Bellingham Business Journal, July 02, 2012 by Sound Publishing

BBJToday The Bellingham Business Journal

THE BALANCING ACT

CITY FEES SEEN as barrier to downtown growth

Sustaining jobs, mission fulfillment a challenge for today’s nonprofit sector By EVAN MARCZYNSKI evan@bbjtoday

hrough a two-way mirror, Byron Manering sees into a room that is an epitome of childhood. A kid-sized table sits in the center of the small, brightly colored space. Painted flowers leap across the carpet and onto the walls. From Manering’s position on the other side of the mirror, counselors use electronic microphones and headsets to “coach” parents during one-on-one interactions with their children. It’s difficult to convince parents to let someone talk them through playtime step-by-step, Manering said, but a greater challenge for those who work at Brigid Collins is accepting they can only go so far to address the problems they’re determined to solve – problems with roots tugging at deeper societal plights. “All we have is influence,” said Manering, executive director of the nonprofit Brigid Collins Family Support Center. “Our biggest challenge is to be a strong influence.” Roughly one-tenth of the American workforce is employed in the nonprofit sector, according to the Urban Institute, a Washington D.C.-based research center. The directors who oversee the sector face an array of challenges, some similar to the struggles faced by their counterparts in for-profit companies, but others unique to the nonprofit world. Managing a nonprofit organization involves constant attention on raising money while at the same time ensuring the fulfillment a public-service mission. When the economy struggles, that balancing act becomes more difficult.

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Critics say Bellingham business owners are stifled as they try to expand or move By EVAN MARCZYNSKI evan@bbjtoday

Money not the only cure

Brigid Collins’ executive director Byron Manering stands in a parent-child counseling room at the nonprofit’s Bellingham office. (Right) A paper butterfly hangs in a children’s playroom. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTOS

Mauri Ingram, president and CEO of the Whatcom Community Foundation, a grant-funding organization that acts as a hub for Whatcom County’s nonprofit network, said the recession has brought an increased demand for local nonprofit services. The rising need has been coupled with a drop in nonprofit funding from cash-strapped state

and federal governments, leading many organizations to restructure, she said. “The recession has meant for a number of organizations that they’ve had to genuinely re-think their business model,” Ingram said. “For a lot of them, if they did not have any donor base, they’ve really had to start from scratch.”

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Brigid Collins, founded in 1990, uses family-centered, evidencebased therapy practices to work toward its mission of ending child abuse in all its forms. For such delicate work, a major expense for the nonprofit is providing training for its employees, Manering said. But when it comes to raising funds, Manering said simply finding donors willing to write checks is half the process. To make a lasting impact, Manering has begun focusing on getting community members personally invested in the organization. That way donors are not just money founts, they are active supporters who can provide experience and resources to aid the organization’s

As the downtown Bellingham planning revision starts to take shape, talks over how to encourage new development in the district have dredged up old arguments. Regulatory fees charged by city officials for downtown business owners who move, open new stores, construct or remodel buildings were identified as key barriers to growth in a 2011 survey conducted by the city along with community partnerships and nonprofit groups. Local developers say the city’s fees are a burden to economic redevelopment. “These fees are contrary to small entrepreneurs opening up their businesses,” said Jim Bjerke,

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FOOD, FIREWORKS AT ZUANICH ON THE 4TH Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, in partnership with the Port of Bellingham and the Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry, present a day of entertainment, food and fun on July 4. JUL Haggen has been the primary sponsor of the Bellingham fireworks display since 1995. Live music, children’s activities and vendor booths offering food, crafts and more will be at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor during the hours leading up to the fireworks show. All activities are free, but vendors will charge for their wares. Info: www. bellingham.com.

LAND TRUST TO FETE 10th ANNIVERSARY Kulshan Community Land Trust hosts an open house on Saturday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first home owned by Jen Green at 2618 Birchwood Ave. in Bellingham. Refreshments be served, JUL will and live music will be provided by Chad Peterson, Bob Caloca, Darcy Haughian and others. Green was the first homebuyer to purchase her home in partnership with KulshanCLT in July 2002. Since that time, KulshanCLT has brought 107 homes into the trust and has partnered with 132 people to become first-time homebuyers. KulshanCLT recently completed its energyefficient Madrona Street home and will break ground this summer on four more new homes, two in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County in the Birchwood neighborhood.

understand their tax reporting responsibilities. The next session is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, in the Washington State Patrol/ of JUL Department Transportation Conference Room, 3920 Airport Way in Bellingham. For more information, a list of future workshop dates and locations or to register for the July session, register online at pnw.cc/bLGQd.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 DISASTER RISKS TO SMALL BUSINESS? Small businesses can be vulnerable to losses caused by disaster, JUL natural cyberattacks and – on a smaller scale – structural failure due to random

events like faulty sprinkler systems or localized fires. Agility Recovery and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a live online discussion from 11 a.m. to noon, on Tuesday, July 10, that will cover ways business owners can protect themselves from risks. The SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies at its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www. preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips. The organization also provides disaster-recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. Space for the online discussion is limited. Register at pnw.cc/bLHBu.

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GET THE FACTS ON STATE TAX The Washington State Department of Revenue is hosting a series of free workshops in Bellingham that will cover the basics of the state tax system, and help small-business or new business owners

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BBJToday.com 1909 Cornwall Ave. • Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone (360) 647-8805 • Fax (360) 647-0502 Circulation: (888) 838-3000, circulation@bbjtoday.com Publisher: publisher@bbjtoday.com Editorial: editor@bbjtoday.com Advertising: sales@bbjtoday.com 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.

July 2012

BBJPEOPLE

Lenssen joins Philbin Group as landscape architect

Who’s news in Bellingham & Whatcom business Debbie Figueroa, lead licensed veterinary technician at the Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital, has achieved national board certification from the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice. The canine/feline specialty program involved two years of in-depth case study and reviews by Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital doctors, as well as attendance of national continuing education seminars. The certification program culminated in a Debbie Figueroa comprehensive board exam in San Antonio, Texas, this spring, which included candidates from across the country. Her certification in canine/feline clinical practice is the first for any licensed veterinary technician in Whatcom County. Figueroa completed an associate degree in veterinary technology in 1997 at Pierce College in Tacoma.

Peters put in charge of operations at Mount Bakery Mount Bakery has named Morgan Peters as its new general manager. Peters will manage both the Mount Bakery Cafe and Mount Bakery Fairhaven. She was previously manager of the downtown Mount Bakery Cafe. She brings 10 years’ experience as a baker, barista and server, Morgan Peters and owned her own wholesale baking business in Homer, Alaska.

“We’re really excited to have Morgan stepping up into this new position,” said Vince Lalonde, owner of Mount Bakery. “With the creation of our new bakery headquarters in Fairhaven last year, we really needed to create a new level of management – a general manager – and Morgan is the perfect person for this job. She is familiar with all aspects of our business and has a tremendous work ethic and knack for organization. We think the result is going to be an even better experience for our customers and our employees.”

Bruland takes over as Ferndale manager for Bank of the Pacific Bank of the Pacific has hired Dustin Bruland as its Ferndale branch manager. Bruland has been in the banking industry since 1999, supervising daily branch operations as well as back office processing. He takes the place of Yvonne Gasparetti, who moved with her husband to Texas last March. Bruland is a lifelong resident of north Whatcom County and enjoys spending time with his family while outdoors, gardening, camping, Dustin Bruland fishing and hiking. He has also worked with North County Young Life and with United Way of Whatcom County on its 2011 campaign. “I am excited to be joining a solid northwest community bank that has the same mission, vision and values I believe in,” Bruland said. As branch manager, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations as well as consumer and light commercial lending services.

The Philbin Group Landscape Architecture firm of Bellingham has hired Patricia Lenssen as a landscape architect and project manager. Lenssen has nine years’ experience in the industry in both the private and public sectors. “We are thrilled to welcome Patricia to our team,” said Misty Philbin, a principal at the firm. Patricia Lenssen “She brings a great variety of successful project experience and a lot of enthusiasm to the team and to client projects.” Lenssen previously worked at HBB Landscape Architecture in Seattle. She holds a landscape architect license in Washington state, and she is also an accredited professional with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association. Lenssen’s experience includes landscape design and construction administration for projects such as parks, roadways, playgrounds, multi-family houses and other residential structures, as well as schools.

Harlow hired as director at Barcode Re-Sourcing Inc.

John Harlow

John Harlow has been hired as managing director at Barcode Re-Sourcing Inc., a Bellingham-based barcoding and portable computer business. Harlow will be responsible for managing all

staff and operations of the business, including sales, marketing, equipment repair and purchasing. “We are happy to welcome John Harlow to Barcode Re-Sourcing and look forward to his contribution, providing leadership and direction to our staff, as well as providing unparalleled services to our clients,” said Eric Anderson, the company’s owner. Prior to joining Barcode Re-Sourcing, Harlow was the purchasing manager for Ryzex, which is now owned by Peak Technologies.

Bellingham real estate agent receives national recognition Jillene Snell of Keller Williams Western Realty in Bellingham was recently honored by Realtor Magazine as one of the top “30 under 30” agents in the country. Snell joins 29 other honorees from around the country who were chosen by the magazine as being especially successful in the real estate business and having demonstrated skill, creativity and leadership in Jillene Snell their careers. Snell has been in real estate for 12 years, the past eight of which she spent working with agent Ben Kinney of the Home4Investment team. Kinney’s team as a whole fields about 200 leads per week which resulted in more than 500 sales in 2011. CORRECTION In the June story on the Bellingham Bells baseball team, owner Eddie Poplawski’s name was misspelled. Josh Zandstra, Branch Manager

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NONPROFIT | FROM 1 mission, he said. Colleen Haggerty, a program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington, a nonprofit that pairs children in need with adult mentors, agreed that while organizations are usually hard-hit for money, active participation from supporters can do much more. “It goes without saying that every nonprofit needs more money, but something that’s more important is a compassionate community about mentoring,” Haggerty said.

Fundraising models shift Although raising money is not the only function of a nonprofit director, it is still a vital one.

BBJToday.com Fundraising events, such as auctions and charity golf tournaments, are typically seen as the classic method for a nonprofit to connect with loyal donors and meet potential new ones. However, as organizations shift their structures to survive through the economic downturn, some directors believe changes to the event-heavy model are necessary. Ingram of the Whatcom Community Foundation said she thinks nonprofit directors can sometimes get “addicted” to events. While a charity benefit or an auction can serve an important function in raising an organization’s visibility, planning events is timeintensive and itself requires money, Ingram said. The foundation has begun encouraging Whatcom County nonprofits to incorporate other fund-

raising methods, including trimming down annual event schedules in favor of meeting with donors faceto-face. “Personal connections are really the most important,” Ingram said. Manering’s fundraising strategy places a strong emphasis on events. Brigid Collins’ annual auction attracts major donors and helps the nonprofit meet with community members who have connections or expertise that can help the organization fulfill its mission. Though he does admit fundraisers can be resource drainers, Manering said he thinks events still have value.

Events important to raising awareness Stan Chronister, a member of the board of directors

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of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington, said for organizations that lack visibility in the community, fundraisers are important. Chronister, who also helps organize events for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said he got involved with the nonprofit after his youngest child left home for college. He chose to work with the mentoring organization because he felt it was a place that would allow him to make a major difference in a young person’s life, he said. In many ways, fundraisers help recognize the organization’s donors, some who are also mentors themselves, and give the nonprofit a chance to say thank you to those who lend support, he said. “The intent of it is also to sort of be a reward for our donors,” Chronister said. Bliss Goldstein, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, said her greatest challenge is fueled by her organization’s lack of visibility. Since mentoring takes place during one-on-one interactions between mentors and children, known within the organization as “bigs” and “littles,” Goldstein said it’s difficult to spread public awareness of the organization based on its activities alone.

July 2012 The nonprofit currently has 356 mentors paired up with children in need. Goldstein said nearly 9 out of 10 children in their program, many of whom come from troubled families or have behavioral issues, end up as high school graduates. “When we’re doing our job well, we’re invisible,” she said.

Right places for the right people Dave Finet, executive director of the Opportunity Council in Bellingham, said his biggest challenge is one of a different stripe. The Opportunity Council, a community action agency that operates a wide variety of programs designed to aid low-income people in Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties, is one of the region’s largest nonprofits. The organization has about 150 full-time employees, and about 30 additional part-time workers. Keeping tabs on everything his employees are doing is the most difficult part of his job, Finet said. The real challenge comes from deciding the right time to step in and guide, and when it’s better to let team members handle things on their own, he said. Finet said those who work in the nonprofit sector need

to have a sincere desire to help people. Sue Sharpe, executive director of St. Luke’s Foundation, which makes grants to health-related organizations, said she’s seen people from a variety of backgrounds succeed in the nonprofit sector. Knowing how to work with volunteer bases usually made up of people with varying skill sets is a valuable trait for nonprofit employees, Sharpe said. Learning how to manage and maximize volunteers’ efforts and skills is the major challenge, she said. “I think it takes people that know how to work with a diverse group of volunteers,” she said. At Brigid Collins, Byron Manering said although nonprofit work is fastpaced and difficult, it can have intrinsic rewards for the people involved. The most important thing for nonprofit employees, particularly those involved in social work such as family or child counseling, is to realize that while the people they help grow and change, nonprofit workers must learn to do the same themselves, he said. “You only get as good in this work as you make your own personal changes and personal growth,” he said.

July 2012

FEES | FROM 1 owner of Pacific Continental Realty and a downtown property manager. “It’s hard for us to help that tenant get placed when the city looks for reasons to charge more fees.” Fee amounts vary depending on the project and its valuation. There are a variety of fees that go along with obtaining a building permit, including traffic impact fees, building fees, fire permit fees and park impact fees. The city uses fee revenue to pay for an array of civic services, including maintenance of transportation and infrastructure networks. Cathy Lehman, a Bellingham city council member who also sits on the city’s planning and community development committee, said she supports the concept of impact fees, but said certain elements of their implementation by city officials could probably be improved. “The difficulty is really where that balance is for the citizen benefit and the developer benefit,” Lehman said.

BBJToday.com financial and market factors not under control of the city or private development. He does believe altering the impact fee system would be a positive change. “I do believe the city could do more to bolster the downtown economy,” Smith said. Lehman disagreed that the fees the city charged were exorbitant. She said from the research she’d seen, Bellingham’s impact fees are in line with fees charged by communities of similar size. She said she is open to developing a smoother,

more stable process for builders and property owners to obtain permits and navigate the roster of fees. A clear system could be a major benefit, Lehman said. By examining the fee system, and being open to changes, the city could even use impact fees to help focus growth in particular areas or of the city, such as the downtown business district, she said. “We can incentivize certain development in certain areas,” Lehman said. “It’s really worthwhile to look at how impact fees are restraining development here and how we can open

it up a little more.” Bjerke said one of his major problems with the impact fees was what he felt was the city’s stronger emphasis on making money rather than attracting business and new economic activity. Having spent decades as a downtown business owner and property manager, Bjerke said he thought the city should make changes necessary to attract and retain business. “They could try to develop a system of fees that doesn’t force small businesses to look elsewhere,” he said.

TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT FEES

Traffic impact fees help cover city transportation upgrades and maintenance for increased vehicle traffic to new businesses or homes. Commercial project traffic fees vary based on a business’ purpose, size and other factors. For residential projects: Single-family residences $1,931 per unit; low-rise condos/townhouses $1,491 per unit; apartments $1,185 per unit. Park impact fees cover improvements and investments to city parks and open-spaces and account for more residents using them. For single-family residences: $4,808.35 per unit. For multifamily residences: $3,523.53 per unit. Building permit fee for project valued at $50,000: $500. Building permit fee for a project valued at $500,000: $2,402. Source: City of Bellingham

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Negotiating the permit process One of the major issues of contention is the very process the city uses to review and issue permits. Property managers and business owners are urging an overhaul of the system. Rob Camandona, executive director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, said he thinks there’s a great deal of misinformation surrounding the permitting process. He said occasionally city permitting policies will change, but the changes will not always be communicated down the line to business owners and developers. When mix-ups happen, developers get discouraged, believing that city officials are making it more difficult for any type of development to happen, he said. “It’s more a sense that the goalposts get moved,” Camandona said. Michael Smith, a principal at Zervas Group Architects, said when it comes to attracting new businesses downtown, city officials should adopt a stronger pro-development stance, possibly by considering a temporary reduction or suspension of impact fees. Smith said the current economic state of downtown Bellingham is fragile, though that is likely due to

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A NEW FRONTIER FOR TRAVELERS Carrier adds flights from Bellingham to Denver

By Evan Marczynski evan@bbjtoday.com As aviation analysts predicted, more jet traffic has come to Whatcom County. Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines began seasonal service between Bellingham and its Denver hub in late May. Frontier now operates daily nonstop flights on the new route using a 138-seat Airbus A319 aircraft. Company executives said the Bellingham Inter-

national Airport’s location and cheap operating costs could help them capitalize on a growing air travel trend between Washington and Colorado. They may also be able to snag passengers from a lucrative market north of the border. “We came to tap into a different geography in the state and use a lowcost airport,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of Frontier’s commercial

BBJToday.com operations. “We see it as a way to offer a much more cost-effective way to get to Vancouver.” High operating costs have stymied Frontier’s attempts to fly direct to Vancouver, a missed business opportunity since the airline’s Denver base has become a popular destination for Canadian travelers, Shurz said. Though the new service in Bellingham is designed to attract Canadians, Shurz said Whatcom County residents should also avail. “I would argue that this is a benefit to the community,” he said, “There’s a secondary traffic source available that allows for more traffic in the Bellingham area.” Frontier, founded in 1994, is known for its top-

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rated service and quirky ad campaigns featuring the “spokesanimals” that adorn its aircrafts’ livery. Flights include amenities unusual for budget airlines, including seatback DirectTV service and select aircraft rows with 5 to 7 inches of extra legroom. Shurz said despite the add-ons, which are available for additional charge, Frontier emphasizes its low-cost nature when it enters new markets. A one-way ticket between Bellingham and Denver starts at $95. “We start with fares that are attractive enough to get people’s attention,” he said. U.S. airlines are in uncertain times. With volatile fuel costs and rising labor and maintenance expenses, turning a profit in the industry is getting tougher. Steve Lott, a spokesperson for the trade group Airlines for America, said the airlines’ struggles are actually benefitting consumers, as the competition to attract passengers is keeping ticket prices from rising. Travelers also still have tremendous choice in airtravel options, he said. “The good news for travelers is there are still many different airline service models,” Lott said.

Frontier moves in, airport moves ahead Frontier Airlines arrives as the Port of Bellingham plans to expand the airport. A decade ago, the Bellingham terminal handled roughly 100,000 passengers annually. In 2012, airport officials expect to see more than 550,000 travelers. That level might continue to rise. By 2031, more than 1 million people could use the airport annually for air travel, according to URS Corp. of Seattle, an engineering and consulting firm conducting an update of the airport’s master plan. An increasing number of Canadian travelers has swelled the Bellingham airport’s capacity. Other U.S. airports along the border are seeing the same trend. In 2011, driven by cheaper tickets, lower taxes and less hassle with airport customs agents, nearly 5 million Canadian travelers opted to cross the border to catch flights, according to the Canadian Airports Council, an industry trade group. Canadian airport officials are stuck figuring out how to stop the cross-border passenger leakage, equivalent to losing more than 65

July 2012 fully-loaded daily flights on Boeing 737s every year. Dan Zenk, the Port of Bellingham’s aviation director, said the Bellingham airport is in a prime spot for airlines looking to expand. “Bellingham has gotten their attention just because the way that we’re growing and the numbers that we’re putting up,” he said. Zenk said a slew of other airlines are interested in coming to Bellingham. With the airport’s rebuilt runway capable of handling jets as large as a Boeing 757, future flights to New York, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis-St. Paul could be possible. Before any of that happens, the airport needs more room. The Port plans to hold public information meetings later this year and into 2013 to hear feedback before anything is finalized. Shurz said it’s understandable for the Bellingham airport to begin making steps toward expansion. Its sharp growth in the last five years has shown there is demand for more activity. “Obviously this is an airport that until a few years ago was a relatively sleepy place,” Shurz said. “It’s a constrained facility; it makes rational sense for the airport to expand.”

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Port puts expansion on the ballot Whatcom County voters will decide in November if the three-member Port of Bellingham commission should add two new elected seats. Port commissioners voted 3-0 during their June 19 meeting to place the resolution on the ballot. However, a second resolution, which would have allowed voters to decide if the seats should be elected at large, was voted down, with commission president Scott Walker and commissioner Jim Jorgensen in opposition. Both said they thought it would be better to have the port draw new districts for the added seats if voters approve the expansion. “I believe strongly that if we’re going to have five commissioners – and that is before the voters – we should have five districts and not two at large,” Walker said. The expansion measure was spearheaded by a citizen-led group, which began a petition drive in April seeking to have a ballot initiative in the August primary election that asked if the commission should add two at-large seats. After agreeing to instead place the measure on the ballot for the November general election, port commissioners dealt with conflicting arguments over the legality of the initiative’s language. Representatives with the Whatcom County Auditor’s office, as well as port attorney Fred Chmelik, worried that the proposed measure could potentially violate Washington state’s singlesubject rule for initiatives. If a state court found the measure involved two separate topics – one asking if the commission should expand and the other asking if the new seats should be at large – it could potentially strike down the measure even if it passed by popular vote. The commission decided to redraw the initiative, splitting it into two parts. Members of the petition group did not want the measure divided, saying dual initiatives could confuse voters. Tip Johnson, an expansion advocate, said he thought the original measure’s language would’ve stood up to legal challenges.

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July 2012

SMOKE SIGNALS

New regulations could threaten locally owned cigar shops, proprietors say By Evan Marczynski evan@bbjtoday.com

fter a long day at the Fairhaven Smoke Shop, Michael Waters occasionally unwinds with an activity that’s not a surprise considering his line of work. He lights up a cigar. For the owner of the small tobacco store in Sycamore Square on Harris Avenue, it’s difficult to put the appeal into words. “There’s a ritual to it,” Waters said. “Every cigar has its own original personality.” Retailers of premium cigars, a term for the high-end varieties rolled with whole-leaf tobacco, are responding to signals

that the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services might extend regulatory authority into the cigar industry. The FDA has already

tightened rules on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, but has so far left cigars alone. However, according to recent notices published in the Federal Register, new rules could be coming, including possible bans

on mail-order cigars and walk-in humidors, required FDA pre-approval of cigar blends, limits on nicotine levels and higher taxes. Cigar lobbyists say the regulations would destroy the business of premium cigar retail. Bill Spann, CEO of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association, a Georgiabased trade group, said up to 86,000 jobs could be lost nationwide. “It’s going to devastate small business,” Spann said. “Most of our business is ‘mom and pop,’ small-business retailers.” In his Fairhaven store, Waters sells other products including pipe tobacco and cigarettes, but he said he can’t afford to lose profits from cigars.

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Michael Waters in front of the cigar selection at the Fairhaven Smoke Shop. Waters bought the store in 2005. (Inset) A store case full of premium cigars. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTOS “Without the premium cigar business, I wouldn’t have my shop,” Waters said. “There’s no way I could survive on just pipe tobacco.”

HEALTH AT ISSUE Along with other industry groups, the IPCPR is pushing a new bill in both houses of Congress, titled the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act.

The law would exempt traditional large and premium cigars from FDA regulation. The bill has received bi-partisan support, and has 200 co-sponsors in the House, according to the IPCPR, which has led lobbying efforts. The American Dental Association is urging lawmakers in the Senate to vote down the law, citing a strong association between cigar smoking and death

from mouth and throat cancers. “Taxpayer dollars would be better spent discouraging the use of cancer-causing products, including traditional large and premium cigars,” the association’s president William Calnon and executive director Kathleen O’Loughlin wrote in a Feb. 23 letter to federal lawmakers. “It is vital that the U.S. Food and Drug

CIGARS | Page 9

Making Improvements To Serve You Better! Optometric Physicians Northwest, a Bellingham practice that offers optometry services, treatments of ocular disease, pediatric optometry and vision therapy services, welcomes Dr. Phil Bastain to their team of qualified professionals. Bastian, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended high school in Snohomish, recently graduated from Ohio State University, which has one of the best optometry programs in the country. Prior to Ohio State, Bastain received a bachelors’s in genetics and biotechnology from Bringham Young University in Utah. Optometric Physicians Northwest, owned by Brad and Amy Bearden, is the only practice in Washington state to have a new specialized tool for revolutionary early detection of ocular disease, called the multispecular imager. Having received recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration, the one-ofa-kind device is designed with the patient’s comfort in mind. It develops a noninvasive series of images through the multiple layers of the retina and choroid, where most systemic diseases occur. Due to such advanced visualization of the particular retina layers, Optometric Physicians Northwest is able to offer better care, management and early detection of retina diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retina lesions, as well as assist with stroke prevention by detecting life-threatening carotid artery disease. According to Retina Specialist Dr. Robert G. Devenyi, the opthalmologist-in-chief at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Center in Toronto, “This technology promises to not only revolutionize clinical practice, but also greatly enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of retinal and choroidal disease.” Amy Bearden has specialized in pediatric optometry for the past nine years. She is part of a federal program called InfantSEE that provides free comprehensive eye exams to infants age 6-12 months as a part of a national effort to prevent amblyopia. Bearden says her mission when it comes to kids’ eye exams is to further integrate optometry with other appropriate medical disciplines and share relevant information to ensure that eye care becomes an integral part of infant and child wellness care. Such comprehensive, integrated care can improve a child’s quality of life. Optometric Physicians Northwest is located at 2222 James St., Suite A in Bellingham. To learn more about the office’s services or to schedule an appointment, stop by or call 360-676-4030, or visit our website optometricphysiciansnw.com

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July 2012

CIGARS | FROM 8 Administration be allowed to retain its strong, effective authority to regulate these products.” Spann disagreed that cigar smoking is a significant public health concern. Not only do cigars represent a sliver of the tobacco industry, but cigar smokers’ habits are very different from users of other forms of tobacco, such as cigarettes, he said. Even the heaviest cigar smoker usually consumes no more than one or two a day, Spann said, and cigars are not generally inhaled deep into the lungs like other forms of smokeable tobacco. “You do things in moderation,” Spann said. “People don’t chain-smoke cigars.” Waters acknowledged smoking is unhealthy, but said people of legal age had a right to choose for themselves whether to smoke or not. “Smoking is bad for you,” Waters said. “It’s also a legal product that has hundreds of years of history. My main concern is just an issue of freedom of choice.” Joe Arundel, president of the Cigar Association of Washington and owner of Rain City Cigar in Seattle, said one major problem for cigar retailers is that policymakers generally lump the industry into the same category as cigarettes. This was a significant issue during the Washington group’s recent efforts to bring back indoor smoking lounges to the state, Arundel said.

BBJToday.com received support from lawmakers but stalled during the last legislative session. Arundel said Gov. Chris Gregoire threatened to veto the bill if it passed. The law would have required cigar lounges to be “physically separated” from places where indoor smoking is already banned, such as workplaces. It would have also required operators to utilize airventilation systems for their lounges separate from their places of business. Additionally, employees working in lounges would have to sign affidavits acknowledging the potential risks of working in an environment where cigar smoke would be present. The American Cancer Society has opposed the measure. The health advocacy organization cited studies from the National Cancer Institute showing that cigar smoke could possibly be more toxic than cigarette smoke, even if cigars are not inhaled the way cigarettes are.

Arundel said the bill will likely be reintroduced during the next legislative. He is confident that cigar lounges would eventually return to the state. “We’ll have a whole new regime coming into Olympia,” he said. “So, we’re optimistic that saner heads with prevail.” Waters said he supported cigar lounges making a comeback, but he didn’t share Arundel’s confidence that lawmakers would change their minds. On cigar industry’s standoff with the FDA, he felt more positive. As only the second owner of the Fairhaven Smoke Shop, which has been on Harris Avenue for more than three decades, Waters said business has been steady. He lacks significant competition in Whatcom County, though an increasing online tobacco trade keeps him on his toes. For Waters, the only way he said he can keep his small shop competitive is with personal service his customers can’t find on the Internet. “I think a lot of my customers enjoy coming to a place like this,” he said. “It’s a throwback.”

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GETTING THE SMOKE INSIDE Indoor cigar lounges closed statewide after Washington voters passed a 2005 initiative extending the state’s indoor smoking ban to locations such as schools, bars, casinos and places of employment. Arundel said the lounges were a popular place for cigar smokers to relax, smoke and chat with friends and fellow enthusiasts. The Cigar Association of Washington has been a major supporter of a new effort to allow a limited number of cigar retailers to open indoor lounges. A state bill to develop a licensing system for Washington’s cigar retailers to open indoor lounges

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July 2012

PORT NEWS

PORT OF BELLINGHAM

Bellingham Cruise Terminal Marine Connections Expanding in 2012 to Islands and Alaska Sponsored content provided by Port of Bellingham

ummer always is a busy time of year at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. This year new businesses and new cruising destinations are adding to the activity in this popular spot. In addition to boosting tourism spending, these offerings are adding jobs and new opportunities. Bellingham is the only place in the “Lower 48” with a stop along the Alaska Marine Highway. Over 25,000 passengers get aboard the Alaska ferry in Bellingham each year. This summer Alaska is offering two sailings a week: the regular Friday sailing to Ketchikan all the way to Skagway and a seasonal Saturday departure to Ketchikan aboard a ship that sails as far as Homer. Leap Frog Water Taxi is an innovative new cruise terminal business that solves the dilemma of getting people to remote

islands, as well as to more popular destinations. With a 32-foot aluminum power vessel, Leap Frog provides a marine taxi service much like the more familiar landside taxis. The vessel was built by Bellingham business All American Marine. Leap Frog provides fast and direct service on a custom basis, transporting passengers, bikes, groceries and more to the islands. This business was started by local businessman Bill McGown who has been exploring the San Juan Islands his entire life. San Juan Cruises owner Drew Schmidt is a longtime cruise operator at the terminal who decided to create a whole new lineup of cruise offerings for the 2012 season. In addition

Contact: Port Administrative Offices 360-676-2500 info@portofbellingham.com www.portofbellingham.com 1801 Roeder Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

to his popular whale watching trips and daily cruises to Friday Harbor, Schmidt l au n c h e d Cracked Crab Dinner Cruises every Friday and Saturday, Wine Tasting Cruises every Wednesday, a series of island bicycling excursions and multiday adventure cruises with overnights in Friday Harbor. With these new travel options, plus trips aboard

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 historic Schooner Zodiac and Gato Verde Adventure Sailing, travelers will appreciate another new business in the terminal, Halibut Henry’s Seafood Café, which Bellingham businesswoman Vicki Rogers opened in April and now is operating every day.

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

Reach Bellingham’s Top Decision Makers. Place your ad today with The Bellingham Business Journal. Tony Bouchard Advertising Sales Manager (360) 312-4380 tbouchard@bbjtoday.com

July 2012

BBJToday.com

COMING DOWN?

The Granary Building on the former site of the GeorgiaPacific mill was built in 1928. The building’s first floor once housed a waterfront fish market.

Historic waterfront Granary Building may be demolished by Port By Evan Marczynski evan@bbjtoday.com

he Port of Bellingham is moving forward with plans to dismantle the historic waterfront Granary Building, though questions remain over how expensive it would be to rehabilitate the towering, decrepit structure. On June 5, port commissioners approved the hiring of Seattle consulting firm ICF International to identify historically valuable artifacts from the building, which is located on the former site of the GeorgiaPacific pulp and paper mill. Viable artifacts could be removed and incorporated into future Waterfront District redevelopment projects as part of an effort to mitigate the loss of the site’s historic resources. Historical preservationists have not responded favorably to the dismantling plan. Rod Burton, a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, said he would like to see the building remain and be put to new use. “The Granary Building represents an important part of history for Whatcom County, and I think for the port it repre-

sents an opportunity,” Burton told port commissioners. The port and the city of Bellingham entered an Interlocal Agreement in 2005 to develop a master plan and an environmental impact assessment for the waterfront property. Part of the plan included preserving and restoring a number of historical industrial structures on the site, some built during the early 20th Century. However, analysis of redevelopment costs has shown some of these plans may not be possible. Port officials based their decision to bring down the Granary Building on a 2009 report by Johnson Architects, which showed remodeling costs required to bring the building up to code would greatly limit redevelopment potential. According to the report, it would cost nearly $14 million to rehabilitate the building – about $533 per square foot. The port estimates it will cost about $500,000 to dismantle the structure. “We’re learning that these buildings are very, very difficult and essentially economically unfeasible to redevelop,” said Adam Fulton, a port engineer, during the June 5 commission meeting.

EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO

The Granary Building dismantling plan was first made public during a May 3 joint meeting of the port commission and the Bellingham City Council. Commissioner Jim Jorgensen said in the month since the early May meeting, he’s heard concerns from constituents that the cost figures of the building’s rehabilitation may not be accurate. Other studies on the building have generated different rehabilitation numbers. A 2004 report from RMC Architects showed the costs could actually be less than $200 per square foot. Jorgensen said he’d like more opportunities to gather public comments on the dismantling proposal before the plan goes forward. Commissioner Michael McAuley said he based his decision to vote in favor of dismantling largely on the Johnson report. But with other analyses showing different

figures, he said he’d now like better vetting of the process to reach a final conclusion. “I think there’s some questions raised that people have come to me with, so I want more research on this,” McAuley said. Others are more eager to see the structure go. Commission president Scott Walker said nearly everyone he’s spoken with about the decision favors taking down the Granary Building due to its current unattractive state and the fact it blocks a potential new entryway to the waterfront. He said he didn’t believe the building can be brought back to life in a way that would be cost-effective and wouldn’t obstruct other redevelopment projects in the Waterfront District planned over the next few years. “I don’t think that anybody could get this ready for reuse in two years,” Walker said. “I can’t believe that.”

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July 2012

CHA-CHING, EH!

New program will help local retailers accept payment from Canadian visitors a problem, when it’s a tremendous problem,” Strodtbeck said. Canada’s Interac cards use computer t’s no secret Canadians bring major chips instead of the magnetic strips in U.S. business to Whatcom County retailers. debit cards to complete sales. Ken Oplinger, president of the BellMany U.S. retailers, including most ingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce stores in Whatcom County, are not set up and Industry, knows the economic benefits to accept the Canadian cards. from cross-border shopThe Interac PIN card pers are hard to overstate. is massively popular with “We have significant Retailers interested in Canadian shoppers. Since impact from Canadians learning more about the its introduction in 1994, here,” Oplinger said. Canada Certified program the card has become the A Montana company can call 866-553-4355 or prefered method of payhas teamed up with the email canadacertified@ ment for the nation’s conchamber to introduce a nxgen.com. sumers. program for Whatcom When paying U.S. County store owners that merchants, most Canawill allow them to accept Canadian Interac dians wind up having to pick either cash PIN debit cards with special upgrades to or credit cards, and using credit can incur their card-reading machines. international transaction fees. The Canada Certified program, develCanadian commerce presents big opporoped by NXGEN Payment Services of tunities for American retailers. Whitefish, Mont., should help solve Around 300,000 people cross the U.S.ongoing payment difficulties for CanaCanada border daily, and American trade dian shoppers and open up more busiwith the Alberta province alone is larger ness opportunities for local retailers, than trade with either India or Brazil, said Brian Strodtbeck, the program’s area according to American Consul General manager. statistics cited by NXGEN. “A lot of people don’t even realize this is The Canadian government also recently

By Evan Marczynski evan@bbjtoday.com

quadrupled the amount of duty-free merchandise Canadian citizens can bring back from trips to the U.S. NXGEN will set up retailers with machines capable of accepting both American and Canadian debit cards. Strodtbeck said the cost of specific upgrades would depend on a business’ need and the existing equipment they have. The minimum startup cost would be $90, he said. “It just kind of depends on their situation and what they need to make it happen,” Strodtbeck said.

CURRENCY CONVERSION AT THE REGISTER Receipts from NXGEN’s machines show payments in both U.S. and Canadian dollars, which is helpful for Canadians who’d like to see how much they’ve paid in their home currency right away instead of having to check at their banks back home, said Anne Britz, the program’s promotional coordinator. Businesses who sign up receive window signs branded with the Canada Certified logo to place in store windows, allowing

shoppers to see which locations offer the service. Additionally, the company plans to organize promotional campaigns for participating business through Facebook and Twitter pages directed at shoppers in British Columbia, Britz said. Oplinger said the program could benefit a variety of Whatcom County industries, including appliance retailers, auto dealerships and repair shops and even sellers of farm products. “The thing that we like about this package is it takes different ways you’re going to interact with Canadians and packages them together,” Oplinger said. NXGEN has set up similar programs in various Montana locations, as well as in Spokane, Wash. Britz said the program would likely expand to other areas along the U.S.-Canadian border. “There just so much potential,” Britz said. “Different communities are reaching out to have us tell them more about the program, so we’re just trying to keep up.” Strodtbeck said in addition to helping American businesses capitalize on an increase in Canadian shoppers, the Canada Certified program might also help nudge U.S. financial institutions toward adoption of debit cards utilizing computer chips instead of magnetic strips. Most major economic powers, particularly in Europe, use cards with chips, which tend to be more effective in fraud defense, he said. Strodtbeck said he thought it would be inevitable that the U.S. would eventually make the switch at some point in the future. “We really hope our program will help create that drive,” he said.

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Q&A | PETER THEISEN

BBJToday.com

He works for all of us, the United Way By Evan Marczynski evan@bbjtoday.com

eter Theisen believes he has proof that even though the economic recession has forced many people to cut back on spending of all kinds, the residents of Whatcom County still care deeply about their neighbors in need. Theisen is the president of United Way of Whatcom

County, which pulled in more than $2 million to support local nonprofits during its 2011 fall workplace-giving campaign. The amount is the most the organization has ever brought in from its donors. As United Way begins distributing the funds to various Whatcom County nonprofit groups, Theisen explained the best ways he thinks people can lend support, and talked about how

his staff has managed to bring in money even while continuing financial uncertainty slows American economic recovery. BBJ: Considering the current economy, were you surprised at the amount of money you raised last year? Theisen: Given our very generous community, I wasn’t surprised, I was proud. To see local indi-

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Peter Theisen, president of United Way of Whatcom – ptheisen@unitedwaywhatcom.org, 360-733-8670 viduals and organizations stand up to pitch in and work together to make a difference truly shows the caliber of people that we have here in Whatcom County. Our community recognized that there is no other organization in Whatcom County that affects as many people and has such a wide impact on education, income and health. We offer the opportunity for anyone to pitch in and make a difference, and during this last campaign we were honored to see how far people are willing to go to help friends and neighbors and ensure a stronger community for all. BBJ: What do you think are the best strategies for companies that would like to increase their donations to nonprofits and charities without being too pushy with their employees?

July 2012 Theisen: Provide clear information and make it fun. We have seen that the strongest workplace campaigns are the campaigns that engage all staff members, provide the data needed to make an educated decision and add in a component that makes it fun, like a chili cook-off or jeans day. Being too pushy doesn’t get the right point across and doesn’t create a true culture of philanthropy. We want to provide an opportunity for people to contribute to United Way because it is a proven effective method that creates positive change in our community. Distribution of funds is overseen by a group of dedicated volunteers, a committee that any interested person in Whatcom County can serve on. Funds are allocated based on community needs, fiscal responsibility and clear outcomes and results focused on community goals. Getting this information across to individuals and then giving them the opportunity to decide if they would like to participate is the best strategy. Companies with high rates of employee participation usually also have high employee morale, low turnover and absenteeism. BBJ: Your organization has recently focused on support for early childhood literacy. Why the emphasis?

Theisen: Almost half our children are showing up to kindergarten with skills below grade level in the area of literacy. Pilot results from WaKIDS, a comprehensive kindergarten transition process, showed nearly half of entering kindergarteners for the 2010-2011 school year had skills below grade level in the area of language, communication and literacy. When children start kindergarten prepared rather than behind, they endure less remediation, grade repetition and special education that saves our state significant money. The United Way of Whatcom County realizes high-school dropouts are 12 years in the making and recent studies are linking lack of literacy with highschool dropout rates. In 2010, the estimated Whatcom County dropout rate was approximately 22 percent (it was 30 percent for Washington state). If the national dropout rates were cut in half, it would generate nearly $45 billion in new tax revenue. We see that this is a growing concern in our community and want to do what we can to ensure a good education that leads to productive community members. We believe that early childhood literacy is a first step toward high school graduation and success later on in the workforce.

July 2012 Serving: Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, Lynden, Lummi Island and all of Whatcom County... more to explore.

Snow covered Mount Baker.

Sponsored content provided by Loni Rahm, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.

ometimes verification of Summer’s arrival in Whatcom County relies more upon the calendar than the weather report. But rain or shine, there are attractions and activities we can only experience between “Memorial Day to Labor Day”. The following venues welcome you for their summer season. Pioneer Park in Ferndale: Both a city park and a living history museum, Pioneer Park is home to one of the finest collections of original pioneer log cabins in the northwest. The park is open from May 15 through Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Tour guides in pioneer costume lead visitors through the cabins and share stories of local pioneer life. Tours are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, free for under 6. Check in at the Parker House cabin. Hovander House in Ferndale: Built by Swedish pioneer Hokan Hovander, this 350-acre homestead property is now a park operated by Whatcom County. The

Arts & Culture • Dining Bicycling • Fishing • Wildlife Water Adventures• Casinos Lodging• Winter Activities Shopping • Spas • Health

A Refreshing Change

Summer Is Here! S

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elaborate “gingerbread”style home, built in 1903 is open to the general public from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Fri., Sat., and Sun. from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The house was built of 52,000 board feet of handpicked clear western red cedar and Douglas fir using Scandinavian design elements. The enormous scale and ornamentation give the Hovander House a manor-like appearance. Its ornate gardens are also maintained by the Whatcom Master Gardeners. Historic MV Plover Ferry in Blaine: Each summer, the Drayton Harbor Maritime Society operates the historic 17-passenger Plover as a foot ferry between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit. The adorable red, white and black Plover is the oldest passenger footferry in Washington State. Built in 1944 in Seattle, she was once used to shuttle cannery workers to the Alaska Packers Salmon Cannery, which is Semiahmoo Resort & Spa. Passengers can view the Canadian Coastal Mountain range, Mt.

Baker, resident harbor seals, a sunken tugboat (tide permitting), blue herons, caspian terns, cormorants, nesting gulls, majestic bald eagles, osprey and a variety of other waterfowl. Also, passengers can become honorary Captains for the day by steering the Plover and receive a “Honorary Captain” certificate. The Plover operates on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Friday & Saturday noon to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $5, Children $1, Children under 12 ride free. Alaska Packers Association Museum on Semiahmoo Spit: On the south end of Semiahmoo Spit, the Drayton Harbor Maritime Society operates the Semiahmoo Museum, which tells the story of the former Alaska Packers Association Cannery which once thrived on the spit. Numerous artifacts from the cannery are displayed in the museum to tell the story of fishing and canning in days gone by. The museum is staffed by volunteer docents on weekends from Memorial

Coming Spring 2013

Day to Labor Day, Fri., Sat., and Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission with donations welcome.

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism 904 Potter Street Bellingham, WA 98229 360-671-3990 800-487-2032 www.Bellingham.org Open 7 days, 9-5

Glacier Public Service Center on Mt. Baker Highway: The Glacier Come to Hovander Homestead P u b l i c Farm and picnic on a sunny S e r v i c e weekend or plan a large group event. Tour the historic Center on farmhouse and big red barn, and the farmyard the Mt. Baker full of animals. Scenic Byway, Photo: Jon Brunk State Route 542, serves visitors headed into the northern reaches of the Mt. Baker- H e a t h e r M e a d o w s Snoqualmie National Visitors Center: On the Forest and North Cascades upper reaches of the Mt. National Park. Civilian Baker Scenic Byway, Conservation Corps visitors are welcomed to built the center in 1938, Heather Meadows by a which is representative hearty stone structure. The of the Cascadian style of Civilian Conservation architecture. It is listed Corps built the Heather on the federal register Meadows Visitor Center of historic places. In the in 1940 as a ski warming summer months (late hut. Workers used rock May to late September) and heavy timber to the center is open 8 a.m. meticulously blend the to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can building’s architectural stop here to speak to a park lines into the surrounding ranger regarding hiking environment. The center conditions, purchase sits on a rock ledge at the federal recreation passes, edge of the Austin Pass buy books and maps, Picnic Area and overlooks and learn more about the Bagley Lakes. The National Forest. building is accessible

Photo: Bellingham Whatcom Whatcom County Tourism

and open mid-July to late September on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the view, learn the history and geology of the area, and purchase books, maps and federal recreation passes. Summer Activities: get a comprehensive list of ways to enjoy the sun, outdoors and more at www.bellingham.org/ activities/summeractivities/ Need even more ideas to celebrate summer? Contact Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Next month: National and international travel trends and how they impact your business.

We’re taking reservations for the newest expansion in the Pacific Northwest!

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A roundup of business and nonprofit activity Magazine recognizes Whatcom attorneys as ‘Super Lawyers’ Eight Whatcom County attorneys have been recognized as 2012 Super Lawyers by Washington Super Lawyers Magazine. Listed alphabetically, along with their areas of practice, they are: • Dean Brett of Brett Murphy Coats Knapp McCandlis and Brown, focusing on major personal injury and wrongful death. • Philip Buri of Buri Funston Mumford, focused on appeals, civil litigation, land use and community associations. • Frank Chmelik of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis, practicing law in the areas of business, municipal government, probate/estate planning and the environment. • Jeffrey Lustick, Lustick Law Firm, focused on criminal defense, family, aviation, military and real estate law. • Barry Meyers, Elder Law Offices of Meyers & Avery, practicing law in the areas of estate planning, advocating, counseling and education for client disability, aging, illness, incapacity and death. • John Murphy of Brett Murphy Coats Knapp McCandlis and Brown, major personal injury and wrongful death law. • Jon Sitkin of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis, zoning, land-use planning, real estate, municipal government and water law. • J. Bruce Smith of Barron Smith Daugert, practicing law in the areas of estate planning law and estate/trust.

The Super Lawyer program was created in 1991 to establish a credible, objective and comprehensive listing of outstanding attorneys, to be used as a resource by both attorneys and those seeking legal counsel.

Pass The Hat begins helping locals, nears 1,000 contributors Pass The Hat, a Whatcom County philanthropic organization with a unique fundraising method, recently provided assistance to its first families and individuals. Launched earlier this year, the organization has surpassed 900 contributors who give $2 each month through credit or debit cards. Pass The Hat doesn’t accept donations larger than $2 per month. “We don’t rely on fundraisers, auctions or large donations,” said executive director Galen Emanuele. “We rely on many people to just give a little, which makes it possible for every person to make an impact. You don’t have to be rich, that’s the beauty of it; it’s philanthropy for the rest of us.” Pass The Hat doesn’t accept applications from those in need. The organization relies on partners such as the local American Red Cross chapter, community support officers, police departments and others to bring worthy cases to its attention. A 12-person appropriations committee then makes decisions on disbursements. “We help local families by providing

July 2012

Port announces winners in Georgia Pacific art contest The Port of Bellingham has announced winners in the first Georgia Pacific Mill Site Art/Photography Contest. As demolition and environmental cleanup continue on the site, port officials organized the contest as a way to involve the community and capture the ever-changing landscape of Bellingham’s central waterfront. Entries included photography, charcoal drawings and watercolor paintings. Winners will be on display at the Squalicum Boathouse from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4 during the Haggen Family 4th of July Festival. In addition, the port is putting together a traveling exhibit. Professional Category winning entries • “Factory by the Bay” by Candace Buethorn, Best of Show (shown at right) • “Changing Fortunes” by Joe Lalonde, Best of Subject “Progress” by Joe Lalonde, Best of History • “While You Were Sleeping” by Peggy Shapiro, Best of Texture financial relief from tragic events,” Emanuele said. “These families are already facing heartbreaking situations. The added burden of hospital bills, ambulance bills, funeral expenses, and more, is too much to bear.”

Amateur Category Winning Entries • “Dust to Brick to Dust” by Jonathan Sureau, Best of Show • “History in Puddles” by Damian Vines, Best of Subject • “Ready for Collapse” by Todd Edison, Best of Color • “Georgia Pacific Reflections” by Joel deWaard, Best Sense of Place • “Brick by Brick” by Damian Vines, Best of Texture • “GP Receiving” by Kenni Merritt, Best of Legacy • “Daunting Task” by Kathy Sible, Best of History • “Southbound” by Kenni Merritt, Honorable Mention • “The Bridge” by Kenni Merritt, Honorable Mention Emanuele was inspired to create Pass The Hat by his own family’s tragedy. His brother was killed in a car accident in 1998. The organization is online at www.passthe-hat.org.

Community Roots. National Strength. Mike Yeend

Strength makes a difference. U.S. Bank is the financial partner that’s strong, stable and committed to providing high quality, innovative products and services that meet the needs and demands of our customers. Our strong capital position, growing deposit base and solid credit quality allow us to invest in our company, our customers and our communities so we can keep looking up. In keeping with our commitment to the Community, U.S. Bank in Bellingham welcomes Mike Yeend, Sr. Vice President and Commercial Team Leader. Mike is responsible for serving and growing the Northwest Washington Region’s commercial client relationships. He is located at the U. S. bank office at 121 W. Holly Street in Bellingham. In addition, we are pleased to introduce Mike Cromer, Vice President and Relationship Manager in the Northwest Washington Region. Mike is responsible for managing and growing business client relationships within the Northwest Washington Region. Mike is also located at the U.S. Bank office at 121 West Holly Street in Bellingham, Washington.

usbank.com Member FDIC

Mike Cromer

July 2012

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BBJDATA

Information in the public record

BUSINESS LICENSES Jill’s Foot Spa, Jill’s Foot Spa LLC, 1200 Harris Ave. #104, Bellingham, WA 98225. Creative Aquariums, Michael S. Spanski, 3615 Bennett Drive #F325, Bellingham, WA 98225. Perch & Play, Family Clubhouse Cafe LLC, 1707 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Nor-West Hydraulic & Pneumatic, Nor-West Hydraulic & Pneumatic, 7467 Hannegan Road, Lynden, WA 98264. Cascade Emergency Skills, Ramon E. Garcia, 1613 Brookview Place, Bellingham, WA 98229. P & P Construction, P & P Construction Inc., 463 Brentwood Drive, Camano Island, WA 98282. Pacific International Terminals, Pacific International Terminals, 103 E .Holly St. #210, Bellingham, WA 98225. JMS Construction, Temegon Inc., 8757 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Custom Craftsman, Custom Craftsman LLC, 2729 Williams St ., Bellingham, WA 98225. Magnolia Hi-Fi, Magnolia Hi-Fi Inc., 7601 Penn Ave. S, Richfield, MN 55423. Marshall’s Services, Marshall’s Services LLC, 109 Grand View Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Bon Appetit Express, Richroncie Enterprises LLC, 1530 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Ideation Design Group, Ideation Design Group LLC, 1920 Main St. #2, Ferndale, WA 98248. Environ Gardening & Landscaping, Carol A. Plesha, 2828 Cottonwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Philip Camire Painting, Philip J. Camire, 5055 Karen St., Deming, WA 98244. America’s Cup, Zweber Enterprises Inc., 2627 S. Harbor Loop Drive #102, Bellingham, WA 98225. Joseph D. Carpenter, Joseph D. Carpenter, 1405 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Small Wonders Speech Therapy, Nora D. Cohde, 2904 St. Paul St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Clark’s Electric, Clark’s Electric & Photovoltaic, 731 250th St. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Kim Gasper Photography, Kimberly A. Gasper, 4264 Ridgewood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229. Bellingham Builders, Bellingham Builders LLC, 3302 Whipple Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Captain Jack Jr’s Family Entertainment Center, Captain Jack Jr’s Family Entertainment Center, 4176 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Viewmont Manor, Betty M. Cribbs, 1031 38th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Back-Porch Liquor, Delta Kor Inc., 3115 Old Fairhaven Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. Studio One Twelve, Stamm/Nebeker Salon LLC, 112 Grand Ave. #D, Bellingham, WA 98225. Exterior Effects Painting, Exterior Effects Painting LLC, 1348 Parkstone Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Crane Creek Holdings, Crane Creek Holdings LLC, 12556 120th Ave. NE #322, Kirkland, WA 98034. S & R Custom Construction, Russell & Sheaner, 2697 Creasy Road, Custer, WA 98240. Fiona Shearer Arts, Fiona A. Shearer, 2227 A St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Christina Sanders PsyD, Christina Sanders PsyD PLLC, 2110 Iron St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bellingham Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, Bellingham Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, 470 Birchwood Ave #C, Bellingham, WA 98225. WaveGuide Networks, WaveGuide Networks Inc., 2107 S. Lake Roesiger Road, Snohomish, WA 98290. Forever 21, Forever 21 Retail Inc., 1 Bellis Fair Parkway #532, Bellingham, WA 98226. Tim’s Custom Trim, Tim’s Custom Trim Inc., 8500 W. Adams St., Lincoln, NE 68524. Pen & Ink Creative, Teresa I B Halfacre, 3366 Southbend Place #201, Bellingham, WA 98226. Spinnaker Financial Group, Walker Enterprises LLC, 1405 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. James R. Doran Attorney, James R. Doran, 100 Pine St. #205, Bellingham, WA 98225. Bigge Crane & Rigging, Bigge Crane & Rigging Company, 221 30th St. NE, Auburn, WA 98002. Cardno ERI, Environmental Resolutions Inc., 815 Industry Drive, Tukwila, WA 98188. Jeff Mildner Construction, Jeff S. Mildner, 28 Basin View Circle, Bellingham, WA 98229. Eric A. Morgan, 1405 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Jake Ramirez Development, Ramirez Development Inc., 2211 Douglas Ave. #209, Bellingham, WA 98225. Dave’s Plumbing, Dave’s Plumbing Inc., 4944 Contractors Drive #B, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Asset Preservation & Restoration Services, Asset Preservation & Restoration, 17212 NE 180th St. #E102, Bothell, WA 98011. Frame Thrower, Daniel J. Hershberger, 3310 Alderwood Ave. #M4, Bellingham, WA 98225. Project Professional, The Project Professional Inc., 1908 9th St., Anacortes, WA 98221. Cupcakes Like it Sweet, Heather L. Hellyer, 103 E. Stuart Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Tapping Into Natural Wisdom, Rene Laventure, 1229 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. MRG, Diversification Inc., 9877 40th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118. Latinos Celulares, Latinos Celulares Inc., 4120 Meridian St. #170, Bellingham, WA 98226. Susan McIntee, Susan D. McIntee, 118 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Molly Lange, Molly A. Lange, 118 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Back in the Black, Back in the Black Inc., 3635 S. Pebble Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. ProjectCorps, ProjectCorps LLC, 1325 4th Ave. #1925, Seattle, WA 98101. Able Marine Services, William P. Herlihy, 1001 C St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Chicago Title Insurance Company, Chicago Title Company of Washington, 1616 Cornwall Ave. #115, Bellingham, WA 98225. Forever Fit, Forever Fit LLC, 2130 Grant St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Yama no Shima Mountain Island Reiki, Lori A. Polevoi, 4507 E. Oregon St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Conture Business Advisors, Conture Business Advisors PS, 114 W. Magnolia St. #303, Bellingham, WA 98225. Ann Doherty Whitney CRNA, Ann D. Whitney, 3001 Squalicum Parkway #5, Bellingham, WA 98225. Turdee Tote, Ann D. Whitney, 625 Clark Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Simple Security Solutions, Noecker Enterprises Inc., 23117 39th Ave. SE, Bothell, WA 98021.

DATA | Page 18

“For state government to sustain itself, it needs successful small businesses.

But regulations and added costs are hurting us. If we want the private sector to grow, we need a better partnership.” Michael Seeger, Owner Fife Flowers

Our State’s Business Climate is Tough. But you can do something about it.

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All across Washington state, employers and business owners are adjusting to the new economy, eagerly anticipating a recovery. They’re doing their fair share by cutting costs, innovating — even retooling — to retain and create jobs. Any hope of a sustained recovery rests with private sector job growth — a critical piece to solving our state’s significant, recurring budget woes. Lawmakers must take particular care not to jeopardize a restart of our economy by piling additional tax and regulatory costs on employers. Policymakers should instead be considering incentives that will help retain and recruit employers and jobs. That’s why AWB is encouraging members to contribute to a media campaign that will build greater support for employers, and job creation, across the state. We can’t control the ups and downs of our economy. But we can promote a more business-friendly climate in Washington state. Your contribution will help ensure your voice is heard clearly in Olympia.

To help ensure your voice is heard in Olympia, visit www.AWB.org and click on “We Mean Business.”

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Whatcom Computer Service & Repair, Arthur F J Miller, 809 40th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Essentially Professional, Ramona K. Abbott, 5483 Noon Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Cascade Lighting Service & Maintenance, Donald B. Koenig, 7033 Steelhead Lane, Burlington, WA 98233. Coast Landscape Service, Rick A. Neugebauer, 5063 Noon Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. S & S Construction & Remodeling, S & S Construction & Remodeling, 495 E. Hemmi Road, Lynden, WA 98264. Bear Floors, Bear Floors LLC, 481 Rohrer Loop, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284. Pioneer Communications Group, Pioneer Communications Group LLC, 8126 184th Drive SE, Snohomish, WA 98290.

BUILDING PERMITS Issued 2418 Alabama St., $65,000 for commercial vaults: install two underground vaults in drive/parking area: one stormwater detention vault and one sand filter/separator for gas station/convenience store redevelopment: Yorky’s Market on Alabama. Contractor: Ultra Tank Services Inc. 436 W. Bakerview Road 101, $20,000 for tenant improvement: reconfigure Suite 101 for new cosmetic skin care business. Contractor: Paul L. Johnson General Contracting. Tenant: Skin Lounge. 3011 Cinema Place, $240,839 for new commercial shell building. Contractor: Dawson Construction Inc. 4176 Meridian St., $170,000 for tenant improvement: remodel existing building into restaurant and gaming center: Captain Jack Jr.’s. Tenant: Captain Jack Jr’s. Contractor: Mustang Constructors. 1836 Racine St., $125,000 for commercial alteration: increase retail space-interior modifications both structural and non-structural; no added building area: includes new 3-hour fire barrier for fire area limitation: North Coast Electric. Applicant: Barking Dog Design. Contractor: T M Remodeling LLC. 324 36th St., $20,000 for tenant improvement: interior alterations for new tenant in existing office space: Scottrade. Contractor: Altama Construction. Tenant: Scottrade. 147 W. Kellogg Road, $35,000 for tenant improvement: expand dental office into adjacent tenant space. Applicant: Rick Kuhns. Tenant: Cordata Family Dentistry. Contractor: W R Hanson Inc. 3125 Old Fairhaven Parkway, $30,000 for tenant improvements: minor alterations for new store concept (occupant load increase:

three exists required): Whatcom Farmers Co-op. Contractor: Triple S Construction Inc. Tenant: Whatcom Farmers Co-op. 2900 Woburn St., $194,000 for commercial alterations: minor interior renovations of existing grocery store: Haggens Barkley Village. Applicant and contractor: Woodman Construction Inc. 3930 Meridian St. 101, $248,391 for tenant improvement: children’s retail clothing store in existing retail space: Carter’s. Tenant: Carter’s Babies & Kids. Contractor: Retail Construction Services inc. 905 Squalicum Way 106, $15,000 for tenant improvement: construct demising wall and complete shell space for new warehouse/ office tenant: Cihlar Skateboards. 2200 Rimland Drive 115, $28,000 for tenant improvement: remodel office suite 115. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc. 1310 Broadway St. 203, $55,000 for tenant improvement: partial second floor remodel-new accessible restrooms, suspended ceiling, lighting, windows and doors: Fincayra LLC. Contractor: Moceri Construction Inc. 3110 Woburn St., $219,015 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of two existing office tenants into one large office tenant space: Peoples Bank. Applicant: Dykeman Architects. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. 714 Lakeway Drive, $100,000 for commercial addition: add roofcover to existing outdoor dining area: Poppes at Best Western Lakeway Inn. Contractor: The Franklin Corporation. 2200 Rimland Drive 300, $12,000 for two internally-illuminated wall-mounted signs: Moss Adams LLP. Applicant and Contractor: The Sign Post Inc. 1323 11th St., $36,000 for tenant improvement: convert retail clothing store into sandwich shop, add outdoor seating, provide access opening into neighboring tenant space. Contractor: Professional Contractor Inc. Tenant: Jimmy’s Deli. 3100 Woburn St., $490,000 for new elevated unheated pedestrian walkway between two existing commercial buildings: Peoples Bank. Applicant: Dykeman Architects. Contractor: Pearson Construction. 1616 Cornwall Ave. 205, $300,000 for tenant improvement: interior modifications to existing office space for new office tenant. Contractor: Roosendaal Honcoop Construction Inc. 120 W. Stuart Road, $49,000 for tenant improvement: complete shell space for meeting room and sales: Weight Watchers. Contractor: Keystone Construction GW Inc. 1707 N. State St., $210,000 for commercial alteration: convert night club into cafe and indoor kids play area. Tenant: Family Clubhouse Cafe LLC. Contractor: The Franklin Corporation. 120 W. Holly St., $13,000 for tenant improvements: minor interior rearrangement and change of use for new grocery store in previous restaurant: West Holly Market. Contractor: Bruce Construction.

READY to

SWITCH? There’s been a lot of frustration recently with large impersonal financial institutions charging new fees and generally behaving like large impersonal financial institutions. If you’re ready to try a local, not-for-profit financial institution that puts members first, we’ve got a place just for you. Even on Saturdays. Stop by one of our seven Whatcom County branches today!

July 2012

Accepted 1203 Holly St., $500,000 for commercial alteration: conversion of first floor commercial shell into four residential units: Holly Street Apartments. Contractor: Oracle Contracting Services. 1323 11th St., $18,000 or tenant improvement: convert retail clothing store into sandwich shop, add outdoor seating, provide access door into neighboring tenant space. Contractor: Professional Contracting Inc. Tenant: Jimmy’s Deli. 1530 N. State St., $12,000 for commercial addition/alteration: enclose existing roofed area and add other alterations to accommodate new racking system for tire storage in existing store (new area unheated): Firestone Auto Care. Applicant: Casco. 2039 Moore St., $15,000 for tenant improvement: interior renovations as shell space only for future assembly use(s): tenant unknown at this time. 2210 Rimland Drive 101, $106,000 for tenant improvement: complete 4,835 square foot tenant space for new office tenant. 3001 Cinema Place, $679,728 for new one-story commercial building shell. 1220 Civic Field Way, $25,000 for commercial: construct batting cages at Joe Martin Field. 905 Squalicum Way 106, $15,000 for tenant improvement: construct demising wall and complete shell space for new warehouse tenant. 108 W. Stuart Road, $250,000 for tenant improvement: new retail tenant in existing retail space: Big 5. Applicant: Carlile Coatsworth Architects. Tenant: Big 5. 905 Squalicum Way 106, $15,000 for tenant improvement: construct wall and complete shell space for new warehouse tenant. 4365 Meridian St., $35,091 for commercial alterations/addition: demolish R-3 dwelling unit to enlarge restaurant seating area, add storeroom, enlarge parking lot. Tenant: Wonderful Buffet. 1311-13 N. State St., $95,000 for tenant improvement: expand ground floor space for commercial kitchen, restaurant, office and storage; restore historic store front. Tenant: ACME Farms & Kitchen. 2101 Woburn St., $16,500 for commercial: install 13 bays of pallet racking and two sections of cantilever rack in warehouse: product is non-combustible roofing hardware, flashing. 155 E. Kellogg Road, $98,000 for commercial alterations, assisted living: remodel dining and activities rooms and office, convert two living units into lobby and bath. Tenant: Highgate House. Contractor: Buron Construction Inc. 915 Cornwall Ave., $10,000 for commercial alteration: enlarge foundation under existing equipment. 120 W. Stuart Road, $15,000 for tenant improvement: complete shell space for meeting room and sales: Weight Watchers. 220 Unity St., $190,000 for tenant improvement: upper floor lobby

remodel, acoustical work, etc. 220 Unity St., $1.33 million for tenant improvement: lower floor remodel for medical offices. 218 Unity St., $30,000 for tenant improvement: remodel upper floor for pharmacy and blood draw. 117 N. Samish Way, $95,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel to convert previous restaurant into a nail salon. 3031 Orleans St. 203, $16,000 for tenant improvement: remodel interior of office suite 203 and close off door to adjoining suite. Applicant: Scoboria Construction Inc. 101 Samish Way, $55,000 for tenant improvement: modify office building for new sandwich shop: Subway. 607 E. Holly St., $25,000 for commercial: install mounting system for solar panels. 3960 Hammer Drive, $19,000 for commercial alteration: remove existing slab and replace with new containment slab in warehouse/ office building. Applicant and contractor: The Franklin Corporation. Tenant: Tru Green Limited. 1600 C St., $2.2 million for commercial project: replace fish hatchery and storage building with new environmental fisheries building. Applicant: HKP Architects. Tenant: Bellingham Technical College. 4040 Northwest Ave., $12,347,357 for new hotel over underground parking garage: 122-room “Springhill Suites” and common areas (phase one of two): Marriott Corporation.

BANKRUPTCIES Chapter 7 Adam Wayne Brown, case no. 12-16457-KAO. Filed June 20. Jose Antonio Suarez-Mondragon, case no. 12-16420-KAO. Filed June 20. Craig Charles McAulay and Kristen Lynn McAulay, case no. 12-16378-KAO. Filed June 19. Joseph Killens Ferguson, case no. 12-16373-KAO. Filed June 19. Roy Melvin Anderson and Joyce Ann Anderson, case no. 12-16369-KAO. Filed June 19. DeeAnn Stafford Richstein, case no. 12-16356-KAO. June 19. Timothy Edward Jackson, case no. 12-16287-KAO. Filed June 15. Michelle Madeline Hull, case no. 12-16279-KAO. Filed June 14. Maria A. Culver, case no. 12-16245-KAO. Filed June 14. William Carter Jakeman, case no. 12-16220-KAO. Filed June 13. Jessica A. Rodriguez, case no. 12-16219-KAO. Filed June 13. Native American Fabricators LLC, case no. 12-16201-KAO. Filed June 13.

DATA | Page 19

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Joseph Brian Hugo and Alisha Pauline Hugo, case no. 12-16286KAO. Filed June 12. Mark Shannon Wilson, case no. 12-16185-KAO. Filed June 12. Linda Ann Beaty, case no. 12-16162-KAO. Filed June 12. Danilo V. Garcia and Zenaida Garcia, case no. 12-16151-KAO. Filed June 12. Montgomery William Apt, case no. 12-16074-KAO. Filed June 8. Wendy Ann Woods, case no. 12-16066-KAO. Filed June 8. Matthew L. Frase, case no. 12-16060-KAO. Filed June 8. Rick Dean Moore and Ann Elise Moore, case no. 12-16047-KAO. Filed June 7. Herman W. Dietzsch and Joann M. Dietzsch, case no. 12-16018KAO. Filed June 7. Joseph Lee Reid, case no. 12-16015-KAO. Filed June 7. Timothy Alan Ryken, case no. 12-16011-KAO. Filed June 7. Matt Joseph Janus, case no. 12-15991-KAO. Filed June 6. Walter Thomas Steele, Sr. and Barbara Jean Steele, case no. 12-15960-KAO. Filed June 6. Amy Lyn Pinkerton, case no. 12-15904-KAO. Filed June 4. Renee Lila Chadwick, case no. 12-15879-KAO. Filed June 1. Phillip Anthony Specht and Denise Specht, case no. 12-15843KAO. Filed May 31. Richard Owen Koss and Sydney Ann Koss, case no. 12-15839KAO. Filed May 31. Joan B. Hansen and Steven J. Hansen, case no. 12-15660-KAO. Filed May 30. Beajay Fay Fellers, case no. 12-15637-KAO. Filed May 30. Jeremy James Simmons and Mindy Jean Simmons, case no 12-15581-KAO. Filed May 26. Priscilla Dawn Ray, case no. 12-15539-KAO. Filed May 25. Chapter 11 Patrick Thomas Uy and Mew Lan Uy, case no. 12-15710-MLB. Filed May 31. Chapter 13 Richard Allen Neugebauer and Sarah Elizabeth Neugebauer, case no. 12-16463-KAO. Filed June 21. Michael Jason Greget, case no. 12-16261-KAO. Filed June 14. Estrella Sharon Perez Mendoza and Enrique Alejandro Nino Cruz, case no. 12-16256-KAO. Filed June 14. Craig Anthony Wear and Quitana Dearest Wear, case no. 12-16079-KAO. Filed June 8.

Debra Ann Wharton-Pearce, case no. 12-16063-KAO. Filed June 8. Jeffrey Douglas Lintz, case no. 12-15997-KAO. Filed June 6. Arken Khadjakparovich Mukhamediyev, case no. 12-15946KAO. Filed June 5. Nicolaas Johannes Byma and Joanne Carol Byma, case no. 12-15933-KAO. Filed June 5. Clinton L. Sizemore, case no. 12-15751-KAO. Filed May 31. James Neil Langford and Nancy Jean Langford, case no. 12-15715-KAO. Filed May 31.

TAX LIENS Vincent M. Cadden, $12,757.54 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 29. Pamela A. Wasley, $26,436.45 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 29. Excelsis Music Inc., $9,831..39 in unpaid IRS taxes. June 1. Pine Creek Construction Inc., $3,270.09 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. Mark Woodlief, $16,789.57 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. Brittany D. Cagey, $42,647.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. David Baxter, $73,704.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. First Priority, $29,116.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. Arnulfo Ramirez, $63,670.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. Lawrence D. Kostora, $3,363.03 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1. Family Foot Care PS, $7,115.90 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Birch Bay Cab Company Inc., $6,369.63 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Roy N. Karrer, $99,921.75 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Robert John Hoksbergen, $95,043.40 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Cavallino Auto Works Ltd., $4,697.61 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Tracy L. Vaughn, $20,602.34 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. D & R Services Inc., $40,247.41 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Patricia A. George, $21,180.53 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Fountain Veterinary Hospital, $2,286.09 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Michael H. Evans Jr. and Rachel Evans, $27,311.45 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Quimbys Concrete LLC, $15,554.77 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11. Daniel R. Quimby and Marola J. Quimby, $23,011.61 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 11.

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Downtown Bob’s LLC dba Downtown Bob’s Burgers and Brew, $4,753.16 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Family Foot Care PS, $9,779.05 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Ryan Caillier dba Arlis’s Restaurant, $20,269.98 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Charles Coffey dba The Fiberworks, $8,680.39 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Gregory W. Heppner and Sharon L. Heppner, $19,252.12 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Mary W. Goodwin, $18,033.42 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Marianne Hatton, $10,448.29 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19. Clay J. Faaborg, $6,655.47 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 19.

JUDGMENTS B & B Paint Co. Inc., $10,830.06 in unpaid Department of Revenue Taxes. Filed June 18. Do Construction Inc., $15,097.01 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. Java Junkyz LLC, $305.27 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. Grondin Constructions Inc., $5,964.28 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. Clark W., Beverly, Jane Doe and John Doe Casey dba Northwest Custom Insulation, $6,977.28 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. W M Faust Inc. dba Pioneer Construction, $4,502.08 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. Green Light Electric Inc., $236.04 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. Pacific Northwest Karate LLC, $1,056.68 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 18. John Drue and Kristi Buradina Dickinson dba Dickinson Farms, $1,641.13 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14. Towers J. and Jane Doe Corbley-Rockwell, $529.55 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 13. Platinum Builders Inc. dba Platinum Homes, $4,268.66 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 13. Little Lous Construction LLC, $1,040 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 12. Edgar Pears, $1,040 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 12. Lee D. Connors, $1,040 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 12.

Leo D. Ruel, $1,040 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 12. Lifes A Party LLC, $4,864.07 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 12. Whatcom Territory Aero Service Inc., $14,735.52 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 6. Accusearch LLC, $8,219.95 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 6. Semiahmoo Drywall LLC, $4,443.51 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 6. Patrick’s Custom Construction Inc., $2,004.14 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 6. Blessings Inc. dba Blessings Salon Spa, $1,424.84 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 6. Peter C. and Jami L. Harrison dba P M Construction, $7,810.79 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 5. Archipelago Construction Inc., $2,737.57 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 5. Luis H. and J. Doe Alvarez dba La Enterprises, $2,404.33 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed June 5. Mark Alexei and Nicole Loise Ford dba Alexei Ford Design Studio, $238.69 in unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 1. Best Limousines & Sedans Inc. dba Best Limousines, $1,283.54 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 31. Carol Lee Ortiz dba Frosty Inn, $461.07 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 31. Kimble Lee Lukenbill dba Kimble’s Earth Works, $5,043.48 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 31. Gary Lagerwey and Paul Vargas dba Northwest Pro Concrete, $593,88 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 31. Tracy Alyn Labrie dba Labrie Construction, $392.73 in unpaid Employment Security Department taxes. Filed May 31. B & J Fiberglass LLC, $22,884.29 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 30. Custom Concrete Contracting LLC, $4,115.35 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 30. Land Roofing LLC, $1,935.48 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed May 30.

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July 2012