Business Examiner

Dec. 1, 2008 at 2:24pm

Former WaMu employees eligible for assistance

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

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

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

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

Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:30am

Around the Sound

Business-related events

Business owners not previously able to afford health insurance for their employees have a new tool available to them – government subsidies for employee health insurance. The state's Health Insurance Partnership combines public and private resources to help small employers and their employees purchase health insurance in the marketplace. A free educational workshop on HIP is being offered Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Inn Suites in Olympia. Employers eligible for the subsidies are those: not currently offering health insurance; have between two and 50 employees; and have workforces that have half of their workers earning less than $10 an hour. The workshop is being sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber affiliated Chamber Benefit Services Fund, a leader in small business health insurance solutions. The event is held in cooperation with the Washington Health Care Authority and Choice Regional Health Network. Reservations are requested at (360) 357-3362 or www.ThurstonChamber.com.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual Holly-Jolly Christmas Auction on Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Great American Casino. For $20 admission, guests can enjoy a lovely plated lunch, visit with Santa, enjoy holiday music, as well as take advantage of shopping for family, friends, co-workers and employees in a casual setting. Reservations are required, call (253) 582-9400.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Dec. 1, 2008 at 10:18am

BE part of the conversation

Comment about the news

Visit BusinessExaminer.com and voice your thoughts on today's news and read comments from other people in the South Sound's business community. The BE blog also offers RSS functions so you can see only the local or industry business news that you want, as it happens.

Comments (1) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 28, 2008 at 8:30am

Business school is now in session at BE

Streaming video covers business topics

The Business Examiner has added a feature to its Web site that features expert advice from the PBS show Small Business School as well as links to gain free access to full shows featuring a range of business topics. New tips will be added each business day.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 11:26am

WACE releases labor report, state budget forecast

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

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

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:07am

Blog Watch: road warriors

Tacoma's downtown blog has an item about the Dome District's thoughts about Sound Transit's plans for the train extension through the area. It makes for interesting reading about this changing neighborhood.

Kevin Freitas writes about the filming of the Toyota Commercial in downtown Tacoma last week. He also has pictures of the filming.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:06am

COFFEE BREAK: Holiday blessings or worries

The Business Examiner would like to know your thoughts about the upcoming holiday season. Are your primed for the deep discounts you will likely find in stores or are you wondering if you will have a paycheck by the time the credit card bill comes due? Are you trimming back on gift giving this year?

Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:34am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

The 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.

Masa Comida Mexicana on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue is now hosting "Masa House Blend Thursdays-Music for Charity" as a way to fight childhood obesity. Every Thursday, Masa hosts an evening of music and dancing to benefit the Mary Bridge Childhood Obesity Clinic. Masa waives the cover charge and instead encourages people to donate $5 to the obesity clinic. So far, the restaurant has raised enough to help with the startup of the childhood obesity program.

Windermere Professional Partners has announced the addition of Scott Harthorn. Harthorn was born in Tacoma and raised in Gig Harbor where he has been a Realtor since 2004. He has consistently remained a Top Producer in both the Tacoma and Gig Harbor markets due to his high level of customer service and dedication to his clients. He currently resides with his wife and two children in Gig Harbor, and has been a baseball coach at Gig Harbor High School for the last six years.

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. 20, 2008 at 1:15pm

Venture posts $27 million loss

DuPont-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.

The loss compares to a profit of $3.2 million for the same period last year. Had the bank not seen its preferred stock in the government-chartered mortgage firms and had to add to its loan provision, Venture would have seen a $4.8 million profit. Even as the 30-year-old bank's worst quarterly report, bank officials point out that the financial hole could have been even deeper. The bank had projected the loss could have been as high as $40 million in filings just two months ago.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:21pm

Great American Smokeout set for tomorrow

Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW)

Tomorrow is the 33rd annual Great American Smokeout as a way to provide an opportunity for people to take the first step toward quitting smoking and improving their health.

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

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:19pm

Blog Watch: road warriors

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

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Lakewood, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:18pm

COFFEE BREAK: down times

The weather is bad. The news about the local, state and national economy is bad. Retirement accounts are lighter.

The Business Examiner would like to know how you are feeling about your job and what you are doing to ease the stresses in your life.

To reply to the poll, send an e-mail to news@BusinessExaminer.com. Poll results will be published in Friday's BE Daily.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 17, 2008 at 10:22am

Big news of the year?

There has been a lot of big news stories this year, particularly in the last few weeks.

The Business Examiner would like to know what were the biggest news stories in your world this year.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Health care, Lacey, Lakewood, Pierce County, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Nov. 11, 2008 at 12:47pm

O Bee Credit Union expands business services

O Bee Credit Union of Tumwater has opened a new business department, offering services designed to meet various business banking needs, from deposit accounts to commercial real estate loans.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Thurston County, Tumwater by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

Nov. 6, 2008 at 12:00pm

October housing: disappointing, but not unexpected

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

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

Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:48am

Reed issues post-election statement

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

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

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

Nov. 3, 2008 at 3:11pm

Survey looks at small biz hiring

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

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

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:55am

Blog Watch: street talk

The BIA blog for downtown Tacoma has a string about a national movement for "complete streets" that are designed for all types of users of all ages and abilities, pedestrians, cyclists, transit, trucks, cars, wheelchairs, skateboarders and other users. The post has specific examples of proposed changes for main streets around the city.

Crosscut.com has a chart of newspaper endorsements from around the state about key issues on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Olyblog.net has an ongoing roster of places to eat around the city.

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

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:53am

COFFEE BREAK: Key election issue

The election is almost here. Many people have already voted thanks to the expansion of vote-by-mail programs. The Business Examiner would like to know what issue drove you to vote the way you did this election?

To reply to the poll, send an e-mail to news@BusinessExaminer.com. Poll results will be published in Friday's BE Daily.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 11:15am

Correction: Heritage financial report

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

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

Oct. 23, 2008 at 11:12am

Businesses eligible for upgrade reimbursement

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

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

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:27am

State sets voter record

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

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

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:23am

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

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

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

Oct. 22, 2008 at 9:44am

Coffee Break: The home stretch

With just two weeks remaining in the election season, politicians across the board are stepping up their efforts to get your vote. Both the federal and local races are heating up, particularly surrounding issues that affect the nation's business communities.

The Business Examiner wants to know who you're voting for and why. Which county council, gubernatorial and presidential candidate would best represent you and your business?

Oct. 15, 2008 at 11:59am

COFFEE BREAK: matter of debate

The last scheduled debate between the presidential candidates between Barack Obama and John McCain is scheduled for this evening and will center on domestic issues. Much of that debate will involve plans to aid the economy.

The Business Examiner would like to know which plans you prefer and if the debates affected your position on any of the issues.

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

Oct. 13, 2008 at 11:22am

In this issue of the Business Examiner

The latest print edition of the Business Examiner is now in mail boxes and newsstands around the South Sound.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 8, 2008 at 6:05am

Are you a Fastest Growing Company?

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

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

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

Oct. 7, 2008 at 10:25am

Showcase set for day of business networking

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

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

Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:31am

Speak up: BE wants your opinion

The Business Examiner would like you to take five minutes out of your day to help us grow and improve our BE Daily service.

It is our goal to provide timely and relevant news coverage, while making the BE Daily interesting and valuable for our readers and advertisers. The information you provide in the survey link below is invaluable in helping us reach that goal.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Oct. 2, 2008 at 1:27pm

State takes action in local health worker cases

The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in the South Sound:

In Grays Harbor County, the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Phyllis S. Stephenson with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly failed to comply with a medical assessment for a patient and documented that a patient refused medication when there was not an attempt to administer the medication.

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

Oct. 1, 2008 at 11:11am

Property tax revenues increase

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

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

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

Sep. 30, 2008 at 1:48pm

State's minimum wage will increase

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

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

Sep. 30, 2008 at 10:46am

Boat servicer expands in downturn

Commencement Bay Marine Services, a full-service boat repair and haul-out service on the Thea Foss Waterway, has announced it will expand its workforce from the recently closed Olympic Boat Center.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Human Resources , Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 29, 2008 at 10:16am

Small biz index plummets

The Small Business Research Board's Small Business Confidence Index decreased to 30 points in the second quarter of 2008, a downturn of nearly 14 points, or 31 percent, from the previous quarter, according to a report issued today.

The greatest decrease in confidence is among businesses in the Western states, where the index decreased to 27.7 from the 59 points recorded in the previous study, according to the report co-sponsored by International Profit Associates. Businesses in the Western states reported they are most pessimistic about the improvement of the overall economy.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Health care, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 26, 2008 at 10:25am

State gets $28 million to stabilize foreclosures

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

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

Sep. 25, 2008 at 10:58am

Women of Influence event held

View pictures from the BE's event

The Business Examiner celebrated its sixth annual Women of Influence class last night at Clover Park Technical College's Sharon McGavick Student and Conference Center. The program recognized outstanding female leaders in the South Puget Sound.

Pictures of the event can be viewed here if you missed the event or want to relive it. The recognition program will also be the subject of next month's South Sound Business Report broadcast, which airs on a number of channels throughout the South Sound.

Sep. 23, 2008 at 9:25am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

Harborstone Credit Union employees started their summer on a healthy note and won the 10k-A-Day Challenge. This was Harborstone's first year in the program, which challenges participating credit unions to walk the most steps over a six-week period. Harborstone was joined by employees from Peninsula Credit Union, O'Bee Credit Union, TwinStar, Generations Credit Union and WSECU. The challenge is a fitness effort that seeks to build on the health benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day. Harborstone's top walker was Wendy Whitney, an employee at Harborstone's Spanaway location. During the course of six weeks, she covered 869,358 steps and lost 15 pounds. The competition also raised $900 for the Credit Unions for Kids charitable organization. The 10k-A-Day Challenge was coordinated by Melanie Ransom, human resources manager, O'Bee Credit Union.

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

Sep. 17, 2008 at 2:11pm

L&I plan calls for comp hike of 3 percent

The Department of Labor & Industries today proposed a 3 percent increase in 2009 workers' compensation rates. Average premiums would go up by just under 2 cents per hour worked.

Sep. 17, 2008 at 11:19am

COFFEE BREAK: investment worries

With all the bad news from Wall Street these days about billion dollar firms going into bankruptcy or falling into governmental receivership, the Business Examiner would like to know how comfortable you feel about your own financial situation.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Sep. 10, 2008 at 9:58am

Blog Watch: legal action

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

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

Sep. 9, 2008 at 10:33am

State economy brightens with oil dip

The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council has revised the preliminary state's economic forecast to reflect Global Insight's September Control forecast for the United States.

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

Sep. 4, 2008 at 11:06am

Jobs was mixed picture in August

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

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

Sep. 3, 2008 at 2:18pm

Spending, inflation on the rise

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

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

Aug. 28, 2008 at 2:43pm

Truckers have high injury rates

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

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

Aug. 27, 2008 at 1:08pm

COFFEE BREAK: Class act

With students heading back to school, the Business Examiner would like you to think back to your own classroom days and come up with the best lesson you ever learned during those years. Was it to be organized and do the work? Was it that cheaters prosper? Was it that geometry is applicable to everyday life?

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 26, 2008 at 2:41pm

Brewery broker announces call for bids

Colliers International Puget Sound and the Colliers Natural Resource Group of Olympia has announced the first round of call for offers on the Olympia Brewery property in Tumwater.

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Thurston County, Tumwater by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:50pm

Free drug cards are now available

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

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

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

Aug. 25, 2008 at 11:04am

BE Reader Survey

Dear BE Daily Subscriber,

Please take five minutes to provide your feedback on the BE Daily.

The Reader Survey contains 28 questions that are about you, your business and the BE Daily. Your feedback will guide us in creating new features as well as ensuring the news and information we send you is relevant and easy to use.

Click here to take survey

Thank you for being a BE Daily reader and for your valuable feedback! If you have already submitted your questionnaire, thank you!

Emily West
General Manager
ewest@BusinessExaminer.com

Comments (0) | Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, BE on the road, Building, Charities/Non-profits, Education, Health care, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Mason County, Military/Security, Olympia, Pierce County, Retirement and Investing, South King County, Startups/Minority Businesses, Tacoma, Technology, Thurston County, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality, Tumwater, Workforce by Emily West | Email Emily

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:42am

Building prices continue to rise

Construction prices climbed another 2 percent in July, posting an 11.9 percent increase from a year ago, according to the U.S. Labor Department's Producer Price Index released today.

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

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:33am

Oil spill clean up winding down

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

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

Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:32am

Inflation on the rise

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

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

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:30pm

Accident kills worker at Cardinal Glass

Tumwater police and medical crews responded to an emergency call at the Cardinal Glass plant at 700 Pat Kennedy Way this morning.

Comments (1) | Posted in BE Daily, Health care, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Aug. 13, 2008 at 9:46am

Retail sales slightly up in July

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

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

Aug. 13, 2008 at 9:39am

COFFEE BREAK: Retirement dreams

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

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

Aug. 12, 2008 at 10:50am

Unemployment rate inches up

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

Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:53am

Thurston jail bid awarded

Thurston County Commissioners this morning awarded the contract for construction of a new corrections facility, the Accountability and Restitution Center, to Pease Construction of Lakewood.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Lakewood, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Thurston County, Tumwater by News Room | Email News

Aug. 4, 2008 at 10:35am

KIRO to simulcast on 97.3 FM

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

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

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

Aug. 4, 2008 at 9:47am

GROW tool provides primary data

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

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

Jul. 31, 2008 at 10:59am

Brewery available for $40 million

The shuttered Olympia brewery site in Tumwater, including the land, facilities and the historic brewhouse, are on the market for almost $40 million, the Thurston office of Colliers International has announced.

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

Jul. 29, 2008 at 9:56am

Bridge report shows need

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

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

Jul. 23, 2008 at 11:24am

BE's 40 Under Forty photos are online

The Business Examiner's sold out 40 Under Forty event last night recognized outstanding South Sound business and community leaders under the age of 40.

Jul. 22, 2008 at 11:01am

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

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

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

Jul. 11, 2008 at 9:24am

BE's 40 Under Forty event is sold out

Read about honorees on line

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

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:47am

COFFEE BREAK: Summer productivity

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

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

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:24am

Washington to begin emergency benefits

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

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

Jul. 9, 2008 at 8:22am

State’s primary system still on track

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

Jul. 8, 2008 at 11:19am

Women of Influence being sought

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

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

Jul. 1, 2008 at 1:07pm

Locals selected to serve on boards

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

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

Jul. 1, 2008 at 12:59pm

People on the move

Promotions and recognitions

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

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

Jun. 25, 2008 at 1:31pm

COFFEE BREAK: home sweet home?

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

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

Jun. 11, 2008 at 12:03pm

Bars bounced back from smoking ban

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

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

Jun. 4, 2008 at 12:45pm

L&I files heat-related rule

The state Department of Labor and Industries today filed a new permanent workplace rule to protect workers from outdoor heat exposure.

Comments (0) | Posted in BE Daily, Building, Law and Legislation, Pierce County, Tacoma, Tumwater, Workforce by Steve Dunkelberger | Email Steve

Jun. 2, 2008 at 2:54pm

Accuracy of unemployment benefits continues to improve

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

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

May. 23, 2008 at 11:10am

I-5 speed reduction extends two miles

A speed-limit reduction took affect today so crews working to widen Interstate 5 in Thurston County could operate more effectively along an additional two-mile stretch of roadway and to eliminate multiple speed changes that hamper traffic flow and confuse drivers.

Comments (0) | Posted in Lewis County, Manufacturing/Trade/Transportation, Thurston County, Tumwater by


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