Published December 2005

Business Briefs

Marysville, Tulalip chamber
revamps Web site
The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce recently revamped its Web site, www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com, to increase its offerings to the community as well as to add tools to help business members promote themselves online.

Some of the new Web site features are accessed via the “Members Only” log-in portal, where member businesses, using a log-in name and password, can update company information and add searchable keywords, location and hours, and other information.

As the chamber continues to build its “Information Request” section, an automatic leads referral system will be coming online that will notify appropriate groups when certain categories of publications are requested.

The site also offers all of the chamber’s 2005 legislative positions and links to governmental and business Web sites state and nationwide.

Bartell Drugs opens in Stanwood
Bartell Drugs opened its new store at 7205 267th St. NW in Stanwood in early November. The store, Bartell’s 12th in Snohomish County and its northernmost location to date, employs about 25 people.

Law, escrow firms combine offices
Snohomish-based B. Craig Gourley Law Offices and Snohomish Escrow have merged and will offer expanded services. Laura Hoskins will head the company’s litigation department.

Efinity Technologies joins
construction association
Monroe-based Efinity Technologies has become a member of the Associated Builders & Contractors organization.

Efinity provides virtual site manager Web sites for a number of association members, including Saybr Contractors and Davis & Schueller.

The company said construction and related industries comprise its fastest-growing market segment, with new clients including Lozier Group, Matheus Lumber and Fritch Mill.

Nastech joins Nasdaq index
Nastech Pharmaceutical Co., a Bothell-based developer of nasally inhaled drugs, was added to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index on Nov. 21. Other local biotechnology firms on the index include ICOS Corp. and Seattle Genetics.

Edmonds firm wins Navy bid
Sound & Sea Technology Inc. of Edmonds has secured a five-year military contract worth up to $29.5 million to provide ocean engineering services for U.S. naval facilities around the world.

The company will lead a team that includes 11 subcontractors in a range of projects for the Navy, including assisting with undersea cable installation, offshore structure and buoy work, and improving harbor and port security.

The contract’s first year gives Sound & Sea and its contractors more than $5.7 million. The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, based in Port Heuneme, Calif., has the option of renewing the contract for the following four years, through 2010.

“It’s the largest contract we have ever received,” said Judith Meggitt, president and co-owner of Sound & Sea.

Mother-daughter team
opens insurance office
English Insurance Group LLC has opened an office in Lynnwood. Marcia English, who has been serving Northwest clients for 25 years, is partnering with daughter Kristie English in the new office, which is located at 20016 Cedar Valley Road, Suite 203.

The company will offer property, casualty, life and health insurance, including both personal and commercial lines of business.

For more information, call 425-673-7948 or go online to www.EnglishInsuranceGroup.com.

Seattle Genetics starts testing
possible leukemia treatment
Bothell-based Seattle Genetics Inc. has started testing a possible treatment for patients with the most common form of acute leukemia.

The phase 1 study of SGN-33 will help to determine the safety and effectiveness of the antibody-based drug.

The biotechnology company purchased rights to use the antibody earlier this year from California-based Protein Design Labs. It previously has been tested in more than 350 patients, in which it showed signs of fighting tumors.

The new study will enroll about 60 patients at several U.S. sites, according to Seattle Genetics.

The study will target patients with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and related myelodysplastic syndromes who are not eligible for chemotherapy or stem-cell transplants, as well as those who have failed other treatments.

SGN-33 is Seattle Genetics’ third anti-cancer drug to enter clinical trials.

CDi Engineers, Sparling honored
for health-care project
A project team that included Lynnwood-based CDi Engineers and Sparling was awarded the 2006 American Society of Healthcare Engineering Vista Award in the Infrastructure category.

The team, which also included Providence Health System, ZGF Partnership, Turner Construction, Engineering Economics Inc. and KPFF Consulting Engineers, which has an Everett office, was honored for its teamwork in the design and construction of the new central utility plant for Providence Portland Medical Center.

Sonus cancer drug studies
show promise
Sonus Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Bothell reported in November that pre-clinical data on its experimental SN2310 drug shows improved anti-tumor activity when compared to irinotecan, an established cancer treatment.

The new drug is based on camptothecin, a natural ingredient found in the bark of certain Asian trees. Based on the results, Sonus said the first human tests of SN2310 could start in 2006.

Firm earns Microsoft Small Business
Specialist designation
LD Owens Computing and Networking Services Inc., a Lynnwood technology-solutions provider and Microsoft Certified Partner, recently earned certification as a Microsoft Small Business Specialist.

For more information about LD Owens Computing and Networking Services, call 425-787-0193 or visit www.ldowens.com.

Olympus Spa opens in Lynnwood
Olympus Spa celebrated the grand opening of its Lynnwood location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 10.

The new location, located in the Convention Plaza at 3815 196th St. SW, Suite 160, includes therapeutic whirlpools, radiant energy rooms, massage, skin scrubs and saunas. Spa services also include Asian cuisine as well as a traditional Korean tea ceremony.

For more information, go online to www.olympusspa.com.

Leukine improves Crohn’s treatment
Leukine, which eventually will be made at a Lynnwood drug plant, improves the quality of life in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, according to phase 2 data presented by Berlex.

The company hopes to seek federal approval to use Leukine, which already is approved to boost immunity in cancer patients, to treat Crohn’s disease in 2007 or 2008. Meanwhile, Berlex is building a $70 million manufacturing plant in Lynnwood to produce the drug.

Smart Value grocery store
arrives in Everett
Smart Value is opening in Everett, promising discount prices as competition for shoppers’ grocery dollars gets tougher.

The new 22,000-square-foot store is located at 8104 Evergreen Way, just south of the Big Kmart store.

“The idea is, as the name suggests, a value concept. Not a lot of frills, just very low prices,” said Randall Oliver, spokesman for Smart Value’s parent company, Smart & Final Inc.

Oliver could not give a specific opening date for the store, saying only that it was scheduled to open before November ends.

Smart & Final, a chain of more than 230 stores in six states and Mexico, also owns Cash & Carry markets in Everett and Lynnwood. They are primarily aimed at small-business owners and product buyers, though the public is welcome.

“There’s a very wholesale bent to this,” said Bert Hambleton, an Issaquah-based grocery industry analyst, comparing Smart & Final’s stores more to Costco than other discount supermarkets.

Physical therapy, Pilates
offered at new center
Integrated Rehabilitation Group has opened the Evergreen Physical Therapy Center and Pilates Studio at 5029 Evergreen Way, in the Claremont Village Shopping Center, in Everett.

The center offers rehabilitation therapy services, Pilates, a women’s health therapy program and massage therapy.

Tyra Malmborg-O’Kelley, a certified Pilates instructor with more than 17 years of experience as a physical therapist, will oversee the Pilates studio, which offers clients the use of Pilates Cadillac and Reformer equipment as well as mat-based classes.

The women’s health program offers specialized therapy for women experiencing urinary incontinence, back pain related to pre- and post-pregnancy, and pelvic pain.

For more information, call 425-337-9556.

Studio H Filmworks, Aroomedia co-locate
A local filmmaker and a graphic designer have joined forces.

Everett-based Studio H Filmworks and Aroomedia are sharing downtown office space at 2722 Colby Ave., Suite 422, to provide one-stop shopping for clients needing graphic, print and multimedia services, company officials said.

While Aroomedia specializes in brochures and fliers, corporate identity, product branding, and Web design and video integration, Studio H Filmworks focuses on commercials and broadcasting, corporate and instructional video, promotional and documentary film, video resumes and animation.

“Our goal is to inspire, impact and lead the way in creative media,” said Ryan Hansen, president of Aroomedia.

Sign, graphics center opens in Everett
A new FASTSIGNS sign and graphics center at 7404 Evergreen Way has opened under the ownership of Stanwood resident Tim Harlow.

Harlow recently completed a three-week new owner training course at FASTSIGNS International Inc.’s headquarters in Carrollton, Texas. FASTSIGNS International is the worldwide franchiser of FASTSIGNS sign and graphic centers; there are more than 475 locations in six countries.

“I was looking for a business that was compatible with my background and skill set. An established business like FASTSIGNS offered me the chance to start my own center and the fastest path to success,” said Harlow, who has 25 years of experience with graphics-oriented companies such as Optigraphics Corp. in San Diego and EDR Technologies Inc. in Las Vegas.

The new center can be reached by phone at 425-438-9350 or online at www.fastsigns.com/471.

Donaldson Fitness & Physical Therapy
opens in Mukilteo
Donaldson Fitness & Physical Therapy will celebrate the grand opening of its Mukilteo center with an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.

Located at 11811 Mukilteo Speedway, Suite 200, the center has a full line of cardio and weight-resistant machines as well as aqua therapy pools, massage treatments and tanning beds. The center also features personal training programs, courtesy shuttle vans and private treatment rooms.

For more information, call 425-348-4000 or go online to www.donaldsonfitness.com.

ITT moves campus to Everett
ITT Technical Institute has moved its Bothell campus and nearly 300 students to Everett near the Boeing plant in a move that was announced Nov. 3.

The college’s new location, in an office building at 1615 75th St. SW, puts it close to Boeing and the Fluke Corp.’s plastics division, said Shelly Lisoskie, dean of academic affairs. The college works with those companies and others to find jobs for graduates, she said.

“We’re a lot closer to the clients we work with as business partners, and a lot more visible as well,” Lisoskie said.

The college’s former location in an industrial park in Bothell was more obscure, she said.

The college is part of a national chain of 80 campuses that average about 200 students each, Lisoskie said.

ITT moved its campus the week of Oct. 11, and the move went smoothly, Lisoskie said.

“We did not have a break in classes at all,” she said.

AquaSox owners buying
another franchise
The owners of the Everett AquaSox are purchasing a third minor-league franchise. The Carfagna family along with other investors has agreed to purchase the Lancaster JetHawks of the California League.

The JetHawks are the high ‘A’ minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

AquaSox Senior Vice President Peter E. Carfagna has been named the senior vice president of the JetHawks and will preside over day-to-day operations of the club. He serves in the same capacity for both the AquaSox and the Lake County Captains of the South Atlantic League.

“We’re fortunate to have strong on-the-ground management teams for each franchise, but particularly here we have a great staff led by Brian Sloan and feel like our second year of owning the AquaSox will be even better than our first. Our commitment to Everett remains as strong as ever,” Carfagna said.

The sale of the Lancaster franchise is subject to approval by the California League and both Minor and Major League Baseball. The sale is expected to be approved within the coming weeks.

Boeing launches 747-8 program
The Boeing company announced in November that two cargo airlines — Luxembourg-based Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines of Japan — have ordered a total of 18 747-8s, the plane Boeing till now had called the 747 Advanced.

With those orders in place, Boeing formally announced its launch of the program.

Cargolux will get the first of its 10 planes in the third quarter of 2009. Nippon Cargo will get the first of eight planes in 2009’s fourth quarter.

The combined orders are worth about $5 billion at list prices; however, analysts say airlines have been negotiating discounts of 25 percent or more.

The new 747-8 will incorporate the engines being developed for Boeing’s new 787, along with many of the Dreamliner’s electronics and other systems.

The launch announcement for the 747-8 is “great” news for Everett, said John Monroe, the aerospace coordinator for the Snohomish County Economic Development Council. The 747-8 would sustain local Boeing employment, he said, “and you never know, we might just bring a supplier here.”

County’s job growth rate
a sizzling 7.4 percent
Snohomish County’s job growth is continuing strong, with figures showing that 16,200 jobs were produced between October 2004 and October this year, creating an annual growth rate of 7.4 percent — tops in the state — according to the state Employment Security Department.

Fueled by rehiring at the Boeing Co. and the insatiable demand for new homes, the county’s growth rate was more than double the state average of 2.9 percent and more than five times the national average of 1.4 percent.

Economists said they could see no reason why the economy wouldn’t continue to soar for the rest of the year.

“I think we’re going to see good continued job growth in the foreseeable future,” said Donna Thompson, Snohomish County economist for the Employment Security Department. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see us stay above 5 percent for the rest of the year.”

The county created 2,900 jobs in October, including 400 jobs in construction and 500 at retailers, a sign that many retailers are gearing up early for a strong holiday season.

The fast creation of jobs caused the county’s jobless rate to drop by two-tenths of a percentage point in October, to 4.9 percent. The state rate was 5.6 percent.

Nominees sought for ag board
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon is seeking residents engaged and interested in agriculture to apply for nomination to the county’s Agricultural Advisory Board.

The county recently expanded opportunities for farmers to serve on the board, and qualified candidates are being sought for all 11 board positions.

The board advises the county executive, County Council, Planning Commission and hearing examiner on the County Comprehensive Plan, impacts of agriculture regulation and other agricultural policy matters. Nominees must:

• Be engaged in the dairy, nursery, livestock, commodity crop, direct marketing or equine industries, or
• represent diking, drainage or flood control districts in the Snohomish or Stillaguamish River basins, or
• represent the Snohomish County Farm Bureau or
• reside in the Stillaguamish or Snohomish River basins.

Board appointments are nominated by Reardon and confirmed by the County Council.

For application packets, contact Tom Niemann at 425-388-3311, Ext. 2214, or Ryan Hembree at 425-388-3311, Ext. 2267.

State: No general increase
in workers’ comp for 2006
The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries announced in November that there will be no general increase in workers’ compensation premiums for 2006.

In late August, the agency proposed a 3.8 percent increase. But L&I Director Gary Weeks said strong investment earnings and a strong economy, the agency’s success at controlling its medical costs and a continued decline in the frequency of workplace-injury claims combined to make that increase unnecessary.

While there will be no general rate increase, the premium rate will rise in the Accident Fund, which only employers pay into. That fund provides money for pensions and wage-replacement benefits for workers who are injured so seriously they cannot work. The increase in that fund will be offset by decreases in the Medical Aid and Supplemental Pension funds, which both workers and employers contribute to, the state agency said.

From one year to the next, rates change within industries and among employers. Some employers will see their rates go up while others will have rates that go down.

Back to the top/December 2005 Main Menu