Western, community collaborate in many ways
Filed on 03. Jan, 2012 in Contributors
By Bruce Shepard President of Western Washington University Communities support universities that support communities. That is a saying I have always thought very relevant to town-gown relations. Western and the local community support each other in so many ways. And these partnerships make us all stronger. Often, I am surprised that some folks don’t know [...]
Thanks for sharing your story | From the reporter’s desk
Filed on 30. Dec, 2011 in Contributors
Four years ago I took a job as a business reporter, despite my lack of knowledge on the subject. As I prepare to leave The Bellingham Business Journal this month, I’ve been reflecting on everything I’ve learned in contributing to 51 issues of this publication. My time here at The BBJ has been a crash [...]
Business owners can make the most of charitable giving
Filed on 07. Dec, 2011 in Contributors
By Nate Rothbauer Manager, Moss Adams LLP Charitable giving often comes to mind around the holidays when many are inspired to help the needy or fund a worthy cause. While reducing taxes is not the main reason many of us give, donations can certainly help a company’s bottom line. However, business owners need to understand [...]
Civil discourse in an online world | Editorial
Filed on 11. Nov, 2011 in Contributors
From the reporter’s desk Starting Nov. 11, all of the comments on BBJToday.com will be handled by Facebook, rather than the current system, Disqus. Though this will require commenters to have a Facebook account, it will improve the content of the comment section and hopefully increase social engagement. If you’ve ever read the comments on [...]
Increasing sales through exporting is easier than you think
Filed on 03. Nov, 2011 in Contributors
Director of the Center for Economic Vitality John owns a local food processing company that makes candy. His 20-person company had been steadily growing for the past five years until the recession hit and his company lost 50 percent of its customers. John cut costs, went onto Shared Work to keep his trained employees and [...]
The Port of Bellingham is all about jobs
Filed on 10. Oct, 2011 in Contributors
By Charlie Sheldon Port of Bellingham executive director When I ask people what they want to see from the port in the years ahead, jobs are at the top of everyone’s list. Our community needs more jobs and they are hard to come by. Cities and the counties have to run courts, police, fire, jails [...]
How companies can squeeze cash from their balance sheets
Filed on 31. Aug, 2011 in Contributors
By Tegan Long Senior Manager, Moss Adams LLP In the current economic climate, with income and resources continuing to ebb, companies need all the cash flow they can get. Some are freeing up cash with tax savings. How? One method is to evaluate assets for any applicable incentive, including bonus depreciation, to capture every available [...]
Sizzling summer sales and marketing ideas
Filed on 12. Aug, 2011 in Contributors
Summer is finally here after a long spring of fluky weather. With the temperatures rising and more people out and about, it’s time to look at a few quick and simple marketing ideas that could generate hot sales for your business. Enjoy the summer! Signature marketing program: Signatures are the small text files you set [...]
Surviving and thriving in an uncertain economy
Filed on 06. Apr, 2011 in Contributors
For more than two years the news has been about layoffs, business closures and rising unemployment. With the economists saying the official recession is over, local businesses continue to be cautious and wary of increasing inventory and hiring new workers. Rising oil prices and political unrest in the Middle East is complicating the economic recovery. [...]
The hidden truths of small business ownership
Filed on 08. Feb, 2011 in Contributors
In Memoriam: Aysa Saadat, 1953-2011, IHOP Franchise owner, entrepreneur, family man and mentor Owning a business is challenging, more so than is considered or understood. One may value the opportunity to be their own boss or to have the freedom to create results. Often the compelling parts of owning a business trump the many challenges. [...]
