![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Dec. 1, 2008 at 2:24pm Former WaMu employees eligible for assistanceWashington Mutual employees who are receiving layoff notices from JPMorgan Chase are also receiving information from state and local layoff-response officials about unemployment benefits and job-search assistance that are available to them. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Dec. 1, 2008 at 12:23pm Russell lookalike site violated state lawA California man's mirror-image version of Russell Investments' site violated the state's anti-phishing law, said the Washington Attorney General's Office. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Tacoma, Technology by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:30am Around the SoundBusiness-related eventsBusiness owners not previously able to afford health insurance for
their employees have a new tool available to them – government
subsidies for employee health insurance. The state's Health Insurance
Partnership combines public and private resources to help small
employers and their employees purchase health insurance in the
marketplace. A free educational workshop on HIP is being offered
Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Inn Suites in
Olympia. Employers eligible for the subsidies are those: not currently
offering health insurance; have between two and 50 employees; and have
workforces that have half of their workers earning less than $10 an
hour. The workshop is being sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber
affiliated Chamber Benefit Services Fund, a leader in small business
health insurance solutions. The event is held in cooperation with the
Washington Health Care Authority and Choice Regional Health Network.
Reservations are requested at (360) 357-3362 or www.ThurstonChamber.com. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:18am BE part of the 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 Nov. 28, 2008 at 8:30am Business school is now in session at BEStreaming video covers business topicsThe 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 Nov. 26, 2008 at 2:15pm Point Ruston, DNR to begin removing waterfront pilingsMike Cohen of Point Ruston, LLC and Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland signed an agreement today to remove three creosote-laden docks located on the frontage of the waterfront development along Commencement Bay. The large docks contain more than 2,300 pilings and almost two acres of over-water coverage. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 26, 2008 at 11:57am Maersk shuffle to mean fewer ships to TacomaMaersk Line has announced an agreement with France-based CMA-CGA that would mean by as early as this spring some of the vessels currently docking in Tacoma will be headed to Seattle instead. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 26, 2008 at 11:26am WACE releases labor report, state budget forecastThe Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy has published its report on the labor-related expenses of operating a business in Washington compared to other states. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:12am Investigation steps up in bar holdup
Lakewood police detectives are looking for two men who robbed Oh! Gallagher's Sports Pub at gunpoint on Nov. 14. The crime was recorded on the tavern's surveillance system. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:07am Blog Watch: road warriorsTacoma's downtown blog has an item about the Dome District's thoughts about Sound Transit's plans for the train extension through the area. It makes for interesting reading about this changing neighborhood. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:06am COFFEE BREAK: Holiday blessings or worriesThe Business Examiner would like to know your thoughts about the upcoming holiday season. Are your primed for the deep discounts you will likely find in stores or are you wondering if you will have a paycheck by the time the credit card bill comes due? Are you trimming back on gift giving this year? Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:40am Unemployment program extendedThe state's unemployed got some good news from the "other Washington" as President Bush signed legislation to extend emergency unemployment compensation benefits. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:34am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsThe American College of Physicians has named MultiCare Health System's David Chen, MD, as one of the nation's top hospitalists. Chen was one of 10 physicians nationally to receive the honor. He was nominated for the award by his peers in the MultiCare Inpatient Service, a group of physician hospitalists. Chen serves as the medical director of the Tacoma General Allenmore Hospitalist Group. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 24, 2008 at 2:52pm TPU refunds $15 million to customersTacoma Public Utility will return some $15 million to its Tacoma Power
customers after receiving a refund from the Bonneville Power
Administration for overpayment. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma by News Room | Email News Nov. 21, 2008 at 2:17pm UWT adds commercial real estate program The University of Washington Tacoma Continuing Education program offers three courses designed for commercial and residential real estate professionals, as well as bank and loan officers, mortgage brokers, architects, builders and public officials. Participants who successfully complete all three non-credit courses earn a certificate in commercial real estate. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 20, 2008 at 1:15pm Venture posts $27 million lossDuPont-based Venture Financial Group, the parent company of Venture Bank, was hit hard by the federalization of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae earlier this year. The move essentially caused the bank's investment in those preferred stocks to plummet and created the bulk of the banks $27 million loss for the quarter. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:56pm TRCVB event highlighted local efforts
The Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau elected new board members and announced the winners of its first STARS of tourism competition this morning at its annual meeting.
Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Nov. 20, 2008 at 11:48am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsTacoma was recently named Port of the Year for its hosting of this summer's Tall Ships Tacoma Festival in July. This is the second time that Tacoma has received this honor from the American Sail Training Association. Tacoma was also named Port of the Year after the 2005 festival. To win the award, Tacoma beat larger host cities participating in the Pacific Coast Tall Ships CHALLENGE, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:23pm State revenue forecast continues to fallEconomic conditions in both the nation and the state have deteriorated sharply since the last Revenue Forecast in September, according to the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:22pm Paychecks got bigger in SeptemberReal average weekly earnings rose by 1.4 percent from September to
October, after seasonal adjustment, according to preliminary data
released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department
of Labor. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:21pm Great American Smokeout set for tomorrowTobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW)Tomorrow is the 33rd annual Great American Smokeout as a way to provide an opportunity for people to take the first step toward quitting smoking and improving their health. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:19pm Blog Watch: road warriorsThe RAMP blog has an item about the state's congestion map that charts congestion around the South Sound bottlenecks. The map isn't pretty. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:18pm COFFEE BREAK: down timesThe weather is bad. The news about the local, state and national economy is bad. Retirement accounts are lighter. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 18, 2008 at 1:49pm TCC forum questions employers use of networking sitesTacoma Community College's Center for Ethical Development kicked off a forum series today that examines business issues to promote ethical decisions in the workplace with a program titled "Internet Privacy? Ethical Implications of Social Networking." Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Human Resources , Tacoma, Technology by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Nov. 18, 2008 at 1:23pm Health care, transportation, green 'fads' top WPC watch listThe Washington Policy Center held its Pierce County 2008 Small Business Issue Forum this morning in Tacoma in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 17, 2008 at 12:18pm Heating costs prompt boost in switch to natural gasPuget Sound Energy announced that customer inquiries regarding natural gas conversions have accelerated in recent months as colder winter weather approaches, due largely to concerns about heating costs. Since mid-year, actual orders for natural gas service as a result of those inquiries are higher than PSE has seen in recent years due to the company's rebates, contractor referrals and distribution line availability. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 17, 2008 at 10:28am Comcast boosts Internet speedsComcast announced it is launching a new generation of Internet and download speeds for business and residential customers in Washington. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:22pm Trident fined for Tacoma spillWashington Department of Ecology has fined Seattle-based Trident Seafoods $30,500 for an oil spill last December that sent almost 500 gallons of fuel into the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma's Commencement Bay. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:20pm Financial crisis freezes consumer spendingAs expected, consumers put their wallets into hibernation as the full scope of the financial crisis took hold in October. The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales for October decreased 0.5 percent from September. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 13, 2008 at 2:54pm People on the movePromotions and recognitionsWashington State Tourism Commission has elected Kimberly Bennett,
CEO of the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau, to
serve as co-chair of the commission. She takes over the role from Kris
Watkins of the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau. Washington
State Tourism Commission co-chairs are elected to serve for one-year. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:42am Well Fargo tops in business lendingThe latest federal Community Reinvestment Act data, showed that Wells Fargo loaned $650 million to Washington small business owners last year. It also loaned more than $26 million in Small Business Administration financing to businesses in the state, making it the second-ranked SBA lender in the state. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:40am Companies worried about employees in current economyThe recent economic downturn has increased stress levels across the country, and U.S. employers are taking notice. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:36am Blog Watch: taxing timeA lesson learned about California's business tax structure on manufacturers is outlined in an AWB item. It is an interesting lesson on what non-business owners do to raise taxes when they never had to sign the front of a paycheck. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 11, 2008 at 10:37am Trufant Foundation aims to tackle dropout issuesSeattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant and his Trufant Family
Foundation, which is located in Tacoma, have announced a partnership
with CHOICES Education Group for a second year to help keep teens in
school. The two nonprofit organizations will collaborate once again on
an NFL season-long campaign to raise public awareness and funding to
support CHOICES and the Trufant Family Foundation. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Nov. 11, 2008 at 10:04am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsDiane Bingaman has joined Landes Mertz & Co. as a tax manager. Bingaman has a broad base of compliance experience, including federal and multi-state individual and small business returns. Her specialized area of interest is not-for-profit organizations. She is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Capital Centennial Rotary Club. She is a 2008 graduate of LEAD Thurston County and currently serves as the treasurer for South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Human Resources , Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 10, 2008 at 12:56pm Tacoma Mission merges with lender groupTacoma Rescue Mission has announced it has merged with Need-A-Break Services, a Tacoma-based nonprofit that helps low-income clients cover expenses associated with home repair, auto repair, household needs and living supplies. Need-A-Break will become an operating unit of the Tacoma Rescue Mission, resulting in operating efficiencies and expanded services to the poor. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 10, 2008 at 8:27am In this issue of the Business ExaminerCheck out the stand locations near youThe current issue of the Business Examiner is in newstands now, if you do not have a subscription sent to your home or office. In this issue, you will find: Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Nov. 7, 2008 at 10:28am Forecast: 'Worst recession since 1982'Upside: 'USA is best for ability to recover'Lynn Michaelis, chief economist for Weyerhaeuser Co., told selected members of Tacoma Pierce County Chamber this morning that the U.S. is entering into the worst recession it has seen since 1982, and it may develop unemployment rates of between 8.5 and 9 percent, possibly even higher before it's over. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma by Jeff Rounce | Email Jeff Nov. 7, 2008 at 10:15am Shellfish harvest approved along King watersAn area of south King County has been approved for commercial geoduck harvest for the first time since the state began monitoring shellfish areas in the 1960s. The Department of Health approved the harvest area, which is located two miles between Des Moines and Federal Way. The area covers some 138 acres. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 6, 2008 at 12:00pm October housing: disappointing, but not unexpectedHousing activity for Northwest Multiple Listing Service members was disappointing last month, but not surprising, according to one industry executive. He and other representatives of the Northwest's largest MLS believe the situation is improving. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:52am November rains are comingThe leaves are falling and heavy rains are approaching. The City of Tacoma is urging its residents to help prevent surface water flooding from affecting streets, businesses and homes in their neighborhood by taking a moment to make sure they're prepared for the rainy season. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:48am Reed issues post-election statementSecretary of State Sam Reed has released a post-election statement to the state's voting public: Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:38am St. Joseph adds Neuro Intensive Care UnitSt. Joseph Medical Center has opened a special intensive care unit for patients who are being treated for stroke and other disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Called the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, the eight-bed unit is located within the medical center's Critical Care Unit. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:20am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsDespite fierce competition and all the economic uncertainties, Tacoma's own Chuckals Office Products is enjoying one of its best years ever and adding new sales and customer service staff to bring its unique "small business service with big business prices" proposition to a growing number of businesses in the Tacoma market. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lakewood, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Nov. 5, 2008 at 12:08pm TSA approves Tacoma firm's security measuresThe Transportation Security Administration has approved four biometric readers from Sagem Morpho for use in critical pilot tests of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program at U.S. port operations in Los Angeles, New York and Long Beach. The selection by TSA puts the Tacoma technology firm among the elite developers of biometric security devices whose technologies will define future TWIC specifications. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 5, 2008 at 12:07pm South Sound banks accept federal dollarsColumbia Banking System, Inc. and Heritage Financial Corp. have announced that they received preliminary approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to receive capital by participating in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 5, 2008 at 12:06pm Rainier Connect moves to Brewery DistrictRainier Connect, a telecommunications provider serving Pierce and Lewis Counties, today moved to the Tacoma Historic Brewery District. An anchor tenant in this historic district, Rainier Connect has purchased the buildings that were formerly home to the Pacific Brewery and Malting Company in order to accommodate the company's recent and projected growth. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 5, 2008 at 12:03pm Election highlightsHere is a round up of yesterday's election: Democrat Barack Obama easily carried Washington's 11 electoral votes with 57.5 percent of the vote. Gov. Chris Gregoire has retained her seat after a tight race that Republican challenger Dino Rossi conceded before noon today. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 4, 2008 at 2:02pm Liquor board, city want McCabes closedThe Washington State Liquor Control Board does not plan to renew McCabes American Music Cafe's liquor license. The decision comes after reviewing information submitted by the City of Tacoma as part of its objection to the renewal. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Pierce County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 4, 2008 at 11:59am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsVenture Bank recently hired Tasha Wilkinson as a customer service representative at the bank's Eatonville Financial Center. Venture Bank also hired Jennifer Stanley as a customer service representative at the bank's Fircrest Financial Center. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 3, 2008 at 3:11pm Survey looks at small biz hiringSmall businesses are the Rocky Balboa of the economic world. Beat them to a pulp and they keep on fighting. Despite all the economic problems in October, U.S. small businesses still managed to grow in size by 0.28 percent. The SurePayroll Hiring Index ended the month at 11,219, which is 31 points higher than where the index stood in September. Year to date, small business hiring is up 3 percent nationwide. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 3, 2008 at 2:53pm Chuckals launches audio divisionTacoma-based Chuckals Office Products has launched a new audiovisual
division, adding LCD projectors, security systems and similar products
to a mix that already includes office furniture, printing and cleaning
and breakroom products in addition to its traditional office supplies
business. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Nov. 3, 2008 at 8:19am Around the SoundBusiness-related events The idea that most National Guard personnel served "one weekend a month, two weeks a year" lost much of its relevance since the breakup of the Soviet Union a generation ago. The current face of the National Guard has Washington State's Guard troops now serving in 13 countries. Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, adjutant general of the State of Washington will talk about the metamorphosis that has led the National Guard into current partnerships with 63 countries to defend the nation and its interests all over the globe. Lowenberg will also discuss the many adjustments the troops and their families have had to make and address the Guard's wide-ranging roles and responsibilities. His presentation will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at Wheelock Student Center Rotunda, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma. City Club of Tacoma is hosting the event. Tickets at $23 for members and $30 for guests. RSVP by today at (253) 272-9561 or www.cityclubtacoma.org. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Olympia, Tacoma, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 31, 2008 at 11:36am Hotel robbery suspect chargedProsecutors have charged a man in connection with a string of hotel robberies in the South Sound. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 31, 2008 at 11:33am Expedia reports quarterly resultsExpedia, Inc., which operates a large call center in downtown Tacoma. today announced financial results for its third quarter. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma, Technology, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 30, 2008 at 11:17am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsSandi Gregory, owner of Details, an interior redesign and real estate staging company located in Pierce County has recently received certification as a Dish on Design instructor, one of two in the state. Dish on Design Instructors provide one-day decorating workshops for homeowners passionate about decorating. In addition to being a certified workshop instructor, Gregory is also certified in interior decorating, interior redesign, real estate staging and color. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 29, 2008 at 12:36pm Puget Sound bucks national employment trendUnemployment rates were higher in September than a year earlier in 349 of the 369 metropolitan areas, lower in 14 areas and unchanged in 6 areas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Ten areas recorded jobless rates of at least 10 percent, while nine areas registered rates below 3 percent. The national unemployment rate in September was 6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 4.5 percent a year earlier. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:57am Police seek South Sound hotel robberPolice agencies around the South Sound have linked a robber to as many as 10 hotel heists. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:55am Blog Watch: street talkThe BIA blog for downtown Tacoma has a string about a national movement for "complete streets" that are designed for all types of users of all ages and abilities, pedestrians, cyclists, transit, trucks, cars, wheelchairs, skateboarders and other users. The post has specific examples of proposed changes for main streets around the city. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:53am COFFEE BREAK: Key election issueThe election is almost here. Many people have already voted thanks to the expansion of vote-by-mail programs. The Business Examiner would like to know what issue drove you to vote the way you did this election? Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:02am Commencement partners with Summit FinancialTacoma-based Commencement Bank announced today that it has established a strategic relationship with the Summit Financial Group based in Gig Harbor. Summit is a financial services company that specializes in managing investments and providing wealth management to individuals and companies. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Tacoma by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 28, 2008 at 10:27am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsMary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center's Vice President and Administrator Mady Murrey is the 2008 recipient of the VHA West Coast Passion Award. Nominated by a colleague, Murrey was awarded for setting high goals, motivating members of a multi-disciplinary team and being visionary, innovative, caring and optimistic with staff and patients. Murrey first came to Mary Bridge in 1991 as a trauma nurse and in 2004, she became administrator. Since then, she has added important new services to Mary Bridge, including a new technology called Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, which provides cardiac and respiratory oxygen to patients with decreased cardiovascular function. She worked collaboratively with multiple departments and community leaders to assure this lifesaving technology was available to children. Also under her leadership, the outpatient clinics in Puyallup, Olympia, Silverdale, Covington and Gig Harbor have made specialized pediatric care more available to children across the region. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 27, 2008 at 11:15am Correction: Heritage financial reportIn Friday's BE Daily, it was mistakenly reported that Heritage Financial Corp.'s total assets had dropped significantly from one year ago. The correct figure is $500,000, much less than the amount mentioned in the news item. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 24, 2008 at 1:38pm Election results pouring inAs of this morning, the Secretary of State's Office is reporting that ballots received in the seven Washington counties that show counts online total roughly 298,000 so far. Those counties – King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Clark, Yakima and Kittitas – represent 65 percent of all the voters in the state. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 24, 2008 at 1:35pm Ruston gives green light to smelter developmentHome sites with sweeping views of Commencement Bay are now available to buyers as the result of the Ruston Town Council's approval of the final plat for Stack Hill on Oct. 20. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 24, 2008 at 12:59pm Columbia loss linked to Fannie, FreddieAn $18.5-million charge against earnings for lost value in preferred
shares of federally backed home mortgage lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie
Mae pulled down Columbia Banking System third quarter results into a
net loss of $8.8 million, compared with net income of $9.3 million in
the same quarter last year. Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County by Jeff Rounce | Email Jeff Oct. 24, 2008 at 11:38am Regence employees donate despite economyThe weakening economy did not keep Regence BlueShield employees from donating more of their own money this year to nonprofits. Regence employees pledged more than $1.6 million, which will grow to $2.47 million with the company match system. Last year, employees donated about $1 million. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Charities/Non-profits, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Oct. 23, 2008 at 2:51pm Russell exec sees recession, then recoveryDirector of Multi-Strategy Investing Erik Ogard from Russell Investments told a breakfast meeting of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce boardmembers that the economic challenges facing this country and the world today are real, and likely will get a little worse before improving. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Retirement and Investing, Tacoma by Jeff Rounce | Email Jeff Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:12am Businesses eligible for upgrade reimbursementPuget Sound Energy's residential and business customers can now take advantage of more than 80 money-saving, energy-efficiency rebate and grant programs. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:11am 2008 Preservation Awards announcedTacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission has released its list of 2008 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award recipients. This list recognizes preservation efforts for exceptional residential restorations, grassroots efforts and stewards of historic properties. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:08am People on the movePromotions and recognitionsRainier Pacific has elected Bruce W. Valentine to the Board of Directors of Rainier Pacific Financial Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rainier Pacific Savings Bank. Valentine will fill the vacancy created by the death of Robert H. Combs in June of 2008 and he will stand for election at the company's next Annual Meeting of shareholders. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Oct. 22, 2008 at 11:26am Local architects won city hall competitionThe Olympia City Council last night chose Belay Architecture of Tacoma and Hoffman Construction Company of Seattle to design and build the new city hall building. The building is estimated to cost $35.65 million. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Olympia, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:27am State sets voter recordWith the election two weeks away, Washington has just surpassed the 3.6 million mark for registered voters for the first time in state history, according to David Ammons, communications director for the Office of the Secretary of State. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:23am Papa Murphy's awarded 'Best Pizza Chain in America'Vancouver-based Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza has been named the "Best Pizza Chain in America," according to consumers. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 22, 2008 at 9:59am Blog Watch: Political roundupThe Association of Washington Business' Olympia Business Watch explains the reasoning behind the AWB's myriad endorsements. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 22, 2008 at 9:44am Coffee Break: The home stretchWith just two weeks remaining in the election season, politicians across the board are stepping up their efforts to get your vote. Both the federal and local races are heating up, particularly surrounding issues that affect the nation's business communities. 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 Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 21, 2008 at 10:50am Tacoma cancer resource center opensSt. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma has partnered with the American Cancer Society to launch a community cancer resource center, where patients and their families can learn about support and treatment services that are available locally and across the nation. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Health care, Pierce County, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Oct. 20, 2008 at 10:56am Multi-unit housing market remains good, study suggestsGrubb & Ellis Co., a real estate services and investment firm concentrated in the Puget Sound, announced today in a third quarter 2008 research report that the area's multi-unit housing market posted increases in both rents and vacancy, yet still generated $436 million in sales for the quarter. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve Oct. 17, 2008 at 2:41pm Biking hazards highlighted by riding event
In an effort to improve Tacoma's bike infrastructure and general mindset, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and City of Tacoma mobility staff invited elected officials and city workers on a bicycle commute. Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Law and Legislation, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Tacoma by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne Oct. 17, 2008 at 11:47am South Sound leaders honored for green buildingThe Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance hosted the 2008 Puget Sound BetterBricks Awards this morning at the Bell Harbor Conference Center on Seattle's Pier 66. Read moreComments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Education, Health care, Tacoma by Hilary Reeves | Email Hilary Oct. 16, 2008 at 2:0 |