Bellingham Business Journal, March 05, 2014 by Sound Publishing

Vol. 22 No. 3

MAR 2014

AIRPORT

Bellingham airport celebrates completion of $38.6 million terminal expansion [4]

theBUZZ New Chamber CEO As Occhiogrosso takes over leadership of the Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he says membership outreach will be his initial effort. [7]

A retail perspective from the other side Canadian, American panelists discuss impacts of crossborder shopping on retailers in British Columbia. [11]

Bike shop planned for Bellingham’s Fountain District The well-known Fountain Drug building will soon be home to a new cycling retailer. [8] BRIAN COREY FOR THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2012

Negotiations begin

County Council approves 60-day moratorium on new applications for pot businesses within the county’s jurisdiction. [12]

Due diligence starts as Port of Bellingham courts Irish developer for waterfront property

BY EVAN MARCZYNSKI The Bellingham Business Journal

deal is not complete, but the Port of Bellingham made a significant stride forward last week in setting framework for the first private development on the city’s central waterfront in decades. Port commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 18 to allow executive director Rob Fix to enter a 120-day negotiation period with Harcourt Developments Limited of Dublin, Ireland. Harcourt is seeking to become the lead developer for 10.8 acres of former industrial

waterfront bordering downtown Bellingham and the Whatcom Waterway. The property includes the historic Granary Building, which will get new life after it was once slated for demolition due to decrepit condition. Fix said the port will spend the following months delving into Harcourt’s financial background and completing other due diligence efforts. “We’re very much in the evaluation phase of this,” Fix said. “We have a pretty good idea of who they are, but we’d like to dig into those details a little further.”

Whatcom County blocks pot business

One important element of the negotiations will involve a revised development vision from Harcourt for the 10.8-acre site. The Irish developer’s initial proposal, which was one of four offers a port-led selection committee vetted last year, included almost all of the 237 acres of waterfront land expected to be redeveloped over the next several decades. But the possibility for such a grand vision, particularly one involving that amount of property, is not on the table, Fix said. Harcourt’s proposal itself was light on

Readers’ Choice Make your selections in our annual business awards. [9]

Business Toolkit Getting noticed with Web copywriting. [22] Invest wisely when picking the right employees. [22]

WATERFRONT, PAGE 6

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March 2014

[7] New CEO

Guy Occhiogrosso speaks with The Bellingham Business Journal as he takes over leadership at the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber.

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. Larry W. Evans

[17] Tax math

Branch Manager 360-738-2376

Boeing’s $8.7 billion tax break was among the biggest in the nation’s history. See how those numbers add up.

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[11] Border shoppers Canadian shoppers have boosted Whatcom County’s economy for years. But advocates across the border want to stem the tide.

[12] Block on pot Anndi D. Pena

Home Mortgage Consultant 360-738-2363

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Ross Schram von Haupt

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Ryan D. Martin Home Mortgage Consultant 360-293-1160

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No new applications for pot producers, processors or retailers in unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. At least for now.

[10] Market Indicators [18] People On The Move [19] Public Records [22] Business Toolkit

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BUSINESS JOURNAL A division of Sound Publishing Inc. TONY BOUCHARD Advertising Sales Manager (360) 647-8805, Ext. 1050 tbouchard@bbjtoday.com EVAN MARCZYNSKI Associate Editor (360) 647-8805, Ext. 5052 evan@bbjtoday.com MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER Creative Services Manager JENNIFER MILLER Creative Artist 1909 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone (360) 647-8805 Fax (360) 647-0502 News: editor@bbjtoday.com Ad sales: sales@bbjtoday.com Subscriptions: (888) 838-3000 circulation@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.

BRIEFS

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

Silver Reef Hotel plans expansion with new tower Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa has announced plans to construct a new hotel tower that will add 98 guest rooms and two luxury suites, along with an additional 3,000 square feet of meeting space. Once completed, the Lummi Nation-owned property will have 205 total rooms, 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space, an expanded hotel lobby and a new bar. The Silver Reef opened in 2002. It has expanded six times since opening. The most recent construction at the hotel included a new event center, theater and bar, as well as expansion of the Steak House at Silver Reef and updates to the Red River Cafe. The hotel tower’s construction is expected to take 16 months to complete, according to a news release. Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa is operated by the Lummi Commercial Company, the business arm of the Lummi Nation.

Ferndale’s Healthy Pet acquires kitty litter product line The Ferndale-based pet product manufacturer Healthy Pet has purchased a natural, wood-based catlitter brand called Simply Pine, and company leaders said the acquisition will accelerate the firm’s expansion into the natural fiber cat-litter market. Healthy Pet acquired the Simply Pine brand from Dry Creek Products LLC, a subsidiary of Biomaxx Inc. Along with the sale, both companies have entered a multi-year agreement that will have Dry Creek supply products to Healthy Pet. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Simply Pine products are sold in more than 1,500 retail locations nationwide. Healthy Pet was founded more than 25 years ago as Absorption Corp. It is today a division of J. Rettenmaier & Sohne.

TD Curran opens new store in Issaquah TD Curran has opened a new location in Issaquah. The Bellingham-based Apple Inc. products retailer now has four stores in the Pacific Northwest.

The newest location is located in Issaquah’s Grand Ridge Plaza, at 1520 Highlands Drive NE, Suite 110. The store has eight employees; it is managed by Allie Volland. TD Curran remains the only certified Apple specialist in northwest Washington, meaning its employees are specially certified to handle and repair products covered by an Apple warranty. The company was founded in Bellingham in 1992. It also has locations in Burlington and Kirkland.

Alzheimer Society of Washington expands local services The Alzheimer Society of Washington is expanding its services in Whatcom County to meet the needs of an increasing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory loss, as well as the need for more caregiver support. The nonprofit organization has added a six-week class, titled “Finding Your Stride – A Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Care,” designed to help caregivers learn how to maintain their own emotional, mental and physical health so they can best care for loved ones. A new “Staying Connected“ class has also been added in Ferndale. The free weekly program is for adults who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness and are able to participate and feel comfortable in a group setting. Staying Connected classes also meet weekly in Lynden and Bellingham. The Alzheimer Society of Washington is also hosting a fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at the Best Western Lakeway Inn in Bellingham. Tickets are available for purchase online. The need for dementia education and caregiver support has risen with the aging of the “baby boomer” generation, mainly because those providing unpaid care are primarily family members and friends, not eldercare professionals, according to a news release from the organization. Recent findings show that 1 in 3 seniors will become afflicted with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The findings also show millions of caregivers are providing billions of hours of unpaid care each year. The Alzheimer Society of

Washington has operated in Whatcom County since 1983. The organization can be contacted at 360-6713316.

Employers set record on tax credits earned for hiring Employers in Washington state set a new record when they took in $82 million in federal tax credits last year for hiring certain hard-to-place job seekers, according to the state’s Employment Security Department. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit rewards employers who hire military veterans, people with disabilities, exinmates, food-stamp and welfare recipients and individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income. The maximum tax credit can range from $2,400 to $9,600, depending on the eligibility category of each eligible new hire. The credit is deducted from employers’ federal income taxes. The state’s Employment Security Department administers the program in Washington. In 2013, the department received more than 56,000 applications from 2,632 Washington businesses. Some 30,744 of the hires qualified for the tax credit. In 2013, food-stamp recipients represented 73 percent of all certifications. Welfare recipients and veterans were another 16 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Employers apply for the credit through Employment Security’s website, esd. wa.gov (enter WOTC in the search box). Applications must be submitted within 28 days after the qualifying new employee starts the new job. Tax credits begin accumulating after an eligible new employee works 120 hours and earns at least $1,118, and the credits reach their maximum after 400 work hours. Businesses certified for the credit must complete IRS Form 5884 when submitting their federal income taxes. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program officially expired at the end of December 2013, but Congress historically has reauthorized the program back to the date of expiration, according to the Employment Security Department.

SBDC highlights local impacts Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center continues making strides in its effort to bolster the local economy and business community. That’s the summation from the SDBC’s director, Jennifer Shelton, after the center announced earlier this month its Whatcom County economic impact figures from 2013. Among the highlights: - The center helped local businesses save or create

136 jobs and helped clients secure more than $4.3 million in loans and new investments. - All total, SBDC clients have 2,969 employees. - The center’s three certified business advisers counseled 441 clients, including clients seen at eight satellite offices throughout Whatcom County. Ftaff provided more than 2,442 hours of in-depth counseling and research—approximately six hours per client. - SBDC clients represent more than $125 million in

BRIEFS, PAGE 4

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The Bellingham Business Journal

March 2014

AIRPORT

With cut of ribbon, airport celebrates new digs Bellingham International Airport’s commercial terminal now features new gate lobby, expanded ticket and baggage areas Port of Bellingham staff, as well as local and regional government leaders, welcomed guests to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Bellingham International Airport Feb. 20, to mark the completion of the airport terminal’s multiyear, $38.6 million expansion. (At right) Starting from left, Port of Bellingham Commissioner Dan Robbins, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, Commission President Michael McAuley and Commissioner Jim Jorgensen, cut a ceremonial ribbon at the airport Feb. 20. EVAN MARCZYNSKI | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL

REGION

Transportation leader calls for funding alternatives bility of a proposed quality assurance manager position. After 10 years of research data collection, Peterson also said WSDOT can go leaner in its project design goals. Projects are currently over-designed by 20 percent to ensure adequate safety measures, but now there is a better understanding of simpler and cheaper ways to enhance transportation goals, she said, referring to an increased focus on roundabouts rather than traffic signals at intersections.

BY BRANDON MACZ Bellevue Reporter Washington Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson says even if the state Legislature approves a transportation package this session, there won’t be enough money to go around and a “Plan B” needs to be crafted to deal with the worst cases of maintenance and preservation needs to ensure public safety. Peterson met with Bellevue Reporter staff Wednesday, Feb. 19, to discuss her reform package presented to the Legislature earlier this year, as well as the status and issues revolving around Puget Sound transportation projects and funding for failing systems statewide.

Funding

Reforms Acknowledging a design error that has caused cost overruns of more than $170 million for the SR 520 bridge replacement project, Peterson said one reform she’s pushing the Legislature to fund this year would address WSDOT’s methodology for contracting for construction projects. “We have a lot of control but that means if there is a design error, such as 520 pontoons, then that error comes back to us,” said Peterson. “That originally had been, it was supposed to be design-build and it ended up being design-bidbuild.” Peterson also wants funding to create a quality assurance manager position. While all projects are staffed for quality assurance, she said a manager would oversee all of them and report directly to her. She is also exploring options for including contractors in the design process.

Washington Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson spoke with editors and reporters at the Bellevue Reporter last month, one of The Bellingham Business Journal’s partner publications in the Puget Sound region. BELLEVUE REPORTER PHOTO The transportation secretary defended her decision not to sanction Seattle Tunnel Partners — charged with drilling the downtown Seattle tunnel project — based on the results of a Federal Highway Administration investigation that determined the contractor committed a civil rights violation by not subcontracting a portion of work under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. The first step would have been withholding payment, she said, which would only further hurt subcontractors attached to the project. Ensuring compliance with the DBE program would also be a responsi-

If the Legislature can’t reach an agreement on a transportation package, WSDOT expects a 52-percent budget decrease over the next four years. Even if a transportation package passes, most of the revenue is already bonded for capital projects and won’t cover the cost for maintaining and preserving Washington’s deteriorating infrastructure. A 10-cent increase per gallon to the gas tax also won’t fully fund all capital improvements for transportation, said Peterson, as only 8 cents per gallon captured from the tax currently goes back for state operations, which also relies heavily on federal funding. The Road User Fee Task Force is still looking at long-discussed vehicle miles traveled tax, she said, and requires a pilot project for further study. The Senate proposed Feb. 13 a $12.3 billion transportation revenue package with an 11 1/2-cent gas tax increase, but currently does not have enough votes within its own caucus to move forward this session.

520 bridge The Senate proposal could fund completion of the SR 520 bridge, said Peterson, however, tolling the I-90 bridge is still being looked at as the most likely solution to a more than $1 billion funding gap. Without a revenue package, the SR 520 design office is slated to close in June, she said. If the Legislature fails to approve a package, it likely wouldn’t convene again unless the governor called a special session. Peterson said she doesn’t think that’s likely to happen.

Maintaining the system Peterson said her department will need to prioritize what projects get addressed through its maintenance and preservation budget, including finding funding to repair or replace 180 culverts on recreational land by 2017 as ordered under the “culvert case.” The federal ruling was made more than a decade after Washington tribes sought an injunction, claiming the poorly constructed culverts were blocking migrating salmon. The state must repair or replace 817 culverts by 2030. Peterson said 140 of those culverts exist in King County alone. She said about 140 need to be fixed by 2017. The total cost is estimated at $2.5 billion. The case is currently being appealed, and Peterson said there is the potential for the cost to have a significant impact on the rest of WSDOT’s maintenance and preservation budget. “It’s the McCleary (case) of transportation,” said Peterson, referenc-

TRANSPORT, PAGE 26

BRIEFS, FROM 3 annual sales (the center notes that only about 50 percent of its clients disclose annual sales figures). After clients interactions with the SBDC, they reported an average annual sales increase of 44 percent, according to the center.

Bellingham Tech earns new accreditation, awards Bellingham Technical College’s welding program has been accredited as a certified test facility by the American Welding Society, considered a gold standard of steel welding and construction standardizing agencies. The school joins Bates Technical College in Tacoma as the only colleges in Washington state to carry the accreditation. Gabriel Mast, dean of BTC’s professional technical education, said the AWS endorsement will give students more competitive educational backgrounds when entering the workforce. The technical college has also announced that its culinary arts program has earned acclaim. The program’s “hot food” team won a silver medal at the Jan. 18 American Culinary Federation State Competition. The team will now represent Washington state in a regional competition held in Oakland, Calif., in early March.

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

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WATERFRONT, FROM 1

Port and Harcourt have 120 days to hammer out the details of waterfront deal

specifics, as future market forces are likely to determine the actual nature of projects built on the site. But the waterfront quarter is expected to eventually include a mix of residential and commercial buildings, parks, and a possible new facility for Western Washington University. The firm plans to partner with Bellingham-based Tin Rock Developments Inc. A letter from Patrick Power, a director with Harcourt, received by the port on Nov. 22, indicates the company is willing to scale back its proposal to fit within the 10.8 acres and align with a master plan for the waterfront that was approved by the port and the Bellingham City Council last December. Port staffers officially released a “request for proposals” for the site in May 2013. They received four offers from companies seeking the lead role in the property’s development, three separate offers solely to renovate the Granary Building, and additional standalone offers for a waterfront hotel and an affordable-housing complex. The port’s selection group included Fix; Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville, Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws; Steve Swan, WWU’s vice

They said

On the historic Granary Building, above, the Port of Bellingham’s selection committee favors a plan from a local partnership between Tollhouse Energy Company and Zervas Group Architects, both of Bellingham. EVAN MARCZYNSKI | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2013

president of university relations; additional port and city staff, and representatives from the Seattle-based Heartland LLC consultancy, hired by the port to aid the process. The group’s recommendations were released Feb. 12. Decisions were unanimous, according to the port. Harcourt has noted development experience on

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projects around the globe. One of its well-known endeavors was a major waterfront redevelopment in a quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland, home to the shipyard that built the famous Titanic ocean liner in the early 20th Century.

Granary’s new future While the choice for a private developer will weigh heavily on the site’s future, designs for the waterfront Granary Building have also attracted curiosity. In mid-2012, the port commission was prepared to allow the now-empty building to be torn down, largely due to the perceived high cost of its renovation. At the time, the port’s environmental programs director, Mike Stoner, said it could cost up to $14 million to bring the iconic facility back to life. That figure, however, was disputed by local developers. And after public outcry over the potential loss of the structure, commissioners agreed to include the Granary in the port’s waterfront development request. Out of three proposals for standalone renovations of the 1920s-era building, the selection group favored a plan from a local partnership between Tollhouse Energy Company and Zervas Group Architects, both of Bellingham. The partners’ proposal envisions a mix of residential, office and restaurant space. It also features several ambitious ideas,

including plans to have the renovated facility meet the rigorous green-building standards of the Living Building Challenge, as well as construction of a hydropower turbine connected to a currently inactive water line that extends to Lake Whatcom. Fix said the port won’t enter into a deal directly with the partnership. Instead, Tollhouse and Zervas are expected to work in tandem with Harcourt (or whomever is chosen as the site’s lead developer), he said. Additional partnerships between the lead developer and other private developers will also be encouraged by the port, Fix said.

Caution urged The port commission attracted a larger crowd on Feb. 18 than typically seen at port meetings, including a film crew from the Center for New Media, a nonprofit broadcaster in Bellingham. Several people who gave comments during the meeting asked commissioners to act carefully as negotiations with Harcourt begin. Bob Burr, who was a candidate for Bellingham City Council last year, said he would have preferred the lead developer recommendation go to a U.S. firm, or even better, one based in Washington state. Local writer and activist Wendy Harris, who has been highly critical of

WATERFRONT, PAGE 7

“We’re very much in the evaluation phase of this. We have a pretty good idea of who [Harcourt is], but we’d like to dig into those details a little further.” ROB FIX EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PORT OF BELLINGHAM

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

CHAMBER

Occhiogrosso favoring a pragmatic approach The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber’s new CEO said he wants to hear from members before getting into details BY EVAN MARCZYNSKI The Bellingham Business Journal During his first 90 days leading the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Guy Occhiogrosso said he plans to brush up on his listening skills. Occhiogrosso, who was named president and CEO of the Bellingham chamber in late January, takes over on March 3. His first few months will likely involve a lot of face-to-face meetings with chamber members and others in the community, he said. And as he began winding down his tenure at the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, where Occhiogrosso has served as executive director since 2006, he wasn’t quite ready to talk specifics about the future. “I don’t want to go in and say I’m going to change this or that. My philosophy tends to be: Is it good for the membership?” Occhiogrosso said. “I’m very member-oriented. I believe in membership value.” Occhiogrosso will participate in his first chamber member event as president and CEO during a networking breakfast on Friday, March 14. The chamber’s first public event under his leadership will be an installment of the organization’s regular Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 18, featuring Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville and Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws. Occhiogrosso (it’s pronounced “AH-chiGRAH-so,” although he said in jest that he accepts pronunciations “any way they come out.”) spoke with The Bellingham Business Journal in February about several topics likely to be at the forefront of local business over the next few years.

WATERFRONT, FROM 6 the port and city’s waterfront master plan in regards to its protections of shoreline environment and wildlife habitat, urged the port commission to complete a new analysis of the future development’s environmental impact before any construction on the site begins. Doug Karlberg, a local commercial fisherman, was worried about the nature of the port’s proposed deal with Harcourt. Rather than purchase the 10.8 acres, Harcourt wants a joint-venture with the port, according to the recommendation from the port’s selection committee. The agreement would have the Irish developer handle predevelopment expenses, while the port commits the land. Karlberg said he was concerned that such a deal could be risky for the port, particularly if Harcourt’s intentions for the property change. “I think [the joint-venture talks] should be a very methodical process, and you’ve got to be careful,” Karlberg said. Later in the meeting, Fix responded to these concerns, saying a joint-venture has both positives and negatives. Such an agreement would allow the port to keep some control over the development of the

Guy Occhiogrosso begins his new position as the president and CEO of the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce & Industry in March. COURTESY PHOTO

On the rollout of the Affordable Care Act: The start of the so-called employer mandate in the new health reform law was pushed back further after the Obama Administration issued new regulations in early February on a provision of the law that requires certain large employers provide workers with health care insurance or face fines. property, yet an outright sale would bring more money, he said. “There’s advantages and disadvantages to each,” he said. Fix told the commission that the port has not received any worthwhile offers in the past eight years to buy the property. Harcourt does not appear interested in an outright purchase, he said. Prior to the vote, Commissioner Michael McAuley said he wanted assurance from Fix that the port commission would be allowed a voice in the negotiation process. He said he wants Harcourt to have an understanding of the importance of aligning its development vision with the waterfront district’s master plan, and added that he thinks this understanding must be made clear as early as possible. Fix replied that in most development negotiations he would recommend the port commission stay out of talks and allow staff to handle details. However, the complexities and community importance of the waterfront development makes this process “a little bit different of an animal,” he said. Fix assured McAuley that the commission would be kept informed of the talks’ progress. He said there will also be opportunities for the commissioners and community

The mandate was initially set to go into effect in 2014, but federal officials chose to delay its implementation until the following year. Now, only companies with 100 full-time employees or more will need to begin providing coverage by 2015. Companies with between 50 and 99 full-time workers who do not provide coverage won’t face fines until 2016. Members of the president’s administration said the delays were necessary to allow businesses time to adapt to the new requirements. The employer mandate has been among the more controversial aspects of the reform, particularly among the law’s opponents. In Ferndale, Occhiogrosso said he has actually had fairly minimal conversations with business owners as to how the gradual implementation of the Affordable Care Act has impacted their operations, so far. But he said he has noticed some confusion over health care reform among local business owners, especially when it comes to following changes to the law’s deadlines and timetables. “The people in our community that, I would say, are responsible and/or trained to interact and deal with that—your HR professionals, you insurance offices—a lot of them are having difficulty understanding the process,” he said. “It’s hard to prepare for if you don’t know exactly what’s to be expected, and when it’s going to be expected.”

On the Gateway Pacific Terminal: Occhiogrosso’s predecessor at the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber, Ken Oplinger, was an outspoken supporter of the controversial proposal by SSA Marine of Seattle to build a large coal and bulk commodimembers to meet with Harcourt representatives as the negotiations move forward. He also said he agreed with McAuley that Harcourt should demonstrate a commitment to the waterfront master plan. Commissioner Dan Robbins reiterated to those at the Feb. 18 meeting that the process remains far from complete.

ties terminal at Cherry Point in Whatcom County. Oplinger joined labor leaders and other business groups favoring the proposal, making pro-terminal arguments at public events and in newspaper columns. Those arguments typically focused on the number of jobs proponents of the terminal claim the project could bring to the county. But Occhiogrosso was less inclined to speak freely about his opinion on the matter, at least for now. He declined to say whether he would support or oppose the Gateway terminal once he starts as the chamber’s CEO, saying he would rather wait until he gets perspective from the chamber’s executive board. He also noted that the Ferndale chamber restricts its directors’ advocacy of certain business interests, particularly ones that can be politically volatile, meaning he has had to be careful when addressing the topic. While acknowledging that the chamber members in Whatcom County likely contain both supporters and opponents of the Gateway project, he was careful to parse his words. “I don’t know what the strategic perspective of the [Bellingham/Whatcom chamber’s] board of directors will be. It’s a delicate issue; it really is,” he said. “I would say that it’s a topic that we, as the chamber, should be informed on. But at this point, I can’t say how my participation in that topic will play out.”

On the impact of cross-border traffic from British Columbia into Whatcom County: CHAMBER, PAGE 8 “We aren’t making the final selection at this time,” Robbins said. “The next 120 days are going to be very important for the port and Harcourt.”

Evan Marczynski, associate editor of The Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or evan@bbjtoday.com.

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The Bellingham Business Journal

March 2014

NEW BUSINESS

Bikesport shop coming to Fountain District New cycling retail and service business hopes to open in well-known Bellingham building this month BY EVAN MARCZYNSKI The Bellingham Business Journal A new bike shop is coming to a wellknown building in Bellingham’s Fountain District. Signs in the windows at 2416 Meridian St. have for several weeks announced the future arrival of Bikesport, a venture run by Andy and Stacy Walker, along with their business partners, Scott Kowal and Tassie Orem-Kowal. The Bellingham store will share a connection to a Bikesport that has been in Seattle’s Ballard Neighborhood since 1995, although the Bellingham shop will operate as an independent business rather than a

franchise location, Andy Walker said. He said they hope to open in March, adding that they want to be ready in time for the year’s prime cycling-sales season, which typically starts in early spring. “Ultimately, we have to be part of that to be successful, with the projections we’ve made,” Walker said. The Walkers, who have lived in Whatcom County for several decades, recently purchased the iconic Meridian Street property. The 10,080-square-foot building was once home to the popular Fountain Drug and Galleria. Creative Dancewear, a local dance supply store, occupied the top floor between 2009 and 2012, before moving to a new location on Holly Street.

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Walker said the building’s history was a major factor in its selection as the site for Bikesport. After talking with other business owners in the Fountain District and residents from surrounding neighborhoods, he said there has long been desire to put the building back to use. “The neighborhood is very excited to have a tenant in this space,” Walker said. “There is a lot of community support.” An 1,100-square-foot space on the building’s north side will also be available for a second business to lease, he said. Bikesport will carry several brands of bikes, including lines from Jamis, Cannondale, Santa Cruz and GT Bicycles, Walker said. The shop will also offer repair services and cycling accessories, as well as kids’ products, he said. Another aspect to Bikesport—one Walker believes will add a unique element to the store—will be its triathlon section.

Maureen “Mo” Trainor, an elite triathlete and owner of Train-or-Tri, is partnering with the shop to develop special training sessions, Walker said. Bikesport will likely employ between eight and 12 people, both full-time and part-time, although that will vary based on the season, he said. Walker said he plans to cater to a variety of customers, from serious cyclists to casual or newbie riders. While there are already several established cycling retailers in town, he believes there is opportunity to bring a fresh approach to the business without muscling out competitors. “I think there’s room for growth in the industry in this town,” he said.

CHAMBER, FROM 7

that they were on track to begin issuing the first business licenses to pot producers and processors in March. Licenses to the state’s first pot retailers will likely follow soon after. Speaking generally, Occhiogrosso said he thought the new pot marketplace raises some interesting questions for chambers of commerce. For example: If a chamber chose to deny membership to owners of pot stores, would that be seen as a restriction of free enterprise? But with policies surrounding the new industry still in flux, it’s better to let lawmakers work out the details before forming an opinion, he said. “I think it’s too early for the chamber to make any kind of determination,” Occhiogrosso said. “There are more important things that we can do as an organization than anticipate what policymakers and lawmakers will ultimately decide.”

Occhiogrosso said he believes that the focus on Canadian visitors’ impact to local retailers has attracted attention away from other effects and complexities of Whatcom County’s proximity to the border. He said cross-border commerce involves more than just Canadians driving to Bellingham to shop at big-box stores or catch flights from the city’s airport. A lot of Canadian-owned businesses exist in Whatcom County, including in Ferndale, he said. “I think we underestimate and undervalue the impact it has on our community,” he said. “We forget how much true crossborder activity really goes on here and how much of an impact it has on all of us.”

On Washington state’s future legal marijuana industry: Officials with the Washington State Liquor Control Board said in February

Evan Marczynski, associate editor of The Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or evan@bbjtoday.com.

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March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

EXPORTS

Washington state’s exports hit record in 2013 A record-setting year for 16 states nationally; U.S. reaches export high of $2.3 trillion

BY DAN CATCHPOLE The (Everett) Daily Herald

8.4 percent over the previous year. That growth in 2013 was driven by an 18 percent increase over the previous year in aerospace sales — worth $43.6 billion. Other top Washington exports include fuel, industrial machinery, wheat, electric machinery, medical instruments and wood, according to a news release from the state Department of Commerce. In all, 12,677 companies in Washington were involved in exporting, according to U.S.

Aerospace sales to foreign customers helped Washington set a new record last year for state exports — a combined $81.9 billion in goods and services sold to international buyers, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In all, 16 states set new export records, helping set a new national high of $2.3 trillion. Washington’s exports increased

Commerce Department data. Washington had the fourthmost exports in the nation last year. “With at least one in three jobs in Washington related to international trade, creating a culture of exporting is a key pillar of our economic development agenda,” state Commerce Department Director Brian Bonlender said in the news release. The other states setting export records were Texas ($279.7 billion); California ($168.1 billion);

Louisiana ($63.1 billion); Michigan ($58.5 billion); Ohio ($50.5 billion); Georgia ($37.6 billion); Tennessee ($32.4 billion); North Carolina ($29.3 billion); South Carolina ($26.1 billion); Kentucky ($25.3 billion); Connecticut ($16.5 billion); Mississippi ($12.4 billion); Maryland ($11.8 billion); Colorado ($8.7 billion); and Oklahoma ($6.9 billion).

Dan Catchpole is a staff writer for The Daily Herald in Everett, Wash., a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal.

The Bellingham Business Journal’s

2014 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS The nominees: EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Mark Lee & Doug DeVries Co-owners, Big Fresh Media; co-founders, NVNTD

Brittany O’Brien Spruce Stationery and Design

Ron Price Campus president, Charter College in Bellingham

Doug Pfeif & Zach Pfeif Haywire Computer Repair

Sue Sharpe Executive director, Chuckanut Health Foundation (formerly known as St. Luke’s Foundation)

Colleen Unema Q Laundry

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Drizzle Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room Launching Learning Success Store Vinostrology

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Community Food Co-op Fairhaven Runners & Walkers The Woods Coffee

BEST EVENT SPACE

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR Interfaith Coalition Lydia Place Whatcom Land Trust

BEST SPOT FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH Avenue Bread Ciao Thyme Keenan’s at the Pier

BEST PHILANTHROPY

The Leopold Crystal Ballroom The Event Center at Silver Reef Casino

Winner to be announced

(Additional write-in nominees are welcome in all categories)

Winner to be announced

BEST LOGO

Indicate your selections on this form and fax it to 360-647-0502, or mail it to: The Bellingham Business Journal, 1909 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. You can also fill out an online form at www.BBJToday.com. Winners will be determined by readers’ input and BBJ staff consideration.

INDICATORS

The Bellingham Business Journal

Graphs include the most recent data available at press time. Annual changes show cumulative difference from the same time period during the previous year. Data include raw numbers only and are not adjusted to account for any seasonal factors.

March 2014

Jobs: 2013 ends at 6.4% unemployment Jobless benefit claims

Unemployment Rate

Bankruptcies

Year-to-date: 26 Annual change: �21.21%

Dec. 2013: 2,532 Dec. 2012: 1,881

Dec. 2013: 6.4% Dec. 2012: 7.1%

Includes continued unemployment benefit claims in Whatcom County

Includes non-seasonally adjusted figures in Whatcom County

10%

Includes filings for Chapters 7, 11 and 13 in Whatcom County

4000

3000

50 40

2000

30 20

1000

2% J FMAM J J A S O N D J FMAM J J A S O N D 2012 2013 SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

Chapters 11,13 Chapter 7

J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O N D 2012 2013 SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2013 SOURCE: U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON

J 2014

Spending: Loonie down to 91 cents $2M $1.75M $1.50M $1.25M $1M $750K $500K $250K

Sales-tax distribution

Motor-vehicle registrations Jan. 2014: 1,042 Jan. 2013: 924

Canadian dollar

Year-to-date: $1.59M Annual change: Negligible Includes basic and optional local sales tax to Bellingham

Includes original registrations in Whatcom County

Includes monthly averages (Canada-to-U.S.) at market closing

1250

$1.10 $1.00 $0.90 $0.80 $0.70 $0.60 $0.50 $0.40 $0.30 $0.20 $0.10

1000 750 500 250

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2013 SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

J 2014

Jan. 2014: $0.91 Jan. 2013: $1.01

J F M A M J J A S O N D J 2013 2014 SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING

J F M A 2013 SOURCE: BANK OF CANADA

J 2014

Housing: Late-mortgage rate dropping Residential sales

Home sale prices

$300K $250K Average price Median price

$150K $100K $50K J F M A M J J A S 2013 SOURCE: NORTHWEST MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

O N D

Foreclosure rate: Dec. 2013: 1.15% Dec. 2012: 1.58% Delinquency rate: Dec. 2013: 3.07% Dec. 2012: 4.17%

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50

$350K

$200K

Foreclosures & Delinquencies

Closed: Year-to-date: 148 Annual change: �4.23% Pending: Year-to-date: 239 Annual change: None

Average: Jan. 2014: $283,370 Jan. 2013: $267,120 Median: Jan. 2014: $251,750 Jan. 2013: $235,000

J 2014

4.5% 4% 3.5% 3% 2.5% 2% 1.5% 1% 0.5%

J F M A M J J A S 2013 SOURCE: NORTHWEST MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

J 2014

J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O N D 2012 2013 SOURCE: CORELOGIC

Other factors: County permits higher Airport traffic

Cruise terminal traffic

Includes total enplanements at Bellingham International Airport

Includes inbound/outbound passengers at Bellingham Cruise Terminal

70K 60K 50K 40K 30K 20K 10K J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D 2012 2013 SOURCE: PORT OF BELLINGHAM

Building-permit values

Year-to-date: 1,422 Annual change: �7.81%

Year-to-date: 595,074 Annual change: �4.29%

4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 J F M A M 2013 SOURCE: PORT OF BELLINGHAM

Bellingham (Jan ‘14): Year-to-date: $8.38M Annual change: �52.92% Whatcom (Dec ‘13): Year-to-date: $110.1M Annual change: �13.16% $30M Bellingham $25M Whatcom County $20M $15M $10M $5M

J 2014

J F M A M J J A S O N D J 2013 2014 SOURCES: CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

BORDER

Survey suggests loonie’s drop has travel impact But as the exchange rate fluctuates, retailers in British Columbia say their U.S. competitors are still tough to match BY EVAN MARCZYNSKI The Bellingham Business Journal The Canadian dollar’s fall in value over the past year has caused some residents north of the border to make fewer shopping trips into the U.S., according to a recent poll of people living in lower British Columbia. Steve Mossop, president of Insights West, a Canadian market research firm, shared the results from his company’s latest survey of border-crossing habits during a Feb. 19 panel discussion in downtown Vancouver, organized by Retail Marketing and Advertising Canada, a trade group. Panelists’ commentary focused on crossborder shopping and its impacts to Canadian business. The Insights West survey, which polled 810 lower B.C. residents online between Feb. 3-5, found that 61 percent drove into the U.S. to shop at least once during the past 12 months. That’s down 13 percentage points from a similar survey last year, which reported 74 percent of residents in the area made at least one cross-border trip by car annually. The loonie’s recent drop in value compared to the American dollar has raised concerns in Whatcom County that southbound border travel will suffer, and with that could come hits to local businesses boosted by Canadian shoppers. The loonie averaged 91 cents to the American dollar in January, according to the monthly average exchange rate at market close, calculated by the Bank of Canada. During the same month last year, that average was $1.01. Southbound travel into Whatcom County has risen steadily over the past five years. The total number of people crossing into the county in 2013 increased 5.7 percent to 16.2 million, compared to the previous year, according to data from Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research. Vehicle travel into Whatcom County is currently the busiest it has been since the late ‘90s. For business advocates in British Columbia, the number of Canadians who travel south to shop at American retailers remains a threat to the health of their own stores back home. Large Canadian retailers, such as London Drugs, have even initiated advertising campaigns designed to convince hometown shoppers to keep their business in Canada. Among the company’s recent efforts are major flyer blitzes centered around Black Friday. “We’re doing all we can to compete,” said David Thorpe, general manager for marketing at London Drugs, who was among the panelists. “It’s a very, very challenging, competitive marketplace.” Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, who was another panelist, said that stagnating retail sales are occurring across Canada, but the effects appear to be heightened in British Columbia. Huberman said that according to the retailers she speaks with in lower B.C., the general sentiment is that the lure of American shopping contributes to a “stopped economy” up north.

Year-over-year Q3 retail sales increase locally TOTAL TAXABLE SALES

RETAIL-TRADE SECTOR ONLY

$1B

$500M

$800M

$400M

$600M

$300M

$400M

$200M

$200K

$100M

2012 2013 Bellingham only: $603.5 million (Change from Q3 2012: �4.3%) All of Whatcom Co.: $915.3 million (Change from Q3 2012: �6.32%)

“The convenience of going across that border is quite significant,” Huberman said. In terms of solutions, Huberman said her organization is lobbying Canadian lawmakers to lower trade tariffs and enact policies that would narrow pricing gaps between products sold in Canada and the U.S. She said the focus is to use public policy to help create a more level playing field. Insights West’s survey showed that a majority of respondents said lower American prices for retail goods, as well as other items such as airline tickets, remain one of the key elements attracting them to shop in the U.S. But James McCafferty, assistant director of WWU’s Center for Economic and Business Research, who was the only American on the panel, said Canadian retailers’ woes are attributable to more than just prices. McCafferty said he believes the real challenge for Canadian stores is not simply matching the prices of their American competitors, but instead gaining a better understanding of their customers’ behavior and shopping preferences. In short: It’s not just an issue of pricing; it’s also one of marketing. “Understanding what makes consumers tick is very important,” McCafferty said. A major question remains for business owners and economists watching the border: How low in value must the loonie fall before Whatcom County sees significant drops in Canadian traffic? Answers differ. Huberman cited figures from the B.C. Business Council predicting that noticeable effects would come if the loonie falls to between 83-85 cents on the U.S. dollar. McCafferty highlighted data from WWU’s Center for Economic and Business Research that puts the threshold lower, at 70-75 cents. Should the loonie fail to recover its value, or drop even further, McCafferty said he doesn’t expect the currency exchange rate will have a blanket impact on Whatcom County business. Local companies on solid financial ground would likely be able to weather the impact, he said. But businesses already struggling would certainly have a more dif-

“We’re doing all we can to compete. It’s a very, very challenging, competitive marketplace.” DAVID THORPE GENERAL MANAGER FOR MARKETING LONDON DRUGS

2012

2013

Bellingham only: $339.4 million (Change from Q3 2012: �3.62%) All of Whatcom Co.: $443.8 million (Change from Q3 2012: �5.61%)

Source: Washington State Dept. of Revenue

ficult time. “It’s going to impact each one differently,” McCafferty said.

Evan Marczynski, associate editor of The Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or evan@bbjtoday.com.

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The Bellingham Business Journal

March 2014

MARIJUANA

Pinpointing pot’s boost to tax revenue Bans, moratoriums throw off initial revenue estimates from pot sales

BY JIM DAVIS The (Everett) Herald Business Journal Pot smokers will begin legally buying recreational marijuana as soon as this summer, paying taxes with every purchase. Just how much revenue this will generate is a little, umm, hazy. “There’s no other blueprint to look at across the world,” said Brian Smith, Washington Liquor Control Board spokesman. The only analysis conducted on pot taxes in Washington was done in 2011 when voters were still considering whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older. At the time, the Office of Financial Management said the state could make up to $2.14 billion in the first five years of taxing marijuana. Those analysts relied on a national profile of marijuana users and statistics of their consumption to come up with an estimate of 363,000 marijuana users in Washington if the law passes. A consultant, BOTEC Analysis Corp., hired by the state to help understand the new industry figured that was about right — if the counting started when the stores open. “They said it was achievable,” Smith said. “Let’s put it that way.” But the analysis was based on stores opening across the state, Smith said. In January, the state Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion that cities and counties could ban pot businesses outright. Depending on how it plays out, there could be far fewer pot businesses than originally forecast. Marijuana is already being bought and sold

Mike Burdick of Green Liberty in Bellingham inspects a crop of marijuana plants in January 2013. These plants are grown for medicinal users, which Green Liberty is licensed to supply. The company has also applied for a license to produce pot for the commercial market, and if it should receive one, its retail side would be run separately. EVAN MARCZYNSKI | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL

legally in Colorado, the only other state to legalize pot for adults. That state started in January and they won’t have any estimate on taxes generated until early March, said Daria Serna, Colorado Department of Revenue spokeswoman. In Washington, the state will collect taxes on the new industry in several ways. The state received more than 7,000 applications from people who want to grow, process and sell marijuana. With licensing fees costing $250 a pop, that’s more than $1.75 million. And people who don’t have their applications rejected will have to pay additional fees, said Kim Schmanke, Washington Department of Revenue spokeswoman. The state will also collect a 25 percent excise tax at each stage of growing, processing and selling marijuana. So $100 of marijuana grown at a pot farm would

cost $195.31 by the time it reaches the consumer, if all the taxes are added at each step without any other mark ups. Growers who process their own marijuana don’t have to pay the excise tax twice. The state will also collect sales taxes on each purchase and business-andoccupation taxes for all the new businesses. Last year, the state collected about $2.5 million from medical marijuana dispensaries from sales and business-and-occupation taxes. Initiative 502 passed by voters in 2012 to make pot legal spelled out how the excise tax and licensing fee revenues would be spent. About $6 million a year would be distributed to the Liquor Control Board and other agencies for administration and other costs. The rest of the money from those taxes would be split between mainly health and education programs

including a marijuana hotline, media campaigns and a drop-out prevention program. The University of Washington and Washington State University will get 1 percent of that tax money to research marijuana. About 9.7 percent would go to the state’s general fund. The state — as well as cities, counties, school districts and other local agencies — will get to keep the sales taxes from the purchases. The state will also get to keep the businessand-occupation taxes for the general fund. So far, lawmakers haven’t decided how to use the money. “The Legislature has not booked revenue from marijuana, because there’s a lot of unknowns,” Smith said.

Jim Davis is the editor of The Herald Business Journal in Everett, Wash., a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal.

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MARIJUANA

Whatcom County blocks pot business BY EVAN MARCZYNSKI The Bellingham Business Journal As regulators in Washington move closer to issuing the first licenses in the state’s new recreational pot industry, the Whatcom County Council approved a 60-day moratorium Feb. 11 that blocks new applications for marijuana producers, processors and retailers in the county. The moratorium, which passed a council vote unanimously, also includes medical marijuana facilities. It only covers applications in unincorporated areas of Whatcom County, where the county government has jurisdiction. The 60-day block will give county officials time to produce an interim ordinance for the council to review, with assistance from local law enforcement and the county prosecutor, according to Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws. The moratorium could extend beyond 60 days if more time is needed. According to the moratorium ordinance, which Louws presented to the council Feb. 11: - “Marijuana related operations are vulnerable to robbery and crimes of violence, as evidenced by the actual robberies and violence that have occurred at state legal marijuana medical sites within Whatcom County and elsewhere.” - “The current requirements for locating a proposed marijuana facility do not specifically address the potential risks that these operations pose for surrounding residences, including those residences within isolated communities with limited police protection.” - “It is necessary to have this moratorium take effect immediately in order to prevent future applications for marijuana producers, processors, retailers, and collective gardens from vesting under current laws and thus subverting the purpose of additional regulations to protect the public.”

POT, PAGE 26

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

Local businesses “spring” into action at the 7th Annual Spring Business Showcase By Shelli Jones

ast year, my husband and I attended Spring Business Showcase. By the end of the evening we had a new favorite restaurant, bakery and barbershop. Showcase gives vendors a chance to make a lasting impression on new customers. In our case, they exceeded our expectations and gained two new loyal customers. Spring Business Showcase, sponsored by the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa, is the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce’s annual business to consumer tradeshow. It attracts thousands of consumers every year and this year it will be held at the Event Center at the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa on March 27th from 4:00pm - 9:00pm. It is free to the public and tickets can be picked up at any participating business. (See list on next page.) Spring Business Showcase features business to consumer exhibits, product demonstrations, prize drawings, free parking, free admission tickets, and delectable food, wine and beer tasting. “As always, we’ll have great giveaways and prize drawings,” said Shelli Jones, Marketing Coordinator at the Chamber. “This year’s grand prize drawing will be two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines! Visit the Alaska Airlines booth #36 to enter to win!” “Showcase allows our vendors to directly connect with consumers, increase their brand recognition, drive trafﬁc to their retail locations, gain face-to-face exposure, and network with dozens of other vendors and meet thousands of prospects,” said Bellingham Chamber Membership Director, Marvin Riggs. Memorable booths are often those that are interactive. “[Charter College’s booth] will have an opportunity for guests of the Showcase to help us build a Lego community and win many exciting prizes, including a

7TH ANNUAL

BUSINESS TO CONSUMER

Thursday, March 27 Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa 4876 Haxton Road Ferndale Admission is free—tickets available at participating businesses

Kindle Fire, and much, much more! We hope attendees make sure to come by the Charter College booth and partake in the fun, win some great prizes and receive information that will help them achieve their education and career goals,” said Hannah Thomas, Director of Community Outreach at Charter College. Massage Envy’s Stacy Paul said, “We’ve been a part of Showcase for the past two years. As in the past, we’ll be offering complimentary tenminute chair massages. It gets very busy, so we recommend that people stop by our booth to get their name on our list to reserve a time for their massage. Then they can continue walking around to the other booths.” “We couldn’t hold this event if it wasn’t for our generous sponsors: Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa, KGMI/ Cascade Radio Group, Print & Copy Factory and Alaska Airlines,” said Chris Rasmussen, Business Manager at the Chamber. KGMI has been involved in the Spring Business Showcase since its inception in 2008, broadcasting from the event and serving as a promotional partner. General Manager,

Don Kurtis said, “We are proud GRAND to once again be involved in this year’s Spring Business PRIZE DRAWING Showcase. It is truly a great 2 ROUND TRIP community event which allows TICKETS FROM a variety of local businesses to highlight themselves in a unique and upbeat setting. Every year I am impressed by the quality of the event and Looking for a loan expert? the comfortable, informaLook no further. tive and fun atmosphere Visit Elisabeth at our Bellingham Lending Center projected to those who 1313 E Maple St. Suite 230 • Gateway Centre attend.” Tracy Ellis from Smart Start (Unique Properties) • All in 1 Construction KGMI’s PM Bellingham VA (0% Down) • USDA • Jumbo • Traditional will be broadcasting live at Elisabeth Britt Loan Officer, AVP the event this year. Stop by Mortgage NMLS# 152147 booth #27 to say, “Hello!” 360.417.1502 elisabeth.britt@ourfirstfed.com Strengthening Our Communities Since 1923. Showcase’s food vendors Local Lenders • Local Decisions • Local Focus are always a popular attrac- Learn more >ourfirstfed.com 800-800-1577 tion. This year, they include Massage Envy will be providing free ten-minute chair Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse massages at the 2014 Spring Business Showcase. Bar & Grill, Man Pies, Port of Subs, Memorable Events and Catering, Cupcakes Like it Sweet and Chocolate Illusion. Adult beverages will be provided by Samson Winery and Wander Brewing. The cost is $5 for a tasting glass, so bring your ID Member FDIC

Continued on next page

Vendors at the 2013 Spring Business Showcase interact with potential customers. (Photos by Paciﬁc Party Canopies)

The Bellingham Business Journal

Showcase Continuted from page 1 to prove that you’re legal! Heather Hellyer of Cupcakes Like it Sweet said, “We are going to have mini samples of our cupcakes on hand and we will again have some decorated displays to see. (See photo on next page of cupcake display.) We will be donating a gift certiﬁcate for the door prize; will have a photo book of samples of our decorating work, our menus, and brochures on weddings and special events”. Northwest Sky Ferry will be giving away two round-trip tickets to the San Juan Islands! Stop by their booth (booth #30) to check out all their exciting scenic tours and commuter ﬂights and say hello to Katie and Skip Jansen! Another vendor at this year’s Showcase is Sharon Yonally of Nerium International. Sharon said,”… I appreciate the opportunity that the Chamber provides local businesses with the Spring Business

Showcase enabling local business to reach out to the public with our products and services that the public might not otherwise come in contact with. This is such a valuable service to the businesses that participate and to the public that attends. This year I’m excited to share with the public the incredible breakthrough science of the ultimate simple one step NeriumAD’s exclusive NAE-8 patented antioxidant night cream.” “During the 2014 Spring Business Showcase, Bellingham Explorer will launch its new website showcasing a robust calendar of events between Whatcom and King County as well as featured articles celebrating the culture of Northwest Washington,” said Owner, Silvia Reed. “We’ll have giveaways and special prizes for attendees who stop by our booth.” So whether you come for the food, beer and wine tasting, prize drawings or the free swag at vendor booths, this year you can also stop by the craps table, play slots or a few hands of poker or have a relaxing meal at one of Silver Reefs eight restaurants. This year’s Spring Business Showcase has it all!

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Picutred above: Synergy Ninjas’ Landy DeField promoting his new business Whatcom Eats. (Photo by Radley Muller Photography) Below, KGMI’s Dillon Honcoop gets a haircut from V’s Barbershop at the 2013 Spring Business Showcase.

March 2014

Spring Business Spring Showcase Business Showcase Vendors Vendors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 40 41 43 47 48 50 55 60 62 64 65 66 67 69 71

Data-Link West Inc Passion Parties Print & Copy Factory Massage Envy Cupcakes Like It Sweet Gateway Centre Executive Suites Service Master of Whatcom Waddell & Reed, Inc. Signs Plus Wander Brewing Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness A-1 Transmission Service Johnson's Towing Inc Dream Big Consulting Proscapes, Inc. Red Wing Shoes Red Wing Shoes Acupuncture Health Center Uptown Art Studio Natural Way Chiropractic Memorable Events & Catering LLC The Leopold - Crystal Ballroom BioLife Plasma Services AAA Lanching Success Learning Store Grand Illusion Floral Chocolate Illusion Cascade Radio Group/KGMI Rice Insurance The Northern Light Newpaper Northwest Sky Ferry Whidbey Island Bank Hotel Bellwether/Lighthouse Bar & Grill Emeritus at Fairhaven Whatcom Community College Alaska Airlines Criminal Data Man Pies Jerns Funeral Chapen and On-Site Crematory Bellingham Explorer First Federal Nerium International: Sharon Yonally Maid Pro Barron Heating Samson Estates Winery Praise 106.5/ Crista Broadcasting US Bank Port of Subs Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa Silverado Senior Living SpringHill Suites Charter College Cobalt Mortgage

Booth assignments as of 2/14/14. Subject to change

Booth or food station

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36 w/Power

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Doors to Service Corridor

KEY

KGMI’s Dillon Honcoop interviews former Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber President Ken Oplinger at the 2013 Spring Business Showcase. (Photo by Paciﬁc Party Canopies)

Booth or food station

Doors to Service entrance and Loading Dock for Load In and Load Out

The Bellingham Business Journal

Doors to Service Corridor

Spring Business Showcase Floor Plan

March 2014

Doors to Service Corridor

Premium Booth

Standard Booth

Basic Booth with Power

Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPs) representatives Adam Dickson of VHS CPA’s and Chad Booth of Core of Life Chiropractic introduced 2013 Spring Business Showcase participants to WYPs. (Photo by Paciﬁc Party Canopies)

Standard Booth with Power

Food samples at the 2013 Showcase included tasty treats from Keenans at the Pier at the Chrysalis Inn & Spa and Cupcakes from Cupcakes Like It Sweet. (Photo by Paciﬁc Party Canopies)

SEE US AT THE SPRING BRIDAL SHOW, MARCH 9TH AT THE FERNDALE EVENTS CENTER 11:30-4:30! JOIN US AT THE SPRING BUSINESS SHOWCASE BOOTHS #25 & 26 FOR CHOCOLATE SAMPLING & FABULOUS FLORAL GIVEAWAYS!

The Bellingham Business Journal

March 2014

Silver Reef Event Center

he Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber is proud to be hosting the 7th Annual Spring Business Showcase at the new Event Center at the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa. Silver Reef features a total of 22,000 square feet of indoor function space including the Event Center with 10,000 square feet of space that the Chamber required for their business to consumer expo. Silver Reef also features a Legacy Room which can seat 80; a 154-seat tiered seminar theater, two smaller board rooms, complimentary wi-ﬁ and state-of-the-art audio visual technology that can make any presentation look more impressive. Silver Reef also offers a full range of custom catering packages for its guests. The Theatre has three 16-foot in-ceiling dropdown projectors as does the Event Center. So whether you have a video presentation for your annual banquet or a computer demonstration for

fit education into your life with our fully online programs! Charter College Bellingham offers fully online programs that also provide students with on-campus support. You enjoy the flexibility of an online education with in-person support at the campus when you need it for: tutoring, lT support, access to library resources, job placement assistance for graduates, loan management, and on-campus social events.

new Bs in nursing program!1 14 months If you are a registered nurse with a minimum of an associate degree and hold an active, non-expired nursing license, you could position yourself for career advancement with Charter College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This program is offered online through Charter College Anchorage.

new mBa program! 9 months The Charter College Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to help graduates grow in their careers from supervisory to management or leadership positions in an organization or business. This program is designed for professionals with a bachelor degree in a business related program. This program is offered online through Charter College Anchorage.

classes start soon

855.856.9129 for a full listing of online and blended programs, visit

chartercollege.edu

Charter College Bellingham Bakerview Square 410 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 112 Charter College and this Nursing program are accredited through Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and approved by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. Charter College will not be seeking any programmatic or specialized accreditation or recognition for this program. Prospective students should check the employment requirements for their desired employer prior to enrolling in the program. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: CharterCollege.edu

BH 2637 - Whatcom Report - Spring Biz Showcase Edition |

your seminar, the audio visual equipment at Silver Reef will certainly leave a lasting impression on your guests. Silver Reef’s professional staff takes care of everything including the set-up and tear down. They provide the booth tables, skirts and chairs as well as the liquor license for our beer and wine tasting. Silver Reef also added 300 new parking spaces, so Event Center guests will not have to worry about parking. On February 18, Silver Reef began another phase of expansion which is slated to include 98 deluxe guest rooms and two luxury suites - bringing the total number of rooms to 205. The expansion will also add a new meeting room that is divisible into three - bringing the total function space to more than 28,000 square feet, and an expanded hotel lobby with a new bar. Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa is owned and operated by the Lummi Nation in Washington. The expansion will be constructed by Lummi Commercial Company.

Silver Reef Event Center (pictured above) and Theatre (pictured below)

Guy Occhiogrosso addresses Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber members

ou ARE the Chamber. As I begin my tenure as your President/CEO of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, my focus and commitment will be on you as the members of this great organization. It is my plan to work with each one of you as members to ensure success for the Chamber’s second century of operation. Just as any good business idea or program, it starts with healthy conversation. Please know as a member of this organization, my door is open to you as you ARE the Chamber. My name is Guy Occhiogrosso and this is my tenth year as a resident of this community. I am committed to the industry and concept of the Chamber of Commerce, but I am more committed to this place – our community. My family has been in this community since the mid 1960s. I moved here in 2004. I have been serving this community as the Executive Director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce since 2006. And now I am proud to serve our greater community in this new position. It is important to celebrate our diversity and nuances from all aspects of the local business community, big and small, local and international. I look forward to working with each of you as business owners, executives, managers, employees, consumers, and residents. It is our part to make this the best community possible and understand that all of us are part of this community. I am an alum of the Western Washington University MBA Program, and I feel that education is vital for success at any stage of business and life. I value being an active participant in this community through various volunteer opportunities as well as enjoying the great amenities of our area, and I promise to do my part to promote these as well as ensure their success for generations to come.

Guy Occhiogrosso, President & CEO of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber

As part of this Chamber, I am proud to carry on the great traditions of this organization but also implement the changes needed to continue the success of our local business community. We want your input and partnership in making those changes. Your voice is and will be important to me, and I would be honored to hear it. Please do not be a stranger to our meetings, events, and programs. This is your organization – you ARE the Chamber.

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

REGION

Boeing’s tax break: How $8.7 billion adds up Aerospace leader’s tax deal last November labeled as biggest corporate break ever awarded by a state government BY JIM DAVIS The (Everett) Herald Business Journal What’s the math behind the biggest corporate tax break in the history of the U.S.? Boeing and other aerospace companies won the $8.7 billion in tax relief during a three-day special session of the Legislature in November in exchange for building the new 777X and its innovative carbon fiber wing within the state. The deal guarantees thousands of jobs—and Boeing’s presence— will remain in Washington for years to come. It also ties up a large chunk of potential tax revenues for future generations. Does it add up? “Absolutely. The aerospace industry is a fundamental piece of the economy for the state of Washington,” said Alex Pietsch, Washington state’s aerospace director. “The 777X is a foundational piece of our ability to sustain and grow the aerospace industry in Washington state for the future.” Soon after the deal was made, it got the label of the biggest U.S. corporate tax break ever awarded by a state. Good Jobs First is a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that aims to promote corporate and government accountability in economic development.

Engineers work on the fuselage of a 787 at Boeing Co.’s Everett plant on May 29, 2013. GENNA MARTIN FOR THE (EVERETT) DAILY HERALD

The group last May had compiled a list of these tax break mega-deals around the country. The Boeing deal is $3 billion more than the next one, $5.6 billion awarded to Alcoa, an aluminum company in upstate New York, said Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First executive director. He said the deal is the cor-

porate version of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. “Elite companies like Boeing that have the ability to move capital around, they’re really taking it to the bank,” LeRoy said. It’s not like the state is giving $8.7 billion to Boeing, Pietsch said.

It’s actually less money than the state will tax Boeing and other aerospace companies from 2025 through 2040. During that time, the aerospace industry will still pay an estimated $21.3 billion in taxes. (State law currently prohibits the disclosure how much a company pays in taxes.)

The aerospace industry accounts for 11 percent of all of the wages earned in Washington state, he said. “You can’t overstate the value of the aerospace industry to the economy of the state of Washington and the livelihood of almost everyone in the state,” Pietsch said. The deal actually extends seven existing tax breaks that were first approved for the 787 during Gov. Gary Locke’s administration in December 2003. Boeing and other aerospace companies started getting the breaks in 2006. Those tax breaks were supposed to save the aerospace industry $3.2 billion—it landed at No. 3 at the Good Jobs First list. So far, the aerospace industry has avoided $928 million taxes on the 787 deal. The tax breaks cover about 600 aerospace companies that build commercial planes, their components and even the tools made for building these planes. The biggest single piece is giving a “preferential rate” on the business-and-occupation tax for aerospace companies that build the 777X and other commercial airplanes. The deal means the aerospace industry will pay a 0.2904 per-

BOEING, PAGE 26

REGION

Everett selected as building site for carbon-fiber 777X wings BY DAN CATCHPOLE The (Everett) Daily Herald The Boeing Co.’s decision to build the carbon-fiber-composite wings for the new 777X airplane at a new building at its Paine Field facility means thousands of jobs and a foothold in industry-leading technology for Snohomish County. But Boeing has to answer some big questions about how to allocate space at the site while continuing a major refresh of its jetliner catalog. The company might find that even the biggest building in the world isn’t big enough for everything it needs to do in the next five to 10 years. It is difficult to know exactly what those challenges will look like because they depend on what happens with all of the airplanes currently built in Everett — the 747, 767, KC-46A, 777 and 787. Boeing itself isn’t sure how it will all work out, but it will be creative with space, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner said during a press conference Tuesday at the company’s airplane delivery center at Paine Field. “We’re going to start tearing down buildings” later this year to make room for a

new 1-million-square-foot wing fabrication facility, he said. The new building, which the Chicagobased company is calling a composite wing center, will replace a cluster of drab, 1960sera brick office buildings on the north side of the big factory where it assembles widebody jets. More than 2,000 workers will make carbon-fiber components for the 777X wings in the center. The wings will be assembled somewhere else on site, but Boeing hasn’t figured out exactly where yet, Conner said. Boeing plans to make room for the 777X assembly line in the factory by shutting down the 787 surge line, Conner said. The surge line was set up last year and is slated to end in 2015 as the production rate increases at Boeing’s second 787 final assembly facility in North Charleston, S.C. But the company’s consistently optimisitc expectation about Charleston’s ability to increase output has been countered by aerospace analysts’ skepticism. “I don’t know anybody who believes” the Everett surge line will end in 2015, said Scott Hamilton, an aerospace analyst with the Issaquah-based Leeham Co.

North Charleston’s target is seven planes a month, but it is currently assembling one to two a month, he said. “The surge line will be here easily three or four more years.” That would start bumping against company’s goal to start 777X production in January 2018, as laid out in a request for proposals sent last year by Boeing to states bidding for the 777X work. The company also faces many questions about how to transition from the existing 777 to the 777X, as well as questions about the future of the 747. Boeing expects the 777X line will employ 3,250 workers in 2018, with a peak of 8,500 in 2024 and a sustained workforce of 7,250 by 2026, according to the bid documents. That means that even at its peak, the new jetliner will employ fewer workers than the classic 777, which had an estimated workforce of about 12,100 a couple years ago, according to a recent study commissioned by Washington Aerospace Partnership. Boeing will invest “hundreds of millions of dollars” to build the 777X in Everett, Conner said.

On hand for the announcement were political and union leaders, including Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson; U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell; and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) aerospace coordinator Mark Johnson. The announcment didn’t come as a surprise — the only other viable option was Frederickson in Pierce County, where Boeing has a plant that does composite work for the existing 777 and for the 787. But as The Herald reported in January, transporting the massive wings from Frederickson would have been a significant challenge. Building the wings in Washington means the state will be on the cutting edge of composite-materials manufacturing, which advocates say will become standard for automakers and other industries as well. “These are going to be built in Everett, but this is a statewide win,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. Composite-material manufacturing means airplanes can be lighter and stronger than they would be using traditional materials such as aluminum, steel and

WINGS, PAGE 26

PEOPLE

The Bellingham Business Journal

Accounting Carson Jones, who joined the accounting team at Archer Halliday in Bellingham in 2011, recently earned his CPA designation. Jones obtained bachelor’s degrees in accounting and international business management from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Archer Halliday has also hired Richard Renouard as an accountant. Renouard holds a CPA designation and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in accounting, from Western Washington University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Banking Peter Cutbill has been named Whidbey Island Bank’s new senior vice president and commercial team leader for Whatcom County. He has been with the bank for 13 years, serving as its senior credit administration for the past

two. Cutbill holds an MBA, with specialties in finance and human resources management, from University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, as well as a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Toronto. He is currently co-chair of the Whatcom County/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Peoples Bank announced several promotions. Shannon Day has been promoted to assistant vice president and will also continue her role as branch manager for the Fairhaven office inside the Haggen Fairhaven Market. Day has more than 12 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mark Swanson is now a vice president and continues his role as branch manager of the Cordata and west Lynden branches. He has 20 years of business management experience and has served in financial services for four years.

Steve Gray has been promoted to assistant vice president. He will also continue his role as senior real estate loan officer at the Bellingham Real Estate Loan Center in the Barkley District. Gray has served the financial services industry for more than 20 years, with experience in the mortgage industry, including owning his own company.

Education Kathleen Casprowitz, owner of the Bellingham Sylvan Learning Center, has been named the Sylvan company’s 2013 Franchisee of Kathleen the Year. Casprowitz She was presented with the award on behalf of Sylvan Learning Centers and the International Franchise Association. Casprowitz, a native Canadian, has opened or purchased 17 Sylvan franchisees in Canada and the

Strong relationships build strong communities.

western U.S. since her first center opened in North Vancouver in 1987. The Bellingham center opened in 1994. Casprowitz was featured in a 2013 article in The Bellingham Business Journal, which explored her recent effort to expand her franchises’ digital learning tools. Read that article here. Nancy Ivarinen, who has been coordinator and instructor for Whatcom Community College’s paralegal studies program since 2003, was recently awarded the Joseph T. Pemberton Award for her longstanding commitment to civil legal aid in the community. Ivarinen has been an attorney in both private practice and for legal aid programs since 1988. During her time at WCC, Ivarinen developed the volunteer-based Street Law program, which provides free, confidential legal advice to students and their families.

Energy Lynn Murphy has been named Puget Sound Energy’s community services manager for Whatc o m C o u n t y. Murphy has been with PSE for five y e a r s Lynn Murphy working in emergency management and as a liaison to municipalities in Whatcom and Skagit counties. She earned a degree in public administration from the University of North Texas and currently serves on the board of directors for Mount Baker Red Cross and Whatcom Safe Kids Coalition.

Financial services Chris Collins, a former Whatcom County restaurateur, has joined Security First Mortgage in Bellingham as a loan originator. Collins is the former owner of Graham’s Restaurant in Glacier. He also owned CB’s Taqueria and What’s the Scoop ice cream shop, both in Lynden, during his 29 years in the restaurant business.

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Gordon Rogers, the longtime deputy executive director of the Whatcom Council of Governments, retired in February. He joined the organization in 1994. Gordon Rogers T h e council has renamed its board room in Rogers’ honor. The retiring director also received a congratulatory letter signed by Sen. Kevin Ranker and Reps. Kristine Lytton and Jeff Morris (all of the Washington state’s 40th District), a legislative resolution from Sen. Doug Ericksen and Reps. Vincent Buys and Jason Overstreet (all of the 42nd District), and an official greeting from Gov. Jay Inslee.

Health care The medical staff at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has named. Dr. Dag Jensen, an interventional radiologist, and Dr. Michael Pietro, a general surgeon, as “physicians of excellence” for 2014.

PEOPLE, PAGE 23

RECORDS

March 2014

The Bellingham Business Journal

BUSINESS LICENSES Listings, which feature both new and renewed licenses in Bellingham, include business name, licensee name and the business’ physical address. Records are obtained from the City of Bellingham. 5 Starr Inc., 5 Starr Inc., 1102 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Aberdeen Media LLC, Aberdeen Media LLC, 1703 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Aflac, Brandon Carl Hoobler, 4120 Meridian St., Suite 290G, Bellingham, WA 98226. Alamfoods Inc., Alamfoods Inc., 114 W. Magnolia St., Suite 400#149, Bellingham, WA 98225. American Cannabis, American Cannabis Growers LLC, 564 Kelly Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Atlas Painting LLC, Atlas Solutions General Contractors LLC, 1309 Cranberry Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Avery Elder Law PS, Avery Elder Law PS, 3011 Kulshan St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bellingham Ballet Theater, Diane E. Lundgren, 1105 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bellingham Visual Art Studio, Bellingham Visual Art Studio LLC, 205 Grand Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bendel Companies Ltd., Victor Aimiehinor, 1234 Garland Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Black Brian Collective, Black Brian, 702 Kentucky St., Suite 646, Bellingham, WA 98225. Blackbird Creation Co., Royce James Adams, 2535 Xenia St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Brent Rents, Brent Rents Inc., 3212 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Bullseye Maintenance & Construction, David Longstreth, 704 W. Illinois St., Bellingham, WA 98225. C9 Photography & Design LLC, C9 Photography & Design LLC, 814 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Cable Bridge Conveyor, Cable Bridge Conveyor LLC, 1320 Cranberry Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Cameron Clark, Cameron Clark, 714 Coho Way, Bellingham, WA 98225. Cascade Herb Company, Cascade Herb Company LLC, 4208 Meridian St., Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226. Cascade Herb Company, Cascade Herb Company LLC, 4459 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Cascade Militaria Supply, Gregory Ian Kaminsky, 1253 Puget St., Apt. 3, Bellingham, WA 98229. Catherine Franklin, Catherine Franklin, 3384 Opal Terrace, Bellingham, WA 98226. Cesco Cleaning Services Inc., Cesco Cleaning Services Inc., 2227 Midway Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Chantal’s House Cleaning, Chantal’s House Cleaning LLC, 1812 Texas St., Apt. 6, Bellingham, WA 98229. Cherry Clothes For Kids, Sharon Ann Rego, 689 Cherry Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Chris Erdmann Group Inc., Chris Erdmann Group Inc., 913 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Citrus Group, Citrus Group LLC, 218 N. Samish Way, Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98225. Cleanworks-Northwest LLC, CleanworksNorthwest LLC, 2925 Leeward Pl., Bellingham, WA 98226. Clone Shipper Inc., Clone Shipper Inc., 3724 Primrose Lane, Bellingham. WA 98226. College Pro Painters Of North Bellingham, Marquis Anthony Napier, 2247 Woburn St., Apt. 6, Bellingham, WA 98229. College Pro Painters Of South Bellingham/Mt. Vernon, Susan Wumei Urias, 516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225. College Pro Window Cleaning Of Bellingham, Crystal Guadalupe Navarro,

2305 Douglas Ave., Apt. 5, Bellingham, WA 98225. Constructive Design Build LLC, Constructive Design Build LLC,1417 Portal Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Cool Runnings Construction, David Agustus Campbell, 1235 Raymond St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Cooler Than Jared, Kris Deboer, 2429 Moore St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Creative Management Concepts, Martin James Lynam, 20 Shetland Court, Bellingham, WA 98229. Crystal Nails And Spa, Crystal Nails Spa, 2925 Newmarket St., Suite 104, Bellingham, WA 98226. D. M. Van Larkin Company LLC, D. M. Van Larkin Company LLC, 321 Telegraph Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Dayton Computing, Fred A. Dayton, 118 S. 42nd St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Delta-9, Night Shade LLC, 4200 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Depot Masters, James Edward Masters, 2618 Vining Pl., Bellingham, WA 98226. Don Shapiro Construction, Donald Shapiro, 2139 Humboldt St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Earthen Home, Earthen Home, 3835 Idaho St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Elena Lipson, Source Strategies LLC, 336 36th St. #424, Bellingham, WA 98225. Empowered To Change Coaching, Arlene J. Doeden, 1924 Coyote Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Escarleth Milena De Leon, Escarleth Milena De Leon, 1344 King St., Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98229. Essential Lifeworks LLC, Essential Lifeworks LLC, 1300 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Esthetics By Isabel, Isabel R. Rodriguez, 1201 13th St., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225. Fair Trade Furniture LLC, Fair Trade Furniture LLC, 414 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98226. Fenton Enterprises, Kari Ann Fenton, 5411 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Friends Working Together, Friends Working Together Inc., 705 Newell St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Fringe & Feather, Rhiannon Rose Troutman, 3515 18th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Galley Fare, Magan Lyn Noet, 2521 Vallette St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Ganja Green Leaf, Shamrock Holdings LLC, 2016 Pacific St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Gee Tech, Gurchetan Singh, 4641 Celia Way, Unit 101, Bellingham, WA 98226. Glitt3r Lyfe, Erica Jolicoeur Laudert, 528 N. State St., Apt. E, Bellingham, WA 98225. Granular Dynamics International LLC, Granular Dynamics International, LLC, 1111 W. Holly St., Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98225. Green Vision, Green Vision LLC, 218 N Samish Way, Suite #104, Bellingham, WA 98225. Green Vision, Green Vision LLC, 218 N. Samish Way, Suite #103, Bellingham, WA 98225. Greenberg Artwork Co., Emily Steele Greenberg, 3785 Canterbury Lane, Apt. 170, Bellingham, WA 98225. Gypsy Heart Treasures, Sheri Lee Pounder, 5825 Crystal Springs Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. H2hr Consulting, H2hr Consulting LLC, 2532 Racine St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Hair By Robyn, Robyn Crabtree, 2201 James St., Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98225. Hamsterdam, Hamsterdam LLC, 1255 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham, WA 98226. Harbor Lands Company, Harbor Lands L.P., 405 Fieldston Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Health Center Solutions Inc., Health Center Solutions Inc., 2804 Iowa Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Heather Engholm, Heather Lynn

Engholm, 1201 11th St., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225. Heather Seevers, Heather Seevers, 1304 Raymond St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Hibeams Inc., Hibeams Inc., 513 Cypress Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Hubbub, Deveer And Foy LLC, 2818 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. I-Care Vision Clinic, I-Care Vision Clinic PLLC, 4420 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Imperial Greens, Imperial Greens Incorporated, 4326 Pacific Highway, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226. Index Community Solar Tenancy In Common, Index Community Solar Tenancy In Common, 300 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Innovative Goodies, Brittney Salazar, 4020 Northwest Ave., Apt. 108, Bellingham, WA 98226. Island Periodontics And Implants, Patrick W. Bennett DDS MSD PLLC, 1105 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. J Nautical Ventures, John Jacob Janssen, 2704 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Jamie A. Ashton Educ ational Consulting, Jamie Ann Ashton, 425 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Jeremy Houtsma, Jeremy Evan Houtsma, 1101 Harris Ave., Suite 22, Bellingham, WA 98225. Jess Flegel, Jess Flegel, 306 Flora St. #16, Bellingham, WA 98225. Jewelry Affair LLC, Jewelry Affair LLC, 1006 Harris Ave., Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98225. JJF, JJF LLC, 4687 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226. Joshua Aaron Willems, Joshua Aaron Willems, 3401 Byron St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Julianne A. Kimmel, Julianne A. Kimmel, 2112 E. Illinois St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Julie Clark Evaluations And Counseling, Julie Clark Evaluations And Counseling, 1275 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham, Wa 98229. Junkbox Speed Shop, Gary Andrew Buck, 606 Willow Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. KC Lange, Craig Lange Kendall, 1222 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Kelly Lunda Physical Therapy PS, Kelly Lunda Physical Therapy PS, 960 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. Kickstart Law, Dawn Alisa Deans, 114 Magnolia St. #400-129, Bellingham, WA 98225. King Ave LLC, King Ave LLC, 2117 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225. King St. LLC, King St. LLC, 2117 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225. K iwanis C lub O f Bellingham Foundation, Kiwanis Club Of Bellingham Foundation, 1015 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Kiwi Tree Service, Matthew Scott Wilson, 3011 E. North St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Kulshan Management Systems LLC, Kulshan Management Systems LLC, 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 115, Bellingham, WA 98226. La Luna Massage, Lisa MC Tenney, 2430 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Lali’s Cleaning Services, Bessy Lariza Vinish, 3226 Heights Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Lana Jenae Photography, Corlana Jenae Mullavey, 3709 Ridgemont Way, Bellingham, WA 98229. Langabeer & Traxler PS, Langabeer & Traxler PS, 2011 Young St., Suite 200, Bellingham, WA 98225. Laurie McConkey Non Profit Director/ Consultant, Laurie Ann Hagen McConkey, 2221 G St., Bellingham, Wa 98225, Liet Unlimited LLC, Liet Unlimited LLC, 990 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Lincoln Estates LLP, Lincoln Estates LLP, 1203 W. Holly St., Unit 301, Bellingham, WA 98225. Living Glass Houses, Living Glass Houses

LLC, 2310 Douglas Ave., Apt. 3, Bellingham, WA 98225. LR Ventures & Associates, LR Ventures & Associates LLC, 218 N. Samish Way, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225. LR Ventures & Associates, LR Ventures & Associates LLC, 218 N. Samish Way, Suite 106, Bellingham, WA 98225. Lucke Property Manangement LLC, Lucke Property Manangement LLC, 1956 Edgefield Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Luke’s Automotive, Luke Ronald Proksch, 3870 Cindy Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting, Barp Inc., 1515 Iowa St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Makeup Voodoo, Sidney Lynn Tellefsen, 1511 Oriental Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229. Marina Dock Parts, Troy Talbot, 2919 Wilson Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Marnie Allaway, Organic Beauty Bar, Marnie Ellen Allaway, 311 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mary L. Harding GG LLC, Mary L. Harding GG LLC, 1230 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Merl Publications, Cuauhtemoc Gallegos, 202 E. Laurel St., Apt. 202, Bellingham, WA 98225. Midnight Confessional, Andrew Ward, 3104 Cedarwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. MLR Investment Group, MLR Investment Group LLC, 102 Stuart Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. MLR Investment Group, MLR Investment Group LLC, 4285 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Mossy Rock Acquisitions LLC, Mossy Rock Acquisitions LLC, 112 Ohio St., Suite 108, Bellingham, WA 98225. Natural Neccities, Mikyong Berg, 909 Nevada St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Northwest Counseling Alliance, Best Coast Counseling Services, 1155 N. State St., Suite 322, Bellingham, WA 98225. O.C. General Contracting, Olegario CruzGarcia, 2310 Yew St. Road, Bellingham, WA 98229. One Ocean Sea Products Inc., One Ocean Sea Products Inc., 408 E. Horton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Pamela Helberg, Pamela Helberg, 507 Everglade Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Pellair LLC, Pellair LLC, 2010 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Pho & Bubble Tea, Pho & Bubble Tea, 4492 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Queen Beads, Janie Jones, 3421 Redwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Raven Breads, Sophie Williams, 2515 Dean Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Realty Signs LLC, Realty Signs LLC, 2949 Plymouth Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225. Red Berry, Downtown Bob’s LLC, 202 E. Holly St., Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98225. Red Bird Hair Design, Alexandra Thea Hart, 2211 C St., Apt. 5, Bellingham, WA 98225. RHJ4 Consulting, Robert H. Jones, 3103 Hayward St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Rylan Wilson Schoen, Rylan Wilson Schoen, 921 31st Pl., Bellingham, WA 98225. Sandmaiden Sleepwear, Amanda L. Boyd, 1200 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Schlichting Wixson PLLC, Schlichting Wixson PLLC, 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 1250, Bellingham, WA 98225. Shake & Shine LLC, Shake & Shine LLC, 1800 20th St., Apt. L304, Bellingham, WA 98225. Skin Care By Mallory, Mallory M. Hogue, 118 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Sourcelight Cine, Chris Koser, 255 N. Forest St., Apt. 304, Bellingham, WA 98225. Steph Will Inspire, Stephanie Williamson, 2137 Superior St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Steven J. Mura Attorney, Steven James Mura, 921 36th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Stoneridge Solutions, Toor Holdings LLC, 3576 Skylark Lp., Bellingham, WA 98226.

Striker Products, John Mack Parish, 336 36th St. #390, Bellingham, WA 98225. Studio Of Healing Arts, Studio Of Healing Arts, 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 380, Bellingham, WA 98225. Subrina Karen Farmer, Subrina Karen Farmer, 820 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Summum Bonum Industries LLC, Summum Bonum Industries LLC, 3713 Seeley St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Tadeos Nortwest, Horacio Avila, 3040 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Tamela D. Roby, Tamela D. Roby, 115 W. Magnolia St., Suite 205, Bellingham, WA 98225. Terra Firma Design, Thomas Dolese, 2139 Humboldt St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Texas St. LLC, Texas St. LLC, 2117 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Fairhaven Club, Lairmont Foundation, 405 Fieldston Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. The Great American Hemp Company, The Great American Hemp Company LLC, 405 Manley Road, Bellingham, WA 98229. The Law Office Of Spencer McgrathAgg LLC, The Law Office Of Spencer Mcgrath-Agg LLC, 1313 E. Maple St., Suite 217, Bellingham, WA 98225. The Star, Swampdog And Associates LLC, 311 E. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Textbook Network, The Textbook Network, 516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Third Planet Inc., The Third Planet Inc. dba The Third Planet Of Washington, 200 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. TJ Cleans, TJ Cleans, 1207 E. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Total Vape, Vape World Inc., 1317 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98226. Touchstone Masonry, Towhee Wean, 2630 Kulshan St., Bellingham, WA 98225. TPS Remodeling, Dan G. Moore, 2614 Blackberry Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Transportation Compliance Services, Transportation Compliance Shield Inc., 1319 Cornwall Ave., Suite 215, Bellingham, WA 98225. Troy Strong Inc., Troy Strong Inc., 515 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. True Patriot Painters, John Nymoen, 101 43rd St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Unique Technique Dance, Patricia Grace Mallett, 1417 Cornwall Ave., Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225. Vice Versa Print Shop, Corbin Joseph Watkins, 1510 Donovan Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. VOA Woodworking Corp., Veterans Of America Woodworking Corporation, 3022 Edens Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Washington’s Finest, Shingara Singh Nagra, 4562 Wynn Road, Suite C2, Bellingham, WA 98226. West Coast Hauling, West Coast Hauling Inc., 3820 Keystone Way, Bellingham, WA 98226. Western Economic Empowerment I n i t i a t i v e , We s t e r n E c o n o m i c Empowerment Initiative, 3023 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Whatcom Clay Academy And Fine Art Gallery, Blake Kenneth Miner, 2111 F St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Your Team Crosheditation, Michael Ryan Stoothoff, 1112 Newell St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

BUILDING PERMITS Includes commercial building activity in Bellingham with an estimated valuation listed at $10,000 or more. Records are obtained from the City of Bellingham’s Permit Center. Status updates on permits are available on the city’s website at http:// pnw.cc/sVCen. 2/18/14 to 2/24/14 ISSUED PERMITS

RECORDS, PAGE 20

RECORDS, 19

805 Home Lane, $7,869,156 for new hotel: four-story, 106-unit: Hilton Home2 Suites. Contractor: Exxel Pacific Inc. Permit NO.: BLD2013-00354. 2/21/14. 805 Home Lane, $190,000 for commercial: cast-in-place concrete stormwater detention vault. Contractor: Exxel Pacific Inc. Permit No.: BLD2014-00013. 2/21/14. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, $150,000 for commercial: remodel of existing finished at mail office area, restrooms outside of JC Penney; upgrade to made ADA-compliant; no new plumbing work. Contractor: Culp Construction Co. Permit No.: BLD201400061. 2/21/14. 1423 Railroad Ave., $75,000 for commercial alteration: construct new demising wall and restrooms to create two shell tenant spaces: 1423 and 1425 Railroad Ave. Contractor: Braam Construction. Permit No.: BLD2013-00604. 2/10/14. PENDING APPLICATIONS 1122 Cornwall Ave., $5 million for new four-story, 42-unit affordable housing mixed-use building. Permit No.: BLD201300309. 2/21/14. 1275 E. Sunset Drive, $4,058,213 for tenant improvement exterior building facade modifications and interior remodel of grocery store for new tenant. Permit No.: BLD2013-00600. 2/21/14. 557 Bakerview Road, $2,083,200 for new mixed-use development with 47-unit apartment building and three commercial spaces. Permit No.: BLD2014-00057. 2/18/14. 311 Grand Ave., $850,000 for tenant improvement: office renovation on second floor and courtroom and office renovations to fifth floor. Permit No.: BLD2014-00067. 2/21/14. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 704, $170,000 for tenant improvement: alteration of existing commercial space: Motherhood Maternity. Permit No.: BLD2014-00055. 2/18/14. 516 High St. (WWU’s Old Main), $143,000 for solarium refurbishment and replacement of glazing with new insulated units. Permit No.: BLD2014-00066. 2/21/14. 1145 N. State St., $80,000 for tenant improvement: construct restaurant in newly renovated shell space: Rock & Rye Oyster House. Contractor: Bay City Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00014. 2/19/14. 909 Squalicum Way 108, $25,000 for tenant improvement: construct restrooms, changing rooms and stairway to mezzanine for athletic training studio. Permit No.: BLD2014-00058. 2/18/14. 2/10/14 to 2/18/14 ISSUED PERMITS 2901 Squalicum Parkway (ET first floor), $150,000 for commercial alterations: remodel vacant hospital space for staff offices and support spaces. Contractor: JE Dunn Construction Co. Permit No.: BLD201400029. 2/14/14. 1208 11th St., $80,000 for tenant improvement: convert existing retail space into seating to expand existing cafe (occupancy change from M to A-2); install new restrooms. Tenant: Colophon Cafe. Contractor: Signature Maintenance. Permit No.: BLD2013-00575. 2/14/14. 1830 Grant St., $70,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of existing auto shop for new tenant. Applicant: Ross Architecture NW. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc. Permit No.: BLD201400035. 2/10/14. 2416 Meridian St., $50,000 for commercial alteration: create two tenant spaces within existing building, enlarge restrooms to meet ADA, and construct ramp to rear exit. Permit No.: BLD2014-00006. 2/13/14. PENDING APPLICATIONS 4051 Meridian St., $9,311,746 for commercial: new five-story, 99-unit hotel: Oxford Suites. Permit No.: BLD2013-00581. 2/11/14. 1001 Squalicum Way (Shelter 1), $215,000 for commercial: new 30-foot by 60-foot pre-manufactured metal picnic shelter with fixed picnic tables. Permit No.: BLD2013-00482. 2/12/14.

The Bellingham Business Journal 3233 Northwest Ave., $120,000 for commercial: interior remodel of office space for call center and new partitions in the open office area. Permit No.: BLD201400051. 2/13/14. 1423 Railroad Ave., $75,000 for commercial alteration: construct new demising wall and restrooms to create two shell tenant spaces (1423 and 1435 Railroad Ave.). Permit No.: BLD2013-00604. 2/11/14. 1001 Squalicum Way, $50,000 for commercial tenant improvement: convert 2,160 square feet of existing metal building to office, storage and restrooms; building to eventually be park maintenance and support facility for parks department. Permit No.: BLD2014-00015. 2/12/14. 1001 Squalicum Way (backstop), $45,000 for commercial: construct new backstop and fencing for new baseball field. Permit No.: BLD2013-00481. 2/12/14. 1001 Squalicum Way (Shelter 2), $40,000 for commercial: construct new 12-foot by 16-foot pre-manufactured metal picnic shelter in off-leash area: Squalicum Park. Permit No.: BLD2013-00483. 2/12/14. 1001 Squalicum Parkway, $20,000 for commercial: new dugouts for expansion of Squalicum Creek Park. Permit No.: BLD201300480. 2/12/14. 2/4/14 to 2/10/14 ISSUED PERMITS 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 706, $60,000 for tenant improvement: demo interior walls, fixtures, casework and finishes; install new interior for new tenant (beauty salon). Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2014-00022. 2/3/14. 2930 Sqaulicum Parkway 202, $220,000 for commercial: remodel of space to accomodate installation of GE Health Care PET/CT Scanner: Mount Baker Imaging. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2013-00593. 2/7/14. 2654 N. Harbor Loop Drive, $10,000 for commercial: new steel-framed membrane structure for boat repair: Seaview North Boatyard. Permit No.: BLD2013-00425. 2/5/14. PENDING APPLICATIONS 4-8 Bellis Fair Parkway, $1.3 million for commercial: demolish movie theater and construct three new tenant shells. Permit No.: BLD2013-00550. 2/6/14. 114 Grand Ave., $1.2 million for commercial: second floor and roof demo; new apartments on second floor and new roof installation; other second-floor upgrades. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2014-00038. 2/4/14. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 204, $316,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of retail space: Lane Bryant. Permit No.: BLD2013-00592. 2/4/14. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 616, $182,000 for tenant improvement: remodel existing retail space for new tenant: Christopher & Banks. Permit No.: BLD2014-00036. 2/3/14. 2901 Squaliucm Parkway (ET first floor), $150,000 for commercial alterations: remodel vacant hospital space for staff offices and support spaces. Permit No.: BLD2014-00029. 2/6/14. 1830 Grant St., $70,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of existing auto repair shop for new tenant. Applicant: Ross Architecture NW. Permit No.: BLD201400035. 2/6/14. 2416 Meridian St., $50,000 for commercial alteration: create two tenant space within existing building, enlarge restrooms to meet ADA and construct ramp to rear exit. Permit No.: BLD2014-00006. 2/5/14. 11 Bellwether Way 204, $37,000 for commercial alterations: interior remodel of existing office space: Polar Tanker. Permit No.: BLD2013-00039. 2/5/14. 1907 Iowa St., $25,000 for tenant improvement: build walls in storage area to create new service area and demo walls to expand retail space: Jack’s Bicycle Center. Permit No.: BLD2014-00041. 2/5/14. 1/21/14 to 2/4/14 ISSUED PERMITS 905 Darby Drive, $2,075,000 for commercial: new 16,694-square-foot medical facility: Biolife Plasma Services.

Contractor: Oracle Contracting Services. Permit No.: BLD2013-00504. 1/21/14. 1 Bellis Fair Parkway 610, $165,300 for tenant improvement: interior alteration of existing retail tenant space: Journey’s. Contractor: Retail Construction Services Inc. Permit No.: BLD2013-00544. 1/21/14. 4064 Irongate Road, $148,954 for new commercial: construct metal canopy for new fueling site. Contractor: Pacific Environmental Services Co. Permit No.: BLD2013-00474. 1/24/14. 2901 Squalicum Parkway (CN ground floor), $121,000 for commercial: interior renovation of administrative service space on ground floor. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc. Permit No.: BLD201300590. 1/22/14. 3106 Northwest Ave., $38,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of first-floor space for prosthetics and orthotics office. Contactor: J&J Construction. Permit No.: BLD2013-00602. 1/23/14. 4064 Irongate Road, $17,524 for new commercial: construct utility/restroom building for new fueling site. Contractor: Pacific Environmental Services Co. Permit No.: BLD2013-00473. 1/24/14. 4160 Meridian St., $10,000 for commercial: installation of two ADA lifts for spa and pool. Contractor: Aqua Island Technologies Inc. Permit No.: BLD201400016. 1/22/14. PENDING APPLICATIONS 4050 Northwest Ave., $6,156,824 for commercial: construct 83-room, five story wood frame addition to hotel: Marriott Towneplace Suites. Permit No.: BLD201300572. 1/30/14. 1824 Ellis St., $500,000 for commercial: new two-story addition with storage and administration space; renovations to existing building to provide additional offices: Bellingham Food Bank. Permit No.: BLD2014-00028. 1/27/14. 2901 Squalicum Parkway (CS first floor), $400,000 for commercial tenant improvement: renovation of existing scan suite no. 1 and addition of 175-square-foot UPS enclosure. Permit No.: BLD2013-00561. 1/31/14. 351 York St., $282,029 for commercial: rebuild electrical substation and improve access to site: PSE. Permit No.: BLD201400026. 1/24/14. 2930 Squalicum Parkway 202, $220,000 for commercial: remodel space to accommodate installation of GE Health care PET/CT scanner: Mount Baker Imaging. Permit No.: BLD2013-00593. 1/29/14. 2901 Squalicum Parkway (ET first floor), $150,000 for commercial alterations: remodel vacant hospital space for staff offices and support spaces. Permit No.: BLD2014-00029. 1/27/14. 2005 Division St., $100,530 for tenant improvement: interior alterations to produce and process marijuana: Trail Blazin’ Productions. Permit No.: BLD2014-00020. 1/21/14. 1208 11th St. B101, $80,000 for tenant improvement: convert existing retail space into seating to expand existing cage (occupancy change from M to A-2); install new restrooms: Colophon Cafe. Permit No.: BLD2013-00575. 1/31/14. 1830 Grant St., $70,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of existing auto repair shop for new tenant. Applicant: Ross Architecture NW. Permit No.: BLD201400035. 1/29/14.

LIQUOR LICENSES Records include license activity in Whatcom County. They are obtained from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, online at www.liq.wa.gov. 2/5/14 to 2/19/15 NEW LICENSE APPLICATIONS Hotel Bellwether/Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Harborside Hospitality Management LLC; Bellwether Investments LLC (per WAC 314-07), James Edward Haupt, Nancy Gilbert-Haupt, Fahri Ugurlu and Robin Perkins Ugurlu applied for changes to an existing license to be a direct shipment receiver (in WA only) and sell alcohol in a

hotel at 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225-2954. License No.: 082446. 2/19/14. Perfectly Paired, Matt & Robin Enterprises LLC; Matthew David Hungerford and Robin Marie Hungerford applied to assume a license to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop from Quel Fromage, Bagmo Family Enterprises LLC, at 1200 Old Fairhaven Parkway #101, Bellingham, WA 98225. Licence No.: 402048. 2/19/14. Bellewood Distilling, Bellewood Acres Inc.; Dorene Martell Belisle and John Lynn Belisle applied for changes to an existing license to operate a craft distillery, sell beer/ wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge, make off-premises wine sales, sell kegs to go and sell alcohol through catering services at 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden, WA 98264. License No.: 408920. 2/11/14. RECENTLY APPROVED LICENSES Birch Bay Liquor Store at 7832 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine, WA 98230, received approval for a license assumption to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop. License No.: 079756. 2/10/14. Valley Market and Deli at 1945 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98229, received approval for a new license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant. License No.: 411256. 2/10/14. Bellingham Farmers Market at 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval for alcohol permits for beer/wine sales in a farmers market. License No.: 086121. 2/7/14. DISCONTINUED LICENSES None reported. 1/22/14 to 2/5/14 NEW LICENSE APPLICATIONS The Star, Swampdog and Associates LLC; Brock Thomas Blatter and Sally Jean McColloch applied for a new license to sell alcohol in a nightclub at 311 E. Holly St., Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 408366. 2/3/14. Pho & Bubble Tea, Theresa N. Lee and Thia Thi Nguyen, a general partnership; Keey H. Lee, Theresa N. Lee and Thia Thi Nguyen applied for a new license to sell beer/ wine in a restaruant at 4492 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. License No.: 415593. 1/30/14. Albertson’s #416; Albertson’s LLC applied for changes to an existing license to sell beer/wine/spirits in a grocery store, offer samples of spirits and offer beer/wine tastings at 1650 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 351172. 1/28/14. Tadeos Northwest; Haracio Avila and Maria L. Avila applied for a new license to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge at 3040 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 359620. 1/22/14. RECENTLY APPROVED LICENSES California Tacos & Fresh Juices at 4260 Cordata Parkway, Suite 108, Bellingham, WA 98226, received approval on changes to an existing license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant. License No.: 410693. 2/4/14. Pickford Film Center at 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval for a change of corporate officer on an existing license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant. License No.: 086261. 1/24/14. KC’s Bar & Grill at 108 W. Main St., Everson, WA 98247, received approval for a change of trade name on an existing license to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge. License No.: 355145. 1/13/14. DISCONTINUED LICENSES None reported.

BANKRUPTCIES No business bankruptcies from Whatcom County were reported last month.

FEDERAL TAX LIENS Tax liens of $5,000 or more issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Listings include taxpayer name(s), lien amount, document number and filing date. Records are obtained locally from the Whatcom County

March 2014 Auditor’s Office. Robert B. Rooney, $36,004.48, 2140200649, 2/10/14. Raincountry Refrigeration Inc., $54,241.99, 2140200648, 2/10/14. Pegasus Corporation, $25,639.55, 2140200647, 2/10/14. Andrew T. Zuanich, $46,752.50, 2140100646, 2/10/14. Katherine M. Holmes, $5,817.80, 2140200645, 2/10/14. John L. Demetral and Cheryl R. Pulver, $18,899.78, 2140200644, 2/10/14. John L. Demetral, $25,074.50, 2140200643, 2/10/14. Colleen F. Koch, $375,734.68, 2140200642, 2/10/14. Dean A. Berkeley, $29,890.78, 2140200214, 2/4/14. Joseph R. Fischer, $78,451.94, 2140200213, 2/4/14. Tara Berkeley, $29,890.78, 2140200212, 2/4/14. Stephen B. Menefee, $227,473.79, 2140200211, 2/4/14. Dyan M. Liden, $26,674.58, 2140200210, 2/4/14. Rober t W. Kness, $21,692.66, 2140200209, 2/4/14. John O’Brien and Maxine O’Brien, $10,737.87, 2140200208, 2/4/14. Dyan M. Liden, Salon Eva, $6,032.55, 2140200207, 2/4/14. Taylor W. Disch, $18,210.08, 2140200075, 2/3/14. Martin M. Watterson MD, $96,909.13, 2140102300, 1/28/14. Milt’s Pizza Place LLC, Lynn Bernard Vanderyacht MBR, $13,474.05, 2140101685, 1/21/14. David E. Moody, $69,984.29, 2140101684, 1/17/14. Patrick J. Check, $116,071.28, 2140101683, 1/17/14. Jones & Jones LLC, Michael D. Jones MBR, $17,190.10, 2140101468, 1/17/14.

RELEASES OF FEDERAL TAX LIENS Paul M. Sires, $27,460.84, 2140200651, 2/10/14. Family Foot Care PS, $31,413.63, 2140200653, 2/10/14. Janice Vilkin and David B. Kessel, $8,498.63, 2140200654, 2/10/14. Jennifer Leigh Bridal, Jennifer L. Koll and Jeff Koll general partnership, $9,212.26, 2140100217, 2/4/14. TG Inc., $13,808.10, 2140200215, 2/4/14. Bellingham Whatcom Radiator & Battery Inc., $14,463.50, 2140102303, 1/28/14. Marion A. Edwards, $16,575.54, 2140102302, 1/28/14. Trac y L. Casebolt, $18,329.69, 2140102301, 1/28/14.

STATE TAX JUDGMENTS Tax judgments of $5,000 or more issued by Washington state government agencies and filed locally in Whatcom County Superior Court. Listings include taxpayer name(s), judgment amount, the state agency filing the judgment, originating case number and filing date. Judgments can later be lifted or paid; listings are only current as of their filing dates. Records are obtained from the Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. International Composite Design, $15,482.75, Revenue, 14-2-00476-8, 2/18/14. B&J Fiberglass LLC, $12,733.40, Employment Security, 14-2-00478-4. 2/18/14. Jagger Photography LLC, $7,274.38, Revenue, 14-2-00401-6, 2/12/14. Rod’s Japanese Auto Care Inc., $13,128.77, Revenue, 14-2-00402-4, 2/12/14.

Jim Wynne Associates, $5,909.80, Revenue, 14-2-00406-7, 2/12/14. Big Tiny Unlimited, $7,577.17, Revenue, 14-2-00381-8, 2/10/14. Sea Source LLC, $15,366.09, Revenue, 14-2-00382-6, 2/10/14. Anthony William Kesslau, $18,590.96, L&I, 14-2-00366-4, 2/6/14. Diller Construction Enterprise, $11,946.64, L&I, 14-2-00328-1, 1/31/14. Cummins Enterprises Inc. dba Home Fix Professionals, $5,823.45, Revenue, 14-2-00303-6, 1/29/14. La Cantina Birch Bay LLC dba La Cantina, $7,232.55, Revenue, 14-2-003052, 1/29/14. Lindbloom Construc tion LLC, $49,055.70, Revenue, 14-2-00306-1, 1/29/14. Alley Auto Inc., $4,102.02, Revenue, 14-200278-1, 1/27/14. Cooper Hog LLC dba The Copper Hog, $14,659.25, Revenue, 14-2-00285-4, 1/27/14. Milt’s Pizza Place LLC, $5,160.75, Revenue, 14-2-00288-9, 1/27/14. Kriss Mini Mart Inc., $73,241.19, Revenue, 14-2-00287-1, 1/27/14. Rick R. McCauley, $10,809.48, L&I, 14-200282-0, 1/27/14.

MARIJUANA BUSINESS APPLICATIONS Includes applicant’s business name, address, license number and filing date. Records obtained from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, online at www. liq.wa.gov. This information is compiled from raw data supplied by the liquor board, and is subject to change. These records do not indicate businesses that have received licenses, only businesses that have applied for licenses. The liquor board is in the process of vetting applicants. Actual licenses are not yet issued. (Retailers are omitted due to space constraints. Portions of the processors list are omitted due to space constraints. View full listings online at BBJToday.com) PROCESSORS Oh McDonald Farms, 2902 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229-2320, 413650, 11/23/13. 22greens, 392 E. Axton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9761, 053704, 1/1/14. 3 Rivers Producers, 7056 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248-8310, 054117, 1/3/14. Acme Consumer Products, 5439 Sand Road, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226-7564, 412655, 11/27/13. Acme Mountain Herb, 962 Valley Highway, Acme, WA 98220-9706, 412162, 11/19/13. Agape Research WA 2002 Valley Highway, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 413293, 12/10/13. Agape Research WA LLC, 2002 Valley Highway, Suite B, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 052716, 12/24/13. Agape Research WA LLC, 2002 Valley Highway, Suite C, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 052717, 12/24/13. Alandale Growers, 3620 Iron Gate Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 412308, 11/20/13. American Cannabis, 564 Kelly Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9733, 413630, 12/19/13. Any And All Property Management LLC, 5497 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226-9771, 053314, 12/25/13. Bakecation, 470 W. 2nd St., Suite 104, Sumas, WA 98295-9680, 412219, 11/20/13. Bearded Bro’s Buds, 7955 Chisholm Trail, Suite A, Maple Falls, WA 98266-7822, 412284, 11/20/13. CG Washington LLC, 114 W. Magnolia St., Suite 400 #137, Bellingham, WA 982254380, 053209, 12/25/13. Canna Of Eden, 5373 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226-7418, 053118,

RECORDS, PAGE 21

March 2014

RECORDS, 20

12/25/13. Cannan Growers USA Inc., 7058 Valley View Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-8533, 053328, 12/25/13. Cannasseurs, 2690 Brown Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-9633, 413278, 12/10/13. Canndo, 3416 E. Hoff Road, Everson, WA 98247-3737, 412430, 11/20/13. Cascade Farmer, 5181 Bellwether Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226-7465, 053947, 1/1/14. Casual Cannabis, 1975 Alpine Way, Bellingham, WA 98226-7260, 052589, 12/21/13. Clandestine Consulting, 5410 Saxon Road, Acme, WA 98220-0000, 414039, 12/17/14. Country Hills Blue, 1450 E. Hemmi Road, Bellingham, WA 98247-9768, 412411, 11/23/13. Crescendo Chocolate, 134 Kline Road, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 982260-7706, 412617, 11/27/13. Deepwater Botanicals , 5373 Guide Meridian Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 412154, 11/19/13. Delta#Nine, 9314 Swanson Road, Suite A, Sumas, WA 98295-9314, 412747, 12/4/13. Dr. Greens Farm, 4400 Rural Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226-7233, 054062 , 1/1/14. Dr. Bubbers, 25 Rose Ridge Loop, Bellingham, WA 98229-7822, 413920, 12/14/13. TIER 1 PRODUCERS (LESS THAN 2,000 SQUARE FEET) 3 Rivers Producers, 7056 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248-8310, 054117, 1/3/14. Acme Mountain Herb, 962 Valley Highway, Acme, WA 98220-9706, 412162, 11/19/13. Bearded Bro’s Buds, 7955, Chisholm Trail Suite A, Maple Falls, WA 98266-7822, 412284, 11/20/13. Casual Cannabis, 1975 Alpine Way, Bellingham, WA 98226-7260, 052589, 12/21/13. Dr. Greens Farm, 4400 Rural Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226-7233, 054062, 1/1/14. East County Growers, 5534 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming, WA 98244-9511, 414466, 12/24/13. Genetics 360, 98 Grand View Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229-2743, 053048, 12/25/13. Green Dreamer, 4835 Birch Lane, Blaine, WA 98230-9652, 413469, 12/17/13. Hilltop Highgrade, 5865 Portal Way #106, Ferndale, WA 98248-9338, 052375, 12/21/13. Little Valley Gardens, 7292 Nooksack Road, Suite A, Everson, WA 98247-9563, 413101, 12/5/13. Marigold, 1606 Halverstick Road, Lynden, WA 98264-9526, 412559, 11/27/13. MNO, 3833 Mount Baker Highway, Everson, WA 98247-9408, 413090, 12/13/13. Mt. Baker Homegrown, 5600 Everson Goshen Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9541, 412500, 11/26/13. New Sussex Farm, 9759 Weidkamp Road, Suite 100, Lynden, WA 98264-9176, 412714, 12/3/13. Nooksack Nuggets, 5202 Reese Hill Road, Sumas, WA 98295-8604, 412990, 12/11/13. Oracle Acres, 11052 Mission Lane, Glacier, WA 98244-0000, 412841, 12/6/13. Perecan Farm, 6942 Karber Road, Blaine, WA 98230-9406, 413667, 12/14/13. Schach Shots, 8 Sanwick Point Ctourt, Bellingham, WA 98229-7934, 413028, 12/11/13. Sensible Organics, 140 Axton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 052300, 12/20/13. Stuart Charles Rich, 3811 Constitution Ave., Lummi Island, WA 98262-8604, 053685, 1/1/14. Sugar Magnolia Manor, 321 Summerland Road, Bellingham, WA 98229-8501, 052113,

The Bellingham Business Journal 12/20/13. True Holistic Care Collective , 1237 Garland Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226-9072, 052678, 12/24/13. TTN Transport Inc., 6416 Lidhran Lane, Everson, WA 98247-9686, 053875, 1/1/14. Virtual Services, 3620 Irongate Road #A-121, Bellingham, WA 98226-8029, 412073, 11/19/13. Walter Raymond Snider, 5710 Elder Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-8713, 053051, 12/25/13. Washington Surgical Services, 9867 Markworth Road, Blaine, WA 98230-8906, 052018, 12/20/13. Whatcom County Cannabis Gardens, 5373 Guide Meridian, Suite D-11, Bellingham, WA 98226-7418, 412567, 11/27/13. Whatcom County Homegrown, 601 W. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225-3448, 053581, 12/31/13. TIER 2 PRODUCERS (2,000 SQUARE FEET TO 10,000 SQUARE FEET) Oh McDonald Farms, 2902 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229-2320, 413650, 11/23/13. 22greens, 392 E. Axton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9761, 053704, 1/1/14. Alandale Growers, 3620 Iron Gate Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 412308, 11/20/13. Almojera Farms, 408 E. Horton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9162, 053633, 12/31/13. Alpha Produce Group , 3920 Valley Highway, Deming, WA 98244-9215, 052736, 12/24/13. Any And All Property Management LLC, 5497 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226-9771, 053314, 12/25/13. BC Growers Etc., 4058 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer, WA 98204-9548, 412555, 11/27/13. CG Washington LLC, 114 W. Magnolia St., Suite 400 #137, Bellingham, WA 982254380, 053209, 12/25/13. Canna Of Eden, 5373 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226-7418, 053118, 12/25/13. Cannasseurs, 2690 Brown Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-9633, 413278, 12/10/13. Canndo, 3416 E. Hoff Road, Everson, WA 98247-3737, 412430, 11/20/13. Cashleen Farms, 5257 Barr Road, Ferndale,

WA 98248-9599, 052592, 12/21/13. Clandestine Consulting, 5410 Saxon Road, Acme, WA 98200-0000, 414039, 12/17/13. Davecalvincoffey LLC, 348 E. Smith Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9763, 052275, 12/20/13. Deepwater Botanicals, 5373 Guide Meridian Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 412154, 11/19/13. Delta#Nine, 9314 Swanson Road, Suite A, Sumas, WA 98295-9314, 412747, 12/4/13. Dr. Bubbers, 25 Rose Ridge Loop, Bellingham, WA 98229-7822, 413920, 12/14/13. Emerald Acres, 7056 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248-8310, 412432, 11/23/13. Fine Detail Greenway , 8287 Golden Valley Blvd., Maple Falls, WA 98266-8279, 412400, 11/22/13. Ganja Green Leaf, 2016 Pacific St., Bellingham, WA 98229-5826, 054160, 1/3/14. Glg LLC, 5209 Olson Road, Suite A, Ferndale, WA 98248-9829, 412117, 11/19/13. Granger Gardens, 2811 N. Nugent, Lummi Island, WA 98262, 053670, 1/1/14. Green Liberty, 5373 Guide Meridian, Suite F3, Bellingham, WA 98226-7418, 412964, 12/10/13. Green Network LLC, 5373 Guide Meridian, Suite C4, Bellingham , WA 98226-9740, 054354, 1/3/14. Green Network LLC, 5373 Guide Meridian, Suite D7, Bellingham, WA 98226-9740, 054355, 1/3/14. Imperial Greens, 4326 Pacific Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226-9017, 054857, 1/4/14. Jack’s Homegrown, 1957 Bender Park Blvd., Unit B, Lynden, WA 98264-8524, 412381, 11/23/13. JBC Grow, 3956 Bancroft Road, Bellingham, WA 98225-8506, 413631, 12/19/13. Jbeck, 432 Sprague Valley Drive, Maple Falls, WA 98266-7821, 412917, 12/6/13. Kevin Kumar, 4051 Sweet Road, Blaine, WA 98230-9108, 055177, 1/7/14. Leef, 3210 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230-8061, 413085, 12/13/13. Mirage Whatcom Inc. , 2006 Pangborn Road, Lynden, WA 98264-9559, 052884, 12/24/13. Mountain Lion LLC, 1976 Wellington Road, Point Roberts, WA 98281-9539, 053723, 1/1/14.

Mt. Baker Greeneries, 4256 Rural Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226-9231, 412303, 11/20/13. Mt. Baker Gardens LLC, 5602 Guide Meridian #B, Bellingham, WA 98226-9722, 052224, 12/20/13. New Frontier Medicinals, 415 Manley Road, Bellingham, WA 98229-0000, 055100, 1/7/14. Ocean Grown Enterprises, 6481 Portal Way, Suite A, Ferndale, WA 98248-9330, 413864, 12/14/13. Peace Portal Gardens, 2750 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230-8066, 052976 , 12/24/13. Praxis Botanicals Inc., 3232 Hillside Road, Deming, WA 98244-9603, 054282, 1/3/14. Premium Harvest, 4326 Pacific Highway, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98226-9017, 414124, 12/17/13. Pyramid Green Houses, 425 W. King Tut Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9627, 412587, 11/27/13. RKK Farms, 4051 Sweet Road, Blaine, WA 98230-9108, 055170, 1/7/14. Salish Sativas LLC, 5373 Guide Meridian, Suite D1, Bellingham, WA 982269740,052220, 12/20/13. Sea Of Green, 207 E. Main St., Everson, WA 98247-9126, 054202, 1/3/14. Sea Of Green Farms, 2123 Lincoln St., Bellingham, WA 98225-4147, 412153, 11/19/13. Sener Fisheries, 1597 Slater Road, Bellingham, WA 98248-9121, 413149, 12/7/13. Shamrock Holdings, 1400 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98229-4721, 413112, 12/13/13. Sideways Green, 5213 Galbraith Road, Acme, WA 98220-0000, 412959, 12/10/13. Sleeping Giant Greenhouse, 5192 Aldrich Road, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98226-9636, 412209, 11/20/13. Starry Field Farms, 5595 Starry Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9714, 412448, 11/22/13. SubX, 1419 Whitehorn St., Ferndale , WA 98248-8923, 412111, 11/19/13. The Cannabis Seed Co., 1053 Sehome Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229-8866, 412401, 11/22/13. The Great American Hemp Company LLC, 405 Manley Road, Bellingham, WA 98229-0000, 055099, 1/7/14. Trail Blazin Productions, 2005 Division

St., Bellingham, WA 98226-8058, 412082, 11/19/13. Valley Cultivations, 3932 Valley Highway, Deming , WA 98244-9215, 052258, 12/20/13. West Coast Herbs, 2123 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225-0000, 413223, 12/13/13. TIER 3 PRODUCERS (10,000 SQUARE FEET TO 30,000 SQUARE FEET) Acme Consumer Products, 5439 Sand Road, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226-7564, 412655, 11/27/13. Agape Research WA, 2002 Valley Highway, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 413293, 12/10/13. Agape Research WA LLC, 2002 Valley Highway, Suite B, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 052716, 12/24/13. Agape Research WA LLC, 2002 Valley Highway, Suite C, Acme, WA 98220-9635, 052717, 12/24/13. American Cannabis, 564 Kelly Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9733, 413630, 12/19/13. Cannan Growers USA Inc., 7058 Valley View Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-8533, 053328, 12/25/13. Cascade Farmer, 5181 Bellwether Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226-7465, 053947, 1/1/14. Country Hills Blue, 1450 E. Hemmi Road, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98247-9768, 051760, 12/17/13. Country Hills Blue, 1450 E. Hemmi Road, Bellingham, WA 98247-9768, 412411, 11/23/13. Eservices, 5439 Sand Road, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98226-7564, 412654, 11/27/13. Go Green Growers LLC, 5268 Olson Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-9551, 054046, 1/1/14. Go Green Growers LLC, 5268 Olson Road, Suite B, Ferndale, WA 98248-9551, 054047, 1/1/14. Grant Allyn Hardy, 211 Flair Valley Drive, Maple Falls, WA 98266-7046, 052256, 12/20/13. Grassen Farms, 3660 Lindsay Road, Everson, WA 98247-9250, 054606, 1/3/14. Grassin Farms , 3660 Lindsay Road, Everson, WA 98247-9250, 414230, 12/17/13. Green Ridge Productions, 1768 W. Badger Road, Custer, WA 98240-9103, 055253, 1/10/14.

Green Ridge Productions, 1768 W. Badger Road, Suite B, Custer, WA 982409103, 055254, 1/10/14. Gurcharan S. Brar, 8687 Vinup Road, Lynden, WA 98264-9332, 054585, 1/3/14. Inter Continental Foods, 4564 Meridian St, Bellingham WA ,98226-9191, 413145, 12/10/13. Kelly Grower, 564 Kelly Road, Suite D, Bellingham, WA 98226-9733, 054794, 1/4/14. Lawrence Gene Hanley, 10453 Mt. Baker Highway, Glacier, WA 98244, 054594, 1/3/14. Luis E. Hernandez, 821 King Valley Drive, Maple Valley, WA 98038-3804, 416116, 12/24/13. Mason T. Kuchenreuther, 1450 E. Hemmi Road, Suite C, Bellingham, WA 98247, 051761, 12/17/13. Moga Growers, 6757 Hannegan Road, Everson, WA 98247-9636, 054132 , 1/3/14. Mt. Baker Growers, 564 Kelly Road, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226-9733, 052829, 12/24/13. Mt. Baker Gardens LLC, 5602 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226-9722, 052223, 12/20/13. Northwest Organic Nursery, 6283 Noon Road, Suite A, Everson, WA 98247-9663, 413719, 12/14/13. Northwest Organic Nursery, 6283 Noon Road, Suite B, Everson, WA 98247-9663, 413720, 12/14/13.i Northwest Organic Nursery Inc., 6283 Noon Road, Suite C, Everson, WA 982479663, 051771, 12/17/13. Old School, 3110 Standard Road, Suite B, Deming, WA 98244-9104, 413377, 12/17/13. Resham Singh, 8687 Vinup Road, Lynden, WA 98264-9332, 053444, 12/25/13. Sacred Sage LLC, 1817 E. Maryland St., Bellingham, WA 98226-3633, 052222, 12/20/13. Sasquatch Greenhouses, 3171 Unick Road, Ferndale, WA 98248-9021, 412208, 11/20/13. Serene Greens LLC, 3591 Birch BayLynden Road, Custer, WA 98240-9508, 052843, 12/24/13. Stonebreaker Growers, 4965 Fat Dog Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226-7320 , 412594, 11/27/13. Stortebeker Industries, 4506 Meridian

RECORDS, PAGE 23

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The Bellingham Business Journal

March 2014

Getting noticed with Web copywriting

n my last column, I wrote about copyrighting and how to protect your business from a copyright lawsuit by understanding image use rules on the Web. In this column, I’m going to tell you about a word that sounds exactly the same, but has a completely different meaning: copywriting.

What is copywriting? Here’s a quick definition provided by Wikipedia: “Copywriting is writing copy (text) for the purpose of advertising or marketing. The copy is meant to persuade someone to buy a product, or influence their beliefs.” In the world of online (digital) marketing, copywriting is used to create content for Web pages, blog articles, social media status updates, press releases and advertisements. Copywriters are people who strategically write text that promotes products or services, informs and educates consumers and also works to grab the attention of search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo.

Google elicits change When it comes to Internet marketing, having your website positioned on the first page of a Google

search is the goal, right? Google is one of the major search engine players, so showing up near Patti the top of their Rowlson first page of results On Social is a huge Media & bonus. First-page Marketing positioning generally leads to more website visits than other sites that show up further down the list of search results. In the second half of 2013, Google changed the way they find and share results when people search for things online. When their “Hummingbird” update took effect, some search engine optimization (SEO) tips and tricks that had been used to generate visits to websites stopped working. As a result, some businesses noticed their websites moving down the page on Google search and the number of visits to their

website dropping. With Hummingbird, it was reported that Google began paying more attention to websites that had original and meaningful content and less attention to websites that were stagnant. Even at PR Consulting we noticed this to be true late in 2013. Whatcom County clients we had been copywriting blog articles for began seeing noticeable improvements in their local search rankings. Other sites that had not changed or added content for months began to see fewer visitors.

Keeping websites fresh The latest Google update means that businesses can no longer afford to build a website and leave it untouched for extended periods of time. We now have to prove to search engines that our websites are fresh and active by providing new content on a consistent basis. Freshening up a website can be achieved by editing text on existing Web pages, by adding content to new Web pages and by incorporating a bl Blogging, even if it’s just once a month, can help. Now, in reality, we know not everyone is going to be comfortable generating their own content for

digital marketing purposes right out of the gate. If time is not a huge consideration, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about digital copywriting by doing a Google search of this term: “SEO copywriting tips 2014”. If time is somewhat limited, partnering with a copywriter to help with content editing or blogging may be a better option. Search for yourself If it has been a while since you checked how your business ranks in online search results, today is a great day to take a look. Hop over to Google and perform a keyword search of phrases related to the products or services you sell, including industry terms and geographical locations. If your website does not appear on the first page, turning your focus to content creation and copywriting may be a helpful way to improve your digital marketing efforts.

Patti Rowlson is a marketing consultant and social media manager at PR Consulting, Inc. She helps Whatcom County small businesses identify, implement and consistently maintain marketing-related programs. Learn more about small-business marketing by connecting with PR Consulting on social media sites or by visiting www.pattirowlson.com.

Invest wisely when picking the right employees

he January-February issue of Harvard Business Review features “A Great Place to Work” as its primary theme. After reading an article about Netflix, I was most taken by several comments recommending the kinds of people to bring into your company. Patty McCord, a former Netflix chief talent officer,

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states: “The best thing you can do for your employees, a perk better than foosball or free sushi, is hire only ‘A’ players to work alongside them. Excellent colleagues trump everything else.” At first glance, the idea of hiring “A” players might confront you. You certainly want improve your workforce‚ but “A” players might be a high bar to shoot for.

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You might rightly wonder why the best and brightest would even want to work for you. After all, what you’re into isn’t exactly rocket science, and why would you want to pay best and brightest money to people doing work that doesn’t require best and brightest talent? Wouldn’t the best and brightest get bored no matter how much you paid them and eventually leave contributing to higher turnover costs than you already have? OK, let’s step back. If this is how you react to McCord’s quote, then you might be stuck with a mental image of what she means by “A” players. She goes on to clarify that when she refers to hiring the right people, she is really talking about a moving target: one that is right for your business, now, and will also evolve over time. This in fact might confront you more than the idea of hiring the best and brightest, which you could rationalize away on the basis of cost versus return alone.

Mike Cook On Managers & Employees McCord’s statement that “[e]xcellent colleagues trump everything else,” is what really challenges the average employer. Who among us has not entered a work place and encountered a longtime employee who, upon casual observation, could easily be found obstructing the daily work flow by simply not being up to speed with the current levels of skill required to perform as the business needed?

How often have we raised a question about the presence of this employee only to be told that they had been there a long time and were really loyal to the company? We might even be asked to make it work with him or her. Clearly the competence of this employee was deemed something we needed to live with. How often, I wonder, have any of us left or declined to recommend a company simply because it seemed something other than excellence in performance was the order of the day? As McCord continues to share her insights about the Netflix culture, she emphasizes that maintaining excellent employees requires a constant level of vigilance, as well as a willingness to address both unacceptable behavior and performance in a straightforward manner. Honestly, I think there are two features of a workplace that are more distasteful to the kinds of peo-

COOK, PAGE 24

March 2014

PEOPLE, FROM 18 Jensen joined PeaceHealth in 1991 and divides his time between PeaceHealth St. Joseph in Bellingham, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center on San Juan Island, and PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center in Alaska. He is a Dr. Dag Jensen trained surgeon and board certified in vascular and interventional radiology. He graduated from Loma Linda University School of MediDr. Michael Pietro cine. Pietro, who also serves PeaceHealth St. Joseph and the Peace Island Medical Center, is a board certified general surgeon who graduated from Vanderbilt University’s medical school. He completed his internship and residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. He has been with PeaceHealth since 1992.

Leisure, hospitality Juli Wavada recently returned to the Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn & Conference Center in Bellingham as the hotel’s new director of outlets. Wavada left a previous job at the Lakeway Inn to take classes at Western Washington UniverJuli Wavada sity. She will over-

see operations of the hotel’s two in-house restaurants: Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub and The Oboe Café, which soon will undergo a major renovation, according to Larry MacDonald, the Lakeway Inn’s general manager.

Marketing The Leopold Retirement Residence in Bellingham, and its Crystal Ballroom, recently hired a new marketing team. Leslie Elvebak joins as the new director of sales and marketing. Lara Beth Carter was hired at the new marketing coordinator.

Nonprofits Sustainable Connections has made several staff promotions. Sara Southerland has been promoted to food and farming program manager. Southerland will lead efforts on continued development of several intitiaves, including the Food and Farming program, Eat Local First campaign, Food to Bank On program and the Whatcom County Farm Tour. Alex Ramel has advanced to energy and policy director. Ramel will be responsible for leading research and policy, as well as providing leadership in local energy use and generation; he will also continue to lead the Community Energy Challenge team. Amanda Sipher is now the nonprofit’s development manager. Sipher will continue coordinating grants, funding and contracts, as well as assisting with budgeting and financial management. Whatcom Women in Business has named its new board members for 2014: Tally Rabatin, owner of Totally Unique Designs, as president; Lynne Henifin, owner of Heni-

View more public records online at BBJToday.com.

fin Construction, as past president; Evah Thurman, owner of V’s Barbershop, and Julie Guay, executive director of Blue Skies for Children, as co-secretaries; Renee Aase, operations manager of Bank of the Pacific, as treasurer; Cathy Campbell, owner of Sirius Medical Billing, as vice president of programs; Jamie Smeall, manager at Avenue Bread, as vice president of membership; Amy Zender, a luxury homes real-estate agent at eXp Realty International, as vice president of publicity; Sharon Yonally, brand partner at Nerium International, as member liaison; Sara Clement, senior director at Stella & Dot, as webmaster; and Kari Fenton, owner of Fenton Events, as banquet chair.

Chris Weitzel of RE/MAX Whatcom County Inc. qualified for the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award in 2013, which honors agents who earned at least $500,000 in annual commissions. Weitzel has worked in the real estate-industry for more than 37 years, with his experience focused in residential listings, sales and marketing, as well as working with investors and assisting distressed homeowners.

Real estate

Services

Julie Carpenter of RE/MAX Whatcom County Inc. was recently awarded the 2013 Most Valuable Team Player within the company. Carpenter has been a full-time broker since 1995 specializing in residential agency, Julie Carpenter buyer marketing and listing throughout all of Whatcom County and portions of Skagit County. She also deals with small commercial properties as well.

Brian Fish, owner of WIN Home Inspection franchises in Whatcom County and Mount Vernon, has been named the company’s most improved strategicpartner of the year. Fish had the highest percentage increase in inspections over the previous year, growing his business by 199.22 percent compared to 2012, according to WIN. He was also received a company award for performing nearly 400 home inspections in 2013.

Ken Harrison, a real-estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain in Bellingham, recently developed two real-estate specialty teams, WOW Team Commercial and WOW Team International, to serve clients inside and outside of Whatcom County. Sunny Lake, an Internet and social-media specialist with a busi-

ness-management background, and Monte Young, an agent with more than 23 years of experience, join WOW Team Commercial. Tina Mak, who is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, joins WOW Team International.

Technology Slobodan “Bob” Pavlovic has joined the Detroit Tech Center engineering team of Bellinghambased Integral Technologies Inc. and its subsidiary, ElectriPlast Corp. Pavlovic spent the past eight years at the Michigan-based Lear Corp., as vice president of global high voltage/high power systems and components. He will work in ElectriPlast’s recently opened

Detroit facility alongside the company’s CTO, Mo Zeidan. Bart Snell was named chief financial officer at Integral Technologies. Snell succeeds outgoing CFO and company co-founder William Ince. Snell started his career with IBM. He held several positions there, including CFO of IBM Australia, CFO of IBM’s semiconductor operations in Burlington, Vt., and director of IBM’s worldwide software strategy. Snell holds an MBA in investment finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s in commerce and accounting from the University of Virginia.

Kudos Western Washington University placed first among mediumsize colleges and universities nationwide in a recent Peace Corps ranking of the top volunteer-producing schools. WWU currently counts 65 alumni serving in the Peace Corps in 38 countries around the globe. Women Sharing Hope, a nonprofit, volunteer organization in Whatcom County, is selling tickets to its annual Champagne Luncheon and Handbag Auction, which will be held on April 26 at the Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn and Conference Center in Bellingham. Tickets cost $50. They can be purchased by calling 360-671-1354.

Email your business announcements to editor@bbjtoday.com.

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March 2014

PORT NEWS

Port Starts Negotiations with Potential Waterfront Developer Sponsored content provided by Port of Bellingham

PORT OF BELLINGHAM 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 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Jim Jorgensen, District One Michael McAuley, District Two Dan Robbins, District Three

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his month Port of Bellingham staff and a team from Harcourt Developments are beginning discussions and negotiations for the first redevelopment area in the Waterfront District. Once the site of the Georgia Pacific Tissue Plant, this 10.8 acre development parcel alongside Downtown Bellingham was re-zoned by the city in December as part of a complex set of agreements with the adoption of the Waterfront District Master Plan. The rezone sets the stage for this area of the Waterfront District to be redeveloped for urban mixed use: office, commercial, residential, retail and institutional uses.

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This section of the Waterfront District eventually will re-connect Bellingham’s downtown with the waterfront and will include public parks and trails. In mid-February, the Port Commission voted unanimously to authorize the Port’s Executive Director to launch a 120-day negotiation period with Harcourt Developments from Ireland. This company has built projects in nine different countries with the majority of its projects are in Ireland. Harcourt was recommended for negotiations after the Port teamed up with leaders from the City, County and Western Washington University to eval-

uate several different development proposals that the Port received in response to a 2013 Request for Proposals for the 10.8-acre parcel. The evaluation team recommended Harcourt because of its development experience, financial capacity and re-development experience in a similar industrial site. Harcourt’s most high-profile project is Titanic Quarter, in Belfast, where the company is redeveloping industrial property including the shipyard where the Titanic was built. Port Executive Director Rob Fix emphasized that this negotiation period is a first step and is not a guarantee that an agreement will be reached. Both

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

the Port and Harcourt will be discussing development details, financial terms, timelines and more. Harcourt principals plan several trips to Bellingham for these negotiations. Any future transaction would require Port Commission approval Meanwhile Port staff also is working to find a developer or tenant for the light industrial Log Pond Area alongside the Shipping Terminal. Sixty percent, or 160 acres, of the 237-acre Waterfront District is zoned for job-creating marine trades and light industrial uses. Finding new businesses for these areas is a high priority because of the jobs they will generate.

March 2014

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Serving: Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, Lynden, Lummi Island, and all of Whatcom County.

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Annual Publication Serves Many Promotional Purposes Sponsored content provided by Loni Rahm, and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.

istribution of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism’s 2014 Visitors Guide is well underway. Boxes of guides have been shipped to information centers throughout the Pacific Northwest, up and down the I-5 corridor, along the Alaska Marine Highway System, and into Canada. Phone and email requests result in individual guides being sent to people throughout North America during the important tripplanning phase. Local businesses display them in their lobbies, waiting rooms, and in hotel rooms. And of course, they are available in publication form at BWCT Visitor Centers as well as

online at Bellingham.org We expect a lot from this colorful workhorse publication as it serves a variety of tourism promotion functions throughout the year. But in general, its responsibilities can be categorized as either “lure” or “fulfillment”. If you are a fisherman or woman the purpose of a lure is very familiar – attracting the attention of one or more fish in a sea of sensory competition. In tourism terms, we consider a “lure” the activities that introduce or heighten awareness of our destination. We use the Visitors Guide as one of the tools to place our message and images in front of potential

or repeat visitors. Our staff participates in a variety of regional and west coast trade shows where we interact with attendees who represent our target markets: either by geographic location or by special interest. Or as my grandpa used to always say: “We fish where the fish are”. For example, we recently had a booth at Travel Adventure Shows in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Los Angeles. Thousands of people visited with us at these shows – many of them were already familiar with our region and were pleased to rekindle the memories as they learned about new activities, attractions and

businesses. But for the majority, our personal presence and the stunning Visitors Guide they took home with them was their first introduction to Bellingham and Whatcom County. We also partner with golf courses, hotels, bike clubs and others to participate in several regional shows, including: the Vancouver Golf & Travel Show, Seattle Bike Expo and Seattle Golf & Travel Show, the Zoomer Show and the Great Outdoor Adventure Show in Vancouver and Northwest Women’s Show in Seattle. In each case, the Visitors Guide plays an important role in motivating people to travel to Bellingham. Recruitment is a subset of the publication’s lure functionality. The Visitors Guide is often sent by the medical industry as part of their professional recruitment packet. It is carried to countries around the world by Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College representatives as they solicit foreign exchange students. It is put into welcome packs for visiting dignitaries and corporate clients. And it is an essential visual aid used by the tourism bureau and its partners when soliciting meetings, group tours, weddings and events. The Visitors Guide’s

other primary role is “fulfillment”. Once an individual or group determines they want to visit Bellingham, they go into research mode. Gathering information through the Visitors Guide and our website in advance helps them make decisions about where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more. And they often use the guide and our mobile app once they are here to make their way around the County and remind them of the many choices that will enhance their travel experience. Friends and family are also a great distribution partner for our resources. They pop into our Visitor Center to grab brochures and guidebooks for upcoming reunions, weddings,

and out-of-town visitors. Armed with our publications, maps and great ideas – they are amazed at how much they learned about their own backyard and can’t wait to share it with their guests. The production and distribution of the Visitors Guide is supported entirely through advertising revenue from local businesses. Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our advertisers and partners – and to encourage you to support their businesses whenever possible. If you would like a copy of our Visitors Guide, please stop by our information center, call or email us, or download the online version at Bellingham.org

March Events

Visit our website or call for more details: www.bellingham.org (360) 671-3990 March 19 FIG Art Club Workshop

March 8, 15, 22 Amadeus Project Series

March 25 March 13-16 Audubon Society: The Seabirds of Docent Tours at the Whatcom C.O.A.S.S.T. Museum Lightcatcher and Old City Hall March 30 Ballet in Cinema Series: The March 15 Golden Age: Live from the Bellingham Farmers Market Bolshoi Ballet March 18 Every Thursday-Sunday The Trials of Muhammed Ali Improv Comedy - Upfront Theatre, 8:00 & 10:00 pm

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

Introducing Settlemyer Family Hall at Bellingham Technical College Your New Fundraising Destination! Open HOuse: MarcH 27tH, 6:00 pM - 8:00 pM | Free event

Showcasing: • BTC’s on-site catering. • The hall’s multi-media capabilities. • A tour of BTC’s Culinary Arts training kitchens and Café Culinaire. • The hall accommodates 300 people at 8-top round tables. • Space for silent/live auction items. For more information or availability contact : Conference and Event Services 360-752-8303 or events@btc.ctc.edu

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TRANSPORT, 4

POT, FROM 12

ing a Washington education funding mandate. Washington will also continue dealing with aging bridges, Peterson said, and those projects will also be prioritized based on how closely some spans are coming to failing. The Legislature failed to approve a package last summer to cover its share of the Columbia River Crossing, a $2.8 billion bridge and freeway project, which has raised the ire of southwest Washington lawmakers and some Oregon legislators. A study commissioned by Oregon lawmakers states the bridge is sturdy enough to last several more years, however, Peterson said the I-5 bridge connecting Portland to Vancouver has received dismal safety rating on both northbound and southbound. “It’s not just a safety issue,” she said. “If it gets to the point where we need to load-limit it, that’s two ports without access.”

The Bellingham Herald reported Feb. 12 that council members were motivated, in part, by concerns from residents of the Clearbrook community near Sumas over a license application from a business entity called Delta#Nine. Residents there are concerned about the proximity of the proposed business to locations where children live and play, as well as the limited law enforcement available to patrol the area. County officials said they began receiving notifications for proposed pot facilities from the Washington State Liquor Control Board last December. Regulators from the liquor board have told the county that the agency expects to start issuing licenses for pot production, processing and retail by late February or March of this year. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a formal opinion Jan. 16 that stated Initiative 502, the measure that legalized possession and sale of recreational pot in Washington, does not prevent local governments from regulating or even banning marijuana businesses within their jurisdictions. Ferguson’s opinion also sug-

Big Bertha Washington taxpayers are off the hook for costs associated with the breakdown of Bertha, the tunnel digging machine meant to be boring a road replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct, said Peterson. Bertha has been stalled since striking a pipe on Dec. 3. WSDOT claims contractor Seattle Tunnel Partners was made aware of the pipe and should have removed it beforehand. The pipe caused overheating issues for Bertha that damaged several seals. Hitachi-Zosen, Bertha’s Japanese builder, still owns the machine, said Peterson, meaning costs for repairs will fall on the manufacturer. A plan for repairs is expected to be presented by the end of the month. Peterson said she is not considering scrapping the project, adding the contractors involved have their reputations riding on its successful completion, which makes her confident STP will finish tunneling by late 2015. The contract with STP lists Nov. 16, 2016, as the completion date, but Peterson said there are added incentives should the contractor meet its 2015 promise.

Brandon Macz is a staff writer for the Bellevue Reporter, a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal.

BOEING, FROM 17 cent rate on gross business receipts - the total amount of income earned by the business for products sold or services rendered - instead of the 0.484 rate for manufacturing, or about 40 percent less. The B&O tax is what the state charges companies instead of corporate or income taxes. There are more than 100 rates in the state for different industries. The aerospace industry is expected to avoid $4.285 billion in taxes with this lowered rate. The next piece saves $3.524 billion for the aerospace industry by keeping the B&O taxes on preproduction development costs at 0.9 percent, what Boeing and other companies pays for engineers and scientists to develop commercial airplanes. Other service industries currently pay

WINGS, FROM 17 titanium. They also are expected to have lower maintenance costs. But the technology is still maturing, and it’s only in the past decade that the aerospace industry has started using carbon fiber in large parts of airplanes, as in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380. While the 777X will have composite wings, the body will use traditional metals. Boeing plans to deliver the first 777Xs to customers by 2020. The jetliner will be a redesigned

COOK, FROM 22 ple you want to employ. One is a cumbersome policy handbook, and the other is a patently “CYA” performance-review process. Here is what McCord has to say about the issue of policy in place of high expectations (and I couldn’t agree more): “If you are careful to hire people who will out the company’s interest first, who understand and support the desire for a high performance workplace, 97 percent of your employees will do the right thing. Most companies spend endless time and money writing and enforcing HR policies to deal with problems the other 3 percent might cause.”

gested that the state Legislature could amend the law to restrict local governments’ authority on the matter, if lawmakers chose to do so.

New limits set on future pot growers Regulators of Washington state’s recreational pot industry issued new guidelines last month reducing the number of licenses that will be issued to pot producers and limiting the total growing capacity producers will be allowed to maintain. Along with these new rules, officials with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, the state agency implementing the new marketplace, said they expect to begin issuing production and processing licenses in March despite the fact that a number of local governments have enacted bans or moratoriums on recreational pot. Retail licenses are expected to be issued in the months that follow. The liquor board’s new restrictions will allow each pot producer to hold only one license, as opposed to a previous three-license limit. Producers also will have their growing capacity capped at 70 percent of the maximum allowed by their production tier.

March 2014 (The liquor board has split production licenses between three “tiers,” each defined by size: tier 1 includes growers with capacity under 2,000 square feet; tier 2 is between 2,000 square feet and 10,000 square feet; tier 3 is between 10,000 square feet and 30,000 square feet.) Liquor board officials said the new limits are a necessary step to clear the way for the agency to begin issuing licenses. Said board chair Sharon Foster, in a news release: “We believe this is the most fair and equitable way to get the market up and running.” Pot regulators are attempting to balance the need of meeting anticipated consumer demand once retail stores open later this year with concerns that allowing an oversupply of pot could fuel crime and underage use. During a 30-day application window for marijuana business licenses, which closed Dec. 20, the liquor board received 2,858 applications for marijuana producers.

Evan Marczynski, associate editor of The Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or evan@ bbjtoday.com.

a 1.5 percent rate. The aerospace companies also gets to take what they pay on property taxes for land and buildings off the reduced B&O rates. That figures to save Boeing and others $562.6 million. Another $166 million is saved from avoiding sales taxes on computers and other computer equipment. Engineering firms that work for the aerospace company get the 0.9 B&O tax rate. That’s another $116 million. Aerospace companies that make repairs or upgrades to commercial airplanes get $23.4 million in tax breaks. The last tax break isn’t quantified. It extends sales and use tax exemptions for the construction of new buildings that make commercial airplanes. All of these tax breaks come with a big caveat: The math is fuzzy. The state is forecasting tax breaks that are

years in the future. That doesn’t mean that analysts at the Department of Revenue made the numbers up. Instead, they rely on Global Insight, a Massachusetts-based firm that provides economic and financial forecasting for countries, regions and industries across the globe. The agency also watches projections by Boeing and Airbus on the global demand for airplanes. Still, Pietsch points to the tax breaks on the 787. “The original number in 2003 was supposed to be $3.2 billion,” Pietsch said. “In 10 years, it has yielded less than $1 billion. Whether we actually reach $3.2 billion is the question.”

version of the popular and profitable 777. Since its formal unveiling in November at the Dubai Airshow, Boeing has anounced nearly 300 orders and commitments for the 777X, which promises high fuel efficiency, long range and big capacity. The wings will be the largest ever built by Boeing — so long that the tips will fold up so the plane can park at existing airport gates — and will require up 2,760 workers to make, according to specifications the company sent late last year to states bidding for the work. Boeing didn’t finish the bid process. When members of the Machinists union narrowly

approved a new long-term contract in a Jan. 3 vote, Boeing said it would abide a promise to build the airplane in Everett and the wings in metro Puget Sound. Machinists had overwhelmingly rejected a similar contract proposal in November. A few days before that vote, the Legislature and the governor approved extending tax breaks for Boeing worth approximately $8.7 billion over 16 years.

Over-policing while tolerating underperformance puts good people off and sends them looking for other places of employment. The second unattractive feature identified by McCord that simply screams mediocrity might not be as much an issue for smaller employers as it is for larger ones: the “CYA” performancereview process. This is hardly even worthy of explanation, because it is so prevalent. Fear of litigation drives these processes. We all know it. We also know that a related practice, the “performance improvement plan,” is equally bogus and simply a notification to employees to pack their bags as they have about 90 days before termination. Nothing could be more transparent,

and nothing could be more unattractive to solid performers with a desire to see underperformers dealt with quickly, with dignity and respect. The bottom line here: If you want an engaged workforce, select new employees carefully, develop them with care, prune the workforce regularly, maintain skill levels across the board, treat everyone like adults and expect them to behave that way. You may pay a little more on the front end, but over time the payoffs will more than cover the investment.

Jim Davis is the editor of The Herald Business Journal in Everett, Wash., a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal.

Dan Catchpole is a staff writer for The Daily Herald in Everett, Wash., a partner publication of The Bellingham Business Journal.

Mike Cook is a management developer who lives in Anacortes, Wash. He published a weekly blog at www.heartofengagement. com.

March 2014

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March 2014

ADVANCING EDUCATION INCOME AND HEALTH

CAMPAIGN CELEBRATION & AWARDS BANQUET

T H U R S D A Y

MARCH 13

SILVER REEF

EVENTS CENTER

THANK YOU TO THE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT PARTICIPATED IN OUR 2013 CAMPAIGN

● 3D Computer Corporation ● Abbott Laboratories ● Adelstein, Sharpe & Serka ● Albertson's ● Alcoa Intalco Works ● Allstate Insurance Company ● American Red Cross, Mount Baker Chapter ● Ameriprise Financial, Inc. ● Anvil Corporation ● Arc of Whatcom County ● AT&T Communications ● Attachmate Corporation ● Bank of America ● Bank of the Pacific ● Banner Bank ● Barkley Company ● Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center ● Bellingham Cold Storage ● Bellingham Fire Fighters Union Local 106 IAFF ● Bellingham Herald ● Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council ● Bellingham School District ● Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities ● Ben Bridge ● Best Buy ● Blaine School District ● Boeing Company ● Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County ● BP Cherry Point Refinery ● Brigid Collins Family Support Center ● Brooks Manufacturing Company ● Bruton & Schelberg ● Burlington Northern ● Business Bank ● Caitac USA Corp. ● Careerperfect.com ● Cargill, Inc. ● Cascade Natural Gas ● Cascade Radio Group ● Catholic Community Services ● CenturyLink ● CH2M HILL ● Chevron ● City of Bellingham ● City of Ferndale ● Columbia Bank ● Combined Federal Campaign ● Comcast ● ConAgra Foods ● Conterra, Inc. ● Costco ● Courtyard Gardens ● Dawson Construction, Inc. ● Diamond B Constructors ● DIS Corporation ● Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County ● Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound ● Enterprise Rent-A-Car ● Ershigs, Inc. ● Family Care Network ● Federal Express ● FedEx Trade Networks T&B, Inc. ● Ferndale School District ● Fred Meyer ● General Electric ● GeoEngineers ● Goodwill Industries ● H.D. Fowler Company ● Haskell Corporation ● Hilton's Shoes ● Hollinger Realty ● I.B.E.W. Local Union #191 ● I.B.M. Corporation ● Industrial Credit Union ● Intalco Employees Contribution Club ● Interconnect Systems ● Interfaith Community Health Center ● J.C. Penney Co., Inc. ● Kent Laboratories, Inc. ● Key Bank ● King & Prince Seafood, Inc. ● Larson Gross P.L.L.C. ● Lehigh Northwest Cement ● LFS, Inc. ● Liberty Mutual Insurance ● Lithtex NW ● Lowe's Companies, Inc. ● LTI, Inc. ● Lummi Indian Business Council ● Lydia Place ● Lynden School District ● Lynden Tribune ● Macy's ● Matrix Service Inc. ● Max Higbee Community Recreation Center ● Merck & Co., Inc. ● Meridian School District ● Metcalf Hodges PS ● Metrie Inc. ● Microsoft Corporation ● Mills Electric, Inc. ● MISTRAS Group, Inc. ● Moles Family Services ● Morse Distribution, Inc. ● Moss Adams LLP ● Mount Baker Rheumatology Center ● Mount Baker School District ● Muljat Group ● NAES Corporation ● Nooksack Valley School District ● North Coast Credit Union ● Northwest Regional Council ● Northwest Youth Services ● Opportunity Council ● O'Reilly Auto Parts ● PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center ● Peoples Bank ● Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery ● Port of Bellingham ● PowerTek Electric ● PUD #1 of Whatcom County ● Puget Sound Blood Center ● Puget Sound Energy ● Regence Blue Shield ● Resource Security Services, Inc. ● Safway Services, LLC ● Salvation Army ● Samson Rope Technologies ● Sargento Foods Inc. ● School Specialty, Inc. ● Sea Mar Community Health Center ● Sean Humphrey House ● Seattle Manufacturing Company ● Shell Puget Sound Refinery ● Skagit State Bank ● Sound Beverage Distributors ● SPIE ● State Employee Combined Fund Drive ● State Farm Insurance ● Sterling Realty Organization ● Sterling Savings Bank ● Target ● The Bagelry ● The Homax Group, Inc. ● Unity Group, a Division of HUB ● Timken ● Trans Ocean Products ● Union Bank ● United Parcel Services ● United Parcel Service-SCS Inc. ● United Way of Whatcom County ● US Bank ● Vanderpol Realty ● Volunteer Center of Whatcom County ● Wal-Mart ● Washington Federal ● Wells Fargo ● WestEdge Credit Union ● Westford Funeral Home ● Whatcom Center for Early Learning ● Whatcom Council of Governments ● Whatcom Counseling & Psychiatric Clinic ● Whatcom County Fire District #7 ● Whatcom County Government ● Whatcom Educational Credit Union ● Whatcom Family YMCA ● Whatcom Literacy Council ● Whatcom Refrigeration ● Whatcom Transportation Authority ● Whidbey Island Bank ● Willands Tech-Auto ● Williams Northwest Pipeline Co. ● Wilson Engineering, LLC ● Wilson Motors ● Windows on the Bay Catering ● Yorkston Oil Co. ● YWCA ● Zender Thurston, P.S. Attorneys At Law ● Zodiac Aerospace ●

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