|
Air Canada’s $6 billion Boeing order
a boon for Skagit economy
Air Canada signed a contract in November with Boeing to update their fleet with up to 36 Boeing 777s and 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The conclusion of the order comes six months after the airline announced a wide-body fleet renewal plan, subject to a number of conditions. As with the previous agreement, announced last April, the new contract with Air Canada includes firm orders for 18 777’s, plus purchase rights for 18 more in a yet-to-be-determined mix of the 777 family’s newest models: the 777-300ER, the 777-200LR Worldliner (the longest-range airplane in the world) and the newly announced 777 Freighter. Air Canada’s new 777 deliveries will begin in 2007. The order also includes 14 ultra-efficient new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, plus options and purchase rights for an additional 46 airplanes. Air Canada’s first 787 will be delivered in 2010. The firm orders in the agreement have list prices of approximately $6 billion.Both the 777s and 787s are assembled at the company’s factory in Everett.Don Wick, from the Skagit Economic Development Association of Skagit County, said, “When Boeing is busy, the regional economy is healthier. We have businesses that do work with Boeing and we have a number of people in the community who work at Boeing – and those are both very important reasons to celebrate Boeing’s success.”
Moss Adams acquires Neff+Ricci
Seattle based accounting firm Moss Adams LLP is entering the New Mexico market by acquiring that state’s biggest accounting firm, Neff+Ricci. The deal is expected to be complete January 1, 2006.
Moss Adams LLP is the 12th largest accounting and consulting firm in the U.S. and the largest firm headquartered on the West Coast. They have an office in Bellingham that services companies throughout our region. Rick Anderson, CEO, Moss Adams LLP, said, “Moss Adams is interested in continuing to grow and expand in new markets and Neff+Ricci fits well within our growth strategy. The clients and industries serviced by Neff+Ricci complement our industry expertise. We believe they will be an excellent addition to the firm.”Neff+Ricci LLP, founded in Albuquerque in 1947, is the largest firm in New Mexico with 15 partners and over 100 professionals. They provide business assurance, tax, and consulting services to public, private, and governmental agencies.Wayne Brown, Managing Partner, Neff+Ricci LLP, said, “We explored a number of national and super regional firms to join and Moss Adams was clearly the best choice for us. They have tremendous depth and experience in the industry sectors we currently serve benefitting our clients and staff.” Regarding the new acquisition, Russ Wilson, Moss Adams’ Bellingham Managing Partner, said, “We are excited to expand our market into the southwest. The addition of Neff+Ricci will give us additional capacity and allow us to continue to grow our practice.”
Arlington manufacturing plant to close
As of press time for this magazine, G.B. Electronics Inc., a Bellingham-based company, was scheduled to close its manufacturing plant in Arlington at the end of November. It is expected that all 140 employees will be laid off.
G.B. Enterprises Inc. makes transformers and other power systems for the cable television and telecommunications industries at a facility near the south end of Arlington Municipal Airport. Their parent company is Alpha Technologies of Bellingham.
In its official notice to the Arlington employees, the privately held company said competitive considerations were also a factor. The company also said that the employees at the plant would receive up to four weeks of severance pay.
Baby Boat relocates to Mount Vernon
Baby Boat, the largest independent maternity, breastfeeding, and infant specialty store north of Seattle, previously located in Burlington, recently relocated to a bigger location in Mount Vernon.
After two years of consistent growth, a third move was necessary to accommodate increasing demands from a growing clientele.
The move in November to 526 College Way in Mount Vernon allows for an increase in inventory and the addition of infant furniture. The first two locations were in the Cascade Mall in Burlington. The first space was 1,200-square-feet, and more room was needed less than year after opening to add more products. In March 2004, they moved to a space of 2,500-square-feet.
Skagit Valley apple growers think outside the orchard
Rose and Alan Merritt, owners of Merritt Apple Farm, which has been in Bow for 35 years, and the largest apple growers in Western Washington with 70 acres, decided to turn apples into apple pie in their new red bakery barn “Rosabella’s” on the corner of Farm to Market and Allen West roads.
“The only way for our small family farm to survive in today’s world”, said Rose, “is to give folks what they want. We decided to turn our low-cost commodity apples into high quality baked goods for busy, time-starved people.”
The Merritt’s spent six years doing their homework prior to jumping into their new project. They visited and studied other farm businesses across the U.S. and Canada to see what worked and what didn’t. “Life has changed a lot in the last 10 years” says Alan. “Globalization, outsourcing, consolidation and competition have depressed apple prices beyond recognition. We knew we would be out of business quickly if we didn’t start planning for the future. We hope this venture will turn our lives around.”
Rosabella’s opened for business in late October.
TopLine Builders completes first built green houses
TopLine Builders recently completed the first three homes in Whatcom County that are independently certified by the Built Green and Energy Star programs.
“We choose better materials and use state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and filtration to provide fresh air, eliminate allergens and avoid moisture build-up,” said Travis Rohrer, owner of Bellingham-based TopLine Builders. “As a bonus, owners should realize a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption. That will pay big dividends now and as energy costs rise in the future.”
TopLine Builders, the 2004 Whatcom County Builder of the Year, is one of only two Energy Star certified contractors north of Seattle.
Port of Bellingham sells former Fed-Ex building
The Port of Bellingham commissioners voted unanimously last month to approve a resolution to surplus the former Federal Express Building at 4167 Airport Way at the Bellingham airport. The property, built by the port in the late 1980s, has been empty for two years since Federal Express relocated to a new facility on airport property.
The building was bought from the port by SIS Flight LLC. The company is owned by Steve Scott and Tek Construction owners Dean Irwin and Will Scott.
SIS Flight plans to enter into a 30-year agreement with the port to lease the 9,000-square-foot building. Plans for renovations include converting the building to general aviation use and to turn the building’s warehouse into hangar space. Tek Construction also plans to move its headquarters into the building.
Homestead Group plans Birch Bay expansion
The Homestead Group of Lynden recently purchased the site of Birch Bay Waterslides at 4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. It will rename the project Grand Bay Resort. The site is 14 acres of developable land zoned general commercial.
Homestead says they don’t intend to tear down or close the waterslides. The entire site will undergo remodel, including future improvements of hot tubs, walkways and exit pools so the park may be used year round.
The overall site plan is still under development, with Homestead completing a site design competition between three local architectural firms.
The plan for the Grand Bay Resort site includes approximately 200 condominium units, as well as hotel-time share units, fitness center, spa, restaurants, bank, and over 25,000-square-feet of retail space.
Walker’s Healthy Pets expands
Walker’s Healthy Pet, an all-natural pet company with stores in Mount Vernon, Bellingham and Smokey Point, announced the relocation of its Bellingham store within Barkley Village. They were at the previous location for three years. The new location will open in the beginning of December. The new space will feature new racking, checkout counter and acid-etched concrete flooring and more available parking. As always, pets are welcome at all Walker’s Healthy Pet Stores.
Blue Sea Systems wins IBEX innovation award
Bellingham-based Blue Sea Systems recently won an award at the International Boat Builder’s Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) in Miami, Florida.
The company won the 2005 Electrical Systems Innovation Award for their Dual Circuit Battery Switch. The Dual Circuit Battery Switch is the first major improvement in battery switches in years. The switch simplifies multi-bank battery switching with a single on/off switch and eliminates the confusion surrounding the traditional four position battery switch.The Dual Circuit Battery Switch is available in Blue Sea Systems m-Series and e-Series switches.Blue Sea Systems was founded in 1992 to create high quality marine electrical products designed to improve the safety, simplicity and reliability of boating. The company’s management and engineers are active boaters that apply to their passion to developing products that enhance the experience of boaters.
Whidbey Trade Fair & Home Show Great Success
Whidbey Island businesses offering goods and services took advantage of public exposure opportunities at the 14th annual Uniquely Whidbey Trade Fair & Home Show in October in Coupeville. Over 2,500 potential customers took advantage of the opportunity to attend and meet vendors at the largest business showcase held in northwest Washington.
The variety of entrepreneurs ranged from massage therapists, interior designers, food products and home construction specialists. Uniquely Whidbey also allows students the opportunity to earn funds for club activities, and local students have a positive opportunity to interact with possible future employers. Community groups, college representatives, and a host of public service agencies were on hand in an effort to expose the depths of community services found in Island County. The dates for next years show are tentatively set for October 14 and 15. Vendors must be a local business to participate.
Tesoro’s Anacortes Refinery Invests
in Clean Air Technology
With the start-up of a new emissions control unit in the first week of November, residents of Anacortes and the Skagit Valley will see a larger white plume of water vapor coming from the Tesoro Refinery on March’s Point.
A new $30 million, state-of-the-art “wet gas scrubber” at the Anacortes refinery is designed to reduce sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions from the plant’s main stack by almost 98 percent. The emissions reductions are achieved by spraying or “scrubbing” hot flue gas with water as it leaves the refinery’s main process units.
“This emissions reducing unit reflects Tesoro’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible operations,” said refinery Manager Dave Reed. “We opted not only to reduce particulate emissions, as required by regulation, but also to voluntarily install state-of-the-art equipment that will reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide. To us, it was simply the right thing to do.”
The company emphasized the visible water vapor plume coming from the wet gas scrubber will be an indication of normal operations.
The scrubber is the latest of a series of major investments and environmental upgrades totaling more than $75 million made by Tesoro in 2004 and 2005 at the Anacortes plant.
Bellingham Golf & Country Club completes clubhouse
Bellingham Golf & Country Club’s new facilities, featuring a large events and banquet hall, will be ready for use starting the first week of December reported general manager Robert Shelton. The clubhouse was designed by the Zervas Group Architects and built by Dawson Construction. The member grand opening took place in late November.
3D Announces Cisco SMB Select Partner Status
3D Corporation announced its SMB Select Partner designation from Cisco Systems. The designation indicates that 3D has completed a focused effort to increase the level of Cisco sales and support capabilities within its organization. In addition, 3D has met the rigorous Cisco certified personnel levels required by an SMB Select Partner.
“What this means to our clients,” said 3D CEO Dave Koshinz, “is that we can ensure that our sales and support teams are qualified to properly sell, design, install and support the Cisco product line for small to medium-sized businesses.”
3D also announced the launch of a new website. Wanting to provide greater community resources and more closely align its branding with its services, 3D repositioned its website to reflect these changes. “Our new site encourages businesses and end users of technology to become more familiar with our products and services,” said Koshinz.
3D Corporation has been providing professional services in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties since 1987.
Pro CNC Inc. recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal
Pro CNC Inc., a Bellingham-based company, located on Sequoia Drive in the Cordata area, was recently ranked number 45 out of the top 100 fastest growing privately owned companies in Washington state by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Companies are ranked according to the percentage change in revenue from the years 2002 to 2004.
The company recently announced that it had taken delivery of it’s largest capital equipment purchase to date and would be leasing an additional 4,000-square-feet to accommodate the purchase. The expansion will be contiguous with the current facility, now occupying 14,000-square-feet.
Pro CNC Inc. was founded in 1997 in Monroe, where all three owners met while attending Western Washington University. The company moved to Bellingham in 2001.
Pro CNC Inc. is a precision machine shop specializing in close tolerance machined metal and plastic components for a variety of fields, including the medical, aerospace and computer industries.
Tourists spend record amount
According to a recent study by the Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development, visitors to Whatcom County spent a record $360.8 million dollars in 2004, up 7.8 percent from 2003.
“The tourism industry continues to be an important component of the local economy,” Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism President John Cooper said. “Since 2000, visitor spending has increased by nearly 19 percent. Travel and tourism now supports 6,280 full and part-time jobs for our residents.”Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the local economy by attracting more visitors who stay longer.
Green demolition makes way for mixed-use building
Preparations are underway for a mixed-use building in the 1200 block of West Holly Street in Bellingham. This project will be the first combined commercial/residential building to be built in Bellingham’s old town in over 50 years. Kelly Beerman, owner of Corvus Refined Urban Dwellings, has contracted the RE Store to deconstruct 1203 and 1209 West Holly Street to make way for the project. The building at 1203 W. Holly Street was previously owned by local architect Don Wilcox. Wilcox is also the architect on the new project.
Pending the passing of a variance, the ground floor will house the Mt. Bakery, and other businesses with 5600-square-feet of office/retail space on the street front and six condominiums on the top two floors.
Landlubber closes doors
After nearly 30 years in business, Penny Beebe closed the doors of Landlubber Mercantile of Bellingham on December 1. The retail store has been at 1322 Cornwall Avenue for five years. Since opening in Birch Bay in 1976, it has also been located in Discovery Park and Sunset Square.
WECU to expand
The Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) is designing and constructing a 9,000-square-foot Real Estate and Business Loan Center at 516 East Holly Street. Zervas Group Architects is working with Be Green Consulting. Construction documents are currently being completed and project construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2006. WECU has registered the project with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
In addition to Zervas and Be Green, the design and construction team includes: CDi Engineers as the mechanical engineer who will be working with Blythe Mechanical Systems on the installation; Freeland & Associates is providing the civil engineering; Geiger Engineers is providing structural engineering; Triad Electric will be the design/build electrical contractor, and Biermann Design will provide interior designs. Pearson Construction will be the general contractor. WECU is the first private project to register with the LEED Rating System in Bellingham.
Trillium purchases property in downtown Bellingham
Trillium Corp. recently purchased property near Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham. The Bellingham based company purchased property on the corner of West Holly and West Champion streets, currently the home of Boss Tweed restaurant, from restaurant owner John Sands for approcimately $1.5 million. According to Trillivm officials, they are developing a plan for the parcel which may include the construction of condos.
Kimbler & Thomas Financial Group, Inc. adds providers
Kimbler & Thomas Financial Group Inc., a full financial services firm in Bellingham, recently added several additional long-term care insurance providers.According to co-owner David Thomas, “The addition of these carriers further strengthens our ability to provide the best products and services in the long term care arena for those individuals at or near retirement, as part of their overall financial planning. It allows us to tailor the product to each individual, since there is wide variation among companies over the products and services they offer.”Current carriers include Prudential, Genworth (General Electric), USAllianz, John Hancock, and Mutual of Omaha, along with several other companies.
ICU announces plans to open new branch
Industrial Credit Union (ICU) announced plans to open a branch in Lynden at 8170 Guide Meridian in the Lynden Towne Plaza. The branch is scheduled to open in early December and will be ICU’s sixth branch in Whatcom County.
The branch will feature a full range of financial services including a walkup ATM, safety deposit boxes and night depository. The Lynden Branch will also be the second ICU branch to feature Shared Branching. Shared Branching is a financial partnership between more than 1,100 member credit unions across the nation. This service allows members to conduct their everyday transactions at other shared branching credit unions.
WWU plans $51.4 million project
Western Washington University (WWU) plans to begin construction of a $51.4 million building in the late winter or early spring of 2006 on the south campus of the University near the communications facility. The 120,000-square-foot building will house the psychology and communications sciences and disorders departments and clinics as well as classrooms, lecture halls, computer labs and a collaborative learning center.
Pankow purchases Mac & Mac Electric
A former employee of Mac & Mac Electric of Bellingham, Ed Pankow, recently purchased all the company’s shares from owners Dodie Perry and Jack Salstrom. Although Perry is retired, Salstrom continues at Mac & Mac as an employee and mentor to the staff.As Mac & Mac’s new owner, Pankow plans to continue the company’s strong tradition of service dating back to 1947 when the company began.“I’m very pleased to see Mac & Mac continuing on,” founder George McKay said.In addition to the change in ownership, journeyman Chad Huben moved from Industrial Electric and Machine, and apprentice Ryan McLaughlin, was hired.
Renovations have also been done – including a new shop layout, paint inside and out, and tropical fish tanks in the show room. Mac & Mac also has plans to expand its existing services, including the sale of motors, pumps and bearings.
A-1 Builders acquires Landreth Home Design
In a merger of the companies, Cindi Landreth, former owner of Landreth Home Design, has joined A-1 Builders as vice president of the company and lead designer and manager of Adaptations, the company’s design division.
“Cindi Landreth brings an immense amount of experience in green design as well as an exceptional creative approach to design. A-1 Builders is committed to green design and green building and we look forward to leveraging her expertise and unique creative style in working with clients,” said Rick Dubrow, owner and first hammer of A-1 Builders.
Landreth Home Design operated as a full-service design firm offering building design, space planning, material selection and design consultations for remodels and custom homes.
A-1 Builders is based in Bellingham and has been in business since 1955. The company is a full-service remodeling and custom homebuilder, committed to outstanding workmanship, impeccable aesthetics, and sustainable designs.
City of Bellingham installs automated pay stations
As part of continued upgrades to the parking management system, the city of Bellingham will replace hourly meters with automated pay stations in several areas of downtown.
Over the next six months, automated pay stations, known as LUKE by the company that manufactures them, will be installed in several areas of downtown.
LUKE pay stations were installed in mid-November at each of the three stairwells on the main floor of the parkade for hourly parking customers. LUKE pay stations will eliminate the need for a live cashier and be available for making payment after 5 p.m.
In January, six LUKE pay stations will be installed along the 1300 block of Railroad Avenue to replace the 99 hourly parking meters there.
Opal Mahoney, Parking Services Supervisor, said additional LUKE pay stations are planned for installation later next year in the 1100 block of Railroad Avenue to coincide with the opening of Depot Market Square.
The city will also implement an increase in parking rates and fines for both on and off-street hourly and monthly permit parking to go into effect January 1, 2006.
Hourly parking rates will increase from a quarter an hour to $.50 per hour. Rates for parking tickets and parking infractions will increase from $5 to $10 with no early pay discount option. Parking infractions will increase from $10 to $20. Parking enforcement, which currently begins at 10 a.m., will start two hours earlier and be in operation from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Parking on Saturdays and Sundays will continue to be free.
City Transportation Supervisor Clark Williams said these changes are part of a new parking management plan included in the 2004 City Center Master Plan. The plan was endorsed by the Bellingham Parking Commission in 2004 and approved by the Bellingham City Council earlier this year. “We want to discourage meter-feeders, generate additional needed revenue to plan for and implement parking system expansion, promote alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel and frankly, to keep up with inflation,” said Williams.
Jim Bjerke, owner of Pacific Continental Realty, downtown tenant and landlord served as chair of the Parking Commission in the early 1990’s. “These issues were considered back then. I’m not surprised or disappointed that these changes are being implemented now,” he said.
Blu Sky Web Solutions expands capabilities
Blu Sky Web Solutions of Bellingham recently increased its web-hosting capabilities by installing ColdFusion 7 Enterprise, which will enable clients to use their website for creating PDF files. The website will automatically create a PDF file of a document that a user wants to e-mail or download. The application also enables users to send messages through the website to cell phones and facilitates generation and integration of business reports.
“Few web-hosting companies offer this technology due to its cost,” said Rick O’Connor, president of Blu Sky Web Solutions. “However, this application increases the overall functionality of a website, converting it from an online brochure into a powerful business tool that saves money and increases productivity. ColdFusion also enables clients to easily update pages and membership directories on their websites.”
In other company news, Blu Sky Web Solutions purchased the shared web-hosting clients of a hosting company based in Dallas, Texas. The clients include companies in Germany, Sweden and Mexico. Blu Sky Web Solutions also acquired the capability to install streaming video on websites.
Blu Sky Web Solutions, founded in 1999, offers website design and hosting services, application development and database design.
Scholarships available for young entrepreneurs
America’s largest small-business group wants to help tomorrow’s businessmen and women get a head start in their entrepreneurial life by offering them one of the hottest scholarship awards in the nation.
The Young Entrepreneur Foundation of the National Federation of Independent Business annually awards $1,000 scholarship awards to high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative in a variety of ways, including test scores, membership in civic organizations such as Junior Achievement or the 4-H, or having already begun a small enterprise of their own.
Applications will be accepted starting January 2, 2006 and end March 15, 2006, but students can get a head start by logging on to www.NFIB.com/YEF for details.
City receives federal dollars for
transportation improvement
The city of Bellingham was recently selected to receive Federal Transportation Enhancement dollars to help fund the Whatcom Creek Trail and Northwest Avenue Pedestrian Improvement projects. Both projects were selected by the Whatcom Transportation Policy Board, which consists of government officials from the region.
The Whatcom Creek Trail project will include development of a new section of trail to complete a gap in the existing trail corridor. A new limestone multi-use path will be constructed from Racine Street to Meador Avenue including an underpass at I-5. Local funds will construct the trail from I-5 to Ellis Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2007.
The Northwest Avenue pedestrian improvements will consist of curb, gutter and sidewalk on Northwest Avenue from McLeod Road to E. Bakerview Road. The sidewalk will provide a complete pedestrian corridor from downtown to the growing areas on E. Bakerview Road. The project is slated for construction in 2007.
Bellingham Technical College announces
partner for healthcare education in India
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) recently announced an agreement with Grimus Technologies Inc. and Guru Nanak Institute of Health Sciences and Research to provide nursing education in India. Guru Nanak Institute of Health Sciences and Research (GN Institute) is an Indian charitable society that operates a nursing school in the village of Athouli, Punjab, India; Grimus Technologies Inc. is a B.C. registered and based company focused on healthcare projects, healthcare education, and healthcare placement.
The partnership will provide nursing education in India, with the standards and curriculums developed and/or endorsed by BTC, via co-enrollment of India students in GN Institute and BTC for nursing coursework and leading to a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate from BTC and a diploma from GN Institute. Enrollment began with the fall quarter 2005.
|
|
|