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 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 11:26am

WACE releases labor report, state budget forecast

The Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy has published its report on the labor-related expenses of operating a business in Washington compared to other states.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, 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

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 10:44am

Recovery from floods still a long time away

While the initial recovery from the flooding that hit areas of the South Sound a year ago is over, the impact of the damage the water created is still very present in Lewis County.

"On the surface, everything appears to be OK," Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield said. "There are still things that have to be done here. The flood is still with us."

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

Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:40am

Unemployment program extended

The state's unemployed got some good news from the "other Washington" as President Bush signed legislation to extend emergency unemployment compensation benefits.

"There's never a good time to be unemployed, but job conditions are especially difficult right now. I applaud Congress for moving so quickly to approve this additional income assistance for our unemployed workers," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.

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

Nov. 24, 2008 at 12:13pm

Cash is king during down economy

In a day when credit card debt is at an all-time high and paying with "plastic" is as common as driving a car or checking e-mail, Americans are renewing their affinity for cash.

The new Coinstar National Currency Poll on economic trends reveals that nearly a quarter of Americans report using cash more often to pay for purchases than they did just one year ago. Reasons cited include helping to manage budgets and control credit card debt. In addition, more than 60 percent of Americans polled said they will be changing their financial plans for 2009 due to difficult economic times.

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

Nov. 24, 2008 at 12:12pm

Home elevation grants news release

Residential building owners around Chehalis and the Deschutes River might be able to receive flood preparation grants. There will be a special meeting to highlight Thurston County's Flood Elevation Grant Program for homeowners in flood-prown areas that suffered damage during last year's flood.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, 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 12:21pm

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 12:19pm

Blog Watch: road warriors

The RAMP blog has an item about the state's congestion map that charts congestion around the South Sound bottlenecks. The map isn't pretty.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, 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 10:34am

Unemployment rate up, jobs down

The nation's economic woes continued to be felt in Washington in October, where the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.3 percent from September's rate of 5.8 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.

At the same time, the roughly 24,000 aerospace jobs that were on strike in October contributed to a net loss of 23,200 non-agricultural jobs. Without the strike, jobs in Washington increased by about 800.

"The employment losses look dramatic, but we recouped all of them and then some when the Boeing strikers returned to work in November," said Mary Ayala, chief economist for Employment Security.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 17, 2008 at 12:18pm

Heating costs prompt boost in switch to natural gas

Puget Sound Energy announced that customer inquiries regarding natural gas conversions have accelerated in recent months as colder winter weather approaches, due largely to concerns about heating costs. Since mid-year, actual orders for natural gas service as a result of those inquiries are higher than PSE has seen in recent years due to the company's rebates, contractor referrals and distribution line availability.

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

Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:21pm

Flood waters recede, crews reopen US 12

Flood waters have receded enough to allow road crews to reopen US 12 near Randle in Lewis County. The road was closed late Wednesday because of flood waters from nearby Davis Creek and the Cowlitz River. As the water receded, crews surveyed the condition of the road, revealing no damage.

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

Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:42am

Well Fargo tops in business lending

The latest federal Community Reinvestment Act data, showed that Wells Fargo loaned $650 million to Washington small business owners last year. It also loaned more than $26 million in Small Business Administration financing to businesses in the state, making it the second-ranked SBA lender in the state.

"As the number one small business lender in Washington, according to CRA data, Wells Fargo remains committed to helping our customers access resources and capital critical to the financial health of their businesses," said Patrick Yalung, regional president for Wells Fargo. "We know today's economy is challenging for small businesses. At Wells Fargo, our priority is, as always, helping our customers succeed financially."

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce 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. 7, 2008 at 10:12am

Tank maker moves to Satsop

When the Satsop Development Park was first conceived as a way to reuse the mothballed and unfinished nuclear power plant in Grays Harbor, community leaders believed the park's former Turbine Building some day would be home to a special company with the vision to see opportunity reflected in the facility's unique, super-sized assets.

That day has finally come, said Satop officials now that Brown-Minneapolis Tank Co. has signed a 15-year lease with seven, extension options, with the Grays Harbor Public Development Authority for the complex and 10 acres of surrounding property.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

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. 5, 2008 at 12:24pm

Blog Watch: chitter, chatter

Tech blogger Andrew Fry has a note about the fate of daily newspapers and mentions some details about TNT blogmeister Mark Briggs, who is leaving the Tacoma daily for work in the private sectors. He will be the CEO of Serra Media, a provider of Web solutions for media companies.

A Federal Way blog has a mention about the planned closure of the Circuit City.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, Technology, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 4, 2008 at 10:20am

PSE completes Jackson Prairie expansion

Puget Sound Energy has finished a $44 million, 18-month expansion effort at the Pacific Northwest's largest natural gas storage reservoir, enabling the Lewis County facility to now meet one-fourth of the region's peak wintertime demand for natural gas.

The project's completion allows the Jackson Prairie Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility to accommodate the peak daily natural gas demand of 1.2 million homes across the Northwest. That represents a 35 percent increase in the facility's natural gas-withdrawal capacity – from 850 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to 1.15 billion cubic feet per day.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 3, 2008 at 3:11pm

Survey looks at small biz hiring

Small businesses are the Rocky Balboa of the economic world. Beat them to a pulp and they keep on fighting. Despite all the economic problems in October, U.S. small businesses still managed to grow in size by 0.28 percent. The SurePayroll Hiring Index ended the month at 11,219, which is 31 points higher than where the index stood in September. Year to date, small business hiring is up 3 percent nationwide.

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

Oct. 31, 2008 at 11:35am

State to study land swap

The State Department of Natural Resources is seeking comment on a plan to exchange state land with Port Blakely Tree Farms L.P.

The deal would see the state trading some 8,579 acres of trust land for some 8,579 acres of forestland of equal value owned by Port Blakely. All of the land is located in Grays Harbor, Lewis and Thurston counties.

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

Oct. 31, 2008 at 11:32am

Daylight Savings should come with caution

Washington State Department of Transportation officials are reminding motorists and pedestrians to pay extra attention to pedestrian safety not only because of children out gathering Halloween candy tonight, but because Sunday, Nov. 2 marks the end of Daylight Savings Time and begins the most difficult time of year for drivers to see walkers and bikers during commute times.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, South King 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 11:12am

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 1:28pm

Economy hurts Puget Sound office market

The Puget Sound office market has begun to feel the effects of the declining national economy, with vacancy increasing 60 basis points to 10.5 percent and average asking rates declining across the region, according to a report released by Grubb & Ellis Company.

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

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. 21, 2008 at 10:45am

Unemployment rate down in September

The unemployment rate in Washington took a dip in September to 5.8 percent, down from 6 percent in August. Some 186,810 people (not seasonally adjusted) were unemployed and seeking work in Washington last month.

Year over year, Washington has added 28,100 nonfarm jobs from September 2007 to September 2008, a growth rate of 1 percent. By comparison, the number of jobs nationwide declined by 0.7 percent in the same time period, as it did for the month of September in Washington state.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Oct. 20, 2008 at 10:56am

Multi-unit housing market remains good, study suggests

Grubb & Ellis Co., a real estate services and investment firm concentrated in the Puget Sound, announced today in a third quarter 2008 research report that the area's multi-unit housing market posted increases in both rents and vacancy, yet still generated $436 million in sales for the quarter.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 15, 2008 at 12:02pm

PPI dips further, Labor report states

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods, the price manufacturers pay for their raw materials, decreased 0.4 percent in September, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. This decline followed a 0.9 percent drop in August and a 1.2 percent increase in July.

At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by producers of intermediate goods fell 1.2 percent after decreasing 1 percent a month earlier, and the decline in the crude goods index slowed to 7.9 percent in September from 11.9 percent in the preceding month. The slower rate of decline in finished goods prices was led by the index for energy goods, which decreased 2.9 percent after falling 4.6 percent in August. Price advances for finished goods grew to 0.4 percent from 0.2 percent a month earlier. Conversely, the rise in the index for finished consumer foods slowed to 0.2 percent in September, from 0.3 percent in the prior month.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

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. 13, 2008 at 1:50pm

State tax collections continued slide in September

Tax collection numbers for the General Fund-State tax payments in the mid-September to mid-October collection period returned to the pattern of weakness seen in the July and August collection reports, the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported today. Receipts for the month were $48.3 million, 4.8 percent, lower than expected, due mainly to a $43.5 million shortfall in Revenue Act receipts. All other revenue categories except for cigarette taxes also came in below their forecasts.

Comments (1) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, 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 1:31pm

Natural gas rates increase

As the result of actions by state regulators today, electricity rates for Pacific Power and Puget Sound residential customers will increase.

Pacific Power's customers will see an increase of about $4 a month, so the typical residential customer will see his or her monthly bill increase next month to $89. Electricity bills for Puget Sound Energy residential customers will drop by 3 percent, while natural gas bills will rise by 5 percent.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County 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. 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 1:27pm

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

Oct. 1, 2008 at 11:55am

COFFEE BREAK: bail out

The Business Examiner would like to know what you think about the bailout proposal currently under debate and what its passage – or failure – means to small businesses.

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, Building, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 1, 2008 at 11:53am

Blog Watch: talk, technology, talk

The talk around the downtown Tacoma blog is all about planning for the future and the need to build its mix of offerings.

Andrew Fry has an update on the South Sound Technology conference shaping up for later this fall at the University of Washington Tacoma.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, South King County, Technology, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 1, 2008 at 11:11am

Property tax revenues increase

Property tax revenues increased 6.2 percent to $8.2 billion in 2008, with more than half of the increase stemming from new construction and voter-approved levies, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported.

About 1.3 percent of the increase came from new construction added to the tax rolls, and 2.1 percent was the result of voter-approved tax increases for junior taxing districts, according to Property Tax Statistics 2008, the agency's annual compilation of property tax information.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater 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. 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. 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 10:51am

Business collects coats for Salvation Army

Apple Physical Therapy will be collecting new and "gently used" coats for the Salvation Army between Oct. 6 and Oct. 17. Donations will be collected at all 23 Apple Physical Therapy locations in the Puget Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lewis County, Pierce County, South King County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

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 12:10pm

Retailers should prep for tough holiday

The National Retail Federation has released its forecast for the upcoming holiday season, projecting that sales will rise only 2.2 percent this year to $470.4 billion in spending. This gain would fall well below the 10-year average of 4.4 percent growth and would represent the slowest growth since 2002, when holiday sales rose 1.3 percent.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 19, 2008 at 11:11am

Lewis EDC names new director

Dick Larman, known in Washington economic development circles, has been tapped as the new executive director for the Lewis County Economic Development Council. Larman will replace current Executive Director Bill Lotto, who plans to retire in April 2009, but will start work next month to transition his replacement into the top role.

Larman has more than 24 years experience in community and economic development at the state level, most recently as a managing director for the state's Community, Trade and Economic Development department.

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

Sep. 19, 2008 at 10:25am

Business Guide now online

The Business Examiner's Small Business Resource Guide can now be downloaded for free.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 18, 2008 at 1:34pm

Revenue forecast drops again

The September economic forecast from the state's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council is similar to the forecast adopted in June except in the critical areas of housing and construction.

Construction employment is expected to decline further than assumed in June, and the recovery in housing permits is later and more drawn out. However, the primary source of the revision in September is much weaker spending, especially on automobiles, than assumed in June.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County, 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. 12, 2008 at 11:39am

PPI declined in August

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods declined 0.9 percent in August, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.

This decrease followed advances of 1.2 percent in July and 1.8 percent in June. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods fell 1 percent in August after rising 2.7 percent in the prior month, and the crude goods index dropped 11.9 percent following a 4.2 percent increase in July.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Thurston County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Sep. 12, 2008 at 10:39am

Weak retail sales in August

Retailers' summer started off with a bang but ended with a whimper.

August retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales decreased 0.3 percent, seasonally adjusted from the previous month and decreased 0.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Sep. 11, 2008 at 1:02pm

People on the move

Promotions and recognition

Christy Patterson has been promoted to corporate services officer at Olympia-based Heritage Bank. Patterson has more than 15 years of banking experience and joined the bank in 2003 as the human resource specialist. The bank also promoted Amber Jenson to human resources officer. Since joining Heritage Bank in 1999, Jenson held positions including customer service associate, financial services associate and senior human resources specialist.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Human Resources , Lewis County, Olympia, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Sep. 10, 2008 at 9:58am

Blog Watch: legal action

The AWB's site has an item about the Supreme Court case surrounding the constitutionality of the super majority requirement for raising taxes that is part of Initiative 601.

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

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. 9, 2008 at 11:28am

Housing stock stabilized as sales slow

Inventory in residential properties in Puget Sound showed signs of leveling off, with pending sales comparable to totals for last quarter, according to the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Tighter credit is slowing sales, however, and the forthcoming elimination of nonprofit downpayment assistance programs is creating a further crunch. The seller-funded downpayment assistance programs are now banned under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 9, 2008 at 10:34am

AGC get L&I commuter clarity

The Associated General Contractors of Washington endorsed last week's release of an administrative policy by the Department of Labor and Industries regarding commute time in company vehicles.

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

Sep. 8, 2008 at 10:16am

Two jailed in TransAlta bomb case

Detectives from the Lewis County Sheriff's Department have arrested two men in connection with making an explosive device that was found alongside railroad tracks near the TransAlta mine, about four miles northeast of Centralia.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County by News Room | Email News

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. 4, 2008 at 11:08am

Accounting, IT hiring to be flat

A net 1 percent of chief financial officers in the Puget Sound expect to add accounting and finance staff during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a recent Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index. While 7 percent of executives surveyed plan to add staff during the quarter, another 6 percent anticipate reductions in personnel. The majority of respondents, 85 percent, foresee no change in hiring.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Human Resources , Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Technology, 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

Sep. 3, 2008 at 2:18pm

Spending, inflation on the rise

The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council forecast determined that final sales increased 3.9 percent in the second quarter of the year, following a 0.9 percent gain in the first quarter as inventory accumulation continued to decline.

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

Sep. 2, 2008 at 12:18pm

Commercial construction increases

"Nonresidential construction spending continued growing in July, despite the weak economy and housing slump," said Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for The Associated General Contractors of America, following the r


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