Skagit Business Pulse | Jan 2010

BUSTLING TENANTS PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID MT VERNON WA PERMIT NO. 147

Ports of Anacortes, Skagit County create, support business clusters

THE DRIVER’S SEAT

Skagit auto dealers navigate the recession

Skagit Publishing PO Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98274

VIEWPOINT

Skagit business owners offer predictions for 2010

january 2010 www.goskagit.com .: Vol 28 :. No. 1

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january 2010 Volume 28 • Number 1

F E ATURES 4

4

Bustling tenants: The Ports of Anacortes and Skagit County create and support business clusters | by Gordon Weeks

6

Forecasting 2010: The Economic Development Association of Skagit County hosts its annual economic forecast dinner Feb. 18 | by Gordon Weeks

8 Viewpoint: “What is your strategy for getting through the first quarter doldrums,

and do you expect the economy in 2010 to be better or worse than 2009?’’

10 In the driver’s seat: Skagit auto dealers are puttering toward a slow comeback

| by Whitney Pipkin 12 Business Briefs

6 Skagit Business Pulse

BuSTLInG TEnanTS PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID MT VERNON WA PERMIT NO. 147

Ports of Anacortes, Skagit County create, support business clusters

Dakota Creek Industries is the top employer at the Port of Anacortes’ marine terminal.

Photo by Matt Wallis

THE DrIVEr’S SEaT

Skagit auto dealers navigate the recession

Advertising & Editorial

1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Editorial: 360.416.2146 Fax: 360.428.0400 Advertising: 360.416.2126

Skagit Publishing PO Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98274

VIEWPOInT

Skagit business owners offer predictions for 2010

january 2010 www.goskagit.com .: Vol 28 :. No. 1

©2010 by Skagit Publishing All rights reserved.

Editor: Gordon Weeks gweeks@skagitpublishing.com Display Advertising Manager: Deb Bundy dbundy@skagitpublishing.com Advertising Representatives: Brian Backman: bbackman@skagitpublishing.com Kim Streit: kstreit@skagitpublishing.com Design & Production: Patricia Stowell

The Port of Anacortes seeks a second fixed-based operator at its airport, to go along with San Juan Airlines.

Bustling tenants

Ports of Anacortes, Skagit County create, support business clusters S t o r y b y G o r d o n We e k s | P h o t o b y M a t t Wa l l i s

E

ven in times of economic doldrums, the Port of Anacortes and the Port of Skagit County entice tenants into business clusters on their properties: areospace at the airports, boating and nautical supplies at the marinas, and everything from fiberglass to silkscreen frames to handcrafted furniture at the business park.

the Bayview Business Park, the La Conner Marina and properties in Conway and on Hopper Road.

“We’re very optimistic that our economic units will continue to grow and support the businesses in the valley, slowly but surely,” said Port of Skagit Executive Director Patsy Martin.

The number of employees working at businesses on Port property dropped from 1,090 in October 2008 to 954 this Port of Skagit County October. The number of those jobs that are part-time increased from 67 to 265.

In 2009, the number of Port of Skagit The top employers on Port property are County tenants and subtenants reBCG Northwest, LLC (AKA Nordic mained the same at 82 at the Port’s five Tugs, Inc.) at 134, Hexcel Corp. with properties: the Skagit Regional Airport, 130, Westport Shipyard, Inc. (Pacific

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

Mariner) with 124 and Woodinville Lumber, Inc. (doing business as TriCounty Truss) with 115.

The Port has developed a struggling tenant program to help businesses through these tough times. So far, four businesses have qualified for the program, and the Port expects to sign up 10, Martin said. The qualifying tenants pay one-third of the regular rent the first year and two-thirds the second year, and then spend five years paying back the deferred rent.

Existing tenant Holloman Group, a collection of master craftsmen woodworkers, last month moved into the new $1.5 million, 13,000-square-foot buildgoskagit.com

ing constructed at the Bayview Business Park. The Port was awarded $350,000 in Economic Development Public Facility grant funds from Skagit County for the project.

At the airport, more business jets are coming in, but fewer recreational fliers this year used the field, Martin said. Runway drainage will be improved this year and next in two phases with a total cost of $10 million. The Federal Aviation Administration is putting up 95 percent of the funds.

Martin said surprises in 2009 included the increase of monthly moorages at the La Conner Marina, which she attributes to low rates and meeting the needs of customers.

This year, the Port of Skagit County will continue to seek to bring in businesses that will complement the needs of other tenants in “business clusters,” Martin said. The Port’s clusters focus on five industries: aerospace, boat building, agri-business, timber products and intelligent energy.

To help attract business tenants, the Port is advertising in journals, calling targeted businesses and updating its Web site.

THE PORT OF SKAGIT COUNTY FOUNDED: 1964 MAJOR FACILITIES:

Skagit Regional Airport, La Conner Marina, the Bayview Business and Industrial Park

GOVERNANCE:

Three commissioners, elected for sixyear terms, and an executive director

JOBS ON PROPERTY:

1,090 full time, 67 part time

MAJOR TENANTS:

Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes.

“Anthony’s is the anchor tenant for the marina,” Hyde said.

The Northwest Career and Technical Academy Marine Skills Center is scheduled to open in September south of the Cap Sante Boat Haven, and the Port hopes to create a “marine cluster” Port of Anacortes of businesses around it, said Hyde.

“They will be quite an extensive Port of Anacortes tenant businesses draw for us,” he said. seemed to operate “in a bubble” durOther projects in 2010 are the creing 2009, with all but a few doing well ation of a small boat pier in January or despite the economic challenges, said February, a redesign at Wyman’s dock, Port of Anacortes Executive Director and cleanup at the old Scott Paper Mill Bob Hyde.

The number of jobs on Port property site south of the Cap Sante Boat Haven.

Also coming is improved security at rose from 741 in 2008 to 750 in 2009, the marine terminal where the petro“our main performance record,” he leum coke ships come in. Guards who said. Employment at Dakota Creek Industries is approaching a peak of 400. have been keeping watch while sitting At the Anacortes marina, Cap Sante in their cars will have a new guard Boat Haven, transit moorage was down shack, new lighting and cameras.

The Port is seeking a second fixed5 percent in 2009, while other marinas experienced a 30 or 40 percent decline, based operator at the airport to go Hyde said. Keeping the boaters coming along with San Juan Airlines, Hyde said.

The Port hears from prospective tenin are a vibrant night life, the farmers’ ants through the Economic Developmarket and the many festivals, said ment Association of Skagit County.

Hyde. “Anacortes sells itself once you “They’re our eyes and ears,” said get here,” he said.

Hyde. “Most businesses will connect As for traffic at the Anacortes Airport, “it’s slow,” Hyde said. “People with them first.”

In its 2010 budget, the Port of aren’t flying as much.”

Anacortes anticipates bringing in $10.6 The Port’s big news this year is the million in revenue, and projects a net scheduled opening July 1 of the popuoperating income of $711,312. lar restaurant Anthony’s Homeport. goskagit.com

BCG Northwest, LLC (aka Nordic Tugs, Inc.), Woodinville Lumber, Inc. (Tri-County Truss), Westport Shipyard, Inc. (Pacific Mariner), Hexcel Corp., Volant, Team Corporation, Lindal Building Products, Inc., Golden Harvest, Inc., Dunlap Towing Co.

INFORMATION: 360-757-0011, www.portofskagit.com

THE PORT OF ANACORTES FOUNDED: 1926 MAJOR FACILITIES:

The 950-slip marina Cap Sante Boat Haven, Anacortes Airport, 30-acre marine terminal

GOVERNANCE:

Five commissioners, elected from five individual districts, who serve four-year terms, and an executive director

JOBS ON PROPERTY: 750

MAJOR TENANTS:

Dakota Creek Industries, Washington State Ferry terminal, Island Explorer and Mystic Seas, Puget Sound Rope, Skipper Cress yacht sales, Northwest Marine Technology, Micro Aerodynamics, Transpac Marinas

INFORMATION: 360-293-3134,

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010 |

EDASC hosts annual economic forecast dinner S t o r y b y G o r d o n We e k s Raha served as vice president of economic research at Swiss Re in New York, a leading global reinsurer headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

At Swiss Re, Raha handled forecasts of North American macroeconomic, financial and property-casualty insurance markets. He earned a doctorate in economics from Washington State University.

Wick points out promising trends: increased retail sales, low interest rates, lower energy prices, rising stock prices, stimulus money in circulation, increased public confidence in the Don Wick economy. After working to bail out banks, President Obama is focusing on on Wick, executive director of helping small businesses, he said.

“Most of the economists across the the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, country think we’re out of the recession, but of course we won’t know for a likes to quote renowned economist few months,” Wick said.

Ezra Solomon: “The only function of During 2010, EDASC continues to economic forecasting is to make astrolhost education workshops at its offices ogy look respectable.” at 204 West Montgomery, downtown Nevertheless, when Wick is offered the opportunity to predict the econom- Mount Vernon.

Planning and financing a business ic climate of 2010, he said, “I have an intuitive feeling things are picking up.” is the topic from 1-4:30 p.m. Jan. 12.

Now it’s Arun Raha’s turn. The chief Admission is free.

Understanding commercial real economist for the state of Washington estate is presented from noon to 1:30 presents his “Economic Outlook 2010” at EDASC’s annual Economic Forecast p.m. Jan. 14, with the cost $10 for EDASC members, $20 for non memDinner on Feb. 18. bers. The QuickBooks Users group As executive director of the state meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19.

Economic and Revenue Forecast The cost is $10 for EDASC members, Council, Raha is responsible for the $15 for nonmembers. Customer Service preparation and presentation of quarBoot Camp is hosted from 1-4 p.m. terly forecasts of the state’s economy Jan. 21. The cost is $15 for members, and General Fund revenues. $20 for nonmembers. Pre-registration His forecast might help local busiis required for all sessions by calling nesses make decisions, Wick said.

360-336-6114 or going online to www.

“People are looking for some skagit.org. certainty ... Maybe they’re looking for EDASC recently added a third hope as well,” Wick said.

D

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

counselor, and is working with many people who want to start businesses.

The agency also offers networking events, demographics and information, the Business Recruitment Program, the Business Retention/Expansion Program, the Latino Business Retention Expansion Program, and in partnership with Skagit Valley College and Washington State University, the program Leadership Skagit. For a monthly fee of $100, EDASC’s Self Employment Assistance Program includes one-onone business counseling, technical assistance, educational sessions and work groups. Information: 360-336-6114 and www.skagit.org.

EDASC’s annual Economic Forecast Dinner February 18, 2010 at St. Joseph Center 215 N. 15th St. Mount Vernon Tickets are $62 each, or $480 for a table of eight.

For reservations, call 360-336-6114 or go online to www.skagit.org.

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SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010 |

VIEWPOINT We ask Skagit business owners and managers, “What is your strategy for getting through the first quarter doldrums, and do you expect the economy in 2010 to be better or worse than 2009?’’

Clay Learned, Learned Commercial, Inc., Burlington

As near as I have been able to tell, commercial real estate knows no season, so the first quarter lull, while having an impact on residential real estate, should not play a role for me. I believe the American public and decision makers for businesses are tired of doing nothing, waiting to see what will happen next. Lenders should loosen up a bit, and buyers will begin to surface again in 2010. Land sales and development may be the sector that suffers the most as there are still ample vacancies to satisfy what I believe the demand will be in 2010.

Don Zimmerman, Business Bank, Burlington

Business Bank’s proposed strategy for the first quarter of 2010 calls for the employees to remain positive and concentrate in building the core deposits of the bank. The Board of Directors and management will continue to be involved in raising additional capital in an effort to strengthen the bank during these very trying economic times.

The economy in 2010 should improve slightly over 2009 as the recession comes to a close. There is still a great deal of pressure in the retail sector affecting the economy in a negative manner, created by the high unemployment rate, which is expected to remain until mid 2011.

Karin and Mike Baldwin, Quantum Construction, Anacortes

Quantum Construction has been taking a diversified route through this economic downturn.

We’ve kept an open mind and positive attitude in our approach to our work. We have seen our small town relationships work for both our customers and our successes. Several of our jobs scheduled for 2009 were put on hold while customers “waited to see what was going to happen next’’ and are now moving forward.

We will continue to work with our customers, suppliers and subcontractors to support our local economy. Working hard together and helping each other out will be the key to our success in getting through the first quarter of 2010.

Tim McCray, Northwest Tinman Auto Body & Paint, Sedro-Woolley

Getting through the current economy is a challenge for any business. I’m assembling some genuine savings offers for customers and hoping to team up with other businesses to do the same, then combine our marketing to help on those costs. (It’s) kind of our own local stimulus package for potential customers.

As long as there are no new major setbacks in the economy, then things feel like they are stabilizing. I’d be content with things not going further downward. I feel that customers will start to get back to their lives and do the things they need to do. We, as businesses, have tightened our belts and made the necessary cutbacks so that we can move forward from here and slowly see improvements.

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

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Colleen McKnight, Hart’s Floral, Mount Vernon

I don’t expect to have the first quarter doldrums! The first quarter is busy in the flower business, and the second quarter is the busiest of our year. I’m expecting the economy to be better than last year and more predictable. We’ve learned from our customers that they want to buy locally, to reuse and recycle when possible, and will stick to their budget by choosing a smaller item, but still made with quality products. It’s a great time to be a small business that can accommodate our customers buying patterns as they change with their economy.

Tim Reichert, Brown McMillen Real Estate, Burlington

This is indeed a unique time in the real estate industry. In a normal market we usually see an increase in sales activity after the holidays. We hope that will happen this year. We are contacting our clients and customers and letting them know about all the opportunities available. This is actually a great time to buy a house as there is a good amount of inventory available and the price point for all homes has come down. Also, the tax incentives that are being offered make it a double win for buyers.

We are also counseling our sellers to make sure their home looks sharp and is priced right for the features it offers. It is also important for buyers to get to a lender early in the process and arrange their financing, as underwriting rules are more stringent than in the past. We are still selling the “American Dream.’’

Rachel Porter, Balloon Splendor, Mount Vernon I review sales from the previous two years in the specified time frame and call or e-mail the contact and ask if I can be of service again.

Kenneth Killpack DDS Russel Borneman DDS 1218 29th St Suite A Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.8451 Mercury Free Since ‘83

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SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010 |

Skagit auto dealers puttering toward slow comeback S t o r y b y W h i t n e y P i p k i n | P h o t o s b y S c o t t Te r r e l l 31.

“That’s definitely a savings we can guarantee now and we certainly can’t guarantee in the future,” said Rick Wilson, a director for Washington State Auto Dealers Association and owner of Wilson Motors in Bellingham.

Though the tax write-off program might provide a final push for the year, it will likely pale in comparison to the boon of the federal government’s Cash for Clunkers program this summer.

Set up to boost the most depressed U.S. auto sales in a quarter-cent u r y,

“I feel we’ve bottomed out,” said Pam Nelson, owner of Foothills Toyota in Burlington.

“I feel we’re trending upward ever so slightly.”

I

f a car salesman sympathizes with you about how times have been tough lately, he’s not just throwing you a line.

Auto dealers and their employees have witnessed some of the worst the recession’s had to offer over the past two years, their profits dipping as unemployment rose and credit markets froze across the nation.

“Oftentimes, the car industry reflects the overall economy and country very well,” said Mike Blade, owner of Blade Chevrolet in Mount Vernon.

But now, as the national economy is beginning to report early signs of recovery, local auto dealers say their sales are puttering toward a slow comeback as well.

“I feel we’ve bottomed out,” said Pam Nelson, owner of Foothills Toyota in Burlington. “I feel we’re trending upward ever so slightly.”

Nelson said sales over the past two

10

months were up over sales in October and November of 2008, which is when the downturn first began for her business.

While November and December are typically the slowest months for car sales, Nelson said she expects improvement over the next year. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is often a bright spot for car sales as well.

Blade said he expects that end-ofthe-year push to be even stronger this year, with a stimulus incentive that allows buyers to deduct the sales tax on their vehicle purchases expiring Dec.

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

the p r o gram burned through $3 billion in federal dollars to fuel new car purchases by buying up drivers’ old “clunkers.”

Local auto dealers had been flooded with consumers eager to take advantage of the program’s limited funds, while the system for administering the federal money struggled to keep up with demand.

The program left its mark on the downtrodden industry. Blade refers to the current sales at his dealership as “back down to pre-Clunker numbers.”

But in the calm following the storm, auto dealers say there are still plenty goskagit.com

Eric Adams is a salesman at Blade Chavrolet in Mount Vernon, where sales have rebounded in recent months of incentives for car buying — and plenty of vehicles left on their lots.

Auto dealers notice that their car makers are taking bigger risks as well to help push extra inventory off their lots this year. General Motors, for example, is offering an unprecedented 60-day test drive that includes a full refund if the vehicle is returned with less than 4,000 miles on it.

“That’s quite a bit of a commitment on the part of General Motors,” said Blade, who sells GM products at Blade Chevrolet. But it’s a risk GM is willing to take to change perceptions about the company’s products in light of its recent bankruptcy.

Adam Thurmond, finance manager at Jerry Smith Kia in Burlington, said the Kia brand has proved well-posigoskagit.com

tioned to succeed in the down economy compared to some others.

“We’ve actually had a pretty good year, all things considered,” he said, citing the long-term warranties and affordability of Kia vehicles as reasons.

Thurmond said though business at the start of December hasn’t been “explosive,” he expects a strong second half for the month and continuing into 2010.

Skagit and Whatcom County auto dealers also are turning to their longstanding tax advantage to draw Seattle-area shoppers to the region’s dealerships. Blade said he and other local dealers have collaborated on advertisements appearing in cities south of the county, such as Everett, to lure shoppers north.

Cities further from the metro area boast a nearly one percent lower sales tax in some cases — a potential savings of $200 on a $20,000 car — said WSADA’s Wilson.

But Wilson said he doesn’t think the sales tax difference prompts people to head out of town for a new vehicle. “Most people, on a new car, will buy from a dealer that’s fairly close to them. All the surveys say that,” he said.

If nothing else, Blade said the advertising push indicates that auto dealers feel they’re on more sound footing than in recent months.

“Compared to doing almost no advertising in the first half of the year, we feel we’re stable enough to get back into it,” Blade said.

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010 |

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BUSINESS Briefs NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS John Collins was named chief executive officer of Nichols Bros. Boat Builders in Freeland. A veteran executive in the metals industry, Collins was most recently the president and CEO of a Birmingham, Ala.-based consulting firm specializing in improving comJohn Collins petitiveness by implementing sustainable flow-based, process-oriented operational and organizational strategies. Since his arrival as CEO on Oct. 1, the company reports Collins has implemented new systems to improve scheduling and yard control. Collins replaces Len York, who led the company

through its 15-month transition from bankruptcy. The company states that York is considering several corporate turnaround offers. Nichols Brothers manufactures tug boats, ferries, aluminum vessels and commercial fishing boats.

Dr. Jason Squibb, DVM, joined the staff at North Cascade Veterinary Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.

Squibb grew up in Skagit County, attended veterinary school at Washington State University and recently completed a year-long internship at the University of Minnesota.

Douglas Hutter, licensed funeral director and embalmer, and Jim Cannon, apprentice funeral director, joined the staff at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.

David Larkin was named northern Washington district manager for

Wells Fargo Bank. Larkin’s district includes 75 team members and seven banking stores in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Friday Harbor.

Steve Miller joined Chinook Enterprises in Mount Vernon as an employment specialist, responsible for job development, training support and placement for individuals with disabilities. Miller worked with special education students at Mount Vernon High School and as a vocational specialist.

Susan Lange was appointed as the new fund development manager for the Skagit County Community Action Agency. Lange has worked in the Agency’s Mental Health Ombuds program since July 2008 and has more than 10 years experience work-

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| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

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BUSINESS Briefs ing with local nonprofit agencies.

Baby Icing, A Children’s BouKelli Tolf of Burlington is the tique, was launched with a ribbon new assistant director of the Skagit cutting and grand opening Nov. 10 at Valley College Foundation. Most 404 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. recently, Tolf served

as the Foundation’s event coordinator for the organization’s The North Cascade Veterinary golf tournaments and auction fundraisers.

Tolf worked in management and marketKelli Tolf ing positions with the perennial grower Etera and Prime Outlets in Burlington. The Foundation was founded in 1978 to support educational opportunities at Skagit Valley College.

GOOD WORKS

Hospital in Sedro-Woolley is hosting its annual pet food drive. Drop off donations of pet food at the hospital at the corner of Highway 20 and Murdock Street. All the collected food will be donated to the SedroWoolley Food Bank. Last year, the drive netted more than 200 pounds

NEW BUSINESSES Direct Home Loans opened at 3110 Commercial Ave., suite D2, Anacortes, The owner is Tim Kammer. The parent company for Direct Home Loans is Montanabased Mann Mortgage, which works directly with banks.

Jeff McRoberts recently launched Sound Personal Services in Mount Vernon. Services include gift buying, landscaping, making travel arrangements and office housekeeping. Information: www.soundps.com.

Greg Kargel opened the art gallery Texture at 804 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. He is showing his own mixed media work, as well as paintings by Jo Anderson and Paula Anderson. McDonald plans to add photography by Megan Christie.

Barbara and Robert Atterberry, owners of Bob’s Chowder Bar in Anacortes, opened a second restaurant, Avenue Bistro, at 676 S. Spruce St. in Burlington.

Kelley T. Woods, a certified clinical hypnotherapist with more than seven years experience, opened a new office at 401 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. goskagit.com

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010 |

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BUSINESS Briefs Leadership Skagit; Virginia “Ginny” Bode, marketing and business development director for Fisher & Sons; Susan Duffy, owner of Organizing Unlimited; and Stephanie Hooper, president and co-owner of Bayside Specialties, Inc. Megan Price of The Learning Ladder Child Development Center was awarded a Child Development Baby Bo Peep Children’s Resale Associate Credential by the CounShoppe moved to 2222 Riverside cil for Professional Recognition, a Drive in Mount Vernon.

Washington, D.C.-based organizaAlex McDonald and his mother tion, which represents the early Lynn Jenssen bought The Business, childhood education profession. The 402 Commercial Ave., Anacortes nationally recognized credential is from Liz and Jensen Lovelett, who awarded to individuals who have owned the business for about four demonstrated competency through years. experience and education in working The Flounder Bay Cafe in with children ages 0-5.

Anacortes, which closed last year, Chinook Enterprises was recently reopened under new owner selected the Division of Vocational Dino Trapalis. He managed several Rehabilitation Area 2 “Community restaurants in Seattle, including Partner of the Year.” The DVR Latitude 47, and owned a few as well, states that the organization is the including Trapalis restaurant and most integrated rehabilitation proVal’s Cafe. He also owned Neapolis gram in the Skagit Valley, and honPizza and Pasta at several locations ored it for promoting employment in North Seattle. He and his sister opportunities for individuals with recently opened a restaurant in Sedisabilities, and educating employdro-Woolley. ers and the public. The division also CompuMatter in November praised the progressive and visionary moved to 1814 Commercial Ave., leadership of Chinook Enterprises, Anacortes. and the commitment to excellence The Fidalgo Bay Coffee drivedisplayed by Director Rob Martin through stand at 12th Street and and Assistant Director Jim Halpin.

Commercial Avenue in Anacortes is Bell & Sons Construction and now Whidbey Coffee. The business Yonkman Construction were preopened in July 2008. sented “People’s Choice” awards at the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association’s 30th anniversary celebration Oct. 20 in Oak Harbor. The awards were selected by the attendees of the 2009 SICBA Home Tour Sue Krienen, general manager of Shell Puget Sound Refinery, was hosted Sept. 11-13. Voted the best tour house in Skagit County was Bell named “Professional and Business & Sons Construction’s 2,400-squareWoman of the Year” at the 25th foot remodeled home in Anacortes. annual Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network banquet in October at Voted the best tour home in Island County was Yonkman Construction’s McIntyre Hall. The other finalists 4,500-square-foot house in Freeland. were Kathryn Bennett, director of Chartered in 1979, SICBA represents of pet food.

At Buckshot Espresso at 111 Fountain St. in Burlington, proceeds from the kid’s menu sales are donated to Seattle Children’s Hospital’s greatest needs fund.

MOVES/NEW OWNERS

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS

14

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

almost 650 construction-related businesses in Skagit and Island counties.

The Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association announced that one of its members, Ted Clifton of Coupeville, was awarded the Building Industry Association of Washington “Builder of the Year” award for 2009. Mr. Clifton owns and operates CVH Inc., DBA Clifton View Homes Inc. Clifton was honored for his many contributions to the homebuilding industry and for leading the charge for green building and energy Ted Clifton efficient design in Washington. He has been a tireless leader in the National Association of Home Builders, BIAW, and his local association, SICBA. Clifton was president of SICBA in 2001. The “Builder of the Year” award was given out on Nov. 5 at a banquet during BIAW’s Fall Board of Director’s meeting in Vancouver. Criteria for the award included industry accomplishments, association involvement, civic affairs and more. Judging is based on performance over the past 18 months. Clifton was selected by past award recipients and was chosen from a field of 10 nominees. He is a certified National Association of Home Builders instructor in the Built Green® movement and has been instrumental in launching and improving SICBA’s Built Green® Program. He speaks at local and national venues about green building and energy efficiency and is involved in a number of green building committees and organizations, including serving as SICBA’s 2009 Chair for the Built Green® Committee, as well as serving as the newly-elected president of Built Green® Washington.

Philip Burton of Burton Jewelers in Anacortes completed the annual American Gem Society recertificagoskagit.com

BUSINESS Briefs 360-416-7762.

Agriculture Business Center. The Goodwill offers a three-month fee for a 24-hour period is $25. Reretail and customer service training serve equipment at 360-336-3727. To program at its Mount Vernon store. sell chickens that are processed using Students receive detailed classroom NABC’s rental equipment, farminstruction and hands-on experience ers need a special, temporary state working in the store to prepare them license. Information: www.agbizcento enter the workforce. Call 360-848- ter.org.

0646.

Toastmasters Burlington Better The Mount Vernon Visitor’s Speakers meets from noon to 1 p.m.

Information Center seeks volunteers Tuesdays at the Washington Federal to commit to four hours a week.

Savings conference room at 300 E. The center, operated by the Mount Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Call Vernon Chamber of Commerce, sees Stephanie Hooper at 360-707-5422 or almost 65,000 people each year. Vol- Carl Garrison at 360-707-5656. unteers answer almost 15,000 phone The Anacortes High School If you are younger than 40 or new calls annually. Contact Kristen at DECA program seeks businesses to to business, you can connect with 360-428-8547 or kristenw@mountinvolve students in service projects. others at Mount Vernon Chamber of vernonchamber.com.

Call Jodi Wireman at 360-293-2166, Commerce’s Skagit Young ProfesThe Anacortes Chamber of ext. 755. sionals group. The group meets from Commerce offers technical eduThe state Department of Agri6-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each cation classes to members and culture is offering reimbursement of month. The cost is $5 for chamber other residents at CompuMatter, some of the costs of organic certificamembers, $10 for nonmembers.

616 Commercial Ave. The two-night tion. Qualified producers, handlers RSVP at 360-428-8547 or karenm@ classes are $50 for members, $70 for and food processors can receive 75 mountvernonchamber.com. nonmembers. Classes include Web percent of licensing costs up to a The Anacortes Chamber of site design, ebay, Word, PowerPoint, maximum of $750. Funds are availCommerce is partnering with the QuickBooks, Publisher, computer able for the 2008 and 2009 certificaBusiness Resource Center in Mount defense, computer hardware, and tion years. Call 360-902-1805 or visit Vernon to offer business consulting group calendaring/communication. http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Orservices to Anacortes businesses.

Call 360-293-7911. ganic.

The free meetings can be arranged in Small-scale poultry farmers in WorkSource Skagit offers free either Anacortes or Mount Vernon Skagit, Whatcom, Island, San Juan workshops for job seekers at 2005 E. with the Service Corps of Retired and Snohomish counties can rent College Way, Mount Vernon. Call Executives or the Small Business recently purchased chicken-process- 360-416-3600.

Development Specialist through the ing equipment from the Northwest Skagit Valley College offers free Economic Development Association of Skagit County.

The networking group Skagit Valley Business Network International seeks motivated, ethical profession

als to meet at 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the Elks lodge, 2120 Market St., • Fast and Friendly Professionals Mount Vernon. Information: Jea• Expert Service and Sales nette Coffey at 360-961-7441 or Doug • Low Cost Color Printing Systems bizhub Faber at 360-336-3535. • Digital Printers & Copiers C451 Full Color Skagit Valley College’s Displaced • Document Management Strategies Printer/Copier/ Homemaker Program offers free Scanner • Scan to E-mail, FTP, or File monthly classes on career exploraAuthorized Dealer tion and job-search techniques to 1575 Port Drive assist those who have become sole www.oasysinc.com Burlington, WA 98233 supporters of their families. Call tion exam for the sixth consecutive year. The mandatory examinations were developed to maintain professional credentials and uphold educational and ethical standards for membership in the Society.

Sound Shredding & Recycling, a Skagit and Whatcom-owned document shredding firm, was recertified at the highest level for its mobile shredding by the National Association of Information Destruction.

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BUSINESS Briefs monthly classes for those seeking support and direction in career or educational needs. Call 360-416-7658 or toll-free 877-385-5360.

Skagit PROS, a professional referral organization, is accepting applications for new members.

The group meets at 8:45 a.m. every Thursday at the Forks and Knives Restaurant in Mount Vernon. Call 360-770-0440 or visit www.skagitpros.com.

The Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network scholarship will be awarded to a woman residing in Skagit County who is pursuing either a professional designation or postgraduate degree at an accredited college or university. Applications are available at www.swanskagit.org.

Call Diane Goetz, 360-941-5012.

Jeroldine Hallberg is providing pro bono mediator service for the Dispute Resolution Center of Skagit County. Call 360-419-7602.

Mount Vernon Women in Business meets at noon the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House, 2030 Riverside Drive. Female business owners and executive managers are welcome. Call 360-708-8665.

The Community Supported Agriculture Training Center at the Greenback Farm on Whidbey Island seeks eight to 10 new farmer-trainees for 2010. The CSA Training Center will select new trainees on a rolling admission throughout November, December and January. Selected farmer-trainees will be exposed to a diversified cropping system of fruits and vegetables on almost 10 acres of organically certified land using a CSA model. Applications and information about the program can be found at the Northwest Agriculture Business Center Web site at www.AgBizCenter.org and by calling Maryon Attwood at 360-336-3727.

Housing is available through the 16

Whidbey Island WISH Foundation, and the housing application can be found at the NABC Web site. The CSA training program begins in early February, and runs through October. Farmer-trainees receive a monthly stipend of $500 and a $1,000 educational award at the completion of the year for supplies, tools or equipment needed for the farming activities. Participants in the program are expected to work an average of 30 hours per week, with most of the hours coming during the summer growing season.

The Skagit Valley College Life Transition Program offers free monthly classes for people seeking support and direction in career or educational needs. The program is now accepting applications and conducting orientations. For information, call 360-416-7658 or toll free at 877-385-5360.

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County hosts education workshops at its offices at 204 West Montgomery, downtown Mount Vernon. Planning and financing a business is the topic from 1-4:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Admission is free. Understanding commercial real estate is presented from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 14, with the cost $10 for EDASC members, $20 for non members. The QuickBooks Users group meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19. The cost is $10 for EDASC members, $15 for non members. Customer Service Boot Camp is hosted from 1-4 p.m.

Jan. 21. The cost is $15 for members, $20 for non members. Pre-registration is required for all sessions by calling 360-336-6114 or going online to www.skagit.org.

Arun Raha, the chief economist for the state of Washington and director of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, offers his insights at the Economic Development Association of Skagit County’s annual

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

Economic Forecast Dinner Thursday, Feb. 18 at the St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon. The social hour begins at 5 p.m., the dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $62 each, or $480 for a table of eight. Reservations: 360-336-6114 or www.skagit.org.

The workshop “Cropping Connections an Alternative to Green Pea Production’’ is presented from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Washington State University Northwest Research and Educational Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. With the state’s green pea industry in decline, specialists will talk about forage crops, grains, fava beans, winter peas, beets and other subjects. Information: 360-428-4270, ext. 225.

MISCELLANEOUS The doctors and nurses at Island Hospital in Anacortes are among the best in the state at communicating with patients, according to a list recently released by Consumer Reports. The results are based on a nationwide survey of hospital patients conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Studies, the federal agency that administers Medicare. “I think we work very hard ensuring that our patients receive compassionate, high-quality and personalized health care,” said hospital CEO Vince Oliver. According to the survey, the other top hospitals in the state are Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, Pullman Regional Hospital, Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver, and St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham.

The Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle arranged with Cascade Neurologic Clinic to provide subspecialty neurological care in Cascade’s Mount Vernon clinic. Cascade is a three-practitioner clinic that goskagit.com

BUSINESS Briefs offers neurologic services in Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, San Juan and Island counties. The clinic providers are Herbert Goldston, M.D., David Morris, M.D., and Michael Jones, P.A.-C. Three subspecialists provide a half-day clinic in Mount Vernon on a quarterly basis.

The Port of Anacortes Commission in August approved almost $170,000 for Carlson Construction Inc. of La Conner to repair pilings underneath the Port of Anacortes’ Pier 1 warehouse, leased by the ship building company Dakota Creek Industries. The pilings have deteriorated to the point that forklifts can’t work in the building, and storage is prohibited in some areas. The port will be reimbursed for the project through the state Job Development Fund program as part of the Pier 1 redevelopment project.

Nordic Northwest Yachts, Nordic Tugs’ newest dealer, opened in September in Anacortes. Nordic Northwest Yachts recently purchased the operating assets of Skipper Cress Yacht Sale, and works from that company’s facility at the Cap Sante Marina.

Skagit Publishing recently launched work on a new annual publication showcasing Skagit County.

The Skagit County Newcomers and Visitors Guide will be distributed throughout the region in March.

The guide will encourage tourism, serve as a newcomers guide for people looking to relocate to the area, and reacquaint residents with the communities, events and attractions in Skagit County. About 100,000 copies will be distributed.

They will be inserted into the Skagit Valley Herald and will be available at chambers of commerce, county and regional visitor centers, state ferries, motels and hotels, tourist goskagit.com

destinations and other locations. A companion guide to Anacortes also will be published. The company, drawing on its decades of experience in special publications, is ready to improve on the former McGregor publications and fill a void in the marketplace. For sales and additional information about the Skagit County Newcomers and Visitors Guide, the Anacortes Newcomers and Visitors Resource Guide and the Tulip Festival Guide, contact Deb Bundy at dbundy@skagitpublishing.com or call 360-416-2126.

The Skagit Valley Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals installed new officers for 2009/2010. President is Sherrie Ludwig, Shell Puget Sound Refinery; vice president is Cindy Traynor, The Spa & Salon at the Medallion Hotel; treasurer is Gina Upham, Mount Vernon Fire Department; and secretary is Michele Myers, city of Mount Vernon. The IAAP is a nonprofit professional association.

The Burlington laboratory of Materials Testing & Consulting, Inc. recently gained approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform tests and inspections on construction projects under its oversight. The company reports that

its labs in Burlington and Olympia are among just a few in Western Washington that have met the corps’ standards for performing tests for corps-administered projects.

Anacortes-based Ramsight Enterprises is one of 20 companies recently approved to get a portion of a five-year, $200 million federal contract to provide solar electric power generation facilities to U.S. government buildings and installations. Ramsight Enterprises, located at 1010 5th St., Suite 300, specializes in helping companies in a variety of industries gain access to government markets and contracts.

The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce board nominated four new directors to take office in January. They will replace outgoing directors Patti Anderson (Williams & Nulle), Mark Lione (Cap Sante Inn), Curtis Payne (Curtis Payne Insurance and Financial Services) and Robin Pestarino (Ponte Vecchio Corporation). The nominees are Robert Atterberry (Avenue Catering and Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon), Andrea Jurkovich (Summit Park Covered Storage), Peter Kovach (Chander’s Square Retirement Community) and Matt McKay (HR Strategies).

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BUSINESS Briefs Industries, a leading manufacturer of composite tooling, has launched a new corporate Web site to better serve its growing markets. The company states that the new www.

Janicki.com reflects the company’s entry into alternative energy composite manufacturing, including wine blade prototyping and parts production. In a press release, company president John Janicki states, “Alternative energy is poised for robust growth. We are engaged in a number of research and development collaborations with global clients. Wind and oceanic energy projects are particularly exciting and hold potential for near-term implementation.”

Twin City Foods Pea Growers in Stanwood — the last green pea processing plant in the Northwest — won’t process the vegetable in 2010, the company announced last month. The move was fueled by an excess of inventory and a soft market for green peas, according to a press release from the Western Washington Agricultural Association. Twin City Foods also cited the costs of raw products and hauling as reasons for reducing pea production next year.

According to Washington State University, pea production in the Northwest dropped from 32,000 acres in 1968 to 5,500 acres last year. In 2010, no peas will be grown in the area.

The Stanwood pea processor said production is only stalled for 2010 at this point, and its future status will be determined sometime next summer or fall.

Chinook Enterprises was awarded a grant of $15,430 by the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound. The grant was used to purchase a new John Deere tractor/mower for Chinook Enterprises’ grounds maintenance program. Since 1986, the Employees Community 18

Fund had funded $106,080 in direct grants to support Chinook Enterprises.

Patsy Martin, Port of Skagit executive director, was elected senior vice president of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.

Martin has served on the board of directors since 2003, and has served as PNWA’s treasurer since 2007. She will assist in the association’s annual Mission to Washington, D.C. in March 2010. PNWA’s Mission to Washington agenda will include meetings with the Northwest Congressional delegation, senior staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies, and national leaders from industry and trade groups based in Washington, D.C. Issues to be addressed in D.C. include funding for the Elliott Bay Seawall, funding for Swinomish Channel dredging and support for streamlining the Corps’ regulatory process to ensure timely review of permit applications. Elections for PNWA Executive Committee and Board of Directors were held Oct. 14 at the PNWA annual meeting in Vancouver. Martin is senior vice president of a 40-member Board of Directors from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California and Alaska. Martin has also served as the planner, and environmental manager and deputy director at the Port of Skagit. She has been with the Port since 1995.

The Breadfarm artisan bread bakery at 5766 Cains Court, Edison remodeled its bakery and storefront and installed a new oven that will increase the bakery’s bread baking capacity by one-third.

The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members to its Board of Directors for 2010. They were voted in by the

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | January 2010

members at the October membership luncheon. They are Jeff Harris, Anderson Appliance; April Axthelm, Axthelm Construction; Rob Martin, Chinook Enterprises; Darlene Mindrum, individual member; Brian Soneda, Mount Vernon City Library; and Catlyn Preston, Superior Graphic Design.

Venoil LLC, an oil re-recycling facility in Anacortes, received $500,000 of stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Investment Act. Venoil is working with Whole Energy Fuels, a sub-recipient of the funding, to operate a low cost biodiesel production and glycerin refining facility at their location on March Point Road.

Owners Dave and Sharon Crumbo changed the name of their Anacortes coffee shop from Coyote Coffee Den to Trestle Coffee Co. and expanded the space of the business. The couple bought the business at 8152 S. March Point Road last summer.

Materials Testing & Consulting recently expanded its service territory to all of the Pacific Northwest after purchasing a mobile laboratory.

The company previously performed tests and inspections on construction projects in Western Washington with its labs in Burlington, Bellingham and Olympia. “The mobile lab enables us to provide accurate results with quick turnaround times at project sites anywhere in Washington, Oregon and Idaho,’’ Curtis Shear, MTC co-owner and quality assurance manager, stated in a press release. The company also announced that its Burlington lab recently gained approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform tests and inspections on construction projects under its oversight. goskagit.com

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