Starbucks expands to Marketplace building
Seattle-based Starbucks coffee has signed a lease agreement with WestCom Properties and will take the final retail space in the Marketplace building. The newest coffee shop -- the 10th Starbucks in Bellingham -- will be about 1,500 square feet.

Old Navy opens in Burlington
Old Navy opened a 14,800-square-foot store at the Burlington Crossing shopping center. The store, a division of Gap, Inc., features casual clothing for men, women and children and is located at 1833 Marketplace Drive.

New building planned for Fairhaven
Under the name 8th & Harris Holding Company, Ted Mishaikov and Rick Westerop recently purchased a block of land in Fairhaven from Ken Imus and Jacaranda Land Corp. for $1.2 million Jan. 19.
The two plan to build a nine-story building housing 60 condominiums, and a three-story building to house 18 townhouses. CollinsWoerman of Seattle and Jeff McClure of RMC Architects in Bellingham are working on the project, called Fairhaven Harbor. Construction is slated to begin some time this year, and should be completed by early 2007.

Developers propose 446 homes for Birch Bay
Fred Bovenkamp, Peter Horne and Jim Kaemingk Jr. have proposed the Horizons at Semiahoo development, a 446-home community on 149 acres just east of Selder Road in Birch Bay.
The trio of developers is expected to complete the purchase of the land, located between Birch Point Road and Semiahoo Parkway, from the Trillium Corp. by the end of February.
The current proposal has 150 single-family homes, 60 condos and about 80 duplexes and townhomes. The houses will be built in six phases, in six to eight years, and about 23 acres will be set aside for wetlands, buffers and open space, according to the developers.

EDC launches new Web site
The Bellingham/Whatcom County Economic Development Council launched 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 state 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.

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.

Design firm featured
A book that showcases some of the nation’s top design talent features work by Galen Design Associates in Mount Vernon. The book, published by Harpers Collins, is dubbed Creativity 34. A logo Galen created for Foothills Auto Center in Burlington is featured in the book.

British group tours Whidbey boat builders
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.

Bianchi Group to train bridge workers
The Washington State Department of Transportation recently awarded a Technical Rope Training contract to Bianchi Group LLC, a Bellingham-based industrial training company. The group will team up with Conterra, Inc., also of Bellingham, to provide four-day classes for bridge maintenance crews.
“This training is vital for these employees,” said Bianchi Group President Doug Bianchi. “It provides essential emergency rescue know-how for maintenance employees stationed at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, as well as all WSDOT bridge crews throughout the state of Washington.”
WECU looks to expand further
The Whatcom Educational Credit Union board of directors has adopted an accelerated growth plan that will include the addition of three or four new branches. The decision comes two years after WECU’s services were opened to the public. Previously, only educators, medical professionals and their families were eligible.

Ferndale refinery to cut emissions
The Justice Department and the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced a comprehensive Clean Air Act settlement with ConocoPhillips. Under the negotiated settlement, ConocoPhillips will upgrade its leak detection and repair practices, implement programs to minimize flaring of hazardous gases, reduce emissions from its sulfur recovery plants, upgrade pollution-control systems at combustion units and adopt strategies to ensure the proper handling of hazardous benzene wastes at each refinery. The Ferndale refinery will realize significant emission reductions of a variety of air pollutants including nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and hazardous air particles. The refinery will also contribute $400,000 for three supplemental environmental projects within the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s jurisdiction that covers Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Stuart’s Coffee House closes
Stuart’s Coffee House in Bellingham closed in February after its lease with Ebright Wight Property Management ended. The popular downtown café and hangout had been looking to sell for the last few months, but the space will now go to another tenant. The new tenant said the space will remain a coffee shop, but both the name and the interior will change.

Children’s House International honored
Children’s House International, an international adoption agency based in Ferndale, recently received the Kaleidoscope Best of the 2004 Best award from the As Simple As That Organization. The annual award recognizes books, people and organizations that “foster respect and celebration of culture choices and abilities.”

Mount Vernon annexes land for commercial use
Despite opposition by many business owners wary of new taxes, the City of Mount Vernon recently annexed 518 acres south of Blackburn Road for commercial development. The land was part of Mount Vernon’s Urban Growth Area -- land that sits outside the city limits but is slated to become part of the city as it grows.
City Council members unanimously approved the annexation at a meeting in February.
It’s been a drawn-out, sometimes bitter, process that began eight years ago.
Property owners were wary of increased taxes they would need to pay by moving inside the city limits.
Mount Vernon expects to collect about $525,000 in annual property, sales and use taxes from the area.
To win more support, especially from angry business owners who had formed the Cedardale Property Owners Association, the city is making some concessions.
City residents will no longer need to pay a 7 percent drainage tax on the city’s drainage fees. And some commercial properties will also receive breaks on drainage fees and taxes.
City officials say the annexation opens up this slice of south Mount Vernon to further commercial and industrial development.

Northwest company wins hurricane contract
Ferndale-based Samson Rope Technologies recently won a contract to supply its Proton 8 rope to the hurricane-prone Southeast to ensure boats are moored securely. The Hurricane Storm Line administration, a division of the Department of Transportation, requires that boats be moored securely enough to withstand a Category 5 storm.

San Juan Airlines adds flight to Skagit Airport
On Feb. 7 San Juan Airlines celebrated its third anniversary by announcing it was adding a regular flight between San Juan Airport and Skagit County Regional Airport. The airline will continue its service between San Juan Island and Anacortes as well as its flights to Boeing Field in Seattle.
Owner Clyde Carlson said the new flight into the Skagit County Regional Airport will reduce the drive to Seattle by 30 minutes compared to flying into Anacortes.

Edward Jones participates in Social Security broadcast
Bellingham and Lynden Edward Jones representatives aired a short satellite broadcast on the future of Social Security Feb. 8. The broadcast aired at several Edward Jones offices across the country via the firm’s private video network.
Sustainable Connections expands
Bellingham’s Sustainable Connections, a business network dedicated to maintaining a “living local economy,” recently expanded its Bellingham Towers office space by 600 square feet to accommodate new staff. See the People on the Move section in this issue to learn about them.

Downtown development continues
The Bellingham Inn is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. The inn sits on the last of the four corners of Holly Street and Railroad Avenue to undergo major development over the last few years.
The City of Bellingham originally filed to condemn the hotel for alleged criminal activity, but later decided to allow renovations and changes in use to owners Lisa and Ron Woo. The city also waived some development fees, made tax concessions and used $400,000 in drug-forfeiture money to help fund the project. The Woos expect the total cost of renovation to reach around $4 million. The intersection at Holly and Railroad has long been a hot spot for crime in Bellingham.

3D Computer Corp offers tech makeover
Microsoft recently chose 3D Computer Corp. in Bellingham as a Certified Partner to offer a “technology makeover” to a local business. The winner will receive Microsoft hardware and software upgrades valued at $75,000.
City honored for financial reporting
The Government Finance Officers Association recently awarded the City of Bellingham a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in financial reporting. This is the fourth year in a row that Bellingham’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has earned the honor, which helps to keep the city’s bond rating strong.

Island Hospital moves forward with renovations
Island Hospital in Anacortes plans a new two-story wing to house an intensive care unit, patients’ rooms and a new lobby. Anacortes voters recently approved a $30.5 million bond to help finance the project.
Architectural firm NBBJ’s Seattle office will design the new wing. Construction is slated to begin July 2006, and should be completed by early 2008.

Housing Authority bids on Walton Beverage warehouse
The Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authority offered Walton Beverage $1.6 million for its State Street warehouse. The housing authority would use the space to develop new commercial and residential space.

Thai restaurant moves
The House of Orient Thai restaurant in Bellingham is moving from its current location at 209 W. Holly St. to 115 E. Holly. The space was recently vacated by Cicchitti’s Pizza, and House of Orient Owner Jimmy Nguyen plans to move in this summer. Nguyen purchased the space from Bob Hall for $370,000 in January.

More hurdles for Skagit Station
Four years after the City of Mount Vernon thought it had all parties content with the design of Skagit Station, Greyhound, Bellair Charters and Airporter Shuttle have all begun voicing concerns about accessibility to the brand new station.
All now say the $7.7 million station lacks the room to accommodate the wide turning radiuses of larger buses, and Greyhound wants the entrance and exit reversed. The city is now trying to come up with a solution that will please all parties, but any solution is likely to cost more money.

State NFIB applauds end of “death tax”
Carolyn Logue, director of the National Federation of Independent Business for Washington state, said in a press release that the Supreme Court’s February decision to repeal the controversial estate tax, known by opponents as the “death tax,” is a victory for business owners who plan to pass on their businesses to their children.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is great news for everyone,” she said. “But especially for Washington’s family farmers and small-business owners. The 9-to-0 ruling that Washington does not have an estate tax is a victory for people who wish to pass on their life’s work to their sons or daughters without fearing an estate tax so confiscatory that their survivors have no choice but to close up shop in order to pay for it.”
The state Department of Revenue will now have to refund an estimated $150 million collected in estate taxes since 2002, and expects to lose about $430 million in revenue over the next two years.

Blaine Marine Services taps into new niche
Since October, Bob and Susan Brooks of Blaine Marine Services have been tapping into a new source of used boats for their business, which buys, sells, repairs and refurbishes boats. The couple said they came up with the idea at the end of this year’s active hurricane season when they realized they could buy damaged boats at a relatively low cost, then transport them to their business in Blaine for repair and sale.

3D Computer Corp moves
Bellingham’s 3D Computer Corp. will be moving from its space at 1423 Railroad Ave. to a new location on the corner of Grant and Kentucky streets. Co-owner John Jaworski said the business has changed greatly since it opened on Railroad Avenue 15 years ago, and no longer feels it needs to pay for retail space.
“We’ve done very little retail over the last five years,” he said. “Our focus as a company is really in a business-to-business environment.”
The new location is currently under construction, and the company plans to move in April.

Anacortes mayor wants more manufacturing jobs
In his “State of the City” speech before the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce in February, Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell said the city needs more manufacturing jobs if it is to avoid the budget shortfalls faced by other cities in the state. He said boat building in particular could help provide the necessary tax base to bolster the local economy.

Island County EDC hosts meeting
The Island County Economic Development Council encourages business owners and others to attend a Members Business Meeting, Wednesday, March 16 from 7:30 a.m to 9 a.m. at the Whidbey Golf & Country Club in Oak Harbor.
Marilyn Hoggarth of Verizon Northwest and George Henny of Whidbey Telecom are featured speakers for the meeting, dubbed “Whidbey Plugged In—What does our Telecom Future Hold?”
The meeting will include a question-and-answer session and the election of EDC board members. The breakfast buffet includes an omelet station and costs $15 per person.
Call (360) 678-6889 or 888-506-7999 to reserve a seat.

Oak Harbor Chamber set for awards
The Greater Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce was set to hand out awards for business of the year, employer of the year and other noteworthy accomplishments at a Feb. 26 banquet. (After Northwest Business Magazine press time.)
The business of the year winner was to be selected from among the Chamber’s businesses of the month. They included: Whidbey Printers, Whidbey Island Bank, Jewelry Gallery, Arby’s, Greenhouse Florist and Nursery, Dairy Queen, Island Drug, Pot Belly Deli, Coachman Inn, New Leaf, Boys & Girls Club, Acorn Dental and Sunrise Rotary.

Skagit farmers honored by Kellogg Foundation
As part of its 75th anniversary, the Kellogg Foundation honored grassroots farmland protection group Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, saying it “exemplifies the values and mission of the Kellogg Foundation.” Kellogg has awarded grants to fund SPF projects such as Farming and the Environment in the past, and Executive Director Bob Rose said this current recognition means a lot to the group. SPF was one of 80 organizations honored.

New traffic lights for Bakerview
Construction began Feb. 8 on new traffic lights at the intersection of East Bakerview Road and Eliza Avenue in Bellingham. The city contracted Signal Electric to do the project for just over $112,000. City officials warn of delays during construction, but hope to have the project finished by the end of this month.
“Eliza Avenue provides an important transportation alternative to Cordata Parkway,” said City Engineer Rory Routhe in a February press release. “The installation of the traffic signal is a critical safety enhancement needed before additional improvements to the Cordata/Westerly intersection take place this summer.”
FY 2006 small business budget announced
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a fiscal year 2006 budget request of $593 million that provides a record $22 million in loan authority for the agency’s flagship lending programs. USSBA Administrator Hector Barreto said the proposed budget is good news for America’s small business owners.
“The SBA’s fiscally responsible FY 2006 request is good for small businesses and good for the American taxpayer,” he said in a February press release. “From a lending perspective, it builds on our successes in the past year, when we reached more small businesses, including more women and minority entrepreneurs. We also continue to strive to be efficient and innovative in our use of technology as we deliver financing, technical assistance, education and counseling and contracting programs to our clients.”
The budget also includes $1 million for the Drug Free Workplace Program, and $750,000 each for the National Women’s Business Council and Veteran’s Outreach.

Local boat builders benefit from military contracts
As President Bush announced a record $419 billion dollar defense budget in February, local boat builders may well have listened with a little more interest than most Americans.
Bellingham-based boat-building company Aluminum Chambered Boats spent the second week in February running tests on its new Bridge Erection Boats on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham. The boats were contracted last year by the U.S. Marines for $18 million to aid in the erection of temporary bridges.
The 24-foot BEBs essentially are miniature tugs, weighing in at 14,000 pounds or seven tons each. The contract required the boats to be small and light enough for transport on the military’s C130 aircraft, and ACB Owner Larry Weber said the boats have tested well so far and, despite their size, have more than enough speed and power to quickly and adroitly maneuver bridge components.
“As far as we can tell, they’ve exceeded all specs already,” he said.
The boats still have to undergo another four weeks of testing when they leave Bellingham, but ACB is confident they will perform well. If they do, the company will begin construction of another 62 BEBs, making the total number in operation 66.
ACB Vice President of Sales Vincent McLeod said the BEBs are exactly what the Marines were looking for.
“Our boat was chosen due to our unique flotation characteristics which make the boat virtually unsinkable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland christened its new X-Craft as Sea Fighter (FSF 1) at a February ceremony.
The high-speed, experimental vessel will test several technologies that will allow the Navy to operate more effectively in near-shore waters.
The keel for the 262-foot-long aluminum catamaran was laid in June 2003. The vessel, which weighs an estimated 950 tons, will be delivered to the Navy on April 30.
Construction began in August 2003 and employed as many as 310 people at the Nichols Brothers’ south Whidbey Island shipyard.
All told, the big-ticket boat fetched $50 million.
A few last second tweaks have transformed the boat from an experimental vessel into a war-ready ship, company officials say.

Dri-Eaz achieves ISO certification
The Burlington headquarters and manufacturing facility for Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. has been awarded ISO 9000:2000 certification, an internationally recognized quality management system standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization.
“Dri-Eaz is intently focused on providing the best, highest-quality products and solutions for our customers and their businesses, and on continuously working to improve how we deliver on that promise,” said Director of Quality Curt Bisby. “Achieving ISO certification demonstrates the entire Dri-Eaz team’s remarkable commitment to quality and to the global restoration community.”
Dri-Eaz specializes in drying and restoring water-damaged buildings.

Blaine extends downtown moratorium
Six months after an overflow crowd asked the Blaine City Council to place a moratorium on multi-family development in downtown Blaine, the council voted unanimously in February to extend that moratorium for another six months in order to give planners time to consider changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. The decision met no opposition.

Lake Whatcom moratorium to go ahead
The Whatcom County council approved a building ban on Lake Whatcom -- except for the stretch of lake that falls within Bellingham’s city limits. The ban, set to last until May 1, will stem the flood of building applications that have poured in since the council rejected an emergency moratorium in January. The decision was made before an overflow crowd, and against the wishes of council member Seth Fleetwood who said the measure was invasive and overbearing.

Dorothy Place honored
The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence awarded its first Outstanding Achievement Award to Dorothy Place in Bellingham. Dorothy Place is a 21-unit shelter for domestic violence victims and their children.

Virtually Yourz celebrates anniversary
Bellingham entrepreneur Dana Blozis celebrates the first anniversary of her virtual assistant company Virtually Yourz. Virtually Yourz specializes in on- and off-site writing, editing and marketing for business owners, students and others. To mark the anniversary, Virtually Yourz has redesigned its Web presence to more accurately convey its services. Blozis has also written for The Bellingham Herald and the Whatcom Independent.

Democrats push new bill to limit retro groups’ choices
After yet another unsuccessful attempt to put a cap on the percentage of workers’ compensation refunds retro groups can keep, state Democrats are now pushing two new bills requesting a limit on the groups’ spending choices instead. Representative Bill Fromhold (D-Vancouver) says the groups should not be allowed to spend refund money on political campaigns, and retro groups say that although the money does come from workers’ compensation funds, it is simply payment for services rendered to its members and can therefore be spent however they see fit.

Oeser fined for illegal dumping
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Bellingham-based wood-treatment plant Oeser Co. for allegedly ignoring state laws governing the handling of hazardous chemicals. The fines total $25,000, though the EPA said they would have been higher had it not adjusted them down after ascertaining that the company would be unable to pay more.

Quadrant Homes to develop in Skagit County
Quadrant Homes, a Bellevue homebuilder, will begin construction in Skagit County with a new 607-home development in Mount Vernon.
The first phase of Skagit Highlands will include 179 homes sized between 1,100 and 3,500 square feet, with sales beginning this summer. An additional 428 homes will be added by 2006, according to a Quadrant press release.
Skagit Highlands, which when completed may include as many as 800 units, may well reshape a significant chunk of Mount Vernon.
It’s one of the largest approved projects in the city and sits east of Waugh Road and north of Division at the city’s eastern edge. And at 217 acres, it encompasses a lot of land.
As a master-planned community, all of the amenities will be taken care of at Skagit Highlands and will include a landscaped boulevard entryway, landscaping in the middle of roads and sidewalks.

Businesses sign leases with Port of Skagit County
Two tenant businesses have signed leases with the Port of Skagit County. Bayview Executive Hangars, LLC, owned by Jim Martyn and Tim Hofferth, signed a 30-year lease on a lot at the Skagit Regional Airport property. They will add four hangars to their facilities for high-end executive aircraft, and will now lease a total of 12 hangars.
Smith and Margol, Inc., which offers marketing and promotional service for the products industry, relocated from Gig Harbor to the Bayview Business and Industrial Park.

Olympic Pipeline settlesproposed civil penalties
The Olympic Pipeline Company settled proposed civil penalties for violations of pipeline safety laws that contributed to the Olympic Pipeline accident in June 1999. The Office of Pipeline Safety and The Olympic Pipeline company agreed to a settlement that includes a $250,000 fine and no admission of wrongdoing.

House bill would allow more employee disclosure
Honest information and appraisal of prospective employees could become easier to obtain after committee passage of Washington state House of Representatives Bill 1625 on Feb. 8. The bill would provide immunity to any employer who gives an honest appraisal of an employee’s ability to do their job; the diligence, skill and reliability of the employee; and whether the employee committed any wrongful or illegal acts relating to the duties of their job.
Carolyn Logue, Washington state’s director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said the bill would end an era of non-disclosure by employers due to fear of litigation and would also allow employers to ensure they are hiring more qualified workers.

Roundtable accepting applications
The Small Business Development Center of Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics is accepting applications for new members to the BusinessLINC Roundtable Program.
Roundtable groups meet monthly for two to four hours and provide a forum for non-competitive business owners and managers to connect with others who are dealing with similar issues and problems. Roundtable groups are divided into retailers, business service providers, nonprofit agencies and construction and manufacturing businesses. New Rountables are being launched for hospitality and agricultural businesses. Acceptance to a Roundtable is based on business size, type and whether the applicant is in direct competition with a current member.
For application information contact Kate Clark, WWU Roundtable Program manager, at (360) 733-4014.

Massage therapist relocates
Massage therapist Cynthia Wolf has relocated to Sandalwood Salon and Spa, located in downtown Bellingham. Sandalwood provided Wolf with an Old World style “penthouse,” a half-story above the spa’s main floor.
“I have a very private aerial nest that really enhances the feeling of being far away from everyday life,” Wolf said. “You feel like you’re in a different world.”
Wolf has been a massage therapist for 10 years and hopes her new location appeals to both new and old clients. Wolf’s services are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Sandalwood.

Trish Harding School of Art moving
The Trish Harding School of Art, founded in November 2002, has leased a larger space in the Bay Street Building. Harding has studied at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and Western Washington University and teaches classes ranging from figure drawing and watercolor to sculpture, pastel and acrylic painting.

Country club begins renovation
The Bellingham Golf & Country Club began demolition of its original 1912 clubhouse Feb. 14 and will operate out of double-wide mobile homes for the next few months.
Once demolition is completed construction of a new $4.15 million building will begin. The new building will house the clubhouse and pro shop and will have enough room to hold special events, including wedding receptions, while leaving room for member usage.

House passes bill to review tax breaks
The Washington state House of Representatives recently passed a bill requiring review of the state’s approximately 500 tax breaks for businesses. The bill will require the audit to determine how much the tax breaks cost, which businesses they benefit and if they are achieving the stated goals.
The bill, which still needs to head to the Senate, would not immediately revoke current tax breaks. Instead, a citizens committee would be formed to study tax breaks and the committee would report back to a Senate committee.

Yary Photography relocates to larger studio
On March 1, Yary Photography moved from its current location to 1210 Bay Street in downtown Bellingham.
The new store, next to the Up Front Theatre, will more than triple the store’s size from 700 feet to 2,400 square feet, owner Radley Muller said. A rapid-growing business is the reason behind the move.
“Having so much more space will really allow us to accommodate the growing number of clients we have coming into the studio, without getting crowded,” Miller said.
An open house for the public is planned for Saturday, March 19th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Escape Day Spa to move into former Bergsma Gallery
The Escape Day Spa is moving on up to the former Bergsma Gallery in August. It will increase the spa’s size by 80 percent -- to 5,000 square feet -- and will make it the largest spa in Whatcom County, owner Ulrike Bartlett said.
Bellingham appraiser Troy Muljat is in the final stages of purchasing the $1.1 million dollar, 7,300 square foot building on 1344 King St. and Bartlett will rent the majority of the ground floor. Room remains for additional tenants on both the bottom and second floors.

Riverside Health Club adds RPM classes
The “rock concert on wheels” comes to Mount Vernon’s Riverside Health Club in the form of RPM bicycle classes. These one-hour classes on stationary bikes, set to uplifting music, are a cardiovascular cycling workout that can burn up to 900 calories in one class. Led by trained instructors, its appropriate for every age and fitness level because participants control the intensity of the workout.
House recognizes efforts of Chambers of Commerce
A proclamation recognizing Washington’s Chambers of Commerce was read on the floor of the House of Representatives on Chamber Day in Olympia. Burlington Chamber Director Dick Irwin, the newly elected president of the State Chamber was on the floor to receive recognition for the work done by chambers throughout the state.

Web site helps farmers
The Washington state Department of Agriculture’s Small Farm and Direct Marketing program is now available online for small-farm owners.
The program helps strengthen local food systems by providing marketing opportunities, such as farm stands and farmers’ markets. For information go to www.agr.wa.gov/marketing/smallfarm/Programactivities.htm.

2003 unemployment insurance reforms successful
A competitiveness brief prepared by the Washington Research Council for the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashAce) reports that the 2003 unemployment insurance reforms have restored balance to the system and helped create and keep jobs in Washington.
“The 2003 reforms restored balance to a system that imposed the highest employer unemployment insurance taxes in the nation and focused more on benefits than on enforcement,” said Research Council President Dick Davs.
The reforms were designed to encourage job creation – including the assembly of the Boeing 787 – in Washington and in the process help business survive in the state.
Don Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business, said he hopes legislators don’t repeal the reforms and cautions that many industries might leave the state if that happens.
“Rather than being the most expensive state for unemployment, Washington is now among the most expensive,” Brunell said. “Going back to the old system is a job killer.”