Bellingham Business Journal articles from February 2008

Bellingham Business Journal archives from February 2008

Allsop applies for industrial Squalicum Lofts project.
February 1, 2008... The developer of the controversial Squalicum Lofts project has applied to build a 128,500-square-foot light-industrial development on Squalicum Way. Property owner Mike Allsop had originally proposed a mixed-use, green development on the...

Port releases 1,300-page draft EIS.
February 1, 2008... In the past several years, countless ideas have been tossed around about what to do with the old Georgia-Pacific site. As great or not great as they may be, these ideas are still just sketches on a chalkboard and are far from actually breaking...

Bellingham Bells under new ownership.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Bobby Brett and Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett recently acquired the Bellingham Bells )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Spokane-based Brett Sports and Entertainment, led by Bobby Brett and his brother, Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett, recently acquired the Bellingham Bells baseball team from local owner Tony Larson for an undisclosed amount. The Brett...

Allegiant Air makes Whatcom County a home base.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Officials from Allegiant Air, LLC announced that beginning March 1, the low-cost carrier will make Whatcom County an official "home," basing two 150-seat MD-80 series jet aircraft at the airport and employing more than 80 team members to handle...

Wells Fargo is set to expand in Fairhaven.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Wells Fargo will open a new wealth management center and expand its business banking office in Fairhaven. Wells Fargo plans to double its office size by adding 1,800 square feet to its Business Banking offices at 1310 10th St. in Harris...

Our House Deli closes its doors.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Our House Deli and Catering closed recently. A letter on the front door of the restaurant, located at 2301 James St., reads as follows: "To our valued customers, thank you for your business over the last 13 years. We wish we could...

Collective Intelligence Solutions focuses on collaboration.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Hamilton Hayes and Robert Bystrom partnership)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Former Valhalla Marine owner Hamilton Hayes has started a new consulting business, Collective Intelligence Solutions, with partner Robert Bystrom. The primary focus of the company's consulting and training is to teach "question-driven...

[Cartton].(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2008... "ACCORDING TO YOUR ELECTRONIC FILE... IN 1998 YOU SOLD YOUR SOUL TO THE DEVIL IN E BAY..." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Interstyle Ceramic & Glass expands into United States.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... A Canadian tile manufacturing company is opening a new facility in Blaine. Interstyle Ceramic & Glass, which has been manufacturing custom tiles in Canada for 30 years, began moving the ceramic making portion of its company from its...

A+ Mortgage moves to new office.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... A+ Mortgage has moved from its old location at 1616 Cornwall St. to a new office at 2500 Elm St. Suite 14. Chuck Christensen, one of three loan officers in the office, said the new office, though it's smaller, suits the staff better than...

Tourism, ETC host Olympics workshops.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism and Evergreen Team Concepts (etcwa.com) are proud to present the BWCT 2010 Service Initiative in advance of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism and Evergreen Team Concepts are...

Mount Bakery under new ownership.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... The Mount Bakery has a new owner. Vincent Lalonde purchased the 8-year-old business from Olivier Vrambout in December after working as the full-time manager of the bakery and cafe for a year and a half. Lalonde has worked there on and off...

Northwest Computer featured in Microsoft video.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Microsoft Corporation is featuring Bellingham's Northwest Computer in a new promotional video for Windows Vista, the Redmond-based PC Software manufacturer's recently released operating system. Part of Microsoft's "Buy Local" program which...

Unemployment rises slightly in December.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.8 percent in December from November's 4.7 percent rate, according to the state Employment Security Department. At the same time, Washington's seasonally adjusted nonfarm...

IndyMac to move to Iowa Street.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... The IndyMac office in Barkley Village will soon relocate to Iowa Street. Six IndyMac employees will move into the office at 1756 Iowa St., said branch manager Glenn Wielick. The Iowa Street office was home to Bellingham's other IndyMac...

Larsen to speak at border conference.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Rick Larsen )(Conference news)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2) is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 2008 General Assembly meeting of the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Project. The group will converge Feb. 21 at the Best Western Lakeway Inn. Topics of...

Drake Building to get another tenant.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Scansource Inc., a distributor of barcode products and retail point-of-sale terminals, is planning to make a minor move within the Barkley District. The company is already located in the Barkley District at 2211 Rimland Drive Suite 201,...

K Nails to open this month.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Dam Pham and his wife, Ngan Nguyen are putting the finishing touches on their new nail salon, K Nails & Spa, and hope to open soon. The 1,000-square-foot salon is located at 105 E. Stuart Road, in the shopping center in front of WalMart...

All American Marine launches NOAA vessel.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... All American Marine launched its first vessel of the new year January 15 from its Fairhaven waterfront location at 200 Harris Ave. The vessel, which will be christened the R/V Manta, is the fifth research vessel the company has built for...

Franklin Corp. moving to Ferndale.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Franklin Corp., currently located in offices in Sunnyland Square on lames Street, is readying to move to Ferndale in March. The company, which specializes in commercial construction and tenant improvements, will move to 6459 Portal Way...

Bellingham Marine enters into strategic partnership.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Bellingham Marine Industries Inc. and Keppel Land Ltd.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Bellingham-based Bellingham Marine Industries and Singapore-based Keppel Land International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enter into a strategic partnership where Bellingham Marine will design and construct premier marinas...

Studio 225 moving upstairs.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Studio 225, a hair salon located at 1240 E. Maple St. Suite 104, will be moving upstairs to Suite 201. Though the new suite is a tad smaller than the current 900-square-foot space, owner Yong Choi said the floor plan will allow her to...

Bellingham Marine enters into strategic partnership.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)(Bellingham Marine Industries Inc. and Keppel Land Ltd.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Bellingham-based Bellingham Marine Industries and Singapore-based Keppel Land International have signed a memorandum of understanding to enter into a strategic partnership where Bellingham Marine will design and construct premier marinas within...

Moving & Storage Solutions will head to Ferndale.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... Moving & Storage Solutions, Inc., an agent for Rhode Island-based Arpin Van Lines, has moved to a temporary Bellingham location while they build a new warehouse in Ferndale. The company moved from a 6,000-square-foot warehouse at 4600 Guide...

Edgewater condos get the go-ahead.(THE BUZZ: Tips, rumors & miscellaneous pieces of business information)
February 1, 2008... The Edgewater condos located at 472 S. State St. received their go-ahead permit on Dec. 21 after months of waiting. "It's been a long time coming," said Lynda Hinton, one of the listing agents for the project. The 16-unit building will...

Bio: interesting things about our area's most interesting people.(Dave Kozhins)(Interview)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Name: Dave Kozhins Age: 49 Business/job title: 3D Corp-CEO Everybody's Yoga--Instructor Hometown: Los Gatos, CA What brought you to Bellingham? Community Favorite memory: Danding with Kristen In your CD player: Alice...

Boundary bay: beer for the masses: Brewery to expand to Ferndale to keep up with wholesale demand.(Boundary Bay Brewery)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Not many local watering holes can boast an almost full barroom at z p.m. on a Thursday afternoon. But it's hard to resist Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro's relaxed atmosphere--its billowing ceiling sails, upscale...

Trader Joe's impact on market levels off: sales pick up for local grocers after 60-day downturn.
February 1, 2008... The bells and whistles of Trader Joe's opening day on James Street may be somewhat quieter now, but they are still resounding. With a steady stream of customers lined up at checkout counters and a parking lot where finding a spot often takes...

New county planning director steps up: David Stalheim takes on the challenge of county planning.(CONVERSATION: DAVID STALHEIM)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... Whatcom County's new planning director has a lot on his plate. After working as a community development director for less than a year in Ashland, Ore., and the previous eight years in Wenatchee, David Stalheim arrived on Nov. 5 at a time of...

On again, off again: businesses find ways to even out the ups, downs of the seasons.
February 1, 2008... Most businesses are impacted by natural market drops and surges at some point in the year, especially in a waterfront community with a long rainy season, an abundance of agriculture and a university with a student population exceeding 12,000....

Tech trends: easier Web sites, more services: technology for 2008: Web development to become more user-friendly.
February 1, 2008... On Friday Jan. 18, more than 100 people crowded into the Squalicum Boathouse to have lunch and to see Mark Anderson. Usually such a Bellingham crowd only amasses for a controversial public meeting or a big name musical act. But Anderson doesn't...

Location, location ... and word of mouth: when a location is the 'best kept secret in Bellingham,' businesses must rely on other ways to get the word out.(Bellingham, Washington's economic aspects )(Viewpoint essay)
February 1, 2008... The three laws of business--location, location, location--have been around a long time. But what if the best locations are taken? What if your business is not very visible? Fear not. For although location is key for many businesses, there...

Curiosity, referrals get new customers in the door: Kaur Lounge one of 'best kept secrets'.(Caryn Poole founder of a beauty salons Kaur Lounge)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Caryn Poole, owner of the Kaur Lounge, is also hoping to create one of those "best kept secrets" with her new beauty salon located on Astor Street. Poole opened the salon in September in an old schoolhouse that has been converted to...

Curiosity, referrals get new customers in the door: hiding out at Jeckyl and Hyde Deli.
February 1, 2008... Creating the right atmosphere was also an important factor for Rod Topel, owner of Jeckyl and Hyde Deli and Ale House. And at a restaurant with a split personality--"deli by day, ale and wine by night" is the slogan--defining the right...

Your guide to neighborhood plan amendments.
February 1, 2008... Some are massive rewrites. Others are just one-sentence text amendments. They are the neighborhood plan updates. Every year, the City of Bellingham considers proposals to amend neighborhood plans, and up until recently, the city's...

Building permits.(TOP PROPERTIES)(Public notice)
February 1, 2008... The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential homes valued at $250,000 or more. Accepted 3325 Northwest Ave., $70,000 for new commercial building:...

Top properties.
February 1, 2008... The following is a list of recent commercial and high-end residential property sales in Whatcom County. Top properties is compiled by Wendy Darling, with assistance from the county treasurer's and assessor's offices. Residences above...

Apple Yarns.(business births)(Apple Yarns Inc.)(Company overview)
February 1, 2008... Owner: Andrea Evans Address: 2915 Newmarket St. Suite 104 Phone: 756-9992 Web site: appleyarns.com Startup date: Aug. 1, 2007 Square footage: 800 Andrea Evans carries her knitting with her everywhere. She pulls out...

Sorellas on the Bay.(business births)
February 1, 2008... Owners: Nichole Ehman, Tera and Ryan Lorimer Address: 355 Harris Ave. Suite 105 Phone: 671-0219 Startup date: Jan. 2 Square footage: 500 Last month, Nichole Ehman completed a life-long dream: she opened her own restaurant...

The Chronic Reefer.(business births)(Company overview)
February 1, 2008... Owner: Jason Givant Address: 1208 Bay St. Suite 101 Phone: 543-9071 Web site: chronic-reefer.com Startup date: Jan. 17 Square footage: 700 No, you can't buy that at The Chronic Reefer. But you can buy everything you...

Brunkow joins radio museum board of directors.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The American Museum of Radio and Electricity (AMRE) announced Brian Brunkow, Esq., as the newest elected member to its board of directors. Brunkow, of the Law Office of Brian Brunkow, is a Washington and...

Sullivan Plumbing promotes Dawson.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Don Dawson is the new sales manager for Sullivan Plumbing Inc. He will oversee the staff of service and repair plumbers serving Whatcom County.

Symphony orchestra adds Schlichting to board of directors.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra announces the addition of Erin Schlichting to its board of directors. Schlichting is the tax senior manager at Moss Adams and heads Bellingham's Personal Wealth Service Division. She has more than 22 years...

Focus Northwest elects eight new officers.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(John Sedgwick, Terry Lehmann, Susan Templeton appointed )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Focus Northwest, a local nonprofit business network founded in 2004, elected the following officers Dec. 12. * Co-presidents are John Sedgwick, Web developer of Vantage 21st, and Terry Lehmann, owner of Lehmann...

Fulton accepts position at college in Hawaii.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Richard Fulton, vice president for instruction and dean of faculty at Whatcom Community College, officially announced his acceptance of the vice chancellor for instruction position at Windward Community College on the island of Oahu, part of...

NW Theater Group adds board member.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Jim Grabicki was appointed to The Northwest Washington Theater Group's board of directors. The announcement was made Jan. 11. Grabicki recently retired from a 38year banking career, which included the presidency of Mt. Baker Bank in...

LaMothe earns associate broker's license.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grant LaMothe of Keller Williams Western Realty recently earned his associate broker's license. The license better qualifies LaMothe to assist his clients with buying and selling real estate.

Womencare has new executive director.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Womencare Shelter of Whatcom County will introduce its new executive director, Kirsten Hammer, at its Fifth Starry Night Gala benefit auction, March 1. Hammer started at Womencare as overnight advocate in 1998 and served as shelter manager...

Whatcom Association of Realtors names new president.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Mark Brown of Windermere Real Estate was recently named president of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors. Brown, a Realtor since 2000, has been active in local and state real-estate organizations and has earned the Certified...

WWU hires new safety director, university police chief.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Western Washington University hired Randy Stegmeier as its new director of public safety and university police chief. He began overseeing Western's Public Safety Department, including university police, lock shop and parking services, Jan. 14....

Kelly joins Coldwell Banker, Miller-Arnason.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(Steve Kelly of Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason LLC)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Coldwell Banker, Miller-Arnason welcomed Steve Kelly as a new associate broker. Kelly is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine. His background includes executive level experience in the retail food business, including...

Greenwood joins RE/MAX.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Realestate agent Alicia Greenwood recently joined the Bellingham office of RE/MAX Whatcom County. Greenwood, a Western Washington University graduate, has more than three years' experience in serving buyers and...

Scottrade hires Austin.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Ray Austin was hired by Scottrade, a branch-supported online investment firm, to manage its Bellingham branch office. As branch manager, Austin provides customer service and manages office operations and personnel. He has almost 20 years'...

Port Commission selects 2008 officers.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(Bellingham, Washington. Port Commission appoints Doug Smith, Jim Jorgensen and Scott Walker )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Port of Bellingham's board of commissioners selected 2008 officers, Jan. 8. Commissioner Doug Smith was elected by the board to serve as president, Commissioner Jim Jorgensen was elected vice president and Commissioner Scott Walker was...

Thuney joins Alzheimer Society.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Matthew Thuney joined the Alzheimer Society of Washington as their public relations consultant and events coordinator. A freelance journalist, researcher, columnist, consultant and business owner for more that 20 years in Whatcom County, Thuney...

Building Industry Association appoints Stremler.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Peoples Bank Real Estate Loan Representative Gena Stremler was appointed by 2008 President Del Jacobson to fill a vacancy on the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County board of directors. Stremler will serve until November, at which...

Farmers insurance agents move to joint offices.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Farmers insurance agents Christina Abundis of Abundis Insurance Agency and Andy Jewell of Jewell Insurance Agency have a new joint location in the Fairway Center in Lynden. As Farmers insurance agents, Abundis...

WWU hires Cox as new dean of libraries.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Christopher Cox will become the new dean of libraries at Western Washington University by the end of the academic year. As Western's new dean of libraries, Cox will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and direction of the...

Moss Adams announces personnel changes.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Moss Adams LLP announced the following changes: * The firm's new human resources partner is Russ Wilson, formerly the office managing partner. * The new managing partner for the Bellingham office is Dick Fohn; he is also the firm's...

Rabatin named Chamber MVP for January.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tally Rabatin, co-owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Bellingham, was awarded the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Most Valuable Player for January. Rabatin was acknowledged for her active role in chamber...

3D Corporation adds Cisco specialization.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Mike McGlothern, 3D Corporation network engineer, passed the required technical exams to achieve Cisco Systems SMB Specialization. The SMB Specialization gives 3D the skills to identify customers' routing, switching, security and wireless...

Hayner joins Core Therapeutics Physical Therapy.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(appointment of Sandy Hayner)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Physical therapist Sandy Hayner joined Core Therapeutics Physical Therapy in Fairhaven. In practice since 1987, she specializes in orthopedic manual therapy and has been studying with the North American Institute of...

Best receives General Securities Principal license.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Waddell & Reed recently announced that Randy Best received the General Securities Principal license. Best has been with the firm for two years, after joining as a district manager and financial advisor in 2006. ...

Snapper Shuler Kenner Insurance makes announcements.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Jennifer Anderson recently passed the state exam to become a licensed property and casualty agent for Snapper Shuler Kenner's Lynden office. Megan Van Diest moved her office to the Barkley Bellingham office of...

Baker appointed chief operating officer.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Evergreen Team Concepts, specializing in training, consulting and staff development for companies, appointed Joel Baker as its chief operating officer. Baker has more than 30 years' experience in operations...

DeHaas FHA approved appraiser.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(Pete DeHaas of DeHaas Appraisal Services Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pete DeHaas, president of DeHaas Appraisal Services Inc., recently completed housing and urban Development requirements to become a Federal Housing Administration approved appraiser. DeHaas is a certified residential...

Horizon Bank announces new retail office managers.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Horizon Bank announced the hiring of two new retail banking office managers for their offices in Lynden and Bellingham. Mark Swanson joined as assistant vice president and retail office manager of Horizon Bank's...

Stauffer joins Oltman Insurance.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Marty Stauffer joined Oltman Insurance Agency as an insurance agent. Stauffer is a Whatcom County native and joined Oltman after five years in the advertising department of The Bellingham Herald.

Neighborhood Mortgage announces 4th quarter mortgage advisor.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(Leena Kirschman of Neighborhood Mortgage was announced as the fourth quarter licensed mortgage advisor )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Leena Kirschman of Neighborhood Mortgage was announced as the fourth quarter licensed mortgage advisor at the company's annual holiday party. She received the award for her leadership qualities, sales consistency,...

Frontier Bank announces local promotions.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Frontier Bank has announced that two local employees have received promotions. Bob MacIsaac is now a senior vice president and regional manager for the bank's Northwest region, which includes Whatcom County....

NAMI elects 2008 officers.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(National Alliance on Mental Illness)(Benita Bowen)(Betty Scott)(Andrew Davis)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The National Alliance on Mental Illness Whatcom County recently elected its board of directors for 2008. They are Benita Bowen, president; Betty Scott, first vice president; Andrew Davis, second vice president; Nine Baker, secretary; and...

Western Refinery Services hires Eigenbrood.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Western Refinery Services recently hired Jake Eigenbrood to help with facilities management, project management, and business development. Eigenbrood has extensive experience in the refinery industry and has...

Badgley and Gardner join RE/MAX.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)(Eric Badgley)(Angela Gardner )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The real-estate team of Eric Badgley and Angela Gardner recently moved to the Bellingham office of RE/MAX Whatcom County. Badgley, a listing specialist, earned multiple awards for sales production during the...

Griffiths moves up in Pearson Construction Corp.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bob Griffiths is now a partner with Pearson Construction Corp. He started in the company in 1992 as a carpenter apprentice and has worked his way up to project manager. In his time at Pearson, he has completed...

Tobin joins Litzia, Henderson earns certification.(KEEPING UP WITH PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Litzia, LLC recently welcomed new employee Jason Tobin, who joins the company as a Network Engineer. Formerly a business sales supervisor and lead technician at Bellingham's Best Buy and The Geek Squad, Tobin...

Comfort Inn wins hospitality award.(Awards and Anniversaries)
February 1, 2008... The Bellingham Comfort Inn, owned and operated by Sid Baron and son Alan Baron of Lynden, has received a 2007 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world's largest lodging chains. Winners of this award...

Woods Coffee receives Hottest Brand award.(Awards and Anniversaries)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Woods Coffee House, located in Bellingham and Lynden, received the coveted 2007 Hottest Brand in North America Award in the specialty coffee category from The Brand Coaches, international brand marketing consultants. The Woods, owned by Wes...

Entrepreneur lists Glass Doctor in "Franchise 500".(Awards and Anniversaries)
February 1, 2008... Entrepreneur magazine listed Glass Doctor No. 318 in its 2008 "Franchise 500" list. Glass Doctor of Lynden, locally operated by Richard A. Walter, is part of the nation's largest full-service glass provider, which serves the residential,...

Contractors honored for administration of transportation projects.(Awards and Anniversaries)
February 1, 2008... Eight transportation construction projects were selected as winners of 2007 Excellence in Contract Administration Awards by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Associated General Contractors of Washington. For each...

A Place To Call Home celebrates 5-year anniversary.(Awards and Anniversaries)
February 1, 2008... A Place To Call Home, a design/ build consulting firm owned by Chris Simpson, is celebrating five years in business. Begun in 2003 as a "hand-holder for homeowners," A Place to Call Home has evolved into a comprehensive design/build service...

WWU ranks among '100 Best Values' and gains Peace Corps recognition.(Awards and Anniversaries)(Western Washington University)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Western Washington University improved by 10 spots to rank 38th among the top 100 public colleges and universities in the nation based on a combination of academic quality and affordability. In its February issue, Kiplinger's magazine...

A successful internship experience: internships train new workers, provide extra help at the office.(business toolkit)(Western Washington University's internship programs for the business students)
February 1, 2008... Shane Angus knows the value of a good internship. As a business student at Western Washington University, Angus interned at Net Solutions North America during winter quarter 2006. Halfway through the internship, the company offered him...

Meetings & clubs.(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... * Bellingham Referral Network--Meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at The Bellingham Golf and Country Club. For more information, call Tim Villhauer at 714-8661, or visit www.bellinghamreferral.org. * City Club--Noon to 1:30 p.m. the fourth...

Nonprofit Notebook.(TIPS & LEADS)
February 1, 2008... Items for Nonprofit Notebook need to be received by the end of the month prior to publication.