Skagit Business Pulse | Mar 2010

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Quality construction with less ecological impact

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MARCH 2010 SICBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Builders, vendors offer wares at Skagit Fairgrounds

RIDING THE RECESSION

Diversifying, remodeling helping Skagit companies

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MARCH 2010 Volume 29 • Number 3

F E ATURES 4

Built Green homes: Creating quality houses with less ecological impact is catching on in Skagit County | by Codi Hamblin

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Construction outlook: Diversification, remodeling helps Skagit companies weather the recession | by Codi Hamblin

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Equinox Research: When construction firms uncover artifacts, a Concrete research firm examines and protects archaeological finds | by Codi Hamblin

14

SICBA Home and Garden Show: Expertise and wares at 150 booths, plus the raffling of six playhouses, March 19-21 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds | by Gordon Weeks

16

Business briefs

14 SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE

Landed Gentry President Brian Gentry demonstrates how permeable asphalt works in his first Built Green neighborhood, Montreaux, in Mount Vernon.

CONSTRUCTION ISSUE BUILT GREEN HOMES

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

Quality construction with less ecological impact

Skagit Publishing PO Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98274

MARCH 2010 SICBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Builders, vendors offer wares at Skagit Fairgrounds

RIDING THE RECESSION

Diversifying, remodeling helping Skagit companies

www.goskagit.com .: Vol 29 :. No. 3

Photo by Frank Varga

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Built Green Homes Quality construction with less ecological impact S t o r y b y C o d i H a m b l i n | P h o t o s b y Fr a n k Va r g a

Non off-gassing floor surfaces are a Green Built component in this Landed Gentry house in Mount Vernon.

Building a durable home that is energy efficient and incorporates aspects of the natural environment is catching on in Skagit County. As customer interest in Built Green homes rises, local construction companies are finding a niche for their product.

“Green building has just been ramping up,” said Ted Clifton, owner of Zero Energy Home Plans and Clifton View Homes in Coupeville.

Clifton is at the forefront of the green building industry both locally and nationally. He serves as chairman for Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association’s Built Green program and as president of Built Green Washington, a nonprofit organization representing Built Green programs throughout the state.

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According to the SICBA Web site, its Built Green program has about 80 members from the local construction industry.

Local builders who aren’t educated in green building techniques are beginning to show interest. As a certified instructor with the National Association of Home Builders’ “Green Building for Building Professionals” program, Clifton said he’s seeing some changes.

Clifton teaches the two-day course in Skagit County and throughout the western United States. He said he’s seen an increase in builder interest with the course as more builders participate and send their supervisors and foremen as well.

Chris Deasy, owner of Christopher Homes in Mount Vernon and SICBA

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

president, has implemented green building techniques since the company’s inception in 2002. Although the concept is catching on, he said there’s definitely room for improvement.

Built Green is a concept Nate Kaplan, owner of Kaplan Homes in Sedro-Woolley, began implementing into his work about three years ago. He currently works in custom homes and remodels. After building and remodeling tract homes, he said he tired of seeing the lack of quality put into such developments and wanted to build more durable, quality housing.

“Quality and Built Green go hand in hand,” Kaplan said. “I think people miss that a lot.”

One of Kaplan’s specialties in the green building industry, he said, is insugoskagit.com

lated concrete forms — homes insulated and structured using polystyrene blocks, rebar and concrete, creating a super-insulated and structurally sound home.

Kaplan said it’s important construction companies stay on top of the green building industry because he sees the market heading that direction. In addition, educating the public about the Built Green program is another crucial step for the green building industry.

Kaplan’s company hosted an open house featuring a concrete insulated home in February with the purpose to educate guests about Built Green features. He says nine out of 10 guests had never heard about the green building concept. He said not everyone is interested in building green, but some who are usually are unfamiliar with the concept.

Most Washington counties operate a Built Green program through the local builders’ association, which authorizes the Built Green status of a home. A certified SICBA Built Green home is based on a point system that designates a star-system rating – one through five with five being the highest. A home’s star rating signifies its ecological impact, based on the points derived from the Built Green checklist.

The 10-page checklist offers numerous options to include in a home ranging from site and storm water use, health and indoor air quality to energy and material efficiency. Two homes rated three stars may differ in checklist items but achieve the same point value, therefore achieving the same ecological footprint according to the items included in the construction of the home, Clifton said.

Each certified Built Green home receives an official concrete plaque. “It’s a permanent marker that this house was done right,” Clifton said. “Our homeowners are really proud of those plaques.”

Although the Built Green program is new for most, for others it’s a way to label the building practices they’ve implemented before the term was coined.

Implementing insulated sound walls, goskagit.com

constructing a moisture-management system on the exterior of the home, minimizing waste of materials, installing low-flow faucets and toilets, and using energy-efficient furnaces are all components of Deasy’s homes he built prior to the Built Green program.

“That’s the way I would want my home built,” Deasy said. “I don’t want to build a product I don’t want to live in myself. It’s a good rule of thumb.”

Landed Gentry is another company that has always implemented Built Green features into their homes for several years, said Kendra GentryDecker, executive vice-president of Landed Gentry Homes and Communities in Burlington. She said according to the Built Green checklist, their homes would qualify for a two-star rating even if they didn’t participate in the Built Green program.

Features that often come to mind for a Built Green home are rain gardens, solar panels and other high-tech gadgets, but are not always the case, said Brian Gentry, Landed Gentry president. Many Built Green homes, like those of Christopher Homes and Landed Gentry, look similar to its conventional cousin.

The difference is in the energy bill.

Features that often come to mind for a Built Green home are rain gardens, solar panels and other high-tech gadgets, but are not always the case, said Brian Gentry, Landed Gentry president. Many Built Green homes, like those of Christopher Homes and Landed Gentry, look similar to its conventional cousin. The difference is in the energy bill.

Built Green aspects implemented in Landed Gentry homes include non-off

gassing surfaces like hardwood flooring, utilizing natural light and participating in the Energy Star program — a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Energy Star certified homes, a component of the Built Green checklist, uses effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts among other features, according to the program’s Web site. Energy efficient homes can use 30 percent less energy than standard homes.

Landed Gentry is also constructing its first all-certified Built Green neighborhood, Montreaux. The neighborhood, located in Mount Vernon, will consist of 35 homes, one third which are completed.

“We have always put Built Green features in all our homes, but haven’t acknowledged it,” Gentry said. “(Certification) lets customers know what’s included with the home.”

The company is also building duplex units that will not be certified but will incorporate Built Green aspects. The most prominent “green” feature in the infill development, located near Oak Street in Burlington, is the permeable asphalt that makes up the street.

Storm drains are absent from sidewalks and after a day of rain, no puddles are to be seen since water percolates through the voids of the asphalt mixture. It’s a rare feature to find in Skagit County, Gentry said, adding that only areas with a certain soil structure, such as the valley floor, is ideal for permeable asphalt.

Gentry said the most common question among Landed Gentry’s clientele is the cost of running the home. Builders said as energy resources become increasingly expensive, more customers will be looking for ways to save – Built Green homes appear to be a growing solution for cost savings in the long run.

“I certainly think it’s been proven (Built Green) is not a fad; it’s definitely a trend,” Gentry said. “It has a future.”

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 |

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Construction Outlook Diversification, remodeling help Skagit County companies weather the recession S t o r y b y C o d i H a m b l i n | P h o t o s b y Fr a n k Va r g a

John Piazza Sr. and John Piazza Jr. own and operate Piazza Construction in Mount Vernon.

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| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

Despite a lulling economy, most local building companies that remain in business are finding work. But as 2010 slowly unfolds, owners say they are not holding their breath for a building boom in the near future.

“I’m continuously optimistic for 2011,” said Nels Strandberg, owner of Strandberg Construction in Anacortes.

The good news, Strandberg added, is 2010 is further from the beginning of the downturn.

He keeps his fingers crossed that housing prices will stabilize in 2010, consequently improving business in the construction industry and making 2011 a more profitable year. His company builds custom and spec homes and some commercial buildings.

Other builders in Skagit County agree they do not expect the industry to pick up any time soon.

Nate Kaplan, owner of Kaplan Homes in Sedro-Woolley, said he doesn’t expect much growth to occur until both state and federal government recognize “they’re hindering and not helping small business” with increased taxes and regulations. Kaplan’s business constructs remodels, custom homes and various government projects.

“Until there’s a more job-friendly environment, I think there’s going to be a lot of the same old, same old for quite a while,” Kaplan said.

According to a national survey released in January by the Associated General Contractors of America, nine out of 10 contractors doubt a recovery in 2010 for the construction industry.

Many builders have been through previous economic downturns. But the current recession is “by far the worst one goskagit.com

anyone has gone through,” said John Piazza Sr., owner of Piazza Construction in Mount Vernon. The company builds custom homes and commercial buildings and remodels.

Piazza said the longevity of the recession is a major difference.

“This is my fourth major downturn since 1973, and we’ve made it through all of them,” he said. “But it’s the first time I’ve had to lay anybody off.”

Layoffs are something most construction companies faced in 2009, and it may not be the last. According to the AGC of America survey, in 2009, 73 percent of contracting firms reported layoffs. In 2010, 60 percent said they are not sure if they will be forced to make further cuts.

Aside from layoffs, local builders are buying less materials, adjusting cell phone plans, eliminating employee raises and in some cases decreasing salaries.

Other builders have not experienced as many downturns as Piazza, but they agree the current recession is slow to recover. Scott Irving, owner of Irving Construction in Anacortes, said his business is going into its third year of working with a tight building industry. Irving Construction builds custom homes and neighborhoods and is involved with land acquisition and development.

The recession has also proven difficult for builders and potential home buyers to acquire loans, builders said.

Irving said loans aren’t impossible to get, “just a lot tougher.” If potential homebuyers aren’t already reluctant to spend on a big purchase, it’s even more difficult for them to acquire the necessary funding.

Strandberg said most builders are no longer building spec homes, which comprised 70 percent of his business. He is currently building only custom homes on Fidalgo Island.

“That’s a significant blow to the building industry,” Strandberg said. “It used to be very, very significant.”

But construction hasn’t completely dried up in Skagit County. There are customers, mostly retired, who want to goskagit.com

their dream home regardless of the eco- of their business has been reduced by nomic situation, Irving said. more than half.

“I don’t think anyone in construcAccording to a national survey tion is really working off sustainable released in January by the budgets,” said Strandberg, who reports Associated General Contractors his company went from $12 million a of America, 9 of 10 contractors year to $5 million. “We just all really doubt a recovery in 2010 for the need (the economy) to turn.” construction industry.

The recession caused some companies to fold.

Several builders said they are curPiazza said his remodel work is what rently working and have potential kept his business steady. projects for the near future. Irving said “Remodels are the only thing in the he’s seen small signs that people are nation that seems to be up,” Piazza said, slowly loosening up when it comes to adding that instead of relocating, people home construction. Piazza said the of- are spending money to upgrade their fice phone has been ringing more, and homes. they’ve started listing customers interKaplan said in the past couple years, ested in building or remodeling once he’s tried to diversify the work to inthe economy turns. clude remodels, custom homes and govPiazza, Irving, Strandberg and Ka- ernment projects in order to keep his plan said they are not even close to clos- employees busy. The projects, although ing up shop, but are working to maintain large in volume, are smaller than usual. their businesses for when the economy But like other builders, he’s grateturns for the better. Most builders are ful for what he’s got. “Thankfully, we do not making a profit since the majority have work,” Kaplan said.

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 |

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Tait Elder, Amy Homan and Kelly Bush excavate at a 3,000-year-old archaelogical site in the North Cascades.

Equinox Research Concrete research firm examines, protects archaeological sites uncovered by construction companies Stor y by Codi Hamblin | Photos Cour tesy of Equinox Research Kelly Bush and her team of archaeologists are known for digging up history. The members of the archaeological consulting firm, Equinox Research and Consulting International, Inc., have helped protect archaeological sites in Skagit Valley while occasionally stumbling onto historical discoveries.

“We encounter human remains that can be thousands of years old,” said Bush, ERCI vice president and principal investigator.

But human remains are only one piece of the historical puzzle the archaeologists encounter. Other cultural resources include ancient tools, hearths and various animal remains that give

8

clues into life thousands of years ago in the Puget Sound region.

“You never know what you’re going to get,” said Brett Meidinger, a company archaeologist. “It’s kind of like ‘CSI.’” ERCI, which is headquartered in Concrete, works with public and private entities to assist in devising management techniques that will protect and conserve cultural resources. Prior to locating in Skagit County in 2002, the company was based in British Columbia.

Archaeological sites are protected by state and federal law, even if they exist on private property, Bush said. It’s a felony in Washington to disturb these

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

sites without the proper permitting, archaeologists included.

“Compliance archaeology” is the bread and butter for the local firm. This work is mandated by a permitting agency, usually during a construction project, and requires specialists to conduct a survey of potential cultural resources on the property prior to proceeding with construction.

Bush finds that most clients are surprised to discover their construction project lies atop an archaeological site.

“Most people don’t realize there are archaeological sites across the landscape,” she said, adding that Skagit Equinox Research continued on Pg. 10 goskagit.com

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During their research, the team discovered several hearth features, animal bones including bear, rabbits and mountain goats, and evidence of tool making and hide processing. Bush said the team used radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the remnants at one site were at least 6,000 years old.

County alone has thousands of archaeological sites recorded with the state.

Less than 5 percent of the land has been surveyed.

If the other 95 percent was surveyed, tens of thousands of new archaeological sites would be recorded, Bush said.

According to the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, an archaeological site is considered any piece of land that contains the physical remains of human activity.

Bush said there’s a niche for companies like ERCI because state and federal regulations regarding cultural resources, which have been established for years, are becoming increasingly enforced as development encounters these sites.

“People in the process of building or changing the ground in any way really need specialists in the field to help them identify these things and work through (the process),” she said.

Although ERCI is the only cultural resource management firm based in Skagit County, it is not the only firm working in the area. About 48 archaeological consulting firms are registered with the department, and about 26 of them are located near Puget Sound.

Bush considers the company a “boutique-style” business that uses creative problem solving techniques to meet clients’ needs while protecting cultural resources and the interests of the stakeholders who manage cultural resources.

At a site in Point Roberts, staff worked with a client who was replacing a septic system, but found the entire property was located on an archaeological site. To help the client replace the septic system and preserve the artifacts, ERCI staff found someone to design an above-ground septic system. They then contacted another company to build it.

The result, Bush said, was a win-win

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situation for all parties. “His neighbors think it’s gross,” Bush said with a laugh.

“But the tribe is happy he wasn’t digging up an archaeological site.”

Bush and Meidinger said the encouragement to share and argue each others’ ideas helps the team think “outside the box” and devise quick, effective solutions. Employees share responsibilities and contribute various skills unique to archaeology in Western Washington.

“I think our success is a reflection of the strength of our teamwork — of working together and trying to play to each others’ strengths,” Bush said.

Aside from compliance work, the company contracts with federal agencies like the National Forest and Park services to assist in cultural research projects.

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

For the last five years, ERCI has spent six to eight weeks in the spring months working with the North Cascades National Park in the Ross Lake Basin. Here they have been collecting and analyzing various data that tells a story about what, when and how people lived thousands of years ago.

During their research, the team discovered several hearth features, animal bones including bear, rabbits and mountain goats, and evidence of tool making and hide processing. Bush said the team used radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the remnants at one site were at least 6,000 years old.

“That’s much older than people in the past considered the upper reaches of the Skagit (River) to have been used,” Bush said.

While conducting research in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the archaeologists discovered old railroad grades, shovels and fire hoses that were used long ago. They also discovered remnants of logging and construction of railroad trussels.

Bush and Meidinger said although

Tait Elder, Kelly Bush and Gordon Herman screen soil for cultural material at a remote setting in the North Cascades goskagit.com

they don’t get to participate in research work very often, it is the most interesting and exciting part of the job. It’s fun to collect stone and soil samples and pull the information into an interesting story, Bush said.

Meidinger recalls her excitement of selecting the artifacts to radiocarbon at the Ross Lake archaeological site. She says it was luck that she selected the particular pieces of charcoal that allowed them to date the archaeological site back thousands of years.

“That was pretty darn exciting and pretty unexpected,” Meidinger said.

In addition to conducting research and cultural resource management services, employees participate in community outreach. Each year, staff hosts a booth at the Skagit Family Festival, give classroom presentations to area schools and provide trainings to groups that often encounter archaeology sites, like city public works departments or development contractors.

Two of the company’s employees

teach at Whatcom Community College and one at Western Washington University.

Offering community outreach and trainings — an activity unique to ERCI — helps create good archaeological stewards because it teaches people about what to do, or not to do, should

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| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

goskagit.com

Equinox Research continued from Pg. 11

During the trainings, participants learn what to look for on the job. They are shown photos and samples of artifacts, like bones, tools and stone. People often don’t realize that if they come across bones, human or not, they need to contact someone — usually 911, Bush said.

The diversity of the job is what staff find most interesting about the business of archaeological consulting. The company works with lawyers, engineers, biologists and other scientists. A major part of the job is to understand the laws, Bush said, adding that they work as consultants, not enforcers.

Being in the field researching and problem solving are what make the meetings, paper work and intensive lab work worthwhile, Bush said. For Meidinger, it’s the diversity of the day-today work that attracts her to the business. “Every site is different, every project is different,� Meidinger said. “From that you learn a lot. It doesn’t get monotonous, that’s for sure.�

Meidinger says part of the significance of their work is protecting cultural resources for future research and generations to learn about. If the artifacts are dug through, then they’re gone and nobody will know what it was, she added. “In a large part we’re doing protection, and occasionally, changing the face of history,� Meidinger said.

Sarah Kamp sketches hearth feature objects at an ancient site in the North Cascades goskagit.com

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 |

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SICBA Home Show Expertise, inspiration awaits March 19-21 at Skagit Fairgrounds

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It’s time for the 30th annual Skagit Island County Association Home and Garden Show, and this year’s event will feature about 150 booths, where builders and vendors of home products can show their wares.

The event in Mount Vernon occurs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday March 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday March 20, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday March 21 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia St. Among the services and goods are composting, insulation, window tinting, pump drilling, pest control, plumbing, painting, electric work, home design and construction, flooring, lighting,

| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

security systems, cabinets, heating and cooling, landscaping, birdhouses, concrete, siding, sealcoating, air ducts, wastewater treatment, furniture, mulching and solar panels.

Admission is $4 per person, or $6 per family. On opening day Friday, all seniors and active military and their families are admitted free. The show is presented by SICBA and Skagit Publishing.

A new event is the SICBA Playhouse Challenge. SICBA members built six playhouses that will be raffled off during the weekend, with the proceeds going to each team’s favorite charities: Josephine Sunset House, Forgotten Children’s Fund M Bar Ranch, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, Skagit Habitat for Humanity, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, and The Landing. The participating builders and companies include MHE International LLC, Hagge Design Associates, ProBuild of Coupeville, Skagit Drywall Inc., Cedar Creek Lumber, Skagit Habitat for Humanity, Spane Buildings Inc., Cascade Lumber, Right Way Plumbing and Heating, Christopher Homes, and Pharaoh’s Construction.

Attendees are asked to vote for their favorite design, which will be awarded with a “Best of Show’’ trophy.

“As I was building a playhouse to benefit Habitat for Humanity for the 2009 SICBA Home Show, I had a thought,’’ said Thom Richter of Pharaoh’s Construction and the committee chairman of this year’s show. “We are an association of builders and suppliers, why couldn’t we create a competition, and engage more of our members to build playhouses to benefit the community?’’ goskagit.com

The six playhouses will be unveiled at a SICBA event March 17 at the Cotton Tree Inn in Mount Vernon, but Spane Buildings, Inc. owner Jim Vane offered a peak at the structure under construction at his Mount Vernon business. The 6-by-8-foot playhouse sports a small patio, cedar shingles, composite decking, hardware floors, and a decorative foam fireplace. A solar panel on the roof helps power the battery under the porch, which lights the four dormers.

A surplus sale is conducted at 1 p.m.

Saturday. Popular TV and radio gardening specialist Ciscoe Morris returns to the show to give a presentation at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Pavilion building.

For information, call the SICBA office at 360-757-6916 or send an e-mail to info@sicba.org.

Four members formed SICBA in June 1979 after deciding they could better represent themselves than an industry group based in Bellingham or Seattle; two months later, the group

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had 22 builders and 30 associates who applied for a national charter.

In its mission statement, the group states, “We are your neighbors and community leaders, providing education and support for building industry professionals. We promote jobs for local people, encouraging home ownership and sustainable growth in Skagit and Island counties.”

Member benefits include reduced rates on homebuilders insurance, state and national affiliation, networking opportunities, lobbying representation, information and resources.

Felix Galindo of Spane Buildings, Inc. in Mount Vernon takes a break from constructing one of the six playhouses that will be raffled off for charities at the SICBA Home and Garden Show.

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SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 |

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BUSINESS Briefs NEW BUSINESSES DeAnna’s Place Deli hosted a grand opening party and ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 12 at 133 E. Rio Vista Ave., Burlington.

NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS Jeff Westergard and James Bundy are new employees at Rat Race Karting, 1635 S. Walnut St., Burlington. Both are experienced drivers and pit crew members and have raced at Skagit and Deming speedways. The center opened in August 2009 and offers mini golf, XBox on a 6-foot screen, an arcade and electric karts.

Vhari Rust-Clark is a new hygienist at the Roosevelt Dental Center in Mount Vernon. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene in 1998. She is employed by Dr. Charlie Collins and Dr. Ute Collins. Her background includes teaching, volunteering, and being an active member of the Washington State Dental Hygienists Association.

Melissa Doerge, LMP, and Denise Davis, LMP, joined the staff at Northwest Chiropractic, 1601A William Way, Mount Vernon. The two licensed massage therapists are preferred providers for most medical insurance, Labor & Industries and auto injury claims.

Stephanie Hamilton, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce program and events director, recently graduated from the Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Graduates receive IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of comprehensive course of study consisting of four annual oneweek sessions focusing on professional growth and development in nonprofit management.

MOVES/NEW OWNERS Key Bank plans to open a branch at 1600 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The site currently is home to Carquest Auto Parts.

Central Welding Supply is scheduled this month to open a new location at 9026 Molly Lane, Anacortes.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS Barbara and Robert Atterberry, coowners of Avenue Catering in Burlington, recently received the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s “Rising Star” award for best new business. The award is decided by peers. The couple also owns Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon in Anacortes.

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| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

Dr. Gary Tollefson, president of Skagit Valley College, recently received the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors “Citizen of the Year Award.”

The award was presented to Tollefson at the organization’s general membership luncheon at the Best Western Cotton Tree Inn in Mount Vernon. “I was honored to be recognized by the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors,” Tollefson stated in a press release. The award acknowledges a person who demonstrates outstanding contributions to the community as a private citizen, elected or appointed official, educator or business professional. Tollefson was honored for his presence at noteworthy community events, his positive attitude goskagit.com

BUSINESS Briefs Anacortes businesses. The free meetings Kristen at 360-428-8547 or kristenw@ and persistent “call to action” to the can be arranged in either Anacortes or mountvernonchamber.com. community with regard to the impor- Mount Vernon with the Service Corps The Economic Development Astance of the college to the area. of Retired Executives or the Small Busi- sociation of Skagit County hosts the ness Development Specialist through business-to-business expo Schmoozethe Economic Development Associa- Fair Thursday, April 15. Market your tion of Skagit County. business to other business owners and Sandy Westad is collecting shoes for The networking group Skagit Val- community leaders. The event includes the victims of the Haiti earthquake at ley Business Network International hors d’oeuvres, live jazz music, a silent her Anacortes store, New Beginnings. seeks motivated, ethical profession- auction, contests and prize drawings. A Westad said she was inspired by a TV als to meet at 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at sponsorship costs $1,100, and includes news report about Port Orchard resi- the Elks lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount booth space. A corner or premium dent Molly Hightower, a missionary to Vernon. Information: Jeanette Coffey at booth is $425, a standard booth $380, a children at a Haitian orphanage who 360-961-7441 or Doug Faber at 360-336- double booth $650, a non-profit booth died during the earthquake. Informa- 3535. $280. Tickets to the event are $12 each. tion: 360-873-8663.

Skagit Valley College’s Displaced Information: 360-336-6114.

Homemaker Program offers free The Western Washington Univermonthly classes on career exploration sity Center for Economic Vitality hosts and job-search techniques to assist “Social Media Conference NW 2010” Cascade Mall in Burlington has part- those who have become sole supporters March 25 at the McIntyre Hall Pernered with the American Red Cross to of their families. Call 360-416-7762. forming Arts and Conference Center collect monetary donations — in cash, Goodwill offers a three-month retail in Mount Vernon. The theme is “Evolvchecks and credits cards — to help the and customer service training program ing Marketing Conversations.” The sesvictims of the earthquake in Haiti re- at its Mount Vernon store. Students sions are designed for business owners ceive food, water, shelter and medical receive detailed classroom instruction and managers of small-to-medium sizes help. A collection site is located at guest and hands-on experience working in businesses, marketing and communicaservices, which is near the center court. the store to prepare them to enter the tions managers, and professionals workThe mall is unable to accept other types workforce. Call 360-848-0646. ing in or with larger organizations. The of relief donations, such as clothing, The Mount Vernon Visitor’s Infor- cost is $225 if registered by 5 p.m. March food or medical supplies. Monetary do- mation Center seeks volunteers to com- 11, $275 after that. Information and regnations are also being accepted online mit to four hours a week. The center, op- istration: 360-733-4014 or www.socialat www.redcross.org. Information: www. erated by the Mount Vernon Chamber mediaconferencenw.com. shopcascademall.com. of Commerce, sees almost 65,000 peoThe Skagit County Chambers of The Mount Vernon Chamber of ple each year. Volunteers answer almost Commerce and the Skagit Valley Tulip Commerce’s Skagit Young Profession- 15,000 phone calls annually. Contact Festival host a tourism training seminar als group meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at rotating locations. The cost is $5 for chamber members, and $10 for non-members. The group also meets at 4 p.m. every Friday at Max Dale’s martini lounge for happy Your single source office technology provider hour and discussion with rotating topics and speakers, with no admission charge. • Fast and Friendly Professionals • Document Management Strategies • Scan to E-mail, FTP, or File Information: 360-428-8547, www.Skagi- • Expert Service and Sales • Low Cost Color Printing Systems • Improved Workflow Efficiencies tYoungProfessionals.com, or e-mail of• Digital Printers & Copiers fice@mountvernonchamber.com.

Authorized Dealer The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Business Resource Center in Mount Vernon to 1575 Port Drive www.oasysinc.com 360-755-0309 offer business consulting services to

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SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 |

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from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 in the community room at the Cascade Mall in Burlington. The seminar is free to chamber members and Tulip Festival sponsors, $10 each for everyone else. Register by March 9 by calling 360-428-5959.

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County hosts educational sessions at its offices at 204 West Montgomery, Mount Vernon. Advance registration is required at 360-336-6114 and www.skagit.org. They include planning and financing a business from 14:30 p.m. March 9, free; understanding the Department of Revenue requirements II from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 11, $10-$12; and finding government contracting opportunities from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 24, $15-$25.

The Dispute Resolution Center and Washington State University Extension offer the five-session seminar “The Power of Process: Facilitation for Challenging Times” from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fridays May 7, 14, 21, 28 and Saturday May 8. Information and registration: 360-542-8488 or www.voaww.org/doc and click on the training tab.

automatic transmissions. To achieve the recognition, the program underwent a rigorous evaluation by the NATF. Nationally-accepted standards of excellence in such areas as instruction, facilities and equipment were used. “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,’’ NATEF Chairman Donald Seyfer stated in a press release. “Because this program increases cooperation between education and industry leaders, it gives

added assurances that Skagit Valley College graduates will be employable as entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by SVC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.’’

MISCELLANEOUS During its 2009 campaign, the United Way of Skagit County raised $972,651.

It is a record for the local agency. United Way helps residents in need of food, shelter and other essential services, as well as local youth.

Polly’s Coffee Shop, 9029A Chuckanut Drive in Bow, recently replaced its almost 20-year-old building with a new one. The owner is Julieanna Hansen.

Skagit Valley College’s Automotive Technology program has received national certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for another five years. The program has been certified in these areas: engine repair, engine performance, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, brakes, suspension and steering, manual transmissions and

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| SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010

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