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Businesses rally to restore shellfish in Drayton Harbor Restoring the shellfish population in Drayton Harbor is a community and ecological concern that brought contributions and volunteer participation by 25 Whatcom County businesses. For Shuckin’ on the Spit, a fundraising event at Resort Semiahmoo, May 4, the businesses contributed food and products, money, advertising support and volunteer staff to raise money for the shellfish restoration program. The afternoon event included dinner, entertainment, tours and lectures and, in spite of overcast, rainy weather, drew 605 customers plus 200 volunteers. Participating businesses included: Appel Farms Cheese “The funds raised from this event are going directly into building community support for cleanup projects needed to reopen shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor,” said Geoff Menzies, manager of the Drayton Harbor Community Oyster Farm. “Our most immediate focus is to work closely with the City of Blaine and Port of Bellingham to gain a better understanding of and to control the sources of bacterial pollution that are impacting Blaine Harbor and nearby stations inside Drayton Harbor. “We pulled together a great group of sponsors from Whatcom, Skagit and other counties, from local berry growers and shellfish farmers to marketing and media professionals. And, as a result, the community came by the hundreds, even though the weather didn’t cooperate.” The Drayton Harbor shellfish restoration project is an ongoing, year-around effort. Information on the program and how to be involved is available by calling (360) 384-9135.
Logos Research finds room to grow in Bellingham After years in the wilderness of Whidbey Island, Logos Research Systems, Inc., has crossed the water into the Promised Land of Bellingham. Logos is the leading publisher of high-end Bible software, serving church, academic and lay markets. The success of their products led them to outgrow their headquarters in Oak Harbor. Since the airport in Oak Harbor was shut down, Logos also had problems with travel arrangements. They needed to have access to a larger labor pool, wanted to be close to a university, and have better access to airports and the Interstate-5 corridor. The new location at 1313 Commercial Street neatly addresses all those requirements. Company president Bob Pritchett credits the Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council with smoothing the path for the $4 million, 55-person operation. “The EDC assisted us with introductions to people who could answer our questions about the area and this put us directly in touch with people in the community.” Logos began in 1992 with Pritchett and Kiernon Reiniger. The two Microsoft veterans wanted to deliver high quality software tools to Christian users. Working out of the proverbial basement, the two produced the first commercial Bible software for Windows: Logos v1.0. It quickly became the standard for high-end Bible software and soon the company was producing upgrades and library expansions. Logos v2.0 was released in 1995. The company now has partnerships with 50 print publishers. More than 2,500 titles are now formatted for Logos Bible Software Series X. Logos is the worldwide leader in multilingual electronic publishing with Bible reference libraries in English, Spanish, Swedish, Norwegian, Afrikaans and many other languages. The Bible software is built around a core software engine called Libronix Digital Library Systems. Libronix, a wholly owned subsidiary of Logos, delivers technology and services designed to help publishers build one-on-one relationships with users through an integrated, commerce-enabled digital library system. Most of Logos’ employees now live in Bellingham and the few that still commute from Oak Harbor plan to move here soon. The Libronix website is www.libronix.com. Logos site is www.logos.com.
Restauranteurs open hearts, wallets to underprivileged Twenty-two Whatcom County restaurants raised more than $12,000 on May 1 to help feed those in need in the second annual Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn, operated by the Opportunity Council. On Dine Out night, participating restaurants donate up to 20 percent of their receipts to the program. “Restaurants reported an increase in business that day,”said Kay Sardo, executive director of the Opportunity Council.” Dining establishments participating this year included Bite of New Orleans Café, Busara, Café Akroteri, The Calumet, Cascade Pizza, China Gourmet, D’Anna’s Café Italiano, Dos Padres, The Fairhaven Pub and Martini Bar, Gloria’s Mexican Restaurants, Hizzoner’s, La Fiamma, Lucci’s Bayshore Pizzaria, Orchard Street Brewery, Oriental Grill and BBQ, Pastazza, Pepper Sisters, Stanello’s Italian Restaurant, Stuart Anderson’s Black Angus Restaurant, Taco Lobo, TJ’s Place and Wild Garlic. Restaurant owners said the fundraiser is a win-win situation. “I like the fact that this event creates tremendous community involvement,” said John Kotsogeanis, owner of Akroteri. At press time, more than $12,000 had been raised, nearly double that raised last year when 17 restaurants participated. Maple Alley Inn has enjoyed a strong base of community support since 1987. Last year, the program worked with 25 volunteers to provide more than 11,500 meals. “These meals make a huge difference in peoples’ lives,” Sardo said Dine Out sponsors help publicize the restaurants participating in the event. They include Cost Cutter, Haggen, Hempler’s, Whatcom Educational Credit Union, Group Health Cooperative and Bellingham Cold Storage. Media sponsors were KGMI, The Bellingham Herald, and Whatcom County Business Pulse. The Opportunity Council is a non-profit community action agency serving Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties. Founded in 1965, the council emphasizes programs that “help people help themselves.” Services include child care, hot meals, emergency housing, medical care, Head Start and energy assistance. Call the Opportunity Council at (360) 734-5121 or access www.oppco.org.
Businesses put human face on Human Race AT&T Broadband, The Bellingham Herald, Soft Rock KAFE, Alcoa Intalco Works and Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery are the major sponsors for Whatcom Volunteer Center’s Human Race. On Saturday, June 15, volunteers from many of Whatcom non-profits will walk or run 5 to 10 kilometers to raise funds for their respective organizations. Each participant’s non-profit gets 75 percent of the money collected, and the Volunteer Center gets 25 percent. Last year, the race raised nearly $50,000 for 73 area non-profits. The event starts at 10 a.m. and culminates with a picnic lunch, prizes and entertainment. Twenty other local businesses are supporters of the event and dozens of others have contributed prizes. For more information, call the Whatcom Volunteer Center, (360) 734-3055, or visit its website at www.whatcomvolunteer.org.
Bookstore, runners jog for literacy Village Books and Fairhaven Runners join for the third year to sponsor the Walk/Run for Literacy on Saturday, June 22. Paul Haskins, who organizes the race for Village Books, is seeking local businesses to donate matching funds for their employees who participate. All proceeds go to the Whatcom Literacy Council, which is celebrating its 24th year. Call Haskins for more information at (800) 392-2665. See also www.villagebooks.com and www.fairhavenrunners.com.
Two Bellingham grocers rated in top 150 Haggen, Inc. and Brown and Cole Stores are near the top of a list that cites the largest privately held corporations in the state. Washington CEO compiles the list each year based on reported revenues. Haggen, which employs 3,800 in Washington and 4,300 total, ranks eighth on the list. Brown and Cole employs 1,954 of its 2,021 employees in Washington. Its growth was listed at minus 2.6 percent for 2000. Washington CEO’s website: www.washingtonceo.com.
Writer establishes publishing business Frederick Su, author of the novel An American Sin, is drawing favorable reviews. The Bellingham-based novelist formed his own company, bytewrite LLC, to control publishing costs. An American Sin, a fictional memoir of growing up Asian in American society, explores issues of racism, war and identity. Su’s new book already won the Multicultural Fiction category of the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and is a finalist in both the Benjamin Franklin Awards of the Publishers Marketing Association and the John Gardner Fiction Book Awards from Binghampton University. Most local bookstores carry the work, or it can be ordered online at www.bytewrite.com.
Nooksack bakery runs out of dough After operating Ye Olde Cake and Donut Shoppe since 1997, owner Roseanne Sorensen has given it up for a job at the new Lynden Safeway. “I thought I would be able to do it all,” she said, “But when you are the baker, the mixer, the salesperson and in charge of ordering and inventory, it’s a lot of work.” The bakery was her first venture into private business. Her son Brian, who helped run the Nooksack shop, also joined the staff of the new Safeway.
BTC scores endowment money, computers Bellingham Technical College (BTC) is the beneficiary of a matching grant from the Rotary Club of Bellingham. Rotary will match every dollar the BTC Foundation raises, up to $15,000. The $30,000 total will create the Rotary Club of Bellingham Endowment, a permanent fund whose income will help support scholarships for BTC students. The college also received a grant from the Intel Corporation in association with Dell Computers. Twenty-four Pentium IV computers will help support the college’s electronics technology program. Microsoft donated software to complement the computers. Total value of the package is $77,000. Call the Bellingham Technical College Foundation at 715-8378 or see the college website at www.beltc.ctc.edu.
H-D hogs space at Bellis Fair Harley-Davidson of Bellingham is now a permanent tenant of Bellis Fair Mall. The motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer operates out of a 779-square-foot space in the main concourse. “This is a great example of how our Specialty Leasing Program helps cultivate small businesses,” said Bellis Fair general manager Bob Buchanan. Most specialty-leasing tenants sell from carts in the center of the mall, although a few lease in-line spaces for the holiday season. The cycle shop had a successful holiday season in 2001 and decided to remain. Call Harley-Davidson of Bellingham at 671-7575 or see their website at www.harleydavidsonofbellingham.com. For more information on Bellis Fair or its Specialty Leasing Program, call 671-5895 or see www.bellisfair.com.
Bellingham firms pioneer water reclamation Aquacare Environment, Inc., and 2020 Engineering, Inc., have designed and installed a Living Machine wastewater treatment system at the Puget Sound Environmental Learning Center on Bainbridge Island. The system uses ecological methods to reclaim wastewater for use as flush water and subsurface landscape irrigation. It is estimated that this will save about 70 to 80 percent of the potable water demand of the facility. It is the first on-site water reclamation system permitted in this state by the Department of Health. For more information, call Aquacare at (360) 734-7964 or www.aquacare.com. Also see www.2020engineering.com.
Bingo hall cashes in Big Brothers/Big Sisters bingo hall in Bellingham has called its last card, closing its doors on May 26. During the 1990s the bingo program took in more than $500,000 annually, but last year posted a loss. It joins the ranks of the Boys and Girls Club operation in Birch Bay and the Band Boosters hall in Ferndale, both of which ceased operations earlier this year. Ferndale’s Bingo 262 is now the only remaining bingo hall supporting a social service agency. Two American Legion posts in Blaine and Sumas remain in the bingo business.
Horizon reports jump in earnings Horizon Bank’s parent company, Horizon Financial Corp., has reported diluted earnings per share increased 29 percent in the fourth quarter and 27 percent for the fiscal year ending March 31. Net income rose 26 percent for the quarter and 22 percent for the year. Horizon operates 15 full-service offices in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. For more information, call 733-3050 or see www.horizonbank.com.
Construction company winds up projects Dawson Construction, Inc., recently completed a $1.4 million renovation of the historic YWCA building on Forest Street. The project included selective demolition, seismic upgrades, interior finishes, mechanical and electrical work, masonry restoration and window repair and replacement. Interior renovations include new restrooms on all floors, new doors and self-closing hardware on residential units and new interior partition walls. Dawson earlier completed a $2.8 million rehabilitation of the US Coast Guard hangar in Sitka, Alaska. Call Dawson Construction at 734-8130 or access www.dawson.com.
Water treatment firm opens Bellingham office Pace Chemicals, Ltd., the largest commercial water treatment manufacturer in British Columbia, has opened a regional office in Bellingham. Pace Solutions, Inc., is the US manufacturing and distribution arm of the company. Former Whatcom County plumber Phil Ellis was named regional manager of the company. Pace makes chemicals to prevent scale and corrosion in commercial heating and cooling applications. The new office is located at 3873 Airport Way. Call 303-6005 or see the Pace website at www.pacechem.com. (Photo)
Webefx upgrades Mt. Vernon site Bellingham’s Webefx is working with the City of Mt. Vernon to streamline the municipal website. An improved content management system (CMS) will allow non-technical personnel to make fast and easy website edits. Webefx president Dave Adams says the improved CMS is “…a perfect tool for sites where content must frequently change.” The technology enables support staff to handle web publishing, thereby freeing technical personnel to focus on core duties. Mt. Vernon officials will be able to provide public information faster and at a lower cost with the upgrades. The revised website will be launched this month. Mt. Vernon’s new website: www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us. Call Webefx at (360) 527-0400 or see www.webefx.com. Whatcom relocation guide offers download option Businesses and individuals seeking to relocate in this area can now download a PDF version of the Bellingham/Whatcom County Relocation and Resource Guide. The new service is being offered by Visitors Guide Publications and will include web links for listing and display advertisers. Chamber president Mike Brennan points out that St. Joseph Hospital and the Bellingham School District are among those that use this publication as a primary recruiting and sales tool. Marcus Yearout, owner and publisher of the guide, said, “This integrated marketing concept of a printed guide combined with an interactive, online version…should stimulate more visibility for the communities and businesses of Whatcom County.” The website URL is www.visitorsguide.com. Contact Visitors Guide Publications at (360) 676-8625 or the chamber at (360) 734-1330.
Northern Auto Sales opens on Auto Row Northern Auto Sales joins Auto Row on Bellingham’s Iowa Street. The dealership is newly established by Scott Bertelsen, also owner of the local U-Save auto rental agency, also in Bellingham. The dealership offers foreign and domestic cars, vans and trucks. It will be open seven days each week. On-site credit approval and financing are available. A grand opening is set for July 1 at the 1501 Iowa Street location. Telephone number is (360) 756-0698.
Dentist opens office in Bellingham “The first thing I learned in my practice planning classes and seminars was to identify the community in which I wanted to live,” states Kelsey Ullsmith, DMD. Since she and her husband enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, Bellingham was the obvious choice. Ullsmith came to her ideal community in June of 2000 and has worked with the Columbia Dental Group, Interfaith Community Health Center and as an associate to Dr. Marcus Fairbanks. Now, she has opened her own practice at 1100 North Forest St., Suite Six. Her vision? “Consumers no longer just want to have their teeth filled and their pains relieved, they want health, youth, comfort and convenience, she said. “I consider it a privilege to call myself a provider in the context of this new dental climate.” Ullsmith graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in microbiology with minors in chemistry and creative writing. She worked for a year as a dental assistant before deciding to pursue dentistry as a career. She earned her DMD at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR. In keeping with her ideal of working in the context of the larger community, she will continue part-time service with the Interfaith Community Health Center. Make an appointment with Dr. Ullsmith at (360) 647-1715.
Vet launches eye care site When Fido needs new bifocals, who ya gonna call? If you live in the Bellingham area, you can call Dr. Terri McCalla, who specializes in animal eye care. Even better, you can seek out her new website at www.animaleyecare.net. Dr. McCalla says that her site is best viewed using Internet Explorer and offers information on office procedures and surgical and anesthetic equipment. It also provides links to veterinary ocular websites of interest. Information on ocular diseases of dogs, cats and horses can be downloaded in addition to forms for referring veterinarians and forms for pet owners seeking a first appointment. Veterinary ophthalmology is a relatively new specialty with about 200 practitioners in North America. Dr. McCalla is board certified in the field and is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Prior to Dr. McCalla opening her practice in Bellingham, animal eye care problems had to be referred to Seattle. Now, she is handling referrals from British Columbia, as well. Animals can suffer from the same eye diseases that affect humans: cataracts, glaucoma, herpes-related syndromes. While animals usually don’t need to read or drive a car, their vision can be important to owners who want Fido to be able to play catch into his golden years. Purebred dogs competing in shows are required to have a generic eye test called the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) before they can compete. Area dog owners who used to have to go to Seattle for that service can now call Dr. McCalla at (360) 676-7770. The office is located inside the Village Veterinary Hospital at Sehome Village.
Hand Crank Films wins coveted “Tellys” Some of the commercials produced by a Bellingham firm may be more entertaining than the programs we watch. Hand Crank Films has been awarded two first place awards and one second place for outstanding television commercials. The Telly Awards recognize exceptional non-network and cable TV commercials. Hand Crank Films shares the stage with such companies as Lexus, Coca-Cola, Sprint, Blockbuster Video and Pepsi. Projects honored with “Tellys” include Every Bean Counts for Gregory J. Campbell, CPA; Bob Doesn’t Stop for Saturna Capital; and The Date for Bistecca Italian Steakhouse. In addition to producing commercials, Hand Crank Films is also producing its first full-length feature Desolation, A Comedy this summer. See www.handcrankfilms.com, or call 739-2589.
Bellwether adds new tenant Bellingham’s Bellwether on the Bay is the new home for Mutual of Omaha. The local office of the national insurance firm is located in the Paulson Building. “Not only is it a beautiful location, but it moves us to an area with several other business and financial services organizations,” said agent Stan Chronister. The office will also serve as headquarters for district manager Jay Ebert. Mutual of Omaha’s phone number: (360) 733-7841. Option Care moves to Cordata complex Home health care provider Option Care has relocated its regional headquarters from Cornwall Ave. to 777 Horton Road in the Cordata complex. Option Care proves medical equipment and supplies on both a sales and rental basis for home or professional use. The equipment range includes hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen. Telephone number is: (360) 733-7799. Website: www.optioncare.com Accusearch relocates to Bellingham Business Park Accusearch, Inc. has moved its headquarters to the Bellingham Business Park. The company provides tenant and employee screening research and reports to property managers and professionals in the western states. Call: (360) 752-1855. Toll-free: 1-877-646-4466.
BP, Herald provide cash awards for volunteers Eight local volunteers who performed “unrandom acts of kindness” received Heart and Hands Awards from the Whatcom Volunteer Center. BP Cherry Point Refinery and the Bellingham Herald provided the funding for the awards. Receiving the $250 awards were Dorie Belisle, Bill and Jeanne Carroll, Hobert Ellenberger, Amelia Lawson, Paul and Gertrude Schneider, George and Maria Van Achte and Michael Wells. All of the winners donated their prizes to charity The Whatcom Volunteer Center helps non-profit organizations find unpaid staff, maintains volunteer databases and keeps track of volunteer hours that can be used as matching funds when applying for grants. Contact the center at (360) 734-3055, or 1-800-VOLUNTEER. Thier website can be found at www.whatcomvolunteer.com.
Barkley Grove establishes “walkable” neighborhood Four new homes have been released for sale in the Barkley district’s newest neighborhood. Barkley Grove features single story three-bedroom and two-story, four-bedroom models in what developers Ruth and Bill Geyer refer to as “a walkable neighborhood.” There are two private cedar groves on the site and the homes feature large porches that encourage neighbors to get to know one another. Located on Racine Street just off Barkley Boulevard, the new homes are convenient to services offered in both Barkley Village and Sunset Square. The model homes are open every day from 1 until 4 p.m. Call (360) 738-2836 for an appointment or see their new website at www.tembehomes.com.
Construction company gets facelift Impero Contracting Company of Bellingham is celebrating its 30th year with a new look. The company started out as an industrial contractor in 1972 and has since expanded into institutional and commercial/retail work. “Our old logo was appropriate for that era and reflected our image at that time,” said company president Dave Huber. The new logo was designed by Julie Flattery of Flattery Co. and Heidi Dikeman of GoGo Design. Huber says the new image will help market the firm that competes on a statewide basis. Impero is known for its work on the Alaska Ferry Terminal, St. Joseph Hospital, the Barkley District and the new Whatcom Transit Authority administration facility.
Absorption Corp. seeks expanded space Phenomenal success of a pet bedding product has Bellingham’s Absorption Corp. desperately seeking room to expand. The product, called CareFresh, is used by owners of mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and other rodents. CareFresh is made from byproducts of paper manufacturing and owes its popularity to its absorptive properties and its innovative use of what used to be waste. The company has been growing at a rate of 30 percent a year and is looking for plant space both locally and on the East Coast. Current manufacturing facilities at 1051 Hilton Ave. have vital rail access but not enough space for the estimated 100,000 square feet needed. The search for an adequate site has yet to bear fruit, but the company is receiving assistance from the Whatcom Economic Development Council. Absorption recently acquired new office space on Prospect Street, and they can be reached at (360) 647-1613. Their website is www.absorbent.com. Downtown clothier gets dressed up Gary’s Men’s and Women’s Wear, a downtown fixture for 23 years, is sporting a fresh new look following extensive renovation. Owners Gary and Barbara Lupo wanted to modernize their approach to fashion merchandising, so they repainted, added new carpeting and tile and new feature walls. “Our intention is for the customer to see complete ideas of dressing rather than just racks of clothing,” said Barbara The store at 128 West Holly Street features such brand names as Tallia, Cole Haan, Tommy Bahama, ISDA, Nicole Miller and Sigrid Olsen. Gary and Barb continuously add new brands and concepts to keep things interesting. Call Gary’s at (360) 733-2180.
Local computer company completes WTA upgrade Sixty-seven new workstation computers are now online at the Whatcom Transit Authority. Northwest Computer Supplies of Bellingham was awarded the contract in December to build and configure the system. “This rollout continues a trend among local enterprises to seek large-scale technical solutions from local rather than national vendors,” according to David June of NWCS. Located at 1419 Cornwall Avenue, the company provides business computers and network servers through retail, commercial and educational channels. NWCS shipped more than 300 units in the fourth quarter of 2001. Contact NWCS at (360) 734-3400 or www.nwcomputersupplies.com.
Sign company takes wrapping to a new level When you’re competing for the attention of customers, anything goes…even wrapping a truck. Plumb-Rite of Bellingham recently took that step with a lot of help from North Star Sign, Inc. In order to accomplish the high resolution “vehicle wrap,” North Star had to work with files as large as 1GB. Photo-realism is achieved using state-of-the-art equipment that can print in eight colors instead of the usual four at 1440dpi. North Star also uses pigment-based UV inks that keep the colors from fading even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. According to North Star owner Steve Bosman, complete vehicle wraps are still very rare, and as a result, they tend to stand out far more than traditional vehicle graphics. North Star Sign, Inc. can be reached at (360) 398-7444. Canadian navy salutes Cascadia Connections Two Canadian warships, HMCS Edmonton and Brandon visited Bellingham Bay on May 31 as part of a celebration of cross-border friendships. The Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council, Vancouver Airport Authority, and the Canadian Consulate General in Seattle joined forces to promote the friendly invasion. Local businesses that helped sponsor the event include Chang & Boos, BP Cherry Point Refinery, TCG International, Inc., Pacific Corridor Enterprise Council, Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., Moss Adama, LLP, Bank Northwest and Law Offices of Gene Moses. In addition to naval gazing, a “Cascadia Connections Celebration and Robert Service Dinner” was held the same day at the Best Western Lakeway Inn and Convention Center. Entertainment included dramatizations of Robert Service poems and music from the Klondike mining camps. Contact the Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council at (360) 676-4255 or www.bwedc.org.
Summer means outdoor movies in Fairhaven Wildly popular Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema celebrates its fifth season with nine Saturday nights of film fun. Because of construction at Fairhaven Village Green Park, the Cinema will move to a vacant lot at the corner of 10th and Harris Streets. The event has become the primary fundraiser for the Whatcom Film Association, which operates the Pickford Cinema in downtown Bellingham. Admission remains at a suggested $4 per person or $10 per family. Blankets are encouraged, but lawn chairs are permitted in the back rows. Picnics are welcome and concessions will be available from other local non-profit organizations. Entertainment begins an hour before dusk, followed by the movies. Those dressed in the spirit of the evening’s presentation will be awarded free popcorn. The schedule: July 6 - The Creature from the Black Lagoon (unrated) 1954 July 13 - Monterey Pop (unrated) 1969 July 20 - Pinocchio (rated G) 1940 July 27 - Shrek (rated PG) 2000 Aug 3 - Ghostbusters (rated PG) 1984 Aug 10 - O Brother, Where Art Thou (rated PG-13) 2000 Aug 17 - The Brain That Wouldn’t Die and It! The Terror from Beyond Space (unrated) 1962 & 1958 Aug 24 - Mary Poppins (rated G) 1964 Aug 31 - Rain Date/Mystery Movie For further information, contact the Whatcom Film Association at (360) 647-1300 or www.whatcomfilm.org.
Young cinema goes west Independent/alternative Pickford Cinema has one of the problems that come with success: not enough room. The present location on Cornwall Ave. seats about 90 and Whatcom Film Association Executive Director Alice Clark claims it is “bursting at the seams.” Enter Bellingham native John Jenkins, who has purchased an historic building at 1318 Bay Street for the express purpose of offering it to the Pickford. Mike Smith of Zervas Group Architects is currently working on a design that will incorporate two theatres: one seating about 100 people and the other seating about 200. “This is one of the rare downtown buildings that has its original façade substantially intact,” he said. Furthermore, it is right next door to the recently opened American Museum of Radio, making it yet another piece in the emerging “cultural district” puzzle. The Whatcom Film Association was formed in 1998 in order to bring a diversity of independent and alternative movies to Whatcom County. More than 1,100 members now support the organization and helped it outgrow its original location. Work on the new venue is scheduled to begin in 2004. Contact the Whatcom Film Association at 647-1300 or www.whatcomfilm.org.
Local docs have vision for disaster victims Whatcom County associates of the Vision Service Plan are partnering with the American Red Cross to provide eye exams and glasses for disaster victims. The Whatcom County chapter of the Red Cross will identify those in need and refer them to a VSP doctor. Participants in the program include Patrick Aarstol, OD; Linda Bertram, OD; Franklin Crissy, OD; Denise Dudley, MD; Glenn Green, OD; Kenneth Henderson, OD; Denis Holmes, OD; Michael Hovander, OD; Frederick Kaiser, MD; Jeffrey Larson, OD; Vincent Mattenucci, MD; Mark McEathron, OD; Kenneth Morrow, MD; Wayne Musselman, OD; and John Tisdall, MD. Vision Service Plan is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, CA, and provides eye care benefit plans to more than 16,000 groups nationwide. For more information on this partnership, contact the Whatcom County chapter of the American Red Cross at (360) 733-3290. See also the Vision Service Plan website at www.vsp.com.
New boatyard docks in Bellingham Officials at the Port of Bellingham expect a new boatyard to open this month at the old Weldcraft site in Squalicum Harbor. Seaview North is a venture of the well-known Seaview Boatyards in Seattle. Service will begin with a haul-out capacity of 35 tons and a 100-ton lift will be added once the Port completes necessary marine side upgrades. Seaview plans to make more than $1 million in shoreside improvements to complement the Port’s $1.2 million commitment. Environmental cleanup will take place utilizing separate funds specifically set aside for such purposes. The Port will also do some minor dredging and strengthen the adjacent bulkhead, docks and pier. Seaview will hire six people immediately and eventually employ 25 to 35 people when in full operation. More information can be obtained by calling the Port of Bellingham at (360) 676-2500 or accessing their website www.portofbellingham.com. Seaview’s website: www.seaviewboatyard.com.
Rotary roses reward foster families Bellingham Bay Rotary Club donated 800 long-stem roses to Brigid Collins in honor of National Foster Care Month in May. Foster care parents were given a rose and a hand-made thank you card from a foster child. Brigid Collins provides education, support and services to Whatcom County families to prevent and break the cycle of child abuse. Find out more about Brigid Collins by calling (360) 734-4616 or accessing the website: www.brigidcollins.com.
Radiator shop flushed with success Martin’s Radiator and Exhaust received Business of the Month honors in May from the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. Rob Coty’s firm was cited for friendly service and offering free front-end inspections. Coty also furnished cleaning services and paint for the chamber float. Outstanding Ferndale businesses gain recognition each month from the retail trade committee of the chamber. Call Martin’s Radiator and Exhaust at (360) 384-3500. The Ferndale Chamber website is www.ferndale-chamber.com.
Washington Banking declares record dividend Washington Banking Company, which operates Whidbey Island Bank in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties, declared a record 79 percent increase in first quarter earnings and will distribute $0.065 per common share to shareholders as of May 9, 2002. This is the 16th consecutive quarterly cash dividend since the company went public in June 1998. A 23 percent loan growth and a 10 percent deposit growth, compared to the same period a year ago, were also announced. Shareholder’s equity increased 12 percent to $36.1 million, and book value rose to $8.91 per share as of March 31, 2002, up from $7.97 twelve months ago. The company’s shares closed at $16 on May 15. Whidbey Island Bank’s website is www.wibank.com.
PUD completes fiber optic purchase Public Utility District #1 of Whatcom County has completed the purchase of a six-mile loop of fiber optic cable from Avista Communications. Acquisition of the line in downtown Bellingham is the first step in the PUD’s effort to connect communities in the county through a planned InfiNET fiber optic network. InfiNET is a public/private partnership. By law, the PUD can provide only the infrastructure for the planned network. Cities, school districts and other public entities will team with local Internet service providers to complete the network. Avista decided to sell its telecommunications holdings and return the company’s focus to energy related businesses thereby opening the way for the PUD purchase. For further information about InfiNET, call (360) 383-0620 or access the website at www.pudinfinet.org.
WWU, Port collaborate on economic studies Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research has been commissioned by the Port of Bellingham to produce a detailed and continuing analysis of the local economy. Each sector of the local economy will be subject to analysis, beginning with agriculture. The first round of studies will be completed by mid-fall and presented in some type of public forum during the winter. The Center has been doing projections of the local economy since 1985, and the Port’s involvement enables CEBR to include specific analyses of industrial, agricultural, forestry, fishing and retail sectors. The Western contract is part of a $36,000 research and community education project led by the Port and the Partnership for a Sustainable Economy. Contact Hart Hodges at WWU, (360) 650-3909; Steve Jilk at the Port, (360) 676-2500; or access the Port’s website: www.portofbellingham.com.
Local businesses help honor human rights supporters For the past seven years, the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force has been honoring local individuals and groups for outstanding efforts in that field. Cited at the banquet on May 23 were the members of the Friday Peace Vigil Group who have been standing vigil at the Federal Building for decades; Cecelia Lopez of Blaine who works for immigrant rights and services; Bill Wassmuth, a former priest who has been drawing attention to white supremacist groups in the region; and Cynthia Zaferatos, who teaches at Lowell Elementary School and incorporates diversity into her curriculum. WHRTF thanked Cascade Laundry Services, Bellingham Food Coop, Lakeway Cost Cutter, 12th Street Starvin’ Sam’s, Tony’s Espresso, and Mediterranean Specialties for their help with the banquet. More than 60 other local businesses contributed items for the highly successful silent auction accompanying the banquet. For more information on WHRTF, call Robin Elwood at (360) 733-2233 or see the website at www.whrtf.org.
Senior certification offered for remodelers Backed by the American Association for Retired Persons, the National Association of Homebuilders is offering a new certification for remodelers who cater to an aging populace. Called “Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist” (CAPS), the designation denotes remodelers who specialize in such things as walk-in showers, grab rails and lowered counter tops. Jules Lambert, president of the local Master Remodelers Council, says the designation is so new that no one in Whatcom County has earned it yet. His firm, Lambert Construction, will be among those seeking the certification. Access the NAH website at www.nahb.com.
Clear Channel plans no changes at KVOS Devotees of Bellingham’s local television station can take comfort in the fact that the new owners are not planning any changes at this time. Clear Channel Worldwide, headquartered in San Antonio, TX, is in the process of acquiring The Ackerley Group, which owns KVOS. The acquisition is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission and no one at Clear Channel cares to speculate as to when that will happen. Meantime, according to officials at KVOS, Clear Channel is keeping a respectful distance. “Clear Channel has a reputation for running good television stations,” said Dave Reid, “so if any changes take place after approval, they should be for the better.” Clear Channel’s website is www.clearchannel.com.
New highs for Lowe’s Officials at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse are now predicting a late summer opening for the new Bellingham facility taking shape in the Sunset area. Part of that project involves constructing an extension to Barkley Boulevard, which is expected to help ease the massive traffic congestion at Sunset and Orleans. The extension should be ready in a month or so, and city officials will decide on the actual opening date. Hiring has yet to begin at the new facility and the human resources department said signs would be posted at the site when jobs become available. About 175 jobs will be created when the store is in full operation. Access their website at: www.lowes.com.
Mariner mania hits Bellis Fair Local baseball fans will find it easier to feed their addiction with the opening of the new Mariners store at Bellis Fair this month. The 300-square-foot store will be located in the Mervyn’s wing and feature every imaginable type of Mariners merchandise. Perhaps the most welcome feature for local fans will be the ability to purchase game tickets without the added fees imposed by ticket agencies. Bellis Fair officials are predicting an immediate increase in mall traffic as a result of the new store. The Mariners shop will employ six to eight people. Plans for opening day will be announced soon and are expected to include at least one Mariners player to sign autographs. Visit the Mariners’ website at www.seattlemariners.com.
Brown & Cole moving carefully at Southside site Insensitivity to the wishes of area residents speeded the demise of the former Albertson’s supermarket on the Old Fairhaven Parkway at Interstate 5. Local grocery chain Brown & Cole, the new owner of the site, won’t make the same mistake. Company president and CEO Craig Cole, himself a Southside resident, is spending a lot of time and money to make sure any new facility on the site meets with the approval of his neighbors. Recent gains in population have rendered the Southside statistically underserved by grocery stores and Cole finds this encouraging. “We don’t do cookie-cutter operations,” Cole said, “We customize to the uniqueness of the neighborhood being served.” Cole added that it’s better to use existing commercial sites than “…to keep spreading blacktop everywhere.” The transaction on the former Albertson’s site was expected to close at the end of May. Brown & Cole operates 35 stores with 2,200 employees in Washington, Oregon and Montana. It is one of the largest privately held firms in the state. Call Brown & Cole at (360) 714-9797. They do not have a website that is accessible to the public.
Steve Moore establishes MOORE and Company Steve Moore, commercial real estate broker for 27 years as an owner of Pacific Continental Realty, has established MOORE and company in Bellingham. Late last year he sold his equity in Pacific Continental to partner Jim Bjerke. The new firm will focus on brokering real estate, a Moore specialty. Moore said he is undaunted by the challenge of leaving a well-established business to start anew. MOORE and company offices are in the Crown Point building in downtown Bellingham. (360) 201-8999
Best Cruise Holidays and Tours moves Linda Roggenburg, owner of Best Cruise Holidays and Tours, has announced the travel company has moved to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven from its former Harris Avenue address. The company sells getaways on the world’s cruise lines and passage on large ships, small ships, riverboats and barges. For information, call Best Holidays and Tours at (360) 714-1142.
U.S. Bank and Northwest Airlines offer air miles Northwest Airlines has selected U.S. Bank to become a partner in its Worldperks program. Members can now earn 100 frequent flyer miles for every $1,000 of financing from U.S. Bank. “Our partnership with U.S. Bank makes the prospect of buying a home even more exciting for members of WorldPerks,” said Russ Hinckley, a manager with the program. For information, contact U.S. Bank Home Mortgage benefits, (866) 512-5975.
VoiceStream supports literacy VoiceStream has contributed $2,000 to the Whatcom Literacy for Life Project, which raises money for literacy programs in Whatcom County and is run by the Whatcom Literacy Council. “Voice-Stream recognizes the importance of literacy for adults in the Whatcom County Community,” said Dennis Carroll, Voice-Stream site director. “Being one of the largest employers in this area, we want to share in supporting this great cause.” For information, contact the Whatcom Literacy Council at (360) 647-3264.
Omega Wave breaks into Bellingham As of June 1 the Bellingham Athletic Club will offer its members Omega Wave, a machine that gives athletes an inside look into how their bodies function by monitoring electrical activity in heart and brain waves. The system, which was developed by Russian scientists, will allow athletes to optimize their performances, according to a news release from the club. For information, call (360) 676-1800.
Bellingham Massage Therapy Center hires Rick Phan, owner of the Bellingham Massage Therapy Center, has hired two licensed massage therapists to join the center in June. The practice, located at 4097 James Street Road, is now accepting new clients. For information, call (360) 752-0870.
Bellingham waterski shop opens Bellingham entrepreneur Kathy Gurre has opened Bellingham Board Sports, which specializes in boat-powered water sports. The shop has a selection of wake boards and water skis, as well as tips and a list of local instructors. Bellingham Board Sports, Gurre said, is the first of its kind in Bellingham, located at 930 State Street. For information, call (360) 734-2566.
Culinary Escape returns to Blaine Lewis Machado has returned his Culinary Escape catering business to Blaine. The company was established in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1999, and earlier operated in the northern Whatcom County area. Culinary Escapes caters parties and events plus provides personal chef services for special events at home. Contact: (360) 224-1330. E-mail: lewimachado@hotmail.com
Haggen wins two national ad awards Good Housekeeping and the Food Marketing Institute have presented two of their most prestigious national advertising awards to Haggen stores for creative placements in 2001. Haggen’s in-house advertising staff won awards for the Best Full Color Merchandising Newspaper Advertisement and Best Direct Mail. The Best Full Color Merchandising award was given for the Viva Italia wine ad, which ran in Bellingham area newspapers in 2001. TOP Food and Drug won its direct mail award for a promotion for the grand opening of the new TOP Food and Drug in Bellevue last May. |
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