Vol. 22 No. 11
Nov 2014 LED lighting business shines [Page 14]
A new pace in customer service Story on page 10
The Buzz Fairhaven Runners Local retailer built a community with customer service and dozens of monthly events RUNNERS, 10
Weed and banking The Justice Department won’t interfere with marijuana businesses in Washington, but financial institutions are hesitant to bank with the industry. BANKING, 7
Public Market expands Remodel triples the size of the Public Market GROCERY, 17
Business toolkit • • Runners head toward Boulevard Park from Fairhaven Runners and Walkers, as part of the store’s Tuesday night group runs. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE ROGUSKI
Stay up-to-date in the changing world of social media Harness the creative power of Millenials
TOOLKIT, 20
Fairhaven and downtown target Canadians
Partnership advertising local shopping opportunities in four B.C. newspapers BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal
Canadians may know how to find Costco and Trader Joe’s, but do they know about downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven? To draw more Canadians into other parts of Bellingham, the Downtown Bell-
ingham Partnership and the Historical Fairhaven Association teamed up earlier this year to market toward people in lower British Columbia. The two organizations are buying full-page advertisements in four British Columbia newspapers—The Richmond News, Langley Advance, Surrey Now,
See PARTNERSHIP, PAGE 4
Bellingham’s Best Marine Store Pacific Northwest cards, books, & gifts Outdoor clothing, TEVA & Merrell shoes Toys for kids & adults
Space reserved for mailing label 1162612
851 Coho Way, Bellingham, WA • 734-3336 or 800-426-8860 Shop anytime online at: www.LFSMarineOutdoor.com
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The Bellingham Business Journal
November 2014
Contents
When you need a Jumbo mortgage, we have options and flexibility If you plan to purchase or refinance a higher-priced property, our jumbo mortgage options may help you make the most of today’s inviting home prices and low interest rates. Whether you want to purchase or refinance a primary residence or a second/vacation home, we have versatile financing options to meet your needs.
Call us to explore your options. Larry W. Evans Branch Manager 360-738-2376
Fairhaven Runners and Walkers employee Chris Lantz helps a customer choose a shoe. Typically, customers at Fairhaven Runners work through a process with store employees to find the right shoe. OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL
[10] Fairhaven Runners
NMLSR ID 856141
Fairhaven shoe retailer Steve Roguski built a community around his store with weekly group runs, customer service, and monthly events.
Connect with us On Twitter @BBJToday
Anndi D. Pena
Home Mortgage Consultant 360-738-2363
NMLSR ID 413608
Ross Schram von Haupt
Home Mortgage Consultant 360-746-4050
NMLSR ID 1026086
Ryan D. Martin Home Mortgage Consultant 360-293-1160
NMLSR ID 404824
[14] 2020 LED
Bellingham company is at the forefront of an emerging market for LEDs in commercial spaces.
On Facebook facebook.com/ BBJToday On Google+ Bellingham Business Journal
[5] Business insurance marketplace opens Washington Healthplanfinder Business, the state’s exchange for businesses with 50 or fewer employees, launched Oct. 17. Local insurance broker Keith Wallace discusses the marketplace.
[7] Jobs report Barry Weafer
Home Mortgage Consultant 360-647-0897
Brandon C. Mankle
Reah Marie Dewell
NMLSR ID 634610
NMLSR ID 156730
Home Mortgage Consultant NMLSR ID 420701 360-738-2362
Home Mortgage Consultant 360-384-4975
1616 Cornwall Ave, Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225
1119189
Office: 360-676-9888 | Toll Free: 800-640-9888 https://www.wfhm.com/loans/wa-bellinghambranch-bellingham Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMSLR ID 399801. AS1039137 Expires 8/2015
The unemployment rate stayed low for August, but a regional economist say she is seeing a slowing trend in hiring. [3] People On The Move [8] Market Indicators
[18] Public Records [20] Business Toolkit
The Bellingham Business Journal A division of Sound Publishing Inc. 1909 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone (360) 647-8805 Fax (360) 647-0502 Visit us online at www.BBJToday.com Editorial Department: Oliver Lazenby associate editor, olazenby@bbjtoday.com (Send press releases, story pitches and general inqueries to editor@bbjtoday.com) Advertising Department: Kelley Denman, advertising sales manager, kdenman@bbjtoday.com (Send general inqueries about advertising, for print and online, to sales@bbjtoday.com) Subscription information: (888) 838-3000, circulation@bbjtoday.com The Bellingham Business Journal, 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 930, Everett, WA 98206.
November 2014
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The Bellingham Business Journal
People On The Move
Jenelle Kinder
Finance Jenelle Kinder, client care manager with local financial services provider Gene Bell & Associates, passed the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s qualifying test for a series 6 securities license. Passing the test makes Kinder qualified to transact business in open end mutual funds, variable annuities and variable insurance policies. Kinder started with Gene Bell & Associates in 2009 as a receptionist. “I am so proud of Jenelle. Her passing this exam will allow me to expand my financial services business,” Gene Bell said.
Liz Mathias of Bellingham’s vacant planning and community development director job to Rick Sepler, current director of community services for the City of Port Townsend. Jeff Thomas, former planning and community development director, resigned in June to accept a similar job with the City of Sammamish, Washington. Sepler was chosen after three days of interviews with departmend heads, senior staff, planning department employees, and community stakeholders, according to a press release. He said he applied for
Rick Sepler the job because he reached a plateau at his previous job and wanted new challenges. He is also impressed with Bellingham for its quality of life and the community, he said. In Port Townsend, Sepler supervises 18 employees in the city’s community services division. The division is in charge of development, planning, parks and pool, and fleet and facilities departments. He has been with the City of Port Townsend since 2006 and has won several American Planning Association awards. He’s also an affiliate faculty member at the
University of Washington, and has served as hearings examiner in town’s throughout Western Washington. Linville said in the press release that she is excited to bring Sepler’s breadth of experience to Bellingham. “I believe that his collaborative nature and considerable experience will be a great benefit to Bellingham,” she said. “We had three finalists during this process, and I believe Rick will be a great fit for our city.”
See PEOPLE, PAGE 4
Manufacturing McNett, a Bellinghambased outdoor gear company, promoted Liz Mathias to Chief Operating Officer. Mathias previously worked at McNett as vice president of sales and product development, and as a sales manager before that. “Mathias has continually proven herself as a great blend of talent, professionalism and heart,” Travis Huisman, McNett CEO, said in a press release. “We are excited she will be taking on a larger role here at McNett.” In her new position, Mathias will focus on improving McNett’s service reputation, and delivery of products to consumers, according to the press release. McNett’s brands include Outgo, GearAid, M Essentials, Aquamira, and McNett Tactical. They make products for the diving, outdoor, sporting goods, and military markets.
Public sector Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville offered the City
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1162635
Craig Dunn
Stephanie Morrell
The Bellingham Business Journal
November 2014
PARTNERSHIP, FROM 1 and South Surrey Now. The top half of each ad features an article about downtown or Fairhaven, ranging from historical stories to business profiles. The bottom of the page has advertisements for local businesses. The ads started in May and run monthly. They plan to continue the program in 2015, and rent a billboard on the Canadian side of the border, said Patrick Hurley, executive director for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. Hurley said they don’t have any metric for tracking Canadian spending downtown. But anecdotal evidence from business owners suggest the campaign is working. “The campaign is about creating awareness so it’s in the back of people’s minds,” said Patrick Hurley, Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s executive director. “It may not have a direct return that’s seen right away, but it’s just reminding and informing people about what Bellingham has to offer.”
The groups are calling the project the “Make the right turn campaign,” because they want Canadians to turn right toward downtown and Fairhaven after exiting Interstate 5 in Bellingham. “It started with the premise that many Canadians are already traveling down to Bellingham to take advantage of the bigbox stores as part of their regular shopping routine,” said Bill Miller, a volunteer with the Historic Fairhaven Association. “We meet so many Canadians in Fairhaven and downtown and their main reaction is ‘This is so cool. I didn’t know this existed.’” The organizations are paying for the program with a $10,400 grant from the City of Bellingham’s Tourism Promotion Fund, and advertisements from local businesses. Kyle Fuller, Downtown Bellingham Association’s marketing director, said they plan on tracking the program with more specific metrics next year.
People On The Move PEOPLE, FROM 3 Education Western Washington University appointed Craig Dunn to serve for a two-year term as dean of the College of Business and Economics, Provost Brent Carbajal announced Sept. 23. Dunn has been interim dean for the past year. “Dr. Dunn is well-prepared and situated to lead the college at this important time,” Carbajal said in a press release. “[Dunn] has demonstrated excellent administrative acumen and strategic vision.” The college will begin a national dean search during the 2015-2016 school year, Carbajal said. Prior to serving as interim dean, Dunn was associate dean/director of graduate programs at the College of Business and Economics. He started teaching at Western in 2005, and is also an associate professor emeritus of San Diego State University. He has an M.B.A. from California State University, Bakersfield. “Never one to have professional aspirations for an administrative post, I have been surprised to have found it extremely gratifying,” Dunn said. ” I am left to happily abandon the term ‘interim’ and serve as Dean of CBE for an additional two years.” Dunn’s research interests include managerial ethics and values, corporate social
responsibility, corporate governance, the meaning of work, and social entrepreneurship, according to the press release.
SPORTS Stephanie Morrell, former marketing director for the Bellingham Bells baseball team is now the team’s assistant general manager. Morrell joined the collegiate baseball team in October 2013. “Stephanie has done an incredible job in her first year with the Bells,” said general manager Nick Caples in a press release. “Her role as marketing director asked that she wear a lot of different hats and she has exceeded our expectations across the board.” Morrell will continue to work on marketing, sponsorship, promotions, and community relations for the team. In her new role, she will work with general manager Nick Caples on day-to-day operations and management of the Bells, according to a press release. “I’m really excited to expand my role within an organization that I am extremely proud to be a part of,” Morrell said. The Bells are a wood bat, collegiate baseball team that plays in the West Coast League. They play their home games on Joe Martin Field, at 1220 Civic Field Way, in Bellingham.
Corrections & Clarifications 1102910
4
In the October issue, the Bellingham Business Journal incorrectly stated that AnneMarie Faiola put $50,000, on a credit card to start Bramble Berry, her soap business. The correct amount is $15,000. The online version of the article has since been corrected.
November 2014
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The Bellingham Business Journal
State health insurance marketplace for small businesses quietly opens Will it be worthwhile for Whatcom County businesses? Local insurance broker Keith Wallace thinks so full-time employees to enroll their employees in group insurance plans. The state’s health exchange for small businesses officially started last year, but it only had one provider, Kaiser Healthplan of the Northwest, that only covered Cowlitz and Clark Counties. For 2015, Moda Health will offer health plans for small businesses across the state and Kaiser will continue to operate in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. Participation is optional for businesses with less than 50 employees, as the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate only applies to businesses with 50 or more full-time employees. Keith Wallace, Bellingham insurance broker and benefit manager Rice Insurance is a spokesperson for Washington Healthplanfinder Business and a member of the Washington Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee. He said it’s too early to tell, but he expects the program will be popular with small businesses in Whatcom County and throughout the state.
Keith Wallace, insurance broker for Bellingham-based Rice Insurance, is a spokesperson for Washington Healthplanfinder Business, which opened Oct. 17 for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BBJ BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal Enrollment for Washington Healthplan Finder Business, formerly called SHOP, started Friday, Oct. 17. The state’s healthcare exchange allows businesses with 50 or fewer
BBJ: How do businesses benefit by signing up for insurance using Washington Healthplanfinder Business?
Wallace: It’s the only place that you can get the small business tax credit. Prior to 2015 you could just go through the process of applying for the tax program and you could get that small business tax credit based on criteria, but now they’ve actually made it so the exchange is the only outlet for getting the tax credit. In years previous it was a rather cumbersome process to achieve the tax credit and the feedback that we got from accountants was that the return on your investment for achieving those credits wasn’t always valuable.
BBJ: Do you think the enrollment process will be worth the tax credit? Wallace: Yeah. The past enrollment process may not have been, but everybody had to do it on their own. They had to figure out how to do it through their accountant. And what Washington Healthplanfinder Business is trying to do is to create a simpler conduit to get that tax credit. So I don’t think achieving the tax credit is going to be as difficult moving forward because the program is going to help streamline the process.
BBJ: How much demand do you expect for Washington Healthplanfinder Business?
Wallace: Last year, when the program was just available in two counties, more than 4,000 businesses created online accounts to see if they would be eligible. So it’s very likely that it is going to be in very high demand. When I was talking with the program’s senior communications specialist last week, she mentioned that because of the expected demand they’re not going to do a huge advertising rollout. You’re not going to see ads on TV about it because they didn’t want everyone to sign up on the first week and crash the system.
BBJ: When the website for individual plans opened last year, it had some glitches. Could that happen with Washington Healthplanfinder Business?
Wallace: They have been doing live testing for the last three months. They originally anticipated having 100 cus-
See INSURANCE, PAGE 6
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The Bellingham Business Journal The Bellingham Business Journal
September 2014 November 2014
Market Indicators
Jobs: Unemployment rate is stable Unemployment rate
9%
Bankruptcies
Labor force participation rate
September 2014: 5.3% September 2013: 6.1 %
Year-to-date: 870 Annual change: �25.58%
September 2014: 63.1% September 2013: 63.5 %
Includes non-seasonally adjusted figures in Whatcom County
Includes non-seasonally adjusted figures for Washington State
70%
Includes filings for Chapters 7, 11 and 13 in Whatcom County
60
Chapters 11,13 Chapter 7
50 6%
67.5%
40
65%
30 20
3%
62.5%
0
2013
2014
SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE UNEMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT
0
J F MAM J J A S ON D J F MAM J J A S
J F MAM J J A S ON D J F MAM J J A S
2013
10 J F MAM J J A S ON D J F MAM J J A S
2014
SOURCE: UNITED STATES BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
2014
2013
SOURCE: U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
Spending: Canadian dollar continues to drop Sales-tax distribution
September 2014: $0.91 September 2013: $0.97
August 2014: 1,351 August 2013: 1,225
Includes basic and optional local sales tax to Bellingham
$2.5M
Canadian dollar
Motor-vehicle registrations
Year-to-date: $14.76M Annual change: + 0.96%
Includes monthly averages (Canada-to-U.S.) at market closing
Includes original registrations in Whatcom County
1500
$1.2
$2M
1200
$1.5M
900
$1M
600
$0.4
$0.5M
300
$0.2
0
J FMAM J J A S OND J FMAM J J A S
0
SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
$0.8 $0.6
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A
2013
2014
2013
$1.0
2013
2014
2014
SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
SOURCE: BANK OF CANADA
Housing: Home sales, values slow $350K
Average price Median price
$300K
Foreclosures & delinquencies
Housing sales
Housing sale prices
Delinquency rate: August 2014: 2.50% August 2013: 3.33% Foreclosure rate: August 2014: 0.91% August 2013: 1.17%
Closed: Year-to-date: 2,174 Annual change: -12.50% Pending: Year-to-date: 2,983 Annual change: -15.12%
Average: September 2014: $282,648 September 2013: $282,221 Median: September2014: $257,000 September 2013: $249,000
Includes sales of single-family houses and condos in Whatcom County
500
Pending sales Closed sales
400
5% Delinquency rate
4%
Foreclosure rate
3%
300
$250K
2%
200
J F MAM J J A S ON D J F MAM J J A S
2013
2014
SOURCE: NORTHWEST MULTIPLE LISTINGS SERVICE
1%
J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S
2013
2014
SOURCE: NORTHWEST MULTIPLE LISTINGS SERVICE
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J A
2013
2014
SOURCE: CORELOGIC
Other factors: Seasonal drops in travel, building Airport traffic
Cruise terminal traffic
Year-to-date: 415,538 Annual change: -9.67%
Year-to-date: 21,118 Annual change: + 17.40 %
Includes total enplanements at Bellingham International Airport
80K
Includes inbound and outbound passengers at Bellingham Cruise Terminal
5,000
70K 60K
4,000
50K
3,000
40K 20K 0
$20M $15M $10M
1,000
10K J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S 2013
SOURCE: PORT OF BELLINGHAM
2014
0
$30M $25M
2,000
30K
Building-permit values Bellingham: Year-to-date: $126.01M Annual Change: - 5.97%
$5M J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S
2013
SOURCE: PORT OF BELLINGHAM
2014
0
J F MAM J J A S ON D J F MAM J J A S 2013
SOURCE: CITY OF BELLINGHAM
Notes: 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.
2014
November 2014
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The Bellingham Business Journal
Banks still hesitant to open accounts for marijuana businesses BY JIM DAVIS (Everett) Herald Business Journal LAKE STEVENS — Reed Evans called several banks looking to open an account for Cannablyss, his family’s recreational marijuana business and the only pot retail store in Lake Stevens. He had no luck. He got his name on a waiting list at Salal Credit Union in Seattle, but most financial institutions are shying away from doing business with the still young industry. “We pay most bills in cash, we literally drive to the PUD and give them a couple of hundred dollars and we drive to our landlord to pay the rent,” Evans said. His family makes sure to drop money into a safe so they don’t have a large amount of cash on hand. And they’ve installed an ATM machine for their customers at the store at 2705 Hartford Ave. It’s inconvenient and inefficient — not to mention the concerns about safety. But that’s the situation where marijuana is legal in the state, but illegal federally. The Justice Department has made clear it won’t interfere with businesses in states where marijuana’s sale or use has been made legal so long as everyone adheres to state law and the industry is taxed and regulated. And the Treasury and Justice departments earlier this year announced formal guidance for banks. There’s enough uncertainty, though, that most bankers are unwilling to expose themselves and their shareholders to the risk if anything goes wrong. Federal lawmakers or authorities need to create language without equivocation that banks can do business with the industry, said Mark MacDonald, president and CEO of Community Bankers of Washington, a group that represents independent community banks in the state. Otherwise, his members would worry about a rogue regulator coming after them for failing to abide by the letter of the law. “I’ve been told by some of the regulators that they would never do that,” MacDonald said. “Well I say put it in writing, give my guys and gals something to put their hat
At Cannablyss in Lake Stevens, Evans family members, Amanda Evans (left) Karn and Reed Evans, Denise Evans (mom) and Jaeda Evans share the workload serving customers. Denise Evans was the force behind the business because her husband Bob had cancer and she got him to try medical marijuana. When Bob got better, Denise decided to get the family into the pot business. DAN BATES PHOTO |THE EVERETT HERALD on.” Still, some banks and credit unions are working with marijuana business owners — usually charging a premium to open and keep open an account. “I’ve got seven banks that are banking the marijuana industry but they don’t want me to go out and publicize their names,” MacDonald said. He said all of the banks that he knows are doing business with growers and processors. He said that he knows of no banks that are acknowledging doing business with retailers. Bankers are required to know their customers and, in some cases, know their customer’s customers.
Hiring slows in Whatcom County BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal Whatcom County’s unemployment rate remained at 5.3 percent in September, according to data from the Washington State Employment Security Department. It was 5.3 percent in August and 5.2 percent in July. The County’s unemployment rate has hovered above 5 percent since June, when it dropped 1.2 percentage points from 6.3 percent in May. The number of nonfarm jobs in the county in September was 84,100, which is up from August but down 100 jobs from September 2013. Regional economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman said year-over-year numbers are more important than monthly changes for looking at employment trends.
Some bankers feel they can trust a grower or a processor, because they can do due diligence on the business and the retail shops they’re working with. They can’t do due diligence on every person who walks through the door of a shop. That’s a concern for Mark Duffy, president and CEO of Mountain Pacific Bank in Everett. “When it comes to the retailer, we don’t know who their customer is necessarily nor do we want to take the risk,” Duffy said. He said his bank has been turning away people in the industry who have wanted to work with them. He’s even been
“The trend that we’ve been seeing is a slowing trend,” she said. “Speaking in terms of broad trends what we saw was substantial growth in Whatcom County early on in the economic recovery, but now that’s slowing.” Whatcom County industries with the largest year-overyear job gains in September included leisure and hospitality with 600 new jobs, business and professional services, with 500 new jobs, and mining, logging and construction with 300 new jobs. Manufacturing and goods producing industries also grew in the last year. “What we’ve seen this month is really consistent with what we have been seeing — growth in construction and manufacturing,” Vance-Sherman said. “Retail and finance is really having trouble getting off the ground.” Statewide, the construction industry gained the most jobs in September, with an estimated 2,900 hundred by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Leisure and hospitality lost the most jobs statewide, at 4,800. The civilian labor force shrank by 1,260, to 101,970 according to data from the state Employment Security Department. Vance-Sherman said that change is seasonal and mostly due to students returning to school. “When I see that kind of swing coincide with the school year, that makes sense to me,” she said.
approached by people he knows in the community. “We’re very small and we’re taking a wait-and-see attitude,” Duffy said. “We don’t want to be a first one.” He said the assurances by the Justice and Treasury departments just aren’t enough yet. “I don’t think it has been solved and made clear by the federal regulators,” Duffy said. “And I think that’s why bankers are being cautious.” Scott Jarvis, director of the Department
See BANKING, PAGE 22
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate in September was lower than the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.7 percent. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was 5.9 percent. But seasonally adjusted state and national numbers aren’t comparable to Whatcom County’s rate of 5.3 percent, which is not seasonally adjusted. San Juan County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state, at 3.7 percent, followed by Garfield and Chelan counties, with 4.4 percent. King County’s 4.8 percent unemployment rate was the second lowest in Western Washington.
Oliver Lazenby, associate editor of the Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or olazenby@bbjtoday.com.
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The Bellingham Business Journal The Bellingham Business Journal
INSURANCE, FROM 5 tomer service reps at the call center— they’re going to have 500. So while they won’t promise it to be perfect, they do feel like they’ve worked out a lot of the glitches.
BBJ: What improvements could be made to Washington Healthplanfinder Business?
Wallace: The problem right now is there’s only one carrier for most of the counties in the state. For the program to actually be viable and head into a growth mode, they’re going to need to get more carriers so there’s some competition and choice.
BBJ: Which businesses do you think will be most interested in
the exchange, businesses with current plans or businesses that will be getting coverage for the first time? Wallace: I anticipate that it’s going to be mostly companies who already have plans, but I do think that it will draw some companies into the marketplace. We get calls or emails from small employers every week who say they’re ready to buy health insurance for their employees. Often times when they say they’re ready it’s because they’re financially ready. If they can become financially ready more quickly as a result of competitive rates and/or tax credits, I think that’s going to drive more companies into the market.
November 2014 September
nesses with 50 to 100 employees will be able to get coverage using Washington Healthplanfinder Business. Will that have a big impact on the marketplace? Wallace: I think it’s going to be a pretty significant change to the market place. There are a lot of businesses in that range and carriers are putting a lot of time and money into that area.
BBJ: What do you recommend for businesses?
Wallace: I think everybody should call their broker or contact the exchange people and see how it looks. There’s no reason to wait in my opinion.
BBJ: Starting in 2016, busi-
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BTC diesel program gets 2008 tractor truck
Daimler Trucks North America donated a 2008 Freightliner Cascadia tractor truck to Bellingham Technical College in September. Students in the college’s diesel technology program will use the truck to learn about new electronic systems such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine diagnostics and new emissions control systems. “The ability for a student to walk into a dealership and state that they have experience with their platform really helps the student gain employment,” diesel technology instructor Jeff Curtis said in a press release. “This industry is technology heavy, and having current vehicles is essential to our continued success.” New, the truck would cost more than $150,000, according to the news release. Daimler originally approached two colleges about the truck donation. They chose to donate to Bellingham Technical College after communicating with the school’s diesel technology faculty, according to the news release. The college’s grounds crew also added a donated truck to its fleet last summer. Exxel Pacific donated a used Chevy Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty pickup, which will be used for day-today work and snow-plowing on campus.
Venture capitalists coach entrepreneurs at First Look Forum A program that helps budding entrepreneurs perfect their pitch and business plan is coming to Bellingham. The First Look Forum, put on by the Washington Technology Industry Association and hosted by the NW Innovation Resource Center, gives entrepreneurs a chance to practice their pitch in front of venture capitalists and angel investors. The biannual showcase is in its eighth year, but this is the first one outside King County.
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November 2014
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The TheBellingham BellinghamBusiness BusinessJournal Journal
November 2014
PORT NEWS Future of local manufacturing companies look bright
Over the past two years, the Port visited over 140 local manufacturing companies to discuss barriers and opportunities to business development and expansion. Whatcom County’s diverse manufacturing base ranges from small family-owned firms like Scratch and Peck Feeds to global giants like Samson Rope. Manufacturing is critical to the local economy. It provides 11 percent of all jobs in the county which, on average, pay more and offer better benefits than many other jobs. Some of Whatcom County’s larger and most successful manufacturing companies were started by local entrepreneurs including Wood Stone pizza ovens and Erin Bakers Wholesome Baked Goods. Whatcom County is an excellent place to build a successful company with an extensive network of programs and services dedicated to helping start businesses, expand operations, and become profitable. Bellingham SCORE provides free business advice and counseling to small businesses and start-ups. Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center and the Northwest Innovation Resource Center help start-ups connect with designers, manufactures, scientists, government agencies and trade organizations
Sponsored content provided by Port of Bellingham wide market. Larger manufacturing companies have also found Whatcom County an advantageous place to expand operations. Hempler Foods used $6 million in tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds issued by the Port to build a new manufacturing facility to meet the growing demand for high-grade meat products. The future of manufacturing is bright for Whatcom County. With close proximity to major US and Canadian markets, a strategic location on the I-5 corridor, a Scratch and Peck Feeds is part of the growing manufacturing workforce full service commercial airport, a in Whatcom County skilled and available labor force, tional supplements, a strong local which can help finance and supan established industrial base, and supply chain exists in Whatcom port entrepreneurs to deliver new a business friendly environment; County which is a major asset to products in key sectors. Invent is there will likely be continued a co-working and incubator space companies looking to relocate or expansion of the manufacturing expand. for start-ups to collaborate, share sector which will contribute to Scratch and Peck Feeds started ideas and make connections. sustained economic growth. in 2009 when local entrepreneur After declining for many years, About the Port’s Economic DevelDianna Ambauen-Meade couldn’t opment Program local manufacturing jobs have find high-quality, organic whole increased over 16 percent since The Port is designated by Whatgrain chicken food in stores. She 2009. Chuckanut Bay Foods is com County to serve as the lead began making her own feed in the coordinator for economic develpart of a strong local food manubackyard with a borrowed cement opment services. The Port manfacturing sector which tapped into the supply chain of surround- mixer. With the help of a $70,000 ages business recruitment leads and expansion throughout the low interest federal loan admining dairies and farms to produce county, working collaboratively istered by Port staff, the company made-from-scratch cheesecakes with other business support orgahas grown to 20 employees and is and other deserts. Whatcom ‘perched’ to capitalize on a world- nizations. County’s diverse manufacturing base and strong community connections offer a nexus of col100 THINGS laboration and support. From MADE IN machined parts to liquid nutriWHATCOM COUNTY
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 Dan Robbins, District One Michael McAuley, District Two Jim Jorgensen,
District Three MEETINGS: 3 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are on the Port website. THE PORT OPERATES: Bellingham International Airport Bellingham Cruise Terminal Squalicum Harbor Blaine Harbor Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park Bellwether on the Bay Shipping Terminal Airport Industrial Park Sumas Industrial Park
Rope Showers and tubs Marina floats and hardware Highway poles Fireplace screens Industrial cleaning solutions Saw blades Fish health products Marine and safety netting Wooden residential and commercial doors Innovative wood working products Wood pallets Anchor chain Plastic keyboard keys Exercise and conditioning equipment Sports nets Dried milk Fiberglass reinforced plastic products Remanufactured engines Architectural wood products Pet absorption products
Breakfast cookies Petroleum products Bearings Kitchen cabinets Ultrasonic gel Cheesecake Aluminum boats Natural cereals High performance brakes Primary Aluminum Orthotic insoles Flaxseed oil Solar energy panels Veneered plywood Peanut butter Book binding Klinker cement Aircraft interiors Software In-stream hydro generators Marine heat exchangers Dynamic ankle foot orthoses Fireplace inserts Custom truck bodies and trailers Surimi seafood Chocolate products Berry harvesting equipment Cooking ovens
Wooden utility cross arms Industrial thermoplastic Roofing products Voltage meters Electronic signs Processed fish Precast concrete products Pressure switches Food processing equipment Pipe fittings fabrication Brass castings Backup power supply systems Distilled alcohol products Building diagnostic tools Custom dried wood Natural pet foods Marine electronics Natural gas fueling equipment Bacon Fish oil Bar code refurbishing Concrete docks Plastic rotational molding Fiberglass boats Plastic vacuum thermoforming products
Marine hydraulic systems Beer Organic teas, tonics, and supplements Natural soaps Flax muffins and brownies Construction grade lumber Climbing and rescue equipment Remanufactured wood products Incinerators Liquid nutritional supplements Machined tools and parts Twine and lines Plastic injection molded products Advanced composite material products Marina gangway ramps Sails Fluid milk Processed berries Planer milled wood Kayaks Fabricated metals Hemlock mouldings Cheese Architectural doors and windows Non-GMO chicken feed Crunchy natural food snacks Compiled by the Port of Bellingham
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November 2014
Transcending retail boundaries Fairhaven Runners built success on being more than a store
will own a community oriented running store in Fairhaven,’” he said. “I put it up on the fridge and I was like, ‘OK, that’s it. At 40 years old, Steve Roguski had been That’s the ultimate.’” a lot of things. He had delivered pizza, Fifteen years later, “community oribeen a cartographer, taught middle school ented” defines Fairhaven Runners & geography, and worked on the navigation Walkers, Roguski’s store at 1209 11th St., systems of F-15 jets in the Air Force. in Fairhaven. Customers come not only He liked those jobs, but he hadn’t found to browse through 200 pairs of shoes, but what he was supposed to do with his life, also to meet up for weekly group runs led he said. by paid employees, to participate in runHe knew, however, where he wanted to ning form and injury prevention clinics, live. Roguski discovand for dozens of other ered Fairhaven while monthly events. “Every person who walks in the traveling between one And in a market with teaching job in Florida door is treated kind of like fam- competition from bigand another in Alaska. ily. That’s hard to do.” box stores and online “I just thought, ‘gosh retailers, Roguski’s everyone in the world emphasis on community should be here, this is may be why he’s still in incredible,’” Roguski TOM DORR business. said. “I moved here BUSINESS CONSULTANT That’s what Tom Dorr because it was so beauthinks. Dorr worked with tiful.” Roguski as a consultant In Fairhaven, Roguski when Roguski was starting Fairhaven substitute taught, but he wasn’t satisfied Runners and Dorr was director of Western with the job. Washington University’s Small Business Then one day in the middle of January, Development Center. when substituting gigs were sparse, Rogus“There are a few companies in town ki decided it was time to figure out what that have been able to transcend just the to do for a career. He gave himself two transactional relationship with their clients. weeks to go on a “retreat” in his Fairhaven Does it translate to more sales? Absolutely apartment. At the end of the two weeks, he it does,” Dorr said. “Those customers would decide what to do with his life. It only took one week. See RUNNERS, PAGE 12 “I wrote down on a piece of paper, ‘I BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal
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Steve Roguski, founder and owner of Fairhaven Runners, looks at a new arrival on the shoe wall at his store, which carries more than 200 shoes. OLIVERLAZENBY | THE BBJ
November 2014
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The Bellingham Business Journal
Tourism Bureau Launches Basecamp Bellingham Campaign Sponsored content provided by Loni Rahm, and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.
Ask a Whatcom County resident what they like the most about living here, and they’ll most likely answer with a verb. Kayaking, Hiking, Skiing, Biking etc. We are an active place. Regardless of the weather, regardless of the season, Whatcom County residents like doing things.
So do our visitors. Recreational activities and events are a big draw for our region. Much of the Tourism Bureau’s year-around destination marketing efforts target an active audience who come to Whatcom County specifically to participate in recreational pursuits. There’s a lot we know about them, but there’s a lot more we’d like to know. Which is one of the reasons Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism is partnering with Recreation Northwest, The Port of Bellingham, City
of Bellingham and Whatcom County on a Whatcom Recreation Economy Study. Earth
Economics was recently contracted by the State of Washington to conduct a statewide study on the business end of recreation. Working together, we were able to attach a local component into the Earth Economics data gathering and research that will cull out the impacts of recreation business within Whatcom County. The report, which will be released next spring, will be used to gain a better understanding of the size and scope of existing as well as potential job creation in the recreation sector. In addition to the
research component, a marketing partnership has been formed between the Tourism Bureau and race/active event producers to collectively promote the region. Named Basecamp Bellingham, the campaign will feature the “human powered” outdoor activities and special events held in and around Bellingham. When you consider all the running, mountain biking, road biking, paddling, snowboarding, skiing, adventure racing and multi-sport events throughout the year, it’s no wonder our area has a reputation for world class recreation. Ads that tout our recreational prowess are being placed in annual race calendars, on event oriented websites and in special interest publications. A basic website, basecampbellingham. org, was activated last month to coincide with the Washington State
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Trails Convention held in Bellingham. We will continue to add content, blogs, maps, photos and event details to the website. The Tourism Bureau will also be soliciting participant pictures and videos through an ongoing photo contest that
highlights the recreational amenities of our region and the people who enjoy them. You don’t have to be a visitor to participate in our photo contests. We love sharing the joyous faces and scenic beauty of Whatcom County that are captured with
your cameras and phones. We may be able to incorporate your fabulous images onto our website, in our visitors guides and other publications, and in our promotional campaigns. Just go to bellingham.org for photo contest details.
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RETAIL
RUNNERS, FROM 10
Runners gather inside Fairhaven Runners and Walkers in downtown Fairhaven for a weekly Tuesday night group run. The runs are led by Fairhaven Runners employees. Store owner Steve Roguski said about 25 people show up for a typical run. Some of the weekly runs are sponsored, and include samples of products. Nearly 100 people showed up for a recent run that Nike sponored. OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL
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become referral sources, recommenders, almost evangelists. Without that, Fairhaven Runners wouldn’t be here. I would go so far as to say that.” When customers arrive at the store’s shoe section, they usually don’t just pick out a shoe and ask for it in their size, Roguski said. Instead, they go through a fitting process. “Typically people come in with their old shoes and go, ‘OK, I’m ready,’” he said. “They know we’ll take them through the whole process.” The process can take up to half an hour. Fairhaven Runners staff look at wear patterns on customers’ old shoes. They also discuss the customers’ past injuries and how they plan to use their shoe. They also observe the way their customers’ legs and feet move while they run or walk. “We want customers to come away with the best shoe they’ve ever had. It’s not just throwing darts at a wall and hoping that it’s right,” Roguski said. “We’re trying to make this experience the best it can be.” The service that Fairhaven Runners provides doesn’t always revolve around shoes or clothing, Roguski said. They also help customers create training plans, figure out how to avoid blisters, or point them toward local trails, Roguski said. Most of the 10 or so employees at Fairhaven Runners only work there for two to four years, Roguski said. But it’s important to Roguski that his employees “live the running lifestyle.” Craig Bartlett, store manager, has been there since the beginning. Roguski’s wife Genevie, an accomplished runner who won state titles in college, has worked full-time at the store for eight years. During the last 15 years, Roguski has worked to change the perception that the store is just for elite runners. It’s a place for anyone with feet, he said, and especially people with specific issues. One day last month he helped a tennis player find a better fitting shoe. “Every person who walks in the door is treated kind of like family. That’s hard to do.” Dorr said. “I don’t even run and I buy my shoes there. It’s a sense of community and I love the customer service.” Dorr no longer works at the Small Business Development Center, but he continues to work with Roguski as a consultant. He has seen Roguski get better at manUnited Way aging inventory, and hiring of Whatcom County the right people over the unitedwaywhatcom.org years, he said. But Roguski also learned the business fast, Dorr said. After sticking his new mission to his fridge, Roguski went to a twoday business workshop at Whatcom Community College, and then got a job at a shoe store downtown called Foot Zone. He had little retail experience, but he found out he enjoyed it. “I was good with customers,” Roguski said. “It seemed to be easy and fluid for me.” Two months later the owner of Foot Zone decided to close theshop, and offered the business to Roguski, who declined the offer. Roguski wanted his running store to be different from Foot Zone—he wanted to carry specialty items like racing flats and cross
See RUNNERS, PAGE 22 1162158
November 2014
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November 2014
Sponsored content by BIAWC
Future of housing in Bellingham is about to be set
By Linda Twitchell BIAWC Govt. Affairs Director re ellingham has begun a Comprehensive Plan update that’s scheduled for completion by July 2016. Don’t let that longterm deadline mis-inform you. Major decisions are about to be made. If you’re concerned about housing options or space for commercial/industrial growth in Bellingham, now is the time to get involved. Comp Plan rewrites are required of each city and the county. Cities send their recommendations to County Council for official approval – but the direction growth takes probably will be determined at the city level. The big question facing Bellingham is whether to expand its boundaries to allow more singlefamily housing, or stay the course set previously and plan to “accommodate” growth primarily through infill or creation of urban villages. Options on how to expand Bellingham’s urban growth area (UGA) boundaries – or not – will go to the Planning Commission at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 18, in City Council Chambers. City Council action is expected in January or February. The policy decision Council makes will drive the direction of housing for decades to come. The basic question is – do we provide more space for single-family homes with yards (however small), or continue to assume most growth will go into highrise “urban villages”? Dense, multi-family housing is one way to avoid sprawl. But who will buy into it? Bellingham’s last Comp Plan assumed future housing would be 67% multifamily and 33% single-fam-
B
Stay informed: Planning Commission webpage: http://www.cob.org/government/public/boards-commissions/planning.aspx Bellingham City Council meeting materials: http://www.cob.org/government/meeting-materials.aspx Bellingham Comp Plan webpages To see the last, 2006 version of the city’s Comp Plan, go to: http://www.cob.org/services/planning/comprehensive/index.aspx The Comp Plan update is addressed at: http://www.cob.org/services/planning/comprehensive/2016-update.aspx Whatcom County Comp Plan webpage: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/pds/plan/lr/compplan/updates.jsp
ily housing – the exact opposite of what market studies tell us Americans want. The preference for homes with a yard certainly seems to apply in Whatcom County. Availability of land for singlefamily homes is the main reason homebuilding in Ferndale and Lynden outstripped homebuilding in Bellingham in recent years. People go where they can get what they want. “What buildable land we have left is primarily multi-family,” acting Planning Director Greg Aucutt confirms. And, he notes, the city’s “buildable land” needs to be reconsidered to see how much actually is buildable and how much is restricted by wetlands, steams or steep slopes. The question going before policymakers next month is: If you want to limit expansion outside of Bellingham, how will you provide space in town for homes that residents want and are
willing to pay for? We recommend expanding the UGA where it’s practical to do so, to maintain singlefamily-home options. Dense urban village development is available for those who want it, but it won’t “accommodate” people who prefer a house with a yard. How much buildable land we have for single-family homes will play a big part in determining whether the 36,000 newcomers Bellingham expects to see in the next 20 years do, in fact, move into the city. If you’re concerned about which housing options Bellingham allows in the future, now is the time to get involved. Proposals going before the Planning Commission or City Council are posted online a week before each meeting. Check them out, and let your elected officials know what’s important to you.
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November 2014
Designing LED lighting for a boutique market Bellingham company 2020 LED takes on tough projects around the Northwest and beyond BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal A $40,000 Mercedes-Benz coup sits on the showroom floor at Wilson Motors in Bellingham. White light glints off a curve in the hood. Twenty-five feet up, newly installed LED lights shine on the cluster of new Mercedes, Toyotas and Scions on the floor. Wilson Motors got the LEDs in August. “It’s a distinctly different light,” said Julian Greening, general manager. “It’s really nice on the cars, it’s really nice on paint, and it brings out the contours.” Car dealerships are early adopters in the LED market. With LED light quality improving and cost falling, some researchers think the technology is just beginning to shine. LEDs can be 75 percent more efficient than other lights, according to energystar.gov. Last year, former Phillips Lighting CEO Ludo Carnotensis said LEDs could make up 80 percent of the lighting market by 2020, up from 12 percent in 2012. 2020 Led Lighting, a Bellingham company that designs LED lighting systems for commercial spaces, is already growing. Mark Buehrer, founder and owner of 2020 LED, said his company is at the forefront of the industry due to his willingness to go through the process of getting new technologies accepted by permitting authorities, and his drive to find practical uses for new technology. “Permitting is a huge obstacle,” Buehrer said. “We’ve been willing to go through the bureaucratic stuff and pioneer that part of the industry.” Buehrer has designed lighting systems for buildings around the Northwest. Most of his work is outside of Bellingham, but Buehrer’s resume includes some projects in town, including the Wilson Motors showroom. According to a study 2020 LED did while designing the system, Wilson Motors will save $13,966 annually in energy and maintenance costs, enough to pay for the cost of the project in two years. Wilson Motors’ showroom lights are on
Cars on the showroom floor at Wilson Motors in Bellingham. 2020 LED Lighting designed the lighting for the showroom, which was installed in August. OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL 16 hours a day. With the old lights, seven is whole systems designs with interesting LEDs last approximately 50 times longer or eight bulbs and three or four ballasts— challenges.” than typical incandescent lights and eight the devices that regulate voltage and cur2020’s office and coworking space on to 10 times longer than a compact fluoresrent—had to be replaced every month. Dupont Street serves as a portfolio for cent light, according to bulbs.com. To do that, every car had to be wheeled 2020 LED. outside while a contractor with a scissor lift Whole systems design As Buehrer slides his finger across a replaced the bulbs and fixtures. touch-sensitive screen, the LEDs in a 2020 LED designs lighting systems for a “That was my biggest disappointment in fixture above a corner desk change from boutique market, Buehrer said. They aren’t this whole facility—the old lighting in the bright blue to warm orange. The lighting trying to come up with a template that can showroom,” Rick Wilson, owner of Wilson remains nearly the same in the rest of the be used on every building, he said. Motors said. “The LEDs are absolutely “We’re not going for the low-hanging phenomenal. I don’t anticipate replacing fruit,” Buehrer said. “What we like to do See 2020 LED, PAGE 16 any for years.”
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Bellingham / Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry : Representing Businesses Across Whatcom County
Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue By: Karen Burke
Domestic violence is difficult to discuss, especially in a workplace. There it the adage that people should leave personal issues at home. We may feel that it is not our business and not know what to say or how to help. But, domestic violence is an issue that must be addressed everywhere, it can be deadly and it doesn’t stay at home. October is domestic violence awareness month, making this an ideal time to begin addressing it at your business. Not only does it cause personal suffering, it can also reduce productivity, lead to absenteeism and put workers at risk. The first step in addressing domestic violence is learning about it. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior, including acts or threatened acts, used by a perpetrator to gain power and control over a current or former intimate partner or family member. Contradicting the popular belief that perpetrators react from anger and may be provoked by a victim, the motivation for the crime is an ongoing desire for control. We are most often aware of domestic violence when a perpetrator has become physically violent but, it does not always include physical abuse. Jealousy, frequent calls to work, financial control, monitoring activities, accusations of office affairs, and insisting a partner
Karen Burke, DVSAS Executive Director This unpredictable come directly home from landscape creates physical work may be used by some and psychological responses perpetrators as methods in victims that can of getting control. To an effectively entrap them in outsider, it may not be obvious that these behaviors the relationship. Work can be an ideal are a part of a frightening place for abuser to continue pattern of abuse, especially contacting a victim who if physical violence is not has left the relationship. obviously present. 74% of abusers reported Domestic violence that they and easy access can also be difficult to to their victim’s workplace detect. Perpetrators do not and 21% reported that generally start relationships they had contacted the with abuse. In fact, early victim at work in violation behavior is often flattering of a protective order. and appears typical of new Without an employer’s love. Problems may show knowledge or help it may up subtly and increase over become impossible for time, with perpetrators the victim to continue inflicting repeated trauma employment. And, without on their victims. Frequent a stable job, victims may degradation, humiliation, be unable to permanently isolation and shaming are remove themselves from a peppered with tenderness, relationship and escape the heartfelt apologies, tears, long-term consequences of and promises. Perpetrators abuse. can be violent, but also Domestic violence may kind and loving at other explain an employee’s times. They can be cruel absenteeism, ongoing and calculated, but also health problems or, even vulnerable and remorseful.
transportation or child care problems. The more supervisors understand about the dynamics of domestic violence the more confident they can become in recognizing signs and talking about it without judgment. Clear policies and procedures can also help supervisors know how to respond to a perpetrators behavior. Washington State Law requires that employers, regardless of size, provide leave to domestic violence victims to take care of legal or law enforcement needs or to obtain health care. Family members of a victim may also take leave to help the victim obtain treatment or seek help. Worker Safety laws may also require your business to take steps to prevent violence and provide resource
information to employees. Employers can have a positive impact on employees and help end domestic violence by creating an environment where all workers are trained and there are clear policies in place that address the issue. Providing resource information and training on the policy at open staff meetings and in employee break rooms makes the business’ stand on domestic violence clear to everyone and therefore less stigmatized when it needs to be addressed. When victims know they are safe to ask for an employer’s help and perpetrators know that abusive behavior will not be tolerated, all employees benefit. And, that is not only good business—it could save a life.
Karen Burke is the Executive Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS). DVSAS operates a 24 hour help line (877/360)715-1563, support services, a safe shelter program and a prevention education program. They can provide training to your business about domestic violence and have brochures and resource materials available. Contact DVSAS at (360)671-5714 or visit their website at www.DVSAS.org. The Bellingham/ Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence has sample policies and procedures that address domestic violence in the workplace available on their website at www. dvcomission.org.
Monday, Nov. 17, 12-1:30 pm
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Marijuana and the Workplace An HR Discussion
Featuring: Richard Davis of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. Attorneys at Law, Kara Turner, PHP of Turner HR Services, and Dr. Eric Smith of Whatcom Occupational Health
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale RSVP at bellingham.com or call 360-734-1330 $25 for Chamber & SHRM members $35 for non-members (price includes lunch)
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The Bellingham Business Journal
November 2014
2020 LED, FROM 14 office. The interesting challenge presented by 2020’s office, as in most offices, is the puzzle of accommodating people who want different amounts of light. It’s a problem the design of most office lighting systems doesn’t address. They solve the problem by keeping the overhead LEDs dimmer than most offices, and providing LED lamps at each desk.
The path to LEDs
Mark Buehrer, owner and founder of 2020 LED Lighting, adjusts the lights in his office at 814 Dupont St. in Bellingham OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL
2020 LED is a subsidiary of 2020 Engineering, which Buehrer founded in 1995. 2020 Engineering focuses on environmentally-friendly and energy efficient civil engineering projects. Buehrer has contributed to well-known projects including the Bullitt Center in Seattle, which the website World Architecture News named the World’s greenest building in 2013. 2020 Engineering designed the building’s
rainwater harvesting system, compost toilets, and a treatment system for grey water. “2020 is one of the top firms to go to for waterneutral projects. That’s their reputation,” said Alex Ramel, Sustainable Connections’ Policy and Energy Manager. “They’ve taken that same energy and applied it to lights.” Sustainable Connections, an organization that promotes local economy and sustainable business, works with 2020 to help business owners apply for incentives and rebates for LEDs and other energy upgrades. Buehrer became interested in LEDs as a way to make buildings more energy efficient. LEDs are a useful tool for creating a “net-zero” building—a building that produces as much energy as it uses. “To get to net-zero energy, you need to supply all your resources on sight. Your systems have to be
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Lighting evokes experience
Explorations Academy, an independent high school in Bellingham, upgraded their downstairs with a 2020 LED-designed system last school year. The school paid for the project with help from the Community Energy Challenge and a private donor, the school’s founder and director, Daniel KirkPatrick said. The lights in the school’s theater room have tunable colors, and classrooms have sensors that turns lights off if no one is in the room. Energy savings motivated the switch to LEDs, KirkPatrick said. “We’re a very green school,” Kirkpatrick said. “With everything we do we’re trying to get the message across that the earth is finite, let’s use it responsibly,” They also use the adjustability of the lights, KirkPatrick said. “Lighting evokes experience. Everyone walks outside on a sunny day and you know that the light affects the quality of your experience,” he said. “If kids are drowsy, we’ll bring the lights up. If we’re trying to get into a discussion that is pretty heartfelt and we’re talking about issues and relationships, we’ll bring
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really efficient,” he said. “It’s much more cost-effective to be efficient than to pay for more solar panels.” But Buehrer’s interest in LEDs goes beyond energy efficiency. He can cite studies about health benefits and increased worker productivity resulting from LEDs that change in brightness and color, and mimic natural light by turning bright blue in the middle of the day and a warmer orange in the morning and afternoon. Buehrer is a member of the Human Centric Lighting society, an international committee with a goal to promote LEDs and study how they can improve circadian rhythms and mood. The mission statement on the committee’s website says they believe adjustable LEDs will become “as significant as Edison creating the light bulb.”
See 2020 LED, PAGE 22
November 2014
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The Bellingham Business Journal
Public Market triples in size Downtown Co-op plans remodel, Safeway coming early 2015 BY OLIVER LAZENBY The Bellingham Business Journal The Bellingham Public Market’s expansion project should be finished in November. The expansion makes the market 25,000 square feet, about three times its former size. The market, at 1530 Cornwall Ave., took out a wall and began expanding into the space next to it, formerly Tube Time, earlier this year. The Public Market is home to Terra Organic and Natural Foods, which Trinkhaus owns, as well as Mt. Baker Book Co., Cafe Trapeze, and Living Earth Herbs. Two new vendors, Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine and Electric Beet Juice Co., should move into the market sometime in November, Trinkhaus said. Along with the remodel, Terra Organic and Natural Foods launched a food labeling system developed by Trinkhaus and a crew of researchers. Labels on the shelf identify how foods fit into the following 12 categories: GMO, no added sugar, independent business, local, vegetarian or vegan, labor practices, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, organic and carrageenan-free. “I think this is really what sets us apart from every other store,” Trinkhaus said. “This is my 17 years of running the store distilled.” Trinkhaus said everyone looks at the labels for something different. Some customers only look for GMO-free and gluten-free foods, while others care most about labor practices used to produce the food. The color-coded labeling system is a way to include all that information in a small space.
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See GROCERY, PAGE 21
The old portion of the Public Market, at 1530 Cornwall Ave., in Bellingham, will soon be getting two new vendors. The market is about three times as big now that the expansion and remodel are nearly complete. OLIVER LAZENBY PHOTO | THE BELLINGHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL
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2 Columbia Bank Trust and Investment Services operates through Columbia Bank, • Not a deposit • Not FDIC insured • a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System. Investments are: Not insured by any federal government agency • Not guaranteed by the bank • May go down in value • Consult your attorney as to your applicable situation
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Public Records BUSINESS LICENSES Listings, which feature both new and renewed licenses, include business name, licensee name and the business’ physical address. Records are obtained from the City of Bellingham. Kenneth Craver, Kenneth Stone Craver, 3618 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Orca Bay Properties, Patrice J Stevenson, 2735 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Lisa Bryce Lewis, Lisa Bryce Lewis, 1420 King St., Suite D, Bellingham, WA 98229. Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center, Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center, 2600 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. Industrial Services And Controls, Wayne Michael Hofbauer, 4935 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226. Calypso Services, Karl King, 4651 Wade St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Heritage Bank, Heritage Bank, 265 York St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Heritage Bank, Heritage Bank, 2504 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Heritage Bank, Heritage Bank, 1318 12th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Heritage Bank, Heritage Bank, 920 W Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Chuckanut Feline Center, Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic Inc., 1214 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Tall Cedars Lodging, Deborah Ann Sary, 1206 E. Mcleod Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Crafts We Create, Monique Renee Woods, 19 Honeycomb Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Red Cap Refillery, Katherine Clark, 2339 West St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Little Bird Intuitive Arts, Erika Lucienne D. Rado, 1609 Brookview Place, Bellingham, WA 98229. Festival Fire, Saphir R. Lewis, 2801 25th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Work Doctor, Inc.,Work Doctor, Inc. 3319 Brandywine Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Good News Chair, Harriet Arkley, 1306 Old Fairhaven Parkway #201, Bellingham, WA 98225. Wanne, Inc., Wanne, Inc., 528 Fieldston Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Pacific Northwest Urogynecology, Pllc, Pacific Northwest Urogynecology, Pllc, 500 Birchwood Ave., Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98225. Cassandra Spitzer, Financial Advisor, Cassandra Ann Spitzer, 4164 Meridian St., Suite 104, Bellingham WA 98226. Lillygurl Designs, Angela Marie Downard, 1323 23rd St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Fairhaven Dental, Christopher J. Burton, Dds, Ps, 3108 Newmarket St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Your Website Agent, Christine Ummel Hosler, 3033 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Eleanor C. Gordon, Eleanor C. Gordon, 3214 Peabody St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Fragrant Farm, Troy Thomas Bell, 971 Sunset Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Tattoos By Johnny, Johnny Delgado Jr., 1222 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. MJB Real Estate Inc., MJB Real Estate Inc., 2477 Erie Terrace, Bellingham, WA 98229. S Logistics Llc, S Logistics Llc, 3528 Northwest Ave., Apt. 42, Bellingham, WA 98225. Orderly Design, Brianne Fedele, 4065 Gloria Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. In Flight Studio, Wyeth Peter Stiles, 2925 Victor St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Danielle’s, Danielle Kazemzadeh, 19 Honeycomb Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Eastman Construction, Nicholas Lane Eastman, 2926 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Non-Gmo Project, The Non-Gmo Project, 1200 Harris Ave., Suite 305, Bellingham, WA 98225. Alternate Grocery Universe, Michael Norman Hallatt, 720 Sunset Pond Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Stan’s Gourmet Coffee, Laser Battle Zone Llc, 100 N. Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98225. Wander And Wander Tours, Rene Olive Laventure,
The Bellingham Business Journal
2569 Mackenzie Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Draconian Lifestyle Development, Dana James Burnidge, 3420 W. McLeod Road Apt. 69, Bellingham, WA 98225. John Merrishaw Hoyte, John Merrishaw Hoyte, 1200 37th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Blossor, Inc., Blosser Inc., 2211 Rimland Dr Suite 230, Bellingham, WA 98226. C.L.Palmer Llc, C.L.Palmer Llc, 3233 Greenwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. MQ Transportation Solutions, Mark Brant Quinlan, 3232 Carrington Way, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Booda Organics, Inc., Booda Organics, Inc., Po Box 29345, Bellingham, WA 98228. Bellingham Gold And Silver Buyers, Inc., Bellingham Gold & Silver Buyers., 4152 Meridian St., Suite 113, Bellingham, WA 98226. Fairhaven Flats Llc, Fairhaven Flats Llc, 10th St., Apt. 2, Bellingham, WA 98225. Kelly Grower, Jaswinder Kaur, 564 Kelly road, Suite D, Bellingham, WA 98226. Garvin Eddy Productions Inc., Garvin Eddy Productions Inc., 4716 Hadley St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Plum Hair Studio Llc, Plum Hair Studio Llc, 126 E. Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225. Wise Body Therapeutic Massage, Samantha Shillinger, 3122 Racine St., Apt. 224, Bellingham, WA 98226. Body Mined And Soul Llc, Body Mined And Soul Llc, 1240 E. Maple St. Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225. South Springs Llc, South Springs Llc, 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Suite 520, Bellingham, WA 98226. Ferndale Massage Clinic, Pllc, Ferndale Massage Clinic, Pllc, 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 420, Bellingham, WA 98225. The Foundry, Bellingham Makerspace, Bellingham Foundry Llc, 1515 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Ice Dr. Inc., Ice Dr. Inc., 4152 Meridian St., Suite 105216, Bellingham, WA 98226. Saramanda Aviation Llc, Saramanda Aviation Llc, 820 15th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Custom Lynnwood Llc, Custom Lynnwood Llc, 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Radiance Now Inc., Radiance Now Inc, 2400 Princeton Court, Bellingham WA 98229. Jun’s Sushi & Bento, Jun Wom Bark, 202 E. Holly St., Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98225. The Habanero Factory, The Habanero Factory, Llc, 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Suite 504, Bellingham, Wa 98226. The Lotus Grill, Bellingham Indian Restaurant Llc, 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy Ste 508, Bellingham, WA 98226. Gronholt Psychological Services, Pllc, Gronholt Psychological Services, Llc, 2110 Iron St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Jani-King Of Western Washington, Keli Wynette Jackson, 250 N. State St., Apt 319, Bellingham, WA 98225. Minuteman Press, Bellingham Printing, Llc, 1616 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Izumi Electric North America Llc, Izumi Electric North America Llc, 4050 Deemer Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. 1428 Lincoln Llc, 1428 Lincoln Llc, 1324 Welling Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Dark Matter Dames, Dark Matter Dames, 1441 St. Paul St., Bellingham, WA 98229. The Woolsey Company, Llc, The Woolsey Company, Llc, 814 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Washington Association for Couple and Family Therapy, Washington Association for Couple and Family Therapy, 2626 Moore St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Shesgood, Joan Marie Prinz, 4965 Fat Dog Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. King Pen, Justin Orion Dillon, 2715 St. Clair Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. Steadfast Entertainment, Inc., Steadfast Entertainment, Inc., 2925 Vining St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Luis Professional Services Plus, Jose Luis Rosas Mora, 106 E. Axton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Sapro, Sapro Freelance Illustrator, 2109 Birch Circle,
Bellingham, WA 98229. Cascadian Roots, Cascadian Roots, 3233 Greenwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Singh Insurance Agency, Singh Insurance Agency Llc, 4370 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Crisp And Clean, Meagan Bedlington, 2828 Moore St., Bellinghamm WA 98226. Apparatus Printing Company, Chad Shahan, 336 36th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Meraki Meals, Meraki Llc, 3820 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Western Carrier Llc, Western Carrier Llc, 1467 Sunnybrook Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Dogletes, Laura Lorraine Hunter, 3552 Sunset Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Indie Restoration & Landscaping, Spencer John Tietz, 3849 Welling Ct., Bellingham, WA 98226.
Kd Construction Services, Kd Construction Services, Llc, 2202 36th St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Ian Koppe Photography, Ian Michael Koppe, 1124 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Greenwoods Photographic Arts, Judd M. Greenwood, 97 Sudden Valley Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229. Free Range Nonprofit Solutions, Inc., Free Range Nonprofit Solutions, Inc., 2626 Moore St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Patricia Gail Lindsay, Patricia Gail Lindsay, 118 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Meridian Disc Golf, Jason Waite, 3915 Cliffside Dr., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bellingham Estate Sales And Buyers, Inc., Bellingham Estate Sales And Buyers, Inc., 4152 Meridian St., Suite 113, Bellingham, WA 98226. Bruce’s Property Management Llc, Bruce’s Property Management Llc, 336 36th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Karen Marie Phillips, Karen Marie Phillips, 4204 Alice St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Eagle Jet Delivery Llc, Eagle Jet Delivery Llc,719 E. Mcleod Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Tom W. Dorr, Tom W. Dorr, 4426 E. Oregon St., Bellingham WA 98226. The Metal Edge, Danielle Edgar,109 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mighty Oak Construction, Luke Mathew Olson, 4806 Lost Creek Ln., Bellingham, WA 98229. Megatite Finishes, Inc., Megatite Finishes, Inc., 3208 Peabody St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mozza, Mozza, 410 W Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Swift Level Design, Chris Goodwin, 904 Puget St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Aurora Nursing, Aurora Nursing, Inc., 1602 Carolina St., Suite B3 , Bellingham, WA 98229. Audiology Consulting Northwest, Jessica Maassen, 2516 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Angel Face Skin Care, Arlene Fenn, 13 Par Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Hot Commodities Pepper Company, Derek Wayne Bannerman, 4688 Lee Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Sorin’s Home Services, Sorin Precup, 1109 Dondee Court, Bellingham, WA 98229. Bradley Oppedal, Bradley Oppedal, 2315 E. St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Zachary Dean’s Italian Cuisine, Kevin Conzo, 114 W. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Square One Counsel, Llc, Square One Counsel, Llc, 505 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Elizabeth A Ellis, Ms. Elizabeth A Ellis, 250 N. State St.,Bellingham, WA 98225. Soapa Soapworks, Kari Anna Severns, 2420 E. St.,Bellingham, WA 98225. Jane Small Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Llc, Jane Small, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Llc, 3031 Orleans St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Professional Aquatics Northwest, Andrew Michael Winch, 2523 H St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Southlake Construction Llc, Southlake
November 2014
Construction Llc, 1144 Lake Samish Road, Bellingham, WA 98229. Stone Pot, Solji Park, 113 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Sarahlikespizza Photography, Sarah Fuhrman, 808 21st St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Devine Countertops, Llc, Devine Countertops Llc, 4107 Strider Loop Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Camron Elizabeth, Camron Elizabeth Design, 528 Bayside Rd, Bellingham, WA 98225. Terry Stach Agency, Terry Ray Stach, 2332 Ellis St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Sans Fossils Visual Arts, Kevin James Darcy, 3140 Adams Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bellingham Flea Market, Bellingham Flea Market Llc, 405 E. Champion St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Bodhi Yoga, Jene Erin Pugmire, 86 Honeycomb Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Tbe, Trail Blazin’ Enterprises, 37 Tumbling Water Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229. Cascadia Distilling, Llc, Cascadia Distilling, Llc, 1600 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98229. All In One Handyman, Inc., All In One Handyman, Inc., 722 E. Smith Rd ., Bellingham, WA 98226. Stonecrest Estates Llc, Stonecrest Estates Llc, 2531 Erie St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Willowed Yoga, Willowed Yoga, Llc, 1430 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225. At The Looking Glass Salon, Angela Lynn Krick, 118 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Randall Hempfield, Randall Hempfield Llc, 2514 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Make It Rain Media And Events Llc, Make It Rain Media And Events Llc, 317 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Vail Ridge Capital Llc, Vail Ridge Capital Llc, 3717 Bristol St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Prudence Designs, Prudence Designs, 2805 Ellis St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Daisy’s Cleaning Services, Daisy Cristobal-Nunez, 3010 Ferry Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Kyle D. Schores Manufacturing, Kyle David Schores, 338 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225. The Upper Left Lounge, The Upper Left Lounge, 3775 Canterbury Ln., Bellingham, WA 98225. 7 Peaks, 7 Peaks Llc, 2514 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Dancing Hound Llc, Dancing Hound Llc, 2056 Wildflower Way, Bellingham, WA 98229. Alabama Hill AFH Llc, Alabama Hill AFH Llc, 3614 Alabama St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Rachel Williams, Rachel E Williams, 2319 Dean Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Emily Joy Sielen, Emily Joy Sielen, 2011 Nevada St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Katina Sue Ann Honda, Katina Sue Ann Honda, 1118 Finnegan Way, Bellingham, WA 98225. Easy Peasy Delivery, Caleb Andrew Peterson, 132a Sudden Valley Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Marguerite Andrews Studio, Marguerite Andrews, 616 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.
BUILDING PERMITS Includes commercial building activity 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. 10/13/14 to 10/17/14 ISSUED PERMITS 1501 Kentucky St., $225,000 for tenant improvement: remodel existing office space, new entry, and new roofing: Guardian Security. Contractor: Faber Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2014-00300. 10/14/14 8 Bellis Fair Parkway, $650,000 for tenant improvement: new retail shoe store: DSW. Contractor: S.D. Deacon Corp of Washington. Permit No.: BLD201400412. 10/16/14.
800 Block of Viking Circle, $150,000 for a foundation system for future bridge: piles and transfer slabs. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00491. 10/17/14 3815 Primrose Lane, $1,670,704 for new threestory, 18-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Palakika2 LLC. Permit No/: BLD2014-00383. 10/17/14. ACCEPTED PERMITS 180 E Kellogg Road, $25,000 for removing and replacing second floor decks and ground floor patios, siding, flashing, moulding: Spring Creek Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2014-00499. 10/13/14. 184 E Kellogg Road, $25,000 for removing and replacing second floor decks and ground floor patios, siding, flashing, moulding: Spring Creek Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2014-00498. 10/13/14. 188 E Kellogg Road, $25,000 for removing and replacing second floor decks and ground floor patios, siding, flashing, moulding: Spring Creek Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2014-00497. 10/13/14. 178 E Kellogg Road, $25,000 for removing and replacing second floor decks and ground floor patios, siding, flashing, moulding: Spring Creek Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2014-00496. 10/13/14. 176 E Kellogg Road, $25,000 for removing and replacing second floor decks and ground floor patios, siding, flashing, moulding: Spring Creek Apartments. Permit No.: BLD2014-00495. 10/13/14. 4334 Water Lily LP, $661,119 for a new three story, eight-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD201400502. 10/13/14. 4332 Water Lily LP, $661,119 for a new three story, eight-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD201400503. 10/13/14. 4330 Water Lily LP, $661,119 for a new three story, eight-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD201400501. 10/13/14. 4116 Bakerview Spur, $897,000 for commercial: new 12,000 square-foot dry cast building. Contractor: Ram Construction General Contractor Inc. Permit No.: BLD2014-00494. 10/13/14. 4120 Iron Gate Road, $575,000 for commercial: remodel and addition for metal blasting and painting company in former bug spraying business space: Performance Contracting (PCI). Permit No.: BLD201400406. 10/13/14. 935 14th St., $1,866,931 for commercial: interior remodel and addition of new gym, cafeteria and music room to elementary school. Permit No.: BLD201400411. 10/14/14. 4151 Meridian St. 106, $30,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel for restaurant: divide restroom into two restrooms; install new walls and plumbing. BLD2014-00506. 10/15/14. 2075 Barkley Boulevard 220, $19,000 for tenant improvement: divide existing suite 220 into two suites, 220 and 222. Permit No.: BLD 2014-00504. 10/15/14. 4369 Meridian St., $398,671 for new commercial shell building. Contractor: Com-steel LLC. Permit No.: BLD2013-00364. 10/15/14. 2901 Squalicum Parkway ground floor, $283,220 for tenant improvement: minor remodel to nonpatient support spaces: central tower. Permit No.: BLD2014-00507. 10/16/14. 2227 Midway Lane, $15,000 for commercial: install narrow aisle pallet racking for chemical storage. BLD2014-00394. 10/16/14. 3120 Squalicum Parkway B, $15,000 for tenant improvement: remodel bathroom in existing medical office. Permit No.: BLD2014-00497. 10/17/14. 4333 Water Lily LP, $479,490 for new three-story multifamily building with three units. BLD201400510. 10/17/14. DEMOLITION PERMITS 125 Samish Way, [no estimated valuation] for commercial: demolition and site work to accommodate future new retail and tenant improvement for retail drug store: Walgreens. Permit No.: BLD2014-00054. 10/14/14. 9/29/14 to 10/10/14 ISSUED PERMITS 4318 Pacific Highway, $173,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel including partial change of occupancy of warehouse space to retail area. Contractor: Mission Services. Permit No.: BLD201400419. 10/2/14. 1009 Larrabee Ave., $55,3000 for remodel of
RECORDS, PAGE 19
November 2014
RECORDS, FROM 18 existing garage and house for new brewery: Stones Throw Brewing Co. Permit No.: BLD2014-00373. 10/2/14. 3930 Affinity Lane, $94,188 for new construction: site grading and preparation, cast-in place and block retaining walls for development. Contractor: Inland Washington LLC. Permit No.: BLD2014-00285. 10/2/14. 1111 Cornwall Ave., $80,000 for commercial: re-roof, no structural change. Contractor: Mt Baker Roofing Inc. Permit No.: BLD2014-00478. 10/3/14. 405 E. Holly St. 101-103, $750,000 for commercial: renovate existing building for new offices, cafe, production bakery and community room: Food Co-op. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Permit No.: BLD2014-00268. 10/3/14. 1411 N. State St., for final inspection of expired permit BLD2012-00355: Commercial re-roof, removal of old roofing, installations of 30-year Pabco roof and granulated torch down. Contractor: Pacific Northwest Roofing. Permit No.: BLD2014-00483. 10/6/14. 115 Unity St., no calculated value given for final inspection on expired permit (BLD2012-00285 install new membrane roof system over existing built up roofing.) Contractor: Esary Roofing & Sidinc Co. Inc. Permit No.: BLD2014-00482. 10/6/14. ACCEPTED PERMITS 3821 Primrose Lane, $2,335,283 for new four-story 28-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD201400473. 9/30/14. 3811 Primrose Lane, $1,170,000 for new threestory, 15-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD2014-00472. 9/30/14. 4101 Eliza Ave., $765,000 for commercial: new 5,108-square-foot dental clinic and parking lot. Permit No.: BLD2014-00388. 10/3/14. 104 W. Magnolia St., $2,200,000 for federal building EF-0110: tenant improvement: renovation of first floor offices, basement improvements, and systems upgrades. Permit No.: BLD2014-00485. 10/7/14. 4111 Bakerview Spur Admin, $38,000 for commercial: install new concrete pit for bus lift. Permit No.: BLD2014-00489. 10/9/14. 3725 Irongate Road 109, $156,000 for tenant improvement: remodel to existing building for glass working business: Mothership Glass. Permit No.: BLD2014-00490. 10/9/14. 925 N. Forest St., $100,000 for tenant improvement: convert existing educational occupancy to 17 dorm room units with common shower rooms, laundry kitchen area. Permit No.: BLD2014-00413. 10/9/14. 800 Block Viking Circle, $150,000 for foundation system for future bridge: piles and transfer slabs. Permit No.: BLD2014-00491. 10/10/14. 800 Viking Circle, $2,735,041 for new clubhouse for student housing complex to include fitness center, offices, a model unit, lounges, reception, cafe and eight-unit apartment units. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00273. 10/10/14. 870 Viking Circle, $2,377,074 for new 16-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00240. 10/10/14. 860 Viking Circle, $2,377,074 for new 16-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00239. 10/10/14. 840 Viking Circle, $2,377,074 for new 16-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00238. 10/10/14. 820 Viking Circle, $2,377,074 for new 16-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00237. 10/10/14. 810 Viking Circle, $2,377,074 for new 16-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00234. 10/10/14. 865 Viking Circle, $4,307,747 for new 32-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00233. 855 Viking Circle, $4,307,747 for new 32-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00232. 850 Viking Circle, $4,307,747 for new 32-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00231. 830 Viking Circle, $4,307,747 for new 32-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Campus Crest Construction. Permit No.: BLD2014-00229. 9/22/14 to 9/26/14 ISSUED PERMITS 121 W. Chestnut St., [no calculated valuation listed] for tenant improvement: convert retail shell to office space including two new interior walls. Permit No.: BLD2014-00450. 9/23/14.
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The Bellingham Business Journal 2075 Barkley Boulevard, $12,000 for commercial: divide existing leasable storage area in basement. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc., Permit No.: BLD2014-00441. 9/25/14. 3028 Lingbergh Ave., $350,000 for commercial: reroof of buildings 3028 and 3020 Lindbergh Ave., which are connected by breezeways. Contractor: Hytech Roofing Inc. Permit No.: BLD2014-00204. 9/25/14. 3825 Primrose Lane, $2,665,171 for new four-story, 28-unit multifamily building. Contractor: Palakika2 LLC, Permit No.: BLD2014-00330. 9/26/14. ACCEPTED PERMITS 310 Lakeway Drive, $76,570 for commercial addition to existing gas station: Lakeway Chevron. Permit No.: BLD2014-00463. 9/22/14. BLD 7 Fuchsia Drive, $656,405 for new three-story multifamily building: building 7. Permit No.: BLD201400461. 9/22/14. 405 E. Holly St 101-103, $750,000 for commercial: renovate existing building for new offices, cafe, production bakery and community room: food co-op. Permit No.: BLD2014-00268. 9/23/14. 206 McKenzie Ave., $40,000 for commercial: temporary job shack modular already on site, turning into permanent office space. Permit No.: BLD201400466. 9/24/14. 4318 Pacific Highway, $173,000 for tenant improvement: interior remodel including partial change of occupancy of warehouse space to retail area. Contractor: Mission Services. BLD201-00419. 9/25/14. 3815 Primrose Lane, $1,752,368 for new threestory, 18-unit multifamily building. Permit No.: BLD2014-00383. 9/25/14. BLD 21 Fuchsia Drive, $580,469 for new three-story, four-unit multifamily building with attached garages. Permit No.: BLD2014-00468. 9/25/14. BLD 20 Fuchsia Drive, $580,469 for new three-story, four-unit multifamily building with attached garages. Permit No.: BLD2014-00468. 9/25/14. 2701 Nome St., $27,800 for commercial: installation of lockable fence enclosure and condensing coil. Permit No.: BLD2014-00470. 9/26/14. 2227 Midway Lane, $15,000 for commercial: install narrow aisle pallet racking for chemical storage. Permit No.: BLD2014-00394. 9/26/14. 310 E. Magnolia St., $624,240 for new two-story office building to replace existing one-story building. Permit No.: BLD2014-00387. 9/26/14.
LIQUOR AND MARIJUANA LICENSES Records include license activity in Whatcom County. They are obtained from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, online at www.liq.wa.gov. 10/7/14 to 10/21/14 PENDING LICENSES Stumblebum Brewery, Fred C. and Beverly B. Larsen and Don’t Come Down LLC applied for a new license to operate a microbrewery at 3483 Robertson Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. License No.: 418707. 10/21/14. Cascadia Distilling, Daniel N. Greenberg, David Draper, Trevor Petersen, Anthony Ponce De Leon and Cascadia Distilling LLC applied for a new license to operate a craft distillery at 1600 Kentucky St., Suite C2, Bellingham, WA 98229. License No.: 418684. 10/16/14. Vick Homes, Janet R. Vick, Samuel S. Vick, and Vick Homes Inc., applied for a new license to operate a beer/wine specialty shop with growlers, at 423 Tyee Drive, Point Roberts, WA 98281. License No.: 418710. 10/16/14. Saanjh Indian Cuisine, Bhupinder K. and Navjot S. Gill, and Saanjh LLC applied for a new license to serve beer/wine in a restaurant at 3930 Meridian St., Suite 107, Bellingham, WA 98226. License No.: 072758. 10/15/14. Blaine Bouquets, FAB LLC, Colette Cloutier, and Orion Holdings Inc., applied for an assumption of a license to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop at 625 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230. License No.: 405480. 10/14/14. Majestic Dharma Forest, [no people required for this license] applied for a new non-profit arts organization license at 1027 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 407647. 10/13/14. The Underground, Brian A. Tines and Brian’s Underground Inc., applied for an addition/change of class/in lieu on a license to sell spirits/beer/wine for on-premises consumption at a nightclub at 211 E. Chestnut, Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 085575. 10/8/14. Tadeos Ferndale, Maria L., and Horacio Avila applied for a new snack bar license for 1811 Main St., Ferndale,
WA 98248. License No.: 418651. 10/7/14. APPROVED LICENSES Silver Beach Grocery, at 609 North Shore Drive, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226, received approval to change privilege to a license to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop. License No.: 352918. 10/21/14. Brewsters, 1379 Gulf Road, Point Roberts, WA 98281, received approval on a new application to serve beer/ wine in a restaurant. License No.: 361442. 10/21/14. West Coast Herbs, 2123 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval on a new license to operate as a tier 1 marijuana producer. License No.: 413223. 10/15/14. New York Pizza and Bar, 902 S. State St., Suite 106, Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval for an addition/change of class/in lieu to a license to serve spirits/beer/wine in a restaurant and lounge. License No.: 087093. 10/10/14. New York Pizza Place, 8874 Bender Road, Suite 101, Lynden, WA 98264, received approval for an addition/ change of class/in lieu to a license to serve spirits/beer/ wine in a restaurant and lounge. License No.: 086125. 10/10/14. JBC Grow, 2121 Lincoln St., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval on a new application to operate as a tier 2 marijuana producer. License No.: 413631. 10/7/14. Acme Mountain Herb, 960 Valley Highway, Suite A, Acme, WA 98225, received approval on a new license to operate as a tier 1 marijuana producer. License No.: 412162. 10/7/14. Verdelux Chocolates, 924 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval on a new application to operate as a tier 1 marijuana producer. License No.: 416859. 10/7/14. Discontinued licenses The Fairhaven, 1114 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, had a license to serve spirits/beer/wine in a restaurant and lounge discontinued. License No.: 360892. 10/21/14. Brewsters, 1379 Gulf Road, Point Roberts, WA 98281, had a license to sell beer and wine in a restaurant discontinued. License No.: 361442. 10/20/14. Grahams Restaurant, 9989 Mt. Baker Highway #1, Glacier, WA 98244, had a license to serve beer/wine in a restaurant and taproom discontinued. License No.: 353850. 10/16/14. La Patisserie Cafe and Bistro, 3098 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, had a license to operate as a direct shipment receiver discontinued. License No.: 076635. 10/16/14. 9/19/14 to 10/7/14 PENDING LICENSES Crazy Bob’s Pizza, Bhupinder Kumar and Mamta Kumari applied for a new license to serve beer and wine in a restaurant at 4151 Meridian St., Suite 106, Bellingham, WA 98226. License No.: 074567. 10/6/14. Mozza, Samantha Macconnell and Robert Mcallister applied for a new license to serve beer and wine in a restaurant at 410 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 108, Bellingham, WA 98226. License No.: 418634. 10/6/14. Three Flavors Kitchen, Nicholas Apreza-Pareja and Eloisa Ortega applied for a new license to serve spirits/beer/wine in a restaurant and lounge at 507 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack, WA 98226. License No.: 418634. 10/6/14. ecigExpress, Timothy and Yue Furre applied for a new snack bar license to sell beer for on-premises consumption by open bottle or can at 1321 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. License No.: 418458. 10/3/14. Probably Shouldn’t Distillery, Steven and Mariah Butenschoen applied for a new license to operate a craft distillery at 3595 Breckenridge Road, Everson, WA 98247. License No.: 418539. 9/26/14. APPROVED LICENSES Safeway Fuel #3285, at 1189 E. Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226, received approval for a new license to sell beer/wine in a grocery store. License No.: 418516. 10/3/14. Fred Meyer #667, at 1225 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, received approval for an addition/change of class/in lieu on an existing license to be a direct shipment receiver. License No.: 084935. 9/30/14. The Green Frog, at 1015 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225, received approval to an addition/change of class/in lieu to an existing license to sell spirits, beer, and wine in a restaurant and lounge. License No.: 408276. 9/30/14. CE Group, at 4165 Hannegan Road, Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226, received approval on a new application to operate as a tier 2 marijuana producer. License No.: 412623. 9/26/14.
DISCONTINUED LICENSES No licenses were discontinued between 9/9/14 and 9/19/14.
BANKRUPTCIES Reports include bankruptcies involving businessrelated debts only. They are obtained from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington. CHAPTER 7 Jonya A. Hamilton, 3201 Niagara St., Bellingham, WA 98226, date filed: 10/8/14, Case No.: 14-17456KAO, Attorney: Justin R. Campbell, Estimated assets: $0 to $50,000, Estimated liabilities: $100,000 to $500,000. CHAPTER 11 & 13 No chapter 11 or 13 business bankruptcies from Whatcom County were reported last month.
FEDERAL TAX LIENS Liens of $5,000 or more issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Listings include business name, lien amount, document number and filing date. Records are obtained locally from the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. B & B Paint Co., $24,658.68, 2140800909, 8/11/14. Richard Neyens, $47,662.50, 2140800910, 8/11/14. Lynn Vanderyacht, $5,296.14, 2140801636, 8/18/14. Rusty & Kristen Reams, $19,647.57, 2140802223, 8/25/14. NY Holding LLC, $81,490.56, 2140802224, 8/25/14. Hyperian Inc corp., $14,755.43, 2140802225, 8/25/14. Dustin Chrisman, $44,364.91, 2140802228, 8/25/14. Vitamin G inc, Fiamma Burger, $14,417.45, 2140802229, 8/25/14. Alec & Cheryl Buchan, $103,908.29, 2140900389, 9/5/14. Sam Sudore $ Maria Lorca, $270,974.84, 2140900390, 9/5/14. Orcas Investors LLC, $19,110.00, 2140900720, 9/8/14. Connect Communications, $39,870, 2140900721, 9/8/14. Point Roberts Storage, $30,000.00, 2140900722, 9/8/14. Jason Sappenfield, $124,120, 2140900723, 9/8/14. Babes Place Inc., $30,847.29, 2140900724, 9/8/14. Angela Holstrom, $58,133.13, 2140901285, 9/15/14. Donald Wallace, $59,338.01, 2140901295, 9/15/14. Vicente Farms, $30,910.95, 2140901296, 9/15/14. Bruce & Judy McKellar, $58,043.95, 2140902070, 9/22/14. John & Betty Hoksbergen, $24,926.67, 2140902071, 9/22/14. John Wiebe, 41,005,404.56, 2140902376, 9/25/14. Brian Sullivan, $47,960.13, 2140902706, 9/29/14. Copper Hog LLC, $123,213.75, 2140902707, 9/29/14. Michael Jones, $49,278.98, 2140902718, 9/29/14. David Odell,$131,314.75, 2141000491, 10/6/14. Reference Media Inc., $23,012.69, 2141000492, 10/6/14. Robynne Sapp, $28,577.67, 2141001186, 10/14/14. Scott Tell, $66,612.15, 2141001187, 10/14/14. P&P Excavating LLC, $26,707.81, 2141001897, 10/21/14. Tracy Martin, $11,690.77, 2141001899, 10/20/14. Lance Vanderyhyde, $137,480.08, 2141001900, 10/20/14. Donald Burse, $26,996.52, 2141001901, 10/20/14. Sharon Allen, $10,314.35, 2141001906, 10/20/14.
Rosalio Ibarra, $8,192.29, 2140802226, 8/25/14. Stephen Menefee, $227,473.79, 2140802227, 8/25/14. S & W Rock Products LLC, $14,039.37, 2140900391, 9/5/14. Northwest European Autoworks Inc,. $22,051.83, 2140900392, 9/5/14. Stephen Aarstol, $54,106.66, 2140900395, 9/5/14. Reference Media Inc., $11,457.43, 2140900725, 9/8/14. Dan Johnson, $14,114.28, 2140900727, 9/8/14/ William Cummins, $536,792.66, 2140900729, 9/8/14. Pacific Northwest Karate LLC, $6,504.49, 2140901287, 9/15/14. Daryll Wolf, $18,556.17, 2140901288, 9/15/14. Main Street Bar and Grill Inc., $6651.41, 2140901289, 9/15/14. Garbiel McFadden, $17,250.26, 2140902072, 9/22/14. Classic Cleaners, $18,440.26, 2140902074, 9/22/14. Vitamin G, Fiamma Burger, $18,015.33, 2140902708, 9/29/14. Professional Plumbing LLC, $10,853.65, 2140902709, 9/29/14. Austin Clark, $83,760.75, 2140902713, 9/29/14. Roger Goodwin & Tamara Stillwell, $7,197.94, 2140902714, 9/29/14. Jerry Horner, $6,202.80, 2140902716, 9/29/14. Ryan Callier, Arlis’s Restaurant, $11,486.66, [no document number] 9/29/14. Rutledge Embroidery Corp., $24,988.58, 2141001190, 10/14/14. Braun Corporation, $8,419.70, 2141001191, 10/14/14.
STATE TAX JUDGEMENTS
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. Pak Am Enterprises Inc, $46,292.54, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02323-1, 10/20/14. B & J Fiberglass LLC, $9,040.11, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02258-8, 10/16/14. Babes Place Inc., $27,820.87, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02259-6, 10/16/14. William A. Martin, $7,997.86, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02210-3, 10/7/14. Nebula Glass Studios Inc., $17,953.36, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02211-1, 10/7/14. Tina D. Weston, $7,442.70, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02200-6, 10/6/14. Border Tire LLC, $5,996.36, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02184-1, 10/3/14. Cascadia Craftsmen LLC, $13,874.33, Department of Revenue, 14-2-02185-9, 10/3/14. Hindman Construction Inc., $9,574.18, Labor and Industries, 14-2-02167-1, 10/1/14. NY Holding LLC, $12,758.64, Labor and Industries, 14-2-02169-7, 10/1/14. Diller Construction Enterprises, $40,754.62, Labor and Industries, 14-2-02170-1, 10/1/14. Cedar Glen LLC, $26,946.52, Labor and Industries, 14-2-02172-7, 10/1/14. Via Birch Bay Cafe & Bistro, $6,678.92, Labor and Industries, 14-2-02173-5, 10/1/14.
RELEASE OF FEDERAL TAX LIENS Releases indicate liens that have been lifted or paid. Records include the taxpayer’s name, the total amount of the lien and the date the lien release was filed in the Whatcom County Auditor’s office. Anis & Shabnam Jessa, $225,040.60, 2140801638, 8/18/14. John Canteline, Steel Frame Wall and Ceiling, $25,258.57, 2140801639, 8/18/14.
View more public records online at BBJToday. com.
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November 2014
Business Toolkit
Lessons from the Social Media Success Summit 2014 Tips for keeping up with the evolving world of social media
During the month of October, I attended Social Media Success Summit 2014—the world’s largest online social media conference organized by Social Media Examiner. This year was the sixth annual summit and it featured live webinars from more than 40 global marketing experts. Attendees tuned in to hear presenters like Mari Smith, Patti Michael Stelzner, Ian Cleary, Rowlson Mark Schaefer, and Stephanie Sammons share their knowledge about social media, relaOn Social tionship marketing, email marMedia & keting, blogging, and more. Marketing The tips, predictions, tactics, best practices, and ideas generated during the summit were incredible - my head will be spinning for weeks to come as I digest what I learned and work to integrate new strategies into plans for 2015. In this article I’d like to share five takeaways that may provide food for thought as marketers make plans for the New Year.
Five Takeaways from Social Media Success Summit 2014:
Facebook marketing Companies need to have an advertising budget to market with Facebook today. You’ve seen me write about this before and Mari Smith reiterated this in her presentation. Facebook is now pay-to-play - only 6 percent of page followers see what a company posts. Allocating even $30 to $50 per month for Facebook advertising can make a measurable difference as long as users have a solid understanding of how the ad platform and targeting works. It’s time to get educated or ask for help from someone with Facebook advertising experience.
Revisit “owned” platforms Michael Stelzner reminded us that social sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are owned by other entitities, and those entities control distribution of posted messages. They decide if they are going to share content and they decide who they will deliver it to. Digital marketing tools like email marketing and blogging are platforms controlled by users (that’s you) so distribution is on the user’s terms. Consider ways to build, and/or fully leverage, an owned marketing platform.
Optimize websites Today, 70 percent of visitors to a website never return. Ian Cleary stated that it’s more important than ever to capture web visitors’ contact info so a business can reach out to them with information (not spam or heavyhanded sales messages) in the future. Look to integrate web tools that can be used to encourage page visitors to subscribe to a monthly newsletter, or provide an email address in exchange for something of value, like a user guide or free tip sheet.
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Build your personal influence: Stephanie Sammons gave a powerful presentation about using LinkedIn to position yourself as an influencer. She spoke about what it takes to be an influencer, and also gave the best description of what it means to be engaging. Being engaging on any social platform means consistently performing these actions: congratulating, acknowledging, noticing, inspiring, connecting, promoting, conversing, helping, referring, nurturing, thanking, introducing, listening, providing, sharing, accepting, and liking. People that are good at engagement make others look and feel good. When individuals are positioned as an engaging influencer, people naturally reach out to them because they know that person is well connected, they can be trusted and they are there to help.
Looking forward to 2015 Marketers will definitely want to look at revamping Facebook marketing efforts and consider turning some attention to owned platforms like blogging and email marketing. They’ll want to investigate ways to capture website visitors by creating something of value that will entice consumers to join an email list or subscribe to a blog for future updates. Lastly, they may want to brainstorm ways to make their business more fun and conversational…and work to position themselves as an engaging influencer. When it comes to small business marketing it’s important to never stop looking forward, learning from experts and working to implement new plans.
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itate towards fun or “conversational” brands’ social sites (think Coke, Nike or any business that involves cute kids and puppies). Other businesses will need to find ways to make their products or services fun or conversational to be successful with social media in the future.
“Social media is a voluntary activity—people go there for fun, they don’t go there to see your business.” It’s true but it hurts, right? That quote came from Mark Schaefer during his social strategy presentation. He reminded us that people naturally grav-
Patti Rowlson is a marketing consultant and social media manager at PR Consulting, Inc. Learn more about small-business marketing by visiting www. pattirowlson.com.
November 2014
21
The Bellingham Business Journal
BUSINESS TOOLKIT
Leading Millennials: harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit Last Friday afternoon I was fortunate enough to make time to attend the Western Washington University Business Summit, an annual event hosted by the College of Business and Economics. The topic for the afternoon was entrepreneurism and innovation and focused on a panel that included three local entrepreneurs and one professional manager/former would be entrepreneur. This group was offered the opportunity to respond to a number of questions regarding their passion and vision and of course the question that has yet to be finally answered, are entrepreneurs born or can they be made? Let’s be clear, entrepreneurism and innovation are hot topics, you might even call them trendy. Although the sure fire path to innovation remains a conundrum one thing we do know is that entrepreneurs, when they are in full flight, create opportunities for others to be employed and job creation in America is on everyone’s agenda if not for themselves certainly for their children. To my satisfaction the three entrepreneurs on the panel agreed with me, entrepreneurs are very likely born and born in limited numbers. Maybe not born like from the womb but as the sum of their life experiences they arrive at the adult stage of life with a burning desire to make something happen. You might recall the quote from Steve Jobs; “I want to put a ding in the universe!” This idea of entrepreneurs being born versus developed has been debated and will continue to be because Americans love the notion that we can be anything we want to be with hard work and blah, blah, blah. OK, knock yourself out with that if you want. Meanwhile, I am also pretty sure from personal experience that a desire to own your own business or at least not work for anybody else does not make you an entrepreneur. (That would be me) I am just as certain that there
GROCERY, FROM 14 Terra Organic and Natural Foods became the first store in the country to label foods containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms) when it started in March 2013, Trinkhaus said. Trinkhaus expanded the market in response to customers were asking for more one-stop shopping and better prices, he said. Every department in the
is a difference between having an “entrepreneurial spirit” and being an entrepreneur. The case for this last assertion was made by the fourth member of Friday’s panel, an admittedly “reformed entrepreneur” who had thought himself to be one early in life only to find that he didn’t have the constitution to deal with the inevitable failures inherent in the Mike entrepreneurial life cycle. Rather than answer the knotty Cook questions about entrepreneurs being born or made employers On need to turn their attention to Managers & more practical matter of promoting an environment of innovaEmployees tion. By that I mean encouraging the expression of an entrepreneurial spirit in their businesses and attracting the very talented millennial generation. In late 2011, William Deresiewicz wrote an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times titled “Generation Sell.” In this piece Deresiewicz takes us through his analysis of the millennial generation that seems to be so troubling to work with or even understand for many managers today. His central thesis is that this is a generation of entrepreneurs. While I do not to agree with Deresiewicz I do see merit in his observation that the Millennials operate with, “a distrust of large organizations, including government, as well as the sense, a legacy of the last decade, that it’s every man for himself.”
expanded store grew, including the supplements, video rentals, and toiletries sections. Another coffee display featuring a bicycle-powered coffee grinder is also on the way. The store currently has frozen meats, but Trinkhaus said the expansion will include a full meat department. Eventually, he would like to add a butcher shop. The building was once a Safeway, so it has all the infrastructure needed for the expansion.
Safeway coming soon, Co-op remodel continues
Safeway plans to open its new store in Bellingham’s Sunset Square shopping center at the end of January 2015, a Safeway spokesperson said. The company originally hoped to open the store in October, they announced earlier this year. Renovations to the former Cost Cutter store at 1275 E. Sunset Drive began earlier this summer. The future 67,000-square-foot
So their entrepreneurial inclinations are driven as much from a self-preservation strategy as the previous generation’s were driven by the desire for security. While entrepreneurial in nature, many of the Millennials are really “tweakers” and most continue to work in our mainstream organizations. They literally walk among us, having learned how to play the game by developing an ability to fit in rather than drop out and assume the risks and responsibilities of business ownership Given the premium many employers still place on compliance it’s likely we have not tapped the entrepreneurial instincts of this generation and likely as not this is why they will eventually leave us, not necessarily to start their own businesses but in hopes of finding an environment that welcomes their creativity. As managers we might do ourselves an enormous favor by asking not how we can get them to be like us but rather how can we give them reason to stay and invest themselves in our future. In an article titled “The Tweaker,” Malcolm Gladwell identifies the difference between inventor and “tweaker.” By his definition, “The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world. The tweaker inherits things as they are, and has to push and pull them toward some more nearly perfect solution. That is not a lesser task.” Turning our Millennial employees loose to “tweak” may seem like an invitation to chaos. However, it also may just be a formula for the engagement and retention of our best and brightest.
Mike Cook lives in Anacortes. His columns appear on BBJToday.com every other Tuesday. He publishes a semi-weekly blog at www.heartofengagement.com and also facilitates a monthly business book reading group at Village Books.
Safeway store will include a deli, flower stand, bakery, wine department, and an organic and natural foods section. It will also have an in-store Starbucks kiosk, free wi-fi, and a fueling station. Safeway has been operating a pharmacy next door to the future Safeway since October 2013. The downtown Community Food Co-op received a building permit on Oct. 3 and began renovating the building across the street from its current location. The building at 405 E. Holly St.,
former home to Better Than New clothing, will house offices, a cafe, a bakery, and a community room. Co-op outreach manager Adrienne Renz said the co-op is also planning the remodel of their original downtown building at 1220 N. Forest St.
Oliver Lazenby, associate editor of the Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or olazenby@ bbjtoday.com.
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BRIEFS, FROM 6 It may sound like the TV show Shark Tank, but Diane Kamionka, interim executive director for NW Innovation Resource Center, said it’s much friendlier. Investors and successful entrepreneurs will coach participants through the process, and there’s plenty of time for networking. The winner gets $10,000 to put toward their idea. Applicants must have never publicly pitched
their idea or received investment. The forum is open to applicants in any industry, from all over the state and lower B.C., but Kamionka is hoping for a large local turnout. “We clearly want to have as much local focus and investment as possible,” she said. “We don’t want it to be a Seattle event that just happens to take place in Bellingham.” Ideal applicants will have a compelling idea, a strong team, willingness to be coached, and the ability
RUNNERS, FROM 12
country spikes for track and field. And he wanted his employees to be running fanatics like him. Roguski has been a runner for his whole life and he runs and races distances from 5k to 50k. With experience in a running store and a clear vision for his store, Roguski made a business plan. Consultants and other business owners liked his plan, Roguski said, but he couldn’t get a loan. A friend in the Greater Bellingham Running Club told Roguski that Paul Williams, owner of Peninsula Runners in White Rock, B.C., may want to invest in a running store. Williams liked Roguski’s business plan. They checked out an open storefront in Fairhaven that Roguski had his eye on. Days later, they had paid a deposit
to present a case for potential growth, according to a press release for the event. “For people who are thinking about applying, just give it a shot,” Kamionka said. “It helps to think through the process.” The forum is from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Applications are due Saturday, Oct. 18. For more information, or to apply, go to http://www.washingtontechnology.org/firstlookforum/.
on the space and named the business. Roguski opened the store two months later, on July 1, less than six months after sticking the mission to his fridge. Two years after that, he bought the business from Williams. Now, at 56, Roguski said his job at the running store is the ultimate career he imagined 16 years ago. On a Tuesday night in October, 25 people gathered inside the store for a group run through Boulevard Park. The group included at least one married couple who met at the store. Roguski himself met his wife Genevie Roguski, an accomplished local runner, through the store. Nearly all the runners at the store were regulars at the Tuesday night runs. A smiling Steve Roguski walked through the crowded store to shake hands with the one newcomer in the group.
RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME
November 2014
2020 LED, FROM 16 the lights down. It’s really easy to do with this lighting system.”
LEDs in aquaculture Buehrer is combining his interests in water efficiency and LEDs to design indoor aquaculture systems with LED grow lights. LED agricultural grow lights are the fastest growing area of 2020 LED Lighting, he said. LED grow lights are 70 percent more efficient than traditional grow lights, and could make indoor agriculture more costeffective. “The urban agriculture piece has been my biggest obsession of the past four or five years,” Buehrer said. “That is where
BANKING, FROM 7 of Financial Institutions, agrees that banking for the pot industry is an unsettled issue. He said the state is continuing to work with federal authorities to try to resolve the problem. And he said he expects the federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network will come out soon with a new memo specifically on lending to the pot industry. But he understands bankers’ concern about the risk. “It’s still a schedule 1 drug under federal law, so banks have to be very careful,” Jarvis said. That’s the concern for Heritage Bank. “That’s what we do, we follow the rules,” said Bryan McDonald, chief lending officer for Heritage Bank, which merged with Whidbey Island Bank. Heritage Bank also has turned away business from the marijuana industry. Heritage CEO Brian Vance said he understands the quandary these business owners face. “We’re not saying we’re
our interests merge.” Buehrer is working on a project in New York that involves retrofitting 4 acres of warehouses. Plans for the building include fish tanks on the ground floor that could produce tilapia, salmon, and shrimp. Greenhouses on the roof would grow leafy vegetables with supplemental lighting from LED grow lights. “That to me is where our engineering and LED lighting can get to something really interesting—the production of food,” Buehrer said.
Oliver Lazenby, associate editor of the Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or olazenby@bbjtoday.com.
for or against the marijuana industry,” he said. But he said there’s just too much confusion about the potential consequences for banking with the industry. He thinks the situation will likely come to a head in the near future. “When I say it will sort itself out, I think the possibility is that more states will pass marijuana laws so the federal government will have to deal with this more specifically,” Some of the pot businesses may already be using banks or credit unions without the financial institutions fully understanding what’s going on, McDonald said. That’s the understanding of Evans, whose family owns Cannablyss. While some pot retailers are taking debit cards, Evans said he’s heard that they’re using cashless ATMs and depositing money into their personal accounts without telling the banks. “I’ve heard of people just using personal bank accounts and hoping they don’t get flagged just so they have some place to put
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their money,” he said. His family has attempted to be on the up-and-up with their business. When he approached banks, he always told them that they were opening a retail marijuana shop. His parents, Bob and Denise Evans, got the license. Reed Evans and his wife, Karn, work at the store along with his sister, Jaeda Evans. His parents were against marijuana use until Bob Evans suffered from cancer. Denise Evans went out to get medicinal marijuana for her husband. “When she saw that people can use it medically she got excited about it,” Reed Evans said. When voters made recreational marijuana legal with Initiative 502, his mom actually suggested that the family apply for one of the retail businesses. The family who all live near each other in Lake Stevens did the research and applied on the last day possible to get a license. They understood that the industry would evolve. “We pretty much assumed it would be a cash business in the beginning,” Evans said. “We’re OK with that. We’re going to plug away until the rules changes.”
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