Business Briefs

  • HBJ staff
  • Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:06am

Spencer Cabinetry’s green efforts lauded

MONROE — Spencer Cabinetry was honored by Seattle Business magazine in November as one of the Washington Green 50, outstanding companies in the state leading the way in ecological sustainability.

Spencer Cabinetry’s development of new products made from their own manufacturing waste was a major factor in their selection. It’s now producing solid wood cutting boards and trivets from the remnants of the premium sustainable hardwood used to manufacture their cabinetry. The boards come in 8-by-8 and 8-by-16-inch sizes and feature no-skid rubber feet.

“We started manufacturing the cutting boards last year, and all of a sudden people were buying them in quantity to use for Christmas presents. We also use them in conjunction with our main line of kitchen cabinets,” said general manager Carl Spencer.

Spencer Cabinetry also is producing pellet stove fuel from sawdust and shavings from their milling operations. These pellets can be burned in any pellet stove or furnace. Fuel pellets are considered “carbon neutral” when manufactured from sustainable materials since any carbon dioxide released by burning is consumed entirely by replacement trees and plants.

Spencer spent months developing a proprietary process that results in a pellet with greater BTU heat density and less ash.

USS Nimitz returns after joint exercise

EVERETT — The USS Nimitz returned to Everett on Nov. 19 after training with her strike group for their upcoming deployment.

The Nimitz, with Carrier Strike Group 11 and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, successfully completed Joint Task Force Exercise on Nov. 12.

JTFEX is designed to test a strike group’s ability to operate in hostile and complex environments with other U.S. and coalition forces. The integrated exercise combines specific warfare areas with the purpose of making preparations for deployment.

More than 8,000 sailors worked together to hone their operational skills. Upon completion of the exercise, U.S. Third Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman certified the CSG as “major combat operations ready” and ready to deploy.

Naval Station Everett opens new launch dock

EVERETT — Naval Station Everett held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a small craft launch dock designed specifically to ensure efficient operations for Navy harbor security boats on Nov. 21.

The new single-lane small craft launch dock, located at Port Gardner Bay alongside Everett’s East Waterway, will allow the Navy to operate more efficiently and effectively while responding to emergent situations, whether it is security threats, boat rescue missions or environmental concerns. The launch dock will also allow the Navy to employ small craft for tactical mobility and anti-terrorism efforts.

“The Navy practices with local emergency responders from Everett and Snohomish County several times a year for a variety of possible situations including mutual aid and natural disasters,” said Capt. Michael Coury, commanding officer of Naval Station Everett.

Rotary Club offers whooping cough clinics

EVERETT — The South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club has joined in the fight against whooping cough by supporting a free vaccination clinic around the corner from the annual Christmas House event in Everett.

Christmas House is a local nonprofit that distributes toys, clothing and other gifts to thousands of low-income families and their children each December. It sets up at the Everett Boys &Girls Club for a few weeks each year.

This year, Snohomish Health District staff and volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps will be at Hawthorne Elementary School offering whooping cough shots as part of a yearlong effort to fight an epidemic of the contagious disease.

Snohomish Health District continues to encourage all adults, especially those who have contact with infants, to get vaccinated against whooping cough. People of all ages need booster shots to maintain their immunity and most adults aren’t up to date on their shots.

Whooping cough shots for children and adults will be available during the clinics, along with a limited supply of flu shots. The clinics are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 at Hawthorne Elementary School, 1110 Poplar St.

The South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club received a district Rotary Club International matching grant to help host the clinics.

Red Cross gets $15,000 software donation

EVERETT — Depiction Inc., an Everett-based software firm, has donated 500 software licenses valued at $15,000 for its Depiction Prep software in support of American Red Cross’ Safe in the Sound preparedness program.

The software will in turn be donated to interested nonprofit organizations who participate in Safe in the Sound. Eligible groups include nonprofit organizations dealing with vulnerable populations; organizations that serve senior citizens, churches or schools; and other similar organizations that participate in Red Cross community disaster education programs.

Depiction software allows anyone to plan, prepare and respond to disasters and other events that might otherwise impact employees and the company’s ability to remain open. It allows businesses, schools and nonprofits to develop their own disaster plans.

Snohomish County organizations interested in a license to use this software can email Chuck Morrison at chuck.morrison@redcross.org.

Master Builders named Green 50 award winner

BELLEVUE — The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has been named a winner in Seattle Business magazine’s 2012 Green Washington Awards, making the list of the top 50 outstanding organizations in Washington state.

Winners were selected from a pool of nominations by a panel of judges from prominent organizations in the region, including the Washington Environmental Council, Climate Solutions, the Bainbridge Graduate Institute and the Washington Clean Technology Alliance.

The Master Builders Association won first place-nonprofit in the building-construction category, honored for the work of its Built Green program, which has certified more than 20,000 living units since its start in 2000. Built Green’s existing certified projects have substantially reduced residential energy use. On an annual basis, the program saves an estimated 10.3 million gallons of indoor-use water, reduces storm water runoff by 30 percent, diverts more than 2,200 tons of construction waste from landfills to recycling and reduces energy use by 15 percent or 5.3 million kilowatt hours.

Announcements

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — FS Bancorp Inc., the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington, reported 2012 third quarter net income of $3.3 million or $1.03 per diluted share, which includes a $2.3 million net tax benefit as a result of the reversal of the majority of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance. CEO Joe Adams said he was pleased with the progress the company has shown.

EVERETT — The Austin, a new Everett steakhouse with live entertainment, has opened at the corner of Oakes Avenue and California Street. The Austin will serve dinner six days a week and will offer two daily happy hours Monday through Saturday (3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight) and all-day happy hour on Sunday. Owner Chuck Delacerda is looking forward to the response from Everett. “Downtown Everett is ripe for a concept like ‘The Austin,’ combining delicious, consistent food with a home for live local music and entertainment,” he said. The Austin will hold a grand opening party on Dec. 7 with a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. and live music starting at 10 p.m. with Fox and the Law and The Magic Mirrors.

EVERETT — The Everett Public Library Board of Trustees voted to extend borrowing privileges to people who work in Everett, or own property or own businesses in Everett, and who are age 18 or older. Those wishing to apply for the new regional cards will need to provide proof of their employment, business or property location, as well as proof of identity and address.

EVERETT — Stadium Flowers celebrated their 65th anniversary by hosting a customer appreciation month throughout November. Stadium Flowers was founded as Stadium Market supermarket in 1942 and transitioned into a flower shop in the 1980s.

EVERETT — SnoLEAF of Cascadia Green Building Council has partnered with Snohomish County in a Green Greenhouse Design Competition to help food growers throughout the region meet the growing demand for fresh, locally grown produce. The competition ends March 31, 2013. For more information or to become a sponsor, call Fawn Clark at 425-280-9569 or go to snoleaf.org.

EVERETT — Volunteers of America asks for food and toy donations for local families in need. VOA plans to serve up to 1,600 Everett families this year through its Adopt-a-Family project. The need is so great that the agency has already had to stop accepting additional applications for help. To help a family, call 425-212-3223.

EDMONDS — The 2013 Edmonds Historic Calendar is on sale. Cost before Dec. 6 is $4.50. Regular price is $5. For more information or to order by phone, call 206-484-4184.

EVERETT — Ivar’s has reopened it seafood restaurant that has served the Everett community for 26 years. Renovations include a sleek interior, brightly colored exterior and new menu options. Look for the 15-foot inflatable clam on the roof to find the restaurant at 1520 41st St.

EVERETT — Snohomish County is seeking local candidates to fill a vacancy on the Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees. Trustees are responsible for setting library district policy, budget and overall direction for the two-county library district. Residents of Everett and Woodway are not eligible. For more information, call 360-651-7002. Applications are due by Dec. 12.

EVERETT — Economic Alliance Snohomish County is involved in a cooperative project with their colleagues in King, Kitsap and Pierce counties. The Job Sector Survey is an annual, one-of-a-kind, regional tool that provides a comprehensive, on-the-ground assessment of conditions, challenges, needs and opportunities for business employers of all types and sizes. To participate, call 425-248-4219 or go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/job_sector_survey2012.

EVERETT — Western Washington Medical Group has announced the addition of Marysville Family Medicine to the group, effective Jan. 1. WWMG has family practice care centers in downtown Everett and in the Silver Lake area. Lake Serene Clinic, a WWMG affiliate, offers primary care and a walk-in clinic in the Lynnwood area.

MARYSVILLE — Silicon Energy, a manufacturer of world-class solar photovoltaic modules, has released its Next Generation Cascade Series PV module. The new module offers customers a lighter product that uses less material without sacrificing strength and lighter mounting hardware with fewer mounting points. These reduce material costs and roof penetrations by 33 percent.

SNOHOMISH — Children at The Goddard School in Snohomish tested toys from manufacturers across the nation and selected their top 10 toys for 2012. These included Gymini Move ‘N Play, My First Tool Kit, Dr. Doctor, HABA’s Large Play Set On the Farm, Jungle Jingles, Bubber Smart Shapes Kit, CitiBlocs Neon Wooden Building Blocks, Kaleido Gears from Quercetti, Candy Construction and Poppin Hoppies.

MARYSVILLE — The Washington State Housing Finance Commission announced the successful financing of the Quilceda Creek Apartments through the issuance of $21,020,000 in tax-exempt bonds and the allocation of housing credits with the estimated value of $10,650,000. This transaction will purchase a site located between 11923 and 12105 Smokey Point Blvd., Marysville.

EVERETT — Fluke, a leader in compact, professional electronic test tools, has introduced the Fluke 190 Series II 500 MHz ScopeMeter Test Tool and the Fluke CNX Wireless System. Full specs for both devices are available at 800-443-5853, fluke-info@fluke.com or [URL]www.fluke.com;http://www.fluke.com[URL].

BOTHELL — BioLife Solutions Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary clinical grade hypothermic storage and cryopreservation freeze media for cells and tissues, and contract aseptic media manufacturer, has announced record revenue for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. Total revenue for the quarter was $1.7 million, compared to $700,000 in the same period of 2011.

BOTHELL — OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced third-quarter 2012 financial results. Revenue for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30 increased to $6.6 million and $10.3 million, respectively, compared with $1.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, in the same periods in 2011. Key clinical development activities of its two product candidates, custirsen and OGX-427, were also released. OncoGenex also announced the completion of patient enrollment in the primary registration Phase 3 study evaluating custirsen in patients with advanced prostate cancer. More than 1,000 men have been enrolled in the study. The survival primary endpoint data are event-driven and results are expected by the end of 2013.

EVERETT — Della Ricca Hair Color, an at-home hair coloring system, has announced a partnership with Everett’s Jessee Skittrall and the stylists of Absolut Hair. Customers can expect their color concierge to create a custom-blended color formula based on a wide range of criteria, including eye color, skin tone, hair texture, thickness, hair styling and coloring history.

EVERETT — Everett Transit’s fares will be changing, effective Jan. 1. Fare categories will increase by 25 cents, except for commuter and paratransit fares. A $9 monthly pass, good for Everett Transit rides only, will be made available for RRFP holders. For details about the fare change or how to obtain an ORCA card, go to [/URL]www.facebook.com/Everett.Transit;http://www.Facebook.com/Everett.Transit[URL] or call 425-257-7777.

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The City of Mountlake Terrace posted a notice that Ballinger Lake Golf Course and clubhouse is closed, effective Nov. 5. Hardy Golf LLC signed a lease agreement to operate the golf course through Dec. 31, 2015, and is said to be in default of the lease agreement. Once the legal issues have been addressed, the plan is to develop options for operating the golf course again.

EVERETT — A new report reveals that maritime-related air pollution has decreased over the past six years, in some cases by as much as 40 percent, including at the Port of Everett. The report was issued by the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum, a voluntary association of private and public maritime organizations and government agencies. The forum also issued a baseline report in 2005.

EVERETT — Snohomish County PUD has issued $55.6 million of tax-exempt bonds, a move that will save its customers $11 million over the life of the bonds and an average of $700,000 in interest costs per year. The PUD sells tax exempt bonds to finance a portion of its capital expenditures. Standard &Poors and Fitch rated the District AA-, while Moody’s provided an Aa3 rating.

EVERETT — The Everett and Lynnwood Social Security offices are now open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. Beginning Jan. 2, the offices will close to the public at noon every Wednesday.

EVERETT — Fired Up Christian Wear is a finalist for a funding initiative by Boston-based VoltCrowd. The trendsetting urban clothing brand for Christian men aged 14 to 24 plans on developing a line of top-notch graphic tees, hoodies and hats that feature bold, noncondemning Christian messages with their funding.

BOTHELL — BioLife Solutions Inc. has announced that the company’s novel biopreservation technology is being used in more than 50 clinical trial-stage cellular therapies. Management believes that the company holds the No. 1 supplier position among companies offering pre-formulated cell and tissue storage and freeze media used in clinical trial stage cellular therapies.

ARLINGTON — About 200 randomly selected Washington state aircraft owners are being asked to participate in a routine, internal audit of the state’s aircraft registration program. WSDOT Aviation requested the internal audit to ensure that the aircraft registration program continues to be transparent and accountable. Most general aviation aircraft in Washington state are required to register with WSDOT.

LYNNWOOD — Playdate Cafe, a family-friendly, community-focused gathering place that caters to families with young children, is scheduled to open in Lynnwood by year’s end. The cafe will offer healthy breakfast, lunch and snack items as well as feature play space and events.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new ExportWashington.com Web portal that streamlines access to government and nonprofit programs to help small and medium-sized businesses grow through exporting. The site is designed for all businesses, from startups beginning to explore international trade to established companies with an exporting track record and a desire to expand to more countries.

OLYMPIA — The city of Burlington has the highest retail sales per capita for cities in Washington state and Skagit County has the highest county figure, according to a report from the Washington State Department of Revenue. Retailers in Burlington reported $564.8 million in retail sales in 2011. Skagit County and its cities, including Burlington, had $1.1 billion in total retail trade.

WASHINGTON — USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, which provides funds to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas of Washington state. Those applications received at USDA Rural Development Area Offices by the close of business on Jan. 14 will be considered for Fiscal Year 2013 funding. RBEG funds may be used to acquire and develop land and construct buildings, plants, equipment, access streets, roads, parking areas, utility and service extensions.

SILVERDALE — In fiscal year 2012, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, which includes Naval Station Everett, awarded $200 million or nearly 52 percent of eligible contracting dollars to small businesses, exceeding small business goals by 14 percent. Of the total, another $105 million was awarded to small disadvantaged businesses and $70 million of eligible dollars was awarded to service disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

Good Deeds

MUKILTEO — Traxx Indoor Raceway in Mukilteo will collect donations for the Mukilteo Food Bank during the holiday season. Last year, more than 350 pounds of food were received in the drive’s initial year. Customers bringing in at least three nonperishable items will receive a 20 percent discount on any races that day.

EVERETT — Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is recycling cell phones for victims of domestic violence. Money received from phone recycling is used to help fund programs and services. Phones may be dropped off at the New and Again Thrift Shoppe, 3116 Rucker Ave., Everett.

EVERETT — Bethany of the Northwest Foundation recently received grants from the Greater Everett Community Foundation, Mountain Pacific Bank Employee &Director’s Giving Fund and William C. &Eleanor E. Butler Trust Fund totaling $1,200. These funds will be used to buy clothing that residents can easily put on and fasten.

LYNNWOOD — The Lynnwood Food Bank recently received a $250 donation from AFSCME Local 3035/Council 2 representing members of the City of Lynnwood. Members of AFSCME Local 3035 have supported the Lynnwood Food Bank for several years and continue to provide support for the local community.

MILL CREEK — Local businesses partnered with Clothes For Kids in November to encourage customers to donate their change to help meet the clothing needs of low-income children in Snohomish County. Participating businesses included Run 26, Bella Cleaners, Celsius Salon, Z Ultimate Defense Studios and Reigning Imagination Toys.

MALTBY — Local ice cream manufacturer Snoqualmie Ice Cream held their annual fire station ice cream drops in Snohomish and King counties. The company delivered 24 seasonal peppermint stick gelato and pumpkin custard pints to more than 60 fire stations during the first three weeks of November.

SNOHOMISH — Glacier Peak High School’s football booster club recently received $3,140 from Harris Ford-Lincoln. During the dealership’s Drive Smart for Your School event, $20 was contributed for each qualifying test-drive of a new Lincoln vehicle.

Wells Fargo &Co. team members have donated $1.4 million to nonprofit organizations and schools in Washington as part of the company’s annual Community Support and United Way Campaign. All donations were funded personally by team members. Wells Fargo matches gifts up to $5,000 per team member to qualifying schools.

SEATTLE — SkillUp Washington, a Seattle-based organization that supports workforce development training, has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Boeing Co. to help low-skilled adults launch manufacturing careers. The three-year grant called Manufacturing Advancement Pathways Project will help students at Everett Community College and three other schools complete training and find employment with area manufacturers.

Kudos

EVERETT — State Farm Insurance agent Tony Edwards, 43, a citizen airman from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s 446th Airlift Wing, has received his second Bronze Star in three years as a logistics officer. The major earned his second star after playing an essential role in successfully transferring control of Kirkuk Regional Air Base to Iraqi control in 2011.

MARYSVILLE — The Marysville School Board was named Board of the Year at the Washington State School Directors’ Association annual conference on Nov. 17. Last year, the Marysville School Board was named a Board of Distinction. Superintendent Larry Nyland said the board’s commitment to student achievement made a big difference for students and staff.

STEVENS PASS — Seattle Business magazine has honored Stevens Pass Mountain Resort as the winner of the Recreation Category and member of the Green 50 list of 50 outstanding sustainable organizations from across the state. In the past few years the resort has been recognized by a number of state, national and industry organizations for its environmental performance.

MUKILTEO — Harbour Pointe Retirement &Assisted Living Center has been accorded a perfect score from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The facility opened its doors in 2000. According to Executive Director Ann Struthers, very few retirement communities receive a perfect score.

SEATTLE — Group Health has been recognized as one of the best places to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Group Health received a 100 percent rating on the 2013 Corporate Equality Index for its policies related to LGBT workers and their families.

Port shipping schedule

Port of Everett shipping schedule as of Nov. 26. The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Nov. 27: Westwood Rainier, Westwood

Dec. 1: Millennium Falcon, ECL

Dec. 3: Morning Midas, EUKOR/FESCO

Dec. 4: Westwood Cascade, Westwood

Dec. 11: Westwood Victoria, Westwood

Dec. 13: Bright Stream (first call), ECL

Dec. 18: Westwood Discovery, Westwood

Dec. 26: Westwood Columbia, Westwood

Dec. 29: Bright Stream (second call), ECL

Ship port calls 2012 YTD: 87

Barge port calls 2012 YTD: 59

Total ship port calls 2011: 100

Total barge port calls 2011: 56

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