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Freeland to net new retail space
Whidbey Island businessman Steve Myres plans to add much needed retail space to downtown Freeland. Myres purchased two buildings at the corner of Main Street and Harbor Avenue in mid 2005 and plans to construct two new structures on the site.
He’s currently awaiting building permits before starting demolition of the old buildings.
“I’m going to do [the construction] in phases to not disrupt existing businesses,” explained Myres. One of the buildings currently houses a knitting shop.
Myres is owner of Sound Electric, a commercial electrical contracting firm based in Freeland. He developed an office/warehouse building there that opened in 2005. It houses both his office and nine other businesses.
His success with that venture confirmed his belief that Freeland is ready for more business space for services and retail. “I think there’s a need for new facilities in Freeland,” he explained.
Myres’ planned two 4,000 square-foot buildings with two floors of retail space will help fill that need, as well as “increase the value of the property and the aesthetics of downtown Freeland.”
Myres is excited about the project and the expected contribution it will make to the community. Already he’s met with enthusiastic response. “It’s going to be a blast. There’s so much community support.”

Ferndale steps back to look at plaza project
A small but vocal group of concerned citizens convinced the Ferndale City Council to approve an emergency moratorium on applications for commercial developments in the city. The moratorium, which lasts until the council meets again on Feb. 6, directly impacts the Pioneer Plaza project proposed on the south side of Axton Road east of Interstate 5.
The citizens brought a list of concerns focusing on issues such as traffic and environmental impacts, said City Clerk Linda Knutson.
The city drafted a letter to project developer BAS Construction and Development detailing the concerns. Those concerns will be addressed by the firm in time for the council’s next meeting, said Mike Kohl, BAS consultant.
Kohl felt the citizens’ demands for information were premature. “Everything these people want to know will be gone over in detail in the hearing process,” he said.
In the meantime, the request for information is just a blip on the 98-acre project’s radar. “We’re continuing with our project aggressively,” Kohl said.

Happy Birthday, Babynut
Babynut was launched two years ago in November 2003 with the goal of providing natural, alternative and organic products and information for pregnancy, adoption, childbirth, parenting, babies and toddlers. Owner Saralee Sky says, “I take a wisdom-laced-with-humor approach. Babynut is my way of combining my hippie roots and my professional expertise to work with a population that I love – mothers and babies.”
Sky has a master’s degree in psychology and has served as a therapist to severely abused children as well as being executive director of three nonprofit agencies serving children.
Based in Bellingham, Babynut does business solely on Web. Products available include items such as natural and organic cotton maternity, nursing, baby and toddler clothes, books on pregnancy, natural childbirth and parenting, and clothing specially designed for Babynut.

Fitness Together flexes muscles with expansion
Fitness Together has opened a second location in the Barkley Medical Building across the hall from Performance Physical Therapy.
The studio has two private workout rooms and a cardio area that clients use to work with their own personal trainer one on one. Each private room is fully equipped so there is no waiting.
Fitness Together’s original location, in the Bellwether complex on Bellingham’s waterfront, reached its capacity, necessitating the expansion to maintain its small private atmosphere.
Four trainers are on staff at the Barkley location: Valerie Abenroth, Michelle Hurley, Noah Ellis and Connie Kollin.

Waller Home Inspections serves Whatcom, Skagit counties
Waller Home Inspections LLC, run by Bellingham-resident Allan Waller, is now serving the communities of Whatcom and Skagit counties. Waller completed more than 100 hours of training last summer to become certified through Inspection Training Associates (ITA). Additionally, he has an extensive background in home remodeling that augments his professional training.
Waller Home Inspections provides referral coverage and computer-generated narrative inspection reports.

Core Therapeutics expands business, adds staff
Core Therapeutics is doubling its space to accommodate the addition of three staff members to their practice. The expansion will create more room for physical therapy and Pilates services at the only physical therapy clinic in Fairhaven. In addition, new weekend and evening Pilates training are now available.
“More people are taking charge of their health and pain relief, and we’re expanding to accommodate their needs, said owner Elizabeth Hampton PT, BCIA-PMDB. “Also, Fairhaven is a wonderful community to be a part of.”
The following staff members have joined Core Therapeutics:
Brenda Mitchell, PTA and owner of Fairhaven’s NW Pilates and Bodywork Studio, has joined the staff as a physical therapist. Mitchell has 10 years experience as a physical therapist assistant and is studio certified as a Stott Pilates instructor. She will integrate her physical therapy and Pilates knowledge for the rehabilitation needs of Core PT’s clients.
Jaime Monsef joins Kate Ranger, CSCS, as a Stott Pilates instructor for individual and buddies classes. She teaches ballet and Pilates at Northwest Ballet School and is currently attending WWU to receive her BFA in dance.
Suzan Blake has joined Core PT as receptionist and administrative assistant. She has 14 years of experience in medical office services.

Chicks will dig boutique’s new product lines
Three French Hens in Fairhaven has added contemporary designer clothing, purses and accessories to its extensive lines of home decorating accents, lingerie, jewelry and gifts.
The expanded offerings were added at customer request, said Bonnie Donaghy, Three French Hens owner. “We like to call ourselves ‘A Boutique for Chicks’ because we have everything a contemporary woman needs to make herself and her home beautiful,” she said.
The new clothing lines are modern and often found at exclusive boutiques or high-end department stores in larger cities.
Three French Hens started in 1995 as Dorf ’n Fern’s and after several moves settled in its current location on Harris and 11th Street in 2003.

Bellingham Farmers Market extends season into winter
The Bellingham Farmers Market board of directors decided to extend the Saturday Market season through December 2006.
Market President Mike Finger said, “We are very excited about this upcoming season; it will be our first in the new Depot Market Square. With the new structure complete, inclement weather won’t be such a problem when we open in April – vendors and customers will be able to stay dry.
“We’re really thrilled about making the decision to continue the Market into the winter months. This has been a trend for other markets in the Puget Sound, including quite a few markets in Seattle. Customers are asking to buy more local farm products; they’re willing to come shop the market in the days leading up until Christmas.”
The Bellingham Farmers Market is the fourth largest market in Washington state. It is consistently one of the largest tourist attractions in the area and is held each Saturday during market season, which runs from April 1, until December 23, 2006. The Market is located on Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham.

Business Bank of Skagit’s home office opens
Business Bank of Skagit President and CEO Don Zimmerman Branch Manager Karen Pitt welcomed approximately 200 business owners and professionals to the grand opening of their home branch office for Business Bank of Skagit County in Burlington December 1.
On the evening of the 1st, local chambers of commerce and elected officials joined Business Bank of Skagit County board members and staff for a celebration including great food and drink provided by local caterer Mark Iverson of Mark’s on Pine in Mount Vernon.
Throughout the entire week visitors and guests were encouraged to put their name in a drawing to win a weekend for two in Vancouver B.C. The grand prize was arranged by local travel agent Joan Burns of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Burlington. The trip included travel from Mount Vernon on Amtrak, a two-night hotel stay and dinner for two. Edie Edmundson of Burlington was the grand-prize winner.

Skagit County residents receive local calling privileges
As part of the deal for Washington state’s approval of the Verizon and MCI merger that took place in early January, the new company will allow callers from Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sedro Woolley to talk with other county residents without paying long-distance charges.
More than a year ago, Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes) began working on a solution to a problem that troubled many callers and businesses: Phone calls from one city to another in the county incurred long-distance charges.
“The long-distance charges were particularly troublesome because calls from Anacortes to Mount Vernon were free, but not from Anacortes to Burlington,” said Morris, who is chair of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee.
This matter was of particular importance to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. The organization approached the lawmaker to express concerns from local businesses.
“Many of the retail stores and services located in Burlington would be long-distance to Anacortes residents,” said Morris. “Normally you wouldn’t think twice about placing a call, but the extra charge for the phone call resulted in lost business.”
Morris worked with the Utilities and Transportation Commission to bring constituents’ concerns to Verizon. Some communities in Snohomish County were also afforded the local-calling status.
Adult family homes form consortium
Select Adult Family Homes (AFH), a consortium of adult family homes specializing in the care of senior citizens, has been launched with members throughout Whatcom County.
With more than 40 licensed adult family homes in Whatcom County, it’s difficult for a person to learn about vacancies, specialties and level of care at each one, stated Dave Black of Select AFH. The group’s web site – www.selectafh.com – offers details about each member’s adult family home, including amenities, locations, pictures and current vacancies.
Select AFH includes Bellingham View AFH, Ridgemont AFH and Golden Dreams AFH in Bellingham, Custer AFH and Vineyard Haven AFH in Custer, The Malloy Place and Deerwood AFH in Ferndale and Lynden AFH. Each home specializes in the care of a maximum of six senior adults.

Local specialty equipment businesses participate in 2005 SEMA show
OMP and Softride Inc. were among more than 2,000 exhibitors at the 2005 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a global automotive event where emerging trends in automotive customization, design and engineering are unveiled each year.
OMP, of Ferndale, specializes in safety products. Softride Inc., of Bellingham, specializes in towing, accessories and sports racks.
As a first-time exhibitor at the SEMA Show, the businesses participated in the trade-only event that brings manufacturers and buyers of automotive specialty equipment together in one location. The show is considered the mecca of the $31 billion industry, where manufacturers and service providers showcase cutting-edge technology, style and customization products for a market driven by consumers who are craving the latest in automotive trends.

Zervas Group wins twice in 2005 Design Awards
Zervas Group Architects, Bellingham’s oldest and largest architectural design firm, took home two awards of just five presented at the 16th annual Design Awards Program sponsored by the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The event was held at Skagit Valley Community College in December.
The Firehouse Performing Arts Center in Fairhaven earned a citation from the three-person jury of nationally recognized architects, while a Whatcom County residence for the Holz family won the People’s Choice award.
James E. Zervas founded Zervas Group in 1961. Four managing partners lead the 14-person firm: Jim Zervas, AIA, Mike Smith, FAIA, Terry Brown, AIA, and Sharon Robinson, AIA.

WorkFirst receives Contribution Award
The innovative WorkFirst “Bridge” program that matches low income parents with employers in Skagit County has been recognized by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). The Bridge partners received an Exceptional Contribution Award from CTED. Local partners in the WorkFirst Bridge Project recognized include: the Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC), Skagit Valley College, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Northwest Workforce Development Council, Employment Security and Skagit County Community Action Agency.
The Bridge Project links the state’s WorkFirst initiative with local economic development. The long-term goal is to help low income families become self-reliant.
The EDASC led community partners in a program that introduced a unique training, Steps to Personal and Economic Success (STEPS) to all WorkFirst participants. Currently 42 facilitators from throughout the partnership deliver the education weekly. To date, 322 individuals have participated.
The Bridge project proved the value in linking local economic development with WorkFirst. Compared to statewide averages, WorkFirst job seekers in Skagit County faired significantly better in their employment rate. Between January and August of 2005, 65 percent of the 770 individuals who closed their welfare claims did so because they found jobs that met the basic needs of their families. This compares with only 48 percent in 1998 and 57 percent in 2000.

Doll Technology in talks with California firm
Doll Technology Group Inc., of Sedro Woolley, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Stillwaters Agricultural Sales, Inc. The intent of the MOU is to establish Stillwaters as a distributor for the environmentally safe AquaBoost and BlazeTamer products in Southern California. The value of the completed agreement is expected to deliver revenues between approximately $500,000 to $1 million to Doll Technology Group over the next 12 months.
Stillwaters is finalizing a full range of testing in several different agricultural produce varieties in California and plans to distribute AquaBoost to vineyards, fruit orchards, golf courses and home lawn care services. The parties expected to have a formalized agreement signed by the end of January.
Doll Technology plans to build a state-of-the-art facility with scalable production capacity to meet the current and future demand for the products, said Doll Director and CEO E. Bruce Fischer.
AquaBoost and BlazeTamer were developed by the company’s strategic partner BioCentral. Doll Technology has exclusive production rights to the products.

‘64 slice’ has nothing to do with pizza
Mt. Baker Imaging of Bellingham installed a new computer tomography system in mid-December, providing Whatcom County with access to the latest technology that provides improved diagnosis and patient comfort.
The Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 64 CT (Computed Tomography) system is the leading 64-slice technology used in radiology departments and imaging centers. The Bellingham unit is one of a few in Washington state and the first to be installed north of Seattle.
The term “64 slice” refers to the number of scans captured in a single pass of the CT unit. The amount of detail captured in a very short period of time enables improved image quality while also making it more comfortable for patients. A body scan, for example, can be completed in eight seconds or a single short breath hold, which increases patient comfort and improves the quality of image.
Mt. Baker Imaging was formed in 2005 as a joint venture between Northwest Radiologists Inc. and St. Joseph Hospital.

Ready for those retiring boomers?
Where to Retire magazine features Bellingham as a top retirement spot in its January/February 2006 issue.
Alan Fox, Where to Retire editor, says Bellingham has many of the qualities important to today’s retirees, including recreation and cultural opportunities, plus proximity to larger metropolitan areas.
Statistics from the publication state that more than 700,000 Americans move to new towns to retire each year. Generally healthier, better educated and more affluent than retirees who stay put, relocating retirees bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two-dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development.
As developers are building more condominiums throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County, many have cited a target demographic as the active older (55+) adult.

Freeland to net new retail space Whidbey Island businessman Steve Myres plans to add much needed retail space to downtown Freeland. Myres purchased two buildings at the corner of Main Street and Harbor Avenue in mid 2005 and plans to construct two new structures on the site. He’s currently awaiting building permits before starting demolition of the old buildings. “I’m going to do [the construction] in phases to not disrupt existing businesses,” explained Myres. One of the buildings currently houses a knitting shop. Myres is owner of Sound Electric, a commercial electrical contracting firm based in Freeland. He developed an office/warehouse building there that opened in 2005. It houses both his office and nine other businesses. His success with that venture confirmed his belief that Freeland is ready for more business space for services and retail. “I think there’s a need for new facilities in Freeland,” he explained. Myres’ planned two 4,000 square-foot buildings with two floors of retail space will help fill that need, as well as “increase the value of the property and the aesthetics of downtown Freeland.” Myres is excited about the project and the expected contribution it will make to the community. Already he’s met with enthusiastic response. “It’s going to be a blast. There’s so much community support.” Ferndale steps back to look at plaza project A small but vocal group of concerned citizens convinced the Ferndale City Council to approve an emergency moratorium on applications for commercial developments in the city. The moratorium, which lasts until the council meets again on Feb. 6, directly impacts the Pioneer Plaza project proposed on the south side of Axton Road east of Interstate 5. The citizens brought a list of concerns focusing on issues such as traffic and environmental impacts, said City Clerk Linda Knutson. The city drafted a letter to project developer BAS Construction and Development detailing the concerns. Those concerns will be addressed by the firm in time for the council’s next meeting, said Mike Kohl, BAS consultant. Kohl felt the citizens’ demands for information were premature. “Everything these people want to know will be gone over in detail in the hearing process,” he said. In the meantime, the request for information is just a blip on the 98-acre project’s radar. “We’re continuing with our project aggressively,” Kohl said. Happy Birthday, Babynut Babynut was launched two years ago in November 2003 with the goal of providing natural, alternative and organic products and information for pregnancy, adoption, childbirth, parenting, babies and toddlers. Owner Saralee Sky says, “I take a wisdom-laced-with-humor approach. Babynut is my way of combining my hippie roots and my professional expertise to work with a population that I love – mothers and babies.” Sky has a master’s degree in psychology and has served as a therapist to severely abused children as well as being executive director of three nonprofit agencies serving children. Based in Bellingham, Babynut does business solely on Web. Products available include items such as natural and organic cotton maternity, nursing, baby and toddler clothes, books on pregnancy, natural childbirth and parenting, and clothing specially designed for Babynut. Fitness Together flexes muscles with expansion Fitness Together has opened a second location in the Barkley Medical Building across the hall from Performance Physical Therapy. The studio has two private workout rooms and a cardio area that clients use to work with their own personal trainer one on one. Each private room is fully equipped so there is no waiting. Fitness Together’s original location, in the Bellwether complex on Bellingham’s waterfront, reached its capacity, necessitating the expansion to maintain its small private atmosphere. Four trainers are on staff at the Barkley location: Valerie Abenroth, Michelle Hurley, Noah Ellis and Connie Kollin. Waller Home Inspections serves Whatcom, Skagit counties Waller Home Inspections LLC, run by Bellingham-resident Allan Waller, is now serving the communities of Whatcom and Skagit counties. Waller completed more than 100 hours of training last summer to become certified through Inspection Training Associates (ITA). Additionally, he has an extensive background in home remodeling that augments his professional training. Waller Home Inspections provides referral coverage and computer-generated narrative inspection reports. Core Therapeutics expands business, adds staff Core Therapeutics is doubling its space to accommodate the addition of three staff members to their practice. The expansion will create more room for physical therapy and Pilates services at the only physical therapy clinic in Fairhaven. In addition, new weekend and evening Pilates training are now available. “More people are taking charge of their health and pain relief, and we’re expanding to accommodate their needs, said owner Elizabeth Hampton PT, BCIA-PMDB. “Also, Fairhaven is a wonderful community to be a part of.” The following staff members have joined Core Therapeutics: Brenda Mitchell, PTA and owner of Fairhaven’s NW Pilates and Bodywork Studio, has joined the staff as a physical therapist. Mitchell has 10 years experience as a physical therapist assistant and is studio certified as a Stott Pilates instructor. She will integrate her physical therapy and Pilates knowledge for the rehabilitation needs of Core PT’s clients. Jaime Monsef joins Kate Ranger, CSCS, as a Stott Pilates instructor for individual and buddies classes. She teaches ballet and Pilates at Northwest Ballet School and is currently attending WWU to receive her BFA in dance. Suzan Blake has joined Core PT as receptionist and administrative assistant. She has 14 years of experience in medical office services. Chicks will dig boutique’s new product lines Three French Hens in Fairhaven has added contemporary designer clothing, purses and accessories to its extensive lines of home decorating accents, lingerie, jewelry and gifts. The expanded offerings were added at customer request, said Bonnie Donaghy, Three French Hens owner. “We like to call ourselves ‘A Boutique for Chicks’ because we have everything a contemporary woman needs to make herself and her home beautiful,” she said. The new clothing lines are modern and often found at exclusive boutiques or high-end department stores in larger cities. Three French Hens started in 1995 as Dorf ’n Fern’s and after several moves settled in its current location on Harris and 11th Street in 2003. Bellingham Farmers Market extends season into winter The Bellingham Farmers Market board of directors decided to extend the Saturday Market season through December 2006. Market President Mike Finger said, “We are very excited about this upcoming season; it will be our first in the new Depot Market Square. With the new structure complete, inclement weather won’t be such a problem when we open in April – vendors and customers will be able to stay dry. “We’re really thrilled about making the decision to continue the Market into the winter months. This has been a trend for other markets in the Puget Sound, including quite a few markets in Seattle. Customers are asking to buy more local farm products; they’re willing to come shop the market in the days leading up until Christmas.” The Bellingham Farmers Market is the fourth largest market in Washington state. It is consistently one of the largest tourist attractions in the area and is held each Saturday during market season, which runs from April 1, until December 23, 2006. The Market is located on Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham. Business Bank of Skagit’s home office opens Business Bank of Skagit President and CEO Don Zimmerman Branch Manager Karen Pitt welcomed approximately 200 business owners and professionals to the grand opening of their home branch office for Business Bank of Skagit County in Burlington December 1. On the evening of the 1st, local chambers of commerce and elected officials joined Business Bank of Skagit County board members and staff for a celebration including great food and drink provided by local caterer Mark Iverson of Mark’s on Pine in Mount Vernon. Throughout the entire week visitors and guests were encouraged to put their name in a drawing to win a weekend for two in Vancouver B.C. The grand prize was arranged by local travel agent Joan Burns of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Burlington. The trip included travel from Mount Vernon on Amtrak, a two-night hotel stay and dinner for two. Edie Edmundson of Burlington was the grand-prize winner. Skagit County residents receive local calling privileges As part of the deal for Washington state’s approval of the Verizon and MCI merger that took place in early January, the new company will allow callers from Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sedro Woolley to talk with other county residents without paying long-distance charges. More than a year ago, Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes) began working on a solution to a problem that troubled many callers and businesses: Phone calls from one city to another in the county incurred long-distance charges. “The long-distance charges were particularly troublesome because calls from Anacortes to Mount Vernon were free, but not from Anacortes to Burlington,” said Morris, who is chair of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee. This matter was of particular importance to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. The organization approached the lawmaker to express concerns from local businesses. “Many of the retail stores and services located in Burlington would be long-distance to Anacortes residents,” said Morris. “Normally you wouldn’t think twice about placing a call, but the extra charge for the phone call resulted in lost business.” Morris worked with the Utilities and Transportation Commission to bring constituents’ concerns to Verizon. Some communities in Snohomish County were also afforded the local-calling status. Adult family homes form consortium Select Adult Family Homes (AFH), a consortium of adult family homes specializing in the care of senior citizens, has been launched with members throughout Whatcom County. With more than 40 licensed adult family homes in Whatcom County, it’s difficult for a person to learn about vacancies, specialties and level of care at each one, stated Dave Black of Select AFH. The group’s web site – www.selectafh.com – offers details about each member’s adult family home, including amenities, locations, pictures and current vacancies. Select AFH includes Bellingham View AFH, Ridgemont AFH and Golden Dreams AFH in Bellingham, Custer AFH and Vineyard Haven AFH in Custer, The Malloy Place and Deerwood AFH in Ferndale and Lynden AFH. Each home specializes in the care of a maximum of six senior adults. Local specialty equipment businesses participate in 2005 SEMA show OMP and Softride Inc. were among more than 2,000 exhibitors at the 2005 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a global automotive event where emerging trends in automotive customization, design and engineering are unveiled each year. OMP, of Ferndale, specializes in safety products. Softride Inc., of Bellingham, specializes in towing, accessories and sports racks. As a first-time exhibitor at the SEMA Show, the businesses participated in the trade-only event that brings manufacturers and buyers of automotive specialty equipment together in one location. The show is considered the mecca of the $31 billion industry, where manufacturers and service providers showcase cutting-edge technology, style and customization products for a market driven by consumers who are craving the latest in automotive trends. Zervas Group wins twice in 2005 Design Awards Zervas Group Architects, Bellingham’s oldest and largest architectural design firm, took home two awards of just five presented at the 16th annual Design Awards Program sponsored by the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The event was held at Skagit Valley Community College in December. The Firehouse Performing Arts Center in Fairhaven earned a citation from the three-person jury of nationally recognized architects, while a Whatcom County residence for the Holz family won the People’s Choice award. James E. Zervas founded Zervas Group in 1961. Four managing partners lead the 14-person firm: Jim Zervas, AIA, Mike Smith, FAIA, Terry Brown, AIA, and Sharon Robinson, AIA. WorkFirst receives Contribution Award The innovative WorkFirst “Bridge” program that matches low income parents with employers in Skagit County has been recognized by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). The Bridge partners received an Exceptional Contribution Award from CTED. Local partners in the WorkFirst Bridge Project recognized include: the Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC), Skagit Valley College, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Northwest Workforce Development Council, Employment Security and Skagit County Community Action Agency. The Bridge Project links the state’s WorkFirst initiative with local economic development. The long-term goal is to help low income families become self-reliant. The EDASC led community partners in a program that introduced a unique training, Steps to Personal and Economic Success (STEPS) to all WorkFirst participants. Currently 42 facilitators from throughout the partnership deliver the education weekly. To date, 322 individuals have participated. The Bridge project proved the value in linking local economic development with WorkFirst. Compared to statewide averages, WorkFirst job seekers in Skagit County faired significantly better in their employment rate. Between January and August of 2005, 65 percent of the 770 individuals who closed their welfare claims did so because they found jobs that met the basic needs of their families. This compares with only 48 percent in 1998 and 57 percent in 2000. Doll Technology in talks with California firm Doll Technology Group Inc., of Sedro Woolley, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Stillwaters Agricultural Sales, Inc. The intent of the MOU is to establish Stillwaters as a distributor for the environmentally safe AquaBoost and BlazeTamer products in Southern California. The value of the completed agreement is expected to deliver revenues between approximately $500,000 to $1 million to Doll Technology Group over the next 12 months. Stillwaters is finalizing a full range of testing in several different agricultural produce varieties in California and plans to distribute AquaBoost to vineyards, fruit orchards, golf courses and home lawn care services. The parties expected to have a formalized agreement signed by the end of January. Doll Technology plans to build a state-of-the-art facility with scalable production capacity to meet the current and future demand for the products, said Doll Director and CEO E. Bruce Fischer. AquaBoost and BlazeTamer were developed by the company’s strategic partner BioCentral. Doll Technology has exclusive production rights to the products. ‘64 slice’ has nothing to do with pizza Mt. Baker Imaging of Bellingham installed a new computer tomography system in mid-December, providing Whatcom County with access to the latest technology that provides improved diagnosis and patient comfort. The Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 64 CT (Computed Tomography) system is the leading 64-slice technology used in radiology departments and imaging centers. The Bellingham unit is one of a few in Washington state and the first to be installed north of Seattle. The term “64 slice” refers to the number of scans captured in a single pass of the CT unit. The amount of detail captured in a very short period of time enables improved image quality while also making it more comfortable for patients. A body scan, for example, can be completed in eight seconds or a single short breath hold, which increases patient comfort and improves the quality of image. Mt. Baker Imaging was formed in 2005 as a joint venture between Northwest Radiologists Inc. and St. Joseph Hospital. Ready for those retiring boomers? Where to Retire magazine features Bellingham as a top retirement spot in its January/February 2006 issue. Alan Fox, Where to Retire editor, says Bellingham has many of the qualities important to today’s retirees, including recreation and cultural opportunities, plus proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Statistics from the publication state that more than 700,000 Americans move to new towns to retire each year. Generally healthier, better educated and more affluent than retirees who stay put, relocating retirees bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two-dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development. As developers are building more condominiums throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County, many have cited a target demographic as the active older (55+) adult.
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