Friday, March 7, 2014 • Port Orchard Independent
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Port Orchard woman was strong Port CEO ready advocate for uniting care workers
for challenges ahead By DANNIE OLIVEAUX Editor
Jim Rothlin, the new CEO for the Port of Bremerton, spoke before the South Kitsap Rotary Club on March 4. He was selected from among 30 applicants to replace CEO Tim Thomson, who retired on Dec. 31. Rothlin, a Chehalis native, said after more than 10 years at the Port of Chehalis, he was ready for a new challenge. He found the position on a trade website. “I’ve golfed in the area, but I had never seen Kitsap County and realized how beautiful it is,” Rothlin said. Rothlin said he sees the potential in the area. “I see a lot of potential everywhere in South Kitsap and in Bremerton,” he said. Rothlin said he has more of an observation of the port, rather than a vision. “I’ll spend the first six months listening and asking questions,” he said. He noted the port has two marinas — one being more established, while the other is state-of-the-art. Rothlin said the port has a great airport facility and plenty of land. “There are some sites ready to go which is very important for people who want to come here,” he said. “They want to start a business and not get into the development business. We need to have things as ready as possible.” He likes that the port has the potential for rail service. “Rail is becoming more and more important,” Rothlin said. He said the quality of life also is important for the port. “Every port says they have the labor, the building, the land and the rail,” said Rothlin. “But when you come here that (qualify of life) is an easy selling point for us.” He noted marinas are for the community and not “money makers.” “They don’t bring in a lot of jobs, but they provide a nice quality of life for the port,” said Rothlin. He noted real estate brings in the jobs and helps create cash flow. “I see all this stuff and I wonder why isn’t anyone coming here,” said Rothlin. “We need to look what value we can provide the clients.” He said people don’t think of Kitsap County as a place to develop and bring in cash flow. “We see it and we know they can do it,” he said. “They don’t see it though. When people are looking for a place they look at buildings, utility costs, housing, transportation costs, labor costs and everything else.” Rothlin said his first project will be providing information and comparing the port to others in the region. “Our utility prices are low and we need to be showing that,” he added. “We need to show them what it cost to get them here.” Rothlin was executive director of the Port of Chehalis since 2002 and serves as the chair of the economic development committee of the Washington State Ports Association.Prior to coming to the Port of Chehalis, he was the CEO of Premiere Business Services, a business management consulting firm. From 1987 to 1994 he was the financial controller for National Semiconductor Corporation. He began his career in the Silicon Valley as a credit analyst for Hitachi America Ltd., in California. He has a master’s degree in business from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Western Washington University. During his time at the Port of Chehalis, he also has owned the Lund Theaters from 2006 to 2009 and was an adjunct professor in managerial accounting at Centralia College. Rothlin, a former member of the Chehalis Rotary, and his wife, Theresa, have two children.
By DANNIE OLIVEAUX Editor
SEIU Healthcare 775NW is mourning the death of a career caregiver and an executive board member. Judy Harris, 70, died Feb. 21, in her Port Orchard home. According to Jackson Holtz, media relations for SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Harris fell ill last month and was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. S e r v i c e E m p l o y e e s International Union (SEIU) Healthcare 775 is a Pacific Harris Northwest local representing long-term care workers. SEIU represents more than 2 million workers worldwide. “It goes without saying that Judy was an amazing, inspirational leader of our fight and will truly be missed by the SEIU family,” said David Rotf, SEIU 775NW president. “Judy was an incredible example of what it means to be a leader, an advocate and a friend. Judy has inspired and touched so many with the work she has done all over this nation fighting for justice.” Holtz said despite her petite frame,
Harris always was an oversized presence whether she was gathering signatures at a ferry landing or meeting lawmakers in Olympia. “She fiercely fought for justice in the halls of government in both Washingtons, often sweetening her lobbying with homemade pies,” Holtz said. “In my nine years in public service I can tell you that Judy Harris was someone that I cherished — her commitment to serving, her compassion, her impassioned advocacy,” said U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, of the Sixth Congressional District. Kilmer spent time with Harris at rallies in Olympia and he spent a day walking in her shoes while she cared for her client, David. “By the end of the day I was exhausted physically and emotionally . . . and so grateful that Judy and other caregivers do the work they do to help people live with dignity,” Kilmer said. The congressman said he hopes that she now has found the peace she brought to others. “They say that when someone passes the wind blows — the stronger the soul, the stronger the wind,” Kilmer said. ”The winds will be howling for a while around here. We’ll miss you, Judy.”
KRL debuts new children’s website Kitsap Regional Library has created a new Children’s section on its website, www.krl.org/birth-6, especially for pre-school aged children and their parents. “Our goal with this project was to create visually engaging pages that would enhance our early literacy initiatives and projects at KR,” said KRL Digital Branch Manager Sharon Grant. “You will find some great things on this new site, including videos of our fabulous Youth Services Librarians performing rhymes, along with book suggestions, event listings, information on our early literacy kits and community links.” Also featured on the new page is a link to KRL’s new Kids’ eReading Room, which allows parents to easily search KRL’s downloadable collection for ebooks specifically for children.
LOCAL BRIEFS
L&I hosting public meeting BREMERTON — The Department of Labor & Industries is hosting an Electrical Industry Stakeholder’s meeting on March 18 at Bremerton L&I Building basement, 500 Pacific Ave. The meeting is set for 6-8 p.m. and is free to attend. Information will be provided about current changes to electrical codes, rules and regulations. Anyone involved in the electrical industry is encouraged to attend. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers and clarifications. This meeting has proven to be an important tool in communicating with the electrical industry and offer an opportunity for customers in the electrical industry to ask questions directly to the electrical program and get instant feedback. For more information or to schedule training, call 360415-4044.
Marine electrical wiring workshop set GIG HARBOR — Washington Sea Grant and the Gig Harbor BoatShop at Eddon Boatyard are co-sponsoring a
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Holtz said Harris traveled all over the country knocking on doors and talking to caregivers. Her first trip was to Missouri in 2006, where she brought hope to caregivers struggling in poverty. For her efforts, she was awarded the “Member Organizer of the Year Award” by her union. Holtz said Harris drove across Montana, from Lame Deer to Kalispell, uniting caregivers in the union. All in all, Harris knocked on doors in nine states, most recently in 2012 in Connecticut. “Judy relished these trips as much as any other part of her work, constantly asking — demanding really — to know when the next chance she would have to tell her story to other caregivers,” Holtz said. “There are tens thousands of caregivers around the country whose lives Judy changed for the better. Judy also was a tireless advocate for comprehensive immigration reform.” A memorial service was held Feb. 28 and a celebration of Harris’ life is planned for Saturday, March 8. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Judy Harris Memorial Fund can be made at www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/judy-harris-memorial-fund/141862.
Marine Electrical Wiring Workshop for commercial fishermen and recreational boaters on Sunday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gig Harbor BoatShop at Eddon Boatyard, 3805 Harborview Dr. The workshop is designed for boat owners who want to upgrade their vessels’ electrical systems. Topics covered include American Boat and Yacht Council standards for safest wiring, selecting wire sizes, circuit breaker and fuse ratings, cable routing and labeling, shore power circuits, battery charging circuits, corrosion protection circuits, engine instrument systems and troubleshooting. Pre-registation is required and the workshop fee is $60 per person. For information and registration, contact Sarah Fisken at sfisken@uw.edu or 206-543-1225.
Caregiver support group meeting monthly BREMERTON — A free support group for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of individuals with memory loss is held the fourth Wednesday of the month from 1- 2:30 p.m. at the Harrison Medical Center Annex, 750 Lebo Blvd. Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups provide a place for caregivers to learn and gain support from others caring for a person with memory loss. Support groups serve as an opportunity for participants to receive information on care management, available services, and current research and treatment options. Contact Patti Denman at 206-402-9857 for more information.
KACE seeking ESL volunteers
BREMERTON — The Kitsap Adult Center for Education (KACE) is seeking volunteers who could help adults improve their reading, writing and other basic skills. There are opportunities to assist foreign-born adults in English as a Second Language (ESL). To receive an application packet, contact KACE at (360) 373-1539 or via e-mail at info@kacewa. org. Applications are available at www.kacewa.org of stop by the KACE office and complete your application and to receive further information.