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COVER STORY
A century of community service:
Kitsap Bank turns 100
By Rodika Tollefson |
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In an era of bank mergers, acquisitions and closures, one Kitsap institution has remained a mainstay. Kitsap Bank, which marks its centennial this year, has been a local landmark for decades, growing alongside the community. What is just as remarkable is that the bank has remained largely family owned for most of this time, and it has only had eight presidents in its 100 years.
Asked how significant is the anniversary, current President and CEO Jim Carmichael says, “It’s huge! Kitsap Bank is one of a very small number of banks to achieve this milestone. We came from a small bank with one location in Port Orchard to the major community bank on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas…”
Carmichael, who has been president/CEO since 1985, says successful relationships are key to the bank’s success. “In an era of corporate mergers, Kitsap Bank has remained the true local bank that cares about its customers and communities,” he says. “Building long-term relationships is a commitment that everyone at Kitsap Bank takes very seriously. We look to establish full relationships with our customers, better allowing them to weather the storm during difficult times... (Full Article)
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Surviving an economic slowdown
By Wendy Miles |
| It’s been a hard year for our economy, and all signs point to a further economic slowdown, if not a recession. Small businesses are especially vulnerable during a sluggish economy as they can lack the diverse client base, cash reserves and other financial resources of larger companies... (Full Article) |
Dino Rossi picks up more
key business endorsements |
| More than 96 percent of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) members in the state have endorsed Dino Rossi for governor... (Full Article) |
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KEDA names new executive director |
| The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has named its first, official executive director — at least under that name. The organization is an outgrowth of the former Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC), which has seen four other executive directors in that position in the organization’s 25-year history... (Full Article) |
The Check’s In The Mail
Collection agency complaints explained
By Paula Bartlett |
| According to the Attorney General’s Office, complaints regarding collection agencies increased by 37 percent in 2007. Without knowing what the complaints are, I found myself wondering why the percentage of complaints has increased. Media attention, and “get rich quick schemes,” have made millions claiming to educate consumers on how to get out of paying their debts... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENT
Focus on Puget Sound… can the PSP hope
to meaningfully effect its future?
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes |
| In progress is the development of the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) Topic Forum papers and stormwater issues are incorporated in the Water Quality Topic Forum. Input from the scheduled forums will provide background for these important papers that will guide future management and resource allocation for Puget Sound protection and conservation efforts. The upcoming “Puget Sound Action Agenda” to restore the Puget Sound by the year 2020, an effort estimated to cost upwards of $8 billion... (Full Article) |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Understanding generational differences
key to effective personnel management
By Julie Tappero |
| We are living in interesting times. Economists tell us that this is the first time that we have four generations in the workforce. Some from the Silent Generation (those born between 1925-1945) are still working. Many Baby Boomers (1946-1964) will continue to work full time or part time for many more years... (Full Article) |
NLRB says e-communication is not
an employee right |
| Does an employee have E-mail communication rights in the workplace when it comes to efforts to organize a union? According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the answer is “No... (Full Article) |
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Kilmer bill provides funds for public safety |
| Local communities will soon have help from the state in meeting the ever increasing cost of providing adequate public safety services, and in recruiting and retaining qualified fire fighters and law enforcement officers... (Full Article) |
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KEDA elects 2008 board of directors |
| The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) recently announced the election of its board of directors, approved by unanimous vote of the membership at its March 28 annual meeting... (Full Article) |
Olympic Business Exchange
announces May speakers |
| Olympic Business Exchange (OBE), a chapter of Business Network Int’l (BNI), welcomes visitors to its 7:30 a.m. business networking meeting at Silverdale Beach Hotel each Thursday during May... (Full Article) |
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Bainbridge Rotary offers grant to Island kids |
| The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island announced the appropriation of a $50,000 matching grant to the Bainbridge Island Youth Soccer Club (BIYSC) for the purpose of renovating two decrepit play fields at Bainbridge Island’s Battle Point Park. Funds will be awarded to “Fields For Our Future” an island-based, non-profit, volunteer organization comprised of community leaders and citizens united by the need to fix existing fields on Bainbridge Island... (Full Article) |
Valley Nursery named one of Today’s
Garden Center’s “Revolutionary 100” |
| Valley Nursery joined the ranks of the horticulture industry’s top independent garden centers when it was named one of Today’s Garden Center’s Revolutionary 100. Sponsored by Activant Solutions, Bayer Advanced, Campania International, Conard-Pyle, Goldsmith Seeds and Nexus Greenhouse Corp... (Full Article) |
ENVIRONMENT
Green showcase |
| Stacy and Kelsey Marshall, owners of Poulsbo-based Grounds for Change, worked their booth at the Green Festival, which was held April 12-13 in Seattle. Grounds for Change is a roaster of Fair Trade, shade-grown, organic coffee... (Full Article) |
Two Snooty Chefs accepted into
the honor society of American Chefs |
| Gary Fuller (R), president and Christopher Plemmons (L), vice president of Two Snooty Chefs Gourmet Spice Company, recently announced that it has been accepted into the American Academy of Chefs... (Full Article) |
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BrandUnity to judge creative Web awards |
| BrandUNITY, a Bainbridge Island marketing communications firm, has been selected to judge the Summit Creative Awards competition and the WebAwards competition presented by the Web Marketing Association.
BrandUNITY also recently created and launched the redesign of Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council’s website, artshum.org and also recently designed and built content management systems for Hyla Middle School and the Juried Artists Roster.
Reach the firm at info@brandunity.com or (206) 842-4948.
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Jax Salon raises funds for clean water projects |
| Jax Salon in Gig Harbor, located at 3019 Judson St., Suite B, which is just across from the QFC, announced that during April it joined thousands of Aveda salons throughout the U.S. to raise funds for clean water projects.
As part of the fundraising effort Jax Salon sold “Light the Way” candles, made from certified organic Bulgarian lavender which burn for 18 hours. All proceeds went to help protect clean water.
For more information call (253) 851-5599 or visit www.jaxhairart.com.
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LaborWorks celebrates 10 years in business |
| Locally owned and operated staffing firm, LaborWorks Inc. celebrated its 10 year anniversary on April 1. Founder and CEO Scott Sabo started LaborWorks in 1998. “We pride ourselves on delivering qualified and dependable temporary workers to our customers quickly and with minimal effort on their part,” Sabo said adding, “Our success and longevity in this highly competitive business can be attributed to having a clear vision, a solid business plan, superior customer service and very dedicated and hard-working staff members.”
After opening its first office in Tacoma, LaborWorks added three locations over the next two years. The corporate headquarters in Gig Harbor opened in 2000. LaborWorks has continued to grow and currently has 11 branches in Western Washington.
For more information, visit www.laborworks.com.
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Poulsbo’s Wild Horse BBQ
under new ownership |
| The Wild Horse BBQ, located at 19424 7th Ave, Suite A in Poulsbo, recently changed hands. Molly and Larry Busby have purchased it from the previous owner.
Molly Busby has been there since the doors opened over two years ago. They have made some improvements — including bringing back breakfast. Now you can get biscuits and gravy seven days a week. Besides breakfast the BBQ now offers delivery and curbside service plus the same catering.
The home style atmosphere will be updated shortly with the addition of WiFi, and TV’s. The Wild Horse BBQ can be reached at (360) 697-7450.
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Port Orchard Farmers’ Market
celebrates 30 years |
| On April 26, Port Orchard Farmers’ Market (POFM) began its 30th season providing a public marketplace for local, fresh produce, seafood, eggs, plants and flowers as well as unique crafts from local artisans. POFM — located at the downtown waterfront in Port Orchard — is one of the oldest Saturday Farmers’ Markets in Western Washington. Market hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturdays from April 26 through Oct. 11.
To learn more call Pamela Moyer, president of Port Orchard Farmers Market at (360) 275-7105, or visit www.pofarmersmarket.org.
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Silverdale H.O.G. chapter looking for merchants with which to partner |
| Silverdale H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Chapter #2038, with a membership of over 400, is looking for merchants that want to increase business by offering a special discount or offer to local H.O.G. members. In exchange for offering members specials or discounts, participating merchants will be highlighted on the website with their business name, address, phone number, and type of offer or discount.
For complete information contact Bob Simonoff, Silverdale H.O.G. assistant director, at assistdirector@silverdalehog.org or call (360) 271-7073.
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Silverdale Chamber sponsoring
Home Based Business Expo |
| The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Home Based Business Expo at Kitsap Mall on May 31. Applications are now being accepted. As an organization dedicated to promoting and growing businesses, the Chamber is partnering with Kitsap Mall to provide this opportunity for home-based business owners to market their products and services to a large consumer audience. The Chamber is offering this event to members and non-members alike.
Applications are available online at www.silverdalechamber.com. For more information contact Darla Murker at darla@silverdalechamber.com or (360) 692-6800.
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Iced drinks offered at
CBC Chocolates & Espresso |
| CBC Chocolates & Espresso, 19880 7th Ave NE, Ste 102 in Poulsbo, recently announced the addition of iced drinks to its offerings. Iced coffee drinks in addition to fruit smoothies are now available. The shop features handmade truffles and full service espresso including drinking chocolate and its signature mochas made with real Belgian chocolate as well as freshly baked pastries. |
Rejuv Massage & Spa expands
into new location |
| Julie Poston, owner of Rejuv Massage & Spa will hold a Grand Opening celebration at the spa’s new location, 2109 E. 11th Street in Manette. The event will take place on Thurs. May 29 at 5:30 p.m., and feature live music, appetizers, beverages and door prizes. Rejuv Day Spa offers therapeutic massage, customized skin care, waxing services and many more spa services. Most health insurances accepted.
For more information, call (360) 405-0293 or visit www.rejuvthespa.com for a complete list of services and insurance billing information.
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Centering Massage remodel now complete |
| Connie Weisel, owner of Centering Massage, located at 3100 Bucklin Hill Rd., Suite 113 in Silverdale, announced that she has remodeled the business to include two massage suites.
She also announced that Sandi Hawkins, a licensed massage therapist, has joined the staff at the day spa.
Centering Massage is open Mon. through Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and can be reached at (360) 692-7800.
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Apollo Massage changes name
to Poulsbo Massage |
| The business formerly known as Apollo Massage has changed its name to Poulsbo Massage. Located at 219 NE Moe Street, in Downtown Poulsbo, the name change was made to distinguish Poulsbo Massage from Apollo Tanning & Salon, also located in Poulsbo. Poulsbo Massage is still owned and operated by licensed massage therapists Brian and Nancy Koontz.
“Two businesses in the same building branded with the name “Apollo” led to confusion. We hope the name change will clear that problem” said Brian Koontz. Visit www.poulsbomassage.com or call(360) 860-0150 or for more information.
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