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20 years of recognizing the best in Whatcom County business

Now in its 20th year of celebrating the business owners of Whatcom County, this year’s Whatcom County Business Person of the Year banquet will be the biggest and best yet.
What started as a single award in 1986 has evolved into four awards, great food and a chance to network and catch up with old friends. Tony Larson, publisher of Northwest Business Monthly, said he expects the March 15 banquet at the Best Western Lakeway Inn to continue its successful history.
“This is a night that is intended as a celebration of business in general,” Larson said. “It’s a chance to recognize businesspeople for the contributions they make in the business community, their impact on the economy and their generosity in the local community. It’s made all the more special by the fact that we’ve been able to honor our local businesses for 20 years.”
While the scope of the banquet has changed over the years, the theme of honoring local businesses and businesspeople has not. In 1986, Don Haggen was named the first Business Person of the Year and, in 1989, the selection process was formalized and local sponsors helped host the first banquet.
Since that time a nominating committee has been formed each January, soliciting input about businesses that merit consideration and forming a list of finalists.
Once those lists are finalized the award winners are chosen by a specially selected advisory panel, which grades the finalists based on business accomplishment and community involvement. Only the advisory panel knows who will win the award before the banquet.
In addition to Business Person of the Year, the Small Business of the Year was added in 1990, recognizing businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In 1994, a Start-up Business of the Year category was added for businesses operating successfully for fewer than two years.
The final award is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was first handed out to David Morse in 1990 and Bob Diehl last year. Hal Arnason Jr. will receive the award this year for his dedication to the real estate profession and the Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason firm. Not only has Hal been a successful businessman, he is also highly committed to the Whatcom County community. Among many other local agencies, Arnason volunteers for and supports St. Joseph Hospital, the Salvation Army and Bellingham Rotary.
Other nominees profiled in this special section include:

Business Person of the Year
Rick Anderson, Anderson Paper & Packaging
Pat Foley, Mills Electric
Nick Kaiser, Saturna Capital
Bob Pritchett, Logos Software

Small Business of the Year
Bay City Supply
Hilltop Restaurant
Northwest Computer
Pioneer Ford
Village Books

Start-Up Business of the Year
Bellingham Hot Tub & Spa
K&K Industries
Pacific Chef

Sponsors, including Comcast, Aluminum Chambered Boats, Best Western Lakeway Inn, KGMI, Larson Gross, the Ryzek Group, Towner Press and WECU are profiled in this section of the magazine. Larson said that without the generous donations of the sponsors the awards banquet would not be possible.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a networking and social hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the award celebration at 8 p.m.
Tickets cost $45 for single tickets or $360 for a table of eight. Table sponsorship is available for $550. Tickets are sure to sell out. To make sure you reserve a seat or to receive information about the banquet contact Lena Bagwell at Northwest Business Monthly, 360.671.3933, ext. 16.
Come ready for a good time, good food and most importantly, come ready to celebrate Whatcom County’s businesses.

2005 Business Person of the Year awards banquet sponsors

The Business Person of the Year banquet is sponsored by Northwest Business Monthly magazine and Comcast, along with seven co-sponsors. This year’s sponsors include:

Aluminum Chambered Boats
Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc., one of Whatcom County’s fastest growing employers and the manufacturer of high performance boats ranging from 20 feet to 32 feet is continuing its unprecedented growth. Sales in 2005 were up more than 50 percent over 2004, and the company expects to nearly triple its 2005 results in 2006. Company officials attribute sales growth to a simple fact: “We are building the safest, most fuel efficient and softest riding boat under severe sea conditions in the world,” says to Larry Wieber, founder, chairman and CEO. The boats’ hull strength and low maintenance offer a huge advantage over fiberglass.
“With a $20,000,000+ contract to build 66 Bridge Erection Boats for the United States Marine Corps, and new deliveries to the Air Force and US Navy as a solid base; the company’s new expansion and marketing plans focus on the recreational and commercial markets, insuring the continued growth of skilled labor positions and tax revenue for the local economy” added Tom Aitchison, president/COO.
The company currently employs more than 80 people, and anticipates growth to more than 100 employees by the end of the second quarter. Wieber points out that the same hull that is built for the Navy Seals and other special forces is used for all recreational and commercial vessels.

Best Western Lakeway Inn
The Best Western Lakeway Inn, Bellingham’s premier full-service hotel and conference center, is proud to host and sponsor the Business Person of the Year Awards banquet. Featuring 132 smoke-free guest rooms, eight beautifully furnished executive suites and more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space The Lakeway Inn is Bellingham’s meeting place. With onsite catering, the Oboe Cafe and, of course, Poppe’s Bistro and Martini Bar there is no palate we can not satisfy. An indoor pool and Jacuzzi spa, fitness center, saunas and pay-per-view movies are among the popular distractions to help our guests relax. High-speed DSL connections are available both in the guestrooms and in our business center and a wireless hotspot lights up the lobby and library conveniently located on Lakeway Drive on I-5. We are neighbors to WWU, the downtown area and Fairhaven. To further explore the Lakeway Inn find us on the Web at www.thelakewayinn.com or phone one of our hospitality experts at 360.671.1011.
KGMI
When Whatcom County residents need to know what’s happening, they tune to KGMI Newstalk 790 (AM-790 on the radio dial). KGMI is the long-established leader for local and state news stories that impact Whatcom County, and provides unparalleled coverage of important issues on several locally hosted talk shows.
Tune in weekday mornings from 5 a.m. until 8 a.m. for continuous news, sports and weather information. Then dig into the big topic of the day during The Brett and Debbie Talk Show weekday mornings at 8 a.m. KGMI also provides stimulating conversation on political, lifestyle and even spiritual issues during four hours of local talk shows each weekday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Two of KGMI’s newest local talk shows are “The Connection,” a faith-based talk show weekdays at 3 p.m., and The Joe Teehan Show, a current events talk show from a liberal perspective weeknights at 6 p.m.

Larson Gross PLLC
Larson Gross is a full-service accounting firm providing tax, accounting and consulting services to individual and business clients throughout Northwest Washington and British Columbia. With more than 40 employees and offices in Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine, it has grown into one of the largest locally owned CPA firms in our region.
Having served this community for more than 50 years Larson Gross continues to provide the highest level of professional assistance; including U.S./Canada cross border services, estate planning, business succession and valuation services as well as offering industry expertise to agriculture, construction and manufacturing clients. Most importantly, its dedication to client relationships remains unchanged and continues to be the cornerstone of its service philosophy.
For more information, visit Larson Gross online at www.larsongross.com or call 360.734.4280.

The Ryzek Group
The Ryzex Group is one of the world’s largest data collection resellers and integrators with world headquarters in Bellingham. More than 6,000 customers worldwide rely on Ryzex products and services, which include systems analysis, installation and integration services, wireless networking, new data collection equipment, refurbished equipment, rental programs, service and repair, and legacy equipment supply and support. In business since 1989, Ryzex has more than 350 employees in sales, service and repair operations across North America and in the United Kingdom, France and Australia. For more information please visit www.ryzex.com or call 800.999.2995.

Towner Press
Few businesses can claim the distinction of operating for more that 100 years, and only one can be first. That honor goes to Towner Press, the oldest continuously operating print shop in Washington state. Founded in 1895, Towner Press has operated under the same principles since its beginning: provide top-quality work with outstanding customer service at competitive prices. At Towner, our goal is to make printing easy for you. Towner will pick up your project and deliver proofs. We welcome you into the shop to review paper samples, meet with a printing consultant or brainstorm with the graphics department. Towner’s knowledgeable, friendly staff will do whatever it takes to make sure you get exactly the results you want.
Towner takes pride in producing top-quality work, whether printing a single-color business card or a full-color brochure. Towner also completes such specialty finishes as embossing, foil stamping and raised printing in-house. Towner offers a complete bindery that can cut, fold and stitch everything from eight-page newsletters to 104-page books.
Towner recently upgraded its quick color capabilities by installing a Xerox DocuColor 250. Great for small quantity or fast turnaround projects, the Xerox 250 can make booklets, staple and three-hole punch. It prints up to 12 inches by 18 inches with a full bleed.
There’s so much to see that owners Don and Pat George and the entire Towner Press team invite you to stop by 109 W. Chestnut in downtown Bellingham any time for a tour. Or give them a call at 360.733.8870 the next time you have a printing project. No matter how large or small your job, you’ll be treated like a member of the Towner Press family.

Whatcom Educational Credit Union
Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) began as a volunteer operation in 1936 and now – with more than 40,000 members – we have evolved into the largest not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative in Whatcom County. We were chartered in 1936 as Bellingham Teachers’ Credit Union and served classroom teachers and public school administrators. Since 1936 we have encouraged saving so others may borrow. Profits are returned to members in lower loan interest rates and above-market savings dividends. As a not-for-profit institution, WECU offers financing at competitive rates. Now serving all county residents, WECU offers a full range of banking products and services including an expanded business department. WECU can provide your business with the resources you need including a full array of financial and loan products, as well as the benefit of a team of dedicated, local professionals who understand the needs of your business. WECU has nine branches to serve you in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine. We have 17 surcharge-free ATMs throughout Whatcom County. Visit one today or check us out on the Web at www.wecu.com.

Comcast Business Class
Comcast proudly serves the Bellingham area with a suite of business-class services that exceed the high tech demands of today’s fast-paced businesses.
With a reliable 8MB broadband High-speed Internet connection Comcast Workplace is the solution for today’s small- to medium-sized businesses. It offers 24/7 local customer service, static IP, McAfee virus and firewall protection, virtual private network (VPN), Teleworker, and GO TO, a patented virtual meeting tool.
Comcast Workplace enables you to customize a broadband solution to meet your technology needs, giving you a measurable advantage in today’s competitive market.
Aside from offering advanced reliable products, Comcast is also dedicated to making an impact on local communities in which its employees live and work.
This past year local employees contributed to community events, local nonprofits and schools.
One example is Comcast Cares Day, an annual event. Locally, 60 Comcast employees volunteered to paint, landscape and clean the Bellingham Boys and Girls Club facility to make a difference in the lives of children.
For more information about Comcast Workplace please call 1.888.824.8231 or go to www.comcast.com/wa-business.

20 years of recognizing the best in Whatcom County business Now in its 20th year of celebrating the business owners of Whatcom County, this year’s Whatcom County Business Person of the Year banquet will be the biggest and best yet. What started as a single award in 1986 has evolved into four awards, great food and a chance to network and catch up with old friends. Tony Larson, publisher of Northwest Business Monthly, said he expects the March 15 banquet at the Best Western Lakeway Inn to continue its successful history. “This is a night that is intended as a celebration of business in general,” Larson said. “It’s a chance to recognize businesspeople for the contributions they make in the business community, their impact on the economy and their generosity in the local community. It’s made all the more special by the fact that we’ve been able to honor our local businesses for 20 years.” While the scope of the banquet has changed over the years, the theme of honoring local businesses and businesspeople has not. In 1986, Don Haggen was named the first Business Person of the Year and, in 1989, the selection process was formalized and local sponsors helped host the first banquet. Since that time a nominating committee has been formed each January, soliciting input about businesses that merit consideration and forming a list of finalists. Once those lists are finalized the award winners are chosen by a specially selected advisory panel, which grades the finalists based on business accomplishment and community involvement. Only the advisory panel knows who will win the award before the banquet. In addition to Business Person of the Year, the Small Business of the Year was added in 1990, recognizing businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In 1994, a Start-up Business of the Year category was added for businesses operating successfully for fewer than two years. The final award is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was first handed out to David Morse in 1990 and Bob Diehl last year. Hal Arnason Jr. will receive the award this year for his dedication to the real estate profession and the Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason firm. Not only has Hal been a successful businessman, he is also highly committed to the Whatcom County community. Among many other local agencies, Arnason volunteers for and supports St. Joseph Hospital, the Salvation Army and Bellingham Rotary. Other nominees profiled in this special section include: Business Person of the Year Rick Anderson, Anderson Paper & Packaging Pat Foley, Mills Electric Nick Kaiser, Saturna Capital Bob Pritchett, Logos Software Small Business of the Year Bay City Supply Hilltop Restaurant Northwest Computer Pioneer Ford Village Books Start-Up Business of the Year Bellingham Hot Tub & Spa K&K Industries Pacific Chef Sponsors, including Comcast, Aluminum Chambered Boats, Best Western Lakeway Inn, KGMI, Larson Gross, the Ryzek Group, Towner Press and WECU are profiled in this section of the magazine. Larson said that without the generous donations of the sponsors the awards banquet would not be possible. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a networking and social hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the award celebration at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $45 for single tickets or $360 for a table of eight. Table sponsorship is available for $550. Tickets are sure to sell out. To make sure you reserve a seat or to receive information about the banquet contact Lena Bagwell at Northwest Business Monthly, 360.671.3933, ext. 16. Come ready for a good time, good food and most importantly, come ready to celebrate Whatcom County’s businesses. 2005 Business Person of the Year awards banquet sponsors The Business Person of the Year banquet is sponsored by Northwest Business Monthly magazine and Comcast, along with seven co-sponsors. This year’s sponsors include: Aluminum Chambered Boats Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc., one of Whatcom County’s fastest growing employers and the manufacturer of high performance boats ranging from 20 feet to 32 feet is continuing its unprecedented growth. Sales in 2005 were up more than 50 percent over 2004, and the company expects to nearly triple its 2005 results in 2006. Company officials attribute sales growth to a simple fact: “We are building the safest, most fuel efficient and softest riding boat under severe sea conditions in the world,” says to Larry Wieber, founder, chairman and CEO. The boats’ hull strength and low maintenance offer a huge advantage over fiberglass. “With a $20,000,000+ contract to build 66 Bridge Erection Boats for the United States Marine Corps, and new deliveries to the Air Force and US Navy as a solid base; the company’s new expansion and marketing plans focus on the recreational and commercial markets, insuring the continued growth of skilled labor positions and tax revenue for the local economy” added Tom Aitchison, president/COO. The company currently employs more than 80 people, and anticipates growth to more than 100 employees by the end of the second quarter. Wieber points out that the same hull that is built for the Navy Seals and other special forces is used for all recreational and commercial vessels. Best Western Lakeway Inn The Best Western Lakeway Inn, Bellingham’s premier full-service hotel and conference center, is proud to host and sponsor the Business Person of the Year Awards banquet. Featuring 132 smoke-free guest rooms, eight beautifully furnished executive suites and more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space The Lakeway Inn is Bellingham’s meeting place. With onsite catering, the Oboe Cafe and, of course, Poppe’s Bistro and Martini Bar there is no palate we can not satisfy. An indoor pool and Jacuzzi spa, fitness center, saunas and pay-per-view movies are among the popular distractions to help our guests relax. High-speed DSL connections are available both in the guestrooms and in our business center and a wireless hotspot lights up the lobby and library conveniently located on Lakeway Drive on I-5. We are neighbors to WWU, the downtown area and Fairhaven. To further explore the Lakeway Inn find us on the Web at www.thelakewayinn.com or phone one of our hospitality experts at 360.671.1011. KGMI When Whatcom County residents need to know what’s happening, they tune to KGMI Newstalk 790 (AM-790 on the radio dial). KGMI is the long-established leader for local and state news stories that impact Whatcom County, and provides unparalleled coverage of important issues on several locally hosted talk shows. Tune in weekday mornings from 5 a.m. until 8 a.m. for continuous news, sports and weather information. Then dig into the big topic of the day during The Brett and Debbie Talk Show weekday mornings at 8 a.m. KGMI also provides stimulating conversation on political, lifestyle and even spiritual issues during four hours of local talk shows each weekday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two of KGMI’s newest local talk shows are “The Connection,” a faith-based talk show weekdays at 3 p.m., and The Joe Teehan Show, a current events talk show from a liberal perspective weeknights at 6 p.m. Larson Gross PLLC Larson Gross is a full-service accounting firm providing tax, accounting and consulting services to individual and business clients throughout Northwest Washington and British Columbia. With more than 40 employees and offices in Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine, it has grown into one of the largest locally owned CPA firms in our region. Having served this community for more than 50 years Larson Gross continues to provide the highest level of professional assistance; including U.S./Canada cross border services, estate planning, business succession and valuation services as well as offering industry expertise to agriculture, construction and manufacturing clients. Most importantly, its dedication to client relationships remains unchanged and continues to be the cornerstone of its service philosophy. For more information, visit Larson Gross online at www.larsongross.com or call 360.734.4280. The Ryzek Group The Ryzex Group is one of the world’s largest data collection resellers and integrators with world headquarters in Bellingham. More than 6,000 customers worldwide rely on Ryzex products and services, which include systems analysis, installation and integration services, wireless networking, new data collection equipment, refurbished equipment, rental programs, service and repair, and legacy equipment supply and support. In business since 1989, Ryzex has more than 350 employees in sales, service and repair operations across North America and in the United Kingdom, France and Australia. For more information please visit www.ryzex.com or call 800.999.2995. Towner Press Few businesses can claim the distinction of operating for more that 100 years, and only one can be first. That honor goes to Towner Press, the oldest continuously operating print shop in Washington state. Founded in 1895, Towner Press has operated under the same principles since its beginning: provide top-quality work with outstanding customer service at competitive prices. At Towner, our goal is to make printing easy for you. Towner will pick up your project and deliver proofs. We welcome you into the shop to review paper samples, meet with a printing consultant or brainstorm with the graphics department. Towner’s knowledgeable, friendly staff will do whatever it takes to make sure you get exactly the results you want. Towner takes pride in producing top-quality work, whether printing a single-color business card or a full-color brochure. Towner also completes such specialty finishes as embossing, foil stamping and raised printing in-house. Towner offers a complete bindery that can cut, fold and stitch everything from eight-page newsletters to 104-page books. Towner recently upgraded its quick color capabilities by installing a Xerox DocuColor 250. Great for small quantity or fast turnaround projects, the Xerox 250 can make booklets, staple and three-hole punch. It prints up to 12 inches by 18 inches with a full bleed. There’s so much to see that owners Don and Pat George and the entire Towner Press team invite you to stop by 109 W. Chestnut in downtown Bellingham any time for a tour. Or give them a call at 360.733.8870 the next time you have a printing project. No matter how large or small your job, you’ll be treated like a member of the Towner Press family. Whatcom Educational Credit Union Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) began as a volunteer operation in 1936 and now – with more than 40,000 members – we have evolved into the largest not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative in Whatcom County. We were chartered in 1936 as Bellingham Teachers’ Credit Union and served classroom teachers and public school administrators. Since 1936 we have encouraged saving so others may borrow. Profits are returned to members in lower loan interest rates and above-market savings dividends. As a not-for-profit institution, WECU offers financing at competitive rates. Now serving all county residents, WECU offers a full range of banking products and services including an expanded business department. WECU can provide your business with the resources you need including a full array of financial and loan products, as well as the benefit of a team of dedicated, local professionals who understand the needs of your business. WECU has nine branches to serve you in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine. We have 17 surcharge-free ATMs throughout Whatcom County. Visit one today or check us out on the Web at www.wecu.com. Comcast Business Class Comcast proudly serves the Bellingham area with a suite of business-class services that exceed the high tech demands of today’s fast-paced businesses. With a reliable 8MB broadband High-speed Internet connection Comcast Workplace is the solution for today’s small- to medium-sized businesses. It offers 24/7 local customer service, static IP, McAfee virus and firewall protection, virtual private network (VPN), Teleworker, and GO TO, a patented virtual meeting tool. Comcast Workplace enables you to customize a broadband solution to meet your technology needs, giving you a measurable advantage in today’s competitive market. Aside from offering advanced reliable products, Comcast is also dedicated to making an impact on local communities in which its employees live and work. This past year local employees contributed to community events, local nonprofits and schools. One example is Comcast Cares Day, an annual event. Locally, 60 Comcast employees volunteered to paint, landscape and clean the Bellingham Boys and Girls Club facility to make a difference in the lives of children. For more information about Comcast Workplace please call 1.888.824.8231 or go to www.comcast.com/wa-business.
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