Lorie Connors has been hired as a design consultant for SVC Interiors and Design.

Connors has an extensive background in residential interior design, and has served Bellingham and surrounding communities for 20 years.

A six-week class to help entrepreneurs plan the successful launch of a small business begins April 21 at Whatcom Community College.

“Six Weeks to Business Start-Up” is taught by Bill Pate, an accountant and owner of Bookkeeping Solutions NW in Lynden. Pate’s class will guide participants from their original business concept to planning for future growth. It will cover legal and licensing issues, taxes, hiring employees, leasing, business identity and branding.

“Anyone thinking of starting a small business will have a much better chance of success after learning some basics and making plans to guide them,” Pate said.

Pate is president of the Washington Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals. Before starting his own business, Pate was a tax attorney and also worked as a controller for a technology company and a retail department store chain.

“Six Weeks to Business Start-Up” will meet from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays from April 21 to May 26. To register, call WCC Community Education at (360) 383-3200 or visit www.whatcomcommunityed.com.

Rollo Van Slyke Farmers Insurance Agency has promoted Christi Kunnap to the position of commercial insurance agent and customer service representative as well as Van Slyke’s commercial assistant.

Kunnap’s new position will focus on working with both new and current business and commercial clients, assisting them in getting the right insurance coverage tailored to their personal business needs.

Kunnap recently obtained her Washington state insurance license after seven years as the agency’s administrative assistant.

For the sixth year, the Mt. Baker Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) is supporting scholarships available to post-secondary education bound senior students from a Whatcom County high school.

The $1,000 scholarships will go to students in the county who have a close relative of guardian who owns a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Applicants, in addition to the usual GPA information and letter about why they want to go to college, must also submit a creative two-page story about their relative’s (or guardian’s) experience on their Harley.

HOG will accept one nomination for the scholarship from each county high school and would like schools’ recommendations to be received no later than March 21.

For more information call (360) 380-4590.

Caryn Friedlander, an art professor at Whatcom Community College, has spent years trying to combat chronic pain and tension in her upper neck and back. After sustaining an injury from a hard hit to the head, the pain and tension grew into a much bigger problem: a herniated disk and intense neck spasms.

Friedlander shopped around for potential help. She visited a chiropractor, but the pain and pressure weren’t relieved. She also visited a physical therapist in the Seattle area, massage therapists, a sports and spine doctor and multiple neurosurgeons. It wasn’t until she visited a craniosacral specialist that she remembered a somewhat similar, yet more rigorous form of rehabilitation she tried 15 years ago, known as Rolfing.

Rolfing is one of multiple options available for Bellingham residents suffering with chronic, injury-related, and occupational-related body pain. Brad Jones, a Bellingham-based certified advanced Rolfer, works with his hands, fingers, elbows and knuckles to provide a specific type of massage to improve structural integration.

“I can sit and talk with a patient for an hour to figure out the source of structural problems, but seeing them in their real environment or work station for just 15 minutes can tell me a lot more.” —Brad Jones, certified advanced Rolfer

Jones said Rolfers work with the connective tissue on the muscles, or myofascial system. This muscular tissue, which is akin to the thin white coating on a piece of chicken, can take on patterns that affect body structure depending on how someone uses their body. Rolfers work with muscles and deep-connective tissue in order to re-teach the body how to move.

“Imagine the tissue is like a tight wet suit on your body,” Jones said. “If you pull at one end, the entire body suit moves; one thing sets off another. The body work is a global approach, it involves working with the entire body to fix [a localized problem].”

This type of approach involves more than just weekly sessions of body work; it involves an understanding of how the patient moves, sits and stands in their daily lives. Many of Jones’ patients have developed pain and body discomfort from daily and occupational habits such as sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day or wearing heavy utility belts and moving around incorrectly.

Sometimes understanding the core of a patient’s problem can even involve the practitioner visiting their place of occupation or viewing daily activities in order to help them.

“I can sit and talk with a patient for an hour to figure out the source of structural problems, but seeing them in their real environment or work station for just 15 minutes can tell me a lot more,” Jones said.

All about ergonomics

Mike Poulos, a certified hand and occupational therapist, also echoed Jones’ line of thinking; fully understanding a patient’s movement in their daily life is key to identifying their pain and discomfort. Poulos said no matter what the treatment, patients should always leave with a basic understanding of ergonomics, which involves teaching people how to move within and design their workspace, equipment and living environments in a way to prevent repetitive injuries.

Some basic ergonomic principles involve keeping ears over shoulders and shoulders over hips when standing, sitting and moving around, Poulos said. When lifting and carrying things, keeping nose and toes facing the same direction and holding objects close to the body are important. A person who spends a lot of time in front of a computer should remember to keep their shoulders relaxed, elbows bent and wrists neutral and straight, he said.

An understanding of ergonomics, appropriate equipment and consistent exercise and stretching help to keep the heart pumping and blood flowing throughout the body, Poulos said. This is particularly important in his line of work because hand therapy is usually a treatment for an injury or surgery, and blood flow is a large aid for healing tissue and muscle, he said.

Both Rolfing and occupational therapy involve a lot of outpatient work. Jones said a patient needs to understand that the work done during a session must be coupled with changes in their daily lives to provide maximum change. For the most part, this involves being open to “mixing things up.”

The body is not in a neutral state when sitting or lying down. Many patients often sit up too straight or slumped over, causing a string of problems throughout the body. No matter how properly someone sits, excessive sitting can be damaging to body structure. An easy solution is simply moving around.

Jones said one of his patients, whose job requires an abundance of time in front of his computer, has a computer stand that allows him to switch between standing and sitting throughout the day. The patient can sit for a period of time, then adjust the computer stand higher, allowing him to stand.

Poulos has often recommended similar equipment to his patients. This equipment can include anything from a certain type of chair, keyboard or mouse to a gel mat for those in standing occupations.

Be proactive about posture

Another, and arguably the most common, option many patients choose for structural and postural care is chiropractic work. Chiropractic focuses on spinal adjustments to re-align the spine and correct problems throughout the body. Brian Boyd, chiropractor at Southside Chiropractic of Fairhaven, has a slightly different view on the source of body problems.

Boyd, who practices a postural approach to chiropractic work, said during crucial developmental years most children are in school nine months out of the year and it is primarily a sitting activity. As a result, he said, much of the pain adults feel began in their childhood, not from their daily lives or occupations.

For example, natural body posture is supposed to involve a neck curvature, or a C-shape facing toward the back that measures 60 degrees. In his 14 years of work he hasn’t seen any patient walk into the clinic with the proper measurement, and this is believed to be caused by a lack of posture during childhood, a source of many ailments.

He said he feels the idea that spinal adjustment is too abrasive for the body is a misunderstanding guided by health care providers. Boyd has followed multiple studies and believes many ailments, such as earaches and headaches, can be cured with a subtle adjustment to the spine as opposed to medication.

Regardless of the treatment, all three practitioners agree that chasing symptoms and waiting for them to appear is a reactive way of approaching any sort of occupational therapy. Being proactive about how your body moves within its environment is the key point to avoiding injury.

“Injury and surgery are one thing, but many people only seek out care when they finally have a pain problem and it’s usually the result of years of damage,” Boyd said. “Symptoms are there to tell you your body is off balance, but there are ways to prevent injury daily and it’s a matter of carrying through with them.”

Chronic pain sufferer Friedlander, who admits being more inclined to find alternative ways of healing other than chiropractic work and surgery, found Rolfing to personally be the most effective solution.

After receiving a cortisone shot to ultimately cure the inflammation from the herniated disk, Rolfing provided tension release she wasn’t able to find elsewhere. She said she tried so many different avenues of healing but it was important to find something that suited her needs because everyone reacts differently to body work.

“Chiropractic work and massage therapy are definitely helpful for some people, but I needed something different,” Friedlander said. “I have my personal beliefs with medical care, as do others, but all I know is finally finding a source of relief and continuing to seek care has helped keep me almost completely asymptomatic.”

The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) has re-appointed Dr. Henry S. Levine as chair of its psychopharmacology committee for 2010 to 2011. Levine chaired the committee this past year.

Levine has practiced psychiatry in Bellingham since 1979 and sub-specializes in forensic psychiatry. He was also recently named a distinguished life fellow by the American Psychiatric Association.

Five-year-old Flats Wine & Tapas Bar, located at 1307 11th St. in Fairhaven, has a new owner.

Jennifer Branch purchased the restaurant at the end of January. A graduate of the four-year Culinary Arts Program of Utah State University, Branch and her family moved to Bellingham from Santa Cruz, Calif. seven years ago.

“We love this area, and Bellingham specifically, with its family-centric activities,” Branch said in a statement. “The outdoor opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and cycling are huge. We appreciate the great schools for our daughters and playing with our dogs at the dog park.”

A regular customer of Flats, Branch heard from friends that the restaurant was up for sale and decided it was time to utilize her cooking and management experience once again. She plans to add seasonal, local and organic items to the menu, and will be opening for lunch and offering a happy hour starting in April.

For more information, call Flats Wine & Tapas Bar at (360) 738-6001 or visit www.flatstapas.com.

Veg Express, a new all-vegetarian drive-through, is set to open in mid-April at the former Diehl Ford Bargain Lot at 700 Ohio St.

Owner Michelle Whittaker recently took over the lease for the space and is in the process of converting the small office building to a kitchen, where she will do all of the food prep work. Lunch and dinner will be served out of a mobile trailer that is “like a little espresso stand on wheels,” Whittaker said.

Whittaker, a residential painter, first got the idea to open her own vegetarian restaurant about 15 years ago when she became a vegetarian.

“There was never anywhere to go for vegetarian food,” she said.

She has since grown tired of painting and decided now was as good a time as any to launch a business. Veg Express will serve everything from veggie burgers to Whittaker’s specialty, a sweet potato and black bean burrito.

For more information, call Veg Express at (360) 961-8694.

Job seekers looking for ways to connect directly with employers are invited to attend Western Washington University’s Spring Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 22 in the Mac Gym of the Wade King Student Recreation Center.

The event, sponsored by the WWU Career Services Center, is a major recruiting event where students and the general public can meet hiring managers from a broad range of private-sector companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Admission to the fair is free.

Participating employers include: City of Seattle – Parks and Recreation, Expeditors International, Target, Peace Health/St. Joseph Hospital, Peace Corps, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Whatcom Community College, U.S. Coast Guard and many more.

The Spring Career Fair provides job seekers with an invaluable opportunity to network with employers. Students and alumni of all majors can discuss job openings and internships. For those uncertain about career goals or options, the Spring Career Fair is an excellent resource for conducting research in the job market.

To make the best impression, job seekers should bring resumes, research the companies in advance and dress in business attire. A free workshop, “How to prepare for the Spring Career Fair,” which teaches skills in approaching employers, will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 15 and at noon on Monday, April 19. Both workshops will take place in Viking Union (VU) 567.

For a complete listing of participating employers or more information please visit the Career Services Center Web site, visit the Career Service Center at Old Main 280 or call the Center at (360) 650-3240.

For a parking permit or information, please stop at the south campus visitor information drive-through at the Campus Services building at the corner of Bill McDonald Parkway and 21st Street, open from 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. There is a $2 hourly charge for parking from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking meters at various campus locations cost $2 an hour, 24 hours/7 days.

Allegiant Travel Company, the parent company of Allegiant Air, which is a major tenant at the Bellingham airport, has announced it has signed a forward purchase agreement to acquire six Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The introduction of the 757 aircraft will enable Allegiant Air to expand its leisure travel strategy into Hawaii, however it is not yet known if Allegiant will offer flights between Hawaii and Bellingham.

Allegiant CEO & Chairman Maurice J. Gallagher Jr. said that Hawaii is the most prominent leisure destination in the United States currently un-served by Allegiant and the small city customers have been requesting this service.

“We are very optimistic about our ability to exploit the large third party ancillary revenue opportunity we believe exists in Hawaii. We expect the sale of hotels, rental cars, and many attractions and activities popular with Hawaii visitors will provide a very meaningful contribution to the success of the service,” Gallagher Jr. said in a press release.

Allegiant plans to take delivery of these aircraft and place them in service with Allegiant Air on the following schedule:

• Two aircraft delivered within the next two months to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2010
• One aircraft delivered in November 2010 and another in January 2011 to be placed into service in the first half of 2011
• Two aircraft delivered in the fourth quarter of 2011 with planned in-service dates in the first half of 2012

The six 757 aircraft are sister-ships and have been in service with a single European operator since original delivery from Boeing. The aircraft come equipped for extended twin-engine operations, as required for long overwater flights.

Allegiant expects to spend between $75 to 90 million through 2012 acquiring and preparing this fleet for service. While Allegiant is able to acquire and prepare the aircraft for cash, it believes it will finance some portion of the purchase.

Allegiant is acquiring this fleet with the express purpose of serving Hawaii, a major leisure destination that it cannot serve with its existing MD-80 fleet. Allegiant Air expects to launch service to Hawaii once appropriate regulatory requirements have been met.

Allegiant Air currently operates 46 MD-80 aircraft and the 757 program will not affect its MD-80 growth plans. Allegiant expects to have 54 aircraft in service by the end of 2010 – 52 MD-80 aircraft and two 757 aircraft.

The Center for Economic Vitality (CEV) and the Technology Alliance Group (TAG) have announced they will host the Social Media Conference NW 2010 on March 25 at the McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center in Mount Vernon. This year’s conference builds on the success of the sold-out 2008 conference, which attracted 250 attendees from across the United States.

The conference will pair unique networking opportunities with a schedule of innovative local speakers discussing the future of social media. Speakers include: Bryan Gray, CEO of MediaSauce; Dr. Matthew Dunn, CEO of Sayitvisually.com; Derek Johnson, principal of Derekmedia and CEO of Tatango; Matt Barnhart, principal of PivotLab, and many more.

At the conference, the CEV and TAG will also be celebrating “Social Media Rockstars.” Is your business a player in social media? If so, tell your story. The Social Media Conference is looking for fun, clever, unique, and ultimately successful implementations of social media as a part of your marketing strategy for its inaugural Social Media Rock Star contest. Find out how to enter here.

For all conference registration information, visit the Social Media Conference NW Web site.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

UT Western Washington University, $240,000 for commercial alterations: replace steam vault at Edens Hall. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: FSI Consulting Engineers.

1020 W. Bakerview Road, $330,000 for new fast-food restaurant with drive-through. Owner and tenant: Jack in the Box Inc. Applicant: Stantec.

4420 Meridian St., $927,652 for tenant improvement: interior remodel of existing Wal-Mart store. Owner: Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust. Applicant: PB2 Architecture.

1081 Telegraph Road, $365,850 for new single family residence: rambler with basement and attached garage, total of 5,200 square feet. Owner: Joe Razore. Applicant: Perspective Design Inc.

414 W. Bakerview Road Suite 107, $25,000 for commercial alterations: new demising wall, exit door and bathroom. Tenant improvement permit for barber shop under separate permit. Owner: Madrona Bay LLC. Applicant and contractor: By The Bay Construction.

414 W. Bakerview Road Suite 110, $70,000 for tenant improvement: convert vacant space to martial arts studio. Owner: Madrona Bay LLC. Applicant and contractor: By The Bay Construction.

1301 W. Bakerview Road Suite 101, $173,000 for tenant improvement: Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Owner: Easthom B-View LLC. Applicant: Michael Cummings.

1819 N. State St., $30,535 for commercial addition: add car wash canopy to automotive repair and service building. Owner: Cox Properties LLC. Applicant: Kingworks. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc. Tenant: Bruce Cox Imports.

2901 Squalicum Parkway, $32,000 to replace three existing signs. Owner: Sisters of St. Joseph of PeaceHealth Hospital Services. Applicant and contractor: ES&A Sign & Awning.

Issued

311 E. Holly St., $51,721 for commercial re-roof: remove four layers of existing roofing and install 50 mil. single ply membrane roof system. Owner: Riverside Equities LLC. Contractor: Esary Roofing & Siding Co.

4204 Meridian St. Suite 101, $30,000 for tenant improvement: reconfigure partition walls, combine three separate suites for new offices: Big Brothers Big Sisters. Owner: Bellingham Business Park LLC. Contractor: Moceri Construction Inc.

410 W. Bakerview Road Suite 112, $700,000 for tenant improvement: complete shell space in shopping center for a new adult vocational education school: Charter College. Owner: Madrona Bay LLC. Contractor: Fisher & Sons Inc.

PP Western Washington University, $42,000 for commercial alteration: remodel restrooms and office, install shower room. Owner: Western Washington University.

3200 Northwest Ave., $17,000 for exterior signage and trim renovations: one steel frame and cover canopy: Northwest Chiropractic Clinic. Owner: Fredy P. Hunziker. Contractor: The Sign Post.

1228 N. State St., $34,000 for tenant improvement: new restaurant/deli in recently reconstructed shell space. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Contractor: Franklin Corp.

142 Ohio St., $28,000 for shell alteration: divide warehouse into three semi-heated tenant spaces. Owner: Viavai LLC.

102 W. Stuart Road, $130,000 for tenant improvement: install coffee shop in shell building. Owner: John Volken Foundation. Contractor: Keystone Construction GW Inc.

HH Western Washington University, $540,160 for commercial alterations: remodel Suites 113, 154, 219 and 233. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Regency NW Construction Inc.

WL Western Washington University, $400,900 for commercial alterations: remodel Rooms 190, 279 and 280. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Regency NW Construction Inc.

1020 W. Bakerview Road, $330,000 for new fast-food restaurant with drive-through. Owner: Jack in the Box Inc. Contractor: EM Precision LLC.

611 E. Holly St., $43,213 for commercial repair: fire repairs to damaged portion of manager’s unit: Shangri-La Motel. Owner: Chul Joon and Pyung Im Kim. Contractor: MC Smith Construction.

101 W. Telegraph Road, $35,000 for tenant improvement: update toilet rooms and parking for accessibility, remodel interior seating area. Owner: Bellis Fair Partners. Contractor: Spectrum Enterprises LLC.

Compiled by Isaac Bonnell

Washington’s economy picked up some steam in January, adding an estimated 12,400 jobs – the first monthly gain since November 2008. The gains, however, were not enough to combat the rising unemployment rate.

The state unemployment rate remained relatively flat, inching up to an estimated 9.3 percent from the December 2009 revised rate of 9.2 percent. December’s rate was earlier estimated at 9.5 percent, but was revised downward after more analysis.

“This is a positive sign for Washington state,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire in a statement. “We have implemented several strategies to create jobs, and it’s paying off. There is more we can and should do – that’s why I continue to work with leaders at both the state and federal levels to develop additional proposals that will put people to work.”

The largest number of seasonally adjusted job gains occurred in the following industries: retail trade added 3,000 jobs; educational and health services added 2,800 jobs; construction added 2,700 jobs; leisure and hospitality added 1,600 jobs.

Industries that shed jobs in January included transportation, warehousing and utilities, which lost a total of 900 jobs.

“It’s encouraging to see jobs finally coming back,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “I hope it signals the beginning of a job-full recovery, not a job-less recovery.”

Year over year, Washington had 107,800 fewer jobs in January than in January 2009, a 3.7 percent decrease. This is on par with national statistics, which show that employment has declined by 3 percent over the past year.

An estimated 359,500 people (not seasonally adjusted) in Washington were unemployed and looking for work in January. More than 305,000 people received unemployment benefits from Washington state in January.

Mount Baker Kettle Corn Company, Joshua R. Stewart, 3452 Highfield Court, Bellingham, WA 98226

Eco-Lawn, Alfredo A. Lagao, 5053 Anderson Road, Blaine, WA 98230

Elder Law Offices of Meyers & Avery, 2828 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Quality Canopy Construction, Quality Canopy Construction Inc., 9851 W. Prairie Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854

Mama Roux’s, Philip M. Pendergast, 1021 Indian St., Bellingham, WA 98225

GTS Enterprises, GTS Enterprises Inc., 3289 H Street Road, Blaine, WA 98230

LightCatcher Cafe, LightCatcher Cafe LLC, 202 Grand Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

RN Enterprises, Richard A. Nolan, 1100 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Sun Rock Design Solutions, Sun Rock Design Solutions LLC, 2171 E. 52nd Terrace, Bellingham, WA 98226

Cedar Tree Fitness, Cedar Tree Fitness LLC, 211 Chuckanut Point Road, Bellingham, WA 98229

BL Electric, Brad L. Bauthues, 8537 Sunrise Road, Custer, WA 98240

South Springs Construction, South Springs Construction LLC, 3834 S. Bay Drive, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

Warren & Company, Nanci R. Warren, 1924 18th St. #G103, Bellingham, WA 98225

Innative Design, Corey S. Warren, 1420 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Daniel N. Ovando, 209 E. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225

JP’s Serenity Gardens, John M. Park, 4210 Hoff Road, Bellingham, WA 98225

Lancescaping Ultd, Lancer L. Martin, 1130 Paradise Road, Ferndale, WA 98248

Bellingham Cycle Works, Bellingham Cycle Works LLC, 905 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Presence Studio, Jennifer W. Macke, 1412 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Linc Health, Linc Health LLC, 2310 130th Ave. N.E. #B200, Bellevue, WA 98005

Dwin James Photography, James E. Weaver, 2122 H St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Bling-Bling House Cleaning, Terra L. Stock, 5096 Byers Road, Ferndale, WA 98248

Robert Ostrow CPA, Robert S. Ostrow, 2704 St. Clair Place, Bellingham, WA 98226

Bonaventure Construction, Mountain West Community Construction, 3220 State St. #200, Salem, OR 97301

Jennifer L. Jones, 321 Telegraph Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

HDR Design-Build, HDR Design-Build Inc., 8404 Indian Hills Drive, Omaha, NE 68114

KBA Construction Management, KBA Inc., 11000 Main St., Bellevue, WA 98004

Anita Hanks Photography, Anita W. Hanks, 120 Grand View Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229

GHD, GHD Inc., 1201 3rd Ave. #1500, Seattle, WA 98101

Essex Enterprises, Rod R. Essex, 1011 Lenora Court #112, Bellingham, WA 98225

Erie Environmental Products, Erie Environmental Products LLC, 3926 Irongate Road #D, Bellingham, WA 98226

Giuseppe’s Al-Porto, Giardini Naxos LLC, 21 Bellwether Way #105, Bellingham, WA 98225

Mt. Baker Landscaping, Mt. Baker Landscaping LLC, 3029 E. Smith Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

Unity Electric, Unity Electric LP, 1204 S. Elmgrove St., Seattle, WA 98108

In the Loft Studios, In the Loft Studios LLC, 1409 E. Illinois St., Bellingham, WA 98226

Class E Installations, Erik L. Sager, 2530 Xenia St., Bellingham, WA 98226

Enterprise Trim Company, Michael J. Malone, 504 S. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Soulworks Acupuncture Clinic, Soulworks Acupuncture & Herbal, 1221 Fraser St. #E1, Bellingham, WA 98229

Technical Controls, Technical Controls Inc., 830 S.W. 34th St. #E, Renton, WA 98057

Cami Ostman LMFT, Cami L. Ostman, 1101 Harris Ave. #21, Bellingham, WA 98225

Green Diaper Demos, Michelle L. Bottorff, 2617 Superior St., Bellingham, WA 98226

Illuminations Northwest, Jeffrey O. Wadzinski, 18524 S.E. 216th St., Renton, WA 98058

Vanessa J. Katz, 1440 10th St. #203, Bellingham, WA 98225

Champ for Life, Champ for Life LLC, 1116 Key St. #109, Bellingham, WA 98225

Plus Time for You, Mary M. Spady, 2631 Alderwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Rumba with Liliana, Liliana P. Garcia, 1430 N. Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Puroclean Professional Restoration, DJM Ventures LLC, 1313 E. Maple St. #528, Bellingham, WA 98225

20-20 Motorsports, 20-20 Motorsports LLC, 2145 Queen St., Bellingham, WA 98229

Nora Comeau Sign Language Interpreter, Nora L. Comeau-Gillis, 419 Cedar St., Bellingham, WA 98225

The Flat on South Hill, Volker & Volker, 324 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225

NW Handyman Services, Royce J. Adams, 767 Cain Lake Road, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

Jack’s Tractor & Backhoe Service, Jack D. Ruth, 8575 East Road, Blaine, WA 98230

Oriental Massage, Oriental Massage Inc., 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy #113, Bellingham, WA 98226

DHI Water & Environment, DHI Water & Environment Inc., 319 S.W. Washington St. #614, Portland, OR 97204

Hair Panache, Holtrop Hair Salon Inc., 1470 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229

Stantec Consulting Services, Stantec Consulting Services Inc., 1932 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Element Solutions, Element Solutions LLC, 1812 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Handmade by Shasta, Shasta C. Duplantis, 915 Texas St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Five Guys Burgers, MJM 5G LLC, 1301 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

Green Light Electric, Alexander G. Lacki, 654 Sudden Valley, Bellingham, WA 98229

Frank Fire Protection, Frank Fire Protection LLC, 15405 S.E. 310th St., Kent, WA 98042

SignMart, SignMart LLC, 1515 Freeway Drive #A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Western Washington University’s Urban Transitions Studio will present sustainable urban planning concepts from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10 in the Bellingham City Hall.

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will include a concept proposal for revitalizing downtown Bellingham’s retail core and a proposal for transitioning single-use retail zones into New Urbanism neighborhoods.

Urban Transitions Studio is a collaborative partnership between WWU, the City of Bellingham’s Office of Planning and Community Development and Sustainable Connections.  The partnership aims to promote New Urbanism and Smart Growth planning concepts and to stimulate ideas for transitioning Bellingham into a more urban and sustainable community.

This is the first study in a series of coordinated university studies that will examine sustainable planning concepts for downtown revitalization and retail mall transition. Upcoming classes this spring and fall will examine financing and plan implementation, marketing, sustainable design and an assessment of environmental impact of these urban planning concepts.

For more information about Urban Transitions Studio, contact WWU professor Nicholas Zaferatos at  (360) 650-7660.

By Isaac Bonnell

Going into its 70th year of service, Bellingham International Airport (BLI) will mark a major milestone this month. On March 4, it will officially be upgraded from an Index B airport to an Index C airport, indicating a higher level of traffic.

Though it may seem like just a formality, the reclassification is leading to two much-needed improvements this year: a complete reconstruction of the runway and taxiway to handle larger aircraft and a major overhaul of the terminal to meet the demands of more passengers.

The reconstruction of the runway and taxiway is slated to begin in May and will last through September, when the whole airport will be shut down for three weeks while the runway is torn up. The projected cost is around $24 million.

“This is a huge project for us,” said Port communications manager Carolyn Casey. “It’s the largest single Port project ever in terms of dollar value.”

The project wouldn’t be possible without significant financial support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is funding 95 percent of the construction, said aviation director Art Choat. The FAA has been closely following growth at BLI over the last several years and has helped the Port prepare for more passengers.

When the need arose for a new airport rescue firefighting station — a $2.7 million facility that opened last August — it was the FAA that suggested the Port build a larger building to meet Index C requirements.

“They could see us growing,” Choat said.

In fact, Bellingham is one of the few airports in the Pacific Northwest that is still growing. An industry report for the year ending Sept. 30, 2009, ranked BLI as the 10th largest airport out of 73 in the region. And out of the top 15, it was the only one to report positive growth.

“We grew 18 percent last year and all the others went backwards,” Choat said.

More Allegiant flights

Eighteen percent more passengers means more aircraft coming and going. When BLI reaches Index C, that means it will be averaging five flights a day from the largest aircraft that the runway can currently hold, the MD-80s used by Allegiant Air.

“The second week in March we’ll be up to about 37 flights a week, and we’ll grow it to as many as 46 flights a week this year,” Choat said. “All that growth is Allegiant. When you look at how many people are being moved through the airport, Allegiant is moving about 60 percent of the total volume of people.”

By comparison, Horizon Air runs 34 flights a week and Alaska Airlines operates three flights week, but both carriers use smaller airplanes.

The years of steady growth at the airport are due in large part to the sunny tourist destinations it serves and the massive influx of Canadian travelers. More than half of the passengers leaving BLI are Canadian, Choat said, and without them this airport would be just like all the other sleepy, one-strip airports around the country.

“If they close the border tomorrow, we would have one destination left and that would be to Seattle, because there’s not enough people locally to support the service that we currently have,” he said.

So why are so many Canadians flying out of Bellingham rather than Vancouver International Airport? Vancouver serves the same destinations as Bellingham, but by flying out of Bellingham, Canadians avoid paying the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Choat said.

“It’s a trade advantage for us, so to speak,” he said.

And for many living in the Lower Mainland, it’s just as easy to drive to Bellingham as to drive into Vancouver.

Terminal capacity

BLI may look like a small airport, especially when you consider the size of the terminal, but it is bursting at the seams.

The original terminal was built in 1981 and has undergone four additions. It’s currently about 30,000 square feet and can handle about 9,000 passengers a month.

“We’re currently handling just under 30,000 passengers a month through that terminal, so it’s under a lot of stress,” Choat said.

The terminal also lacks a permanent holding gate for departing passengers and the temporary gate with seating for 260 is overcrowded when two flights are scheduled to leave around the same time.
So starting in August, the Port will start phase one of a three- to five-year reconstruction of the terminal. The project is expected to cost around $24 million, but spread out of over the length of the project.

In the end, the terminal will grow to nearly 80,000 square feet and will be capable of shuffling 45,000 passengers a month through its doors. The departure gate will have room for 450 people with the possibility to expand it to seat 600.

Runway improvements

The one factor that will always limit growth at BLI is the runway. At 6,701 feet long, the runway is as long as it’s ever going to get in our lifetime, Choat said. But it can still be strengthened to accommodate larger aircraft.

Built in 1941 by the military, the airstrip has received only minor improvements over the years.
“We’re putting $10,000 a month into this runway just in ongoing maintenance, because that’s how bad it’s coming apart,” Choat said.

Last July, when the Port began planning to tear up the runway and rebuild it, the FAA said that the runway should not only be repaired, but also upgraded to handle planes as large at 757s, which can hold about 220 passengers. This means that the Port will level the runway — adding as much as 36 inches of fill in some areas — and add an extra nine inches of asphalt on top of it all.

The taxiway next to the runway will also be expanded from 60 feet wide to 75 feet to accommodate larger planes, Choat said. Construction on the taxiway will start in May and happen in phases to allow for planes to still access the runway.

But on Sept. 1, the whole airport is scheduled to shut down for construction on the runway. Crews will work around the clock and lay an estimated 140,000 tons of asphalt, so much that two temporary asphalt production units will be brought onto the site.

“The whole project is very big,” he said. “It’s the single largest asphalt project in Whatcom County in a concentrated period of time.”

Bellingham International Airport stats

Three airlines operate out of Bellingham International Airport (BLI): Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Allegiant Air. Using these carriers, passengers can fly directly from Bellingham to Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco or Los Angeles.

The number of passengers flying out of BLI has increased steadily during the past six years:
2004: 79,890, up 25% from the previous year
2005: 98,497, up 23%
2006: 132,059, up 34%
2007: 229,837, up 74%
2008, 269,595, up 17%
2009: 320,358, up 18%

The City of Bellingham’s permit center launched a seven-month pilot program in March to encourage and support green building projects by reducing building permit review time for certified green projects and assigning them to a new green project review team.

“The City is committed to promoting sustainability by supporting projects that conserve resources and minimize impact on the environment,” said city building official Jim Tinner in a statement. “This pilot promotes green building projects by providing incentives at the permitting stage.”

The pilot program — known internally as the “bin-bump-up” program — will decrease standard permit review times for eligible projects by one “bump-up.” For example, a project that typically would be eligible for 28-day review will be bumped-up to a seven-day review if it meets all applicable requirements, Tinner said.

Those projects also will be eligible to schedule a design meeting with the City’s new green project review team to identify potential code conflicts between the project’s concepts and City building codes.

The pilot project has been coordinated with the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County’s (BIAWC) Built Green Program, with support from Sustainable Connections.

These permit review incentives will be offered for new buildings and residences that achieve either a Built Green 4- or 5-star standard or a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED gold or platinum standard. Project registration with the BIAWC or the USGBC is necessary to be eligible and third party verification will be required at the time of project completion to ensure that the project was built to the eligibility threshold. Other equivalent green programs may be eligible, as determined by the City’s planning director or building official.

The pilot program will conclude on October 31. City officials will use the experience gained through the pilot project to create permanent policies to encourage green building, Tinner said, adding that this is the first of several 2010 initiatives aimed to increase conservation, energy efficiency and green building.

Heather Baker and Sue Ellen Lawton have joined Windermere Real Estate’s Bellingham (Bakerview) office.

Baker worked as a designer for California Closets prior to Windermere. She has broad knowledge of design and construction to aid clients in search of a home.

Lawton holds an MBA and has extensive marketing background in nonprofits, including major symphonies and art museums.

When an individual or business becomes delinquent in tax payments, the state can obtain a judgment against any property or business. Judgments are filed in Whatcom County Superior Court, as are records of judgments paid or satisfied. The following information is taken from the Whatcom County Superior Court clerk’s office:

Judgments

Skyborne LLC aka Speedy Glass of Bellingham, $2,994.97 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Ronald R. Yapez dba The Concrete Guy Northwest, $4,381.98 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Banditos Burritos Inc., $4,832.24 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Stephen R. and Terri A. Mason dba Masons Land Escapes, $6,778.80 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Nimble ID Inc., $340.04 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Jay H. Shaffer dba Shaffer RV, $6,573.72 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Jesse E. Duncan, $100.96 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Brad Martin Painting Inc., $6,909.66 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 10.

Empire Electric LLC, $127.75 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 9.

SK Motorsport Inc., $7,685.51 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 8.

SK Motorsport Inc., $13,881.07 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 8.

KT Dinner Dreams Inc., $214.45 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 4.

Blessings Inc., $932.49 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 4.

Brad A. Nelson (president) dba Proinvest International Consulting Inc., $6,510.78 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 5.

Halldorson Homes Inc., $8,460.49 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Mike Peetoom Construction LLC, $4,114.91 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Mountain View Excavating Inc., $136,134.91 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Oriento Grill & BBQ Inc., $11,280.48 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Pegasus Corp., $7,408.39 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Accusearch LLC, $3,987.37 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Feb. 3.

Triad Electrical Contractors dba Triad Service Electric Inc., $107.50 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 1.

Copper Hog LLC, $1,397.29 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 1.

Advanced Financial Solutions, $114.74 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Feb. 1.

BBS/Bachtal Building Services Inc., $6,340.47 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

BR Crew Inc., $810.80 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Jeff and Amanda J. Annis dba The Auto Shop, $2,288.42 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 29.

Daniel V. and Christina E. Allison dba Interior Solutions & Services, $2,325.21 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Jennifer L. and John P. Beal dba Harvest Moon Bakery, $4,740.44 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Best Limousines & Sedans Inc., $1,355.32 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Black Diamond Builders BDB LLC, $34,139.72 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Border Tire LLC, $6,884.85 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Family Foot Care PS, $2,484.56 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Sergey P. and Svetlana V. Kravchenko dba Kiras Grill, $3,607.55 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Robert W. and Kerri L. Leardi dba Pacific Septic, $2,893.29 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Leona M. and Larry C. Mount dba Mounts Espresso Cafe, $6,465.35 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Tahiti Mi Tan Inc., $3,936.30 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Top Line Builders Inc., $39,863.70 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Tucker & Edinger dba Precious Things, $264.37 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Rodney W. Rice, $271.20 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kelli A. Cox, $141.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Monica R. Pinney, $310.90 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Saturnino J. Javier, $339.88 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

David W. Cooper, $337.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Daniel H. Wable, $389.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Jeff A. Walton, $256.30 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kevin M. McCaslin, $322.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Cannon A. Shockey, $247.90 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Andrea C. Hyatt, $375.78 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Joseph O. Bustos, $228.49 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Marcela Ibarra, $179.74 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Margo L. McCall, $338.36 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Joe W. Head, $289.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Joan Carpenter, $445.96 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kenneth R. Cooper, $227.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Shalaquin L. Epps, $3,192.39 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Michael J. Harris, $2,765.38 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Cindy L. Sirmans, $663.99 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Clint A. Moeller, $9,531.65 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Roberta M. Koenig, $1,231.53 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Elaine N. Schroeder, $772.26 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Jennifer A. Shields, $967.18 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Matthew T. Bailey, $2,650.43 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Satin M. Lee, $1,648.09 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Jerry H. Fredere, $570.45 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Jill A. Davis, $1,068.97 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kristine W. Dodge, $639.46 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Zack L. Wilcox, $1,798.46 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Larry M. Lafreniere, $2,900.31 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Ralph A. Cuellar, $2,320.42 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kristopher J. Salo, $546.76 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Guy E. Jones, $16,368.16 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Ryan L. Schoening, $1,631.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Laron A. Roebuck, $2,345.63 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

David K. Brown. $2,442.99 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Randy L. Elliott, $643.58 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Peter H. Bressler, $544.60 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Jeremiah T. Hesyck, $1,470.67 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Christophe L. Meling, $901.67 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Donald D. Denunzio, 586.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Denise L. Jefferson, $9,156.56 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Corey L. Hadrath, $2,605.30 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Dory B. Monroe, $6,419.82 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Todd D. Anderson, $5,244.04 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Hung V. Dang, $1,754.95 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Saving Lives From Fire LLC, $3,704.63 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Surfside Marine Inc. dba Surfside Canvas, $1,072.32 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Zaiss Enterprises Inc dba Plumb Rite Sewer Systems, $1,521.45 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Topside Construction Inc., $17,669.22 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

AAA 24/7 Transport Inc., $2,199.25 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

20-20 Motorsports LLC, $5,463.30 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Best Deck LLC dba Prodekx, $5,843.96 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Excelsior Kitchens LTD dba Canac Kitchens, $74,220.29 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Ronald R. and Eileigh M. Yepez dba The Concrete Guy Northwest, $7,266.66 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

A Fresh Cut Lawn Service, $132.07 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Robert S. Butler, $486.70 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 20.

Hugo Alcaraz, $124.77 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 19.

Eric A. Weston dba Weston Roofing LLC, $2,755.88 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 14.

Shawn A. GRaham, $101.01 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 15.

Ned Russell Jr. and Marilyn K. Russel dba Nedco Drywall, $4,350.42 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 15.

RJR Real Estate Inc., $568.04 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 15.

Roguehero.com Inc. dba Roguehero Sports Bar, $636.67 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

41 Sports LLC dba 41 Sports Fitness Boot Camps, $1,151.74 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Chris P. Abbe dba Abbe Construction, $9,959.18 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Kappa Pizza LLC dba Domino’s Pizza, $14,519.99 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Tiam Pies Inc. dba Domino’s Pizza, $8,284.76 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Topside Construction Inc. dba Topside Roofing & Construction, $30,774.03 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Highline Painting Inc., $1,728.74 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Kappa Pizza LLC dba Domino’s Pizza, $1,939.75 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Herald W. and Mary S. Mcintosh dba M&M Floral & Gifts, $3,864.44 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Remove My Junk LLC dba 1-800 Got Junk, $390.86 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Leonard and Beth A. Sansone dba Perfect Timing, $957.24 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Charles C. and Katheen A. Sweatland dba The Pit Stop, $1,364.34 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Craig S. Peterson dba Peterson Home Construction, $886.90 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Lavish Clothing LLC dba Paris Texas, $2,012.45 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Big Fat Fish Company Inc., $2,839.26 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed Jan. 11.

Releases

River Oak Properties Inc., $5,185.13 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 10.

Copper Hog LLC, $2,117.74 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 10.

Dwight H. Hinton, $626.50 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 8.

Della M. Reed dba Best Image Framing, $411.94 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 8.

Evergreen Team Concepts LLC, $2,010.78 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 8.

Results Bellingham LLC, $8,414.58 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 8.

Nehemiah J. Steagalo, $1,711.78 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Hendricks Construction & Paint, $977.29 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Hendricks Construction & Paint, $1,446.38 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Nolan T. Byrd, $1,079.66 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Keith A. Kline, $510.52 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Paul S. Kronenberg, $241.30 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Hung D. Tran, $386.25 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 2.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC, $884,30 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC, $1,255.06 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC, $771.64 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC, $1,102.05 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

JK Rent A Car dba Avis Rent A Car, $3,582.11 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC, $879.76 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Feb. 1.

Christopher M. Hotchkiss dba Mountainman Espresso & Deli, $1,708. 59 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

Harper Marine Inc., $1,898.16 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

NI Inc. dba Northwest Insulation, $40,177.84 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

Northwest European Autoworks Inc., $3,477.85 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

Best Limousines & Sedans, $412.36 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

Robert M. Stoddard dba Mike’s Maintenance and Welding, $16,486.81 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 28.

Mark L. Newell, $231.00 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 22.

David N. Bevan, $460.69 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 22.

Jenna L. Hansen, $318.25 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 25.

Timothy J. Sanderson Jr. and Sr. dba Top Notch Drywall, $381.07 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 21.

Bud E. Powell, $3,075.52 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Shane A. Crossen, $1,297.63 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Shane A. Crossen, $1,587.52 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Robert L. Hinds, $1,754.46 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Robert L. Hinds, $752.62 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Robert L. Hinds, $868.18 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

IWS Building Services LLC, $3,927.17 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Blessings Inc., $2,352.14 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Anna K. Clow, $690.96 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Up Rite Door Systems Inc., $9,300.58 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Matthew J. Kolb dba Northwest Fitness Systems, $1,525.90 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Border Tire LLC, $3,778.02 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Freedom Wireless Inc. dba Inteli-Touch Wireless, $1,397.29 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Serendipity Salon, $2,224.59 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Quality Plus Products Inc., $1,278.29 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Jeff L. Frere, $1,602.43 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Matthew S. Vergein dba Glass By Matt, $904.70 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Brenda E. Reeder dba Hot Shotz Martini Bar & Restaurant, $1,541.00 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

International AutoHaus LLC dba Paladin Motors, $2,225.80 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

Stephen A. Hansen, $588.99 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 19.

John D. Jr. and Nichole L. Muder dba AAA Mariner Maintenance, $2,065.65 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

William L. Dinwiddie dba Island View Construction, $1,317.39 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Coghlin Company Painting Inc., $5,768.77 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Blessings Inc., $5,025.32 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Maribel Soto dba Las Cazuelas Mexican Grill, $2,276.03 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Ryan D. Caillier dba GP&J Arlis’s Restaurant, $3,513.20 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

Jennifer L. and John P. Beal dba Harvest Moon Bakery, $2,448.88 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 15.

C&B Construction LLC, $3,297.89 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 14.

C&B Construction LLC, $6,611.55 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 14.

Whispering Firs Motel Inc., $2,282.27 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 11.

Zachary E. Larson, $251.44 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 11.

Danial S. Hatch, $3,847.99 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 11.

David H. Jackson, $624.71 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 11.

West Coast Pizza Company dba Domino’s Pizza, $1,177.21 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed Jan. 12.

Compiled by Isaac Bonnell.

A tax lien is a legal claim filed in court by a government against a person or business owing taxes. Liens are civil, not criminal claims, and normally seek to attach money and/or property to pay the taxes. A list of liens is kept at the county courthouse showing whom the government is pursuing and how much is sought.

Liens

Roguehero.com Inc. dba Roguehero Sports Bar, $20,653.87 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 6.

Northwest European Autoworks Inc., $22,051.83 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 7.

Joseph Cole, $53,851.25 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 7.

Johnsons Flower Shop Inc., $5,136.52 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 7.

Stuarts Coffee House Inc., $26,190.92 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 7.

Stuarts Coffee House Inc., $3,525.54 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 7.

Jujuana Mexicana LLC dba Joowana, $4,005.32 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 11.

Corvus Refined Urban Dwellings Inc., $5,387.14 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 11.

Skyline Timber Concepts Inc., $6,087.13 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 11.

Maninder Singh, $23,583.80 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Manna Music Inc., $795.94 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 12.

Marta Huff dba MGH Construction, $1,468.30 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 13.

Evergreen Automotive Inc., $15,019.69 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 14.

Sturtz Finishes Inc., $11,145.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 15.

Steven M. Radisich, $40,521.13 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 15.

Deborah L. Cook Inc. dba City View Mortgage Professionals, $9,216.99 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 20.

Richard Desrosiers, $6,141.39 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Richard Desrosiers, $3,447.13 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Tom H. Pheifer, $61,577.15 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Patricia A. George, $110,531.34 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Towner Press Inc., $66,569.60 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 21.

Emerald Coast Construction & Excavation LLC, $13,435.06 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Triad Electrical Contractors Inc., $1,107,353.03 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Triad Electrical Contractors Inc., $148,204.90 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Kathleen A. Wefer, $59,109.28 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Kathleen A. Wefer, $9,711.88 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 22.

Quality Dining Inc., $19,214.35 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Kappa Pizza LLC, $7,227.20 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Queens Plate Development Inc., $4,140.52 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 25.

Higher Power Inc., $11,082.07 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 26.

Puget Sound Soccer Academy Inc., $30,179.15 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 26.

Buckley Enterprises Inc. dba Bellingham Athletic Club, $897,801.06 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 26.

Keith B. Syphers, $7,807.49 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 27.

Mariene Newman, $18,277.99 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Scott Talbot, $16,612.84 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Sharlane D. Shaffer, $2,245.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Edmund Sullivan and Theresa Westfall, $12,178.54 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Scott Schenk Construction LLC, $16,296.59 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

National Air Technologies LLC, $15,904.12 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 28.

Champion Drywall Inc., $1,003.36 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Jan. 29.

Ellen T. Shea, $23,238.58 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Feb. 1.

Mehdi Shafa, $237,746.42 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Feb. 2.

1st NRG Corp., $1,668.75 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Feb. 2.

Samish Bay Restaurant Company, $7,624.18 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed Feb. 2.

Releases

Christoffer & Kelly dba La Cantina, $634.15 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was released. Filed Jan. 25.

Dennis B. Segel, $8,506.27 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

Jacob Dehoog, $15,613.38 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

Northwestern Interiors LLC, $191,662.84 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

Dorothy A. Garrity, $20,571.04 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

James R. Shields, $6,851.63 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

Paul Ash, $21,809.04 in IRS taxes was released. Filed Jan. 27.

Compiled by Isaac Bonnell.

Gary Boyd has been appointed chief administrative officer of Sterling Life Insurance Company. His new role will include oversight of information technology, operations and office services/facilities.

Boyd joined Sterling in 2008 as vice president of information technology. He has 25 years of experience in global business environments.

Mark Brown has joined Keller Williams Western Realty in Bellingham. Brown has 12 years of experience as a career real estate agent and formerly worked with Windermere Real Estate.

“Career advancement, cutting edge technology tools, and a rapidly growing market share are key,” Brown said. “My clients will still enjoy the same down-to-earth, clear communication and first-rate customers service I’ve always offered, with an added benefit of associating with a dynamic, growing company.”

During the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the eyes of federal, local and state agencies were vigilantly focused on the Canadian border from a former warehouse near the Bellingham International Airport. What most people don’t know is that the warehouse was outfitted with state-of-the-art technology by Bellingham-based Audio Visual Excellence.

Throughout the Olympics, the Olympics Coordination Center has given representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol a single place to coordinate their surveillance and security efforts in the event of a disaster or terrorist attack during the international games.

The model has been so successful that Washington’s elected leadership has approved the center to remain active even after the Olympics.

“At a time when we know terrorists are looking for weak links, the coordination center has been a successful model for bringing law enforcement agencies together,” Washington state Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rick Larsen wrote in a letter to Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano.

As the games come to a close, The Bellingham Business Journal took this opportunity to take a peek inside the center and to chat with a Bellingham business arming federal, state and local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep the border protected.

Bellingham is one of the first cities in the nation to be awarded a $350,000 grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Climate Showcase Community.

These grants are designed to assist communities to establish and implement climate change initiatives to help reduce carbon emissions. Of 450 applications from around the country, only 25 were selected to participate in the program. The City of Bellingham will use the grant funds to provide outreach and education on the Community Energy Challenge project, a collaboration with Sustainable Connections, Opportunity Council, Puget Sound Energy and RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.

“The Community Energy Challenge will demonstrate a comprehensive approach to saving energy that combines community outreach, ‘one-stop shop’ weatherization assistance for homes and businesses, and customer and classroom education,” said Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike.

During the three-year program, an estimated 1,800 homes and 150 commercial buildings will be retrofitted to improve their energy efficiency. The completion of the challenge will result in a carbon emissions reduction equivalent to the removal of approximately 1,378 passenger cars from the road for one year, with many of those savings persisting over time as a result of the efficiency improvements.

The Community Energy Challenge benefits from the participation of the same core partners and experience gained in the 2006/2007 community-wide campaign called the Green Power Community Challenge (GPCC). That project resulted in Bellingham becoming the EPA’s No. 1 Green Power Community in the nation, and this award builds on that previous recognition. The green power challenge was designed to increase voluntary purchases of green power by strategically reaching out to businesses, residents and institutions.

For more information, see the project website at www.communityenergychallenge.org.

Whatcom County has received federal funds through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. The program awards funds to each county in the United States based on demographics, local employment rates and economic data.

Whatcom County has been allocated $121,655 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs within the county. The program is intended for the purchase of food and shelter in addition to supplementing and expanding current services.

This year the Bellingham Food Bank, Opportunity Council, Salvation Army, Womencare Shelter and the YWCA were the agencies in Whatcom County that were chosen to receive the funds.

An early morning fire on March 1 destroyed a complex of unoccupied buildings in downtown Bellingham. The commercial spaces were formerly occupied by Eartha Kitty’s Antiques and Wise Buys Shop, which moved to a larger location on North State Street in September 2009.

Frances Erickson, who owned and operated Eartha Kitty’s in that location for 20 years, went downtown mid-morning to witness the destruction with several of the former tenants. Erickson moved her business in 2008 and now manages estate sales. The mood at the scene of the blaze was somber, she said.

“It’s kind of sad and nostalgic,” Erickson said. “It’s like a wake right now for all those folks who used to be in that building.”

People passing by called 911 at 2:41 a.m. reporting extensive fire in a series of commercial buildings located in the 400 block of West Holly Street. The complex, consisting of a series of one- and two-story, wood frame buildings, was originally constructed in the early 1900s.

Firefighters battled the blaze through the early morning and by the time downtown businesses opened their doors, much of the complex was reduced to rubble. Sporadic electricity outages were experienced in the downtown area and portions of West Holly Street were closed. The blaze also delayed trains on the railroad line along the waterfront.

The fire did not extend to any additional structures beyond those involved before the arrival of fire units, and no civilians or firefighters were injured. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation.

Heidi Henderson of Gene Bell and Associates has completed the Registered Paraplanner, or RP Professional Designation Program. Individuals who complete the educational materials, pass a final exam, sign a code of ethics and disclosure form, and complete an internship earn the right to use the RP mark.

Henderson has been an employee of Gene Bell and Associates for 11 years. She is also securities licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, insurance licensed in Washington state, and is an accredited tax preparer through the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation.

The afternoon Rich McCudden opened Flats restaurant on 11th Street in Fairhaven, the line of customers went out the door and down the block. He hadn’t run any ads. In fact, he had wanted a “soft opening” to give the kitchen crew a chance to practice, but he wasn’t complaining about the success. It helped launch his new business.

The customers were there because a well-written press release garnered media attention and generated an article about the new restaurant’s unique food and wine.

In the next few years, McCudden called me again as the business grew and won awards, appearing in national magazines and even on a PBS cooking show.  We sent out press releases on items that were newsworthy and the restaurant became well known and popular.

With media cutting back on reporters, press releases are more important than ever. They serve a valuable function of getting the word out to people who may not otherwise know your business exists. Publicity doesn’t replace advertising, it is a part of a comprehensive marketing plan that should include purchased ads, Web sites, sales materials or displays, and all of those things that get you noticed.

Reasons to send a Press Release
Business changes, expansions, promotions, new hires or moves
Special events, seminars, free classes for the public
Charity work or donations
Industry awards, certifications or national notice
Seasonally appropriate tips
Interesting statistics or trends

Publicity isn’t automatic. You don’t put a nickel in the machine and get a gumball. In some ways, it’s elusive.  Getting good media coverage is part skill, lots of luck and good timing. There are unwritten and written rules to follow. Playing the game wrong is more damaging than not playing at all, so know what you’re doing before venturing in.

Here are 12 publicity tips I’ve created over the past 25 years of creating effective publicity for my own businesses and others:

1) Send it to the right person. Research the Web to find media editors or reporters who will have a specific interest in what you are going to send. Send it to that department.

2) Don’t send a mass mailing. E-mail each press release separately. You may have to change some of the wording to make it appeal to a particular editor.

3) Make your point in the first paragraph and then use subsequent paragraphs to further describe it. Keep it short and easy to read. Begin with a fascinating sentence. End with contact information, your phone and email and your Web site address placed as a “link.”

4) Do not start with “For Immediate Release.” If it’s not for immediate release, why are you sending it?

5) Type your text into the e-mail. Don’t attach a Word document (why make the reporter open something else?). Do not attach a PDF (they can’t copy and paste from it).

6) Make it easily readable. Don’t use all capital letters, funny fonts, background colors or graphics (like your logo) that don’t belong to the story.

7) Do attach a great high-resolution photograph appropriate to the press release.

8 ) Utilize your best descriptive and enthusiastic language. This is not the time for “just the facts.”  Draw the reader in and make them want to read more.

9) Compose an appropriate and interesting sentence for the Subject line. Do NOT write “Press Release.”

10) Have a friend proofread it. Once it goes out, you can’t get it back.

11) Do not call or repeatedly e-mail reporters asking if they got it. If they don’t print it, it either wasn’t the right time, there wasn’t space, or no one is interested.

12) Send a “thank you” note or e-mail when someone prints something about you, and don’t ever complain unless what was printed totally ruined your life!

Taimi Dunn Gorman is a former owner and founder of the Colophon Café in Fairhaven. She offers small business publicity and marketing consulting to Whatcom County businesses and teaches business seminars at WCC. She may be reached through her website at www.gormanpublicity.com.

Gorman is teaching “Mastering the Art of Free Publicity” through Whatcom Community College on Thursday, March 11 from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Register online through www.whatcomcommunityed.com.

Moss Adams employees donated $850 to local charities as a result of their fourth quarter office sponsored “Dress Down for Charity” days.

Of the funds raised, $305 was donated to Whatcom Middle School to help with the fire repair efforts, and $545 was donated to Lydia Place, a transitional housing program for homeless women and their children.

Laura King has been hired by Sterling Health Plans as its new national medical director. Her primary role is to develop Sterling’s managed care capabilities and help Sterling’s members stay healthy and manage their chronic conditions. She also has oversight of management, care coordination and provider credentialing.

King has held numerous leadership positions in medical professional organizations. She holds certified physician executive designation from the American College of Physician Executives, is certified in health care quality management by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, and is certified by voluntary re-examination by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Western Washington University is offering three different project management courses to the public this spring, from an introductory course to an advanced course that will prepare participants for the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam.

The courses are designed to provide training suitable for the various stages of project management.

“Most jobs require some form of project management and many people don’t realize they are project managers,” said program manager Ariel Cleasby-Heaven. “This is one way to update your job skills and keep your resume current and competitive.”

WWU’s spring courses will begin soon. Space is limited and prompt registration is encouraged to reserve your spot.

For more information, call (360) 650-3717 or visit www.ExtendedEd.wwu.edu.

Wyandt Accounting Services and CCSI Bookkeeping Services recently moved to a new office at 4200 Meridian St. Suite 100. The new office is twice the size of the previous office.

“The new office space is a direct result of the growth we’ve experienced over the past couple years as a bookkeeping firm,” said Yon Wyandt, owner of Wyandt Accounting and CCSI Bookkeeping.

Wyandt is an enrolled agent and has been offering tax and bookkeeping services in Whatcom County since 1981.

For more information, call (360) 647-8992.

Bellingham mayor Dan Pike announced Feb. 25 that the city will ask Google to consider Bellingham for its Fiber For Communities initiative, after hearing a resounding “go for it” from more than 600 area residents and business owners who are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“There is great interest in us pursuing this opportunity, and there are tremendous benefits if we are successful,” Pike said. “We’re a small city with big ideas, an ideal testing ground for Google’s fiber installation. We’ll work on an application jointly with other local organizations and people who share our excitement about this project.”

Google recently announced plans to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Google officials have asked interested municipalities to provide information by March 26 to help them decide where to build their networks.

After Google’s announcement, local technology and business development experts and others contacted the City, encouraging local leaders to promote Bellingham for this opportunity. Before pursuing it further, Pike asked more community members to weigh in. In addition, a survey posted on the City’s website solicited opinions about pursuing the Google project and ideas for how ultra-high speed internet service might be used in our community.

In six days, 643 survey responses were recorded, with 95% of respondents answering “yes” to the question “Should the City of Bellingham submit a proposal for Google’s Fiber For Communities Project?”

People who expressed support for the project listed many reasons Bellingham would benefit, including:

•    Leading-edge technology would make the city more competitive for business development, especially in green industries and those that provide high wage jobs.

•    Internet service to homes and businesses would be improved, allowing for unlimited new educational, recreational and professional uses of technology. Many people noted improved Internet service would support them to start or continue working from home offices, reducing their need to commute to an office.

•    Users would have more service choices at reduced costs, due to increased competition with current providers.

•    The infrastructure would spur innovation in technology, education, health care, engineering, video and many other areas, fostering ideas that are not feasible with the technology now available.

Those who said Bellingham should not pursue this initiative cited concerns about privacy, potential cost to the City, other more pressing priorities, or said they didn’t have enough information to provide thoughtful feedback.

Pike said he has been asked how much money the City would have to invest in constructing an ultra-high-speed fiber network.  He said he wants to make sure people know that Google will build the fiber infrastructure; the company is not asking municipalities to build networks or to fund construction. If Bellingham is selected and agreement reached with Google, the City’s role will primarily be regulatory and permitting matters.

For more information or to see survey results, visit the city’s Web site www.cob.org.

Lance Clark certainly has his work cut out for him.

As the new executive director of the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County (BIAWC), he is pushing forward in an industry that is experiencing perhaps the worst slump in decades. New residential construction has all but disappeared leaving builders scrambling to find new work and wondering when the economy will turn around.

The industry is also seeing an increase in the cost of doing business. The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) this year raised insurance premiums an average of 7.6 percent.

Despite the hardship, Clark sees this as a time to strengthen resolve among the 600 BIAWC members. The BBJ recently sat down with Clark to discuss the state of the home building industry and the issues affecting builders.

The Bellingham Business Journal: How is the homebuilding industry doing right now?

Lance Clark: It’s a little slow but we’re seeing signs of light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a slow uptick. We’re still seeing some permits being taken out.

In the last 50 years, housing has led the economy out of recessions — and we will do that again.

As I mentioned, we’re on a slow uptick, but it really is about consumer confidence and consumers and builders getting lending. As much as there’s talk about stimulus money coming out of Washington, D.C., bank lending locally is still tight. As credit is made available from the Fed, it needs to be available at the local level so consumers can use it.

BBJ: What are the main concerns you’re hearing from builders?

LC: Our members are cautiously optimistic. They’re working hard to keep their businesses intact and their construction crews busy.

Our members are always concerned about the cost of building permits. In some regions of the country, local governments are reducing or delaying impact fees. Instead of charging immediately when you take out the permit, they delay it until the point of occupancy because that’s when the builder and developer actually start to make money on that costly investment.

They’re also concerned about the Washington Department of Labor and Industries with this year’s sizable premium increases that we’re paying at a time when we need relief. It’s excessive and a little competition and privatization is not a bad thing to be considered. In some states, there’s privatization and self-insured plans, and there’s even legislation at the state level to address that. So stay tuned.

BBJ: How does the business environment here compare to other places where you’ve worked?

LC: Certainly the environmental community in the Pacific Northwest is probably the strongest in the country. I think the difference that the public isn’t always aware of is as much as it is important to protect our environment, there are balances in the basic human needs to have shelter, to have jobs and support a family. So you can live in an ideal utopian bubble, but people still have to bring home the bread.

BBJ: In the realm of government affairs, what issues do you plan to tackle this year?

LC: Over the past couple of years, we’ve been active in the Countywide Housing Affordability Task force (CHAT). We’re optimistic that some of the recommendations will actually be taken to heart and implemented and that it will not become shelf art.

It’s highly likely that the City Council will again visit the issue of inclusionary zoning. One way or another, local government will attempt to impose this tax on future new homebuyers and ultimately we know that further study needs to occur to understand the impact.

So the real question to be asked is are we going to subsidize housing at the expense of serving another? Perhaps one of the CHAT recommendations that needs to be implemented is considering a housing levy. If voters deem it important to subsidize, then it should be something broad-based that society supports, not something that just one builder or homeowner supports.

BBJ: What needs to happen in order for the building industry to turn around?

LC: Five things. First of all is consumer confidence. There needs to be positive public sentiment; consumers beginning to be comfortable in spending and circulating money in the local economy.

Number two: bank lending. As our elected officials out of D.C. say that the dollars are available, it needs to be seen that it’s available locally because it isn’t right now. That is both for consumer lending as well as builder lending.

Number three: Affordable housing solutions that are meaningful, in which government doesn’t just jack up fees that add on to the cost of housing. It needs to be supported by broad-based taxation so that all of society bares the tax burden, not just single industries.

Number four: the movement of existing housing inventory. This will open up the opportunity for new construction to occur.

Last but not least is a vibrant job economy. As I mentioned earlier, housing will lead this economy out of the recession, just like it has before.

Jackie’s Jersey Milk, located at 5424 Aldrich Road, is recalling its raw milk because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli).

The recall was initiated after routine monthly sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) discovered that the product was contaminated with toxin-producing E. coli. Jackie’s Jersey Milk is fully cooperating with WSDA on the investigation into the source of the problem. The firm has already corrected one malfunctioning piece of equipment. So far, no known human illnesses are associated with the recalled product.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections may cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but can take as long as nine days to appear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider.

All Jackie’s Jersey Raw Jersey Cow Milk bearing a use-by date up to and including March 4 has been recalled. The milk is sold only in half-gallon containers. Recalled raw milk was sold in retail grocery stores in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (360) 398-1889 or by email at wwjerseys@aol.com.

Chapter 7 — Straight bankruptcy; debtor gives up non-exempt property and debts are discharged.

Chapter 11 — Business reorganization; protection from creditors while business devises a plan of reorganization. Income/expense reports must be filed monthly.

Chapter 13 — Plan is devised by individual to pay a percentage of debts based on ability to pay. All disposable income must be used to pay.

Chapter 7

James R. Pierce II, 7151 Brent Lane, Lynden. Filed Jan. 21.

Lovette O. Lopez, 1101 McKenzie Ave. #206, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 21.

Matthew J. McCauley, P.O. Box 1918, Ferndale. Filed Jan. 22.

Christopher L. Foley, 516 Darby Drive Apt. 203, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 22.

Marlene D. Childress, 653 Sudden Valley, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 22.

Joseph E. McGill, 4744 Sandcastle Drive, Blaine. Filed Jan. 25.

Josh G. Barrett, 2315 Jaeger St., Bellingham. Filed Jan. 25.

Nicholas G. and Jamie L. Tilton, 1191 Haveman Road, Lynden. Filed Jan. 26.

David N. Kravchenko, 4015 Eliza Ave. #5, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 26.

Roberta E. and Clarence L. Dickinson IV, 3921 Nelson Road, Deming. Filed Jan. 26.

Kimberly K. Spille, 2176 Seamount Drive, Ferndale. Filed Jan. 26.

William M. and Paula J. Wydur, P.O. Box 132, Ferndale. Filed Jan. 27.

James M. Edwards, 9540 Seimahmoo Parkway L-18, Blaine. Filed Jan. 27.

Natalie J. Purington, 3115 Cottonwood Ave., Bellingham. Filed Jan. 27.

Jesus G. and Candelaria A. Muna, 3430 Y Road, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 27.

Terri L. Carter, 1202 22nd St., Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Linda M. Esser, P.O. Box 29084, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Current Industries Inc., 3720 Williamson Way, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Cynthia L. Moe, 200 Washington Ave., Sumas. Filed Jan. 29.

Judith M. Martinez, 381 31st St., Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Petr A. Yelfimov and Olga A. Yelfimova, 339 Meadowbrook Court Apt. 208, Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Bert and Claydene J. Lederer, 803 W. Indiana St., Bellingham. Filed Jan. 29.

Lourie S. Overland, P.O. Box 819, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 1.

John W. Burkholder, 8440 Catalina Court, Blaine. Filed Feb. 1.

Julie H. Habers, 8262 Snohomish Road, Blaine. Filed Feb. 1.

Zohreh Norozi, P.O. Box 32390, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 2.

Elbourne D. Gnyp, 6289 D Portal Way, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 2.

Leo L. Gehrtz III, 5930 Guide Meridian, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 2.

Roberta A. Young and William N. Blais. P.O. Box 235, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 2.

Ryan M. Ferris and Carol J. Lucero, 1401 E. Victor St., Bellingham. Filed Feb. 3.

Monica M. Catrain, 5625 Poplar Place, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 3.

Melvin S. Hutto, 2 Marigold Drive #33, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 3.

Tara L. Vincent-Maloney, 2001 G. St. Unit B, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 5.

Maria G. and Victor L. Cuellar, 287 Pollman Circle, Lynden. Filed Feb. 5.

Lisa K. Kuhn, 3914 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham. Filed Feb. 5.

Theresa E. and Thomas R. Wingfield, 1487 A. Britton Court, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 5.

Mara J. Steele, 2000 Mill Ave. Unit 9, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 8.

Bradley S. Neitling, 8697 Trapline Road, Everson. Filed Feb. 8.

Katherine I. Miller, 3010 Coolidge Drive, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 8.

Rachel A. English, 3010 Coolidge Drive, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 8.

Sheila R. Portillo, 7416 Clamdigger Dr., Blaine. Filed Feb. 8.

Dale A. and Jennifer D. Sprague, 2561 Thornton Road, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 8.

George H. and Arlys J. Reimer, 4241 Cody Road, Blaine. Filed Feb. 9.

Scott C. and Stacy K. Shuman, 2000 E. Lopez Court, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 9.

William C. Rose, P.O. Box 5011 PMB 128, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 10.

Shawn D. Atwood, 7593 Woodland Road, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 10.

William and Deborah Thibodeau, 4633 Celia Way Unit 302, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 10.

Jennifer A. McCarty, 3391 Lena Road, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 10.

Elder R.J. Roberts Jr., 2915 Martin Road, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 10.

Josiah J. and Jolene M. May, 2209 Lincoln St., Bellingham. Filed Feb. 10.

Holly C. and Trevor J. Wagner, 1500 Main St., Lynden. Filed Feb. 11.

Mary J. Mower, 2473 Donovan Ave., Bellingham. Filed Feb. 12.

Terry L. Helmka, 5705 Hendrickson Ave. Apt. B6, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 16.

Johnny E. and Linda J. Paul, 2651 South Red River Road, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 16.

John J. and Alisa M. Douglas, 3717 Woodlake Road, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 17.

Billiejo L. and Mark A. Bosman, 4529 Meridian St., Bellingham. Filed Feb. 17.

Alisa A. Wollens-Spencer, P.O. Box 5011 PMB 25, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 17.

Chapter 11

SW Group LLP, 9525 Semiahmoo Parkway Unit 103, Blaine. Filed Feb. 4.

Chapter 13

Shelly A. and Jeffrey A. Sliger, 932 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Lynden. Filed Jan. 22.

Irene M. Morgan, P.O. Box 932, Ferndale. Filed Jan. 26.

Frederick K. and Lisa D. Blair, 9358 Walkers Road, Blaine. Filed Jan. 27.

James F. and Carolyn H. Fox, P.O. Box 5180, Deming. Filed Jan. 28.

Trong T. Nguyen, 529 32nd St. #43, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 3.

Angela D. George, 4431 Carstan Loop, Blaine. Filed Feb. 8.

Karen L. Daniels, 3310 Alderwood Ave. Unit M4, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 9.

Monte H. and Suzan E. Hicks, P.O. Box 3287, Ferndale. Filed Feb. 9.

Lisa M. Benson, 1120 Dondee Court, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 10.

Billy J. and Raquel C. Wheeler, P.O. Box 30302, Bellingham. Filed Feb. 12.

Brandon L. and Toni L. Miller, 1040 Ten Mile Road, Everson. Filed Feb. 16.

Annette B. and Ronnie M. Doyle, 8183 Custer School Road, Custer. Filed Feb. 17.

Connie J. and Jay D. Morgan, 2991 W. Main St., Custer. Filed Feb. 17.

The commercial lending team of Steve Hoekstra, Susan Cedergreen, Chris Fowler, Erin Baras and Erin Olsen have joined Whidbey Island Bank.

The team specializes in business lending throughout northwest Puget Sound and has a combined total of more than 100 years experience in community bank lending.

Liz Standow has been hired by Golf Savings Bank of Bellingham.

Standow has experience on both the mortgage and banking side of the industry with a total of 10 years in the real estate industry. She specialized in all types of residential financing, from first-time home buyers and new construction to the most experience investors.

Owners: Elizabeth Azzara and Marisa Perrault
Start Date: Dec. 4, 2009
Square Footage: 2,300
Address: 310 W. Holly Street, Bellingham
Phone: (360) 778-3858
Web site: www.honeybellingham.com

It might sound cliché, but it really is all about hair at Honey, a newly opened hair salon on Holly Street. The salon came into existence when owners Elizabeth Azzara and Marisa Perrault teamed up to take the next step in their stylist careers and open their own business.

Honey is located in a modern space within a historic building along Holly Street and the salon staff works to uphold a fresh artistic and creative atmosphere.

“We strive to keep ourselves educated, which is something many salons don’t do,” Perrault said of the staff. “For example, we’re planning to attend a two-day, hands-on workshop in New York to receive specific training and learn new styling techniques.”

Azzara and Perrault have known each other for eight years since attending beauty school at Gene Juarez Academy in Seattle. Azzara was living in Seattle and Perrault in San Francisco, when they decided they were both at the right place in their careers to open a salon together. Perrault wanted to come back to the Northwest and Azzara had spent much of her youth in the area, so Bellingham was a good compromise.

The salon also offers a unique and different service known as sugaring hair removal. This service, akin to waxing, uses a product known as Sugar Suite, which is a gel-like substance made out of sugar, lemon juice and water. It is an ancient hair removal technique from the Middle East that is more sanitary and less wasteful than waxing. The ingredients create a consistency that doesn’t stick to the skin as easily and feels similar to honey, an inspiration for the salon’s name.

“The process doesn’t involve paper products and is more gentle than regular waxing,” Perrault said. “It’s still painful, just not as much and the technique fits right in with our style, which is very new and fresh.”

The staff is comprised of four people: one “sugarist,” and three stylists. Azzara and Perrault want solid customer service and looked for stylists who echoed their talent, style and outlook for the salon. Since they feel strongly about advanced stylist education, it’s important to them their staff does as well.

They offer multiple hair and hair removal services including cuts, color, relaxers, perms and other similar chemical and technical services. The salon also has four available chairs for stylists, but is in no hurry to fill them. Perrault anticipates filling the open chairs within the next few years as the salon builds a reputation.

“We eventually hope to install an advanced training program in the salon to allow for people to apprentice and train for a year and learn our methods,” Perrault said. “We really focus on a particular type of salon environment and our entire staff should be focused on that too.”

Kristin Engerman has joined the In-Home Design Consulting Team of American Drapery, Blind and Carpet.

Engerman has 24 years design experience and 11 years of active involvement in the community. Engerman received an interior design degree from the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Chicago.

Attorney Jonathan Rands is opening his own law firm located in the former Stanello’s space at 1514 12th St. Suite 100, next to the offices of Edward Jones financial planner Tim Villhauer.

Rands has been in the legal profession more than eight years and was formerly with Fox Bowman Duarte. He focuses primarily on DUI charges.

Construction on the new office is underway and Rands is planning to move in by April 1.

For more information, call Jonathan Rands at (360) 306-8136 or visit www.jrandslaw.com

Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug recently raised $16,905 for World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti.

“World Vision would like to sincerely thank every individual who donated, as well as Haggen and Top Food for spearheading this important effort,” said Angela Appleton, corporate relations senior representative for World Vision. “Their immediate concern and generosity over the years during times of disaster is greatly appreciated.”

World Vision is using cash donations to send supplies, such as water and medicine, to Haitian victims of the earthquake.

Conor Brinton has joined Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as a financial advisor. He will be located in the Barkley Village branch.

As financial advisor he will provide financial planning and investment services to clients and individual investors with a focus on retirement and estate planning, managed money, wealth management, education planning and portfolio management.

Brinton graduated with a bachelor’s in finance from Washington State University and previously served as a relationship manager at Builder’s Alliance.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

1228 N. State St., $34,000 for tenant improvement: new restaurant/deli in recently reconstructed shell space. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: Marcus Johnson. Contractor: Franklin Corp.

PP Western Washington University, $42,000 for commercial alteration: remodel restrooms and office, install shower room. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: Jim Williams.

1715 N. State St., $11,000 to replace approximately half of existing signage on existing sign poles with new electronic signage: Yorky’s Market & Fuel. Applicant and contractor: The Sign Post.

3200 Northwest Ave., $17,000 for commercial installation of canopy and soffit wall, non-illuminated letters. Owner: Fredy P. Hunziker. Applicant and contractor: The Sign Post. Tenant: Northwest Chiropractic Clinic.

2800 Douglas Ave., $10,000 for occupancy change: Whatcom Hospice office building. Applicant: Zervas Group.

BB Western Washington University, $180,000 for commercial remodel of existing second floor classrooms into specimen lab and grad offices. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: King Architecture.

102 W. Stuart Road, $130,000 for tenant improvement: install coffee shop in shell building. Owner: John Volken Foundation. Applicant: Sergio Chin-Ley/Reche Assoc.

4260 Cordata Parkway Suite 107, $30,000 for new restaurant. Owner: Whatcom Plaza LLC. Applicant: Alden McCurdy.

Issued

119 N. Commercial St. Suite 120, $15,000 for tenant improvement: renovate existing office space, rearrange layout and isolation of small portion as shell addition to adjacent tenant: Bellingham Towers. Owner: Bellingham Towers LLC.

1026 N. Forest St., $30,000 for commercial alteration: remodel basement to convert space into “Back To Work Boutique.” Owner: YWCA. Contractor: Dawson Construction Inc.

1 Bellis Fair Parkway Suite 124, $250,000 for tenant improvement: combine three small tenant spaces into one larger wireless phone service and retail store: Verizon Wireless. Owner: Bellis Fair Partners. Contractor: Pacific Construction Systems Inc.

1410 Girard St., $10,000 for emergency repairs: replace broken store front window, door and brick facade due to vehicle collision. Owner: Breakey Family LP. Contractor: Fountain Construction Inc.

3974 Hammer Drive, $24,000 for storage racking system for warehouse storage of carbon steel fittings and valves: McJunkin Redman. Owner: M&S Holdings LLC. Contractor: Northwest Handling Systems.

3210 Meridian St., $10,000 to establish occupancy for existing daycare center on lower floor level of Abundant Life Church. Owner and applicant: Abundant Life Corp. Contractor: Yonkman Construction.

1514 12th St. Suite 107, $18,000 for tenant improvement and occupancy change: convert existing restaurant/tavern space to legal offices: Jonathan Rands Attorney. Owner: Uy Family LP.

2230 Midway Lane, $52,800 for commercial shell improvement: construct mezzanine inside existing heated warehouse: Paramount Supply. Owner: Gregory C. Grant. Contractor: Com-Steel.

1993 Division St., $50,000 for commercial alterations: enlarge second floor in existing building: CB Wholesale. Owner: Division 19 LLC, Contractor: On The Level Construction.

2625 S. Harbor Loop Drive, $85,000 for tenant improvement: remodel bar area at Bellingham Yacht Club. Owner: Bellingham Yacht Club.

1200 C St., $450,000 for new two-story commercial building for boat repair and sales. Owner: Peter W. Foti. Contractor: Alvord & Richardson Construction.

3200 Northwest Ave., $17,000 for exterior signage and trim renovations: Northwest Chiropractic Clinic. Owner: Fredy P. Hunzicker. Contractor: The Sign Post.

716 Alabama St., $30,000 to replace pylon sign using existing pole with minor strengthening to baseplate. Owner: Timothy H. and Jacqueline M. Trott. Contractor: The Sign Post.

1715 N. State St., $11,000 to replace approximately half of existing signage on existing sign poles with new electronic signage: Yorky’s Market & Fuel. Owner: Fahren Corp. Contractor: The Sign Post.

Compiled by Isaac Bonnell.

Liz Leighton has been appointed MetLife Auto and Home’s marketing assistant for its Bellingham sales office.

Leighton has seven years of experience in the property and casualty industry.

City of Bellingham officials are evaluating Google’s Fiber For Communities initiative, which would bring ultra high-speed Internet here, and would like feedback from the community about whether or not Google’s initiative should be pursued.

A survey posted on the City’s website through Feb. 24 asks community members if the City should pursue this project, and why.

Google recently announced plans to test ultra high-speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Google officials have asked interested municipalities to provide information to help them decide where to build their network.

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike said City officials are evaluating whether it will be worthwhile to prepare a response by Google’s March 26 deadline. After Google’s announcement, Pike said he received encouragement from many local business owners, technology experts and community members to consider promoting Bellingham for this project.

“We are excited about the opportunities this project could create for Bellingham, including the opportunity for economic development and job creation in our area, increased technology capacity for public and private uses, and the innovative, sustainable ideas that will by spurred by the availability of ultra high-speed networking,” Pike said in a statement.

He added that Bellingham has many features that should be very attractive to Google, such as a strong higher education network and progressive K-12 schools, the presence of specific business types such as technology and health care, commitment to green initiatives and industries, community size and engaged citizens.

But he cautioned that there could be downsides to the idea, and he wants to make sure the benefits outweigh the costs from the very start.

“There are hurdles to Bellingham’s success in this process, such as steep competition across the country,” he said.

He added that Google also is likely to be looking for municipalities to provide resources, regulatory flexibility and other amenities. It will take time and resources to submit a proposal to Google.  If Bellingham makes a proposal and it is successful, it will take time and resources to support the installation of fiber optic cable throughout the City. Residents may experience construction disruption in their neighborhoods during installation.

To learn more, watch this video from Google:

Brigid Collins Family Support Center was featured in the Global Intellectual Property (IP) Center’s Profiles of IP Project, an online resource that profiles select IP-driven companies across the U.S.

Profiles of IP Project features small and medium-sized businesses and highlights innovation and creativity in businesses.

The WISH Family Journal, ChildStar and Pathways to Reunification are a few of the IP projects specific to Brigid Collins.

“Regional Economic Development: Shared Assets and Common Concerns” will be the focus of the next Productive Public Conversation (PPC) on March 18, a free civil dialogue training designed by alumni of the Leadership Whatcom 10-month Community Leadership Program.

Leadership Whatcom’s PPCs provide nonpartisan civil dialogue trainings focusing on difficult community issues. The three-hour sessions alternate learning about an issue from multiple perspectives, small group discussions, and practicing skills for keeping tough issues moving forward.

Leadership Whatcom is a program of the Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities, which is sponsored by United Way of Whatcom County, St. Joseph Hospital and the city of Bellingham. Additional Leadership Whatcom sponsors include Puget Sound Energy, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and the Whatcom Community Foundation.

Open to the public, the PPC will take place 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18. RSVPs are required by March 15 by contacting Leadership@whatcomcoalition.org or 715-1061. Directions to the Bellingham location will be provided upon RSVP.

For more information, visit www.LeadershipWhatcom.org.

Nita Mettler has joined Keller Williams Western Realty in Bellingham. Mettler has 15 years of property management experience from Scottsdale, Ariz.

“They were an easy choice for me,” Mettler said. “I was attracted to their knowledge of the market and it’s important to me to offer clients the highest degree of integrity and skill.”

Rob Merhaut recently moved to the Bellingham office of RE/MAX Whatcom County.

Merhaut has more than 11 years of experience in real estate sales and business management including listing and sale of subdivisions, residential homes, land, commercial and investment properties. He graduated with a bachelor’s from Washington State University and a master’s from Southern Illinois University.