Bellingham Business Journal, January 07, 2013

By Evan [email protected]

On a night in late October, the Port of Bellingham held a special public forum at the

city’s cruise terminal in Fairhaven to introduce three finalists for the open executive director’s position. Seven months earlier, Charlie Sheldon, the agency’s former leader, left in a pall of contro-versy, tendering his resignation to the elected port commission after tangles with Scott Walker, the commission’s president.

Rob Fix was not one of the three in the front of the room at the cruise terminal that night.

But after the port commission’s initial choice for Sheldon’s succes-sor—Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego, N.Y.—withdrew from consider-ation, commissioners told Fix: He was their man.

The announcement was sur-prising to observers and to Fix himself, who took on the role of interim executive director while the search for a permanent replacement wore on. The self-described “numbers guy” had served as chief financial officer and deputy director for the port since 2008.

At various points after Sheldon left, it was clear Fix was not being considered for the executive role. But in statements after the decision was announced, com-missioners noted Fix’s success as interim executive, particularly in negotiating a major waterfront land-ownership swap with Bell-ingham Mayor Kelli Linville.

Now in the director’s chair, Fix starts the job with a long to-do list. The Port of Bellingham has capital projects in progress on

several fronts, including a multi-year, multimillion dollar airport terminal expansion and a major cleanup effort in the Whatcom Waterway near the city’s central waterfront. The agency has also inherited significant elements of the region’s economic growth and planning. With a local economy still pulling itself out of recession,

the financial stakes are high, but so is the potential.

THE LOCAL ECONOMY BBJ: How do you judge the health of business and industry in What-com County right now?

Fix: I think it’s recovering. I’m not a business owner, so I’m sure

there are some out there that are still suffering. But we’re seeing a lot of activity.

We’re getting a lot of real estate inquiries, and a lot of manufac-turing-based stuff. I think we’re on the upswing, so that’s the good news. The port itself is spending a lot of money right now between several different capital projects, and that is definitely helping con-tractors and electricians. I’m posi-tive. I’m bullish on the economy. I think we’re in a good spot.

BBJ: What is the port doing to help the local economy?

Fix: Well the biggest thing is the airport. I think that’s the single


Haggen CEO C.J. Gabriel Jr. has resigned his position with the Bellingham-based

grocery chain, a senior executive with the company has confirmed.

Clement Stevens, Haggen’s senior vice president of merchan-dising, said the company’s board of directors accepted Gabriel’s resignation on Friday, Dec. 7.

Rather than search for a replacement, Stevens said the company is appointing a three-member leadership team made up of himself; John Turley, Hag-gen’s chief operating officer; and Ron Stevens, who serves as both chief financial officer and chief information officer for the com-pany. (Clement Stevens and Ron Stevens are not related.)

The new leadership will be offi-cially known as the “Office of the President,” Stevens said.

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BBJTodayThe Bellingham Business Journal

.com

Rob Fix accepted the executive direc-

tor job at the Port of Bellingham in early

November. He served as interim executive for

nearly seven months after Charlie Sheldon’s

departure in April. DAN LEVINE PHOTO | COURTESY OF

THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM

First year brings full slate for Rob Fix, the Port of Bellingham’s new executive director

GETTING ON THE RECORD

Reasons for top-level executive’s departure from leading regional grocer remain unclear

HAGGEN NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

AFTER CEO RESIGNS

HAGGEN | PAGE 5

FIX | PAGE 6

THE 2013 rEaDErS’ CHOICE aWarDSMAIL-IN/DROP-OFF BALLOT, PAGE 14

POrT aGEnDaMajor projects ahead in 2013

Complete terminal expansion at Bellingham International Airport ($36M)

Begin in-water work for cleanup in Whatcom Waterway ($21M)

Secure developers for Waterfront District and new airport hotel (TBD)

MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville will give a “State of the City” address on

Tuesday, Jan. 15, as part of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of

Commerce and Industry’s ongoing speaker series. The chamber hosts guest speakers each month. Events are held at 7:30 a.m. at the Best Western Lakeway Inn. Speaker series events cost $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers.

“TANGLED WEbS” WWU CONFERENCEThe Center for Law, Diversity and Justice at Western Washington

University’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies will host a regional

conference, “Tangled Webs: Race, Immigration, Poverty, and Prisons; Mass Incarceration and Alternative Futures,” on Jan. 17 and 18 on WWU’s campus.“Tangled Webs” will bring together students, teachers, researchers, activists, lawyers and other concerned community members to examine the historical origins and social impacts of mass incarceration in this country, and start a dialogue about existing and possible alternatives to this system.The keynote speaker for the conference is Michelle Alexander, civil rights activist, law professor and best-selling author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color-Blindness.” Alexander will deliver the keynote at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, in the WWU Performing Arts Center. The keynote address is free, but no-cost tickets must be reserved through the PAC Box Office at http://tickets.wwu.edu. A limited number of tickets are also available at Village Books in Fairhaven. For more information on the “Tangled Webs” conference, contact Julie Helling, director of WWU’s Center for Law,

Diversity and Justice, at 360-650-4907 or view the conference website at www.wwu.edu/tangledwebs.

WINTER AT THE FARMERS MARkETThe Bellingham Farmers Market is expanding its nine-month season

in 2013 by introducing three new winter markets, the first of which will be

held on Saturday, Jan. 19.Like the main-season markets, the winter events will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Depot Market Square on Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham.Additional winter markets will be held on Feb. 16 and March 16.Farmers Market Director Caprice Teske said there has been considerable demand for the market to remain open in the winter, particularly from shoppers wanting locally grown food.Teske said she expects each new monthly market to feature 40-70 vendors and draw close to 1,000 shoppers.“Our late-season weekly markets in November and December, begun in 2006, have become very successful as our local growers explored ways to extend the growing season,” Teske said. “Using new techniques such as hoop houses and greenhouses, they’re now

able to produce more winter-hardy crops during those months.”The Bellingham Farmers Market in online at www.bellinghamfarmers.org.

DOWNTOWN NEIGHbOR MEETING The Downtown Bellingham Partnership invites local residents

to attend its monthly Downtown Neighborhood Association meetings,

which are usually held on the last Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at The Leopold Retirement Residence, 1224 Cornwall Ave.The Neighborhood Association meetings aim to connect neighbors, foster community involvement and responsively address issues to maintain a healthy downtown neighborhood, according to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website.For more information, visit the partnership’s Facebook event page at pnw.cc/goyg1.

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Herrera joins Christian Health Care Center

Melinda Herrera recently joined Christian Health Care Center as its new

admis-sions and com-munity relations director.

Her-rera works closely with CHCC’s

management team, resi-dents and their loved ones. Her primary duties include overseeing the admission process, communicating with Whatcom County health care providers and helping families during the discharge process.

Herrera holds a bach-elor’s in social work from Texas State University. She has worked in the social services, admissions and marketing departments of several skilled nursing facilities since 2006.

Christian Health Care Center is a local nonprofit that employs more than 220 Whatcom County residents. More informa-tion can be found online at

www.chcclynden.org, or by calling 360-354-4434.

Park named VP and general manager at Trans-Ocean

Trans-Ocean Products Inc. announced that Murry R. Park has been named

vice presi-dent and general manager at the company.

In his new posi-tion, Park will be respon-

sible for all company operations, including the surimi seafood processing facility located in Belling-ham, where Trans-Ocean produces its Crab Classic brand.

Park has held senior level positions in several different industries, includ-ing consumer electron-ics, industrial electronics, industrial equipment and commercial seafood pro-cessing.

Prior to his tenure at Westward Seafoods, Park’s experience included posi-tions at Rothenbuhler Engi-neering of Sedro-Woolley,

Wagstaff Inc. of Spokane, and Key Tronic Corp., also in Spokane.

Park is a graduate of Western Washington Uni-versity. He lives with his family in Mount Vernon.

Eisses takes vice president spot at Peoples bank

Peoples Bank has pro-moted Christine Eisses to vice president and real

estate loan operations manager.

Eisses will man-age the bank’s real estate loan operations depart-ment.

She has 19 years of financial services experi-ence, including the last six years with a focus on lending compliance. In her new position, she will be responsible for manage-ment of all aspects of the real estate loan operations department, including the coordination of underwrit-ing and closing functions.

A lifetime resident of Washington, Eisses was born in Skagit County and moved to Bellingham in 1988 to attend Western Washington University.

VanWerven hired at keith Cox Autobahn

Wayne VanWerven has joined the service team at Keith Cox Autobahn in

Bellingham. VanWerven, who is certified as a master technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, previ-ously spent 26 years as

a technician at Hinton Motors in Lynden.

VanWerven lives in Lyn-den with his wife, Janet, and their four children.

Keith Cox Autobahn is

an independent sales and service shop that specializes in German automobiles. It is located at 1814 Ellis St.

Your lawyer focused on assisting businesses with employment issues and finding innovative solutions to business challenges.

BBJPEOPLEWho’s news in Bellingham &

Whatcom businessPEOPLE | PAGE 4

Melinda Herrera

Murry R. Park

Christine Eisses


Cartwright hired as account director at Red Rokk Interactive

Yvonne Cartwright recently joined Red Rokk Interactive as an account

director.Red

Rokk is a full service marketing, advertis-ing and digital agency with offices in

Bellingham and Portland, Ore.

“We are pleased to have Yvonne come on board at Red Rokk Interactive,” said the company’s CEO Tyler Byrd. “Her experi-ence within our industry is extensive, and we’re excited at the prospect of offering a more comprehensive line of services to provide our cus-tomers with an even better experience working with Red Rokk.”

Cartwright attended the University of Wash-ington, receiving a degree in communications and advertising, and worked in the advertising industry in Seattle and Los Angeles.

After moving to Belling-ham in 1992, she began her own marketing and con-sulting company, going on to own several advertising agencies from 1994 to 2011.

Cartwright has served on

several business and non-profit boards and commit-tees, including the Belling-ham/Whatcom Economic Development Council, the Bellingham/Whatcom Pub-lic Facilities District and the United Way of What-com County.

She was also a 10-year trustee at Bellingham Tech-nical College.

Tom Dorr joins Snapper Shuler kenner Insurance

Tom Dorr, who spent years as director of West-ern Washington Univer-

sity’s Small Business Develop-ment Cen-ter and then its Center for Economic Vitality, has joined Snapper

Shuler Kenner Insurance as a commercial sales pro-ducer.

Dorr will be based in the company’s Bellingham office. He will assist busi-ness clients with property, casualty, liability and con-tractor’s insurance, plus bonding and other areas of commercial insurance.

“Helping business own-ers with insurance and risk-management issues is an extension of the business counseling I’ve been doing for the past 16 years,” Dorr said. “I look forward to continuing to be a trusted

adviser for my clients in my new role at SSK Insurance.”

As an independent agency with origins dating back to 1925, SSK Insur-ance offers insurance from more than 25 carriers and is licensed in 15 states, including Oregon and California. For more infor-mation, visit www.sskinsur-ance.com.

Reavis of RE/MAX Whatcom earns real estate designation

Theresa Reavis of RE/MAX Whatcom County has been awarded the Cer-

tified Res-idential Specialist Designa-tion by the Council of Resi-dential Specialists, the largest nonprofit

affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

Real estate agents who receive the designation have completed advanced courses and have demon-strated professional exper-tise in the field of residen-tial real estate. Less than 31,000 agents nationwide hold this credential.

Theresa Reavis can be reached at RE/MAX What-com County’s Lakeway office at 360-647-1313 or by email at [email protected].

Linville selects final candidate for city’s new police chief

Clifford Cook has been identified by Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville as the final candidate for the city’s next police chief. Cook, 57, had most recently been chief of police in Vancou-ver, but he resigned the position in September of this year.

His tenure appears to have been marked by sev-eral inner-departmental controversies, including a no-confidence vote from the Vancouver police union in 2010 and last year having Vancouver’s city manager overturn his decision to fire one of his department’s officers for improper con-duct, according to reports by The Oregonian of Port-land, Ore.

However, Linville, along with Bellingham Police Guild President Chad Cris-telli and Bellingham Police Leutenant Mike Johnston, had favorable comments regarding Cook’s expertise in law enforcement, leader-ship and ethical decision making.

Yvonne Cartwright

Tom Dorr Theresa Reavis

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Haggen’s employees and customers will likely not notice any changes, Stevens said. He added that the new team is committed to continuing Haggen’s major rebranding effort underway in a number of its markets.

Most Haggen locations in Bellingham have been remodeled in the past year under the new company store theme, called “North-west Fresh.”

C.J. Gabriel Jr., known to friends and colleagues by his nickname, “Gabe,” was a key player in the chain’s rebranding.

Stevens noted Gabriel’s contributions to the com-pany during his time in the leadership role.

“The company is assem-bling a new management team,” Stevens said. “But obviously, Gabe will be missed.”

Gabriel had been the CEO at Haggen since 2011, taking over shortly after The Comvest Group, a Florida-based investment firm, bought a majority share in the grocery chain.

There is no indication of what led to Gabriel stepping down. The now-former chief executive declined to comment on his resignation when reached by phone. But he did praise the people he had worked with while at Haggen.

“I want to wish all the Haggen and TOP people nothing but the best,” Gabriel said.

His departure is the third top-level change at the company in the last three years. Before Gabriel’s start at Haggen in 2011, Jim Donald, a former Starbucks executive, took over the role of president and CEO in 2009 from Dale Henley, who had been in the posi-tion since 1996.

Prior to Haggen, Gabriel spent time as a senior exec-utive with several major food and beverage compa-nies, including Albertsons and PepsiCo Inc.

In a July 2012 interview with the Bellingham Busi-ness Journal, Gabriel said one of his main goals at Haggen was to combine the company’s two brands—Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug—under one banner.

The “Northwest Fresh” facelift will place all of the chain’s TOP stores under the Haggen name within the next several years. The rebranding effort also comes with a new focus on products with natural, locally produced ingredi-ents.

HAGGEN | FROM 1


biggest thing we do to drive the economy, and right now there’s a $100,000-a-day construction project going on out there. That will obviously end, but the airport is an economic driver. It brings business folks into the community, it allows them to have a local sales force and brings them in and out of the com-munity, and lets customers come in.

It’s just an economic driver, on the whole. Trans-portation at that airport, I believe, is the single biggest thing we can do to help local businesses.

THE AIRPORT BBJ: How do you see the airport evolving over the next several years?

Fix: We have to finish our terminal expansion. We issued some bonds to finance the terminal expan-sion in 2010, and we’re now in the latter stages of that project.

You’re going to see a new baggage claim come online sometime around March or April. About a year ago, you saw the lobby holding area open up, and the bag-

gage claim will kind of match that in both theme and size.

Following that, in about a year from now, you’ll see a new ticketing area open up. That’s the last phase, and when we finish the terminal expansion, we’ll consider that project closed and done.

If the airport will require any growth after that remains to be seen. The port’s commission-ers have directed us to go through a master plan-ning process with the air-port, and staff is doing that right now.

We can’t control where the planes take off or land. We can’t turn them away, we can’t refuse them. But we can control where the port’s investments go.

BBJ: Where do you think those investments should go?

Fix: Well right now, they’re going into the terminal. In the future, that will be up to the master planning process and the port com-mission’s direction. Those won’t be decisions I make, those will be decision the elected leaders make and then give me direction on how to proceed.

They have given direc-tion during this master planning process that they want slow, managed growth. What that means needs to be defined. It still needs to be worked out in the details.

BBJ: What is your response to people who are upset with the increased jet traf-fic and are not happy the airport has expanded?

Fix: I recognize that there are folks this community who are affected by the airport and by the noise. There is a part of this com-munity that feels the noise and the negatives outweigh the benefits. But there’s also other parts of this commu-nity that see a big economic benefit from the airport.

Our job is going to be figuring out how to find a balance between those dif-ferent groups—a balance between the noise and the economic benefit.

It’s not going to be an easy task, and we’re not going to make everyone happy with the decisions that are made. But we’re going to listen, and we’re going to try to make good, informed decisions.

BBJ: What would you say is the port’s overall mission when managing the air-port’s growth and expan-sion?

Fix: We have to find a bal-ance between the negatives and the good economic benefits of the airport.

Ports are established for

economic development and transportation. Those are our primary missions. But at the same time, we have to recognize if we’re having any negative effects on our commu-nity, then we need to try to balance that with the benefits.

BBJ: Would you support some type of environmen-tal impact study on the effects increased jet traffic has on the community?

Fix: This is an area that I believe is regulated and controlled by the FAA. They operate in this area. They know when a noise study is needed, and they know when it’s not. They write the rules and they pay for those studies, and I don’t think we can second guess at our level the FAA’s decisions on these things.

THE WATERFRONTBBJ: Can you explain your focus on the Waterfront District redevelopment over the next several years?

Fix: I want to comment on what a great relationship we have with the city. Mayor Linville is terrific. Her staff are incredible to work with.

We made a ton of progress in a very short period of time, because everyone is focused on it.

We want to get this thing done. We want to put the land back to work. The focus is going to be basi-cally two-fold. We’re going to try to attract mixed-use to what we call the “down-town” section of the water-front—the site adjacent, or closest to, downtown Bellingham. We want to get a developer in there to start building mixed-use build-ings, and that’s retail, that’s office and that’s residential.

Then the second focus will be on the industrial side down toward the ship-ping terminal. We would like to attract a light-indus-trial user—and we’re not talking a heavy and dirty industry, we’re talking light industry—down to that area that would ideally uti-lize our shipping terminal and provide a lot of jobs.

BBJ: What type of light-industrial user could you envision going in there? Perhaps a marine-related manufacturer?

Fix: That would be ideal. We have a lot of marine-trades folks who work in this community and do business. There’s other manufacturing. I don’t want to limit what we would attract down there, because I want to keep the door open to just about anyone that would agree with our community’s values.

BBJ: In the mixed-use area, do you have a sense of how easy it would be to find developers once the ground is ready?

Fix: You know, real estate is such a cyclical business. I think, depending on who you talk to, they’ll tell you that right now we’re in dif-ferent stages of that cycle.

I think the only way we’re going to determine definitively what happens down there is to go out and talk to developers, and that’s what we’re doing right now.

When we get a developer signed up and ready to build something, we’ll have a very positive message about where we’re at in the cycle. Until then, I think it’s an unknown.

THE TERMINALBBJ: While the Gateway Pacific Terminal is not a port project, have you decided whether you sup-port or oppose its construc-tion?

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FIX | FROM 1

FIX | PAGE 7

THE FiX FiLEEmployee of the port since 2008, serving as chief financial officer and deputy director. Also managed the port’s real estate division last year.

Former partner and CFO for MTM Luxury Lodging & FST Asset Management. Also former CFO for Trillium Corp.

Washington State University alumnus, with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant administration.



Though state officials said it is too early to glean long-term impacts of Washington’s new privatized liquor system, recent numbers show overall sales between

June and September were higher than during the same period the year before.

Spirit sales by volume in Washington rose 2.9 percent during the first four months of liquor privati-zation compared to those months in 2011, accord-ing to data released by the state Department of Revenue.

About 13.6 million liters of spirits were sold statewide between June and September 2012.

During the same months in 2011, when state-run liquor stores were still in operation, about 13.2 million liters were sold.

Initiative 1183, which was approved by state voters in 2011, dismantled the state-run system of liquor sales.

Backers of the measure received massive financial help from Costco Wholesale Corp., which spent about $22 mil-lion during the initiative campaign. That campaign was the most cash-flush the state has ever seen.

The state Liquor Control Board closed its retail stores before the law took effect this past June.

Private retailers have quickly filled the void. Many large grocery stores, including Costco, Haggen and Fred Meyer, now sell spirits.

CONSUMERS jUMP DESPITE HIGHER PRICESConsumers shopping in retail stores purchased 7.9 per-

cent more spirits between June and September this year than they purchased from state-run liquor stores during the same months in 2011.

Shoppers bought more booze even as prices increased by an average of 11.6 percent.

The average retail price on a liter of spirits, taxes included, was $24.09 in September 2012, according to the Department of Revenue. It was $21.58 at state-run liquor stores one year earlier.

That increase means consumers today spend nearly $2 more on a standard 750 ml bottle of liquor than they did last year, according to the revenue department.

Mike Gowrylow, the department’s communications director, said the wider availability of spirits was likely a major driver of increased consumer purchases.

“National studies have shown that when you make liquor widely available, people buy more of it, even if the price is a bit higher,” Gowrylow said.

RESTAURANTS, bARS bUYING LESS

Although overall sales volume of liquor grew during the initial months of privatization, purchases by bars and restaurants of spirits for on-premises consumption fell by 12.6 percent from the same period in 2011, according to the revenue depart-ment.

Gowrylow said many bars and restaurants

stocked up on sprits in May of this year, the last month state-run liquor stores were open.

Purchases by bars and restaurants that month were up 47 percent from the previous year, according to the rev-enue department.

Gowrylow said the drop in purchases from bars and res-taurants was likely due to several factors:

- Liquor prices for owners of bars and restaurants have increased, just as they have for consumers.

- With a greater number of outlets for consumers to buy spirits, bars and restaurants face weaker demand.

- More outlets selling liquor also creates competition on the distribution level, and bars and restaurants might be finding it more difficult to maintain their inventories, particularly with popular spirits or those with limited pro-duction.

Gowrylow said the state would need at least a full year of sales data before any long-term trends with the priva-tized system could be identified.

He said the state’s Office of Financial Management, along with the liquor board and the revenue department, plans to assess fuller impacts of I-1183, possibly within the next year.

Fix: I have not. I personally, and I also believe this is the position of the port, am going to wait and see until after the environmental impact study is completed, and then I’ll start making my decisions based on that.

Right now there’s way too many unknowns and unanswered questions for me to state an opinion, and I believe that’s also the position of our port com-missioners.

BBJ: Do you think you will eventually state your opin-ion publicly, or would you leave the question open?

Fix: I don’t know. I think it depends on how definitive the environmental impact study comes out. If it comes out with a whole bunch of negatives, then yeah, I could easily form an opinion opposed to the project. If it comes out and it doesn’t seem like it will have much of a negative impact, then I going to be for it because of the jobs. But if comes out and doesn’t answer a lot of the questions, then I think I’ll have to remain somewhat neutral.

BBJ: Do you think an increase in rail traffic through Bellingham would hinder the waterfront rede-velopment plans?

Fix: I think the level of trains we’re talking about coming through here is not much more than the histor-ical highs. I think a lot of that can be mitigated with proper planning and proper transportation routes. I’ve been in the hotel busi-ness in the past, and I’ve seen hotels built right next to railroad tracks where the effects of the noise were nothing. I’ve also seen hotels built where the effects kept people up all night. A lot of it depends on how good we do mitigating the impacts of increased rail traffic. But I believe it can be miti-gated. I don’t think that’s an impossible task.

BBJ: How can it be miti-gated?

Fix: Quiet zones are a big deal—requiring the rail-road to implement quiet zones, having developers implement buildings that are a little quieter. Both of those things will go a long way toward mitigating the impacts. Properly designed transportation will allow for there not to be backups when trains are coming

through town.

THE PUbLIC EYEBBJ: Do you think the res-ignation of former execu-tive Charlie Sheldon dam-aged the public’s perception of the port?

Fix: With some folks it did. There’s a couple of categories of folks here. There’s the folks who are never happy with anything the port does, and so when Charlie was let go, that was a reason to go after the port. I think there were some folks who felt they really were damaged by him leaving. They probably had legitimate reasons to be upset. And I also think there folks who understand that in this job, or in the job of any organization, you’re pretty vulnerable. That’s just a fact of life.

BBJ: Where did you stand on the ballot measure to expand the port commis-sion to five members, which ultimately failed?

Fix: I voted no, personally. The port didn’t have a posi-tion on it. The port put it on the ballot because it was requested to put it before the voters, and it failed. My reason for voting no was I just didn’t see the cost justifying having two more people put on there. I’m a bean counter; I’m always going to go with the least-costly route, if it doesn’t make a difference in the end result.

BBJ: Do you have any other comments to share?

Fix: I think our commis-sion has done an incredible job over the past few years being fiscally conservative. My goal will be to develop some key partnerships going forward. Those are already in traction, includ-ing with the city of Bell-ingham. I have a great rela-tionship with our county executive, Jack Louws. He’s a great resource for me, and we’re also working together on economic development. We will be working togeth-er on other issues. We have state and federal agencies we’re going to be work-ing with, such as the state Department of Ecology on the waterfront cleanups.

Also the existing port tenants, any potential new tenants and the overall business community—these are all relationships that we’re going to work to continue to nurture and develop over the next few years. I look forward to the opportunity of working with all these folks.

FIX | FROM 6 UNSHAkEN SPIRITSInitial months of private liquor retail brought

increased sales, higher prices

sTickEr sHOckconsumer prices on liquor have gone up since

initiative 1183 took effect.

average retail price on a liter of spirits (with tax):Before i-1183: $21.58 | after i-1183: $24.09

Source: Washington State Department of Revenue

On average, prices for bottles of spirits have increased 11.6 percent.

a typical 750 ml bottle of liquor costs nearly $2 more than it did before privatization.


TOP TRENDS IN bELLINGHAM’S 2012 bUSINESS NEWS


Coal trains and airplanes. Both were decisive elements of local business and economic news this year.

With an expansion of what is now the third-busiest airport in the state and the continuing controversy over the Gateway

Pacific Terminal proposed for Cherry Point—which would be one of the largest export facilities in the country—next year should be an interesting one for business in Whatcom County.

While this list is by no means compre-hensive, many of these trends and events are sure to influence local movers and shakers in 2013.

Debate amplifies on the Gateway Pacific TerminalJust a few weeks remain in the public

comment period for the Gateway Pacific Terminal’s “scoping” process, which ends on Jan. 21. Thousands of people have attended meetings across the region to discuss which elements should be part of an Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared for the project by officials from Whatcom County, the Washington Depart-ment of Ecology and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The public forums have brought out

multiple sides in the debate over the proj-ect.

Backers of the terminal, which is pro-posed by the SSA Marine company of Seattle, bill the project as a harbinger of economic expansion for Whatcom County, with builders promising new jobs, tax rev-enue and tax savings. Critics, however, are troubled by various negative impacts the terminal could cause, including increased pollution, choked rail crossings and ben-efits that might never materialize.

John Serfozo, a member of the citizens’ group called Safeguard the South Fork opposed to increased rail traffic that could come with operations at the Gateway Pacific Terminal, speaks during a March 8 forum in Everson. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO

Waterfront District redevelopment plans take shape The central waterfront site formerly

home to a Georgia Pacific pulp and paper mill has been a demolition zone in recent years; the landscape of the property changed as a former bleach plant, pulp storage warehouse and pulp screening room were dismantled.

With several more environmental clean-up projects still ahead, the port and the city of Bellingham announced in December that a draft sub-area plan for a redeveloped Waterfront District has been completed.

Over the next year, city planning officials and elected leaders will pour through the plan and related regulatory documents, setting the scope for the future of the property that might one day include new light-industrial, commercial and residential development. Also on the waterfront, the old Granary Building that was originally built in the 1920s but has fallen to neglect

and disrepair in recent years has promising signs it might receive new life. Develop-ers and historical preservationists helped persuade the port commission to hold off plans to scrap the structure and instead seek proposals for its rehabilitation.

The Port of Bellingham will seek propsals for redevelopment of the waterfront Granary Building. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO

Canadian shoppers drive retail, create controversyLike it or not, Canadian money is an

important component of Whatcom Coun-ty’s economy.

While many business owners welcome shoppers from the north, the crowds of Canucks flowing into Bellingham’s big-box stores, gas stations and its airport have tested the patience of some local shoppers.

Widespread media attention focused on

Whatcom County after a Facebook page urging special “Americans-only” shopping days at the local Costco garnered thou-sands of supporters this past summer.

Yet local politicians and business lead-ers continue to point out that despite the grumblings of some in the community, Bellingham and Whatcom County see sig-nificant benefits from Canadian shoppers.

Port of bellingham’s executive director resignsPut lightly, the departure of Charlie

Sheldon from the port’s top spot in April was not amicable.Sheldon’s two-year tenure at the agency was stained with spats with port staff and elected commissioners. Yet the former director enjoyed support from some local residents and business own-ers, particularly in the commercial fish-ing industry. Spurred in part by Sheldon’s resignation, a group of citizens mounted a

failed effort in the 2012 general election to expand the port’s board of com-missioners from three members to five.

Rob Fix, previously the port’s deputy director and chief financial officer, was selected in November to succeed Sheldon.Charlie Sheldon

Washington voters privatize, then legalizeWashington state blazed a new trail this

year, as voters in the 2012 general election approved a measure that legalizes posses-sion of small amounts of marijuana and directs the state Liquor Control Board to set up a system that will allow licensed sales of the once-illicit substance.

Yet questions remain over what the fed-eral response will be to decriminalization, as pot remains illegal under U.S. law.

Also, the voter-approved initiative to privatize liquor sales took effect last sum-mer.

While recent numbers show consumer purchases of spirits increased during the first four months of the new private sys-tem, higher retail prices have upset some buyers. Other residents express concerns over the negative impacts the increased availability of booze might bear.

bellingham Shipping Terminal gets new lifeNew activity came ashore at the Belling-

ham Shipping Terminal after two manufac-turing companies working with Shell Oil Co. chose the facility to build and base an oil-spill containment dome, called the Arc-tic Challenger.

Bellingham’s waterfront shipping termi-nal used to export nearly 500,000 tons of material annually. But since the Georgia-Pacific paper mill closed and the Alcoa aluminum smelter made production cuts years ago, the shipping base has seen little business.

Unfortunately for Shell, the Challenger has been plagued with problems since a botched sea test in September left it limp-ing back to port with unspecified damages.

The vessel remains under repair at the terminal. Shell scrapped its plans for the

year to begin new oil drilling operations in the Arctic Ocean.

Workers building the Arctic Challenger in early 2012 at the Bellingham Shipping Ter-minal. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO

Future vision expands in downtown bellinghamAt the same time a major planning pro-

cess takes shape on Bellingham’s central waterfront, local officials, stakeholders and residents are hoping to finish a new sub-area plan proposal for the city’s downtown core within the next several months.

City officials are in the middle of a plan-ning process, called “myDowntown,” that

seeks to identify what is going well in the district and what could present barriers for future growth. With strong historical ele-ments and an array of locally owned busi-nesses, Bellingham’s downtown area is seen by many as a gem of a district.

But downtown elements in need of TRENDS | PAGE 9


Changes to health care laws have been on many business owners’ minds recently, but shifts in the health care industry itself are expected to drive news cycles in the coming years. Health experts and execu-tives expect new mergers of hospitals and health systems, an increased use of tech-nology and electronic medical records and a need for more nursing practitioners.

The health care organization Peace-Health, which is Whatcom County’s largest employer, announced plans earlier this year to enter a partnership with Colorado-based Catholic Health Initiatives, which will cre-ate a health alliance with nearly 26,000 employees, 950 doctors and close to $4 bil-lion in annual revenue.

Practitioners face rising costs, as well as an aging workforce that could lead to shortages in registered nurses and home-care aides within the next 15 years. With that, Whatcom County’s health care and health education sectors are preparing for

the new care models they’re certain will come.

Workforce shortages are among the more imminent concerns. Registered nurs-es in Washington state are 55-59 years old on average. Researchers said that indicates a looming lack of nurses who can continue to work over the next several decades.

Although thousands of people are still out of work, the overall job picture in Whatcom County improved through 2012. The most recent unemployment estimate from November put the county’s jobless rate at 6.5 percent. It’s the third straight month the local rate has dipped below 7 percent, something not seen since 2008.

Year-to-year growth has come from the county’s private sector. Employers in natural resources and mining increased workers by 10.5 percent since November 2011, adding 600 jobs. Financial activities employment increased by 6.9 percent, add-

ing 200 jobs since last year.Additional sectors with strong job

growth since 2011 include trade, transpor-tation and utilities (up 700 jobs), construc-tion (up 600) and manufacturing (up 400).

The public sector is the county’s largest employer by sheer numbers, with an esti-mated 16,800 people currently employed by state, local or federal governments. But public-sector job growth had been flat since 2011.

Compared to other counties in the state, Whatcom’s monthly unemployment esti-mates have been among the lowest.

improvement, as noted by a recent survey of business owners, developers and resi-

dents, include better parking, better rela-tionships between business owners and city officials and workable solutions to continu-ing problems with loitering, vagrancy and other street crime.

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An Allegiant Air MD-80 jet sits on the apron at the Bellingham International Airport. Alle-giant now uses Bellingham as an operations base. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO

bellingham airport continues growth and expansionBellingham’s once-sleepy airport has

grown faster than almost any other jet hub of similar size in the nation. More than half a million passengers now travel through its terminal annually, with the bulk of them coming from Canada.

The increase in jet traffic has been a major concern for people living in the rural areas north of the airport. Some believe if the noise from passing planes continues, the quality of life in their neighborhoods will be forever changed.

For other residents, a busier airport is a welcome addition that brings new travel destinations and millions of dollars in eco-nomic benefits.

The Port of Bellingham is still in the midst of a master plan updating process for the airport, the first time the trans-portation center’s future growth has been earnestly looked at in almost a decade. In 2013, the port also plans to put the final touches on a multiyear, $38.5 million pas-senger terminal expansion.

Unemployment rate falls in Whatcom County

Health care industry prepares for changes

Nursing schools will likely utilize more tech-nology in the coming decades. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHACOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE


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Late last year Port staff joined forces with private businesses in

our local marine trades at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle. The goals were to bolster Whatcom County’s growing reputation as a hub for ma-rine trades and to attract more cus-tomers for local businesses.Pacific Marine Expo is the larg-

est and longest running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast and is annually held in Seattle. The Expo serves all aspects of the mar-ket, including commercial vessels owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, workboat operators and seafood processors. The Expo gives exhibitors and attendees the oppor-tunity to meet face-to-face to discuss the hottest products, innovative ideas and new services for a business.The Port paid to have a booth at this

important maritime event and also published a full-color directory of all Whatcom County marine trades busi-nesses. The directory includes adver-tisements and contact information for over 200 businesses ranging from the big employers like Fairhaven Shipyards and Bellingham Cold Storage to small “Mom and Pop” businesses such as marine upholstery and commercial diving operations.

And because this was a countywide effort, the Port did not limit it to Port tenants. Instead the Port reached out to busine-ses throughout the County to provide them with this free market-ing support. This is part of the over-all economic development role for the Port.Thousands of people attended the

Pacific Marine Expo and the Port endeavored to get copies of this di-rectory into as many potential cus-tomer’s hands as possible.Promoting a specific target industry

is one of the ways the Port helps the lo-cal economy. Marine trades is a known and growing sector in our local economy. By helping the diverse businesses in this

sector come together, we believe there will be a multiplier effect with new customers and new jobs.Our marine trades economy is bol-

stered by the Port’s 2,000 moor-age slips in our two marinas with a strong commercial fishing fleet, our local shipyards, our huge cold stor-age operations and, of course, our proximity to the San Juan Islands and Alaska.

Port Promotes Maritime BusinessesPORT NEWS

January 2013

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Employment Security expands free computer software courses

The Washington State Employment Security Department has expanded a pop-ular service that allows residents to learn computer software programs for free.

For the past two years, the department provided free access to online Microsoft courses. Now, under a contract with Skill-soft, the course selection has been broad-ened to include software by Adobe, Apple, IBM, Intuit, SAP and others.

“This represents an exponential increase in the size and value of the service we’re offering,” said Employment Security Com-missioner Paul Trause. “Good computer skills are essential in most jobs these days, and these courses will help thousands of workers improve their chances of getting good jobs and advancing their careers.”

All working-age residents of Washington are eligible for the free courses—both the employed and unemployed. Registered users can take as many courses as they want, at their own pace, on their own schedule.

Registrations are processed through WorkSource, which is part of the state’s workforce development system. To learn more and to begin registration, visit go2worksource.com/e-learning.

Refinery’s gift gets Ferndale Library closer to donation goal

The Phillips 66 Ferndale refinery has made a $25,000 contribution toward the ongoing effort to build a new library in Ferndale, and an anonymous individual

has agreed to match the donation.The city of Ferndale, the Whatcom

County Library System and the Whatcom Community Foundation have been work-ing together with numerous project sup-porters for six years to raise enough money to build the new library. The refinery’s con-tribution puts the fundraising effort within $500,000 of its $5.4 million goal.

Once the fundraising is complete, con-struction to replace the temporary facility in Pioneer Park will begin on the south side of Main Street, west of City Hall.

Phillips 66 public affairs director Jeff Callender said his company recognizes the importance and need for a community library.

“We know a new library will benefit the community for generations, and that making a gift now doubles our investment thanks to the current matching opportu-nity,” Callender said.

More information on the New Ferndale Library project is online at www.newfern-dalelibrary.org.

State’s recycling rate above 50 percent for first time

Washington state’s recycling rate grew to its highest level ever, reaching 50.7 percent in 2011, according to data reported by the Washington Department of Ecology.

It is the first time the recycling rate has topped the 50 percent goal set by a 1989 state law. The latest available national aver-age recycling rate was 34 percent in 2010.

The total amount of municipal waste recycled by state residents increased by more than 186,000 tons in 2011, up 4 per-cent from 2010. That equals 3.64 pounds

per person per day collected for recycling, which is the highest ever measured in Washington, since the ecology department began measuring recycling in 1986.

The total amount of waste tossed out by households and businesses has been decreasing through the recession, and in 2011 that trend continued. Disposal dropped by about 170,000 tons or 4 per-cent in 2011.

Citizens threw away 3.54 pounds of waste per person per day in landfills, the lowest amount in 24 years.

The amount of waste diverted from landfill disposal for other uses – including recycling, energy recovery and reuse – increased from 54.3 percent in 2010 to 57.2 percent in 2011. This is largely because less construction and demolition related mate-rials disposed of in landfills.

“Reducing and recycling waste have eco-nomic, environmental and public health benefits for our state’s residents,” said Ted Sturdevant, the department’s director. “It protects our water and reduces our

exposure to toxic chemicals, which lowers health risks. And it can build a clean, green economy for Washington’s future.”

Waterfront District plans ready to enter regulatory review

Local officials and stakeholders have completed an eight-year process to cre-ate redevelopment plans for the 237 acres of former industrial property in the city’s center once home to a Georgia Pacific pulp and paper mill.

The Port and city of Bellingham released a draft of the “sub-area” plan for the prop-erty, which is being called the Waterfront District, earlier this week along with a slew of regulatory documents, including a development agreement, an environmental impact statement, a planned action ordi-nance and an inter-local facilities agree-ment. Both agencies have been working together to draft plans for the new district

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BBJBUZZTop news items from BBJToday.com

Labels Consignment to move original locationLabels Women’s Consignment Store plans to move its original store located near downtown Bellingham to the former Al’s Honda property on James Street.Labels recently purchased the 5,000-square-foot building at 2336 James St., just south of Sunnyland Square.Store owner Sage Bishop (pictured to the the left of Labels Northwest store manager Kirsten Reid) said the James Street space is twice as large as Labels store on Ellis Street.“The larger location also will enable us to add home décor and housewares

as we did in February when our store on Northwest Avenue opened,” Bishop said.A grand-opening date for the James Street location will be announced in 2013. Labels is online at www.labelsconsignment.com.

bUZZ | PAGE 12


since the port purchased the former mill site from the Georgia Pacific company in 2005.

Officials and stakeholders envision a variety of light industrial and mixed commercial-residential development in the future district, along with new waterfront parks and public spaces.

Starting in January, city officials will begin a regulatory review process of the documents.

That review will include a comprehen-sive analysis by city planners and various advisory groups, followed by a review and public hearing process by the city’s Plan-ning Commission.

After city planners make their recom-mendations to City Council, agreements on final action will be made by the council and the port commission.

The entire process is expected to take about one year to complete. All relevant documents have been posted on the city’s website: pnw.cc/gpbHi.

State jobless taxes will be flat or lower for most employers

Unemployment tax rates in 2013 will be unchanged or lower for three-fourths of Washington employers, according to an announcement from the state’s Employ-ment Security Department.

Overall, the average total tax per employee will rise by $37, to $499 for the year.

However, each employer’s actual tax bill will depend on the amount of wages paid to employees and the employer’s rate class.

Some employers will pay more in 2013 because their layoffs increased in the past four years, while others may see a slight increase due to the amount of wages that are taxed. Taxable wages – also

called the taxable wage base – will increase from $38,200 in 2012 to $39,800 in 2013 because the state’s average wage grew in 2011.

In 2013, 14 percent of employers will move into lower rate classes, 61 percent won’t change, and 25 percent will move into higher rate classes.

More than one-third of all employers will be in the lowest rate class because they had no layoffs in the past four years.

Due to a permanent tax cut approved by the state legislature and the governor in 2011, unemployment tax rates in each of the state’s 40 rate classes will remain unchanged from 2012, ranging from 0.14 percent to 5.82 percent.

Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause noted that most employers have been spared the large rate hikes that are occurring in other states in the wake of the recession because Washington entered the recession with a healthy benefits trust fund.

“We didn’t have to borrow money to pay benefits, and that’s paying big dividends for our employers during the economic recovery,” Trause said. “Instead of raising tax rates to pay off loans, we were able to cut them.”

In Washington, unemployment taxes are based largely on each employer’s layoff experience, averaged over four years. The more benefits paid out to former employ-ees in the past four years, the higher the employer’s tax rate will be.

For 2013, the experience-based por-tion of the unemployment tax will reflect benefits paid from July 2008 through June 2012, which includes the peak years of the recession.

Beginning in 2014 and beyond, many employers will begin to slide back down the rate scale as recession years are gradu-ally dropped and post-recession years are added to the calculation.

Alcoa inks long-term power deal for Intalco Works in Ferndale

Alcoa announced that it has signed a long-term power contract with Bonneville Power Administration for its Intalco Works aluminum smelter in Ferndale.

The contract, which runs through Sep-tember 2022, will ensure power supply for the smelter and help sustain the economic impact the plant brings to the region, according to the company.

The contract was signed on Friday, Dec. 7, at a ceremony held at Intalco. Employees and community leaders were joined by dig-nitaries and elected officials to commemo-rate the occasion including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Rick Larsen, Gov. Chris Gregoire and BPA Administra-tor Steve Wright.

“Solidifying Intalco’s long-term power security is a major accomplishment that not only helps protect jobs, but helps sustain manufacturing and its economic impact in Washington State,” said Alcoa‘s U.S. Primary Products President Bob Wilt. “We owe tremendous gratitude to the lead-ers and supporters who have carried this mission forward, including our employees,

elected officials, BPA and the community. We especially want to thank BPA Adminis-trator Steve Wright for his focus and dedi-cation to reaching this agreement.”

The contract with BPA will provide 300 Mw of power to Intalco at the industrial power rate. Intalco Works started opera-tions in 1966 and has capacity of 279,000 metric tons per year. The smelter supports 640 employees.

PeaceHealth wins top honor from clean air agency

Northwest Clean Air Agency has select-ed PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham to receive its 2012 Partners for Clean Air Platinum award.

The hospital achieved the agency’s top honor for businesses through its exception-al work to reduce emissions and improve air quality, according to a press release.

PeaceHealth’s projects include lighting upgrades that resulted in an annual energy savings of $165,000, reducing hazardous air emissions from sterilization processes, eliminating the use of products that con-tain mercury and starting a trip reduction program for employees.

Paul Glasser, regional director of facilities for PeaceHealth, said the award acknowledges a concerted and intentional effort by employees at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical to be good environmental stewards.

“This is truly a collaborative effort,” Glasser said, in a statement from Peace-Health. “The true recipients of this award are caregivers who work in environmental services, facilities, materials management, pharmacy, PeaceHealth laboratories, food services, sterile processing, human resourc-es, operating room nursing staff and the hazardous materials committee.”

Local mom creates bellingham Moms for Moms website

A Bellingham mom has launched a local version of the Moms for Moms Communi-ties social network. BellinghamMomsfor-Moms.com, which was created by Katie Brown of Bellingham, is designed to allow local moms a venue to discuss, interact and engage with other members of their com-munity.

“As the site grows it becomes a local community resource,” Brown said, in a press release. “Being a mother can be iso-lating when we’re stuck at home with nap times or committed to school and activity schedules, so it’s hard to interact with other adults. All the information is relevant to the members because the content is user-generated by the moms and the site focuses on our local community. We are building a stronger community by engaging our mothers.”

Bellingham Moms for Moms is one of 12 self-contained social networks under the Moms for Moms Communities umbrella. The network was created in 2010 by Janine Cuthbertson of Carbondale, Colo., and has since added new networks in Colorado, Oregon, Montana and California.

Moms can exchange advice about local pediatricians or available babysitters, or look for used baby gear in the site’s “Mar-ketplace” section.

The site also encourages support of local businesses. Moms who are business own-ers can join the “Shop Mom” program, and Brown said local businesses that are rel-evant and add value to moms are encour-aged to advertise.

Membership is free and all local mothers from pregnancy through grandmother-hood are welcome to join.

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bUSINESS LICENSES 9 Blue Salon/Cosmetology, Amanda Marie Espinosa, Physical address: 4204 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226, Mailing address: 965 N. Garden St., Apt. 319, Bellingham, WA 98225. Al’s Custom Detail, Alvin T. Amaral, Physical/mailing address: 5331 Belfern Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Androidoclese, Jonathan Hubert Roeder, 2614 Valencia St., Bellingham WA 98226. Autozone #4130, Autozone Stores Inc., 1926 James St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: P.O. Box 2198 Dept. 8088, Memphis, TN 38101. B and J Mobile Tire Service, B and J, 2305 A St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Beauty Salon, Fashion Divas LLC, 3082 Northwest Ave., 98225. Mailing: 1206 Garland Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Blister-eez, Amy L. Juracich, 2000 Franklin St., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225. Bluebird Social Media & Marketing, Abigail Patten, 1327 Puncher Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Chico’s 1175, Chico’s FAS Inc., 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 11215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33966. Clarity Massage and Wellness, Marian Clara Cunningham, 2221 James St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Compu-Food Analysis Inc., Compu-Food Analysis Inc., 468 Horton Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Crosscut Carpentry, Crosscut Carpentry LLC, 2609 Williams St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Delina Lobdell, Delina Lobdell, 2207 Elm St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: 2415 Donovan Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Denny’s Restaurant #7872, AWashington LLC, 161 Telegraph Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 14500 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 203, Panorama City, CA 91402. Durkee America Inc., Durkee America Inc., 1331 Meador Ave., Suite J105, Bellingham, WA 98229. Mailing: 14922 SE 58th St., Bellevue, WA 98006. Eli Coyle, Eli Coyle, 5255 Legacy Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226. Erin Landscaping & Masonry, Erin Landscaping and Masonry, 1478 Kelly Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: P.O. Box 30065, Bellingham, WA 98228. Faulkner Investment Services LLC, Faulkner Investment Services LLC, 3721 Crystal Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Fi ve G u y s B u r g e r s a n d Fr i e s, Manufactured Homes LLC, 1301 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: Ogden, UT 84415. Forward Enterprises, Ward Michael Stark, 2704 Superior St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Fulcrum Services & Design Inc., Fulcrum Services & Design Inc., 200 E. Maple St., Apt. 502, Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: P.O. Box 31543, Bellingham, WA 98228. Green Girl Cleaning, Lindsay Olson, 3669 S. Heather Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. Henderson Lawn Care, Douglas Edward Henderson, 1688 Sapphire Trail, Bellingham, WA 98226. Holly Allain Photography, Holly Allain Photography, 1880 Dakin St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Hot Mess, Natale Elena Piro, 1555 Hillsdale Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. J. Jewelry, Jayna Morgan Blanchard, 925

20th St., Apt. 113, Bellingham, WA 98225. James Farmer Agency, James Roger Farmer, 2136 James St., Bellingham, WA 98225. JNR Bags, JNR Bags, 4952 Columbus Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229. Joel Brady-Power Photography, Joel Erin Brady-Power, 5 Lost Lake Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229. Kocsis Enterprises, Konrad Zsolt Kocsis, 2506 Sylvan St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Kovolucci Group LLC, Kovolucci Group LLC, 2701 30th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: P.O. Box 29611, Bellingham, WA 98228. Linda J. Fels NTP, Linda Jean Fels, 3920 Academy St., Bellingham, WA 98226. LP Construction, Alfredo Langarcia Perez, 1320 Lakeway Drive, Apt. 147, Bellingam, WA 98229. Mantas Educational Consulting, Niki Mantas, 3708 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229. McKee Entertainment LLC, McKee Entertainment LLC, 4152 Meridian St., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98226. Michael Farrugia, Michael Patrick Farrugia, 4004 Northwest Ave., Apt. 306, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mirror Mirror On The Wall How’s The Fairest Of Them All?, Diana Leona Hunt, 127 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture LLC, Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture LLC, 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 235, Bellingham, WA 98225. Northwest Capital Recovery Group, Steve Atkinson Rhea, 1007 Brookings Place, Bellingham, WA 98229. Mailing: 702 Kentucky St. #601, Bellingham, WA 98225. Northwest On Tap, Northwest On Tap LLC, 2421 Grant St., Bellingham, WA 98225. NW Marriage Counseling & Associates, NW Marriage Counseling & Associates Inc., 2330 Park St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Oh So Pretty LLC, Oh So Pretty LLC, 3730 Crystal Court, Bellingham, WA 98226. Painting By Carmelo, Carmelo Cruz Garcia, 5362 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 702 Kentucky St. PMB 306, Bellingham, WA 98225. Primera Service, Mabel M. Hagen, 1014 11th St., Apt. 205, Bellingham, WA 98225. Quercy, Carl Page, 344 Tremont Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226. Rocket Pure LLC, Rocket Pure LLC, 702 Kentucky St., Suite 216, Bellingham, WA 98225. Sara Galactica, Sara Anne Holodnick, 2317 I St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Simmering Tava, Raja Damani, 2123 C St. (Lower), Bellingham, WA 98225. Sims Masonry LLC, Sims Masonry LLC, 2631 Utter St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: P.O. Box 6101, Bellingham, WA 98227. Sister Kitchens Catering, Kristine Lynn Buettner, 2211 Grant St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Soy House Restaurant, Soy House Restaurant Inc., 414 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 112, Bellingham, WA 98226. Spindle, Amber June Blahnik, 1230 Kenoyer Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229. Mailing: P.O. Box 2992, Bellingham, WA 98227. Subway-Barkley, Scharbco Foods Barkley LLC, 3011 Cinema Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 429 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230.

Tammy A. Siegert, Tammy A. Siegert, 259 W. Bakerview Road #C208, Bellingham, WA 98226. Tat’d Up LLC, Tat’d Up LLC, 424 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98226. Turn Of The Century, Catherine Ann Luther, 2007 G St., Apt. 3, Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: 4152 Meridian #2472, Suite 105 PMB 368, Bellingham, WA 98226. Tyler O. Hamilton, Tyler Owen Hamilton, 2126 Wildflower Way, Bellingham, WA 98229. Vintage360, George P. Trummeter, 312 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Washington Machinery Inc., Washington Machinery Inc., 1621 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Mailing: 13231 Blundell Road, Richmond BC, Canada V6W1LB. West Coast Fitness, Becky Lee Bullard, 436 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 5784 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248. Whatcom Youth Sports, Whatcom Youth Sports, 1225 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, WA 98229. Zen Sushi And Bar, Rum-Ruay Corporation, 3101 Cinema Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. Mailing: 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 100, Bellingham, WA 98226.

bUILDING PERMITS ISSUED1400 W. Holly St., $68,000 for commercial alteration: remodel back of store into smaller storage rooms, add break room and toilet room. Contractor: Altama Construction. Issued Dec. 14.365 Harris Ave. 105, $10,000 for tenant improvement: storage and shop within larger warehouse space: Vessel Zodiac. 322 N. Commercial St., $1,280,508 for commercial: exterior envelope rehabilitation of existing four-story office building: Whatcom County Government. Applicant: Amy Zimmerman. Contractor: Faber Construction Corp. Issued Dec. 7. 3886 Hammer Drive, $35,224 for commercial installation of rooftop solar panels: Itek Energy. Contractor: Western Solar. Issued Dec. 6. 1011 Harris Ave., $14,000 for tenant improvements: complete shell space for retail flower shop: A Lot Of Flowers. Contractor: Pearson Construction Corp. Issued Dec. 5. 1015 Railroad Ave. 101, $11,000 for tenant improvement: install new partition walls for church administrative offices. Contractor: Paul L. Johnson General Contracting. Issued Dec. 4. 114 W. Stuart Road, $15,000 for shell remodel: create new smaller tenant space, new restrooms, entry, roll-up door and cart corral for future tenant. Contractor: Keystone Construction GW Inc. Issued Nov. 29.3301 Squalicum Parkway, $11,673 for one internally illuminated free-standing monument-type sign: PeaceHealth Cancer Center. Applicant and contractor: ES&A Sign & Awning. Issued Nov. 27.3008 Cinema Pl., $10,000 to install wall-mounted signage for coffee shop. Applicant and contractor: The Sign Post Inc. Issued Nov. 27.1605 Cornwall Ave., $13,500 for tenant improvement: remodel portion of basement office space and lunch room. Tenant: Anchor QEA LLC. Contractor: To be determined. Issued Nov. 26.4540 Cordata Parkway 101, $100,000 for tenant improvement, suite 101: medical

offices. Tenant: Pacific Medical Rehabilitation. Contractor: Moceri Construction Inc. Issued Nov. 20.320 36th St., $137,594 for tenant improvement: convert former bookstore into variety store (Dollar Tree). Contractor: Hardcastle Construction Inc. Issued Nov. 19.

PENDING620 W. Kellogg Road, $70,000 for commercial: addition of solar panels and additional clips for future use on roof of auxiliary services building. Contractor: Ecotech Energy Systems LLC. Accepted Dec. 14. 1255 Barkley Blvd. 107, $15,000 for commercial tenant improvement: create office space. Accepted Dec. 14.2218 Pacific St., $20,476 for commercial: construct new detached, unheated storage building. Applicant: Pioneer Post Frame Inc. Accepted Dec. 13.405 32nd St. 303, $15,000 for tenant improvement: remodel portion of third floor for new office tenant. Contractor: Dawson Construction Inc. Accepted Dec. 12. 2227 Midway Lane, $600,000 for new commercial warehouse and offices for Cesco Solutions. Contractor: Credo Construction. Accepted Dec. 11. 1701 Ellis St., $20,000 for tenant improvement/change of occupancy: convert portion of lower floor into new officers, classrooms, storage spaces and an assembly area/exercise room. Accepted Dec. 11. 300 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, $7 million for tenant improvement: remodel currently vacant retail space for new grocery store: WinCo. Accepted Dec. 10. 516 High St. (WWU’s Ridgeway Alpha), $1,086,982 for commercial improvements to existing residential dorm at WWU, install new fire alarm, sprinkler system, lighting, flooring. Applicant: King Architecture. Accepted. Dec. 10.410 W. Bakerview Road 108, $30,000 for commercial tenant improvement: adding kitchen space, ADA bathroom, small dining room limited to four tables. Accepted Dec. 10. 1405 Fraser St. 101, $25,576 for commercial tenant improvement to existing office space, create new offices and conference room, install new ceiling grid. Applicant and contractor: Braam Construction Inc. Accepted Dec. 10.475 W. Stuart Road, $1.6 million for commercial tenant improvement, classroom and lab construction. Applicant: Zervas Group. Contractor: Dawson. Accepted Dec. 7. 1844 N. State St., $40,000 for commercial alterations: replace windows, doors and siding. Accepted Dec. 7. 4164 Meridian St., $20,000 for commercial antenna installation. Applicant: KDC Architects. Accepted Dec. 7. 2435 Strider Lane 104, $10,000 for commercial tenant improvement adding mezzanine and bathroom. Accepted Dec. 7. 140 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, $65,000 for new 32’ X 72’ storage building to support WECU financial offices. Accepted Dec. 6. 960 Harris Ave. 104, $25,000 for commercial tenant improvement: convert existing office space to beauty salon: Bella Body & Sol. No change to the exterior. Accepted Dec. 6. 2172 Division St., $1.4 million for commercial additions and alterations: reconstruct existing two-story building for offices, education and other ancillary uses accessory to new building wing housing animal kennels: Whatcom Humane Society. Accepted Nov. 30.3886 Hammer Drive, $35,224 for commercial installation of rooftop solar panels. Accepted Nov. 30.322 N. Commercial St., $1,280,508 for commercial: exterior envelope rehabilitation of existing four-story office building: Whatcom County Government. Applicant: Amy Zimmerman. Contractor: Faber Construction Corp. Accepted Nov. 29.4040 Northwest Ave., $84,000 for commercial pool installation accessory to hotel: Marriot Springhill Suites. Contractor: Pleasure Pools & Spas Inc. Accepted Nov. 29.1400 W. Holly St., $68,000 for commercial

alteration: remodel back of store into smaller storage rooms, add break room and toilet room. Contractor: Altama Construction. Accepted Nov. 29.1504 Iowa St., $14,000 to install one LED channel letter sign and one cabinet on existing base. Applicant and contractor: Shoreline Sign & Awning. Accepted Nov. 29.516 High St. (WWU Fraser Hall), $2.9 million for commercial alterations: replace plumbing/mechanical/electrical systems, add fire sprinklers, replace elevator and stairs, replace restrooms, renovate lecture halls. Applicant: Mahlum Architects. Accepted Nov. 28.114 W. Stuart Road, $240,000 for tenant improvement: finish out new space for beverage and limited food retailer: BevMo!. Accepted Nov. 27.960 Harris Ave. 104, $25,000 for commercial tenant improvement adding interior walls, desk and kitchen. Accepted Nov. 27.1015 Railroad Ave. 101, $11,000 for tenant improvement: install new partition walls for church administrative offices. Accepted Nov. 26.1401 6th St. 102, $10,000 for commercial tenant improvement, change of use and occupancy from a manufacturing area (F-1) to an assembly (A-3). Accepted Nov. 26.1701 Ellis St., $20,000 for tenant improvement/change of occupancy: convert portion of lower floor into new offices, classrooms, storage spaces and an assembly area/exercise room. Accepted Nov. 21.2435 Strider Lane 104, $10,000 for commercial tenant improvement adding mezzanine and bathroom. Accepted Nov. 21.

LIqUOR LICENSES NEW APPLICATIONSVinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchant, Vinostrology Inc.; Katherine Gaaslan Bechkowiak applied to sell beer/wine in a restaurant and for off-premises consumption at 120 W. Holly St., Suite H, Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Dec. 21.Maple Fuels Wash-A-Ton; Bethnie Ann Morrison and Jeffrey Scott Morrison applied for a license change to be a CLS spirits retailer at 7797 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls, WA 98226. Filed Dec. 11. American Legion Albert J. Hamilton Post 7, American Legion; Carl H. Hamm applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits in a private club and during non-club events at 1688 Bakerview Road W., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Dec. 11.GP&J; Ryan David Caillier and Megan L. Caillier applied to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge at 1525 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Dec. 10.D e n ny ’s R e s t a u r a n t # 7 8 7 2 ; A Washington LLC, Ajay Keshap applied to assume a license from DWO LLC to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge at 161 Telegraph Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Dec. 5. Benson Country Market Deli, Johal Corp.; Rajvinder Kaur Cheema and Gurchetan Singh Johal applied to assume a license to sell beer/wine in a grocery store at 2254 Douglas Road, Ferndale, WA 98248, from Malhi Ramandeep Singh. Filed Dec. 3. CJ’s Beach House Restaurant, CJ’s Beach House Inc.; Jack H. Niemann and Christina Niemann applied to sell beer/wine/spirits in a restaurant lounge at 7878 A Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay, WA 98230. Filed Dec. 3. Shaanbir Gurnoor, Shaanbir Gurnoor LLC; Gurinder Gill and Harbinder Kaur Gill applied to sell beer/wine in a grocery store at 321 D. St., Blaine, WA 98230. Filed Nov. 21. Asian Bistro, Li and Dong Inc; Tian W. Li applied to assume a license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 1730 Labounty Drive, Suite 1, Ferndale, WA 98248, from Ken Fung’s Corp. Filed Nov. 20. The Rome Store, The Rome Store LLC; Noah R. Westgate, Laurel Austin Lussen, Jessaka Amy James and Beauclerk Vernon Hilty-Jones applied to be a direct shipment receiver in/out of WA and sell beer/wine in a

grocery store at 2908 Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed Nov. 19. Shaanbir Gurnoor, Shaanbir Gurnoor LLC; Gurinder Gill and Harbinder Kaur Gill applied to sell beer/wine in a grocery store at 608 Cherry St., Sumas, WA 98295. Filed Nov. 15. Teriyaki Bar, TBS Corp.; Tae Wook Hong and Young Hee Hong applied to sell beer/wine in a restaurant and for off-premises consumption at 119 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Nov. 14. The Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Northwest Hospitality Development LLC; James Michael Keenan, Lisa Marie Mudd-Keenan, Regan McClellen and Lois Marie McClellen applied for a hotel liquor license at 804 10th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Nov. 14. Soy House, Soy House Restaurant Inc.; Tony T. Nguyen, Phuong-Uyen Dao Huynh and Tam Bratt applied to assume a license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 414 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 112, Bellingham, WA 98226, from Tony T. Nguyen. Filed Nov. 14. Zen Sushi and Bar, Rum-Ruay Corp.; Nutthinee Kiewboriboon and Anuchit Tipasathien applied to sell spirits/beer/wine in a restaurant lounge at 3101 Cinema Place, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed Nov. 8. Dashi Noodle Bar, Miso Lucky Enterprises LLC; Patrick C. Veling, Josh David Silverman, Susan C. Veling and Julia Ann Silverman applied to sell beer/wine in a restaurant at 1311 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Nov. 7. Big KMart #3133, KMart of Washington LLC; Harold W. Lueken, James L. Misplon, James Elliot Defebaugh, Concepcion D. Lueken and Sally Jean Misplon applied for a license change to sell beer/wine/spirits in a grocery store at 1001 Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed Nov. 6. Meridian Liquor Store, Meridian Liquor Store Inc.; Hakam Singh applied to sell beer/wine/spirits in a grocery store at 4209 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226. Filed Nov. 5. Cafe Rumba, Cafe Rumba Inc.; Jose Antonio Diaz and Marco Antonio Mellet applied to be a direct shipment receiver in WA only and sell beer/wine in a restaurant, for catering and for off-premises consumption at 1140 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Filed Nov. 5.

RECENTLY APPROVEDDashi Noodle Bar at 1311 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225, was approved for a license to sell beer/wine in a restaurant. Filed Dec. 19. Blaine Liquor Outlet at 638 Peace Portal Drive #102B, Blaine, WA 98230, was approved for a change of corporate officer for a license to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop. Filed Dec. 18. Northern Wine & Spirits at 713 3rd St., Blaine, WA 98230, was approved for a license to be a spirits importer. Filed Dec. 18. Meridian Liquor Store at 4209 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226, was approved for a license to sell beer/wine in a grocery store. Filed Dec. 12. BevMo! at 114 W. Stuart Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, was approved license to be a direct shipment receiver (in/out of WA). Filed Nov. 30.

DISCONTINUEDSmoke Hut at 4220 Meridian St., Suite B, Bellingham, WA 98226, had a license to sell beer/wine in a specialty shop discontinued. Filed Dec. 18. Semiahmoo Resort at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA 98230, had a hotel liquor license discontinued. Filed Dec. 12.

bANkRUPTCIES CHAPTER 7Dimitra Walker, case no. 12-22581-KAO. Filed Dec. 19. Nadia Petrovna Snitko, case no. 12-22576-KAO. Filed Dec. 19. Angelito Pangan Domingo Jr. and Domonique Danielle Domingo, case no. 12-22568-KAO. Filed Dec. 19. James Ray Maois Sr. and Debbie Jo

BBJDATAInformation in the public record

Public record information is obtained from a variety of sources. Business licenses and building permits are from the city of Bellingham. Liquor licenses are from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Bankruptcies are from the U.S.bankruptcy court in Seattle. Tax liens are from the Whatcom County Auditor. Judgments are from

the Whatcom County Superior Court. Listings are subject to change and are only current as of their filing dates. Due to space constraints, some public records might be omitted in print. All public records can also be found online at BBJToday.com. Building permits appear weekly, usually on Tuesdays. Liquor licenses appear every other week, usually on Fridays. All other records appear monthly. For more information, please email [email protected].

DATA | PAGE 14


Marois, case no. 12-22504-KAO. Filed Dec. 18. Autumn Sunshine McIntyre, case no. 12-22501-KAO. Filed Dec. 18. Steven Michael Freeman and Cynthia Jane Freeman, case no. 12-22450-KAO. Filed Dec. 15. Celso Domino Hapa and Chona Miciano Hapa, case no. 12-22398-KAO. Filed Dec. 14. Mary Beth Wynstra, case no. 12-22377-KAO. Filed Dec. 13. Jacqueline Marie Leilani Kauhi, case no. 12-22372-KAO. Filed Dec. 13. Michelle Renee Stites, case no. 12-22316-KAO. Filed Dec. 13. George Paul Ferran and Poli Melanie Ferran, case no. 12-22241-KAO. Filed Dec. 11. Michael Joseph Burnett and Susan Ellen Burnett, case no. 12-22237-KAO. Filed Dec. 11.

Cherlynn Janice Miller, case no. 12-22216-KAO. Filed Dec. 10. Kathleen Ann Folsom, case no. 12.22208-KAO. Filed Dec. 10. Melanie Lynn Marcos, case no. 12-22206-KAO. Filed Dec. 10. Robert Edward Johnson and Princess Johnnie Johnson, case no. 12-22205-KAO. Filed Dec. 10. Jeffrey Bert Hawke, case no. 12-22185-KAO. Filed Dec. 8. Gary Leroy Terpsma and Kimberley Ann Blakesley, case no. 12-22143-KAO. Filed Dec. 7. Diane Marie O’Flaherty, case no. 12-22080-KAO. Filed Dec. 5. Trevor Ryan Siden and Stephanie Siden, case no. 12-22011-KAO. Filed Dec. 3. Aaron Michael Dugger and Miranda Blair Dugger, case no. 12-21968-KAO. Filed Nov. 30. Martha Susan Corlett, case no. 12-21956-KAO. Filed Nov. 30. Robert Michael Gill, case no. 12-21909-KAO. Filed Nov. 30.

Judith Margaret Anderson, case no. 12-21863-KAO. Filed Nov. 29. Jacob Allan Williams, case no. 12-21770-KAO. Filed Nov. 27. Wendy Lorraine Wasisco, case no 12-21763-KAO. Filed Nov. 27. Herbert Ira Orshansky, case no. 12-21736-KAO. Filed Nov. 26.

CHAPTER 11No cases reported.

CHAPTER 13Lisa Ann Schenk, case no. 12-22485-KAO. Filed Dec. 17. James Brian Gates and Kim Ellen Gates, case no. 12-22411-KAO. Filed Dec. 14. Russell John Moquin, case no. 12-22402-KAO. Filed Dec. 14. Sean Richard Freel-Sharpe, case no. 12-22396-KAO. Filed Dec. 14. Theresa Marie Griffin, case no. 12-22353-KAO. Filed Dec. 13. Jeannie Ann Nixt, case no, 12-22126-KAO. Filed Dec. 6. Charles Alan Kubik, case no 12-22049-

KAO. Filed Dec. 4. Jeffrey Daniel Smith and Christine Kathryn Smith, case no. 12-21896-KAO. Filed Nov. 30. Kenneth W. Wittig, case no. 12-21712-KAO. Filed Nov. 23.

TAX LIENSNy C. Chung and Sam Trieu, $6.151.51 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed. Dec. 18. Ray Gilbride, $26,552.96 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 18. Rosalio Ibarra, $8,192.29 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 14.John F. Coffey, $36,277.60 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 14. David A. Millman, $68,741.51 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 14.James Barrett, $72,148.79 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 11. Jude D. Gray, $16,416.36 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 11.Steven M. Harley and Maria T. Harley, $25,863.02 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4.

Barbara J. Chase, $32,833.71 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Timothy A. Coto, $17,659.43 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Cicchittis Pizza Inc., $5,895.89 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Milts Pizza Place LLC, Lynn Bernard Vanderyacht MBR, $3,972.48 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Downtown Bob’s LLC, Downtown Bob’s Burgers and Brew, $4,100 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Arthur Curry and Kimberley Ashley, $29,921.75 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Nov. 19.

jUDGMENTS Denise Michell Lariviere, $499.74 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 20. Magnum Trailers Co., $87.50 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 20. JKJ Inc. dba Bob’s Burger & Brew at Sudden Valley, $8,684.12 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec.

19. Studio One Twelve Inc., $1,175.20 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 19.Wayne A. Wright dba Pacific NW Homes Whatcom, $2,721 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 19.B & B Painting Co. Inc., $3,923.45 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 18. Manjeet Singh, $2,079.80 in unpaid Department of Licensing taxes. Filed Dec. 12. Theater Design Northwest LLC, $3,425.07 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12. Terry L. Redden, $1,293.17 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12. AAA General Painting Contractor, $3,310.62 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12.Edward E. Hanson, $866.48 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12.Dennis V. Shannon and Niki L. Shannon, $741.66 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12.Tubb’s Tavern, $4,155.35 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 12.H & A Management LLC, $147.10 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 10. Raymond T. Bol and Trina D. Bol, $3,216.45 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 10. The Habanero Factory LLC, $15,071.79 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 10. Joe Zender and Sons, $7,868.72 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Copeland Dr y wall Specialists I, $3,843.79 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Dalwinder Singh Gir, $18,638.37 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Time In Play Cafe Inc., $670.21 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Scion Hotel Management LLC, $3,474 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Elf Industrial Inc., $916.89 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Platinum Builders Inc., $8,853.84 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Dec. 4. Dorsett Enterprises Inc. Take The Roads Less Travelled, $2,728.91 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 4.Lightcatcher Cafe LLC, $1,209.90 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 4.Southside Chiropractic Inc., $2,475.40 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Dec. 4.Jeffrey R. Alton, $5,241.04 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Nov. 30. Martin Plumbing & Heating Inc., $270,204.36 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Nov. 30.iTEC Quest Electric LLC, $300.74 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Nov. 28. Hurricane Holdings Inc., $361.47 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Nov. 28. Mike D. Ammons, $1,040 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Nov. 28. Way To Go Travel, $398.04 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Nov. 28. TOG Inc., $1,712.90 in unpaid Department of Labor & Industries taxes. Filed Nov. 28. The Copper Hog LLC, $14,971.99 in unpaid Department of Revenue taxes. Filed Nov. 28.

• Youcan’tvoteforyourself• Oneballotperperson

Ballots must be received by Friday, January 11. Results will be published in the February issue of The Bellingham Business Journal. www.thebellinghambusinessjournal.com

Best new business:

Best customer service:

Best place for a latté:

Best place to take your significant other for dinner:

Best place to workout:

Most community-minded company:

Best real estate agent:

Most environmentally responsible business:

Best place for a quick business lunch:

2012 Business Person of the Year:

Best business sign or logo:

Best auto-repair shop:

Best location for FREE WI-FI:

Best car dealer:

Best place for an after-work drink:

Best “sick from work” excuse:

If you had $1,000,000 to give to a local nonprofit, which organization would you choose?

Mail oR DRop oFF YouR EnTRY:The Bellingham Business Journal1909 Cornwall Bellingham, Wa 98225oR Fax To: (360) 647-0502oR EMail To: [email protected] BBJ

REA

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’S CHOICE AW

ARD

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Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 BallotThe Bellingham Business Journal

Your name:

DATA | FROM 13


It has been a year of positive changes for Whatcom County’s small businesses and positive transition for WWU’s Small Busi-ness Development Center.

The SBDC is part of the most compre-hensive small-business assistance network in the United States and provides business owners and managers with free, confiden-tial business advising, research and access to resources and training.

Local businesses also have the opportu-nity to involve WWU students in company projects, which provides a real-world learning experience.

Since 1984, the SBDC has been an out-reach arm of the College of Business and Economics at WWU. The program receives additional support by Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham and the city of Bell-ingham.

bUSINESS LOOkS UP Washington’s SBDC clients experienced

a 27 percent increase in sales between 2009-2011, compared to the state average

of 3 percent. SBDC clients also saw a 9.4 percent increase in the number of employ-ees, distinguishing themselves from the state average that decreased by 1.6 percent.

To date, SBDC clients in Whatcom County have reported an average sales increase of 42 percent—of those, 41 per-cent are focused on expansion, 38 percent are working on stabilizing their business operations and 21 percent are actively engaged in starting a business.

According to a needs assessment coor-dinated by the Washington SBDC net-work, some top challenges mentioned by small businesses are making technology upgrades, the cost of advertising and the recruitment and retention of employees.

Of those that obtained financing, 61 percent received funding through a com-mercial bank.

The majority of respondents said they planned to grow this year. The lending cli-mate has improved overall.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reports about 67 SBA loans totaling $38 million have been provided through local banks in Whatcom County this year.

OUR NEW ADDITIONS The SBDC increased its capacity to serve

Whatcom County in 2012. Eric Grimstead and Wade Stringfield

joined the SBDC as certified business

advisers. Nichole Neumann joined as our pro-

gram specialist, and WWU MBA candidate Thomas Shaw was chosen as our gradu-ate assistant to support businesses with research and financial analysis.

In 2012, 769 businesses contacted the SBDC for business advising, research, resources or training. Some top areas of interest were marketing and sales, starting or acquiring a business, and sources of cap-ital. Top industries that worked with our business advisers included manufacturing, retail and professional/ technical services.

The SBDC also offered a variety of training sessions for local businesses last year, including the Hot100Biz Book Club, a Whatcom County Finance Forum and Jumpstart Your Exports.

CONNECTING EXPERT RESOURCES In partnership with Whatcom Commu-

nity College and the Northwest Innovation Resource Center, the SBDC started the class “Launch and Build Your Business,” which is the first program in Whatcom

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Staff of WWU’s Small Business Development Center. From left: Thomas Shaw, Wade String-field, Jennifer Shelton, Eric Grimstead and Nichole Neumann. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SBDC

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JENNIFER SHELTONGuest column by

SbDC | PAGE 17


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Jan 5 • 7:00pm Appetite for Guns N' Rose, plus Blind Fate and Voyager,

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Jan 8 • 7:00am "Hour of Power" Early morning Power yoga, Tues & Thurs

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Jan 13 • 2:00pm Dana Lyons' Coal Train Tour with Band Zandt & Tim McHugh

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Jan 14 • 6:30pm Weather for Boating, 8 wks, B'ham Sail & Power Squadron

Jan 16 • 6:30pm Piloting for Mariners, 8 wks, B'ham Sail & Power Squadron


Jan 19 • 12:00pm Writers in the Limelight: Martha Nussbaum "Not for Profit"

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Jan 20 • 11:00 am PFC's Opera in Cinema Series: Lohengrin (Teatro alla Scala)

at the Pickford Cinema

Jan 21 • Martin Luther King's Birthday


Jan 26 • 5:00pm St Paul's Academy Auction and Wine Gala at the Lakeway Inn

Jan 27 • 11:00am PFC's Opera in Cinema Series: La Boheme (Royal Opera

House) at the Pickford Cinema • 3:00pm Whatcom Symphony

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already being divvied up into investments and trust funds. Or maybe the winners walked up and down a busy street handing out hundred dollar bills. It would be fun to watch confusion turn to delight as recipients realized they had “free money”. Then I had an interesting epiphany – the powerbal l jackpot was almost exactly the revenue generated annually in Whatcom County by visitors. An unfathomable number was suddenly put into a context I could relate to. I started doing the math…divide the $555.4 million in visitor spending by the approximately 200,000 residents. It comes to nearly $3,000 per person. And the number continues to grow year after year. If hundred dollars in “free money” was an exciting thought – imagine how much more exciting multiple thousands can be! Perhaps we did win the lottery.


Many details still to be worked out, but new waterfront restaurant could open by April

Poulsbo-based restaurateurs buy

lease to former bayside Cafe space


A company that operates a waterfront restau-rant in Poulsbo, Wash., plans to create a new eatery in the Squalicum Harbor space

formerly home to the Bayside Cafe.Jeff Holmes, a principal for Latitude Restau-

rants Bellingham Inc., said most details of the new restaurant, including its name and menu, have yet to be determined.

Latitude Restaurants takes over the property’s lease from the Bayside Cafe, which was operated by Jim Brown and his son, Mitch Brown, until it shut down unexpectedly in October.

Holmes said after the deal is finalized, a suc-cessor to the Bayside Cafe could be open by next April.

Holmes said the former cafe’s waterfront location, located at 1801 Roeder Ave. and sur-

rounded by other established businesses and restaurants, was a deciding selling point for his company.

“We think [the location] is hard to beat,” he said.

The Port of Bellingham commission approved the lease transfer during their public meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Shirley McFearin, the port’s real estate devel-opment manager, said the current lease on the restaurant, which runs until May 2014, will be extended until December 2017. The extended lease includes three five-year renewal periods.

McFearin said the agreement was somewhat “bittersweet,” since the Bay-

side Cafe enjoyed a loyal customer following after opening in 1994.

But she was excited for the chance to have a new tenant in the space, which she said is a great spot for a waterfront restaurant.

Holmes said his company’s restaurant could employ up to 60 people during its busier months. Initially though, the staff will be small-er.

“It all depends on how well we’re received,” he said. The Latitude Restaurants company operates a Poulsbo restaurant called The Loft at Latitude 47.7.

County to be approved for the Self Employment Assis-tance Program, or SEAP.

As part of state Employ-ment Security Department initiative for job creation, SEAP provides options for people receiving unem-ployment benefits to focus on entrepreneurship as a career choice.

Businesses working with WWU’s Center for Eco-nomic Vitality on export planning have the option to continue export planning services with the university. Any business working with the SBDC can also access the resources and expertise of the entire Washington SBDC Network, including international trade special-ists and certified global business professionals that are dedicated to Whatcom County.

The SBDC continues to offer its services at 115 Unity St., Suite 101 in Bell-ingham.

Our staff can be reached at 360-778-1762, by email at [email protected] or online at www.cbe.wwu.edu/SBDC.

You can also find us on Facebook by searching for “Bellingham SBDC.”

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The Bayside Cafe, which was located at 1801 Roeder Ave. in Bellingham, closed down unexpectantly in October. The popular waterfront restaurant had been in operation since 1994. EVAN MARCZYNSKI PHOTO



C iting unfavorable lease terms for an aviation museum, directors with Heri-tage Flight Museum expect to leave

the Bellingham International Airport, pos-sibly within the next few months.

The nonprofit group has been in talks with the Port of Bellingham to build a facility at the airport since first moving there in 2001.

But Greg Anders, the museum’s execu-tive director, said costly leasing terms that were not anticipated have led to the plans being scrapped.

He said while the organization was not in a hurry to leave, it could move by spring 2013.

Anders mentioned Paine Field in Everett as one option for a new home, but he said the museum was considering several air-ports around the region.

“We have to be at an airport,” Anders said. “We are already looking at some future sites.”

Heritage Flight Museum, which is dedi-cated to preserving and flying historic mili-tary aircraft, according to its website, was founded in 1996 by William Anders (Greg Anders’ father), an Apollo 8 astronaut.

The organization hosts a variety of community events—including popu-lar, monthly “Fly Days”—and main-tains a collection of aircraft flown during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

For the past decade, Heritage has operated out of a hangar owned by Apogree LLC, a firm owned by Wil-liam Anders.

NEW AIRPORT HOMERecently, Heritage had plans drawn

up for a facility that would be located off the north end of the airport’s run-way. The concept included a museum, library, cafe and picnic area, as well as decommissioned aircraft on permanent display near the building’s entrance.

But now, the organization will look else-where.

For Daniel Zenk, the port’s aviation director, the announcement was unex-pected.

“We haven’t talked to Heritage Flight Museum since August [of this year],” Zenk said. “This comes as a shock and a sur-prise.”

Anders said the decision to leave came after a recent offer from port officials that

would have the museum lease land for its building at a rate of $3,500 per month for 25 years, after which the port would have the option of taking ownership of the facil-ity.

The offer was not tenable for the small, nonprofit muse-um, Anders said.

It was also not an offer the museum’s direc-tors were expect-ing to receive.

When Heri-tage moved to the Bellingham airport 11 years ago, its directors believed the port would offer to lease land to the museum at a nominal rate of $1 per year, Anders said.

The understanding, according to Anders, was that the low rate would be justified due to the potential tourism the museum could attract, as well as a desire of port leadership to add a unique component to the Bellingham airport.

MEMO CONTROVERSYIn an internal memorandum, dated

Oct. 17, 2002, former port executive Jim

Darling laid out conditions on which the port commission, at the time, would have allowed the museum to be built on airport property with an annual land lease of $1.

The memorandum states that the com-mission had “considered and [found] some

support” for the concept of such leasing terms for the museum, as long as:

- The port built a facility capable of being turned into a commercial

building should the museum discontinue its operations.

- The project received capital dollars from a private foundation, or from state or federal grants.

- The port entered a long-term agree-ment with a solvent nonprofit organization that would provide operating funds and property management for the museum.

It is not clear, at least in the memoran-dum, whether the commission would have officially extended an offer to the museum based on those terms.

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Greg Anders, right, Heritage Flight Museum’s executive director, talks with visitors at a Fly Day in 2011, which featured a reunion of the 39th Fighter Squadron association. The 39th Squadron was one of the first units deployed during World War II. NATE MCGREW PHOTO | COURTESY OF HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM

FINAL TAkEOFF?Leasing rift leads Heritage Flight Museum

to consider departure from Bellingham

FLIGHT | PAGE 19

“We haven’t talked to Heritage Flight Museum since August [of this year]. This comes as a shock and a surprise.” -Daniel Zenk Port of Bellingham

Be sure to fill in you reader’s choice Ballot on page 14 and return it to us by January 11th!


Daniel Zenk said the document has caused confusion.“I think there’s some misunderstanding about that $1

per year land lease, which is something we can’t offer,” Zenk said.

Zenk cited Federal Aviation Administration rules that require airports that accept FAA grant money—which the Bellingham International Airport has done—to charge uniform rates for all of its “fixed-base” operators.

Frank Chmelik, the port’s general counsel, echoed that statement in a July 2012 letter written to Zenk and the port’s real estate development director, Shirley McFearin, regarding the port’s ability to lease land to the Heritage museum at a rate of $1 per year.

In the letter, Chmelik cautioned against the port offering such as rate, writing that it could be considered a gift of public funds, which would violate the state constitution.

Chmelik also contended that if the $1-per-year rate was offered, the state Department of Revenue could impose a 12 percent leasehold excise tax on the market value of the property, instead of on the lower nominal rate.

According to a statement on Heritage Flight Museum’s website, the organization had contacted a Seattle attorney who determined the original October 2002 memo from former port executive Jim Darling did not represent a binding agreement to lease property to the museum at the $1 annual rate.

But Heritage maintains that Chmelik’s arguments are open to interpretation and port officials could find ways to offer the nominal rate, if they chose to.

For Greg Anders, the whole episode is a symptom of what he feels is a growing indifference from the Port of Bellingham to non-commercial activity at the airport.

“The general aviation community is kind of getting the short end of the stick,” Anders said.

Daniel Zenk disagrees.Zenk said the perception that the port is kowtowing to

the commercial side of the airport was likely due to the fact that general aviation growth has been flat in recent years, while commercial growth continues to rise.

“Obviously the focus is more on how to handle the growth of the commercial side,” Zenk said.

The number of Washington retailers found illegally sell-ing tobacco to minors has reached its highest level in more than a decade, according to a recent report from the state Department of Health.

About 16 percent of tobacco retailers statewide sold tobacco to minors between January and June of this year, up from 11 percent during the same time period in 2011, and up 10 percent from the same time in 2010, according to an annual report tracking illegal sales.

“This is unacceptable. Our young people should not have access to these deadly tobacco products,” said Secre-tary of Health Mary Selecky.

While state and local agencies continue to provide train-ing for tobacco retailers to ensure they understand and follow the law, limited budgets and high levels of employee turnover in stores that sell tobacco is making retailer education and youth prevention more difficult, according to the health department. State officials said the tobacco industry also continues pumping large amounts of money into the state to attract new smokers.

In 2010, the industry spent about $80 million on mar-keting activities in Washington, according to the health department.

-BBJ Staff Report

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Bellingham Business Journal, January 07, 2013

Documents

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