myriad endorsements.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

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. 15, 2008 at 11:57am

Blog Watch: healthy hotels

The AWB's blog has a look at the national debate about health care with a bank of links to research that report on the issue, which is likely going to be brought up during tonight's presidential debate.

Thurston County businessman Ken Balsey gives his reasons for how he is voting in November.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, 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. 8, 2008 at 2:12pm

Saint Martins breaks ground for rec center

Saint Martin's University broke ground today for its new student recreation and fitness center.

The university selected the team of Helix Design and Mountain Construction to design and build the new 39,000-square-foot center, which is supposed to provide students with space and equipment to recreate and maintain their physical fitness. Construction on the building is supposed to start immediately and is expected to be completed by next fall.

"This recreation and fitness facility is part of Saint Martin's strategic plan to increase the number of its main campus students," said David Spangler, interim president.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Lacey by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 8, 2008 at 6:05am

Are you a Fastest Growing Company?

Nominations are now being accepted online for the South Sound's annual Fastest Growing Companies recognition program.

Fastest Growing Companies are defined as having strong growth in revenue and wage expense from fiscal years 2005 through 2007. Results are collected, calculated and verified confidentially by Moss Adams, the 12th largest accounting and consulting firm in the United States.

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

Oct. 7, 2008 at 10:25am

Showcase set for day of business networking

Thurston County Chamber's Business Showcase set for tomorrow is ready to offer South Sound businesses with the opportunity to network with each other, learn about products in the marketplace and attend sessions on ways to improve their operations.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Human Resources , Lacey, Law and Legislation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, 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

Sep. 30, 2008 at 2:34pm

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

St. Joseph Medical Center has received the prestigious Consumer Choice Award for the 10th straight year for being identified as a preferred hospital in Tacoma by an independent survey of area residents by National Research Corp. Winners of the Consumer Choice Award from 190 markets across the U.S. were announced Sept. 29 by National Research Corp., an independent company that measures health care performance and improvement. The list of winners also was published in the current edition of Modern Healthcare, an industry publication.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 30, 2008 at 1:48pm

State's minimum wage will increase

Washington's minimum wage will jump 48 cents to $8.55 an hour beginning Jan. 1, an increase required by a voter initiative passed 10 years ago that set the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index for the greater Seattle area.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Sep. 30, 2008 at 10:48am

Small biz owners fear credit freeze

At a time when many of the nation's largest companies are struggling to survive, a growing number of small businesses are also feeling the stress that comes from making and saving money in a tough economy, according to the results of a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive for ING DIRECT's ShareBuilder 401k.

"A lot of small businesses are struggling to cover their monthly expenses and still have something left to put into savings," said Stuart Robertson, general manager of ShareBuilder 401k. "Before this down economy set-in, the number of small businesses making regular contributions to their savings plan was actually on the rise. Today we're beginning to see a step backwards."

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 29, 2008 at 11:20am

Lacey Catholic high school breaks ground

Ground in Lacey was broken and blessed yesterday in preparation for the Pope John Paul II High School, which is scheduled to open in September of 2009.

"It went beautifully," said Cecilia Brennan, president of the school's board of directors. "Everything is on schedule."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Lacey, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Thurston County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Sep. 26, 2008 at 10:25am

State gets $28 million to stabilize foreclosures

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today allocated a total of $3.92 billion to all states and particularly hard-hit areas trying to respond to the effects of high foreclosures. The state of Washington will receive an allocation of $28,159,293, while Alaska, Idaho and Oregon will each receive allocations of $19.6 million.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

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. 25, 2008 at 10:09am

PSE to buy Longview plant

Puget Sound has announced plans to buy a natural-gas-fired power plant in Longview, Wash. as part of the utility's long-range initiative for meeting customers' growing electricity needs.

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

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. 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. 16, 2008 at 10:42am

South Lacey Goodwill opens this week

Goodwill will hold a grand opening Sept. 18 for a new South Lacey store, featuring a junior fashions department, expanded book department and a large inventory of used clothes and household items.

BCRA, served as architects, and Sharp Construction served as general contractors on the project with MK Property Services and Lisa Strause working to renovate the former retail store to fit Goodwill's specific needs.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lacey, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 15, 2008 at 10:01am

Manufacturer lands Army contract

The Army and RT London in Hawks Prairie have agreed to a $6 million contract. The local furniture company will provide furniture for Fort Lewis barracks.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Thurston County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Sep. 10, 2008 at 9:57am

COFFEE BREAK: strike talks

The Business Examiner would like to know what you think about the strike by Boeing machinists. Whose side are you on?

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

Sep. 4, 2008 at 11:06am

Jobs was mixed picture in August

Today's National Employment Report from Automatic Data Processing shows employment decreased by 33,000 in August. The report is based on actual payroll data and measures the change in total nonfarm private employment each month.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 29, 2008 at 10:16am

Wireless Internet ends at rest areas

Wireless Internet access will no longer be available at Washington's highway safety rest areas due to a lack of consistent users.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma 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. 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. 20, 2008 at 10:35am

Blog Watch: Small world

Thurston blogger Ken Balsley notes just how small the world is getting these days by writing about his recent trip to Los Angeles for an International Rotary Conference. Rotarians from around the world gathered to chat. Balsley was doing just that with an English chap who actually knew where Lacey was on a globe.

"Of course I do," he replied. "That's the home town of Kasey Keller. You've even named a street after him," Balsley wrote that the young man said.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation by News Room | Email News

Aug. 20, 2008 at 10:05am

New Best Western planned for Lacey

Lacey's growing Hawks Prairie commercial center is set to be the site of the second Best Western in Thurston County. The Tumwater location opened in 1993. A downtown Olympia Best Western changed its affiliation to Clarion Hotel two years ago.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by News Room | Email News

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:32am

Inflation on the rise

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods jumped 1.2 percent in July, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. This increase followed a 1.8 percent jump in June and a 1.4 percent rise in May. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods moved up 2.7 percent in July compared to a 2.1 percent gain in the prior month. The index for crude materials for further processing climbed 4.2 percent subsequent to a 3.7 percent increase in June.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 15, 2008 at 2:14pm

Local firm set for national honors

Santosh J. Kuruvilla, president of Exeltech Consulting in Lacey is one of 10 small business leaders from across the nation who will be vying for the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year honors by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award will be announced during the 26th National Minority Enterprise Development Week conference in Washington, D.C. next month.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Technology, Thurston County, 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. 14, 2008 at 11:47am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Johnson, Stone & Pagano, P.S., a public accounting firm in Fircrest, has announces that Jessica Brozina has joined the company as a staff accountant.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 13, 2008 at 9:46am

Retail sales slightly up in July

With some help from the last of the tax rebate checks making their way into consumers' hands, retailers were able to achieve an increase in sales last month.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater by News Room | Email News

Aug. 13, 2008 at 9:39am

COFFEE BREAK: Retirement dreams

The Business Examiner would like to know how the recent downturn stock market paired with rising costs have changed your retirement plans.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by News Room | Email News

Aug. 12, 2008 at 10:50am

Unemployment rate inches up

Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.7 percent in July, up from June's revised rate of 5.4 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.

Aug. 6, 2008 at 9:44am

LeMay sells to Waste Connections

California-based refuse company Waste Connections has announced that it has bought Harold LeMay Enterprises, Incorporated, the refuse services provider for much of the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in Lacey, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 5, 2008 at 11:26am

Goodwill hiring in Lacey

At least 35 jobs need to be filled for a new Goodwill store that will open next month in Lacey.

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

Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:35am

KIRO to simulcast on 97.3 FM

Beginning Aug. 12, KIRO radio will simulcast all programming on 97.3 FM and 710 AM.

"Puget Sound residents have shown great support for the quality news and stimulating talk on 710 KIRO. This is why KIRO has been a perennial audience leader in the region," said Rod Arquette, KIRO/KTTH program director. "Due to the significant number of radio listeners who use FM on a daily basis, we can best serve the local community by making KIRO's product available to the broadest possible audience."

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by News Room | Email News

Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:04am

Saint Martin's to celebrate new hall

Saint Martin's University will celebrate the completion of the Ken F. and Gale L. Parsons, Sr. Residence Hall with a private preview party this Friday, Aug. 8, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The preview will showcase the campus's newest residence hall and honor Ken and Gale Parsons for their support of the university.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Lacey by News Room | Email News

Jul. 28, 2008 at 12:01pm

Local industrial vacancies shrink

Vacancy rates declined slightly in Puget Sound's industrial market during the second quarter to 6.4 percent, according to the Grubb & Ellis Co. quarterly Industrial Market Trends report.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, South King County, Workforce 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. 11, 2008 at 9:24am

BE's 40 Under Forty event is sold out

Read about honorees on line

The Business Examiner's 40 Under Forty event, scheduled for later this month, is sold out. The event will recognize outstanding South Sound business and community leaders under the age of 40.

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:47am

COFFEE BREAK: Summer productivity

Confession time. With the sun out more often than not these days and everyone else seemingly taking vacations, how much work are you getting done?

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:24am

Washington to begin emergency benefits

Unemployed workers in Washington who have run out of unemployment benefits may be eligible for an additional 13 weeks from the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:22am

State’s primary system still on track

A strong and unambiguous Supreme Court ruling recently has put Washington's new top-two primary system on firm legal footing, Secretary of State Sam Reed said, flatly rejecting party attorneys' view that the primary violates a federal court injunction and that the upcoming election is somehow in jeopardy.

Jul. 8, 2008 at 11:19am

Women of Influence being sought

The Business Examiner is seeking nominations for its annual Women of Influence award program. The publication and event recognizes outstanding female leaders in the South Sound. Honorees are selected by an independent panel of judges who review the applications and nomination forms and make selections based on the nominee's impact in the South Sound business community.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, 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, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 2, 2008 at 11:18am

COFFEE BREAK: Workers today

I had an interesting chat with a manufacturer today. He was worried about the industry, not just because of the low number of new orders and international competition, but because of his future workforce. People don't want to make things anymore, even though the pay is good and the work is never boring.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Lacey, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 1, 2008 at 1:07pm

Locals selected to serve on boards

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 1, 2008 at 12:59pm

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Venture Financial Group CEO Ken F. Parsons was recently appointed to a three-year term on the Independent Community Bankers Association's Nominating Committee. Parsons has just finished his elected term as national treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of the organization. The committee is responsible for recommending and carrying out policies that directly affect the nations 8,000 community banks.

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

Jun. 27, 2008 at 8:55am

Politicians promote local cherries

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and Mark Zirkle, owner of Rainier Fruit Co. were among the guests and speakers yesterday as the Lacey Wal-Mart celebrated the arrival of locally grown cherries to store shelves.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:36pm

Economy taking its toll on businesses

With rising oil prices and constant talk of a recession, it's no surprise small business optimism is waning. That's the conclusion of a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey, where more than one-third of small business owners surveyed said their personal financial situation is getting worse.

Comments (2) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lacey, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:31pm

COFFEE BREAK: home sweet home?

The Business Examiner would like to know what kinds of things you like or don't like about your house. What would you change and why haven't you done so yet?

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 16, 2008 at 11:14am

Spangler to return as SMU president

David R. Spangler will return to the helm of Saint Martin's University as interim president, board of trustees Chair Ken F. Parsons, Sr. announced this morning.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Lacey, Olympia, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 11, 2008 at 12:11pm

COFFEE BREAK: Heart burn

A national business group came out with a report recently that listed the issues most concerning small businesses. Health care costs and increases topped the list.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 10, 2008 at 11:38am

Saint Martin’s mourns president-elect

Nearly 150 members of the Saint Martin's University community gathered for a memorial ceremony yesterday to mourn the loss of the school's incoming president, Bryan M. Johnston.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Lacey by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 6, 2008 at 11:56am

Around the Sound

Business-related events

An introduction and celebration of the concept of GO! Groups, a new way to plan, prepare, and promote businesses will be held at 9:30 tomorrow at the Tacoma branch of The Evergreen State College, 1210 Sixth Ave. Cost is $39.

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

Jun. 3, 2008 at 11:12am

People on the Move

Promotions and recognitions

Jason L. Adams, vice president of revenue cycle for MultiCare Health System, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders. Adams came to MultiCare from Wellspring Partners, a health care financial services consulting organization, last October. In other MultiCare news, the health system has received the Hope Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Washington. Multiple Sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body and stops people from moving. MultiCare provides the highest level of care through leading-edge technology, the most qualified professionals and comprehensive treatment opt


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