NEW HOTEL PROJECTS EXPECTED TO FINISH
Transcription
NEW HOTEL PROJECTS EXPECTED TO FINISH
Year 21 No. 6 $1 June 2013 TEDx BELLINGHAM | PAGE 16 DAVID WIGGS PLANS TO TURN A GLOBAL EVENT LOCAL A BREAK FOR SPIRITS | Federal tax cut could help craft distillers NEW HOTEL PROJECTS EXPECTED tO FINISH BY YEAR’S END Annual travel, tourism spending in Whatcom County up more than 10 percent in 2012 By Evan Marczynski [email protected] T Jake Fowler, operations manager of BelleWood Distilling, examines equipment in the company’s production facility. Fowler said a break on federal taxes could help small craft distilleries in Washington state offer products at more competitive prices. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL Lawmakers push for lower taxes on small craft distilleries | SEE STORY ON PAGE 12 Commerce, trade expected to slow with I-5 bridge collapse in Skagit County | PAGE 3 A temporary replacement span should be installed over the Skagit River this month, and Amtrak plans to add an extra Bellingham-Seattle train route. But travel and commerce are still likely to face delays along the Interstate 5 corridor. ON THE WATERFRONT Total retail sales rose 7.75 percent in Whatcom County last year | PAGE 17 Whatcom County retailers had a strong year in 2012, bringing in more than $3.2 billion all together. Border towns, including Sumas and Blaine, saw significant year-over-year growth. Sumas’ retail sales rose more than 40 percent from 2011. wo new hotel developments less than one block from each other in north Bellingham should be completed this year, including one that will eventually feature more rooms than any other hotel in Whatcom County. While the projects have faced delays over the past several years due to financing troubles tied to the economic recession, both construction sites are now bustling with activity. On Northwest Avenue, the first phase of a Marriott hotel project should be finished by late August or early September, said Shaiza Damji, managing director of the Lynnwood-based 360 Hotel Group, the project’s developer. The first phase features a 122room SpringHill Suites, and once HOTELS | Page 23 Port offers waterfront property for development, including historic Granary Building once slated for demolition | PAGE 6 Space reserved for mailing label The Summer days areyour just Schedule boat haul out ahead. before 3/1/2012 Be sure your to receive half off boat is ready. Round-Trip Haul costs if you Call to schedule your mention this ad! haul out today! Bellingham’s Friendliest Marine Facility — When you need us ... We’ll be there • Self & Full service Boatyard • Storage & Repair Facility • Inside Repair Space • Over 20 Marine Professionals • Load/Offload Barges • Land/Building Rent (360) 715-1000 (800) 742-4262 1001 C Street — On the Whatcom Creek Waterway www.landingscolonywharf.com • [email protected] 2 BBJToday.com June 2013 BBJPLANNER Upcoming business and community events Feel confident with your home financing decision As a responsible lending leader, we work closely with you to help you understand your home financing options so you can make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying your first home, second home or refinancing your current home, we have the products and services to help you reach your homebuying goals. Call us to explore your options. “Green Drinks” with Land Trust Kulshan Community Land Trust will host Bellingham Green Drinks at an open house of its newly JUN constructed Indiana Street Homes, located at 2784 and 2788 Indiana St. in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood. The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Home tours and beverages by donation will be provided. The event, co-hosted by RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, is free and open to all members of the community. 5 Cross borders with expo at Silver Reef Anndi Pena Branch Sales Manager ���-���-���� NMSLRID ������ John T Smith Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ Barry Weafer Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ Michael Adams Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ����� Hendor Rodriguez Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ Scott Ask Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa present the first annual Cross-Border x p o, w h i c h JUN Ewill showcase more than 60 exhibitors and feature two educational sessions aimed at cross-border business, marketing and distribution and cross-border real estate investment. Vendor exhibits will be housed in the new Event Center at Silver Reef, and the seminars will be conducted in the adjoining theater. The expo will also be the 6 CORRECTION Reah Dewell Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ Brad Roen Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ������ Susan Templeton Home Mortgage Consultant ���-���-���� NMLSR ID ����� ���� Cornwall Ave, Suite ���, Bellingham, WA ����� Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. � ���� Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID ������. AS������ 3/13-6/13 An article in our May 2013 edition, titled, “Recession Proof: Brisk business helping salon and spa industry at a time when other services struggle,” contained several errors. Statements attributed to Heather Gauf-Perrin referring to negativity surrounding the tanning industry and her staff setting time limits on tanning to minimize potential risks were inaccurate and have been omitted in the online version of the article at BBJToday.com. A statistic reporting the number of people who visit tanning salons annually relied on out-of-date information and has also been removed. focal point of a CrossBorder Weekend Getaway, which will cater to the new 24-hour ($200) and 48-hour ($800) customs exemptions for returning Canadian residents. Tourists will be provided with a variety of suggested visits and tours courtesy of Bellingham Whatcom Count y Tour ism, and investors will be provided with similar opportunities by local real estate and economic development representatives. The evening portion of the expo will feature an All Chamber Business After Hours event providing networking opportunities for local chambers of commerce on both sides of the border. More information and a schedule of events a r e o n l i n e a t w w w. CrossBorderExpo.com. vendors. Wilson Motors will close its dealership for the day and utilize its adjacent property to make all of these activities possible. Admission is free, but attendees may donate to Whatcom Hospice, which serves terminally ill patients through home visits and its Bellingham residential facility. A r t i s t s, ve n d o r s, c a r enthusiasts and others interested in participating in the Bellingham Fete and Car Show can contact Pete Nelson of Wilson Motors at 360-676-0600. Support hospice care at car show 17-19 B ellingham Fete and C a r S h o w, f e a t u r i n g activities for all ages, will be presented Father ’s Day, June 16 by Wilson Motors JUN as a fundraiser for Whatcom Hospice. Bellingham Fete and Car Show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilson Motors, 1100 Iowa St. It will include live music from multiple bands, a wine tasting with 13 local wineries, a car and truck show, displays from local artists, children’s activities, a silent auction and food 16 Get THE handle on hazardS The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold three seminars conjunction JUN in with American Hazmat addressing new regulations for businesses that handle hazardous substances. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 17, attendees can learn about new regulations and requirements in Hazcom 2012 (GHS – Global Harmonization System) for $35 per person. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, attendees will receive training on 49 CFR Hazmat. Registration begins at 8 a.m. This event is for any person involved with the PLANNER | Page 3 The Bellingham Business Journal A division of Sound Publishing Inc. TONY BOUCHARD EVAN MARCZYNSKI MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER ADINE CLOSE Advertising Sales Manager [email protected] Production Manager Staff Reporter [email protected] Creative Artist BBJToday.com 1909 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone (360) 647-8805 Fax (360) 647-0502 Circulation: (888) 838-3000, [email protected] Publisher: [email protected] Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] BBJToday.com (ISSN 21620997) is published monthly by Sound Publishing Inc. at 1909 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Periodicals Postage Paid at Bellingham, WA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BBJToday.com Circulation, PO Box 130, Kent, WA 98035. June 2013 PLANNER | FROM 2 movement of hazardous materials by ground, including shippers, freight for warders, handlers, carriers and receivers. The cost is $235 per person. Attendees will receive a copy of the 49 CFR Regulations and a certification of completion. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, attendees will receive training on International Air Transport Association. This event is designed for those who ship dangerous goods via commercial air or courier ser vice. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The cost is $235 per person. Attendees must possess the current IATA Regulations, which can be pre-ordered for $289, and they will also receive a student package and certification of completion. The seminars/training will be held at the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County at 1650 Baker Creek Place, Bellingham. Register at w w w. americahazmat.com or by calling 877-452-5447. Meet candidates at Bill Mize forum Th e K i w a n i s C l u b o f Bellingham, in conjunction with the Rome Grange, will hold its 49th annual Bill Mize JUN Political Forum from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the Rome Grange, 2821 Mount Baker Highway. The event is a nonpartisan presentation of local candidates for the offices of Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, Mount Baker School District and the Port of Bellingham. It includes some open forums for public dialogue, and the event will be broadcast live on KGMI AM 790. The Grange Women’s Auxiliar y will provide refreshments following the forum and attendees will have the opportunity to talk with the candidates. For more information, contact Russ Weston at 360-671-7862. 19 Safety first with Safteypalooza! T h e U n i t y G ro u p, i n partnership with Safeco Insurance, will host the first-ever Safetypalooza! from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, in the Bellingham Flea Market’s parking lot at the corner of Forest and Ellis streets. BBJToday.com Each family in attendance will receive one complimentary goodie bag with safety education materials to discuss with their children and gifts from local businesses. Admission is free. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians. Other activities include a coloring contest, prize drawings and a variety of safety-related displays. For more information, visit www.safewhatcom.com. Donate For The Kids in Ferndale The Fer ndale B oys & Girls Club will host its 25th annual For The Kids Auction on Saturday, June 22, at the Ferndale Boys & Girls Club. Funds raised will serve the youth in the local community. The evening will begin with the auction JUN silent bidding and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 pm. The dinner will start at 7 p.m., to be followed by a live auction. Tickets are $60 per person, which includes dinner and 2 drinks. Table reservations of 8 or 10 people are available. Contac t Molly Simon by email at msimon@ whatcomclubs.org or by phone at 360-3840753 for information on sponsorship, donating items, or purchasing tickets. 22 Commerce to suffer from bridge collapse 3 Alternative routes expected to slow freight traffic along Interstate 5 corridor Although Gov. Jay Inslee has announced a plan to have temporary spans installed across the Skagit River in mid-June, after the collapse of an Interstate 5 bridge span there on May 23 that sent cars and people plunging into the water, the alternative routes needed in the meantime are expected to slow freight traffic significantly in western Washington. Fortunately no fatalities were reported from the incident, caused when a tall truck carrying a load of drill equipment hit several overhead trusses on the bridge just before the collapse, sparking a chain reaction in the bridge’s structure and causing the bridge’s deck to fall into the river, according to the Washington State Patrol. Interstate 5 is a main commercial artery for the region. Up to $20 billion in freight travels to and from Canada and along the north-south corridor each year, according to the Associated Press. Additional Bellingham-Seattle passenger train route to be added, Amtrak says Amtrak Cascades will add one round trip route between Bellingham and Seattle in the coming weeks to assist travelers affected by the Interstate 5 bridge collapse in Skagit County. Amtrak is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation, BNSF Railway and Sound Transit to add a morning departure from Seattle to Bellingham, with an early evening return. More details will be released as they become available. Amtrak currently provides four trips each day over the Skagit River Rail Bridge, which is fully functional. Amtrak Cascades is online at www. amtrakcascades.com. Foreclosure Defense SaveYour Home - Fight Back! “Tried to work out a loan modification with your lender and failed, there is GOOD NEWS for you.” The WA Foreclosure Fairness Act gives homeowners tools. Mediation with teeth: the “good faith” requirement. • Monthly Payment Reduction • Interest Rate Reduction • Extension of the Term • Principal Reduction James R. Doran-Attorney at Law [email protected] • www.doranlegal.com • (360) 393-9506 100 East Pine St., Suite 205 • Bellingham, WA 98225 Love Your Credit Union Where family & friends come together, ...and know their financial needs are always taken care of. A lot is happening...watch for our BIG announcement coming soon! 4 BBJPEOPLE BBJToday.com Chamber picks interim leader, plans search for new president Who’s news in Bellingham & Whatcom business Wells Fargo names new businessbanking executive Bruce Clawson has been named senior vice president and commercial banking team leader by Wells Fargo, for its commercial-lending and banking services in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties. Clawson, who is based in Bellingham, previously served as president of The Bank of Washington in Lynnwood from 2011 to Bruce Clawson April 2013. From 2002 through 2010, he was senior vice president and division manager for Banner Bank in northwest Washington. He has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate lending and community banking. Clawson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Whatcom Symphony Orchestra appoints new music director After a 17-month process to find a new music director, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra has appointed Yaniv Attar to take over the position in time for the 2013- 2014 concert season. Attar has studied and conducted across the world, including in Jerusalem, New York and Montreal, where he earned his doctorate of music at McGill University. Most recently, he served as the assistant conductor for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham. His awards include recognition from the Solti Foundation and the Yaniv Attar Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation. With a search committee of players, board members, staff and community members, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra recruited 120 applicants from around the world and selected four finalists to audition in Bellingham during the 20122013 concert season. The committee drew on the collective experience of the orchestra and audience to recommend Attar as the final candidate. “We could not be more pleased,” WSO Board President Becky Elmendorf said. “This is the start of a new era of growth and excellence for the orchestra. Dr. Attar brings international experience, incredible musicality, and great community spirit that will take the orchestra to its next level of achievement.” Longtime local businessperson Bill Gorman will step in to lead the Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry while the organization seeks to replace its outgoing president and CEO, Ken Oplinger, according to an announcement from the chamber. Oplinger announced in April that he would leave his position at the end of May to take a similar post at the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Region Chamber of Commerce. He has served as president and CEO of the chamber since October 2003. Gorman, a former local sales manager for Comcast Spotlight, will assist the chamber and its membership as it evaluates its services, programs and initiatives and begins the process of finding a new president. Gorman has also previously served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County and as a past president of Bellingham Bay Rotary Club. Bellingham interim fire chief plans to stay at post Bellingham Interim Fire Chief Roger Christensen will remain in his position for up to another year, rather than retire in June as he had planned. The fire chief told his staff on Friday, May 10, that he will stay at the department after coming to an agreement with Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville that due to a range of pressing public safety issues, it will be best for him to remain as interim chief for at least another year. Christensen was appointed last fall to replace the city’s former fire chief, Bill June 2013 Boyd, who retired in October. Local issues Christensen is involved with right now include ongoing Whatcom Medic One negotiations with Whatcom County and fire area districts, City Council deliberations about personal-use fireworks, consolidation of fire and EMS-related services with neighboring departments and discussions with the Whatcom County Sheriff and Port of Bellingham about collaborating on emergency management services, according to a press release from the city. WWU names director of new nursing degree program Casey Shillam has been named director of Western Washington University’s new bachelor’s degree program in nursing. Shillam, who was hired after a nationwide search, will begin at WWU in July. The nursing program, offered through the university’s Woodring ColCasey Shillam lege of Education, begins fall 2013. It is designed to allow associate-degree nurses who have completed their pre-licensure registered nurse studies to complete their bachelor’s degrees in nursing . Shillam, who will be a tenured faculty member at Woodring College, has experience in clinical nursing practice, health care policy and nursing education. She has bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing from the Oregon PEOPLE | Page 5 Whether You Need MeetiNg Space or a partY place… You’ll FiNd it at the Skagit! New name, New services With an abundance of flexible meeting space, delicious dining options and full-service catering and banquet staff, The Skagit has what you want for a unique, fun and memorable event. For more information, please contact Sales & Catering at 360-724-0154 [email protected] Outsourced IT Management Networking, Security, Repairs Data Backup, Disaster Planning Monitoring, Preventive Maintenance Same focus on personalized, affordable business IT services Same location: 1019 Iowa Street Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Call today for a free tech assessment 360-306-5261 www.ovationtech.net BBJ 877-275-2448 • theskagit.com I-5 Exit 236 • 15 Minutes South of Bellingham BBJ (Covering Whatcom & Skagit Counties) June 2013 PEOPLE | FROM 4 Health & Science University in Portland. She was also a postdoctoral fellow at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis. Shillam is currently an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, and was previously an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Portland. Shillam is a registered nurse, and her clinical nursing experience includes nursing case management for clients in assisted living facilities, home health care nursing and staff nursing in a skilled nursing facility. WWU is collaborating with a number of partners in its new nursing program, including PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College. Bellefeuille hired at RMC Architects in Bellingham Nicole Bellefeuille has joined RMC Architects in Bellingham as an intern architect. Bellefeuille is currently aiding with computer-assisted design modeling for a number of the firm’s projects at Western Washington University. She is also working with RMC principal Jeff McClure on the master plan development strategy for the Port of Everett. Bellefeuille holds a Nicole Bellefeuille bachelor’s in environmental design and a master’s in architecture from Montana State University in Bozeman. Before moving to Bellingham, she worked as a freelance architect on residential, hospitality and commercial projects in Montana. She also worked as a volunteer for the City of Bozeman Planning Department, compiling historic data on existing buildings and performing field work analysis. In addition to her skills as an intern architect, Bellefeuille has experience with graphic and Web design and will assist RMC with presentations and other projectrelated graphics. She is currently studying for her Washington State architectural licensing exams, which she will take this fall. Garcia joins Minergy as project superintendent John Garcia has been hired as a new project superintendent with Minergy Inc. of Ferndale. Garcia brings more than 25 years of construction management experience to the company. His primary duties will include project oversight, operations and customer relations. Minergy Inc. consists of three primary divisions: Land Development & Utilities, Building Services and Grounds Maintenance. The company recently received its EPA DBE, Washington State MBE and Pacific NW Region TERO certifications. WWU professor earns award for CO2 breakdown research John Gilbertson, an assistant professor of chemistry at Western Washington University, has been awarded a five-year, $470,000 Early Career Development Award 5 BBJToday.com from the National Science Foundation for his research into breaking down harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and transforming them into useful compounds. The award was one of only a handful given out to master’s-granting institutions, such as WWU, and it is the university’s third such award in three years. Gilbertson and his team of students are investigating how to use cheap, Earthabundant metals to transform the typically unreactive carbon dioxide molecule into useful chemicals and fuels, such as syngas and methanol. One practical application of Gilbertson’s research is a parallel use of the existing coal-to-liquids process that turns coal into syngas. But Gilbertson’s processes eliminate the need to use coal altogether. Gas-to-liquids technology, using the current boom on natural gas production in North America, also offers similar paths for Gilbertson and his researchers. The research component of his award will fund two undergraduates and one graduate student per year as research assistants. Besides the research component to the grant, the award also funds a curricular/ outreach effort that Gilbertson is tentatively calling “Scientist Citizen.” Gilbertson will be working with a student team to produce a series of videos focused on science-education topics of regional and national interest through traditional and digital media outlets such as YouTube and public television. Dispute resolution center director given Liberty Bell Award The nonprofit Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s executive director, Moonwater, has been awarded the Liberty Bell Award by the Whatcom County Bar Association. The Liberty Bell Awards, which are awarded by bar associations across the country, are given to community members who promote better understanding of the rule of law, encourage greater respect for law and the courts, stimulate a sense of civic responsibility and contribute to good government. Moonwater received the award “for her many years of service promoting the rule of law and amicable dispute resolution,” according to a press release. #1 in Washington. #30 in the USA. For two years running, Columbia Bank has been the top-ranked bank headquartered in Washington state on Forbes’ list* of America’s 100 Best Banks. Nationally, we placed ahead of Key Bank, Chase, US Bank, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Thanks to our customers for making it possible. If you’d like to join them, drop by or give us a call. Bellingham-based railway engineers honored by BNSF Three BNSF Railway employees in Bellingham have been honored by the company as among its 2012 Employees of the Year. Rob Owen, Matthew Smith, and Jeffrey Whitehead were recognized by BNSF during a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, where the company’s headquarters are located. Owen, a roadmaster; Smith, a machine operator; and Whitehead, a signal maintainer, are part of the company’s northwest division engineering and signal team. BNSF said the three played an integral role in clearing mudslides and restoring train operations during the recent holiday season. “The success of BNSF is dependent upon every person who works here,” said Matthew K. Rose, BNSF chairman and CEO. “The 2012 Employee of the Year awards honor the employees who best demonstrate BNSF’s Vision and Values through their commitment, leadership and focus on working safely and efficiently to meet our customers’ expectations.” © 2012, Forbes Media LLC. Used with permission. *Data for the list provided by financial data provider SNL Financial, based on regulatory filings of public banks and thrifts through third quarter of 2012. The study gauged the health of the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts based on eight key financial metrics: return on average equity; net interest margin; nonperforming loans (NPLs) as a percentage of loans; nonperforming assets as a percentage of assets; reserves as a percentage of NPLs; two capital ratios (Tier 1 and risk-based); and leverage ratio. Find out more at columbiabank.com or call 360.671.2929. Member FDIC. You’ll notice the difference. 6 BBJToday.com Developers get first chance at waterfront Port of Bellingham wants development proposals submitted by July 10 By Evan Marczynski [email protected] C ome summer, we might have a better idea of the potential that developers see in Bellingham’s future Waterfront District. The Port of Bellingham issued a “request for proposals” on Wednesday, May 15, for a 10.8-acre portion of the central waterfront property formerly home to a Georgia Pacific pulp and paper mill.The request offers three parcels of land near Bellingham’s current downtown district that are expected to be zoned for mixed use in a sub-area plan still under consideration by waterfront planners. The request includes an offer to redevelop the waterfront’s much beloved, yet long abandoned, Granary Building, which has been a source of controversy since the port suggested last year that the structure might not be fit to save. According to the request, the building is being offered for sale by the port for adaptive reuse. One local development group already presented a plan in October 2012 to remodel the Granary and turn it into a mixed-use building, with offices, restaurants and apartments, for an estimated cost of $5 million to $6 million. John Blethen, a member of the group, has said the development proposal would only be feasible if the Granary was offered as a stand-alone deal, and not lumped in with surrounding land on the property. Port officials say they will consider proposals for the building that “meet the Waterfront District goals for this area and that would be financially viable without a Port subsidy,” according to a press release. The three parcels selected for this development request were chosen due to their proximity to Bellingham’s downtown, according to the port. Connecting the new Waterfront District and the downtown area has been identified as a key goal of the waterfront development project. Responses to the request for proposals are due by Wednesday, July 10. The request can be viewed on the port’s website at www.portofbellingham.com/ WaterfrontRFP. The following Q-and-A on the request for proposals is provided courtesy of the Port of Bellingham: What is the Request for Proposals? A solicitation for developers interested in being: the master developer for the initial 10.8-acre site adjacent to Downtown Bellingham, the developer in undertaking the adaptive reuse of the Granary Building, or a project specific developer for a project within the 10.8-acre site. What is the timing in connection with current master planning process? The Port and City agree that attracting a developer or developers at this stage is important because we want to get their input before the final plans are adopted. Complicated infill and brownfield projects like this are most successful when developers are part of the team to ensure a final plan works well for the new development. What property is being offered now? The land area available through this RFP comprises approximately 10.83 total developable acres of land in the Downtown Area of the Waterfront District. The entire District is 237 acres. The 10.83 acres can be broken down into three (3) development areas - Parcel 1: a 6.7-acre development area generally located between the Roeder Avenue viaduct and the future Granary / Bloedel Avenue - Parcel 2: a 3.6-acre development area generally located west of the future Bloedel Avenue, adjacent to the Whatcom A waterfront map showing the three parcels that are being Waterway; and offered to developers through the Port of Bellingham’s recent - Parcel 3: a 0.63 acre request for proposals. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM site under and supporting the Granary Build- Seeks to hide parking by minimizing ing. surface parking and employing approaches to place it in structures, below grade, Will the developer be required to take the or wrapping/tucking it with pedestrian Granary Building? friendly uses. The Port will give preference to respon- Demonstrates pedestrian orientation dents proposing to serve as Master Develand provides and enhances coordinaoper for the Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 develoption and connectivity both among indiment areas (see above), however will also vidual uses in the Waterfront District consider proposals for development of and between the Waterfront District, Old smaller parcels within these larger sites if Town, Downtown, and other surrounding those proposals support a master developareas. ment. The Granary Building – Parcel 3 – may be pursued by respondents either in Will the community have a say in this? tandem with or independent from the rest The Port will keep the community of the Initial Development Opportunity. informed about the selection process and will share information as it is available. What is the expected zoning for the Down- Some parts of the real estate negotiations town Area property? will occur in private, but approvals of any The draft subarea plan now being transactions will be public reviewed by the City’s Planning Commission proposes the Downtown Area of the Will the property be sold or leased? site be zoned for mixed use development The Port will evaluate the responses we with an urban level of density. receive and will look at the entire transaction in evaluating whether the property How will the Port choose a developer? should be sold or developed with a longThe Port will have a selection committerm lease. The final decision will be tee that will include representation from made by the Port Commission and will be the City, the Port, the County, Western dependent upon the real estate transaction Washington University and our developproposed by the developer. ment consultants. This committee will evaluate the RFP responses to determine: What about the Granary Building? the capacity and ability of the developer, The Request for Proposals includes an the development concept, the proposed offering for redevelopment of this building. financing plan, and the proposed transacThe Port will consider proposals that meet tion itself. Then the committee will make the Waterfront District goals for this area a recommendation to the Port Commisand that will be financially viable without a sion. Ultimately, the Commission will be Port subsidy. The Granary Building could charged with approving the selection and proceed independently of the development all transactions. of Parcels 1 and 2, however it must have a The goals for the type of development timeline for development that precedes the concept are: master development because it is the entry - Encompasses most or all of the Initial to the Waterfront District. Development Opportunity. - Defines phasing plan for investment Will local developers get special considerand project build-out, including criterion ation? and/or factors that will be used to activate All proposals will be equally treated. each phase. This is a legal requirement and it also - Strives to achieve a high level of susmakes the best sense for this project. We tainability, not only for individual buildare seeking the best developments and ings, but on a Waterfront District-wide developers for this site and welcome all level. developers who have an interest in our - Strives for enduring and high-quality WATERFRONT | Page 7 job creation. June 2013 Halibut Henry’s to expand in airport terminal Restaurant’s Bellingham Cruise Terminal location has also reopened By Evan Marczynski [email protected] W hen Halibut Henry’s first opened in the Bellingham International Airport in 1999, the facility looked nothing like it does today. But now inside an airport with more than half a million travelers passing through annually and a three-year commercial terminal build-out nearing the end of its final phase, the cafe and gift shop is set for a sizable expansion. The Port of Bellingham Commission approved a new five-year lease for Hailbut Henry’s during its May 7 meeting, which will give the business a larger, fixed space in the secure gate lobby of the airport’s terminal. It will replace a temporary booth Halibut Henry’s has been operating in the secure side of the airport. “It will be a far cry from what we’ve had for the past 11 years,” said owner Vicki Rogers. Halibut Henry’s also runs a separate shop in the main terminal area of the airport, selling a variety of food, drinks and gifts. That shop will continue its operation. “It will be a far cry from what we’ve had for the past 11 years.” —Vicki Rogers, Halibut Henry’s owner Rogers said the gate-lobby location will focus on easy, “grab and go” options for customers waiting to catch flights. She added that Halibut Henry’s sandwiches and other food items will be made fresh daily. The retail side location, which will be nearly 130 square feet in size, will also sell espresso, juices and other items. The retail space will include several coolers, but no seating. The remaining 690 square feet of the leased space will be used to consolidate Halibut Henry’s behind-the-scenes operations at the airport, including office, storage and food-preparation functions. Rogers said the newly consolidated space could be ready to open by August of this year. Halibut Henry’s will complete tenant improvements on the retail side of the new space at its own cost. Rogers anticipates investing up to $100,000 in remodeling costs. The port will handle basic improvements to the back-area space, which is expected to cost about $87,000, said port engineer Adam Fulton. Along with its airport expansion, Halibut Henry’s also recently re-opened its cafe at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. It provides food service there seven days per week. Rogers also owns and operates the cruise terminal’s gift shop, Inside Passage. June 2013 7 BBJToday.com A DIGITAL POUR Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant offers glasses at the push of a button By Evan Marczynski [email protected] H aving grown up in Bellingham, Katie Bechkowiak remembers the city’s downtown as the local commercial core it was decades ago. So when looking for a location for her new wine bar, called Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant, Bechkowiak knew exactly where she wanted to be. “I want to be supportive of downtown, because I think it has a lot of potential,” she said. Vinostrology celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, May 22. The wine bar is located at 120 W. Holly St., in the former location of the Bandito’s Burritos restaurant, which closed in 2012. The new business follows another downtown wine shop that opened in early May, Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants, which is located at 19 Prospect St. Not surprisingly, the focus at Vinostrology is on wine. Bechkowiak offers wine by the glass, by the bottle, and also provides customers a chance to sample more expensive varieties before purchase. In addition, the bar carries some limited food options, as well as beer. Bechkowiak plans to employ a staff of five to six people. For customers, what will likely be the most intriguing aspect of Vinostrology is the bar’s five electronic wine-dispensing machines, built by Napa Technology, a company from the San Francisco Bay Area. Napa’s machines, called WineStations, can hold up to four bottles at once. They allow users to dispense wine in different quantities, including an one-ounce tasting size, a half glass and a full glass. As a bottle is drained, spent wine is replaced with argon gas. This is to prevent the remaining wine from oxidizing and prolong the life of the bottle—Napa says an opened bottle placed in one of its machines can stay fresh for up to 60 days. With their digital controls, the Katie Bechkowiak, owner of Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant in downtown Bellingham, demmachines can also dispense wine onstrates how to operate one of her bar’s WineStation dispensing machines. (Inset) Vinostrology Wine more consistently than a manual pour, which will help cut down on Lounge under construction in early May. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTOS | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL waste, Bechkowiak said. the winemaking industry that attracted The Northwest Women’s Business CenWashington state liquor laws will Bechkowiak to the business in the first ter, in turn, put her in touch with Comprohibit Vinostrology from offering self place. She has worked in the wine field for munity Capital Development, a nonprofit service to customers using the machines. more than a decade and a half, she said, group in Seattle, that helped her secure a spending time in both retail and distribuloan from the Seattle Economic Develoption environments. ment Fund. As wine is a common element of celebraBechkowiak had to make financial sactions and life milestones, being in the busi- rifices to get her loan, she said, including ness is exciting and vibrant, she said. cashing out a retirement fund in order to But when Bechkowiak began developing cover a down payment. the concept for Vinostrology more than a Once she had cash, her bar’s future Holly year ago, she wasn’t sure where her starting Street location received some updates. funds were going to come from. Although the wall colors and other decor Banks were out of the question. Resare different, locals who remember Bantaurants and other establishments dealing dito’s Burritos will still recognize the space. with food and beverages carry high levels The room’s focal point is a new wood bar of risk—many don’t survive longer than a that sits in front of the row of dispensing few years before running out of cash—and machines. Bechkowiak said she didn’t feel confident Bechkowiak hopes strong sales will let asking a commercial lender for a business her quickly expand. loan. She said she would like to eventually add So, the dispensers will stay behind the bar, “I knew a bank probably wasn’t going to two additional wine-dispensing machines, and customers will order their wine from a be my go-to financing place,” she said. which would allow the shop to offer sambartender. Instead, she turned to a team of nonples of up to 28 varieties at once. The machines provide a new gimmick Vinostrology will be open from 11 a.m. to set her shop apart from competitors, but profit business-development organizations—including Western Washington to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturthe stations also let her offer a great array University’s Small Business Development days, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and of wine samples, including those from Center and the Northwest Women’s Busifrom 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and more expensive varieties that might pique ness Center—to get help developing a busi- Tuesdays. the tastes of dedicated oenophiles. ness plan and find financing. It’s the vast variety of products within With new lease, Maritime Museum will stay open By Evan Marczynski [email protected] The Bellingham Maritime Museum has reached a new lease agreement with the Port of Bellingham, which will allow the facility to continue its operations, albeit in a much smaller capacity. The new lease, which port commissioners approved unanimously during a May 7 meeting, is for one year at $1,500 per month and gives the museum 6,000 square feet of space in a port-owned warehouse at 800 Cornwall Ave. The museum had previously been leasing 3,000 square feet inside the same building since 2005, although on a month-tomonth agreement with the port for $750 per month. However, over the years, the museum’s exhibits began to fill more of the warehouse, eventually using about 25,000 square feet. In March, port staff said the museum would not be allowed to continue using the larger space, leading the museum’s director, Mike Granat, to say the facility might have to shut down entirely. With the new agreement, the museum will remain open. Yet curators and volunteers will need to vastly reduce the size of its boat collection. Some of its most popular military watercraft will stay, including a Vietnam War-era Patrol Boat River, commonly called a PBR, which built in 1966 by United Boat Builders of Bellingham, according to the museum’s website. Granat said, in a press release from the port, that the lease arrangement was made possible with help from a surge of new sponsorship from local individuals, businesses and foundations. Shirley McFearin, the port’s real estate director, said a major challenge in the agreement was finding a lease arrangement that would reflect the market value of the museum. Compared to standard port rental rates, the museum’s agreement “is on the very low end,” McFearin said. Yet considering the limited alternatives for the port’s warehouse on Cornwall Avenue, the leasing rate met agreeable terms, she said. Along with its military watercraft, the Bellingham Maritime Museum offers a collection of civilian vessels, as well as exhibits reflecting the area’s waterfront heritage, including Native American canoes and antique maritime compasses and telescopes. The museum is open to the public from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. More information is online at www.bellinghammaritimemuseum.org. WATERFRONT| FROM 6 Three land parcels offered for development proposals community and in this project. Will the public get to see all of the responses? The responses to the RFP will be public documents. How quickly will a developer be selected? The Port will receive proposals in midJuly and anticipates the evaluation and review of these proposals will take about a month. If all goes according to the schedule, a preferred developer or developers would be announced by the end of the summer. After that an exclusive negotiations period would begin and would take about four or five months to complete. 8 BBJToday.com BBJBUZZ Local business briefs, tips and leads Canadian eyewear retailer opens shipping center in Blaine A Vancouver, British Columbia-based company that sells eyewear and other vision-care products online has opened a new production and shipping facility in Blaine. Coastal Contacts Inc., which operates the retail website Coastal.com, plans to run the 13,000-square-foot warehouse 24 hours a day to ship glasses and contactlens orders to various locations in the continental U.S. The facility employs about 70 people, according to the company, but more workers will be added if consumer demand fuels growth. The Canadian company’s founder and CEO, Roger Hardy, said the U.S. is Coastal. com’s fastest-growing market, according to a press release. With the new facility in Blaine, the company reports it will now be capable of shipping orders less than one day after they are received online. As one of the world’s largest online retailers of eyewear and related products, Coastal.com posted sales of $196.1 million in 2012, according to the company. More information is online at www. coastal.com. Big Brothers Big Sisters in financial struggle, seeks support The nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington is asking local donors for help as the organization, which provides volunteer mentors for at-risk youth in Whatcom and Skagit counties, Fairhaven 360-714-5080 Barkley 360-714-5080 The right mortgage, right here. Dimi Hartman NMLS# 405722 Dodi Mason NMLS# 404247 Nicole Walker NMLS# 116574 Dave Schwab Sue Schwab NMLS# 487529 NMLS# 487530 Brett Mason Charlotte Pros NMLS# 1040839 John Maurer NMLS# 487494 BankWithSterling.com NMLS# 413520 Gary Tice NMLS# 25751 Becky Farrar NMLS# 487446 Josh Martin NMLS# 909771 says decreased funding has put its programs in difficult financial straits. A loss of funding has forced the nonprofit to cut its programs, lay off full-time staff and shrink its operating budget. The organization now reports that to remain financially viable, it needs at least 100 people to donate at least $80 on a monthly basis. Directors with the organization said one of its most significant yearly grants, which totaled $84,696 in 2009, dropped to $4,689 in 2012. Another major grant, which averaged $184,879 annually, ended in 2010, according to the organization. Individual contributions have also dwindled. Last year, the nonprofit brought in $14,947 from individual donors. The combined losses were deciding factors in the organization suspending its well-regarded “School Buddies” program this year. The program offered mentorship to more than 100 children in nine local schools. “While we don’t have a facility to showcase our program, the impacts to our community are profound,” Colleen Haggerty, the nonprofit’s executive director, said. “What we do changes lives. When a child thrives as they do with a mentor, the effects ripples into the community in positive ways. I don’t think this community wants to see us close our doors.” For more information, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington at 360-671-6400, or visit www.bbbs-nw.org. The nonprofit plans to host a pledge drive from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, in the beer garden at Boundary Bay Brewery in downtown Bellingham. The event will feature entertainment, raffles and food. PeaceHealth announces new alliance, gets approval for Skagit partnership PeaceHealth has signed a letter of intent with UW Medicine to form a strategic alliance between the two nonprofit health care systems. The deal is expected to be finalized by Sept. 30. PeaceHealth operates nine medical centers, laboratories and other medical services and facilites in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. That includes the St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Whatcom County’s only hospital and the county’s largest employer. UW Medicine’s facilities include Harborview Medical Center, Northwest Hospital and Medical Center, Valley Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine and Airlift Northwest. The two organizations will remain legally separate and independent, according to a press release, and each group’s governance will not be affected. No government regulatory approval is required for the alliance. The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center also received approval from the Washington State Department of Health for its planned alliance with United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. State approval is required whenever certain health care providers, including hospitals, plan to build certain types of facilities or offer new or expanded services. A long-term deal between PeaceHealth and United General was announced last November after approval by commissioners of Public Hospital District 304 in Skagit County. Under the plan, PeaceHealth will lease and operate the hospital, but the facil- June 2013 ity will still be owned by the Public Hospital District. Draft rules issued on state’s future marijuana market Washington state’s road to a recreational marijuana marketplace is getting shorter, as the state Liquor Control Board issued initial draft rules on Thursday, May 16, that the agency says reflects its initial thoughts on what such a market might look like. The board will accept public comment on the rules until June 10. Voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana use through the passage of Initiative 502 last November. Liquor board officials plan to begin a formal rule-making process in June. The rules are available for download online at pnw.cc/llprs. Hoagland Pharmacy to open new location in Sedro-Woolley Hoagland Pharmacy will open a new location in Sedro-Woolley on June 3. The new pharmacy, located at 640 State Route Highway 20, will offer a variety of products and services, including prescription filling, over-the-counter medication, respiratory supplies and services, diabetic shoes and insoles, lift chairs, medical equipment and more. “We intend to bring personal and caring customer service to Sedro-Woolley and the surrounding areas,” said co-owner Mike Hoagland (who runs the company with his wife, Rosa Hoagland). Hoagland Pharmacy has operated in Bellingham for more than 32 years, providing health, educational and veterinary medication services. The company employs a staff of more than 70 people. The Sedro-Woolley pharmacy will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. The durable medical department will operate during the same days and hours, but will also be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The pharmacy can be reached at 360503-1676; the durable medical department can be reached at 360-503-1670; and the respiratory department can be reached at 360-503-1675. Airporter Shuttle moves central Bellingham pickup location Airporter Shuttle, which offers bus service to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from a variety of western and central Washington locations, has relocated its central Bellingham pickup location next to the GuestHouse Inn on Lakeway Drive to the McDonald’s restaurant at 112 S. Samish Way. The company said the move will give residents on the south side of Bellingham, as well as students at Western Washington University, better access to the Airporter Shuttle. Company officials also said they are working with a nearby business to work out a future parking arrangement for passengers. There will be no parking for Airporter passengers available at the McDonald’s or surrounding businesses when the move takes effect. Airporter Shuttle’s other Bellingham stop, at Bellingham International Airport, remains unchanged. The company is online at www.airporter.com. Bellingham officials offering new low-income housing funds BUZZ | Page 9 June 2013 BUZZ | FROM 8 Bellingham city officials have announced four new funding opportunities designed to address housing needs for low-income households in the community. Officials are accepting proposals through July 1 for projects to be funded by the Bellingham Home Fund, approved by voters last November. The four programs are expected to help 248 households obtain affordable housing or supportive services. The Home Fund is expected to generate $3 million per year for 7 years. “The voter-approved home fund and the programs we are developing with them will go a long way toward meeting our commitment to supporting safe, affordable housing and services for lower-income residents of our community,” Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville said. Proposals are being accepted for: production of new multi-family rental housing; rental assistance and supportive services when combined with proposals for new multi-family rental housing; preservation of existing multi-family housing, including shelters and transitional housing; and programs that create ownership and rental opportunities. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 1. Funding awards are expected to be announced by the end of September. City officials will host a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bellingham Library Lecture Room, to review program requirements and help connect people and organizations that may be interested in partnering on project applications. Potential applicants may also schedule a pre-application meeting to learn more. More information about these and other funding opportunities can be found on the city’s website. For information, contact the city’s Planning and Community Development Department at 360-778-8300. Whatcom Community Foundation awards $124K to local charities The nonprofit Whatcom Community Foundation has awarded more than $124,000 to 22 local charities and nonprofit organizations. The grants include funding for the Intercommunity Mercy Housing Bilingual Afterschool Program to provide educational and social support for children of low-income Latino agricultural workers living at Sterling Meadows Apartments in Bellingham, as well as the Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement’s End of Life Choices program to develop, pilot, print and distribute an advance care planning tool called “My Workbook,” part of a comprehensive outreach and education strategy on how to do advance care planning. Grants are also funding North Cascades Institute’s Mountain School to support Whatcom County students in projects focused on eradicating invasive species, introducing native plants and contributing to other activities that conserve and restore neighborhood green spaces, and The Neighborhood Playhouse for the performance of a play for three classes from Roosevelt Elementary School complete with transportation and a follow-up visit by a teaching artist to their classrooms. “We know that giving here makes living here even better,” said Whatcom Community Foundation President and CEO Mauri Ingram. “Thanks to our local donors over the past year alone, the foundation has 9 BBJToday.com invested nearly $2 million into vital Whatcom County programs.” Other organizations receiving grants include: Allied Arts of Whatcom Count, ARC of Whatcom County, FACES Northwest, Friends of Island Library, Intercommunity Mercy Housing, Kulshan Community Land Trust, Kulshan Middle School, Lydia Place, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Northwest Educational Service District, Northwest Indian College, Northwest Youth Services, Project Homeless Connect, Pacific Arts Association, South Fork Valley Community Association, Dorothy’s Place and Whatcom Museum Foundation. The Whatcom Community Foundation is online at www.whatcomcf.org. Peoples Bank opens financial center in Everett Peoples Bank has opened a new financial center in Everett, which will provide personal and business banking, commercial lending and real-estate lending services to clients in Snohomish County. The bank, with headquarters in Lynden, plans to develop its new Everett site into a flagship financial center by 2016. “Great communities like Everett need solid, client-focused community banks to grow and thrive,” said Anthony Repanich, executive vice president for Peoples Bank. “During the financial downturn a number of local financial institutions were lost and now more than ever we believe there is an opportunity for Peoples Bank to make a difference in this community”. The bank’s Everett Financial Center is located 2733 Colby Ave., at the corner of Colby and California. Dashi Noodle Bar hosting downtown “parklet” this summer The nonprofit Sustainable Connections and the city of Bellingham have selected Dashi Noodle Bar as the new host for a temporary “parklet” that was introduced downtown last summer. Dashi Noodle Bar has provided the funds necessary to clean up, install and permit the parklet, as well as cover parking fees to have it located in the parking space in front of the restaurant at 1311 N. State St. Parklets are temporary structures that convert on-street parking spaces into mini parks. Developers in Bellingham have designed the city’s first parklet to demonstrate green-building and smart-growth techniques. The temporary parklet was installed during summer 2012 outside of La Fiamma Pizza on Railroad Avenue, EXPERIENCE EVENTS PHASE VI NOW OPEN! Over 20,000 sq ft of Indoor Function Space Full Range of Custom Catering Packages Lynden’s Homestead country club gets new restaurants Two new restaurants opened in May at the Homestead Golf & Country Club in Lynden. Steakhouse 9, under the direction of executive chef Joseph Merkling, has a menu featuring a variety of steaks, as well as prime rib, lamb, pork chops, chicken, halibut, albacore tuna and seafood fettuccine Alfredo. Merkling, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, has served as a chef in several local restaurants, including the Bellwether Harborside Bistro and the Scotty Browns Restaurant in Barkley Village. Bistro 9 features burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood and pizza, as well as beer, wine and spirits. Both restaurants are located above the golf course’s clubhouse at 115 E. Homestead Blvd., and owned by Rick Kildall, his fiancée Wendy Cimoch, and David and Tracy Frear of Lynden. When the previous operation closed at the end of 2012, the new ownership group signed a lease and began remodeling in January “We’re all foodies,” Kildall said. “When this location became available, we wanted to fill a north-county void so local residents wouldn’t have to travel far for a great steakhouse.” Steakhouse 9 will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. More information is online at www.Steakhouse9.com. Bistro 9 will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Homestead Golf & Country Club also has banquet and special-event facilities available for reservation. BUZZ | Page 10 and was received with great success, according to its developers. This spring, Downtown businesses were invited to submit an application expressing interest in hosting the parklet this summer. A committee of city staff and downtown enthusiasts reviewed the applications and selected Dashi Noodle Bar. The parklet will remain at Dashi until fall. 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Must be 21 or over to play. ©2013 Silver Reef Casino 10 BBJToday.com BUZZ | FROM 9 Tree Frog Night Inn plans reopening The Tree Frog Night Inn, a luxury “eco-inn” at 1727 Mount Baker Highway, will host a grand reopening event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. The facility has a newly created Forest Room, in addition to the existing Coast Salish Native American and Mediterranean Suites, which will be open for viewing during the event. A short film about the inn, created by internationally known art chef and photographer Roberto Cortez, will be screened. The event will also include appetizers, drinks from Boundary Bay Brewery and live music by Fisher Street Celtic Band, Deux Duos Quartet, Daniel Sobel, and Kurt Yandell of the Walking Catfish. More information about the Tree Frog Night Inn is online at www.treefrognight.com. Bellingham Farmers Market in Fairhaven to begin June 5 The Wednesday Fairhaven edition of the Belling- ham Farmers Market begins on Wednesday, June 5. More than 25 vendors will offer local produce, arts and crafts, as well as other products. The June 5 kickoff will feature live music by local singer-songwriters, Amber Darland and Lucas Hicks. The Fairhaven markets will take place from noon to 5 p.m. every Wednesday until Sept. 25, on the June 2013 Fairhaven Village Green at 1207 10th St. More information can be found at www.bellinghamfarmers.org. Inslee signs new law hitting “zapper” tax-cheat software Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a bill that penalizes businesses involved in the distribution Trade-in & Trade-up! Get hundreds for your Mac®or iOS device! Now TD Curran gives you credit towards a purchace of your choice. Along with complimentary data transfer. ( TD Curran now accepting all intel based Mac products ) NOW IN BELLINGHAM, BURLINGTON & EVERETT TEL. 800.645.2533 www.tdcurran.com Apple, the Apple logo Mac and MacBook Pro are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Retina is a trademark of Apple Inc. iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. or use of “zapper” software, which erases sales from cash registers so retailers can avoid reporting sales tax they collect from customers. The new law makes it illegal for anyone to “sell, purchase, install, transfer, manufacture, create, design, update, repair, use, possess, or otherwise make available” software or hardware that deletes transactions. The state’s Department of Revenue supported passage of Senate Bill 5715 to combat the spread of zapper software, which also is used to avoid paying business and occupation tax and commit employment tax fraud and corporate embezzlement. “People expect the sales taxes they pay to finance state and local services such as schools and police protection, not to pad the profits of dishonest businesses,” Inslee said, in a statement. “This legislation should deter retailers from using zappers to evade taxes while giving the Department of Revenue stronger tools to go after those who sell or use them.” Zappers selectively delete transactions from cash registers so those sales can’t be tracked later by auditors and compared to reported sales. Businesses using zapper software are businesses that are frequently paid in cash, but new evidence shows that credit and debit card transactions are also being zapped. Senate Bill 5715 makes it a class C felony to commit electronic tax fraud using an automated sales suppression device, or phantomware. Retailers already are subject to felony charges if they fail to remit sales tax, but in addition to the felony charge, the bill subjects anyone who manufactures, provides or services zappers to a mandatory fine that is the greater of $10,000 or the amount of tax that wasn’t paid. The bill was unanimously passed by both the House and Senate. The new law also authorizes the Department of Revenue to revoke the business licenses of any business found using such devices, seize those devices and not reinstate a business unless it agrees to five years of electronic monitoring. Canada’s Revenu Quebec, whose economy is similar in size to Washington, estimates zappers cost it more than $200 million annually. Thirteen other states have passed legislation targeted at sales suppression software. June 2013 11 BBJToday.com MAKING THE MOVE Labels Women’s Consignment opens new store as resale industry remains strong By Evan Marczynski [email protected] A s shoppers began picking up new bargain-hunting habits during the economic recession, consignment retailers experienced a boon. And now, even as money begins returning to consumers’ pockets, resale businesses, including Labels Women’s Consignment Store in Bellingham, are still seeing success. “I think the habits are here to stay,” said Sage Bishop, owner of Labels. “My view is I just want to stay flexible.” Labels recently moved its original Bellingham location, which opened in 2004 at 1512 Ellis St., to a new, larger space at 2332 James St., next to Trader Joe’s and the Sunnyland Square shopping center. Bishop also runs Labels Northwest, which opened last year at 3927 Northwest Ave. The new, 4,000-square-foot James Street location doubles the space Labels had in its original spot. Bishop believes the store will benefit from the increased traffic nearby. With several new business additions in the past year and a Trader Joe’s popular with Canadian shoppers, James Street is emerging as one of Bellingham’s busier retail areas. “There’s a flavor here, for sure,” Bishop said, about the James Street area. “There’s a lot of unique businesses.” The available parking lot at the James Street location was also a determining factor for Bishop when she was deciding where to move. Bishop said offering accessible parking to customers at her Labels Northwest location can be challenging, especially when the store is busy. The James Street store features an attached spa, called Polished, which offers manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing services. Polished is managed by Christie Raper. Bishop said Polished has been designed to give customers a quick, drop-in spa experience, meant to energize more than relax. Labels former Ellis Street location has been transformed into the new Labels Plus, which offers plus-sized women’s clothing and accesories. That store is managed by Erin Buchanan. Bishop said she expects that, for her regular customers, the difference between Labels and Labels Plus—which is not run as a consignment store—might take a little extra time to catch on. The consignment system, where customers bring in their own merchandise to have a consigner sell it for them in exchange for a percentage of the sale, has brought big business to Labels within the past decade. Bishop’s stores have accepted items for consignment from more than 26,000 people since the first location opened in 2004. STAY CONNECTED ONLINE WITH THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL Growth continues in the U.S. resale industry, which includes consignment shops, thrift stores and other resale businesses. NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals, a resale trade group based in Michigan, counts more than 25,000 stores nationwide within the industry, which has total annual revenue close to $13 billion. Bishop believes consignment fever should continue, even as the economy improves and people find themselves with more disposable income. Customers today are more driven to find good deals and prices, she said. Labels’ business model has slowly evolved with customer demand, but the main aspects remain the same. The target audience is women ages 30-50 (although Bishop said Labels gets a share of customers both younger and older). In addition to clothing and accessories, housewares have become a steady feature at Labels stores, and the new James Street location devotes an entire section to lamps, wine glasses, artwork and a variety of other non-clothing items. Bishop said she thinks hiring good employees has been a major key to her success. With the growth and expansion of her company, she can only be in one of her stores at a time, so it’s important to have talented staff capable of grasping her business’ identity, she said. Another key has been listening to customers and adapting to their needs and suggestions, Bishop said. The James Street Labels store, which is managed by Shayla Jones, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Polished is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and Labels Plus is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. More information is online at www. labelsconsignment.com. Looking for a loan expert? Visit BBJToday. com and sign up for our free daily email to have the latest business news sent to your inbox every morning. Track breaking news updates by finding us: On Twitter (@BBJToday) On Facebook (BBJ Today) On Google + (Bellingham Business Journal) Owner Sage Bishop in the housewares section of the Labels Women’s Consignment Store’s new James Street location. (Inset) Household items have become a featured retail component at Labels’ stores in Bellingham. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTOS | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL Dwight Jeppson Commercial Relationship Manager, VP 360.461.7881 [email protected] Visit Dwight and Elisabeth at our Bellingham Lending Center 1313 E Maple St. Suite 230 Commercial Equipment Commercial Lines of Credit • Commercial Real Estate Local Lenders • Local Decisions • Local Focus Learn more > ourfirstfed.com 800.800.1577 Member FDIC Welcome Elisabeth Britt! Elisabeth Britt Mortgage Loan Officer, VP 360.296.0726 [email protected] 12 BBJToday.com June 2013 LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD Lower federal taxes seen as way for small distillers to stay competitive with larger producers By Bill Sheets The Daily Herald (Everett) L ocal craft liquors springing up on store shelves could get a little cheaper, and the distillers would have a better chance to survive and thrive, if a new bill is approved in Congress, proponents say. The bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., would cut federal taxes for distilleries that produce fewer than 60,000 gallons per year. Freshman Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene, who represents eastern Snohomish County as part of the state’s 1st Congressional District, is a cosponsor. Small distilleries currently pay the same federal tax as larger distillery companies that mass produce their liquor, while small breweries and wineries pay a significantly smaller tax rate than their larger competitors, Larsen said. It’s important here because Washington state now has more than 60 craft distilleries. That’s the most of any state in the nation, Larsen and DelBene said at a press conference at Bluewater Organic Distilling in Everett on Thursday, May 2. A fifth of vodka made by Bluewater currently retails BelleWood Distilling, located on Guide Meridian Road near Lynden, is on track to potentially produce up for about $29.50, owner John to 10,000 proof-gallons within its first year, according to its operations manager, Jake Fowler. Lundin said. The change EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL could knock between $2 and $3 off the price per fifth, he “It’s like everything handmade -- it tastes said. This would cut his costs at the outset better, it costs more,” said David Hopkins, and potentially increase sales, he said. co-founder of Skip Rock Distillers of Sno“The market even for high-quality prodhomish. The company makes vodka, white ucts is very much price driven, and being more competitive and being able to present whiskey and liqueurs. Hopkins said the tax cut could help his a high quality product at a lower price is business “tremendously.” By Evan Marczynski huge for us,” Lundin said. The bill would cut the current federal [email protected] Craft distilled spirits are generally more tax of $2.14 per fifth of hard liquor down expensive than the name brands. n Whatcom County’s small yet to about 64 cents. Because the tax is levied growing craft distilling industry, at more than one distribution point along local producers echo the sentiments the way, the savings would likely be greater of distillers in other areas of Washingthan the reduction of $1.50 per bottle, ton. Lundin said. Jake Fowler, the operations manager Also, “it could mean the difference at BelleWood Distilling, located at between signing a distribution deal or not, BelleWood Acres farm near Lynden, and this is really a volume game,” he said. said lower federal taxes on his products “Our margins are always going to be tight. could be a big help to business. It’s a huge difference for us.” Since craft distillers generally work Larsen said the matter came to his attenwith higher-quality, and therefore more tion last year when he visited Bluewater, expensive, ingredients than large-scale located next to the Scuttlebutt brewery on producers, it can be difficult to offer the Everett waterfront, on a tour of small competitive prices on store shelves, businesses. he said. BelleWood Distilling makesThere are 12 small distilleries in his vodka, brandy and gin at its facility on district, he said. The 2nd Congressional Guide Meridian Road. district stretches from the Snohomish “We’re doing everything from County-King line to Bellingham along the scratch, which puts our cost of goods water. Whatcom distillers see positives in tax proposal I TAX CUT | Page 13 LOCAL SPIRITS | Page 13 This is Tom doing his yardwork. Corion takes care of your landscape so you don’t have to. Landscape management packages include: • Lawn mowing, line trimming, weeding • Fertilization, shrub and tree pruning • Spring/Fall leaf clean-up services • Irrigation Maintenance, and more! Comprehensive Landscaping Packages Available Contact Us Today for Information! Lesley Zimmer 360.312.8052 [email protected] June 2013 13 BBJToday.com TAX CUT | FROM 12 DelBene, of Medina, said there are nine craft distilleries in her district, which runs from King County to the Canadian border, east of Larsen’s. Most of the craft distilleries fired up after a new state law in 2008 cut the annual license fee to $100 a year for small distilleries, compared to $2,000 for larger ones. A distillery must obtain at least half its ingredients from within the state to receive the break. That’s all the more reason to help those businesses, said DelBene, former director of the state Department of Revenue. “It’s the multiplier effect when many of the ingredients they’re using are from right here in Washington state,” she said. Neither Larsen nor DelBene said they’d received much feedback from their colleagues in Congress regarding the prospects of the bill, but have no reason to believe it wouldn’t pass. A similar bill recently failed in Congress but it set the threshold for small distillers at a higher volume, Larsen said. He said it might take awhile to get the bill through. “It takes longer to pass a bill than it does to make a bottle of gin here at Bluewater,” he said. Values-Based Global Equity Managers 1-800/SATURNA www.saturna.com Our disciplined approach: Offense Defense Earnings growth Strong balance sheets Increasing dividends Diversification Values-based, high conviction investing with proven performance. 23 years of exemplary service. Find out more today. Bill Sheets is a staff writer for The Daily Herald in Everett, a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal. LOCAL SPIRITS | FROM 12 and production really high,” Fowler said. Troy Smith, owner of Mount Baker Distillery in Bellingham, said the federal tax-cut proposal could help Washington’s craft distillery industry to expand in much the same way the state’s wineries and microbreweries did after getting similar tax reductions. Smith said the federal tax liability for Mount Baker Distillery’s production winds up costing the company more per bottle than it spends on the production process itself. Lower taxes would help the Bellingham distillery, which produces moonshine and vodka, be more competitive with companies able to mass produce spirits and offer them for cheaper prices, Smith said. Please request a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of Saturna’s Funds which you should read and consider carefully. To obtain a free prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.saturna.com, or call 1-800-SATURNA. Saturna’s Funds are distributed by Saturna Brokerage Services, member FINRA/SIPC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation. Visit www.saturna.com on your smart phone. 14 BBJToday.com Best Practices Ask Red Rokk Business cards: Still relevant in today’s digital world How can a small business find time to stay competitive in online marketing? Guest commentary by Ed Munro, Red Rokk Interactive S tart by creating a realistic schedule, and then sticking with it. Making time for online marketing and participating in social media has become a reality for many small businesses, while others are still watching from the sidelines. As a result, there has been much discussion from the small business community expressing concern about the time it takes to be successful with their online marketing efforts. Your customers are online—you should be there to greet them. For some perspective, ask yourself: When was the last time you used Google for a search query? Now ask the same question about the last time you reached for the Yellow Pages. June 2013 Not surprisingly, you and most businesses are likely using Google most of the time while searching through the Yellow Pages is declining rapidly. Now ask yourself this question: Are you putting enough time and effort into promoting your company’s online activities? After all, this is where everyone is “gathering.” The most common issue we find is that many businesses continue treating their websites, and to a lesser extent their social media activities, more like a static ad rather than an active portal where the flow of information and conversation with customers happens on a regular basis. Yet, despite this reality, there are still many businesses that do not actively use social media. ASK RED ROKK | Page 22 T hink business cards aren’t relevant in today’s digital world? Think again. Even in the age of social networking and smartphones, there is still a need for traditional printed business cards. According to the Small Business Administration, the average business owner in the U.S. reportedly hands out 40 business cards a month. Consumers still expect to find business cards handed out at meetings, sent with correspondence, shared at networking events and more. Because they are a valuable marketing tool, company employees should have access to professionally designed business cards, especially if they attend events or engage with consumers on any level. Don’t get stuck in a rut with business card design It can sure be fast and easy to reorder the same cards year after year, but before placing another order, consider whether it’s time to freshen up and modernize your company’s business card design. You may be able to leverage the cards to further market and promote your business. Here’s how to tell if business cards need a design update: - Logo, fonts and colors no longer coordinate with other marketing materials like the company website and other print materials - Profile photos were taken more than five years ago - Contact information has changed - Website addresses and social media icons are not included - Nothing is printed on the back When it comes to updating business cards, make sure to incorporate the com- Guest coMMENTARY by PATTI ROWLSON PR Consulting Services pany’s logo and branding colors, choose high quality cardstock, use fonts that are easy to read (no calligraphy or font sizes less than 10pt) and take advantage of the space on the back of the card. This is valuable real estate that can be used for a variety of purposes. Use the back of business cards to market and promote your business. Not sure what to put on the back of the card? Here are a few suggestions: - Coupon offers that can be claimed when the card is presented - A map to the business’ location - Referral or reward program information - Social media icons or a QR code - Product photographs - Customer testimonials or a company mission statement - Information about a favorite charity With fresh business cards in hand, employees will be better prepared to get out there and use them as a solid marketing and networking tool. Ready for a bit of design inspiration? Check out this board on Pinterest: http:// pinterest.com/pattirowlson/businesscards/. Patti Rowlson of PR Consulting Services is online at at www.pattirowlson.com. Viewpoint Labor waits for its ship to come in Global expertise. Local delivery. Guest commentary by Aaron Careaga, Courtesy to The Bellingham Business Journal struggle in igniting substantive economic recovery post-Great Recession. Some opine that a stagnant economy and chronically higher level of unemployment is the new normal and that America should expect a European-type scenario. Education is intended to be a direct channel to meaningful employment and prosperity at the individual, state and federal levels, but the U.S. continues to VIEWPOINT | Page 22 2034 James St. Bellingham, WA Whether you do business domestically, across the border, or overseas, you need personalized tax, assurance, and consulting services. Fortunately, the right advisor is right here. Discover how our cost-effective accounting solutions have been making a timely difference to Puget Sound–area businesses for a century. “Service is our Specialty” . 360-734-6140 . Mon - Fri 7-6p.m. Sat - 7-5:30p.m. *Read the owner's manual before operating Honda Power Equipment. Invert Generator Mfg#658110 w w w. m o s s a d a m s .c o m (360) 676-1920 Certified Public Accountants | Business Consultants Acumen. Agility. Answers. $999.99 Trimmer Mfg#659130 $499.00 EU2000 Companion HRR216VLA - 2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120 AC Power - Super quiet - 53 to 59 dB(A) - Eco-Throttle - Runs up to 15 Hours on 1 Gals of Fuel - Power to computers and other sensitive equipment - Electric Starting - Self-charging !! - MicroCut® Twin Blade System for superior mulching and bagging - 3-in-1 System with Clip Director® for mulching, bagging or discharging versatility. - 6 position cutting height adjustment Mfg#647610 $429.99 HHT35UKAT - Honda 35cc Mini 4-Stroke Runs on straight, unleaded gas (No Mix) - Bike Type Handles - 17" Manual Feed Head Standard - Quick Acceleration - 2-year residential/1-year commercial warranty SKU-HHT35SUKAT SKU-EU2000I1A1 SKU-HRR216K9VLA 2034 James St. Bellingham, WA (360) 734-6140 Mon-Fri 7-6p.mBuilding & Sat 7-5:30p.m Residential & Industrial Supply & Rental Center June 2013 RESIDENTIAL SALES STILL climbing in whatcom Local closings up 30 percent in April By Evan Marczynski [email protected] Whatcom County saw a significant increase in combined sales of single-family homes and condominiums in April, according to the latest statistics from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. NMLS brokers in the county reported 212 closed residential sales in April, up 30 percent from the 163 closings during the same month one year ago. From January through April of this year, brokers have reported 684 closed sales, up from 595 during the comparable time period in 2012, according to NMLS statistics. The median-sale price of single-family homes and condominiums in Whatcom County was $248,250 in April, up from $245,000 during the same month in 2012. Average-sale price in the county in April was $276,733, up from $268,898 during the same month last year, according to the NMLS. Real-estate brokers across the region—the NMLS operates in 21 counties in Washington—noted an increased volume of new listings on the market, reaching the highest level seen since July 2011. NMLS members added 10,351 new home listings in April, a gain of 12.9 percent from the 9,166 new listings during the same month last year. Whatcom County had 447 new listings of singlefamily homes and condominiums added in April, up nearly 19 percent from the 376 reported during the same month in 2012. The county’s 1,303 active listings in April was down from the same month last year, when active listings totaled 1,375. Despite the jump in new listings across the region, inventory shortages continue, prompting what the NMLS describes as “bidding wars” in some areas. Region-wide, closed residential sales increased 20 percent from 5,177 in April 2012 to 6,209 last month. 15 BBJToday.com County’s latest jobless rate at 6.9 percent By Evan Marczynski [email protected] W hatcom County’s unemployment rate in April followed similar trends seen in late spring over the past several years and fell to 6.9 percent, according to preliminary estimates from the Washington State Employment Security Department. The jobless rate from March 2013 was also revised from an initial 7.9 percent down to 7.7 percent. The county’s private sector added an estimated 500 jobs in April 2013 since the same month one year ago, and added 600 since March 2013. Year-over-year growth in April was particularly strong in retail (up 500 jobs or 4.9 percent), manufacturing (up 300 jobs or 3.4 percent) and leisure and hospitality (up 200 jobs or 2.3 percent). Construction employment in Whatcom County took a hit in April, similar to reports from the sector in March. The industry shed 100 jobs between March 2013 and April 2013, and 700 jobs from April 2012 to April 2013, a loss of 10.6 percent, according to the preliminary estimates. Whatcom County’s total labor force shrunk by 3 percent between April 2012 and April 2013. State economists counted 103,540 people in the county’s labor force in their estimates for April 2013. Of those people, 96,420 are employed. In the government sector, state agencies added 200 jobs between April 2012 and April 2013, an increase of 3.5 percent. Local agencies added 100 jobs in April 2013 from March 2013, according to the estimates. Year-over-year job growth in local government—and federal government—has been flat. Jobless rates appear to have fallen around the state compared to earlier in the year. Out of 39 counties in Washington, 24 now have unemployment rates under 9 percent, and 10 are under 7 percent. In northwest Washington, San Juan County post- State unemployment at lowest level since Dec. 2008 Washington state’s unemployment rate is continuing its recent decline, hitting an estimated 7 percent in April—the lowest point the jobless rate has been at since December 2008, according to the state’s Employment Security Department. The state added an estimated 3,800 jobs in April, seasonally adjusted. Economists also revised the March job numbers upward by nearly 4,000 jobs, from a preliminary estimated loss of 5,500 to a loss of 1,600. “The labor market is continuing to improve at a moderate but accelerating rate, somewhat faster than the nation,” said Scott Bailey, a state labor economist. Industries with the most estimated job gains in April were retail trade, up 3,800; leisure and hospitality, up 1,600; professional and business services, up 1,500; other services, up 600; manufacturing, up 400; and ed an initial jobless estimate of 6 percent in April, Island County posted 7.4 percent and Skagit County had unemployment at 8.3 percent. The state’s low- financial activities, up 300 jobs. Industries showing the most job losses last month included education and health services, down 2,500; construction, down 1,100; transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 500; and wholesale trade, down 300. So far, Washington has regained about 78 percent (160,100) of the 205,000 jobs it lost during the recession. In April, an estimated 243,100 people (seasonally adjusted) in Washington were unemployed and looking for work. That includes 130,792 who claimed unemployment benefits last month. Also in April, 3,230 unemployed workers ran out of unemployment benefits, bringing the total to 138,997 since extended benefits were activated in July 2008. —BBJ Staff Reports est jobless rate was in King County, at 4.4 percent. Snohomish County posted a 4.9 percent estimate. The highest rate in the state was 12.1 percent, found in Grays Harbor County, which straddles the southern border of the Olympic Peninsula. Strong, Local Relationships “Our relationship with WECU®’s Business Services Team began in 2009 and we have been thoroughly pleased with the level of service and personal attention we have received. It is crucial to have a strong one on one relationship with someone at your credit union. Kent Bouma has made the transition to WECU® easy and seamless and in the process has become a great advocate and friend of our business.” - Klaus Klix, Ferrotek Corporation Kent Bouma of WECU® & Klaus Klix of Ferrotek Corporation Talk to our Business Services team today! Federally insured by NCUA. www.wecu.com Business Services: Kent Bouma: 360.676.1168 ext. 7320 360.756.7683 [email protected] 16 BBJToday.com June 2013 “HERE BY CHOICE” Q&A: TEDx Bellingham organizer hopes event will bring an array of perspectives By Evan Marczynski [email protected] M ore than one billion people on the Web have watched a TED Talk, the popular offerings of the TED organization that invites speakers to its annual global conferences to share new ideas and perspectives melding technology, entertainment and design. Now, local marketing executive David Wiggs wants to take TED’s famous tagline—“ideas worth spreading”—and give it a Bellingham flavor. Wiggs is the organizer behind TEDx Bellingham, a small-scale version of the worldwide conference that will take place in the Pickford Film Center on Nov. 12. As independent offshoots of the main TED conference, TEDx organizers have held more than 5,000 such events in more than 130 countries. With nearly five months to go before lighting up the stage at TEDx Bellingham, Wiggs is still seeking locals interested in speaking, attending or volunteering. More information can be found at www.tedxbellingham.com, or by emailing Wiggs at [email protected]. BBJ: For someone who has never experienced a TEDx event, how will this work? Wiggs: TEDx Bellingham will include a full day of interaction and engagement held live for 100 audience participants, an on-site viewing party for another 75 attendees, and we’ll be streaming the event free online for anyone to watch. Our goal is for it to be an experience from the time you walk through the door until the after party wrap-up. There will be 18 to 25 talks and performances ranging from three to 18 minutes in length with ideas to challenge the audience to more broadly consider their world, inspire action and create connection and community. BBJ: What inspired you to bring this event to Bellingham? Wiggs: I read a WIRED magazine article last year about how individuals could apply to host a local independent TEDx event, and the thought of TEDxBellingham literally kept me up all night. I’ve always trusted my gut and something told me that Bellingham needed a TEDx event. This community is such a unique place. Bellingham is an ecosystem of thinkers, doers, innovators, visionaries, artists, musicians and philanthropists, and I want more of us to hear from more of them. BBJ: The event’s theme is “Here By Choice.” Can you explain that? Wiggs: An organizer from a different TEDx event said to leave room for the undiscovered, so I want to be sure that all the speakers don’t feel compelled to tie everything so tightly to the theme. “Here” can be anywhere. David Wiggs, organizer of TEDx Bellingham, which will take place at the Pickford Film Center on Nov. 12, said the event’s “Here By Choice” theme has been left broad to allow speakers to approach it from any angle. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL Yes, it can be place, and based on the kinds of speaker applications we’re getting, the theme of this place will come through loud and clear. But the theme is broad enough so speakers and performers can get to it from any angle. “Here” is where I am in my life, the choices I’ve made and the reasons I’ve made them. The lessons learned, and not learned. It’s very broad intentionally. Some elements include concepts that make you a little uncomfortable, challenge your thinking, connect emotionally, make you mad, laugh or cry and best of all, tell a story. I think people are fed on stories. Everyday genius inspires me, and I think will inspire others. Thankfully for TEDxBellingham, it’s not just me deciding about speakers and content. We have a curation committee. BBJ: When you hear an idea like the ones shared at TED conferences, how do you judge its value? BBJ: Has there been a TED Talk you’ve found particularly inspiring or interesting? Wiggs: I think good ideas should make an emotional connection with the audience and inspire them to act. Good ideas have no life if they don’t inspire action, but that action can be a lot of things. Wiggs: I’ve seen a lot and like many for different reasons. I would challenge folks to find the TED talks that inspire them. TEDx | Page 17 June 2013 Local retail sector shows strong annual gains Sumas led in overall growth, with its total retail sales up more than 46 percent By Evan Marczynski [email protected] Whatcom County’s total retail sales in 2012 topped $3.2 billion and increased 7.75 percent over sales from 2011, according to new figures released by the Washington State Department of Revenue. The county posted $3,260,649,241 in total retail last year, up from $3,026,147,797 in 2011. In the retail-trade sector only, a subset that excludes industries such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, wholesale trade and several others, Whatcom County saw an increase of 7.18 percent to $1,618,479,895 in 2012. Washington state’s total taxable retail sales increased 5.1 percent to $109.1 billion in 2012, compared to the sales in 2011. The state’s retail-trade subset rose 5.3 percent to $50.5 billion. Sumas, the small border town about 25 miles north of Bellingham, had the strongest retail sales growth in the county, with total retail increasing 46.04 percent to $7,570,271 in 2012, and its retail-trade sec- 17 BBJToday.com tor increasing 46.07 percent to $4,247,674. Bellingham rose 7.95 percent to $593,750,784 in total retail, and 5.94 percent to $359,175,406 in retail-sales only. Compared to Skagit County to the south—both counties compete for Canadian shoppers and commerce from traffic on Interstate 5—Whatcom County had better total retail sales growth in 2012, but its growth in the retail-trade sector lagged behind. Skagit’s total retail sales increased 6.89 percent to $2,214,983,279 last year, and its retail-trade sector increased 7.94 percent to $1,198,127,779. One stark trend in Washington showed sales by book stores and news dealers across the state falling by more than 30 percent last year compared to 2011, while at the same time e-commerce and mailorder sales increased more than 20 percent. Also within the statewide retail-trade sector, sales of new and used cars, auto parts, as well as sales of RVs, boats and motorcycles all increased by between 10 percent and 12 percent last year compared to 2011. Whatcom County retail sales, 2011 to 2012 Entire county Total retail: Up 7.75 percent to $3,260,649,241 Retail trade: Up 7.18 percent to $1,618,479,895 Lynden Total retail: Up 3.18 percent to $50,393,780 Retail trade: Up 2.36 percent to $22,090,745 Bellingham Total retail: Up 7.95 percent to $593,750,784 Retail trade: Up 5.94 percent to $359,175,406 Nooksack Total retail: Up 1.37 percent to $1,694,935 Retail trade: Up 2.86 percent to $828,479 Blaine Total retail: Up 12.43 percent to $36,511,843 Retail trade: Up 28.22 percent to $16,063,534 Sumas Total retail: Up 46.04 percent to $7,570,271 Retail trade: Up 46.07 percent to $4,247,647 Everson Total retail: Down 6.07 percent to $5,311,400 Retail trade: Down 5.55 percent to $2,098,257 All other areas of county Total retail: Up 8.18 percent to $152,372,880 Retail trade: Up 4.51 to $37,563,922 Ferndale Total retail: Up 1.10 percent to $43,911,467 Retail trade: Up 23.37 percent to $18,786,144 Source: Washington State Department of Revenue Do you own a business in Bellingham or Whatcom County? Then you can take advantage of our limited-time offer and receive a single-year free subscription to The Bellingham Business Journal. Call 888-838-3000 or visit BBJToday.com to sign up and start receiving monthly editions of the BBJ. TEDx | FROM 16 Event will highlight local flair, emphasize ideas of innovation, futurity The talks are as diverse as are the people presenting them. If you talk to fans of TED, the topic of favorite talks inevitably comes up. Some of my favorites have been shared by others, like Simon Sinek’s talk on how leaders inspire action—the gist being that people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. As a marketer, that inspired me. Also, Jojo Mayer’s talk on at TEDxZurich about the distance between zero and one. His talk speaks to the real place human music is made—and that’s the spaces in between the beats, improvisation and instinct in music. BBJ: What are some of the major challenges to organizing an event like this? Wiggs: We’ve been very much embraced and supported by the community already just in the early announcements. There’s a lot of excitement and dialogue happening. A lot of people have stepped up to volunteer their time and skills, which just reinforces my belief of what a special place Bellingham is. This is, after all a 100 percent volunteer effort. TEDx Bellingham is all about the content, which has to be stellar and has to be developed and presented well. That’s a lot of pressure. So, although we’ve had great speaker applications come in, several that I am personally very excited to see presented, we need more to deliver 18-20 of them that hit all the right buttons and deliver on that promise. We’re also looking for partners to help make TEDxBellingham a reality, but through in-kind and monetary sponsorships. We’ve had some community-minded businesses ask how they could get involved, but there are still deficits. My vision is for TEDxBellingham to grow every year. I want to fill the Mount Baker Theater in 2014 and I believe we can do it. But for now our energy and focus is on 11/12/13. with active transportation Let us help you get started. everybodyBIKE offers guided bus rides, customized walking routes, and comfortable bicycles to test ride—for free! Try getting there a new way. Call 671-BIKE, or email [email protected]. 18 BBJDATA BBJToday.com Recently filed public-record information Public record information is obtained from a variety of sources. Business licenses and building permits are from the city of Bellingham. Liquor licenses are from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Bankruptcies are from the U.S.bankruptcy court in Seattle. Tax liens are from the Whatcom County Auditor. Judgments are from the Whatcom County Superior Court. Listings are subject to change and are only current as of their filing dates. Due to space constraints, some public records might be omitted in print. All public records can also be found online at BBJToday.com. Building permits appear weekly, usually on Tuesdays. Liquor licenses appear every other week, usually on Thursdays. All other records appear monthly. For more information, please email [email protected]. BUSINESS LICENSES ACI Northwest Inc., ACI Northwest Inc., 800 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Aeon Longboards, Jacob Verge Delgado, 420 17th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Aline Design Inc., Aline Design Inc., 3200 Carrington Way, Bellingham, WA 98226. Amanda L. Sanderson, Amanda Lynn Sanderson, 5240 Graveline Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Archer Portrait Couture, Cory Jacob Hamm, 1101 Woodstock Way, Apt. B1A, Bellingham, WA 98226. Arnason Appraisals, Arnason Inc., 3610 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Atlas Computer Works, Jason Russell Nix, 1305 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Auto Collision Repair, Alexander Samoylenko, 5560 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226. B&B Paint Co., Terry E. Bell, 3006 Bennett Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225. Bayview Pain and Primary, Bayview Pain and Primary, 12 Bellwether Way, Suite 219, Bellingham, WA 98225. Beauty Sweep, Beauty Sweep LLC, 2205 H St., Apt. 1, Bellingham, WA 98225. Becca’s Fine Gardening, Rebecca Elizabeth Steinkamp, 3024 Elm St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Becki Walker Photography, Becki Marie Walker, 360 Tremont Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Bellingham Massage Works LLC, Bellingham Massage Works LLC, 2101 Cornwall Ave., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225. Beneficial Massage Therapy, Jamie Eileen Gerity, 1402 E. Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Bravo Fighter, David Neal Bradshaw, 1112 40th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Brian Michael Wokich, Brian Michael Wokich, 1305 11th St., Suite 302, Bellingham, WA 98225. Bright Light Kids, Jennifer Newlin Duett, 2809 Donovan Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Buddha Food LLC, Buddha Food LLC, 2185 Alpine Way, Unit A, Bellingham, WA 98226. C. Jackson Photography, Caitlyn J. Daniels, 838 E. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Carla Benson Accounting LLC, Carla Benson Accounting LLC, 3969 Hammer Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Carpet Pro Care, J. Felix R. Cordova, 1302 Birchwood Ave., Apt. B10, Bellingham, WA 98225. Cerise Noah Inc., Cerise Noah Inc., 515 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Chow Dogs LLC, Chow Dogs LLC, 4054 Hammer Drive, Unit 103A, Bellingham, WA 98226. Commercial Fishing, Ante Ivcevic, 200 Bayside Pl., Bellingham, WA 98225. CompsNW LLC, CompsNW LLC, 2119 Huron St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Crooked Tooth Productions, Tyler Thomas Swank, 3119 Cottonwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Daniel Mark Brocker, Daniel Mark Brocker, 400 W. Hemmi Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra, Daniel Robert Anderson, 103 Underhill Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. David Bermudez Inc., David Bermudez Inc., 153 Celtic Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. De-Construction Services LLC, De-Construction Services LLC, 2421 St. Clair St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Dog’s Life, Christopher David Smithson, 275 Sudden Valley Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Drechsel Consulting Inc., Drechsel Consulting Inc., 811 Carolina St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Elena M. Lipson, Elena M. Lipson, 336 36th St. #424, Bellingham, WA 98225. Elite Signers, Lynne D. Derry, 191 Polo Park Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Elite Signs & Graphics, Michael Anthony Forsythe, 5394 Northwest Drive #1, Bellingham, WA 98226. Eric Gillett, Eric Gillett, 1231 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Erm-West Inc., Erm-West Inc., 2211 Rimland Drive, Suite 210, Bellingham, WA 98226. Fairhaven Storage LLC, Fairhaven Storage LLC, 2715 Mill Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Famous Uncle Media, James Oscar Lloyd, 2005 Alpine Way, Bellingham, WA 98226. Fine Things, Shelley Edwards, 5021 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226. Finish Line Auto Finish & Detail, Adam T. Secundus Inc., 1619 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Frank Repanich DDS PS, Frank Repanisch DDS PS, 2814 Flint St., Bellingham, WA 98226. G&L Dari Distributors, Thomas Gerald De Forrest, 3948 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Gentri Watson, Gentri Dee Watson, 2656 N. Shore Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Girodisc, Matella LLC, 1971 Midway Lane, Suite G, Bellingham, WA 98226. Great Blue Heron Investigations LLC, Great Blue Heron Investigations LLC, 4606 Parkhurst Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Hamster Endurance Running, Hamster Endurance Running, 1825 Lakeside Ave., Bellingham, WA 98829. Hawthorne Learning Solutions LLC, Hawthorne Learning Solutions LLC, 716 14th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Heidi K. Pickering, Heidi K. Pickering, 3779 E. 16th Pl., Bellingham, WA 98226. Henderson Lawn Care, Douglas Edward Henderson, 1688 Sapphire Trail, Bellingham, WA 98226. Hoffman Insurance Inc., Hoffman Insurance Inc., 4202 Meridian St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98226. Home to Home, Bellhaven Unlimited LLC, 117 W. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225. J&G Fashion, Urban Manifesto Inc., 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Suite 370, Bellingham, WA 98226. J.E. Dunn Construction Company, J.E. Dunn Construction Company, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. JCM Slipper Skipper, John Cook Mitchell, 41 Strawberry Pt. Ct., Bellingham, WA 98229. JL2 Construction, Jay L. White, 2917 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Jodie Sonnon Design, Jodie Good Sonnon, 2915 Madrona St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Josh Feyen, Joshua Marc Feyen, 1905 J St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Joshua C. West, Joshua Charles West, 242 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Kathy Wefer, Kathleen Ann Wefer, 3730 Canterbury Lane, Apt. 63, Bellingham, WA 98225. Keerti’s Green Cleaning & Family Care, Kirsten Nicole Oelke, 1205 Lenora Court, Bellingham, WA 98225. Khanh-Linh Cao, Linh Khanh Cao, 4440 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. King’s Janitorial Services, Kristina May Johnson, 3000 W. Maplewood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Kleensweep, Christine Suzanne Mackinnon, 2419 Huron St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Klein Product Development LLC, Klein Product Development LLC, 2322 Victor St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Kristin Costanza Consulting, Kristin Dale Constanza, 1311 McKenzie Ave., Apt. B, Bellingham, WA 98225. Linda’s Lending Hand, Linda Raye Wiebusch, 4298 King Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Livingood Gardens, Laura Frances Osterberg, 3780 Britton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mackenzie Leigh Vanlaar, Mackenize Leigh Vanlaar, 115 W. Magnolia St., Suite 202, Bellingham, WA 98225. Maria Theresa de Jesus Cruz, Maria Theresa de Jesus Cruz, 37 Deer Run Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Marrano’s, Marrano’s LLC, 15 Marigold Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Mehar Express LLC, Mehar Express LLC, 1313 E. Maple St., Sutie 201, Bellingham, WA 98225. Motivation, Allan Arthur Highley, 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Nathan Pasma IT Professional, Nathan Paul Pasma, 1411 E. Maryland St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Nature’s Little Helpers Vegan Family Child Care, Denise Michele McFarlane, 2412 Spruce St., Bellingham, WA 98225. New Destinies, Tracy Don Atwood, 5801 Pacific Rim Way, Apt. 132, Bellingham, WA 98226. New Worc (VI) Development and Management LLC, New Worc (VI) Development and Management LLC, 1305 11th St., Suite 301, Bellingham, WA 98225. Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Shaw Braun, 1057 Kenoyer Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Nina Alexandria Hromyk, Nina Alexandria Hromyk, 2921 Haggin St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Nomad, Jennifer Marie Dranttel, 1915 H St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Nuu-Muu LLC, Nuu-Muu LLC, 1715 Ellis St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98225. Olive Mountain Publishing, Bobby Wilson Dowell, 3455 Robertson Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. One Body Massage and Restoration, One Body Massage and Restoration LLC, 1106 Harris Ave., Suite 312, Bellingham, WA 98225. Orion Holdings Inc., Orion Holdings Inc., 1310 G St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Pak Mail #665, Kurz Enterprises LLC, 2950 Newmarket St., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98226. Panda Express, Panda Express Inc., 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Suite 500, Bellingham, WA 98226. Personal Touch Nail Salon & Spa, Minh Hy Tran, 4440 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Prism ASC Management, Prism ASC Management, 4705 Bedford Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Procon Mining and Tunnelling (U.S.) Ltd., Procon Mining and Tunnelling (U.S.) Ltd., 1313 E. Maple St., Suite 160 #237, Bellingham, WA 98225. Prosudio LLC, Prosudio LLC, 215 W. Holly St., Suite G15, Bellingham, WA 98225. Ramona Laird Photography, Ramona Rachel Laird, 3380 Opal Terrace, Bellingham, WA 98226. Refresh Personalized Skin Care, Amaris R. Benjestorf, 112 Ohio St., Suite 220, Bellingham, WA 98225. Results Driven LLC, Results Driven LLC, 578 Whitecap Road, Bellingham, WA 98229. Riderpak, Nancy K. Braam, 4672 Van Wyck Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Rising Son Concrete Artisan LLC, Rising Son Concrete Artisan LLC, 3717 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Rizal Enterprises, Michael Dean Miller, 1225 E. Sunset Drive, #145 Suite 670, Bellingham, WA 98226. Robinson Real Estate LLC, Robinson Real Estate LLC, 3262 Spyglass Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Ryan Chace Life Coaching, Ryan Alan Chace, 1236 W. Racine St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Sai Constructions LLC, Sai Constructions LLC, 2116 Wildflower Court, Bellingham, WA 98229. Saturna Brokerage Services, Saturna Brokerage Services Inc., 1300 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Seattle Sun Tan, SST Group LLC, 1317 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98226. Seattle Sun Tan, SST Group LLC, 1062 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Secret Papers, Cynthia Catherine Crinnion, 3110 Racine St. #110, Bellingham, WA 98226. SF Yoga, Shultzie Fay Willows, 2400 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Signoras, Dana Elizabeth McCarthey, 2633 N. Shore Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Spartan Espresso, Spartan Espresso LLC, 700 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Special-T Window Films, Alan Christopher Donnelly, 3625 Westridge Pl., Bellingham, WA 98226. Speer Massage Therapy, Amber Jean Speer, 1344 King St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98229. Staveman, Sadie Jane Acker, 2512 Toldeo St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Stephanie Fletcher Smith, Stephanie Fletcher Smith, 51 Louise View Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Superior Painting & Home Repair LLC, Superior Painting & Home Repair LLC, 2223 Williams St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Susan Anderson, Susan Joan Anderson, 1128 Finnegan Way #1, Bellingham, WA 98225. Swan Designs, Melanie Montano Swanson, 2839 Cedarwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Sweat On Fitness LLC, Sweat On Fitness LLC, 613 Linden Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Sydney Paige Inc., Sydney P. Cole, 2712 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Techatrane Lawn Care, Chad D. Zavada, 621 32nd St., Apt. 29, Bellingham, WA 98225. Terra Heating, Anthony Nicholas Depaulo, 2928 Leeward Pl., Bellingham, WA 98226. Thu Anh Thi Pham, Thu Anh Thi Pham, 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Suite 128, Bellingham, WA 98226. Top Nails, BT Salon LLC, 3206 Orleans St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98226. Trevor Michael & Spencer Music Group, Trevor Michael & Spencer Music Group LLC, 701 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Turn Over Professionals, Cascadia Craftsmen LLC, 2730 Grant St., Bellingham, WA 98225. June 2013 Twigg Advisory Services, Benjamin Ryan Twigg, 239 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Two Crows Media LLC, Two Crows Media LLC, 903 W. Oregon St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Unity205, Christopher Shain King, 205 Unity St., Bellingham, WA 98225. VikingFood, The NM Group LLC, 3711 Beal St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant, Vinostrology Inc., 120 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Vizual Junkie LLC, Vizual Junkie LLC, 1206 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Waaga Industries, Waaga Industries, 2323 Queen St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Whatcom Creek Archery, Ronald D. Danville, 703 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. WinCo Foods, WinCo Foods LLC, 300 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Ziziandco LLC, Ziziandco LLC, 1200 Harris Ave., Sycamore Square, Suite 111, Bellingham, WA 98225. BUILDING PERMITS HIGHEST-VALUED PERMITS ISSUED 2230 Cornerstone Lane, $17,676,939 for new mixed-use building: 112-apartment units, ground-level commercial lease space and twolevel parking garage. Applicant and contractor: Dawson Construction Inc. Permit No.: BLD2012-00510. Issued April 24. 1010 Railroad Ave., $2,475,264 to construct partial parking garage for future multifamily building (see BLD2013-00114 for remainder of building): Morse Square Development Building 3. Contractor: Dawson Construction Inc. Permit No.: BLD2013-00207. Issued May 10. 20 Bellis Fair Parkway, $1,368,787 for commercial tenant improvement for new sports retail store: Sports Authority. Contractor: James E. John Construction Co. Inc. Permit No.: BLD2013-00034. Issued April 25. 2227 Midway Lane, $920,421 for new commercial building: Offices, warehouse and hazardous materials mixing area for chemical company (foundation-only previously issued at BLD2013-00023): Cesco Solutions. Contractor: Credo Construction. Permit No.: BLD201200120. Issued May 7. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, $262,500 for commercial alterations: interior remodel of common restrooms in mall. Contractor: Culp Construction Co. Permit No.: BLD2013-00111. Issued May 6. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 707, $197,000 for tenant improvement: remodel existing retail space into new retail store: Hallmark. Applicant: HC Klover. Contractor: Cloutier Building Corp. Permit No.: BLD2013-00116. Issued April 22. 300 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, $83,432 to install pallet racking in retail store: WinCo. Contractor: Engineered Structures Inc. Permit No.: BLD2013-00163. Issued May 3. 516 High St. (WWU Haggard Hall), $67,500 for interior alterations: Reconstruct former juice bar into new copy center in Room 110 (using equipment from former copy center on second floor). Contractor: Western Washington University. Permit No.: BLD201300150. Issued May 2. 193 Telegraph Road, $50,000 for commercial alteration: relocate demising wall between tenant 189 and 193, update toilet rooms. No tenant. Applicant and contractor: Oracle Contracting Services. Permit No.: BLD2013-00152. Issued May 16. 4173 Meridian St., $37,000 for commercial alterations: interior remodel to convert janitor’s closet to children’s restroom; remodel group area for classroom and check-in area (represented as worship areas for kids, not a full-time school or daycare): Christ The King. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2013-00151. Issued April 26. 1421 N. State St., $36,500 for commercial re-roof: remove asphalt roofing, install new insulation and TPO roofing. Applicant and contractor: Topside Roofing & Construction. Permit No.: BLD201300201. Issued May 15. 1801 Roeder Ave. 120, $25,000 for tenant improvement: remodel existing restaurant: replace windows with three new overhead doors, remove interior non-load bearing wall and install new bar area: Loft Restaurant. Applicant: Latitude Restaurants. Contractor: Tagbuild LLC. Permit No.: BLD2013-00124. Issued April 26. 1505 G St., $20,000 for commercial alterations: replace Dumpster enclosure and repair exterior stairways on existing multifamily building. Tenant: BHA-Harborview Apartments. Contractor: Dawson Construction Inc. Permit No.: BLD2013-00147. Issued May 17. 3960 Meridian St. 101, $15,267 to install racking system in stock room. Tenant: Guitar Center. Permit No.: BLD2013-00226. Issued May 16. RECENTLY ACCEPTED PERMIT APPLICATIONS 3347 Northwest Ave., $400,000 for new multifamily eight-unit townhouse building: Northwest Avenue Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2013-00062. Accepted May 13. 3353 Northwest Ave., $200,000 for new multifamily four-unit townhouse building: Northwest Avenue Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2013-00063. Accepted May 13. 3343 Northwest Ave., $200,000 for new multifamily four-unit townhouse building: Northwest Avenue Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2013-00061. Accepted May 13. 1600 Iowa St., $76,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of existing open offices into private office space/meeting room. DATA | Page 19 June 2013 DATA | FROM 18 Applicant: Cascade Natural Gas. Contractor: GK Knutson. Permit No.: BLD2013-00202. Accepted May 17. 101 E. Stuart Road, $25,000 for tenant improvement: medical equipment supplies retailer. Applicant: Carletti Architects, P.S. Permit No.: BLD2013-00218. Accepted May 13. 2075 Barkley Blvd. 110, $16,500 for commercial: interior demolition of partitions and casework in preparation for future tenant improvement. Contractor: Allied Clinic Builders LLC. Permit No.: BLD2013-00020. Accepted May 13. 119 N. Commercial St. 165, $12,000 for commercial: addition of mezzanine within existing office suite. Permit No.: BLD2013-00220. Accepted May 13. LIQUOR LICENSES New license applications Beaver Inn, Beaver Inc.; Brian J. Waller applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits and kegs to go in a restaurant lounge at 115 E. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed May 15. Nami Japanese Restaurant, Nami Japanese Restaurant Inc.; Ruth Leeann Kim and Adoune Inthavong applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge at 8862 Bender Road #103, Lynden, WA 98264. Filed May 15. Birch Bay Teriyaki and Cafe, Edward Hong Kim and Hee Young Kim applied to assume a license from Birch Bay Teriyaki and Chinese Cafe, Yong S. Kim and Young S. Kim, to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 8036 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine, WA 98230. Filed May 9. The Cabin Tavern, Cabin Tavern Inc.; John Thomas Wirts applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge and sell kegs to go at 307 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed May 9. Date and Paint, Lorea Hokanson applied to sell beer/wine in a tavern at 4071 Hannegan Road, Suite R, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed May 8. Hannegan Speedway, Mount Baker Motorcycle Club Inc.; Jack Cammack, Cheryl M. Duronso, Howard O. Mills, Wilbur Richard Moeller and Stephen G. Peterson applied to for a license change to sell beer/ wine in a restaurant and beer at a racetrack at 4212 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed May 7. Acme Farms + Kitchen, Acme Farms + Kitchen LLC; Cara Piscitello, Jason Todd Williard, Joy Rubey and Dustin Aaron Rubey applied for a license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant and for catering at 1309 N. State St., A101, Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed May 6. Eagle’s Roost, Diversified Holdings LLC; David J. Bernstein applied to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 8124 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine, WA 98230. Filed April 29. Winco Foods, Winco Foods LLC; Steven Lee Goddard, Lana B. Goddard, Richard L. Charrier, Jodi L. Charrier, Phillip A. Dabill and Linda G. Dabill applied to sell beer/wine/spirits, be a direct shipment receiver (in/out of WA) and offer beer and wine tastings in a grocery store at 300 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed April 26. Honey Moon, Honey Moon LLC; Robert Sherman Arzoo, David Murphy Evans, Anna Landsdell Hall-Evans and Nana Marie Thebus applied for a license change to operate a domestic winery (<250,000 liters), make farmers market wine sales and sell alcohol in a snack bar at 1053 N. State St. (in the alley), Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed April 25. Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Belcana Inc.; Peter Joseph Haffner and Ronald George Haffner applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits and kegs to go in a restaurant lounge at 70 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed April 24. Recently approved licenses Honey Moon at 1053 N. State St. (in the alley), Bellingham, WA 98226, was approved for a license change to operate a domestic winery (less than 250,000 liters). Filed May 15. Asian 1 at 4285 Meridian St., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98226, was approved for a license assumption to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge. Filed May 10. Honey Moon at 1053 N. State St. (in the alley), Bellingham, WA 98226, was approved for a change of LLC member on a license to operate a domestic winery (less than 250,000 liters). Filed May 10. Blaine Tank N Tote at 321 D St., Blaine, WA 98230, was approved to sell beer/wine in a grocery store. Filed May 9. Colophon Cafe at 1208 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved for a change of corporate officer on a license to sell beer/ wine in a restaurant. Filed May 9. Neto’s Market & Bakery at 2612 W. Maplewood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved to sell beer/wine in a BBJToday.com restaurant. Filed May 7. Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant at 120 W. Holly St., Suite H, Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved to be a direct shipment receiver (in WA only). Filed May 7. Homestead Golf and Country Club at 115 E. Homestead Blvd., Suite C, Lynden, WA 98264, was approved for a license assumption to sell alcohol in a snack bar. Filed May 3. Bellewood Distilling at 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden, WA 98264, was approved for a license change to operate a craft distillery. Filed April 30. The Big Fat Fish Co. at 1304 12th St., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant. Filed April 26. M.V. Salish Sea at 355 Harris Ave., Suite 104B, Dock A Berth 2, Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved to sell beer/wine in a restaurant. Filed April 25. Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants at 19 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved to be a direct shipment receiver (in WA only). Filed April 25. Deming Speedway at 4605 Deming Road, Everson, WA 98247, was approved to change privileges on a license to sell alcohol in a sports entertainment facility. Filed April 23. Pickford Film Center at 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved for a change of corporate office on a license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed April 19. Discontinued licenses Homestead Golf and Country Club at 115 E. Homestead Blvd., Suite C, Lynden, WA 98264, had a license to sell alcohol in a snack bar discontinued. Filed May 8. Cheese Meat(s) Beer at 250 Flora St., Bellingham, WA 98225, had a license to be a direct shipment receiver (in and out of WA) discontinued. Filed April 26. BANKRUPTCIES Chapter 7 Kristina Karen Engen, case no. 13-14868-KAO. Filed May 24. Steven Scott Moeller and Lisa Lynn Moeller, case no. 13-14849KAO. Filed May 24. Anthony Ray Schols, case. 13-14845-KAO. Filed May 24. Cristal Lynnette Lace, case no. 13-14758-KAO. Filed May 22. Steven Daniel Reece, case no. 13-14745-KAO. Filed May 22. Nancy Diana Norris, case no. 13-14711-KAO. Filed May 21. Lora Lynn Shanahan and James Lee Shanahan, case no. 13-14708-KAO. Filed May 21. Zeva Capri Pierce, case no. 13-14696-KAO. Filed May 21. Reinier Eisses and Terri Marie Eisses, case no. 13-14694-KAO. Filed May 21. Rodney Lee Haller and Susan Velma Haller, case no. 13-14655KAO. Filed May 20. Fernando Ramierez Fernandez and Mariadejesus Fernandez, case no. 13-14610-KAO. Filed May 17. Jeffery Wanye Adams and Ramona Marie Adams, case no. 13-14592-KAO. Filed May 17. Dean Lawrence Hendrickson and Kimber Lee Barbara Hendrickson, case no. 13-14567-KAO. Filed May 16. Jessie Alexandra Payne, case no. 13-14559-KAO. Filed May 16. Christopher Lloyd Neil, case no. 13-14545-KAO. Filed May 16. Erin Kathleen Maier, case no. 13-14523-KAO. Filed May 15. Susan Helen Estabrook, case no. 13-14467-KAO. Filed May 14. Fedor Vladimirovich Dudar and Alina Alekseyevna Dudar, case no. 13-14457-KAO. Filed May 14. Steven Marion Vanko, case no. 13-14426-KAO. Filed May 13. Angela Joy Kayton, case no. 13-14423-KAO. Filed May 13. Diana Virginia Young, case no. 12-14345-KAO. Filed May 9. James Alpha Brown and Geraldine Lynn Brown, case no. 13-14333-KAO. Filed May 9. David Wayne Robinson, case no. 13-14292-KAO. Filed May 9. Jared Douglas Hanson and Rachel Nicole Hanson, case no. 13-14201-KAO. Filed May 6. Dallas Eugene Mills and Norma Jean Mills, case no. 13-14196KAO. Filed May 6. Eric Wayne Brown, case no. 13-14090-KAO. Filed May 1. Carol Jean Haynes, case no. 13-14058-KAO. Filed April 30. John Michael Wynstra, case no. 13-13979-KAO. Filed April 30. Sandra Emilee Marcus, case no. 13-13960-KAO. Filed April 29. Michael F. Lane, case no. 13-13921-KAO. Filed April 29. Chapter 11 None reported. Chapter 13 Dmitriy Victorovich Chernomorets, case no. 13-14314-KAO. Filed May 9. Catherine LeFleur, case no. 13-14012-KAO. Filed April 30. TAX LIENS Assembly-Plus Inc., $49,079.34 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 3. B&J Fiberglass LLC, $34,442.25 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Rollan Woodward and Edith Woodward, Classic Cleaners, $5,271.25 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Reinkes Fabrication Inc., $9,835.07 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Max Management LLC, Kevin Faris MBR, $46,809.96 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Jessica A. Bucklin, $24,670.96 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Ian C. Bennett, $11,053.88 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 30. Billy McIntyre, $14,432.79 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Edward Devaney and Katherine Hutchison, $5,868.99 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Edward Devaney, $11,145.71 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Reinkes Fabrication Inc., $193,043.90 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Alvaro Vicente-Ortiz, $19,432.02 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Wildwest Express Inc., $80,272.01 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Copper Hog LLC, Aaron Matson MGR MBR, $19,415.97 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. B&J Fiberglass LLC, $15,599 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 23. Brookline Properties, as nominee of David A. Gould, $173,871.56 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 16. Brookline Properties, as nominee of Jane C. Polinder, $142,576.90 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 16. NW Technology Services LLC, $6,857.96 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 15. B&J Fiberglass LLC, Keith R. Olsen MBR, $155,101.03 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 9. Juan Agustin and Maria M. Vicente, $22,385.98 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 9. Century Mining, $2767.33 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 5. NW Technology Services LLC, $78,423.67 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 5. Chris Crawford, $164,071.01 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 5. Donovan R. Danna, $427,160.11 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 5. Peter P. Logrande, $3,816.93 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 3. Robert L. Eastman and Luz E. Eastman, $11,539.59 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed April 3. JUDGMENTS Accusearch LLC, $3,579.23 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 22. Raymond T. Bol and Trina D. Bol dba TR Pacific NW Dental, $3,401.60 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 22. Pegasus Corporation, $1,658.03 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 22. Richard K. Yeater and Cindy M. Yeater dba Airco Services, $1,431.75 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 22. Joyce K. Wittenberg dba Stop N Go Expresso, $14,660.26 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 22. GNA LLC dba Martin Plumbing & Heating, $1,945.09 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Ted Blackford dba TLB Construction LLC, $16,672.45 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Vernon Dean O’Brine dba Barb’s Homemade Pies & Pastries, $550.06 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Barbara A. O’Brine dba Barb’s Homemade Pies & Pastries, $1,350.41 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Doeden Enterprises LLC dba Golden Dreams Adult Family 19 Home, $1,884.11 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Sunset Seafood Diner LLC dba Bay City Fish & Chips, $547.46 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Hagen’s Faster Freight Inc., $2,673.13 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Hagen’s Faster Freight Inc., $1,142.71 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Remove My Junk! LLC dba 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, $1,551.88 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Steel Frame Wall & Ceiling Inc., $17,802.38 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Max Management LLC dba Eagle Ridge Assisted Living, $5,661.83 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 21. Kimble L. Lukenbill, $3,213.96 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 20. Auction House LLC, Paul A. Sanchez, Shelly R. Sanchez dba Save On Furniture Liquidation, $1,581.77 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 20. BR Crew Inc., $604.82 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Fied May 16. Chad A. Parson and Renee L. Parson dba Parson Homes & Renovations, $1,352.39 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. John Lane and Carrie Lane dba JClane Enterprises, $2,328.90 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. Janell S. Kortlever dba JanellSummer Co., $1,625.78 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. Guadalupe J. Cortes and Lori L. McCarthy Cortes, $35,840.43 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. Bryan W. Bruner and Lisa R. Bruner dba Big B’s Land Maintenance, $2,844.62 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. Bellingham Whatcom Radiator & Battery Repair, $1,159.80 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 16. Jason Murphy LLC, $5,534.44 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 15. Halldorson Homes Inc., $8,425.86 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 13. Rachel Lynn Cox, $474.95 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 13. Claassen Enterprises LLC dba Book Fare Cafe, $5,896.72 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 8. Adan G. Baldovinos dba Baldovinos Landscaping, $2,111.44 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 8. Al’s Mower & Saw Inc. dba Al’s Honda, $561.51 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 8. Chuckanut CR Enterprises Inc., $318.85 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 8. Saul Ramirez and Alfredo Ramirez dba Pacific NW Roofing, $10,084.54 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 7. C&H Management Services Inc., $8,617.57 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 7. Altus Industries Inc., $747.85 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 7. Al’s Mower & Saw Inc. fka Al’s Honda, $1,642.61 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 7. Tec Quest Electric Inc., $258.23 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed May 7. Hans S. Kleinknecht dba HSK Construction, $2,527.07 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 6. El Amigo Mexican Restaurant Inc., $1,366.72 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed April 29. David W. Bredman and Saroeut Voeut, $943.33 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed April 29. Southside Chiropractic Inc., $112.67 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed April 29. B&J Fiberglass LLC, $5,105.39 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed April 30. El Amigo Mexican Restaurant Inc., $5,459.79 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed April 30. Tac Systems LLC, $1,508.97 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed April 25. Find public-record information on the Web... ...including regularly updated business licenses, liquor licenses, building permits, bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, local roadwork reports, major property sales... ...all online at BBJToday.com. 20 BBJToday.com June 2013 June 2013 PORT NEWS Port Partnerships Promote Tourism Industry Sponsored content provided by Port of Bellingham PORT OF BELLINGHAM Contact: Port Administrative Offices 360-676-2500 [email protected] www.portofbellingham.com 1801 Roeder Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Board of Commissioners Scott Walker, District One Michael McAuley, District Two Jim Jorgensen, District Three Meetings: 3 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are on the Port website. The Port operates: Bellingham International Airport Bellingham Cruise Terminal Squalicum Harbor Blaine Harbor Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park Bellwether on the Bay Shipping Terminal Airport Industrial Park Sumas Industrial Park W hile visitors are relaxing on their vacations, local businesses are benefiting greatly from the things they buy, the meals they eat, the activities they enjoy and the places they sleep. Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism estimates that visitors spent over $595 million last year. That spending generated over 6,000 local jobs. So what is the Port’s role in all of this? To start with, the Port operates the Bellingham International Airport, the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Squalicum Marina, Blaine Marina, and the Fairhaven Transportation Station. The Port works to provide tourists with a positive experience by operating quality facilities and by providing good customer service. This year more than 600,000 travelers will fly out of the Bellingham airport, enjoying the $38.5 million upgrade to the commercial facility there. This expanded terminal now includes a restaurant, efficient baggage handling and less crowding. That’s in addition to 12 non-stop destinations. Over 700 people are employed in airport operations and businesses – thanks to all those visitors. Building a quality facility isn’t enough to meet visitor needs. This year the Port also contracted with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism to fund an Airport Ambassador program. This brainchild of the bureau brings tourism information services directly to our visitors, providing them with ideas and inspiration about enjoying local activities, businesses and services. The Port also is providing significant space at the airport for tourism displays to showcase our area. The Port was honored to have Tourism Bureau award the Bellingham International Airport its Destination Marketing Partnership Award at the annual tourism meeting in May. In addition to partnering with the Tourism Bureau at the airport, the Port also contracts with the bureau to have on-site visitor services available to our 27,000 customers who take the Alaska State Ferry out of Bellingham. We are the only port in the “Lower 48” with Alaska Marine Highway service and our community benefits from the visitors and commerce it generates. In addition to the ferry, the Cruise Terminal also is home to San Juan Cruises, the Zodiac charter schooner, Leap Frog Water Taxi and Gato Verde charter sailing. A lot of visitors experience Bellingham Bay through that terminal But that’s not all. The Port has about 2,000 marina moorage slips in Bellingham and Blaine. The vast majority of those slips are occupied by our resident boaters, but in the Squalicum Marina alone, last year about 1,200 visiting boats came here with an average stay of three nights. Most of these visitors enjoyed dining and shopping during their visit. A nearby port surveyed their boating visitors and found that they spent over $500 during a weekend visit. And we can’t forget the more than 64,000 annual Amtrak passengers who come and go at the Port’s Fairhaven Station each year. The Port recognizes the value of each and every tourist and focuses helping attract them, serve them and encourage them to spend time and money in our community. June 2013 21 BBJToday.com Serving: Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, Lynden, Lummi Island and all of Whatcom County... more to explore. Arts & Culture • Dining Bicycling • Fishing • Wildlife Water Adventures• Casinos Lodging• Winter Activities Shopping • Spas • Health A Refreshing Change Tourism Awards and Announcements Sponsored content provided by Loni Rahm, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Randi Axelsson, Board Chair, Wes Herman, The Woods Coffee, and Loni Rahm, President & CEO N early 200 people attended the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Annual Meeting on May 22nd. Held at the Port of Bellingham Cruise Terminal, the event included the 5th Annual Taste of Tourism – a networking luncheon showcasing 19 local restaurants, caterers, beverage suppliers and spirits producers. A highlight of the annual meeting is the recognition awards ceremony, presented in honor of outstanding partnerships, creative marketing and community spirit. This year’s Chairman’s Award was given to Wes Herman of The Woods Coffee. Chairman of the Board, Randi Axelsson, praised the entrepreneurial success of this locally owned, multiple location business. “The Woods has extended beyond serving coffee and embraced the community and our visitors where they congregate on a daily basis,” she stated. The Annual Destination Marketing Partnership Award was presented to the Port of Bellingham and specifically to Bellingham International Airport. “BLI has become an increasingly vital partner in tourism marketing,” said Loni Rahm, President & CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Their support of the new Airport Ambassador Program demonstrates their commitment not just to moving people around, but making sure the travel experience is as informative and enjoyable as possible.” Bookended by the awards and the luncheon, the Tourism Bureau’s formal program included an unveiling of the “BE” campaign and an announcement that surprised and delighted attendees. Rahm presented background information and process leading up to the versatile and compelling components of the Bureau’s destination marketing campaign. “BE is an active verb that allows travelers to build their own experience expectations based on their own interests and level of engagement,” said Rahm. BE Driven, BE Daring, BE Adventurous, BE Transported….and a variety of other thematic examples and adaptations were presented for use in print, electronic and online outlets, social media, merchandising and more. The conclusion of the campaign presentation included the unveiling of four dramatic 10-foot banners hung from the Cruise Terminal’s upper balcony during the event. The banners will soon find their way to Bellingham International Airport as a visual introduction (or reinforcement for returning visitors) to Whatcom County’s attractions and amenities. Randi Axelsson, Loni Rahm, and Port of Bellingham Commissioners Jim Jorgenson & Scott Walker Rahm presented the most recent visitor spending figures and revenue projections, indicating that with nearly $600 million in annual visitor revenues, there isn’t a business in Whatcom County who doesn’t impact or isn’t impacted by tourism. “Everyone is a tourism partner in some way,” she stated. “But not everyone is a tourism bureau member.” She then announced that the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism board of directors had voted unanimously to make membership available to every business located in Whatcom County…for FREE! “There will continue to be marketing programs and Coming Spring 2013 services that some businesses will want to invest in, but our priority is to provide comprehensive information to visitors,” Rahm stated. “We can’t do that if we aren’t representing every business in the County.” A special link will be established on Bellingham.org for businesses to enter their contact information. In the meantime, if you would like additional information, please contact Mike Mors, Member Services Director, at [email protected]. And welcome to BWCT Membership! May Events Visit our website or call for more details: www.bellingham.org (360) 671-3990 June 1 June 2 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 12 June 13 June 15 June 16 June 19 June 22 June 23 June 25 June 26 June 28 June 29 • 10:00 am 2nd Annual Bridge of Aloha Festival • 7:00 pmNorthwest Ballet Theatre’s Cinderella • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 2:00 pm Fly A Kite, Help A Child • 10:00 am Toddler Art • 6:30 pm AHA! After Hours Art: Exhibition Expedition • 5:00 pm Commercial Street Theatre Open House • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 11:00 am PFC’s Opera in Cinema Series: The Magic Flute • 5:30 pmPhrasings in Word + Dance • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 am Toddler Art • 8:00 am Monthly Brew Workshop: Time Management • 12:45 am Writers in the Limelight: David Eisenhower, “Going Home to Glory” • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 5:30 pm Phrasings in Word + Dance • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 am Toddler Art • 8:30 amPadden Triathlon • 10:00 am International Art Festival at Peace Arch Park • 6:30 pm Dancing For Joy presents Out of the Box: When Worlds Collide • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 11:00 am International Art Festival at Peace Arch Parkv • 7:00 pm 1964 The Tribute: A Tribute to the Beatles • 10:00 am Toddler Art • 12:00 pm Golf Tournament • 4:00 pm Girls Night Out • 8:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre • 10:00 pm Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre We’re taking reservations for the newest expansion in the Pacific Northwest! EXPERIENCEEVERYTHING 24/7 Action SilverReefCasino.com ( 8 6 6 ) 3 8 3 - 0 7 7 7 • I-5 Exit 260 • 4 Min. West • Haxton Way at Slater Road Events subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. ©2012 Silver Reef Casino Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism 904 Potter Street | Bellingham, WA 98229 360-671-3990 | 800-487-2032 www.Bellingham.org Open 7 days, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 22 ASK RED ROKK | FROM 14 For instance, USA Today recently reported the following: According to a recent survey from Manta, a social network for small businesses, about 61 percent of small businesses don’t see any return-oninvestment on their social-media activities. Yet, almost 50 percent say they’ve increased their time spent on social media, and only 7 percent have decreased their time. So ask yourself another question: What are the main reasons preventing you from dedicating more effort into promoting your company’s online activities when this is the place where everyone is? Do any of these reasons to not market online look familiar? - Too busy/not enough time. - Not sure where to begin. - Not sure social-media marketing works. - Online marketing doesn’t apply to my business. These are indeed legitimate concerns, but they can be resolved. 1. I am too busy. It’s true, being busy with everything else will always prevent VIEWPOINT | FROM 14 Yet corporate profits are soaring and hiring managers exhibit strong demand for those looking in the right spaces. Recovery driven by greater productivity is greatly inhibited by employee-skill mismatch, more of a structural problem then necessarily cyclical as portrayed by much of mainstream news. Exorbitant costs of BBJToday.com June 2013 you from dedicating the necessary time for online marketing. However, if you sit down and look at your weekly schedule and see where you’re spending your time, you can begin to figure out where opportunities exist to engage with social media, write blogs, send emails and create inbound marketing promotions. Many online sources can help you become more organized and set your priorities. The main point is to set up a schedule where you will write blogs, engage with Twitter and develop inbound marketing campaigns. 2. I’m not sure how to get started. The first step is set your goals and work from there. Do you want to increase your website traffic, increase brand awareness or have more people call? Ultimately your goal is to acquire more repeat customers (whether you’re an e-commerce website, driving people to your physical location or having more B2B business). So, what is the best online marketing approach that will attract these potential customers? Start by using Google Analytics to see who is coming to your website and from where. These stats will also show you the bounce rate and what pages are most popular (or not) and a lot more. Then take another look at your website, and ask if it is up to date. What are you asking the viewer to do? Look at how many areas on your homepage are trying to gain the viewer’s attention. Ask yourself if any of these items can be prioritized and put into tabs, because keeping your home page simple and focused on one or two call-toaction items is best. Also, be sure that your website is fully compatible on mobile platforms, as these are quickly becoming the preferred screens for online viewing. 3. I’m not convinced that social media marketing even works. True. However, the same can be said about getting a gym membership. Having a gym membership does not guarantee success. You need to invest the time to see any results, and the same is true for social media marketing. The main thing is to listen and engage with people online and to start making this a habit. The fact is, results do come to those who make social media an important part of their business procedures. It may seem difficult at first, but once you start getting customer reactions on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you will find that the chore of participation becomes a habit. 4. Online marketing doesn’t apply to my business. Sure, we hear this often and to varying degrees, this is true, as some businesses are more predisposed to online marketing than others. Remember, the example of who is using the Yellow Pages still applies to those who believe online marketing doesn’t fit their marketing plan. Most people under the age of 45 are using online search as their primary tool for gathering information. This means even if your business is a specialized business-to-business enterprise with an established network of people who are not heavily involved with online activities, that will trend not remain forever. Again, look at the younger generation and you can be sure whatever industry they are in will involve social media and online marketing. The answer is yes, social media marketing is applicable to all businesses and will only become more so in the near future. So, stop procrastinating and make online marketing a part of your business routine and if you do it right (like a good workout program at the gym), you will see results. higher education, paired with diminishing return on invested capital and time, create a dire scenario for current and future generations that are supposed to, in some sense, become the economic saving grace. From 2000 to 2010, the real cost of tuition and fees to attend a public fouryear college have increased 72 percent (5.6 percent annually) while the average earnings for a full-time worker, age 25-34 and with a bachelor’s degree, have declined 14.7 percent (a decline 1.6 percent annually), according to Business Insider. With consumers who can’t afford to purchase products and services (electronics, cars, homes, etc.) because they barely earn enough to cover necessities and student loan payments, the longterm outlook for the United States isn’t cheery. But this doesn’t have to be the country’s fate. As Einstein stated: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Preparing students at all levels of education with outdated and unnecessary skills only prolongs the pain. Instead of continuing down the current path, communication between the general public, academia and public and private industries needs to evolve. Everyone should be taught a wellrounded basis of knowledge with greater importance placed on high-demand skills that prepare students for meaningful careers. Lisa Kahn, a labor economist at the Yale School of Management, studied the earnings of men who left college and joined the work force during the deep recession of the early 1980s. Unsurprisingly, she found that the higher the unemployment rate upon graduation, the less graduates earned right out of school. But those workers never really caught up. “The effects were still present 15 or 20 years later,” she said. “They never made that money back.” The average net worth of someone age 29 to 37 has fallen 21 percent since 1983; the average net worth of someone age 56 to 64 has more than doubled. Thirty or 40 years from now, young millennials might face shakier retirements than their parents. For the first time in modern memory, according to Anne Lowrey of The New York Times, a whole generation might not prove wealthier than the one that preceded.” Counterarguments that “you never know exactly where the jobs are needed,” and “it’s impossible to predict the future,” fail to realize the shortfalls of the current system. Business Administration and MBA graduates were more valuable 50 years ago because of limited supply. Similarly, software developers, miners, welders, mathematicians, accountants, machinists, health care and engineering graduates are in high demand today, because relatively less students are encouraged to venture into more specialized fields. Instead of churning out generalist degrees, academia’s focus should target competitive and skilled careers, as influenced from actual industry demand. A recent report from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration stressed the economic challenges arising from decreased research funding and weak public interest with the mining sector. SME noted that, “The main competition comes from countries with ongoing mining booms. Australia projects a need of 86,000 new miners by 2020. Canada needs 100,000.” Today’s international mining demand is similar to past employment trends and public interest seen in the U.S. that peaked in the early 1980s. Patrick Taylor, director of the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy at the Colorado School of Mines, finds that “research funding is at an all-time high, as is our enrollment in extractive metallurgy… due to a combination of company support and government support.” With the majority of society unknowing to these programs, and research funding highly dependent upon private industry, domestic competiveness in similarly profitable spaces remains vulnerable. Traditional routes engrained in society, going from high school straight to college, are not the only option. Few choose to attend training programs and specialty boot camps that can lead to well paying jobs at a fraction of the capital and time invested. An April 2013 Associated Press article by Terence Chea told the story of Ken Shimizu, a 2010 marketing and public relations graduate from UCLA Berkley, who recently quit his job and spent his savings to enroll at Dev Bootcamp, a new San Francisco school that teaches students how to write software in nine weeks. The $11,000 gamble paid off: A week after he finished the program last summer, he landed an engineering job that paid more than twice his previous salary. Dev Bootcamp is just one of the many Data-Link West 2001 MASONRY WAY #101 BELLINGHAM Inc. Proud sponsor of the 2013 Ski to Ski Race Custom PC Service $10.00 discount with this coupon We are a small computer services company, taking pride in being able to help small and mid size businesses with their computer needs. From fixing a driver problem on a desktop machine to hooking up a whole office to the Internet with state of the art firewall systems, to full featured business software. We also serve Non-Profit and Education and Home PC services. Complete Computer System Service 360.734.8911• 360.306.8175 Ed Munro is a marketing and communications consultant at Red Rokk Interactive, a marketing and advertising agency located in Bellingham. Send questions to the Red Rokk Interactive team by email at info@redrokk. com. The company is online at www. redrokk.com VIEWPOINT | Page 23 June 2013 HOTELS | FROM FRONT PAGE Marriott, La Quinta developments to add to local hotel offerings that’s completed, work on an 83-room TownePlace Suites next door should start within six months, she said. Within sight of the Marriott development, a La Quinta Inn on Bakerview Road should also finish up later this year, said Dale Sweeney, a Bellevue-based architect connected with the project. Damji said 360 Hotel Group began scoping out sites for a new hotel development in Bellingham in 2007. They purchased the Northwest Avenue property in 2009. “We picked Bellingham because we felt it had a strong leisure and corporate market, and there hadn’t [yet] been a new sort of business-class hotel,” Damji said. Business for hotels and motels in Whatcom County has risen over the past decade. In 2012, travelers to the county spent about $163 million on accommodations, an increase of 52 percent from the amount spent in 2002, according to a March 2013 report compiled by Dean Runyan Associates for the Washington Tourism Alliance. Total travel-related spending in Whatcom County hit $595.5 million last year. That’s up more than 10 percent from 2011. In terms of visitor spending, the county now has the fifth-highest travel industry revenues in the state. The county’s hotel market took a hit last December, when the 200-room Semiahmoo Hotel in Blaine closed, putting 300 people out of work and complicating event and travel plans for others. But Damji said good business opportunities exist for new hotels in Bellingham. The SpringHill Suites and the TownePlace Suites, both Marriott hotel brands, are distinct from one another, although in Bellingham the two facilities will be oper- VIEWPOINT | FROM 22 alternatives that a majority of students are rarely exposed to, let alone encouraged toward. Americans are a hardworking and resilient group, yet society in general seems to have become detached from economic reality.Discouraged and underemployed workers struggle to recover while future 23 BBJToday.com ated jointly by 360 Hotel Group. When factored together, the hotels will feature 205 total rooms once both phases are complete. Combined, they could eventually employ up to 80 people. Damji said SpringHill Suites features large rooms with separate work and sleeping areas. TownePlace rooms, on the other hand, cater to the extended-stay market, and resemble small studio apartments or condos with attached kitchens. The TownePlace Suites will likely be marketed to corporate travelers and people relocating to Bellingham from other areas of the country, Damji said. SpringHill Suites will support travelers from both the business and leisure markets, she added. Damji said Canadian travelers will likely be a significant component of the hotel’s customer base. 360 Hotel Group also plans to take advantage of the nearby Bellingham International Airport by operating an extended stay “park-and-fly” program, allowing overnight guests to park their cars at the hotel and take a shuttle bus to the airport’s terminal. The growth of the Bellingham airport was not a factor initially when the company picked the Northwest Avenue site for the new hotel, Damji said. But traffic at the airport is expected to drive business, she said. The airport will be an integral component for another planned hotel project in Bellingham away from the location of the Marriott and La Quinta developments. A Mount Vernon-based company called Hotel Services Group LLC plans to build a Holiday Inn across the street from the airport’s commercial terminal. In June, commissioners of the Port of Bellingham, which owns the property the Holiday Inn would be located on, are expected to vote on a lease agreement for the new hotel. The Holiday Inn would feature 156 rooms, a full restaurant with a separate entrance, an indoor pool, underground and surface parking, as well as about 7,000 square feet of conference rooms and meeting space. (Above) Construction has picked up on the future La Quinta Inn on Bakerview Road in Bellingham. (Right) The first phase of 360 Hotel Group’s Marriott development will feature a 122room SpringHill Suites. An adjacent 83-room TownePlace Suites will follow. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTOS | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL generations continue to be led down a similar path. Public awareness of high-demand fields, effectively communicated from public and private industries through academia, needs government support for our country to achieve a more prosperous economic future. Aaron Careaga is a research analyst at WealthMark LLC in Bellingham. ENJOY RELAXATION & LUXURY WHEN YOU STAY AT THE MEDALLION HOTEL. » Restaurant & Lounge » Spa & Salon » Indoor Pool » Free Hot Breakfast & WIFI » Complimentary Casino Shuttle Service » 5 minutes to Seattle Premium Outlets 16710 Smokey Point Blvd. | Arlington, WA 98223 | medallionhotel.net HOTEL (360)657-0500 | FAX (360)657-0555 A Trusted Advisor in Business Banking For many in the Whatcom Business Community, Dale Holt needs no introduction. In fact, you may have been looking for him. We are proud to introduce Dale as the head of our Business Relations team. Put his experience and expertise to work for you today. IndustrialCU.org (360) 734-2043 24 BBJToday.com June 2013 THANK YOU TO OUR LEADERSHIP SOCIETY! Peggy A. Onustack, Leslye & Dennis O'Shaughnessy, Diana Redwine Kelli J. Holz, Mary Hudson, Kathy M. Hughes, Kathy G. Humble, Katie TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY ($10,000+): Claude Blackburn, Joseph & Anne McClain, Charlotte Pros Calhoun, Steve & Tara Sundin, Steve & Barbara Swiackey, Jim Turner & June Jaeger, Shawna M. Unger, Robin Van Den Berg, Burton & Dr. Carletta Vanderbilt, Bruce Veale, Eli & Elizabeth Vignali, Jim & Karen Wakefield, Bob Wallace, Nancy Webster WE ARE PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE 391* MEMBERS OF OUR & Deb Ragon, Hans Rensvold, Robert A. Rienstra, Gordon W. Rogers, Welch & Rob Hysell, Jeffrey M. Irving, Jason & Traci James, Guy & 2013 LEADERSHIP SOCIETY ($1,000+ CONTRIBUTORS): Theresa & Stan Salstrom, Michael Shenkin, Peter Stark & Judith Kathy Jansen, Julie Johansen & Bob Moles, Polly Jones, Judith Joyner, PLATINUM LEVEL ($7,500 - $9,999): Dennis Schrank Lisa & Kacy Kadow, Nancy M. 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Porter, Cody & Tasha Repp, Ken & Laura Reynolds, Dale & Susan Rhodes, Teresa Roberts, Bill & Marla Rodgers, Flint D. Rose, Stephanie Sakowski, Wende Sanderson, Robert & Moira Schjelderup Family, Kevin Scott, Albert Seaton, Charles & Phyllis Self, Josh & Rachel Sheets, Dean Shintaffer, Chris Rehberger & Alisha Shirley, Kim & Julian Silva, Pat & Shelley Simons, Desmond Skubi, Gregory & Cynthia Sluys, Kami M. Smith, Steve & Norma Jean Sodergren, Nancy Steiger & Jackson Helsloot, Greg Stern & Naomi Rudo, Roy & Debbie Stevens, Pamela I. Stiglitz, Dana & Barbara Stiner, Deb Strom, Diane M. Strout, David & Janet Stutsman, Stowe & Nina Talbot, Tom & Lori Taylor, Doug & Sandy Thomas, Rick & Nancy Tieman, Patrick Tole, Tamara Tregoning & Caleb Sanders, Susan & Loch Trimingham, Dr. Peter & Mrs. Vivian Valenzuela, Paul Van De Velde, Corey Vannoy, Lucas van't Hoog & Dianna Jacobs, Heather M. Vaughn, Tracy Vaughn, Kessa Volland & Nick Swier, Darlene & Robert F. Wagner, Jr., Paul A. Walter, David R. 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Jones, Staci Blow & Amy Kennedy, Jim & Beaumont, Karen Beebe, Terry Belcoe, Randy & Lori Bellville, Brent Christine Krell, Jennifer & Michael Kutcher, Preston Lamp & Wendy & Slavica Belsher, Matthew Bennett, Mike Bergen, Kristi & Gunnar Movat, Nils & Michelle Landis, Jeff Linscott, Jackie Lynch, Carole Birkeland, Dr. Michael Geist & Dr. Nancy Bischoff, Leroy & Yoshie McMains-Donaldson & James Donaldson, Michael Melcher, Tim & Blakeslee, Kenneth Block, Ria D. Bordian, David & Kathleen Boyer, Diane Miller, Travis & Kara Millhollin, Robert Morgan, Chase Palmer, Harte & Jan Bressler, Tom Burkland & Jacqueline Nicolai, Dan Spencer T. Palmer, Jeff & Karen Pitzer, Michael & Betsy Schneider, Burrow Jr., Glenn & Janice Butler, Rachel Lucy & Jason Cecka, Peter Theisen, Jason & Liz Walker, Doug & Laura Williams Michael Christensen, Sandy & Bob Christie, Janet & Ross Clawson, Catherine Conahey, Amanda & Jeff Cook, Tom Cooke & Nancy BRONZE LEVEL ($1,500 - $2,499): John & Susan Arrigoni, Steven & McMaster, Joe & Judy Coons Community Fund of the Whatcom Janis Ban, Tracy A. Barnard, Doug Bestle & Alyson Batchelder-Bestle, Community Foundation, Scott Corzine, Steve & Sylvia Crockett, Matthew J. Blanton, Patrick & Dianne Bradshaw, Bill & Barb Michael J. Cromer, Dan & Helen Dahlgren, Darkpaw, Lisa-Marie Brausieck, Charlie & Susan Brown, Gordon Bullivant, Ed & Val Bynon, Darmanin, Elvis & Georgia Dellinger, Brian & Colleen Deveau, Jr., Marcus & Melody Chambers, Andrea Cooley, Eileen Coughlin, Gurpreet & Ravinder Dhillon, Douglas R. Dickenson, Mike Donnelly, Robert & Gerri Dale, Jacque Dunn, Ruth Marie Flucke, Kevin & Diane Dr. James & Veronica Douglas, Jr., Rich & Sally Emerson, Joyce Formway, Judy Foster & John Pickett, Jason & Kelda Gauer, J. & Eschliman, Rob Farrow, George M. Ferrini, Gail & Gary Fortenberry, Krista Gordon, Daryl & Marie Groves, Kirk Gulden, Christine Dianne & Dr. Vincent Foster, Steve & Margi Fox, Michelle A. Fox, Cliff Hansberry, Barry & Brenda Hanson, Marjorie Hatter, Doug & Lisa & Anne Freeman, Michael S. Fry, Joan Gaasland-Smith & Steven L. Haveman, Rick Hill & Jean LaValley, N.F. Jackson & Eric Humphries, Smith, Kathy L. Galbraith, Nancy J. Garrett, Mike & Deanna Gartner, Tim & Tracy Johnson, Mark Johnson, Bill & Colleen Kidd, Cindy & Kathleen & Roger Gavin, Al, Marilyn, & Nathan Gill, Laura & David Jamie Klein, Wayne & Kathy Langei, Phil & Sue Latendresse, Karen Glasgo, Michael & Mary Jo Gran, Lester R. Greer, Sr., Commissioner Payne & John Latimer, Linda & Mike Long, Steve & Rhonda Lowry, Martha V. Gross, Connie Guiley, Michele Hale, Tim Hall, Paul & Karin Luce, Cheryl & Bob McCarthy, Jody Moffett, Jeanette & Bob Maryclaire Hammond, Becca Hardie, John & Diane Harmon, Dorothy Morse, Moser Family, Mary Ann & Dennis Mosher, Lori Nightingale, Jo Higman, John & Linda Hodge, Paul A. Hohne, Michael A. Holcomb, *99 donors wish to remain anonymous GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. United Way of Whatcom County (360) 733-8670 unitedwaywhatcom.org like us on Facebook LIVE UNITED