Business Examiner

Sep. 5, 2008 at 1:42pm

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. 5, 2008 at 12:48pm

Business school is now in session at BE

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

Sep. 5, 2008 at 7:51am

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

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

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. 28, 2008 at 2:43pm

Truckers have high injury rates

Truck drivers experience some of the highest rates of workplace injuries in Washington, according to a new report from the Department of Labor & Industries.

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

Aug. 28, 2008 at 2:22pm

PSE wants increase in gas rates

Puget Sound Energy today filed a request with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to pass through the higher costs the utility pays for purchasing natural gas supplies for its customers.

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

Aug. 28, 2008 at 1:59pm

Boeing improves contract offer

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

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

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

Aug. 28, 2008 at 1:09pm

Voters like Top 2 primary, survey says

A new statewide poll shows that Washington voters like the new Top 2 Primary and much prefer it to the "pick-a-party" system that required voters to restrict themselves to one party's candidates.

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

Aug. 28, 2008 at 11:47am

Pope resources announces distribution

Pope Resources, a publicly traded manager of more than 400,000 acres of timberland and development property in Washington and Oregon, announced today a quarterly distribution of 40 cents per unit, effective for unit holders of record on Sept. 12.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County 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?

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:50pm

Free drug cards are now available

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

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

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

Aug. 25, 2008 at 11:10am

PSE to get smaller increase with deal

A proposed pact would mean smaller electric and gas rate increases for Puget Sound Energy customers than those originally requested by the company.

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

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:33am

Oil spill clean up winding down

Response by emergency teams helped contain what remained of 100 gallons of diesel that spilled into the Foss Waterway yesterday morning. By the time responders arrived, most of the spilled diesel had already dissipated and could not be recovered, according to reports by the state Department of Ecology. As a precaution, responders laid out 800 feet of containment boom and placed absorbent materials in the water to capture any pockets of diesel. Ecology�s responders say the sheen will continue to break down today but may still be visible.

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

Aug. 18, 2008 at 2:06pm

Women of Influence announced

The Business Examiner's 2008 Women of Influence honorees have been selected.

Women in the South Sound are first nominated and then asked to complete an extensive questionnaire about their business and community activities. Some 40 women qualified for consideration this year.

Judges review the materials and select the class of honorees. This year's class includes Dawn Lucien, a WOI alumnae from 2004 who was selected for the Lifetime Achievement award, while Rising Star awards for up-and-coming women business leaders go to Cecelia Loveless, director for Resource Development at Clover Park Technical College and Vicky Mohler for her work with Support America's Armed Forces.

Other honorees are: Cyndi Wikstrom, general manager of Tacoma's Click! Network; Kim Farnes, executive director of Communities in Schools of Orting, Rita Hutcheson fire chief of South East Thurston Fire and EMS; and Jill Kenly, director of Fund Development for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Lakewood, Mason County, Olympia, South King County, Tacoma, 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. 13, 2008 at 9:55am

Blog Watch: just bagging it

The Association of Washington Business has a note about TNT columnist Peter Callaghan's thoughts on Seattle's pending rule to add a 20-cent charge on all paper and plastic bags as a way to aid the environment and cut down on litter by lowering the number of disposable bags shoppers carry. The trouble with that plan is that those bags come from wood in Washington. Fewer bags means fewer trees need to be harvested and the timber industry takes another hit.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, 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.

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, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

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 (8) | 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. 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 9:47am

GROW tool provides primary data

As the Top 2 primary on Aug. 19 approaches, Enterprise Washington is encouraging voters to make sure they are ready to vote by providing them with key statistics about who their candidates are and where they stand on issues that affect their families, their workplace and individual prosperity.

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

Jul. 29, 2008 at 9:56am

Bridge report shows need

Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond today said that while Washington's bridge preservation program is among the nation's leaders, the state and nation must continue to invest in our transportation infrastructure.

Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 28, 2008 at 11:57am

Oakland Bay study continued

The Washington Department of Ecology has extended the time frame for public input on its planned study of possible contamination in Mason County's Oakland Bay. The comment period will now end Aug. 11.

Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Mason County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 24, 2008 at 10:34am

High-impact firms dot the state

Firms experiencing rapid growth in recent years can be found around Washington.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston 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.

Comments (8) | 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

Jul. 22, 2008 at 1:52pm

State cites local health workers

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

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

Jul. 22, 2008 at 11:01am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Meta Dooley is the new senior vice president for strategic planning and business development for Franciscan Health System, one of the largest private employers in the South Puget Sound region that includes St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and hospitals in Federal Way, Lakewood, Enumclaw and Gig Harbor. Her appointment was announced July 15 by Franciscan President and CEO Joe Wilczek. She will direct system-wide strategic planning, business plan development for service lines and facilities, and advocacy for the 6,300-employee organization that is based in Tacoma and has hospitals, medical clinics and other care facilities in Pierce, King and Kitsap counties.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Health care, Human Resources , Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

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.

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

Jul. 9, 2008 at 12:42pm

Creative Office expands

The Creative Office in Olympia has acquired The Office Supply Store in Shelton.

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

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 2:18pm

Budget has $2.2 million for flood work

Sen. Patty Murray announced today that she has included funding in next year's budget proposal for two Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects in the Centralia and the Chehalis River Basin.

Comments (5) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 8, 2008 at 11:21am

Housing sales: Volume up as prices fall

Home sales volume around Western Washington last month reached the highest level in almost a year as market conditions continue to favor buyers, according to a new report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

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. 8, 2008 at 11:05am

Gaming gathering draws state attention

State Attorney General Rob McKenna will be a featured speaker at a Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo this month in Shelton during the association's annual trade show.

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

Jul. 7, 2008 at 9:40am

Gerbing set for Thurston home

Gerbing's Heated Clothing, a company that makes and sells clothing for motorcyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, is set to make Thurston its home later this summer. The company will employ some 50 people at its facility south of the Olympia Municipal Airport that will allow the company to put all of its administrative, research and development, sales and manufacturing arms under one roof.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jul. 2, 2008 at 11:19am

Blog Watch: Developments

Olyblog.net has an item that is sort of a voice in the wilderness down in Olympia: a business owner questioning why people are so upset about development ideas in downtown. The post, titled "'Develop' - an evil word??" argues that developments bring change to the community, and the downtown needs changing. So why is development a dirty word in Olympia?

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, 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. 26, 2008 at 9:11am

State lists charges against Countrywide

Gov. Chris Gregoire has announced plans by the state to fine Countrywide Home Loans $1 million for discriminatory lending. In addition, the company will be required to pay more than $5 million in back assessments the company failed to pay. Gregoire also announced the state is seeking to revoke Countrywide's license to do business in Washington for its alleged illegal activity.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County 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 (5) | 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. 17, 2008 at 10:56am

State�s unemployment rate rose in May

Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.3 percent in May, up from April's rate of 4.7 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County, 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. 11, 2008 at 12:03pm

Bars bounced back from smoking ban

Bar, restaurants and taverns have reportedly bounced back strongly from the effects of the Initiative 901 smoking ban, racking up strong gains in gross income during 2007.

Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, 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

Jun. 10, 2008 at 11:40am

Mason nurses picket hospital

Negotiations over wage and benefits for registered nurses at Mason General Hospital have heated up this week as nurses began informational picketing outside of the hospital Monday with plans to continue.

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

Jun. 10, 2008 at 11:33am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Puyallup-based Premier Communities has introduced a warranty program unusual in the new home industry. Its Premier Promise Five to Life Warranty exceeds all warranties in the market today by providing coverage on most elements of the home for five years and the structural components for the lifetime of the original homeowner.

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

Jun. 9, 2008 at 1:45pm

Survey finds cost of doing business is top concern

Research released today from the National Federation of Independent Business suggetst that the top concerns among small business owners are business costs, particularly those that are difficult to control such as health insurance costs, energy costs and inflation. The survey results are from the seventh edition of Small-Business Problems and Priorities survey, based on 3,530 small business owner responses to a mail survey circulated in the first three months of this year.

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

Jun. 2, 2008 at 2:54pm

Accuracy of unemployment benefits continues to improve

The accuracy of unemployment benefit payments, administered by the state's Employment Security Department, has improved by roughly 5 percent during the past three years according to agency reports. The accuracy rate was 93.8 percent in 2007, up from 93.3 percent in 2006 and 89 percent in 2004.

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

May. 28, 2008 at 10:05am

Small biz optimism hits five-year low

Optimism of small business owners continues its five-quarter decline, according to the recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey conducted in April. The index score dropped to 48, the lowest level reported since the survey's inception in August 2003, when the score was 69.

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

May. 13, 2008 at 11:55am

State�s unemployment dips in April

Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.7 percent in April, down from March's reported rate of 4.9 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.

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

May. 13, 2008 at 8:06am

Consumers to spend checks on staples

While there might be a few shops to see higher sales as shoppers buy new jeans or shoes with their upcoming stimulus tax rebate checks, a survey by the National Retail Federation suggests that the boost will go more toward covering expenses than on consumer items.

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

May. 9, 2008 at 2:40pm

Pope Resources announces distribution

Pope Resources announced today a quarterly distribution of 40 cents per share.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

May. 7, 2008 at 12:27pm

COFFEE BREAK: Retirement

The Business Examiner would like to know how the current state of the economy has affected your retirement plans. Do you plan to work a few more years to weather the slow down and rebuild your retirement accounts? Are you buying up bargains now in hopes of landing a windfall as the economy picks up?

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

May. 7, 2008 at 11:53am

Flood survey results to be presented

The findings of a survey following the December 2007 floods in Southwest Washington will be presented at 1 p.m. May 14 during the Centralia Business and Professional talk at Centralia College, Washington Hall in room 103. Information will be shared with local and state officials. The findings will be used to formulate better strategies for supporting business recovery from floods and other disasters in Washington.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Lewis County, Mason County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

May. 6, 2008 at 11:58am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Tahoma Veterinary Hospital of Spanaway has again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association. The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital's facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management. Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to maintain accredited status, Tahoma Veterinary Hospital must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association's consultants.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

May. 6, 2008 at 11:57am

Puget Energy announces dividend

Puget Energy today declared quarterly dividends on the company's common and preferred stock.

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

May. 5, 2008 at 11:18am

MLS shows volume up, prices down

Pending sales during April reached their highest level in eight months, according to the latest figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which covers 19 counties in western and central Washington.

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

May. 2, 2008 at 10:14am

South Sound Business Report widens reach around the region

South Sound Business Report will start broadcasting on KSTW Channel 11 at 9 a.m. Sundays starting this weekend as a way to reach outside the South Sound.

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

Apr. 25, 2008 at 1:16pm

Taxable retail sales up 7 percent

Statewide taxable retail sales increased 7 percent to $118.2 billion in 2007, the state Department of Revenue reported today.

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

Apr. 24, 2008 at 10:31am

Heritage posts strong quarter

Heritage Financial Corp. today reported net income of $2.6 million for the quarter, compared to $2.3 million for the same quarter last year � an increase of 12.1 percent.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Apr. 24, 2008 at 10:30am

TransAlta declares dividend

Calgary-based TransAlta Corp. today declared a dividend of 27 cents per share on common shares, payable July 1.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Apr. 23, 2008 at 11:30am

Drug treatment saves taxpayer dollars

New research by the state Department of Social and Health Services shows that providing more money from the Medicaid and General Assistance coffers for chemical dependency treatment is saving taxpayers between $149 and $287 per month in medical costs for every adult who receives treatment.

Apr. 23, 2008 at 11:28am

State diverts mercury

The state Department of Ecology has announced that the combined efforts of businesses, schools, trade associations, local governments, nongovernmental organizations and volunteers have prevented more than 12,000 pounds of mercury from entering the environment during the past five years.

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

Apr. 18, 2008 at 1:41pm

AG: No illegal gas price manipulations

A year-long state investigation of local gas prices has revealed that increasing worldwide demand for oil and an inability for regional refineries to meet local fuel demands are the primary contributors to climbing gas prices. Variations across Washington communities are due to the cost of obtaining and transporting fuel to stations and local competition � not illegal price manipulation.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Apr. 17, 2008 at 12:55pm

Shelton firm seek pro bono work

McCarty & Associates, a marketing firm based in Shelton has announced it will provide pro-bono services in the form of a marketing grant for a non-profit company located in Mason County for the remainder of the 2008 calendar year.

Comments (0) | Posted in Charities/Non-profits, Mason County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Apr. 17, 2008 at 12:09pm

Flood relief group needs help

Following the closure of the United Way stations, the Eagles Club center burned to the ground, and then the furniture distribution center closed April 6. Flood victims in Lewis and Mason counties are still struggling and losing hope. Some are getting angry, relief efforts report.

Help 4 Hard Times in Chehalis is trying to raise money and awareness to help South Sound's flood victims. The nonprofit has opened a center located at 249 NW Chehalis Ave.

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

Apr. 15, 2008 at 1:22pm

Unemployment rate rises in March

Washington's unemployment rate increased to 4.9 percent in March, up 0.4 percentage points from February's near-record-low of 4.5 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Human Resources , Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Workforce by Paul Schrag | Email Paul

Apr. 11, 2008 at 2:08pm

Counties consider flood planning

Area officials are exploring the creation of a tri-county partnership that would coordinate flood-control planning in Lewis, Thurston and Mason counties. The group would be in charge of administering $50 million in state funds, and $74 million in federal funds, dedicated to flood control projects. The concept was recently outlined at a briefing during a meeting of Thurston County Commissioners.

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

Apr. 10, 2008 at 10:42am

Business federation wants Rossi

More than 96 percent of National Federation of Independent Business members in the state have endorsed Dino Rossi for governor.

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

Apr. 9, 2008 at 3:29pm

$8 Million in conservation grants awarded

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board today announced grant awards worth more than $8 million to preserve valuable farmland, tackle off-road vehicle noise enforcement and improve community athletic fields throughout the state.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Paul Schrag | Email Paul

Apr. 4, 2008 at 12:21pm

MLS: It's a 'buyer's market'

Last month's spring showers brought more than just flowers for South Sound residents searching for their next home. According to Matt Deasy, director of the state's Multiple Listing Service, stable housing prices and an influx of inventory have created an attractive market for buyers.

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

Apr. 4, 2008 at 12:20pm

State rolls out new sales tax tools

The state Department of Revenue introduced new tools today to help retailers change the way they determine local sales taxes on shipped or delivered goods beginning July 1. It also has set a series of workshops around the state beginning April 16 to help businesses make the switch.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Apr. 2, 2008 at 12:51pm

COFFEE BREAK: Health care

Wages and company profits are flat if not negative for most operations these days, but health care cost continue to rise.

The Business Examiner would like to know what kinds of things you are doing to either control your health care spending at your home or business or cover the increases through cuts elsewhere.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Apr. 2, 2008 at 12:45pm

PSE wants to give customers money

Following an agreement last month with the Bonneville Power Administration to partially restore a $20 million credit under the residential exchange program, Puget Sound Energy has filed a request with state regulators to provide a one-time credit on electric bills for residential customers in the next month and for commercial irrigators in July.

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

Apr. 2, 2008 at 12:41pm

Local jobless rate beats national stats

The greater Tacoma area posted an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent, a slight drop from this time a year ago. Olympia's job market posted a 5.2 percent jobless rate. That rate marks an increase of 0.4 percent from this time in 2007.

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

Mar. 28, 2008 at 1:21pm

College center remodel underway

Work is now underway on the $5 million remodel of the Centralia College Health and Wellness Center, which includes the gymnasium. The major remodel is expected to conclude by the end of the calendar year and will add 5,000-square-feet of classroom, exercise, lab, and office space, plus greatly improve the building's heating and ventilating systems.

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

Mar. 27, 2008 at 1:59pm

Health care Champions being sought

Business Examiner has partnered with South Sound medical societies to highlight heroes in health care through Health Care Champion programs and events.

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

Mar. 27, 2008 at 12:11pm

Kreidler announces re-election bid

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced today that he will ask voters to return him to office for a third term.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 24, 2008 at 1:05pm

Housing legislation signed into law

Legislation designed to help state residents find affordable housing and protect them against foreclosure traps has been signed into law.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 19, 2008 at 3:10pm

Coffee Break: the 'R' word

In the wide world of economics, it is often hard to find experts who agree on the direction of commerce. The Business Examiner would like to know what you think about the state of the economy and your financial forecast for 2008.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Mar. 14, 2008 at 1:00pm

Law to aid climate, grow economy

Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation that will lead to reduced greenhouse gas pollution, increase Washington's energy independence and set the stage for creating thousands of new "green collar" jobs in the state.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 13, 2008 at 12:12pm

Project hopes to keep farms profitable

What can policy makers do to help Washington's farming families stay profitable during the next 20 years? To help sort out the challenges and the opportunities, farmers, ranchers and others in the industry are encouraged to help develop a strategic plan through the Future of Farming project.

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

Mar. 12, 2008 at 1:59pm

Venture capitalists abound in the South Sound

While Silicon Valley and New England remain the country's leading regions for venture capital investment, they are not the fastest growing, according to The MoneyTree Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Technology, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 12, 2008 at 12:28pm

New flood maps available

Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Ecology have begun to release to the public official, digital maps of areas prone to flooding. Expanded flood plain maps are expected to hurt property and sale values of hundreds of acres in South King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties, and make some land too expensive to build on. Hundreds of property owners in the South Sound will face increased flood insurance premiums as a result of new designations.

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

Mar. 10, 2008 at 10:50am

Patriot Loans top $100 million

In the eight months since its launch, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Patriot Express Loan Initiative has produced 1,007 SBA-guaranteed loans amounting to more than $100 million. The average loan amount was nearly $101,000, the administration announced today.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Mar. 5, 2008 at 2:00pm

Northwest MLS reports more sales

February housing activity around Western Washington signaled a blooming spring market with a noticeable increase in open house traffic, reports of multiple offers and a jump in pending sales since the end of January.

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

Mar. 5, 2008 at 10:27am

COFFEE BREAK: Worker development

Few companies can claim they can readily find ready-made workers who don't need training on one skill or another associated with their new job. The Business Examiner would like to know what kind of stories you have about training new hires for your operation.

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

Mar. 4, 2008 at 1:21pm

Jones named next Harborstone CEO

Harborstone Credit Union announced today the appointment of Phil Jones to president and chief operating officer.

Comments (1) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Mar. 4, 2008 at 1:18pm

State job rate on the rise

The state's employment growth rate edged up to 1.7 percent during the fourth quarter of 2007, from 1.5 percent in the third quarter, according to the State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council's February forecast released today.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Human Resources , Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 4, 2008 at 12:53pm

Salaries are dropping -- just in time

With recession fears looming, small business owners in search of good news can find it in the recently released SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard. The scorecard tracks small business hiring and pay statistics.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Human Resources , Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Thurston County, Workforce by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary

Mar. 4, 2008 at 12:23pm

People on the Move

Promotions, recognitions in the South Sound

The family of Henry Gay has sold the assets of Shelton Publishing Inc., including the Shelton-Mason County Journal, to Tom and Annie Mullen. Raymond-based


Home Print Edition Resource Guides Submit a Story Idea Submit Biz Briefs & Press Releases Submit an Authored Article Top 25 Industries 24 Hours of Business BE on the Road Search Archives Newsstand Locations Data Lists Public Records Submit New Biz Announcements BE Daily Subscribe to BE Daily What is the BE Daily? BE Daily Weekly Features Data Bank Book of Lists Purchase Lists Purchase eBook of Lists Search Data Search Public Records Event Calendar Add an Event View calendar Advertise About Advertising Advertising Profile Advertiser Testimonial - Powell HR Advertiser Testimonial - KeyBank Advertiser Testimonial - Rolf's Advertiser Testimonial - Bayside Apparel Advertiser Testimonial - Heritage Bank About Us Contact Us South Sound Business Report BE Profile Editorial Profile Circulation Profile Advertising Profile Careers/Internships Leadership Recognition Nominations for All Leadership Programs Event Tickets 40 Under Forty Women of Influence Fastest Growing Companies Top Places to Work Health Care Champions - Pierce County Health Care Champions - Thurston-Mason County Subscribe Current Subscription Promotions Why subscribe to the Business Examiner? Order a Subscription