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Sep. 5, 2008 at 1:42pm Speak up: BE wants your opinionThe Business Examiner would like you to take five minutes out of your day to help us grow and improve our BE Daily service. 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 BEThe 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. Read moreComments (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 conversationComment about the newsVisit 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. Read moreComments (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 11:08am Accounting, IT hiring to be flatA 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. Read moreComments (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 AugustToday'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. 4, 2008 at 11:02am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsVerizon Wireless announced today that the company has been recognized for the "Highest Call Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the West Region," which includes Washington, in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Wireless Call Quality Performance Study. The J.D. Power study employs a call quality index based on criteria that impact overall carrier performance. The wireless phone subscribers surveyed were asked about their experiences with static, connection on first try, voice distortion, echoes, dropped calls, immediate voice mail notification and immediate text message notification. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Sep. 3, 2008 at 2:51pm State’s credit freeze law thawsStarting this week, Washington residents have even more control over their credit files thanks to changes that are also helping more retailers warm up to the law. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Sep. 3, 2008 at 10:41am COFFEE BREAK: Stock back to schoolStudents are heading back to school around Puget Sound these days, which prompts many people to think about their own school memories. The Business Examiner would like to know what school event, class or teacher most shaped your life today. Was it a teacher who never gave up on you? Was it a facinating experiment in chemistry that sparked your interest in science? Did your prom experience guide you into a career in event planning? Tell us your stories. Read more Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by News Room | Email News Aug. 28, 2008 at 1:59pm Boeing improves contract offerBoeing 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. 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 11:47am Pope resources announces distributionPope 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 actWith students heading back to school, the Business Examiner would like you to think back to your own classroom days and come up with the best lesson you ever learned during those years. Was it to be organized and do the work? Was it that cheaters prosper? Was it that geometry is applicable to everyday life? Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 27, 2008 at 11:18am Federal Way launches media campaignA campaign will soon start to attract new businesses to Federal Way through their relocation, expansion or establishment of satellite offices in the south King County city. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Workforce by News Room | Email News Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:51am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsRotary Club of Tacoma #8 recently awarded $35,500 in community service grants to eight area non-profit organizations. The recipient organizations were: Ark Institute of Learning, Northwest Leadership Foundation, Zee Speed, Merle Palmer Foundation, REACH Camp, Sound Youth Counseling, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Peace Community Center and YWCA.
The focus of all grants is on youth and families with special emphasis
on providing for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing;
enhance life skills; crisis intervention; promoting healthy lifestyles
and education. Rotary #8 has awarded 25 non-profit organizations with
community service grants and a total of $93,000 during the last year. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lakewood, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 18, 2008 at 11:00am Good writing could win Orting shopThe owners of the Around the Corner Cafe in Orting are offering their business in exchange for a well-written essay. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Startups/Minority Businesses by News Room | Email News Aug. 13, 2008 at 9:39am COFFEE BREAK: Retirement dreamsThe Business Examiner would like to know how the recent downturn stock market paired with rising costs have changed your retirement plans. Read moreComments (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 10:46am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsArbor Village, a continuing care retirement community in Kent that is operated by Cascade Living Group, has named Brian Prouty as director of sales and marketing for the campus. Prouty will be responsible for informing potential residents and their families about the continuing care community, establishing relationships with community members and training the marketing staff for the campus. Prouty has more than eight years of experience in sales and marketing specific to the senior health care industry. He also has experience as an activity director and executive director in the senior care industry. Through his experience working with a nationally recognized senior housing company, Prouty gained skill in opening and establishing senior communities. His focus on a teamwork, enthusiasm and fresh ideas gives Prouty successful solutions for seniors and their families. Prior to joining Arbor Village, he has held positions with the YMCA of Greater Seattle and King County Boys & Girls Clubs. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 11, 2008 at 9:24am Boeing union calls for pension reviewIn a move it says is meant to ensure the pension program of 21,400 technical employees at The Boeing Co. is not being secretly used to fund executive retirement benefits, the union representing the employees is demanding the company disclose the extent and funding source of its executive pension plans. Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 7, 2008 at 12:19pm BCRA posts strong quarterContrary to many second quarter reports, BCRA – a Tacoma-based design
and engineering firm with offices in Seattle, Wenatchee, and
Alexandria, Virginia – reported a profit of 23 percent. Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 6, 2008 at 10:13am Research center named after RussellThe National Bureau of Asian Research hosted a ceremony to break ground on the organization's new headquarters at the University of Washington in Seattle. The building will be named after George F. Russell Jr. in honor of his work as chairman. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 5, 2008 at 11:53am Weyerhaeuser to ax 1,500 jobsFederal Way timber giant Weyerhaeuser has announced that it will cut some 1,500 jobs from its global payroll, with up to 1,000 at its corporate headquarters, as a way to combat the downturn in the forest industries market. The reductions are forecast to be complete by the end of 2009 and would significantly reduce the employment base at the Federal Way location, which currently has 2,500 jobs. Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:47am Retirement site underway in Gig HarborFrontier Management, LLC has been selected to represent and manage The Lodge at Mallard Landing Community in Gig Harbor. Early ground work has begun on the project to prepare the property for construction activities, which are expected to begin in September, and the opening may be as early as December. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by News Room | Email News Aug. 4, 2008 at 9:35am Weyerhaeuser completes $6 billion dealWeyerhaeuser announced today the completion of the sale of its Containerboard Packaging and Recycling business to International Paper for $6 billion in cash. Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by News Room | Email News Jul. 31, 2008 at 11:05am Wilcox executive forms consulting firmJT Wilcox, chief financial officer for Yelm-based Wilcox Family Farms, announces the formation of Wilcox Strategies, a business consulting firm providing analysis, strategy and execution assistance to companies in the midst of transition. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Startups/Minority Businesses by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 30, 2008 at 12:29pm COFFEE BREAK: Favorite gadgetThe Business Examiner would
like to know what gizmo or gadget you could never live without. Cell
phones don't count unless you use them in unique ways. Comments (8) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Military/Security, Olympia, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 30, 2008 at 12:11pm Local owner heads to U.S. OpenRob Rushton, president and owner of Corporate Casework, recently won the regional golf qualifier at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club, his home course, earning a spot at the Senior Open. He will be one of 156 professional and amateur golfers older than 50 participating in the tournament. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 30, 2008 at 12:10pm Pope reports second quarter incomePope Resources reported net income of $1.7 million, or $0.36 per diluted ownership unit, on revenues of $11.3 million for the second quarter. This compares to net income of $4.8 million, or $1.01 per diluted ownership unit, on revenues of $15.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 29, 2008 at 2:36pm Safeco approves proposed mergerThe shareholders of Safeco Corp. today voted overwhelmingly to approve a merger with Liberty Mutual Group. Of those Safeco shareholders who voted, 99.5 percent voted to approve the transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Liberty Mutual will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Safeco for $68.25 per share, in cash. The transaction is not subject to financing contingencies. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Health care, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 29, 2008 at 9:55am Pierce Commercial reports earningsPierce Commercial Bank has announced record second quarter. Pierce County Bancorp, the bank's parent corporation, reported earnings for the second quarter of 2008 were up 64.8 percent to $969,300 compared to first quarter earnings of $588,000. On a year-over-year basis, earnings were up 2.1 percent, slightly ahead of second quarter 2007 earnings at $949,000. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 29, 2008 at 9:54am Russell provides mid year updateLooking to the year's final two quarters, Russell Investments Chief Investment Strategist Ernie Ankrim suggests that there are still surprises ahead, but that risk should begin to be rewarded as the remainder of the year rolls out. He has released a mid-year update on his 2008 outlook for the economy: "Eight for '08." Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 28, 2008 at 12:36pm South Sound bank surpasses budgetSouth Sound Bank posted year-to-date profits that surpassed the bank's budgeted net income for the first half of 2008. The bank's $1.1 million profit was down from this time last year, but remained strong. Total assets were up more than $21 million from second quarter 2007, to $153 million. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 28, 2008 at 12:02pm PSE completes Sumas plant purchasePuget Sound Energy today announced that it has completed the purchase of a 125-megawatt power plant in northwest Washington to help meet its customers' steadily growing electricity demands. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 25, 2008 at 2:36pm Venture posts quarterly reportVenture Financial Group Inc., the parent company of Venture Bank announced today a net income of $4.9 million. The amount reflects a decrease of $1.5 million - or 23.4 percent - compared to $6.4 million reported for the first half of last year. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 24, 2008 at 10:30am Auburn dealership changes handsKeith Hagerty has completed the sale of his Auburn Chrysler dealership, Brewer Chrysler, to Tom Matson Sr. Read moreComments (8) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 23, 2008 at 11:24am BE's 40 Under Forty photos are online
The Business Examiner's sold out 40 Under Forty event last night recognized outstanding South Sound business and community leaders under the age of 40. Read moreComments (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 11:07am Valley reports strong earningsValley Community Bancshares Inc., the parent of Valley Bank in Puyallup, has reported record operating earnings for the last six months. For the period, earnings increased 29 percent to $1.2 million, or $1.08 per diluted share compared to $961,000, or $0.83 per diluted share during the same period a year ago. Assets total $205 million. Comments (4) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 22, 2008 at 11:06am PSE reaches deal for mergerPuget Sound Energy, the utility subsidiary of Puget Energy, has announced that it has reached a settlement to resolve all issues with several of the parties involved in the merger that now faces the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for approval. The UTC must still review the settlement and other evidence in the proceeding and issue its decision on the merger request. Read moreComments (4) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:49am Venture announces dividendVenture Financial Group Inc., parent company of Venture Bank, announced that the board of directors has declared a cash dividend of 8.5 cents per share. The dividend is the 38th consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid to shareholders. Comments (8) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:49am EvergreenBancorp maintains dividendEvergreenBancorp Inc., the holding company for EvergreenBank, today announced a quarterly cash dividend of 7 cents per share. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 17, 2008 at 1:45pm State moves up to Moody’s Tier 1Treasurer Michael J. Murphy announced today that Washington has been moved up to a Tier 1 state in the Moody's Investor Service's U.S. States Credit Scorecard 2008 overall ranking. Last year, Washington was ranked in Tier 2. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 16, 2008 at 1:50pm TrueBlue reports quarter resultsTacoma-based labor provider TrueBlue, Inc. has reported quarterly revenue of $371 million, an increase of 6 percent compared to the second quarter of 2007. Net income was $16.7 million, or 11 percent lower than this time last year. Read moreComments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 15, 2008 at 12:14pm Russell forecasts solid pension fundsBy 2017, corporate pension plans will achieve higher funding levels and will pursue investment policies that accept far less risk, according to new research from Russell Investments forecasting the future for defined benefit plans. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 14, 2008 at 11:20am PSE wind farms reach milestonePuget Sound Energy, the private utility that provides power to thousands of homes and businesses around the South Sound, has announced that its Hopkins Ridge and Wild Horse wind facilities have both reached milestones, with each facility now having produced more than 1 million megawatt hours of clean, renewable electricity since entering service in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 14, 2008 at 11:18am Heritage takes hit from investment poolHeritage Financial Corp. will take a non-cash charge of about $1.11 million from its $9.62 million investment in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Olympia, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 11, 2008 at 11:40am Lion purchased by Florida companyGig Harbor-based Lion, Inc. has announced the completion of the sale of substantially all of its assets to Beanstalk Networks Acquisition, which does business as OpenClose. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 11, 2008 at 9:26am Flow, OMAX merger clears FTC hurdleFlow International Corp. announced today that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has accepted a consent decree with Flow that will permit the merger of Flow and OMAX Corp. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 11, 2008 at 9:24am BE's 40 Under Forty event is sold outRead about honorees on lineThe 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. 10, 2008 at 10:50am Columbia Bank bumps up loan lossColumbia Banking System, Inc. has announced that it expects to make a provision for loan losses of $15.4 million for the second quarter of 2008, due to an increase in non-accrual loans resulting from the slowing Pacific Northwest economic environment. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 8, 2008 at 11:19am Women of Influence being soughtThe 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. Read moreComments (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 11:04am Russell gains Rhode Island dealRussell Investments has been hired by the Rhode Island State Investment Commission to be the $8.4 billion pension fund's new Aggregate Exposure Manager. It will be responsible for improving the plan's investments. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jul. 3, 2008 at 12:24pm Olympia Federal Savings' CEO retiresOlympia Federal Savings President and CEO Wayne E. Staley retired June 30, after more than 34 years with the company. He has been appointed chairman of the board of directors. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Olympia, Retirement and Investing by Paul Schrag | Email Paul Jun. 27, 2008 at 6:14am Weyerhaeuser has dividend, takes hitWeyerhaeuser Co. declared a dividend of 60 cents per share payable Aug. 25 to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 1. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County by News Room | Email News Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:41pm State ranked 28th in taxes, incomeWashington ranked 28th among the states in state and local taxes as a percentage of personal income in 2006, according to an annual report issued by the Washington State Department of Revenue. Read moreComments (12) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lakewood, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:40pm Weyerhaeuser shuffles top management as some retireWeyerhaeuser Co. today announced the promotions of Thomas F. Gideon to executive vice president of Forest Products and John A. Hooper to senior vice president of Human Resources. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:36pm Economy taking its toll on businessesWith 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? Read moreComments (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. 18, 2008 at 11:44am Seniors don't bounce check, study findsRoughly 91 percent of Americans age 55 and older have not paid
overdraft fees in the last year, according to a survey conducted by
Ipsos-Reid for the American Bankers Association. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jun. 17, 2008 at 12:07pm Small business owners aren't shakenWhile small business owners remain wary of economic conditions, most
remain optimistic about their current outlook, according to a recent
survey from Business Owner's Toolkit newsletter. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Jun. 12, 2008 at 1:36pm Port of Olympia issues bondsTo help fund projects related to redevelopment of the East Bay District, continued environmental cleanup at the Cascade Pole site, dock repair work at Swantown Marina, and dredging the Port's cargo berths, the Port of Olympia has issued $14.9 million in General Obligation bonds. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Olympia, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 27, 2008 at 10:14am Investments fuel latter yearsRussell Investments has released research suggesting that investment returns generated by 401(k) savings during an individual's retirement play the critical role in providing retirement income. This challenges the conventional belief that retirement income is derived predominantly from savings and returns accumulated during a participant's working years. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 27, 2008 at 10:13am Equipment leasing is upThe Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's Monthly Leasing and
Finance Index, which reports economic activity for the $600 billion
equipment finance sector, showed overall new business volume for April
increased 16 percent when compared to the same period in 2007. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 16, 2008 at 1:42pm COFFEE BREAK: RetirementIn Wednesday's BE Daily, we asked readers how they plan to spend their retirement. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, Retirement and Investing by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary May. 14, 2008 at 9:26am COFFEE BREAK: RetirementWhile most modern workers deal about the day they can retire, there is also those questions of what retirement would involve. There are only so many rounds of golf to play and cruises to take, after all. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 13, 2008 at 11:55am State’s unemployment dips in AprilWashington'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 8:04am Scrap metal firm changes handsGraham Capital Group has acquired Tacoma-based Joseph Simon & Sons
Inc., a provider of scrap metal. No financial information was disclosed. Comments (8) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 12, 2008 at 1:18pm Weyerhaeuser sells Australian armWeyerhaeuser Co. announced today that Carter Holt Harvey has begun a process to purchase the timber manufacturing operations and timber distribution business of the Weyerhaeuser Australia Group. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 12, 2008 at 1:01pm Tax collections weakenGeneral Fund-State tax payments to state coffers weakened in the April 11 to May 10 collection period. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 9, 2008 at 2:40pm Pope Resources announces distributionPope Resources announced today a quarterly distribution of 40 cents per share. Read moreComments (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. 6, 2008 at 11:58am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsTahoma 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. Read moreComments (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 dividendPuget Energy today declared quarterly dividends on the company's common and preferred stock. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 2, 2008 at 10:16am Expedia reports strong quarterExpedia Inc., the Bellevue-based travel agency with its main call
center in Tacoma, has announced strong revenue for the quarter. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 2, 2008 at 10:15am Weyerhaeuser posts net lossWeyerhaeuser Co. today reported a net loss of $148 million for the first quarter of 2008 on net sales of $3.4 billion. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve May. 1, 2008 at 10:36am Credit Index rebounds, still shakyThe Credit Manager's Index rose slightly to 50.1 on a 100-point scale, barely above the index's critical midway point indicating economic expansion. The increase of 0.2 percent was a result of the manufacturing sector falling 0.8 pecent, while the service sector rose 1.2 percent. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Apr. 24, 2008 at 10:31am Heritage posts strong quarterHeritage 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. 16, 2008 at 11:24am BLOG WATCH: building, budget, businessExit133.com has an item about the landmark Luzon building along Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. The building's owner is searching for tenants willing to move in early next year. Renovation of the building, recently bought by The Gintz Group, are underway. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Apr. 14, 2008 at 10:05am Confidence lowest since 2000The Conference Board's Measure of CEO Confidence, which had posted a sharp decline in the final quarter of 2007, fell again in the first quarter of 2008 and is now at 38. A level of more than 50 is viewed as optimistic, while any number below that is considered to be negative. The last time the measure posted a weaker reading was in the final quarter of 2000, when it was at 31. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Human Resources , Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Apr. 3, 2008 at 10:16am Gateways exonerated in gambling proneThe Washington State Gambling Commission issued a "no findings" report today after conducting an investigation of allegations of wrongdoing by the president and CEO of Gateways for Youth & Families, Mel Curtiss and several current and former board members of the charity, including Curtiss' husband, Jamie Beletz. Read moreComments (1) | Posted in Charities/Non-profits, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Apr. 3, 2008 at 8:57am Columbia Bank sees $1.9 mil from VisaTacoma-based Columbia Banking System Inc., the parent company of Columbia Bank, announced today that its first quarter earnings will be increased by $1.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted common share, as a result of Visa Inc.'s recent initial public offering. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Apr. 1, 2008 at 1:05pm Credit Manager's Index declinesFor the first time since the seasonally adjusted Credit Manager's Index
was calculated in early 2002, the CMI has fallen below the 50 point
level, indicating an economic contraction. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 28, 2008 at 12:48pm Heritage announces dividendOlympia-based Heritage Financial Corp., parent company of Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank, declared a regular cash dividend today of 21.0 cents per share payable on April 30. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 26, 2008 at 3:09pm Social Security picture improvingYoung professionals will be pleased to know that The Social Security Board of Trustees announced today that the long-term outlook for the Social Security program is looking up. The Board today released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds, projecting improvement in the long-term financial status of the program from last year. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Paul Schrag | Email Paul Mar. 26, 2008 at 2:35pm Hopeful investors eye Hilltop propertyA small group of hopeful investors is working to transform Liberty Apartments at Earnest S. Brazil and South J Street in Tacoma, along with two adjacent parcels, into a cooperative housing community. Read moreComments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Paul Schrag | Email Paul Mar. 26, 2008 at 10:48am Russell: markets are undervaluedIn a new high for the Investment Manager Outlook, the quarterly survey of investment managers conducted by Russell Investments, 42 percent of money managers believe the markets to be undervalued. That figure is up eight points from 34 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 and double where it was in the second quarter of 2007. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 19, 2008 at 3:10pm Coffee Break: the 'R' wordIn 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. 18, 2008 at 7:20am Price of goods continues climb upwardThe Producer Price Index for Finished Goods rose 0.3 percent in February, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 17, 2008 at 12:18pm Russell Global to add 70 new firmsRussell Investments will add 70 initial public offerings to its Global Index at the close of equity markets March 31. This total includes 12 IPOs that will be added to the U.S. broad-market Russell 3000 Index. The additional 58 companies are headquartered in 28 other countries with China's nine IPOs leading that list. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 17, 2008 at 12:10pm IRS provides stimulus check timelineInternal Revenue Service officials have announced that the agency will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments starting May 2. The initial round of weekly payments will be completed by early July. Check processing will be determined by social security number. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 14, 2008 at 1:16pm 'Save Russell' bill signed
Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill Friday that would formalize the state's commitment to keep Russell Investments in Tacoma, as well as other efforts around the state. The signing was held at the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County's annual meeting held this afternoon at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 13, 2008 at 12:01pm Small business owners largely satisfiedDespite the third-straight reported decline in their confidence in the economy, most small business owners are satisfied with their lot, according to a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Mar. 13, 2008 at 11:28am Americans own more of their homesAmericans may own a larger share of their homes than is suggested by a recent Federal Reserve report, according to a new nationwide survey. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Retirement and Investing by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Mar. 13, 2008 at 11:27am People on the MoveTacoma's Dwyer Pemberton & Coulson has been selected for membership in BKR International, a global association of independent accounting firms. BKR International represents more than 140 firms in 66 countries. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Human Resources , Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Technology, Workforce by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Mar. 12, 2008 at 1:59pm Venture capitalists abound in the South SoundWhile 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. 10, 2008 at 10:50am Patriot Loans top $100 millionIn 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. Read moreComments (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. 10, 2008 at 10:49am Condo developer offers site to RussellThe developers behind the condominium project Marcato have offered the remaining three acres they own at 15th Street and Fawcett Avenue on Tacoma's hillside as a potential new headquarters for Russell Investments. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 7, 2008 at 10:22am House passes Russell aid billThe state House of Representatives approved a bill yesterday that would forgive any state sales tax generated from construction spending for a new headquarters building for Russell Investments in Tacoma. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 3, 2008 at 12:30pm Russell 3000 Index sours in FebruaryA tough trading day last week dragged the Russell 3000 Index into negative territory for the month. The index now reflects a year-to-date loss of 6.5 percent through the end of February. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 3, 2008 at 11:31am Senior housing site now openMerrill Gardens at Tacoma is the first senior housing property in the Tacoma area for the Seattle-based company that now operates 20 communities in the state. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Mar. 3, 2008 at 11:24am Kent complex changes handsJames Street Crossing, a 300-unit apartment complex in Kent, has been sold for an undisclosed amount. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Retirement and Investing, South King County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve |
