BIAW fights proposed L&I restriction
Democratic lawmakers are again pushing a bill that would make the Building Industry Association of Washington’s Return on Industrial Insurance fee schedule illegal. Under the Department of Labor and Industries’ Retrospective Ratings Program, industries are given the option of pooling their workers’ compensation risk.
In these cases, associations like BIAW and the Washington State National Federation of Independent Business will collect fees from participating businesses, then divide any workers’ compensation refunds among them at the end of the year. Each association can structure these pools however they see fit.
The BIAW collects a relatively small fee at the beginning of the year, then keeps 20 percent of any refund as payment for handling its participating members’ L&I claims throughout the year. L&I and Rep. Bill Fromhold (D) of the 49th legislative district want to put a cap on the amount BIAW can keep, arguing that because BIAW is an active political lobbying group, the group is essentially siphoning workers’ compensation funds for political means.
Not so, says BIAW Public Relations Director Erin Shannon. The difference, she said, is that the BIAW’s ROII program is run like a business, with voluntary membership. This makes it unlike a mandatory union in which fees are automatically worked into salary structures.
“We have a lot of small members, so instead of charging a large upfront fee, we start with a small fee,” she said. “Come rebate time, we keep 20 percent.”
Other such groups choose to charge heftier upfront fees, and then keep a smaller portion of the refund for payment.
Courts have deemed L&I’s proposed rule “arbitrary and capricious” in the past, but with Democrats in control of the Washington state Legislature, Fromhold has reintroduced it for legislative review as Retro 1070.
Shannon defends BIAW’s fee structure as a practical solution designed to encourage membership and save the building industry money.
“It saves (the building industry) a ton of money,” she said. “It encourages the broadest participation because you can get the little guys who can’t pony up a large upfront fee.”
Meanwhile, a recent national survey on workers’ compensation insurance rates showed Washington dropping ten places since its last evaluation.
Carolyn Logue is director of the WSNFIB, and said in a January press release that this shortcoming could stall the possibility of full economic recovery.
“We’ve been saying all along that Washington has to reform its workers’ compensation system the same way it did its unemployment insurance system,” she said. “This must be a top priority for the new Legislature, otherwise more hospitable states surrounding us will continue to better their economies at the expense of ours.”
Washington was ranked 35th in a national list of highest-paying states, paying between $2 and $2.99 per $100 of payroll. The highest was California at $6.08, and the lowest was North Dakota at $1.06.
Tom Kwieciak is administrator of social programs for BIAW said this drop is symptomatic of a larger problem.
“Our workers’ comp rates have gone up 40 percent in the last two years,” he said. “No matter where you start from, we’re headed in the wrong direction.”
However, Kwieciak said these numbers are arbitrary without considering other factors.
“First, you have to know the benefit levels of each state, and second, you have to know how efficient the system is,” he said. “A state may look cheap, but it could be woefully inefficient. L&I has a monopoly (on workers’ compensation) in this state so they don’t have to compete.”
Washington is one of just a handful of states that handles workers’ compensation through a state-run department.

Horizon Bank announces 65th consecutive cash dividend
Bellingham-based Horizon Bank announced it had increased its quarterly dividend by 4 percent to $0.135 per share. Dividends were paid to shareholders of record Feb. 1. This was the third increase announced in 2004.
Horizon Bank operates 17 full-service offices, three commercial loan centers and three real estate loan centers in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.

Christianson’s Nursery judged best in Northwest
The Puget Sound Consumers’ Checkbook rated Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon the best out of 89 nurseries evaluated through consumer surveys between February 2000 and August 2004.
Christianson’s was rated at 92 percent overall, and at 100 percent for advice, quality and ease of shopping -- the only nursery to receive a perfect grade.
John Christianson co-owns the nursery and greenhouse with his wife, Toni. The nursery, located along Best Road, spreads across seven acres and includes hundreds of thousands of plants, from exotic tropical palms and orchids to plain-old pansies to deep-hued, aromatic roses.
Former Skagit County Commissioner Bob Hart, who still lives next door to the nursery, sold the family nursery to the Christiansons in 1990.
John Christianson was working at Molbak’s Nursery, a Northwest gardening institution, when he seized the chance to buy the Skagit Valley nursery he now owns.
The nursery was previously known as Hart’s Nursery and had been in business since 1946.

Early check on premium rate saves contractors money later
The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries reminds contractors to verify hourly workers’ compensation premium rates before bidding on contracts.
To avoid unexpected premiums, contractors can contact their account managers at the phone number listed on their quarterly report, or call L&I directly at (360) 902-4817.
L&I said this measure is particularly important now, because it has recently increased the number of audits it carries out as part of its anti-fraud effort.

Crown Pacific Timber shuts down
Crown Pacific Timber announced it is shutting down due to bankruptcy and will hand over 524,000 acres of land to creditors Cascade Timberlands. The land is valued at $448 million.
Of the land, 229,000 acres lie in Washington state, including a 147,063-acre tree farm in Hamilton, a small community in eastern Skagit County. Three mills were sold to International Forest Products of Vancouver, B.C. for $74 million.
The bankruptcy is the result of a sharp drop in timber prices after Crown Pacific’s aggressive growth campaign.

Pacific Financial Corporation declares annual dividend
Pacific Financial Corporation’s Board of Directors announced 2004 dividends at $1.44 per share. Stockholders of record were paid Jan. 7.
Pacific Financial Corporation is the holding company for Bank of the Pacific. The company’s banking subsidiary operates 15 bank branches and one loan production office in Grays Harbor, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Skagit counties as well as one loan production office in Oregon.

Seattle Times names top 100 businesses in NW
The Seattle Times NW 100 list includes Washington Banking (11th), the Oak Harbor-based holding company for Whidbey Island Bank, and Horizon Financial Corporation (39th), the Bellingham-based holding company for Horizon Bank.
The list was compiled based on two years of growth history in sales, market value, number of employees and return on average equity.

Governor approves BP cogeneration deal
Outgoing Washington Governor Gary Locke approved BP Cherry Point Refinery’s 720-megawatt cogeneration proposal. BP now can begin construction on a natural gas-powered energy plant on its Cherry Point property. The plant will bring 35 jobs to Whatcom County and power to 700,000 homes. The plant will also power the refinery.

“Giuseppe Employee Donation Fund” seeks donors after fire
Key Bank branches are accepting donations for the “Giuseppe Employee Donation Fund” after a fire forced Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant in Bellingham to close Dec. 20 last year. Giuseppe’s plans to reopen in February.

ENW announces new logo, new location
Excellence Northwest unveiled a new logo created by Shew Design, and moved to Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. The new location is more accessible and offers additional parking.
“We love the image,” said ENW Board President Dave Walker. “It represents taking a big leap. The person in the logo is living big which is what our courses are all about.”
Excellence Northwest offers courses in personal and professional effectiveness.

Bellingham Golf and Country Club breaks ground on new clubhouse
The Bellingham Golf and Country Club is demolishing its old clubhouse and replacing it with a new $4.15 million facility. Members will have full access to golf and pool facilities, but food service will be limited and the pro shop and offices will be moved temporarily. The new clubhouse is expected to open the last week of September.
The country club is also building a $0.5 million turf facility to house maintenance equipment.
The club recently hired Bellingham-based Braintank Studios to redesign and manage its Web presence.

KMI expands through merger
Conveyor belt manufacturer Krause Manufacturing, Inc. of Bellingham announced it has merged with CP Manufacturing, Inc. of National City, Calif.
CP, the second largest conveyor belt manufacturer in the world, bought out 80 percent of KMI, and KMI is now Krause Manufacturing, Inc., A Division of CP Manufacturing, Inc.

Nature’s Path responds to DOE fine
Natures Path Foods’ Blaine factory responded to a recent $18,500 fine from the state Department of Ecology by defending its history of support for environmental causes.
The fine was issued in response to the accidental discharge of more than 600 pounds of organic sugar into the Blaine sewer system.
Nature’s Path said it voluntarily reported the spillage immediately, and is continuing to work with the City of Blaine to install new treatment equipment totaling $750,000.
“It is unfortunate that this fine had to be levied on one of our major industrial customers,” said Blaine Public Works Director Steve Banham. “We have been working closely with Nature’s Path over the last year as they worked to install treatment equipment to meet their permit. We understand the challenge of treating food processing byproducts and we appreciate their efforts to reduce loads on the city’s limited treatment system until new facilities can be constructed.”

Gordon C. Stafford acquires Prudential Kelstrup Realtors
On Dec. 16, Gordon C. Stafford, Jr. acquired sole ownership of Prudential Kelstrup Realtors.
Stafford has worked in real estate for more than 26 years. Prudential Kelstrup Realtors has 40 agents and has been in Whatcom County since 1947.

Roosendaal-Honcoop Const. completes Truss facility
Roosendaal-Honcoop Construction of Bellingham recently completed a state-of-the-art production facility for Louws Truss, Inc. in Ferndale. LouwsTruss moved into the new facility from Laurel in December.
The 20,000-square-foot facility employs approximately 55 people, and includes laser technology to streamline truss assembly. Gary Honcoop managed the project.
Roosendaal-Honcoop celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Skagit Port awards contract
The Port of Skagit County awarded the Whatcom Security Agency a yearlong contract to provide security services to the Bayview Business and Industrial Park and the Skagit Regional Airport. The contract began Jan. 1.
WSA has offices in Bellingham, Mount Vernon and Marysville.

Mount Vernon architectural firm receives award
The Henry Klein Partnership of Mount Vernon won a citation award for its design of the Garden Street Condominiums project in Bellingham. The award was presented at the 2004 Northwest Washington Architectural Design Awards, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.

12th Street Shoes expands, adds men’s shoes
12th Street Shoes in Fairhaven will offer several lines of men’s shoes and accessories beginning mid-February. To date, the store has only sold women’s shoes.
“We’re not going to decrease our women’s lines, just rearrange the displays to make it work,” said owner Jody Finnegan. “It appears Bellingham men are ready for some more interesting shoes than they can get at the mall.”
Owner Jody Finnegan said the move is in response to a record sales year and customer requests.

Whidbey Chamber asks for trade fair applications
The Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2005 Uniquely Whidbey Trade Fair and Home Show, an annual event showcasing local businesses.
The event is tentatively set for Oct. 15 and 16. Call the Island County Economic Development Council at (360) 678-6889 for information.

City bids available by email
The City of Bellingham offers email alerts notifying businesses of local government bid offerings. To sign up, call (360) 676-6870 or visit www.cob.org.

Langley soap company may go wholesale
Langley-based Whidbey Island Soap Company will go wholesale if owner David Tiller can sell his products to retail representatives at upcoming industry shows. The Langley retail shop will remain open.

New mixed-use building proposed for Fairhaven
Developer John Perry plans to build a 26,000-square-foot building behind the Fairhaven Market in Fairhaven. The proposed building would house 20 apartments, a limited number of businesses and underground parking. The four-story building would be nine feet higher than allowed by city codes. Perry is currently seeking approval from the City of Bellingham.

AWB honors Alcoa Intalco
The Association of Washington Business honored Ferndale-based aluminum plant Alcoa Intalco with a 2004 Better Workplace Award in the Workplace Safety category for businesses with more than 250 employees. Specifically, the award was given in recognition of “creative strategies in reducing employee noise exposure and increasing workplace safety in a business well-known for its hazards.”

Bergsma closes gallery to focus on Internet sales
Bellingham’s Bergsma Gallery closed on Jan. 9 after 20 years of operation. Owner and artist Jody Bergsma will now focus on selling her art online. She said she is excited about the future.
“I am thankful for my hometown community and the support they have given me,” she said. “I am now looking forward to a future full of opportunities and new adventures.”
Bergsma recently signed a contract to design 47 greeting cards for Leanin’ Tree. She is already the best-selling artist for the popular alternative greeting card company. Her e-commerce site can be viewed at www.bergsma.com.

Marina files for bankruptcy
Bellingham’s Marina Restaurant filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Jan. 7. The restaurant was slated for auction Jan. 7 – then postponed until Jan. 28 due to weather – after amassing more than $900,000 in debt to Washington Mutual.
Arntsen and Squalicum Investments, Inc. was leasing the Marina property from The Port of Bellingham, and port officials say the lease was paid and up to date. Washington Mutual would have auctioned the deed of trust had the Marina not opted to file for bankruptcy. The Marina will remain open while it restructures.

Eddie Bauer closes
International clothing vendor Eddie Bauer closed its Bellis Fair Mall store in Bellingham Jan. 23 along with 22 other stores across the country. The first Eddie Bauer opened in Seattle in 1920. Eddie Bauer operates an outlet store in Burlington.

3B applies for hard liquor and new name
Bellingham’s 3B Tavern on State Street has applied to change its name to The 3-Bar. Owner Aaron Roeder is also applying to add hard liquor to the bar’s license. The applications are pending.

Club changes name, ownership
Ernesto and Petra Apreza are selling Bellingham Mexican restaurant and night club Fiesta en Americana to Victor Apreza-Reyes and Alejandro Peregrina. Apreza-Reyes and Peregrina plan to change the business name to Tequila Rock Night Club & Mexican Grill.

WBFS expands
Ed Hoessman has opened a branch of Washington Business Formation Services, Inc. in Bellingham. The service specializes in helping people form limited liability companies, corporations and nonprofits.
Hoessman has 20 years of experience and will also be handling clients in Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties.
Existing offices remain in Burlington, Edmonds and Seattle.

Port of Anacortes awards contract
Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc. has been offered a $2.7 million contract to redevelop two main docks at the Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes. The company underbid competitors by $500,000 and will begin building the docks immediately. The redevelopment was sparked by the need for holding increasingly larger pleasure crafts.

Skagit Valley Hospital to add cancer care center
Skagit Valley Hospital announced it is going ahead with plans for a comprehensive cancer care center at the hospital’s main campus in Mount Vernon.
“We are committed to providing our cancer patients with a full continuum of care in one location,” said Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson, FACHE. “Our new cancer care center will feature the latest technology for comprehensive treatment and the continuing presence of our capable, compassionate oncology staff.”
The new center will occupy approximately 20,000 square feet. The facility could be completed by late 2006.

Integral receives Popular Science award
Bellingham-based research and development firm Integral Technologies, Inc. recently received the Popular Science 2004 “Best of What’s New” award for Tom Aisenbry’s development of ElectriPlast, a highly conductive plastic composite. PlasTenna is one of Integral’s patented uses for ElectriPlast and is ideal for use in cellular phones, PDAs and other products that use antennas.

Pizza Factory changes ownership
Marv and Debra Adam have sold Blaine Pizza Factory to Rick and Becky Greenhow after running it for five years. The Greenhows moved to Blaine from Seattle after calling the Pizza Factory corporate office and finding the business was for sale. The Greenhows said the menu will not change and existing staff will keep their jobs.

Tube Time remodels
Bellingham children’s entertainment center Tube Time has added a play area for toddlers, a quiet area for parents and new family-friendly video games. New carpets and a paint job complete the makeover. Tube Time celebrated its 10-year anniversary in January.

S-W company builds America’s Cup boat
Sedro-Woolley composite manufacturer Janicki Industries is building BMW Oracle Racing’s 2007 entry for the America’s Cup race. Janicki built a hull for Oracle’s 2001 entry. The around-the-world yachting competition is considered to be the world’s premiere boat race.

New mixed-use buildings planned for Coupeville
Developer Doug McFadyen plans to build two mixed-use buildings and a house on the corner of Grace and Alexander streets in Coupeville.
Each of the two-story buildings will provide 1,600 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, and apartments upstairs.
Former owner Unocal has some clean-up work to do at the building site, but McFadyen said construction could begin in April and should be complete by the end of the year.

Branch Out! receives Learning Magazine award
Bellingham-based Cultivating Connections recently received Learning Magazine’s prestigious 2005 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Branch Out! educational game and curriculum. Cultivating Connections is a nationally recognized business that specializes in developing fun, hands-on, interactive activities to assist educators in creating safe and effective learning environments for their students.
Forty teacher teams throughout the United States evaluated more than 430 submissions for quality, instructional value, ease of use, and innovation, selecting 67 products to receive the 2005 award.
Molly J. Foote, M.Ed., Branch Out! creator and founder of Cultivating Connections, said she is proud of the honor. “We are very excited about receiving Learning Magazine’s 2005 Teachers’
Choice Award from such an esteemed group of professionals and are honored to be in the company of such distinguished organizations as Scholastic, Inc., Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., Disney Educational Productions, and many others.”

Bridge alliance launches new employment project
The Washington state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development awarded a $76,000 grant to the Economic Development Association of Skagit County and an alliance of other economic development services to launch the Bridge project.
The project is aimed at helping boost the local economy by reducing unemployment.
A major component of the project is Steps to Economic and Personal Success, (STEPS), a workshop organized by The Pacific Institute to help the chronically unemployed join the workforce.
WorkFirst joined forces with the Department of Social and Health Services, Employment Security, Skagit Valley College, the Northwest Workforce Development Council and Skagit County Community Action Agency to form the alliance.

Lynden to court industry
Lynden Mayor Jack Louws told the Lynden City Council he wants the city to work harder at attracting industry. The city has land set aside for industrial use, but as yet has no campaign designed specifically at attracting industry. Louws said he has been having ongoing talks with potential clients since he took office, but industry remains scarce. He said the key is to make sure the city’s rates remain competitive with surrounding cities and British Columbia.

Ebright White/Windermere merger
Ebright Wight and Windermere have merged to form Windermere Management by Ebright Wight LLC. The new property management company moved into a new, 2,800-square-foot building on Eliza Street in January, and will handle all current Windermere and Ebright Wight properties.

Five design awards go to Bellingham architects
Christensen Design Management, Zervas Group Architects, Cascade Joinery and Ross McClure Cornwall Architects, all of Bellingham, were honored at the 2004 Northwest Washington Architectural Design Awards.
Christenson received three, sharing one with Zervas, and Cascade and Ross McClure received one each.

State gets first anaerobic digester
Vander Haak Dairy, LLC in Lynden announced it has completed construction on the state’s first commercial dairy anaerobic digester. The digester converts waste materials such as dairy manure into renewable energy and other products. The digester also reduces odor problems, improves water quality and reduces methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas linked to global climate change.
The project can provide power to approximately 180 homes. The digester was built with the help of a cost-share grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. The 2002 Farm Bill made the funds available.

Bean Blossom changes hands
Sue Eun Chong has bought Bean Blossom Coffee in Bellingham from Richard Lindner, owner since 2002.

Washington Insurance Council issues alert
Recent rains have raised the threat of floods in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. The Washington Insurance Council issued a reminder to business owners to check if they are located on floodplains, and if so to contact the National Flood Insurance Program to investigate flood insurance. For more information, contact WIC at 1 (800) 664-4942.

JJMD, Inc. continues to develop
Burlington-based developer JJMD, Inc. is working on several new projects including the construction of a new hotel in Burlington. JJMD recently acquired franchise rights for Bob’s Burgers & Brew in Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties.
A Burlington location opened in March 2004, and partner Jon Rickert said two new locations are planned for 2005. JJMD also owns a gas station on the same property as the current Bob’s location.
Rickert said the group has not yet decided which hotel it will build, but the 85-unit building will likely be either a Marriott or Hampton Inn. JJMD hopes to complete construction by December.

Hampton Inn begins renovation
Alexander & Associates Mgt., Inc. announced renovations have begun at the Hampton Inn in Bellingham, a 132-room hotel near Bellingham International Airport. Roosendaal-Honcoop Construction won the contract and expects to be done by April. Currently, only 120 rooms are available. The renovations will include new bathrooms and bedrooms, wall vinyl, carpeting, lighting and fresh paint.
“In accordance with our “Make it Hampton” initiative, the room renovation will deliver a more personal, just like home look -- comfy and cozy,” said General Manager Mark Simpson. “When travelers visit the Bellingham Hampton Inn hotel they’ll experience a more personal connection with our products and services.”
The exterior also recently received a makeover. “Make it Hampton” is a large-scale policy and service transformation that includes the introduction of free breakfasts, high-speed Internet access and a satisfaction guarantee. “Hard Hat” tours are available while the renovations are underway. Contact the Hampton Inn at (360) 676-7700 to arrange a tour.

Morse Hardware exemption application
Bellingham-based West-Lind Construction has applied for a multi-family tax exemption to allow a new mixed-use building at its Morse Hardware site. The Maple Street building would house 25 multi-family units.

Blethen design approved
John Blethen recently got design approval from the City of Bellingham to build six live-work units on Ellis Street. Tom Grinstad was the architect.
Hertz to buy 450 acres in Blaine
Bellingham developer Ken Hertz said he expects to close on the purchase of a 450-acre Blaine parcel Feb. 3. Hertz plans to build some 650 homes there, but said roads, services and wetlands will prevent any construction on about 200 acres of the property. Instead, either Hertz or the city of Blaine will convert some of the wetland into the “East Blaine Conservancy Park.” Hertz is a former Bellingham mayor and oversaw a lot of park development during his two terms. Hertz was also recently part of a similar deal in which Malibu Associates, of which he is a partner, donated 45 acres of land in Birch Bay to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department.

Douglas presents development plan to Blaine
Developer Joel Douglas recently presented a major waterfront development plan to the Blaine City Council. Douglas’ proposed Palisades project would consist of a condominium complex with motel units in which owners would be obligated to rent either the condo or motel unit for a portion of the time. If built, Douglas said the real estate would be some of the most expensive in central Blaine, with waterfront units ranging from $300,000 to $400,000.

MJB a candidate for bridge-building site
As the state shops for a site big enough to allow the construction of 14 giant pontoons, MJB Properties in Anacortes may have just the place. Gary Merlino, owner of MJB, owns a parcel big enough for building the pontoons, and with enough shoreline to allow delivery to the bridge. Pieces of the pontoons can be 360 feet long and 92 feet wide. The state’s recommendation is due this month.

Cross-border investment could be made easier
The Bellingham/Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce is waiting for approval from the federal government to grant permanent residency status to foreign investors in return for creating jobs in Whatcom County. Federal law leaves room for these concessions in designated regions as part of the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. Approved regions include Philadelphia, New Orleans and Florida. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

Clearwater looks to expand
Clearwater Communications recently announced it is looking to expand its nonprofit client base. The Bellingham-based consulting firm specializes in grassroots issue management and counts among its previous clients Whatcom Farm Friends, Depot Market Square Committee, Elect Bailey 2004 and Spanel for Seattle.
“Our method is to truly listen to our clients, focus on their vision and work tirelessly on their behalf,” said founder Jim Boyle.

Pickford Cinema gets new home
The Whatcom Film Association has announced it has acquired the building it has called the Pickford Dreamspace for over a year. Thanks to successful fundraising efforts and patience, the WFA purchased the building it has been leasing and hopes to move its Pickford Theater to the new space by September 2006. The move from Cornwall Avenue to Bay Street includes an expansion from one to two screens, new seating and lighting and a doubled capacity.
“The WFA has been planning on relocating The Pickford for several years,” said WFA Executive Director Alice Clark. “The steady increase in attendance combined with our desire to give our audiences a better experience are two key factors for moving forward with the purchase. The donors who have stepped up to help us with the first phase of the project are visionaries who see the potential of what the new venue will provide for the community.”
The Pickford Cinema opened in 1998 and remains Bellingham’s only independent theater.

Job growth strongest in six years
The Washington Employment Security Department said Washington created more than 60,000 jobs in 2004, the highest growth rate in six years. Construction jobs accounted for the highest growth. Retail and professional services also experienced high growth.

Alcohol-free social club to open in Mount Vernon
Cecil Dauphinee of Mount Vernon will soon realize his dream of opening a gathering place that does not permit smoking or drinking alcohol when he opens the Triangle Social Club later this year. Construction has begun on the new 3,800-square-foot building on Roosevelt Avenue in Mount Vernon, and includes upstairs living quarters for Dauphinee and his wife. Downstairs will be a stage, two meeting rooms, a game room, a coffee bar and a deli.

Paintball shop moves
CDR Sports in Mount Vernon has moved to Riverside Drive. CDR Sports is a paintball pro shop.

Dri-Eaz hits national TV
Burlington-based Dri-Eaz got its first promotional spot on national TV Jan. 26. The two-minute segment aired on “Winners Circle Hosted by Terry Bradshaw.” The show chose Dri-Eaz for a spot after a producer noticed Dri-Eaz’s drying products in news coverage of Florida’s hurricane season. The show then filmed on location to come up with the two-minute segment that included footage of current employees.

Citizens split over employer health insurance
A recent poll conducted for the Washington Health Foundation indicated that though a majority of Washington State voters agree they would pay an additional tax on alcoholic beverages and soft drinks if the money were destined for health insurance subsidies, they remain split evenly over whether all employers should be required to help with insurance expenses. Elway Research conducted the poll as part of WHF’s campaign to make Washington the healthiest state in the nation.

StonWest recognized in Stone Business Magazine
Bellingham-based stone fabrication company StonWest recently received an honorable mention for a project submitted to Stone Business Magazine’s annual “Best of Home” competition. StonWest’s submission was one of six featured in the magazine. StonWest will soon celebrate its 12th anniversary.

Silver Reef breaks ground
Silver Reef Casino broke ground on a $23 million expansion Jan. 27. The expansion is the third phase in the casino’s “master plan” and will add 100 hotel rooms, new hotel amenities, new games and 75 new jobs. Lummi Nation Chairman Darrell Hillaire said the expansion will keep the casino competitive with growing competition.
“The Silver Reef Hotel will be a prime example of where the Lummi Nation will keep up with the rest of the entertainment industry in the state and county in which our guests will have another comfortable destination to enjoy,” he said.

EDC launches new Web site
The Bellingham/Whatcom County Economic Development Council will launch its new economic development Web site in February. The Web site was made possible by financial support from the Barkley Company, Pacific Continental Realty, St. Joseph Hospital, Windermere, the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham. The new Web site is designed to specifically meet the needs of site location consultants and commercial real estate professionals seeking locations for client businesses. The site incorporates data standards established by the International Economic Development Council and features a GIS-powered, searchable database of available commercial and industrial real estate. The site will also introduce a new logo and image for the EDC.

L&I Web site honored
The Society for Technical Communication recently honored the Department of Labor and Industries for its Web site. Both L&I and the state Web portal, Access Washington, received the “Distinguished Technical Communication Award” in the category of technical marketing.
“The award is a welcome recognition of our commitment to making the L&I Web site easy to use for businesses, workers and other customers,” said L&I Director Paul Trause.

Bellingham coffeehouse wins award
The Specialty Coffee Association of America recently named The Black Drop Coffeehouse in Bellingham a winner of the TOPS award for excellence in specialty coffee retailing for 2004.
“SCAA has created the TOPS program in which outstanding retailers and roaster-retailers are recognized for their pursuit of outstanding achievements in coffee excellence and education,” said SCAA Executive Director Ted Lingle. “It is a simple formula: accountability plus standards equals excellence.”
The SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association.

Mount Vernon design firm featured
Creativity 34, an annual book showcasing design talent, featured work by Galen Design Associates in Mount Vernon. The work chosen was a logo Galen created for Foothills Auto Center in Burlington. Harpers Collins published the book.

British maritime industry group visits Whidbey
Marine industry representatives from the South East England Development Agency toured commercial boat-building facilities on Whidbey Island and in Kitsap County as part of an international industry outreach effort Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Project Solutions Network and the Island County Economic Development Council hosted the group.
“This meeting is a tremendous opportunity to share information and develop a positive synergy between the two areas, particularly because of the similarities shared regarding the marine industries of both regions,” said Ann Avary, principal for Project Solutions Network.

Flow Products moves
Water-treatment equipment distributor Flow Products, Inc. broke ground on a new location on Bakerview Spur Feb. 1 in Bellingham. ComSteel will construct the 4,500-square-foot building, and plans to complete the project by June 1. Flow Products moves from its old headquarters in Kent, where it has been located for 19 years.

Economists expect state will see upswing in manufacturing
According to a Web site recently posted by the Washington State Employment Security Department, Washington’s manufacturing industry is poised for a solid rebound in the near future.
“The manufacturing industry remains an essential part of our state’s economy,” said Greg Weeks, director of Employment Security’s Labor Market and Economic Analysis branch. “Washington lost an estimated 100,000 manufacturing jobs since 1998, but the worst seems to be past us and we’re expecting an upswing starting in 2005.”
Manufacturing employment is expected to grow 0.5 percent in 2005 -- the first positive turn in seven years.
Meanwhile, some fear the Bush Administration will cut spending on the Manufacturing Extension Partnership in the next budget. U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine chairs the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, and was the driving force in restoring the MEP’s budget to $109 million this year after watching it sink to $40 million last year. That cut resulted in the closing of 58 regional offices and the loss of 15 percent of MEP staff.
View the new site at www.workforceexplorer.com.

Port acquires G-P land, retains ferry
After eight months of negotiations and approximately $1 million spent on due diligence, the Port of Bellingham’s commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of 137 acres of waterfront property owned by Georgia-Pacific West, Inc.
The port took ownership of the land in trade for a long-range environmental cleanup expected to cost approximately $64 million. Years of industrial use left sediments in Bellingham Bay tainted with chemicals and heavy metals, most notably mercury. The state Department of Ecology has promised to pay for half of the cleanup costs using money from a tax on industrial pollutants, and the port may also recoup losses by future sale of the land and tax revenue from new business.
A new marina and retail center is planned for some of the land, as well as residential space and a pedestrian promenade. As part of the agreement, the port will allow G-P to continue operations at its tissue mill and warehouse. G-P is also buying a $5 million insurance policy in case clean-up costs exceed expectations. A signing ceremony took place Jan. 20.
The deal was set in motion last May when the port decided to start condemnation proceedings on the lagoon G-P wanted to use as a dumping site for the polluted sediments. G-P offered the port this compromise about one month later.
Meanwhile, the port signed a new five-year contract that will keep the Alaska ferry coming to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven, and has also leased the 30,000-square-foot International Trade Building to the Department of Homeland Security. The ferry had considered moving to Seattle, but eventually decided to continue docking in Bellingham.