Janicki to build wood pellet mill in Hamilton
Janicki Energy of Sedro-Woolley announced that it will begin the permitting process to build a wood pellet mill on industrial property in the town of Hamilton. The momentum behind Janicki Energy began late in 2004 when Mike Janicki on a trip to Finland saw how that country, which has no domestic oil sources, relied on wood waste to produce heat and electricity. In Finland, the landowners collected and bundled the woody debris, then hauled these wood “bales” to cogeneration facilities where they were converted to usable forms of alternative energy. Janicki Energy has spent the past two and a half years researching the conversion of biomass into alternative fuels. Due to recent developments, the wood pellet business will come on line sooner than expected.
The primary facility will be approximately 5,400 square feet with associated storage and other operations covering five acres of the 100-acre parcel. The plant will make wood pellets from raw materials that are today considered to be waste, such as sawdust, bark and logging slash.
The company will start with seven full-time employees at various skill levels with the potential of up to 25 jobs at that site. Employees will be recruited locally and training will be provided.
Janicki Energy’s CEO is Rob Janicki, and its president is Jerry Shukis, Rob’s father-in-law. Rob Janicki is part owner with his three brothers in both Janicki Logging & Construction Inc. and Janicki Industries Inc. The wood pellet production plant is a marriage in family expertise of both the wood products and manufacturing businesses.

Aluminum Chambered Boats focuses on recreation
For two years ACB quietly manufactured 14-foot boats in a 2,000-square-foot building in Fairhaven. ACB caught the attention of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and soon declared ACB’s products “Urgent Mission Essential.”
A partial list of ACB’s elite customers includes U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Border Patrol, NOAA, U.S. Corp of Engineers, U.S. Air Force, several state and local municipalities and most recently a partnership with Northrop Grumman.
Knowing recreational boaters would benefit from the safety innovations of their products ACB took the advanced hull technology that has been built to stringent military requirements and, using the same high standards, now builds a line of recreational/fishing boats from 25 feet to 32 feet.
The patented aluminum chambered hull design is a modified V hull with contiguous airtight aluminum chambers that provide survivability flotation and stability. ACB has successfully developed unsurpassed performance characteristics in speed, safety, endurance and maneuverability, as well as lowering total operating costs for customers thanks to the rugged hull structure, easy maintenance and reduced fuel burn.

Ohio-based airline begins flights out of Bellingham
Skybus Airlines, based in Columbus, Ohio, began flight operations out of Bellingham International Airport on May 29.
The Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in support of a lease with Skybus Airlines that allows the national start-up to begin operations. Skybus provides nonstop service on full-size jets from its base in Columbus, Ohio, to cities throughout the United States.
“The continued growth of the Bellingham/Vancouver market has brought a number of air carriers to our community over the last few years, but the potential expansion which Skybus brings is unprecedented,” said Ken Oplinger, president/CEO of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, whose organization endorses the airline. “It means more options for Whatcom, Island and Skagit county residents as they take to the skies in the future.”
Skybus will offer nonstop service from Columbus to the Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas and to Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, N.C., Richmond, Va., Kansas City and Fort Lauderdale. Skybus will be using full-size Airbus A319 jets.

Horizon Air adds larger aircraft, lowers fares
Starting April 22, Horizon Air cut fares between Bellingham and Seattle by up to half and increased available seating by 50 percent, having completed a transition to larger aircraft on the route.
The lower fares are not limited-time specials, but now part of Horizon’s regular fare structure and are expected to be popular with business people needing to make a quick trip between the two cities.
Horizon replaced flights between Bellingham and Seattle operated with Bombardier 37-seat Q200s with flights flown with 74- to 76-seat Bombardier Q400s. This brings Horizon to a total of six daily Q400 flights.

Chiropractic office expands services
Based on substantial growth and requests for expanded services from patients and area employers, Barkley Chiropractic is expanding its service offerings. In addition to providing chiropractic care and rehabilitative exercises, the office now offers massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, wellness products, seminars and classes.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to give you the tools you need to take charge of your health,” said chiropractor Dr. Kelly Arnold. “We will continue actively research and pursue new technological and health advances that will serve to benefit our patients, as well as improve the overall health of the community.

Fiamma Burger launches promotional campaign
Fiamma Burger is launching a promotional campaign where future patrons and patrons of La Fiamma pizza can purchase gift cards in various amounts and receive additional funds on the card (for use in the restaurants), coveted VIP Hoodies custom-designed by Red Boots Design, pre-opening party invitations and even a pizza named and created by the purchaser.
Owners Ken and Dan Bothman are taking creative financing to the next level with the campaign. The idea came to them via Dan’s mom who told them about a deli in L.A. that pre-sold credit to jumpstart the restaurant opening “We liked the idea and thought it would be more fun for us than filling out a lot of paperwork at the bank,” Dan said.
“And this way, everyone gets something – we get a buffer and our customers get more bang for their buck,” Ken added.
The cards can be purchased in denominations of $500 (The Patty Patron), $1,000 (The Bun Builder), $5,000 (The Dough-Ner) and $10,000 (The Upper Crust).

Bellingham is Washington’s first green power community
By purchasing more than 11 percent of all of the electricity used in the entire city from green power resources, Bellingham has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Green Power Community.
Bellingham’s power purchasing achievement is even more remarkable considering that it’s actually double that of the six other “Green Power Communities” across the country.
The EPA officially recognized Bellingham on April 21, during the City’s Earth Day Celebration at the Farmer’s Market. The EPA joined by Congressman Rick Larsen and other dignitaries presented Mayor Tim Douglas with two colorful street signs reading, “Welcome to a Green Power Community. We exceed EPA guidelines for buying clean, renewable energy.”

Web site launch for Trish Harding School of Art
A new interactive Web site for Trish Harding School of Art at Studio UFO, www.studioufo.net, showcases art classes and workshops, gallery, community events and offers downloads of registration forms, call to artists, prospectus and entry forms. The site also includes contact information and links.

Hexcel reports 2007 first quarter results
Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) reported results for the first quarter of 2007. Net sales for the quarter were $328.7 million, 9.1 percent higher than the $301.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2006. Operating income for the first quarter was $33.7 million compared to $29.1 million for the same quarter last year. Net income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2007 was $16.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted common share compared to $14.0 million or $0.14 per diluted common share in 2006. Net income was $23.5 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share compared to $14.5 million or $0.15 per diluted common share in 2006. Net income includes net income from discontinued operations of $7 million after reflecting a $6.8 million gain on the sale of Hexcel’s architectural business.
“The quarter was a good start to the year for Hexcel despite the significant impact of the A380 delay. Commercial Aerospace sales growth was in line with our expectations and reflected solid growth from Boeing and their subcontractors, as well as from sales to regional aircraft, engines and nacelle applications,” Berges said.
Hexel has a location in Burlingon.

Johnson Construction and Excavating launches new Web site
Johnson Construction and Excavating Inc. of Blaine announced the launch of its new Web site, www.johnsoncustom.com.
The site’s look is user friendly and features links to the latest company projects and portfolios of its new home and excavating projects. It also includes links to other important local organizations.
“We are proud of the new Web site,” said Chris Johnson, co-owner and CEO. “It offers potential clients an in-depth look at our company and what we can offer in the home construction and excavation field.”

Laserpoint Awards & Promotions celebrates 10 years
“Hitting that 10 year mark is huge. We have worked very hard to supply excellent products and customer service to our customers,” Co-owner Randy Cross said.
Kathy Cross thanks their customers for the loyalty they have shown. “We couldn’t do it without the support, trust and the friendships that have evolved from our customers, their business is greatly appreciated.”
Laserpoint will be celebrating their 10th anniversary all year.

Lynden Sheet Metal now installs plumbing
Lynden Sheet Metal, a longtime installer of HVAC systems, has become a full mechanical contractor by adding a plumbing division.
The plumbing division is headed by Jamie Longstreth, a journeyman plumber with 10 years of experience in residential, commercial and institutional plumbing projects. Longstreth previously owned Alpha Plumbing Services in Lynden.
Lynden Sheet Metal initially will focus on installation of plumbing systems and in-floor radiant heating in new homes.
“We’re very pleased that we can expand our services with Longstreth, who has the experience, skills and integrity that we need,” said Bob Crabtree, owner of Lynden Sheet Metal. “We now can work with homebuilders on their HVAC and plumbing systems, increasing their efficiency and easing their coordination of subcontractors.”

Mad Dash Bicycle Courier celebrates 15 years in business
Mad Dash Bicycle Courier Service celebrated it’s 15th year of operation on Earth Day, April 22.
Owner Laura Henkel attributes her continued success to the professionalism, dedication and dependability of her staff. She also believes there is a strong commitment of sustainability in the Bellingham community to support small and local business.
Mad Dash is a bike-only courier service operating year-round in Bellingham. Four riders operate within Bellingham’s city limits. The current route is about 35 miles; delivery areas include Fairhaven, Lakeway, Roeder, Barkley, downtown and Meridian.

Homebuyers tune in to talking houses
An innovation in digital radio technology is simplifying the home buying process. Rather than jotting down numbers of agents listed on a home for sale sign, area shoppers who drive by a home with a Talking House sign can simply tune their radio to a designated AM frequency for a detailed report on the home.
Local real estate agent Property Watch Inc. has recently debuted several Talking Houses in the Blaine area. These homes have a radio transmitter approximately the size of a small VCR inside the home, with a broadcast range of up to 300 feet.
“The Talking House transmitter is a powerful and effective real estate tool because it simplifies the process for all parties involved: the agent, the seller and the buyer,” said Brandi Christie, a spokeswoman for Talking House.
The transmitters use any frequency between 560 and 1700 on the AM dial, making it possible for two houses side-by-side to use the transmitter with out interfering with each other’s broadcast.
The Talking House brand is presented by Broadcast Marketing LLC, an Illinois-based company.

Toad Mountain Coffee closes store
Toad Mountain Coffee Company closed the doors to the F and Dupont streets store in Bellingham on April 30.
“In the last two years, our limited parking has been reduced substantially, while new competitors have arrived,” said owner Rob Camandona in a letter sent to customers and friends of Toad Mountain. “The level of coffee quality has risen in the last few years, and it was exciting to be a part of that. I wish great success to our fellow neighborhood coffee folks and ask you, our customers, to frequent them when in the neighborhood.”
Toad Mountain will now focus on the new Barkley neighborhood store, a joint venture with North Sound Family Medicine.

Bellingham radio station wins Edward R. Murrow Award
Bellingham’s news-talk radio station, KGMI 790 AM, was honored this with the Edward R. Murrow Award for “Best Newscast” in the five-state northwest region for 2006. This is the second year in a row that KGMI has received this distinguished award.
The Radio-Television News Directors Association selected KGMI based on a submission of a three-hour newscast anchored by Brett Bonner and Jacqueline Cartier. The morning news on KGMI includes both local and national news, sports and weather. KGMI competed against other radio stations in both small and medium-size cities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
“I think what makes this award so incredible is that we were competing against much larger news departments in cities like Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington,” said KGMI Program Director Debbie Chavez.

Governor signs bill creating new judge position for Island, San Juan counties
Citizens in the counties of Island and San Juan will have more access to the courts now that Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-40th District, to create an additional superior court judge position, pending approval by the counties. Rep. Dave Quall, D-40th District, was the lead in the House of Representatives to move the bill through the process.
“Because of a recent workload analysis showing a rise in the court’s workload, it became clear that another judge was needed,” Spanel said.
Senate Bill 5247 divides the current Island and San Juan counties joint judicial district into two separate districts. The bill assigns the two current judges to Island County and creates a new judge position for San Juan County. This new position would become effective only if both counties approve the additional position and provide funding.

SVC nursing program receives continued accreditation
The Skagit Valley College Nursing program has been notified by the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission Board of Commissioners in New York that the SVC program has received accreditation for another eight years.
The on-site evaluators for the commission visited the Mount Vernon Campus in October to view the program and curriculum, as well as speak with faculty and students. In addition, the commission also conducted site-visits to nursing clinical rotations, spoke to recent graduates and spoke to the program’s advisory committee members.
“We are very proud to attain the high standards this accreditation requires,” said Cynthia Scaringe, SVC nursing instructor and department chair. “With this accreditation, we continue to respond to the demand for more highly skilled healthcare professionals in our region.”

Washroom Wizard certified as EnviroStar
Washroom Wizard has been awarded a four-star certification by the EnviroStars program. EnviroStars recognizes businesses that properly manage and continually work to reduce hazardous waste. The program is administered through joint local government cooperation.

Coast Landscape wins award
The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals has awarded Coast Landscape Inc. of Bellingham a Merit Award for the Moen residence on Dykstra Road in Lynden. These awards are designed to recognize landscape installation and maintenance contractors, architects, designers and the project owners who have joined in producing landscapes of special merit. The association seeks to increase public awareness of environmental improvement through quality landscaping projects.

Yary Photography named Ski to Sea photographer
Radley Muller, owner of Yary Photography, was named the official photographer for the 2007 Ski to Sea race, including the 2007 Junior Ski to Sea.
Yary Photography photographed the race and the race participants during the course and at the finish line. Participants were also photographed at Ski to Sea official posted banner stations. Photos are posted on the Yary Web site.

Hospital-specific price and quality information made public
The Washington State Hospital Association and its member hospitals made public a Web site giving hospital-specific price and quality information. The information is available by clicking the “hospital transparency” window icon at www.wsha.org. All 97 hospitals in Washington are members of the hospital association and have data available on the Web site.
“Reliable information allows patients and purchasers to make informed decisions about where they choose to seek care. It also helps policy makers and the public measure the cost and quality of hospital care,” said Leo Greenawalt, president of the Washington State Hospital Association.

Connections has new owners
Sisters Nicole and Stephanie Flieri have bought out Connections Boutique, with a vision toward the future.
“The previous owner began to incorporate fine arts into the mix. Our goal is to take that to the next level and give local residents one stop shopping to connect with fashion, jewelry and art,” said Stephanie Flieri.
Connections will continue to house high quality affordable and stylish consignment clothing. Additionally, they are currently housing nearly 10 local artists, as well as locally crafted soaps and handiwork.

Peeps Photography celebrates 30 years
Cathy Stevens, owner of Peeps Photography, is pleased to announce the 30th anniversary of her portrait photography business. For 10 years, from 1978 through 1987, Peeps was located in downtown Mount Vernon, near the Lincoln Theatre. Stevens carried on with her portrait work during two moves to Alaska with her husband and the couple eventually built a studio next to their Mount Vernon home.
Peeps Photography is known for creative environmental portraits of children and families. Future plans include launching a Web site and introducing digitally produced magazine-style albums and books for life stories, weddings and other special events.

Port approves agreement for environmental cleanup sites
The Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the port to take the lead role in the environmental cleanup of three historic sites. The areas in the agreement are the Whatcom Waterway site, the Cornwall Avenue Landfill site and the Harris Avenue Shipyard site.
The state has two agencies with different responsibilities under the multi-agency effort to clean up and restore historic contamination problems in Bellingham Bay. The Department of Ecology is the regulatory agency with the authority to require cleanup action under the Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA). Representing the state as landowner, the Department of Natural Resources is steward of state-owned aquatic lands across Washington, including those in Bellingham Bay. DNR issues leases for these aquatic lands for uses such as shipyards, piers, pubic parks and other waterfront activities. DNR also addresses cleanups under MTCA.

Northwest Computer named Microsoft ‘Gold’
Microsoft Corp. has named Bellingham’s Northwest Computer a Gold Certified Partner. The Gold Certification recognizes advanced competencies in networking infrastructure solutions and customer service.
“We are honored to be recognized as a Gold Certified partner,” says Northwest Computer Vice President Ethan D’Onofrio. “The quality of our relationship with Microsoft is a key part of the value that we bring to our customers.”
In addition to receiving the Gold Certified status from Microsoft, the company has been named an Intel “Premier Provider” for the fourth year in a row. The Premier Provider designation is awarded to only 300 Intel dealers out of more than 10,000 in North America.

Lewis changes firm name to Allied HR Consulting
Kelly C. Lewis, SPHR, CCP, has renamed her Kelly Lewis Consulting Services to Allied Human Resources Consulting to better reflect her firm’s approach to working collaboratively with small businesses on their human resources needs in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties.
Allied Human Resources Consulting offers assistance with employee recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, policies and procedures development and evaluation, employee relations, training and development, and regulatory assistance.

Eastern Washington University to offer studies through SVC
In partnership with University Center of North Puget Sound, Everett Community College (EvCC) and Skagit Valley College (SVC), Eastern Washington University is offering a bachelor’s of interdisciplinary studies degree in Everett and Mount Vernon. Courses will be held at EvCC’s University Center of North Puget Sound located at Everett Station and will be delivered to Skagit Valley College through a combination of videoconference and in-person instruction. This partnership responds directly to the state’s need for greater educational capacity at the junior- and senior-year levels of higher education by creating additional bachelor degree opportunities at Everett Station.

Governor signs Bailey’s retire-rehire bill
Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a bill by Rep. Barbara Bailey that closes an unintended loophole in the state’s 2001 retire-rehire law.
“The original law was meant to ease retirement restrictions for some teachers and state and local government workers. It was approved at a time when there were labor shortages during a booming economy. It intended to allow retired workers to be rehired on a limited basis without losing a large portion of their retirement pay,” said Bailey, a member of the Select Committee on Pension Policy.
“Unfortunately, a loophole allowed this law to be abused. Many people were retiring in name only without really retiring at all,” added Bailey, R-Oak Harbor.
The 2001 law allowed retired state employees in the Public Employees’ Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS-1) and retired teachers in the Teachers’ Retirement System Plan 1 (TRS-1) to return to work full time, losing only three months of retirement checks instead of seven months. Within 15 months after the law took effect, nearly 1,900 public employees had retired and been rehired. Nearly 700 went back to work at half time or more. Some even received salary increases after returning to work.

New local skills center receives funding
High school students in Skagit County will soon be able to enrich their learning through unique vocational and technical classes offered by a new regional skills center.
Lawmakers in Olympia approved $24.4 million for construction of a new Skagit County Skills Center, a project that has been several years in the making and spearheaded by the seven Skagit County school district superintendents. The funding will fully pay for the design and construction of the skill center at the main campus of Skagit Valley College and a satellite campus for a Marine Technology Center.
“This new skill center will be an incredible resource for our students and our community,” said state Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon, a former high school teacher and counselor. “Skills centers provide an excellent alternative pathway for students to get highly skilled training that might otherwise be out of reach to them.”

Boondocks Boats stocks affordable StarCraft line
Boondocks Boats & Motors of Bellingham has introduced a new line of StarCraft Fishing Boats in an effort to reach out to local consumers.
Boondocks Boats & Motors concentrates on high-end boat sales including Sea Sport and Osprey Pilothouse boats, but has recognized a need in the community for a local place to find less expensive small- to medium-sized fishing boats. Boondocks Boats & Motors is responding by stocking StarCraft aluminum fishing boats.
StarCraft aluminum fishing boats are available in various models serving a variety of fishing needs.

Taxable retail sales increase 6.7 percent for fourth quarter 2006
Taxable retail sales increased 6.7 percent during the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported.
Taxable retail sales totaled $29.33 billion during the last three months of 2006, compared to $27.49 billion a year earlier. Retail trade was up 6.1 percent to $13.41 billion. Retail trade tracks sales at retail outlets and excludes such volatile sectors as contracting.
Among the largest sectors, construction activity increased 11.6 percent to $5.6 billion. Motor vehicles and parts increased 5.1 percent to $2.9 billion. General merchandise stores rose 6.7 percent to $2.9 billion. Accommodations and food services increased 7.6 percent to $2.5 billion.

Terra Organica to celebrate 10 years
Terra Organica, which opened in 1997 as North America’s first all organic grocery store, celebrated its 10th anniversary in April.
To connect the local food system, many local farmers and food producers were on hand to sample their products and answer questions from the public.

Local jeweler places at Northwest jewelry competition
The Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association representing retail jewelers in Washington and Alaska has announced its award-winning designers in its annual design competition. The competition features unique entries from top jewelry designers. The competition took place in March.
Designers at Warren Jewelers have won three awards by two of their staff jewelry designers. Under the category of Best of Show a 14 karat, two-tone, yellow and white gold tanzanite and diamond pendant designed and made by Master Goldsmith Gene Jaress. Under the category of People’s Choice Award a 14-karat white gold, three-stone marquise diamond ring designed by Graduate Gemologist Mark Osborn. The tanzanite pendant designed by Gene Jaress also won another award in People’s Choice category.