Volume 34 • Issue 3 • March 2009
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LOCAL BANK RECEIVES $18 MILLION FROM TREASURY’S CAPITAL PURCHASE PROGRAM
Peoples Bank received an $18 million investment from the U.S. Treasury Department in mid-February. The money is being made available under the Treasury Department’s voluntary Capital Purchase Program (CPP). This program was created in an effort to stabilize the financial services sector and stimulate lending; the program is part of the federal government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.
“Peoples Bank is pleased to be approved under the Capital Purchase Program. The treasury has clearly indicated that it is only providing these funds to those regional and community banks that are well capitalized, well managed, and have the capacity to lend,” commented Charles LeCocq, president and CEO of Peoples Bank. “This investment allows Peoples Bank to continue to extend credit to families and businesses in our communities during these uncertain economic times.”
The funds invested in community and regional banks under the Capital Purchase Program are intended to stimulate the local economy and provide incentive for continued lending in uncertain times. The CPP is investing in healthy banks with the capacity to lend, thus differentiating it from the custom bailout programs offered to some of the nation’s largest banks.
The CPP is an investment for the U.S. Government. If the bank holds this investment for five years, the Treasury will receive nearly $6 million in dividends and warrants.
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank with $1 billion in total assets. The bank is closely held and operates three principle business units (business banking, retail banking and home lending) from 28 branch locations in Western Washington.
SKAGIT PORT BUILDS NEW la conner FACILITYThe Port of Skagit County continuing its strategic development of port resources with the construction of a 12,500-square-foot, two-story, multi-tenant facility in the 500 block of North Third Street in La Conner.
The location will be utilized by existing businesses Action Marine and La Conner Yacht Sales for business expansion and will free up additional space for new industrial opportunities. Proposed occupants are scheduled to be marine-oriented. Spaces include a shop area for boat repair and maintenance, yacht sales and office space.
The project includes an addition of a 24-space parking lot with landscaping. The first floor has 1,000 square feet available, and the second floor has 3,000 square feet, with opportunities to break down the space for individual tenant needs.
GRANT TARGETS INTRACOASTAL MARINE, MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIESThe Washington Intracoastal Marine and Manufacturing Industry Alliance (Northwest Washington) has received a $200,000 action grant, a portion of funding for one of six projects announced by Gov. Christine Gregoire designed to help local industries and increase jobs.
The grant will be used to increase the size and quality of the workforce in marine and advanced manufacturing industries in the 12-county area of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, San Juan, Skagit, Thurston and Whatcom counties. The project focuses on English-as-a-Second Language workers, low-skilled adults and at-risk youth.
The state Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board awarded nearly $700,000 in federal funds to six partnerships in Washington ranging from maritime transportation to interactive media. These partnerships of workforce development councils, economic development councils and associate development organizations are focused on nurturing industry clusters, which are concentrations of inter-related businesses and industries that drive local economies.
BOUNDARY BAY TAPS SEVEN AWARDS
Boundary Bay Brewing Co. of Bellingham earned seven awards during the Great American Beer Festival Competition in Denver. Also, a Reader’s Choice poll by Northwest Brewing News has tied Boundary Bay Brewery and Seattle’s Elysian Brewing for Best Brewery in Washington and won Best IPA.
Boundary Bay won the Silver for its Imperial Oatmeal Stout in Other Strong Ale category and second place in the Alpha King Challenge for its Imperial India Pale Ale.
The brewery also claimed the following 2008 awards: three gold North American Beer Awards for Dunkles Bock, Traditional Bock category; Old Bounder, English Old Ale category; and ESB, Best Bitter category; bronze North American Beer Award for ESB, Strong Bitter category; and silver World Beer cup for Cabin Fever, Strong Ale category.
SKAGIT PORT BUYS SELF STORAGE BUILDINGS
The Port of Skagit County in Burlington purchased the La Conner Self Storage buildings for $842,000.
The buildings were previously owned by Robert Hackman and G. Wayne Shackelford.
In keeping with its economic development purpose, the port’s long-term goal is to build a new, state-of-the-art, dry-storage facility to accommodate the upland storage of vessels.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS NAMED TO TOP 10 LIST
Washington state’s San Juan Islands is ranked No. 9 on Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s 2008 list of Top 10 Islands in North America, published in the November issue.
The magazine ranks the islands on “Readers’ Choice Awards,” based upon an annual survey. Criteria for judging included activities, lodging, restaurants, scenery, beaches and ambience.
WWU INSTITUTE RELEASES TRADE BRIEF, RECEIVES GRANT
Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute published data on the U.S.-Canada trade relationship in a September 2008 “Border Policy Brief” and received an $11,500 grant to develop a “Border Barometer” that monitors the performance of the U.S.-Canada border.
The brief, a joint study by the institute and the University of Buffalo’s Regional Institute, examines border issues through a snapshot of export activity in October 2007 across two trade corridors – Blaine, Wash., and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The two institutes received the grant from the recently formed Northern Border University Research Consortium and released their “Border Barometer” findings last month.
Bramble Berry wins National “Best Of” AwardS
Bellingham’s Bramble Berry Inc., won overall Best Supplier 2008 and other awards in the 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards, sponsored by The Saponifier industry magazine.
The company, which supplies 33,000 small businesses around the world with the materials to make soaps, lotions, lip balms, bath fizzies and more, also won for Best Fragrance Oil Vendor, placed third in the Best Essential Oil Vendor and Best Fixed Oils Vendor and second for Best Soap Molds categories.
“The outpouring of support and trust from the industry is very gratifying,” said Anne-Marie Faiola, owner and founder of Bramble Berry and Otion – The Soap Bar, a retail store in downtown Bellingham.
MASSAGE THERAPIST MOVES PRACTICE
Former Adich therapist Marie Matteson has moved her practice to the 1300 block of West Holly Street in Bellingham.
Matteson, a nationally certified licensed massage practitioner, specializes in personal injury and workers compensation treatment, wellness kinesiology and sensory organization techniques for adults and children. She has more than 20 years’ experience in health and wellness care.
AIKI HOMES OFFERS PERMITTING, PLANNING ASSISTANCE
Aiki Homes Inc. in Bellingham now offers permitting and planning assistance to architects, designers, builders, engineers and the general public.
The full-service construction company has skilled staff knowledgeable in the codes, processes and personnel and will lead customers through regulatory hoops and roadblocks.
REISNER ACHIEVES TOP STATUS
Anacortes-based Reisner Distributor has achieved Top Tier Marketer status by Houston-based ConocoPhillips Co. for exceeding quality, safety and environmental operations standards.
The elite recognition is awarded to a select number of ConocoPhillips lubricants distributors that have exceeded the company’s rigorous marketer operations standards practices. Top Tier status is also required for a marketer to be approved for blending oils, packaging grease and railroad engine oil handling.
Reisner has offices in Anacortes, Bellingham and Lynden.
FLORIST JOINS NATIONAL CONSORTIUM
Johnson’s Flower Shop in downtown Bellingham has joined www.bbrooks.com, a florist consortium.
The nationwide network specializes in fresh, seasonal flowers arranged with an artistic flare. Member florists are selected and categorized from submitted photographs, interviews and references.
AUDIO VIDEO EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Audio Video Excellence, which serves Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties, is celebrating 25 years in business.
Founded by Clark Cyre and Darrel Mendelsohn as Satellite Entertainment Inc., the company evolved into a nationally recognized audio video retailer/installer and then name changed to Audio Video Excellence a decade ago.
DENTIST MOVES TO BARKLEY
Dentist Ronald Moreno of Moreno Dental has moved his 13-year practice on Meridian Street to a new building in the Barkley District near Barkley Medical Building in Bellingham.
The building, designed by Faber Brothers of Lynden and Signature Environment of Seattle and located in the 3100 block of Howe Place, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that provides increased patient comfort and efficiency.
DELI LAUNCHES WEB SITE
Bellingham’s Old World Deli has a new Web site at www.oldworlddeli.com.
Designed by Web Rodeo, the site allows customers to view menu and catering information, links to suppliers and the option to sign up for a mailing list of incoming special products.
WWU CUSTODIAL SERVICES WINS “GREEN” AWARD
Western Washington University’s Academic Custodial Services department has been selected to receive an honorable mention award for their “green cleaning” and sustainability programs in the Universities category of the 2008 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities.
The award, sponsored by American School and University magazine, The Green Cleaning Network and Healthy Schools Campaign, was presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., and featured in the December issue of the nationally distributed American School and University magazine.
CWU OFFERS NEW DEGREE AT skagit valley college
Central Washington University and Skagit Valley College (SVC) have teamed up to offer a new bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Sciences at SVC.
Program applications are being accepted for upcoming quarters.
The program, ideal for students with associate degrees, allows students the opportunity to study a wide variety of fields such as psychology, sociology, law and justice, political science and more. Students meet face-to-face in class, online and through interactive videoconference. Students also may choose internships that provide “real world” skills to help prepare for a new career.
Everett Community College is administering the program at SVC through the University Center of North Puget Sound.
WWU WINS NATIONAL AWARDS FOR STUDENT ORIENTATION
Western Washington University’s (WWU) New Student Services/Family Outreach (NSSFO) and University Dining Services (UDS) won awards at the annual National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) national conference and media showcase.
NSSFO was recognized in the Outstanding Newsletter category for “ThisWeek@WWU,” a weekly e-newsletter for new and continuing students.
UDS was recognized in the Outstanding Multimedia/Emerging Technology category for its orientation video, “Dining@Western,” shown to students and families at the university’s Summerstart orientation. The video helps new students and their parents decide which meal plan would work best for them at Western, and also has information about the different food services offered on WWU’s campus.
PREVENTION PROGRAM WINS STATE AWARD
The Whatcom Family & Community Network (WFCN) has won the Family Policy Council Exceptional Results Award for making significant inroads with “hard-to-serve” problem families and problem behaviors.
WFCN is affiliated with the Olympic-based Family Policy Council, which celebrated the success of WFCN at an awards ceremony in Grand Mound.
The network was recognized for its family programs applying effective strategies based upon the landmark Adverse Childhood Experience study and the work of leading neurobiologists regarding the enduring effects of maltreatment on a developing child. Progress data shows WFCN began facilitating referrals for hard-to-serve families in February 2008. Since then, two staffers working as “community navigators” built relationships with more than 15 families who previously would not return calls from the Department of Social and Health Services.
BORDER TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES COMPLETE, TRAVEL INITIATIVE BEGINS IN JUNE
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Blaine has completed technology upgrades at the Pacific Highway and Peace Arch border crossings with Canada.
The upgrade marks the start for new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology deployments that is part of a larger national program targeting northern and southern border ports that account for 95 percent of all cross-border travel into the United States.
The upgrades, which include new software, hardware, and the deployment of vicinity RFID technology, are being implemented as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The technology works in tandem with new vicinity RFID-enabled documents, including State Department-issued passport cards, CBP’s traveler program (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST) cards and enhanced driver’s licenses available in Washington.
CBP encourages individuals to apply for the new high-tech documents now to ensure they have appropriate travel documents when WHTI takes effect on June 1, 2009, at land and seaports. Travelers can go to www.getyouhome.gov for more information.
WWU OFFERS THREE NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS IN EVERETT
Western Washington University (WWU) will offer a master’s degree program at the University Center of North Puget Sound in Everett this summer and two bachelor degree programs starting this fall.
The Master in Teaching (MIT) degree is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree, and completion of the MIT will provide certification to teach at the secondary level. Those with bachelor’s degrees in math, science, social studies and English are encouraged to apply.
WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment will offer bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Planning and Environmental Policy. The programs are designed for students who have completed the first two years of their college education. Classes will be offered evenings and weekends.
Everett Community College is the legislatively appointed manager of the University Center. For dates and locations of information sessions about these degree programs, and for more information, visit the Web at www.uceverett.org.
BELLINGHAM SCHOOLS HONORED WITH EPA AWARD
The Bellingham School District has been honored with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2008 Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Model of Sustained Excellence Award for its exemplary efforts to improve indoor air quality for students, teachers and staff. The award was presented in December during the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Symposium in Washington, D.C.
The award recognizes schools that have demonstrated an enduring commitment to student and staff health and wellness by building, evaluating, sustaining and institutionalizing robust and highly effective school indoor air quality management programs. Only 10 schools or school districts in the nation have received this award since its inception in 2005.
SVC SELECTED AS MENTOR FOR NATIONAL PROGRAM
Skagit Valley College (SVC) has been selected as one of six mentor colleges in a new national program to support improving student achievement in postsecondary education.
SVC was chosen based on its exemplary counseling-enhanced, developmental learning communities. Through the mentoring program, the college will work with community colleges in Greely, Colo., and University Center in Michigan to share knowledge, technical assistance and expert advice. Eighteen community colleges were selected to participate in the program.
The college mentoring program is a central component of Community Colleges CAN, an initiative funded through June 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education.
CHEF CREATES SIGNATURE DESERT FEATURING LOCAL INGREDIENTS
Executive chef David Peterson of the Lakeway Inn & Conference Center in Bellingham is tempting guests with the Lakeway Inn Signature Hazelnut Mocha Cheesecake he developed.
The cheesecake will be produced by Chuckanut Cheesecake Co. of Ferndale and utilize ingredients from several local businesses, including Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards and Edaleen Dairy, both in Lynden.
BARKLEY PET STORE EXPANDS
Walker’s Healthy Pet and Natural Foods has remodeled and expanded its Barkley Village store in Bellingham.
The project includes a 900-square-foot addition to provide the company with space to add an even more varied selection of foods, treats and unique supplies.
THE WOODS COFFEE OPENS EIGHTH LOCATION
The Woods Coffee opened its newest location in December on Main Street in Ferndale between Hollywood Video and Haggen Food & Pharmacy.
This is the largest of The Woods Coffee locations, featuring three fireplaces, indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs lounge and drive-thru.
VALLEY CABINETS MOVES TO LARGER PRODUCTION FACILITY
Valley Cabinets Commercial Division has moved into a new fully equipped custom shop in the 2200 block of Highway 99 South in Mount Vernon, doubling its production capabilities.
Owners Phil and Didi Hagman have been offering diversity in cabinetry since 1990, designing and manufacturing for commercial, institutional, hospitality, low-income housing, multi-family and residential cabinetry needs.
Recent projects include Holiday Inn, NW Orthopedic Surgeons, Business Bank, Skagit Valley Publishing, Whatcom Community College, Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Cosmetic Surgery.
SOFTWARE COMPANY LAUNCHES PRINT MAGAZINE
Bellingham’s Logos Bible Software launched its first print publication, Bible Study Magazine, in November 2008 to introduce readers to resources and approaches to studying the Bible.
“Paper isn’t dead,” said Bob Pritchett, president of the 17-year-old software company, “and while more and more people are discovering that it’s an awkward format for a 10-volume Greek lexicon, it still remains a very attractive, portable, friendly, accessible and bathroom-compatible format for browsing.”
The magazine’s inaugural issue (November-December 2008) had a controlled circulation of 10,000, and since the initial distribution, more than 6,000 more people have subscribed. The publication ships six times a year.
GRANT HELPS WWU DELV INTO FARM RESILIENCY
Western Washington University’s Institute for Global and Community Resilience, a program within the Huxley College of the Environment, has been awarded a $140,000 grant by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The grant, titled “Enhancing Resilience of Small and Medium-Sized Farms Through Extreme Event-Based Scenario Planning,” provides for partnering with farmers in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties, as well as farm advocacy and educational organizations in the region, to develop a ranked set of farm resiliency indicators to test the ability of the region’s family farms to withstand four likely events or rapid changes: global climate change, seasonal flooding, urban/rural encroachment in farming areas and uncertain energy prices. The final product, a Farm Resiliency Business Planning Tool, will be available for use within the region and beyond.
Institute Director Gigi Berardi is collecting additional information overseas in the next few months as she conducts fieldwork in eastern Kenya, the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and in central Italy at a Center for Civil Protection at the University of Florence.
BROOKS MANUFACTURING APPEALS NCAA PENALTIES
The Brooks Manufacturing Co. of Bellingham is appealing $65,500 in penalties issued to it by the Northwest Clean Air Agency for alleged odor rule violations, citing a solution to the original complaint at substantial cost to the company. The rules require using best practices to reduce odors and prohibit odor emissions detrimental to health.
Brooks responded to the fine with the following information based upon previous odor complaints and the resulting penalties: Brooks uses state-of-the-art odor controls that meet or exceed requirements; the agency never identified the odor as toxic; and there are no penalties for similar plants.
Brooks responded quickly, with substantial effort and investment; spending more than $600,000 responding to the odor complaints.
Brooks contends it is at a competitive disadvantage by now using an alternative carrier oil product that costs 50 percent more per gallon than its competitors use. Conversion to the new oil increased ongoing costs by $984,000 annually at recent prices.
Brooks manufactures wood crossarms and framing for utility poles.
UNIFLOAT SYSTEM FEATURED AT NEW MEGAYACHT MARINA
The new megayacht marina at Wards Cove on Lake Union has opened, featuring Bellingham Marine’s Unifloat system.
The system is designed to cater to megayachts. The marina, part of the new Wards Cove on Lake Union waterfront development, has 11 slips 95 to 100 feet in length with views of downtown Seattle. Each slip is equipped with 200 amps of dedicated power, telephone, Internet and TV services, sewage pumpouts, freshwater systems and wash-water treatment posts.
Bellingham Marine has designed and built yet another premier yachting facility – The Wharf at Point Loma in San Diego. Bellingham Marine’s mini-frame design was utilized on a portion of the slips in lieu of the traditional triangle-frame connection to provide larger and wider boats a usable option for docking stern first.
GONE DIVING NETS AWARD
Gone Diving of Bellingham received an “Outstanding Dive Retailer” award from the McNett Corp. during the DEMA (Diving Equipment & Marketing Association) show in Las Vegas. The award was presented to Gone Diving owner Charlynn Sutton by McNett owners Duane and Nancy McNett and acknowledges Gone Diving’s excellent, knowledgeable service regarding McNett products. Gone Diving opened three years ago.
The DEMA show is the largest scuba diving trade show in the world with more than 1,000 attendees.
SKAGIT VALLEY TO HOST 2010 WORLD TULIP SUMMIT
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, in collaboration with the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) and Washington State University, will play host to the 2010 World Tulip Summit in April of next year. It will mark the first time the event has been held in the United States since its establishment in 2002.
The three-day event, held in Spalding, England, last year, will most likely be held in La Conner, according to Carolyn Eslick, NABC events manager.
More than 100 Summit delegates, including Tulip Festival organizers and representatives from around the world, will tour several Skagit Valley tulip farms as part of the event.
ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL EARNS DESIGNATION, COMMENDATIONS
St. Joseph Hospital was awarded the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACSCC) “Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program” designation, renewing its prior designation. St. Joseph Hospital also earned eight of nine “Commendation” scores possible in the ACSCC’s survey.
Approval by the ACSCC is given only to organizations that voluntarily commit to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancers. To meet the standards for this approval, each cancer program and the organization that controls it must undergo a rigorous review of its performance every three years. Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer patients has earned ACSCC approval.
BUSINESS COACH CREATES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Chris McGee, business coach and certified QuickBooks Pro adviser and trainer at Business Support Services Northwest LLC of Bellingham, has introduced the ProFound Impact Business Development Program for business owners and managers in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
ProFound is designed to educate and assist companies with the tools of business proficiency and growth. Although focused on the construction industries, its principals apply to any industry.
AIRPORTER SHUTTLE RECEIVES HIGHEST SAFETY RATING
Airporter Shuttle received the highest safety rating possible from U.S. Department of Defense inspectors during a recent inspection of their Ferndale operations.
The inspectors, from the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), thoroughly inspected all aspects of the business, including vehicle compliance, driver procedures and safety management controls.
Airporter Shuttle/Bellair Charters has designated eight vehicles in their fleet for DTMO use, and has been an approved carrier for the Department of Defense since 2002.
G.B. ENTERPRISES CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Bellingham’s G.B. Enterprises (GBE) celebrated its 30th anniversary manufacturing high-quality power systems for the cable TV and communications markets.
CEO Grace Borsari founded GBE in November 1978.
“In the three decades since we opened our doors, we have outgrown multiple facilities, expanded operations to include a second facility in Suwanee, Ga., and grown our total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than 200,000 square feet,” she said.
As a member of The Alpha Group, GBE is a manufacturing organization serving all Alpha Group companies across the United States and Canada.
GROESBECK BUYS COLDWELL BANKER’S ANACORTES OFFICE
Jean Groesbeck & Assoc. LLC, owned by Paul E. and Jean Groesbeck of Anacortes, has purchased the local Anacortes office of Coldwell Banker from Judy Moore & Assoc. LLC. The name of the office has been changed from Coldwell Banker Deception Pass Realty to Coldwell Banker Island Living.
The Groesbecks decided to purchase the office after extensive research into different real estate models.
Coldwell Banker Island Living, located in the 3100 block of Commercial Avenue, will continue to serve all areas of real estate in Anacortes and La Conner, as well as representing luxury homes throughout Skagit County.
PACIFIC FINANCIAL DECLARES FIRST-TIME STOCK DIVIDEND
Pacific Financial Corp. Board of Directors declared for the first time a 10 percent stock dividend, along with a cash dividend of five cents per share to all stockholders on record as of Dec. 31, 2008.
Pacific Financial Corp., headquartered in Aberdeen, is the holding company for The Bank of the Pacific, which operates branches in Whatcom and Skagit counties.
A+ RATING FOR HBHANSEN CONSTRUCTION
HBHansen Construction Inc. of Lynden has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The rating represents BBB’s degree of confidence that HBHansen is operating in a trustworthy manner and making continual efforts to resolve customer concerns.
HBHansen, owned by Bernie and Kristen Hansen, is a local general contractor serving residential, commercial and governmental clients. Projects completed in 2008 included an exterior remodel at Meridian Plaza shopping center, a $1.8 million warehouse renovation in Seattle, updates to three city of Bellingham parks and an award-winning home renovation.
PARTNERSHIP STUDIES EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NOOKSACK
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD), the Alcoa Foundation and the Geology Department at Western Washington University (WWU) are entering into a partnership to study the effects of climate change on the Nooksack River in Whatcom County.
Robert Mitchell, associate professor of Geology at WWU, will lead the $30,000 study this year. Alcoa Foundation and Whatcom County FCZD will equally share the cost of the study.
Whatcom County is conducting alternative analyses and designing projects recommended in the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Lower Nooksack. This study will provide information about how things might change in the future as a result of climate change, enabling river managers to better understand how that change might affect planned improvements.
PICKFORD CELEBRATES 4TH YEAR AS SUNDANCE AFFILIATE
Bellingham’s Pickford Film Center is celebrating its fourth year as a Sundance Institute Art House Project affiliate.
Each of the participating theaters in the project is acclaimed for its innovative programming and engagement with the local arts scene. Art House Project theaters foster a cultural intersection for local and visiting filmmakers to showcase their work, for families to gather, and for daily programming to spark critical dialogue and debate.
WTA PURCHASES GREEN POWER
WTA began participating in Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE’s) Green Power program in January. The additional cost of the switch is expected to total approximately $8,500 annually.
Green power is electricity generated from renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Participants in PSE’s program pay a premium over and above their standard utility charges in order to increase the amount of green power PSE is able to purchase.
Bellingham is currently ranked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the number one “Green Power Community” for having the largest number of voluntary Green Power purchasers in the nation.
ARCHITECT FIRM WINS REGIONAL AWARDS
Grinstad and Wagner Architects of Bellingham walked away with the Merit Award, as well as the People’s Choice Award, during The Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ (NWAIA) 2008 Design Awards. The awards were given to the “Deception Pass Home” project.
The design team for the “Deception Pass Home” project was Fred Wagner, AIA, and Scott Jeffries, Associate AIA. The home was built by Albert Timmer of Impero Construction Co. of Bellingham.
Merit Awards are given to projects worthy of study on a regional basis.
BUILDER EXPANDS INTO FIBERGLASS FLOATS
Bellingham’s Sea Sport Boats Inc., a builder of fiberglass boats, has expanded to include a premier line of all-fiberglass floats.
The floats are an innovative catamaran design with a light-penetrating decking, compliant with USACE requirements. They include an accommodation for water ballasting to ensure a level platform and are available in various sizes and colors.
CITY OF BELLINGHAM AWARDED FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
For the eighth year in a row, the city of Bellingham has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in financial reporting.
The city received the award in recognition of its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for 2007. Award standards include demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate financial status and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The award is a factor that is considered by rating agencies when determining the city’s bond rating. The city currently has a very favorable Aa3 bond rating from Moody’s on its voted debt and an A1 rating on non-voted debt. The strong bond ratings allow the city to repay bonds it issues at lower interest rates.
FORMER RESTORE LOCATION DEMOLISHED
Western Refinery Services won the bid for the city of Bellingham contract to demolish the former ReStore in the 600 block of West Holly Street in Old Town. Demolition began in January and should end this month.
The contract includes the removal of asbestos and the dilapidated buildings for $127,912. Keeping to the spirit of the former uses of the site, the contract requires a minimum of 50 percent of waste from the construction, demolition and land clearing to be diverted by recycling, salvage or reuse of materials.
The contract will be paid from a Community Development Block Grant and revenues from past rental of the property.
CITY OF BELLINGHAM CUTS FIVE EMPLOYEES
Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike announced Jan. 16 that, due to the dramatic slowdown in local construction activities, five city employees funded by permit fees would lose their jobs in mid-February.
The positions affected are associated with processing building permits and inspecting construction, including three building inspectors, a plans examiner and a planner.
The layoff announcement came on the heels of the mayor’s announcement Jan. 15 that further budget reductions will be necessary to address declining city revenues in light of local and nationwide economic difficulties. Pike said a total of 10 positions funded by city permit fees were affected; some were vacant and some people holding affected positions are able to move into other vacant positions or be funded by other sources.
Permit-related revenue, collected in the self-supporting “development services fund,” is now projected to be about $800,000 less than anticipated for this year. Permit activity – the total number of permits issued and the amount of revenue received from permits – has been trending downward during the past four years, with sharp declines late last year. The trend is anticipated to continue this year with the slowdown of the local and national economy.
These job cuts are in addition to eliminating three vacant positions in the Planning and Community Development department as part of the 2009 budget. All total, 13 positions were eliminated citywide from the 2009 city budget when it was adopted by the city council in December. Other steps taken in the budget process to align planned expenditures with declining revenues included delaying dozens of capital projects, reducing or eliminating funding for various programs and reducing or eliminating funding to other service providers.
WWU HELPS BRENTHAVEN REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT
At a time when many companies are scrambling to cut every possible cost, Bellingham’s Brenthaven is working with students and staff at Western Washington University (WWU) to drastically reduce its carbon footprint.
The company manufactures backpacks, messenger bags and computer cases. Founder Harvey Stone said Brenthaven had already been working toward a more vague set of sustainability goals – an agreement on packaging with Apple Computers, for example, helped it reduce more than 100,000 cardboard containers per year.
A chance conversation between Stone and Brad Smith, dean of Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, got the ball rolling and put Stone in touch with Seth Vidaña of WWU’s Office of Sustainability. Vidaña, along with WWU students Jayden Williams and Corey Havens, conducted a greenhouse-gas inventory and a climate action plan to reduce the company’s impact and help it move forward toward its goal of carbon neutrality.
One recommendation made by the team is to use the purchase of “carbon offsets” to mitigate the company’s overseas shipping. Purchasing offsets involves paying to invest in “greening” such as waste-to-fuel plants or reforestation..
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