Skagit Business Pulse | Mar 2010

MARCH 2010

www.goskagit.com .: Vol 29 :. No. 3

PRSR

T S

TDU.

S. P

OSTA

GEPA

IDM

T VE

RNON

WA

PERM

IT N

O. 1

47

Skag

it Pu

blish

ing

PO B

ox 5

78M

ount

Ver

non,

WA

982

74

CONSTRUCTION ISSUE

BUILT GREEN HOMESQuality construction with less ecological impact

RIDING THE RECESSION

Diversifying, remodeling helping Skagit companies

SICBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Builders, vendors offer wares at Skagit Fairgrounds

struction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agricul

rant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shopping Sports & Recreation Agriculture Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Computers & Elec. Construction Education Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Insurance Lawn & Garden Legal Pet Care Real Estate Restaurant Services Shop

An easier & faster way to find local businessesSkagitbiz.com

SkagitBiz.comYellow Pages

MARCH 2010Volume 29 • Number 3

FEATURES

14

MARCH 2010

www.goskagit.com .: Vol 29 :. No. 3

PRSR

T S

TDU.

S. P

OSTA

GEPA

IDM

T VE

RNON

WA

PERM

IT N

O. 1

47

Skag

it Pu

blish

ing

PO B

ox 5

78M

ount

Ver

non,

WA

982

74

CONSTRUCTION ISSUE

BUILT GREEN HOMESQuality construction with less ecological impact

RIDING THE RECESSION

Diversifying, remodeling helping Skagit companies

SICBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Builders, vendors offer wares at Skagit Fairgrounds

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL1215 Anderson Rd.Mount Vernon, WA

98274Editorial: 360.416.2146

Fax: 360.428.0400Advertising: 360.416.2126

©2010 by Skagit Publishing All rights reserved.

Editor: Gordon [email protected]

Display Advertising Manager: Deb [email protected]

Advertising Representatives:Brian Backman: [email protected] Streit: [email protected]

Design & Production: Ashley Crerar

4 Built Green homes:

Creating quality houses with less ecological impact is catching on in Skagit County | by Codi Hamblin

6 Construction outlook:Diversification, remodeling helps Skagit companies weather the recession | by Codi Hamblin

8 Equinox Research:

When construction firms uncover artifacts, a Concrete research firm examines and protects archaeological finds | by Codi Hamblin

14 SICBA Home and Garden Show:

Expertise and wares at 150 booths, plus the raffling of six playhouses, March 19-21 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds | by Gordon Weeks

16 Business briefs

8

Landed GentryPresident Brian Gentry demonstrates how permeable asphalt works in his first Built Greenneighborhood, Montreaux, in Mount Vernon.

Photo by Frank Varga

4 | SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 goskagit.com

Building a durable home that is en-ergy efficient and incorporates aspects of the natural environment is catching on in Skagit County. As customer inter-est in Built Green homes rises, local construction companies are finding a niche for their product. “Green building has just been ramp-ing up,” said Ted Clifton, owner of Zero Energy Home Plans and Clifton View Homes in Coupeville. Clifton is at the forefront of the green building industry both locally and nationally. He serves as chairman for Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association’s Built Green program and as president of Built Green Washing-ton, a nonprofit organization represent-ing Built Green programs throughout the state.

According to the SICBA Web site, its Built Green program has about 80 members from the local construction industry. Local builders who aren’t educated in green building techniques are begin-ning to show interest. As a certified in-structor with the National Association of Home Builders’ “Green Building for Building Professionals” program, Clifton said he’s seeing some changes. Clifton teaches the two-day course in Skagit County and throughout the western United States. He said he’s seen an increase in builder interest with the course as more builders participate and send their supervisors and foremen as well. Chris Deasy, owner of Christopher Homes in Mount Vernon and SICBA

president, has implemented green building techniques since the compa-ny’s inception in 2002. Although the concept is catching on, he said there’s definitely room for improvement. Built Green is a concept Nate Kaplan, owner of Kaplan Homes in Sedro-Woolley, began implementing into his work about three years ago. He currently works in custom homes and remodels. After building and remod-eling tract homes, he said he tired of seeing the lack of quality put into such developments and wanted to build more durable, quality housing. “Quality and Built Green go hand in hand,” Kaplan said. “I think people miss that a lot.” One of Kaplan’s specialties in the green building industry, he said, is insu-

S t o r y b y C o d i H a m b l i n | P h o t o s b y Fr a n k Va r g a

Built Green HomesQuality construction with less ecological impact

Non off-gassing floor surfaces are a Green Built component in this Landed Gentry house in Mount Vernon.

SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 | 5goskagit.com

lated concrete forms — homes insu-lated and structured using polystyrene blocks, rebar and concrete, creating a super-insulated and structurally sound home. Kaplan said it’s important construc-tion companies stay on top of the green building industry because he sees the market heading that direction. In ad-dition, educating the public about the Built Green program is another crucial step for the green building industry. Kaplan’s company hosted an open house featuring a concrete insulated home in February with the purpose to educate guests about Built Green features. He says nine out of 10 guests had never heard about the green build-ing concept. He said not everyone is interested in building green, but some who are usually are unfamiliar with the concept. Most Washington counties operate a Built Green program through the local builders’ association, which authorizes the Built Green status of a home. A certified SICBA Built Green home is based on a point system that designates a star-system rating – one through five with five being the highest. A home’s star rating signifies its ecological im-pact, based on the points derived from the Built Green checklist. The 10-page checklist offers nu-merous options to include in a home ranging from site and storm water use, health and indoor air quality to energy and material efficiency. Two homes rated three stars may differ in checklist items but achieve the same point value, therefore achieving the same ecological footprint according to the items in-cluded in the construction of the home, Clifton said. Each certified Built Green home re-ceives an official concrete plaque. “It’s a permanent marker that this house was done right,” Clifton said. “Our homeowners are really proud of those plaques.” Although the Built Green program is new for most, for others it’s a way to label the building practices they’ve implemented before the term was coined. Implementing insulated sound walls,

constructing a moisture-management system on the exterior of the home, minimizing waste of materials, install-ing low-flow faucets and toilets, and using energy-efficient furnaces are all components of Deasy’s homes he built prior to the Built Green program. “That’s the way I would want my home built,” Deasy said. “I don’t want to build a product I don’t want to live in myself. It’s a good rule of thumb.” Landed Gentry is another company that has always implemented Built Green features into their homes for several years, said Kendra Gentry-Decker, executive vice-president of Landed Gentry Homes and Communi-ties in Burlington. She said according to the Built Green checklist, their homes would qualify for a two-star rating even if they didn’t participate in the Built Green program.

Features that often come to mind for a Built Green home are rain gardens, solar panels and other high-tech gadgets, but are not always the case, said Brian Gentry, Landed Gentry president. Many Built Green homes, like those of Christopher Homes and Landed Gentry, look similar to its conventional cousin. The difference is in the energy bill. Built Green aspects implemented in Landed Gentry homes include non-off

gassing surfaces like hardwood flooring, utilizing natural light and participating in the Energy Star program — a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. Energy Star certified homes, a com-ponent of the Built Green checklist, uses effective insulation, high-perfor-mance windows, tight construction and ducts among other features, according to the program’s Web site. Energy ef-ficient homes can use 30 percent less energy than standard homes. Landed Gentry is also constructing its first all-certified Built Green neighbor-hood, Montreaux. The neighborhood, located in Mount Vernon, will consist of 35 homes, one third which are com-pleted. “We have always put Built Green features in all our homes, but haven’t acknowledged it,” Gentry said. “(Cer-tification) lets customers know what’s included with the home.” The company is also building duplex units that will not be certified but will incorporate Built Green aspects. The most prominent “green” feature in the infill development, located near Oak Street in Burlington, is the permeable asphalt that makes up the street. Storm drains are absent from sidewalks and after a day of rain, no puddles are to be seen since water per-colates through the voids of the asphalt mixture. It’s a rare feature to find in Skagit County, Gentry said, adding that only areas with a certain soil structure, such as the valley floor, is ideal for permeable asphalt. Gentry said the most common ques-tion among Landed Gentry’s clientele is the cost of running the home. Build-ers said as energy resources become increasingly expensive, more customers will be looking for ways to save – Built Green homes appear to be a growing solution for cost savings in the long run. “I certainly think it’s been proven (Built Green) is not a fad; it’s definitely a trend,” Gentry said. “It has a future.”

Features that often come to mind for a Built Green home are rain gardens, solar panels and other

high-tech gadgets, but are not always the case, said

Brian Gentry, Landed Gentry president. Many Built Green homes, like those of Christopher Homes and Landed

Gentry, look similar to its conventional cousin.

The difference is in the energy bill.


Standard Rate0.10% APY*

if requirementsare not met.

Dream Rate**4.01% APY*

on your balancesup to $25,000

Dream Rate**1.01% APY*

on your balancesover $25,000&

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield **Each cycle the minimum requirements are met. If you do not meet the requirements per cycle the account will earn 0.10% APY on the entire balance; Rates are current through the date of this issue; Rates may change after the account is opened; $100 minimum deposit to open. ***When Available

Earn more with Free Dream CheckingPowered by BancVue

1. Use your Debit Card 12 times2. Have one automatic ACH Debit or Credit3. Receive your monthly statement electronically***

All you need to do is complete three simple steps each month:

360.588.9383 TheBankofPacific.com801 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes

Despite a lulling economy, most local building companies that remain in busi-ness are finding work. But as 2010 slowly unfolds, owners say they are not holding their breath for a building boom in the near future.

“I’m continuously optimistic for 2011,” said Nels Strandberg, owner of Strandberg Construction in Anacortes.

The good news, Strandberg added, is 2010 is further from the beginning of the downturn.

He keeps his fingers crossed that housing prices will stabilize in 2010, consequently improving business in the construction industry and making 2011 a more profitable year. His company builds custom and spec homes and some commercial buildings.

Other builders in Skagit County agree they do not expect the industry to pick up any time soon.

Nate Kaplan, owner of Kaplan Homes in Sedro-Woolley, said he doesn’t expect much growth to occur until both state and federal government recognize “they’re hindering and not helping small business” with increased taxes and regulations. Kaplan’s business constructs remodels, custom homes and various government projects.

“Until there’s a more job-friendly environment, I think there’s going to be a lot of the same old, same old for quite a while,” Kaplan said.

According to a national survey re-leased in January by the Associated General Contractors of America, nine out of 10 contractors doubt a recovery in 2010 for the construction industry.

Many builders have been through previous economic downturns. But the current recession is “by far the worst one

S t o r y b y C o d i H a m b l i n | P h o t o s b y Fr a n k Va r g a

Construction OutlookDiversification, remodeling help Skagit County

companies weather the recession

John Piazza Sr. and John Piazza Jr. own and operate Piazza Construction in Mount Vernon.


anyone has gone through,” said John Pi-azza Sr., owner of Piazza Construction in Mount Vernon. The company builds custom homes and commercial build-ings and remodels.

Piazza said the longevity of the re-cession is a major difference.

“This is my fourth major downturn since 1973, and we’ve made it through all of them,” he said. “But it’s the first time I’ve had to lay anybody off.”

Layoffs are something most con-struction companies faced in 2009, and it may not be the last. According to the AGC of America survey, in 2009, 73 percent of contracting firms reported layoffs. In 2010, 60 percent said they are not sure if they will be forced to make further cuts.

Aside from layoffs, local build-ers are buying less materials, adjusting cell phone plans, eliminating employee raises and in some cases decreasing salaries.

Other builders have not experi-enced as many downturns as Piazza, but they agree the current recession is slow to recover. Scott Irving, owner of Irving Construction in Anacortes, said his busi-ness is going into its third year of work-ing with a tight building industry. Irving Construction builds custom homes and neighborhoods and is involved with land acquisition and development.

The recession has also proven dif-ficult for builders and potential home buyers to acquire loans, builders said.

Irving said loans aren’t impossible to get, “just a lot tougher.” If potential homebuyers aren’t already reluctant to spend on a big purchase, it’s even more difficult for them to acquire the neces-sary funding.

Strandberg said most builders are no longer building spec homes, which com-prised 70 percent of his business. He is currently building only custom homes on Fidalgo Island.

“That’s a significant blow to the building industry,” Strandberg said. “It used to be very, very significant.”

But construction hasn’t completely dried up in Skagit County. There are customers, mostly retired, who want to

their dream home regardless of the eco-nomic situation, Irving said.

Several builders said they are cur-rently working and have potential projects for the near future. Irving said he’s seen small signs that people are slowly loosening up when it comes to home construction. Piazza said the of-fice phone has been ringing more, and they’ve started listing customers inter-ested in building or remodeling once the economy turns.

Piazza, Irving, Strandberg and Ka-plan said they are not even close to clos-ing up shop, but are working to maintain their businesses for when the economy turns for the better. Most builders are not making a profit since the majority

According to a national survey released in January by the

Associated General Contractors of America, 9 of 10 contractors

doubt a recovery in 2010 for the construction industry.

of their business has been reduced by more than half.

“I don’t think anyone in construc-tion is really working off sustainable budgets,” said Strandberg, who reports his company went from $12 million a year to $5 million. “We just all really need (the economy) to turn.”

The recession caused some compa-nies to fold.

Piazza said his remodel work is what kept his business steady.

“Remodels are the only thing in the nation that seems to be up,” Piazza said, adding that instead of relocating, people are spending money to upgrade their homes.

Kaplan said in the past couple years, he’s tried to diversify the work to in-clude remodels, custom homes and gov-ernment projects in order to keep his employees busy. The projects, although large in volume, are smaller than usual.

But like other builders, he’s grate-ful for what he’s got. “Thankfully, we do have work,” Kaplan said.


Kelly Bush and her team of archae-ologists are known for digging up his-tory. The members of the archaeologi-cal consulting firm, Equinox Research and Consulting International, Inc., have helped protect archaeological sites in Skagit Valley while occasionally stum-bling onto historical discoveries.

“We encounter human remains that can be thousands of years old,” said Bush, ERCI vice president and princi-pal investigator.

But human remains are only one piece of the historical puzzle the ar-chaeologists encounter. Other cultural resources include ancient tools, hearths and various animal remains that give

clues into life thousands of years ago in the Puget Sound region.

“You never know what you’re going to get,” said Brett Meidinger, a company archaeologist. “It’s kind of like ‘CSI.’”

ERCI, which is headquartered in Concrete, works with public and private entities to assist in devising manage-ment techniques that will protect and conserve cultural resources. Prior to locating in Skagit County in 2002, the company was based in British Colum-bia.

Archaeological sites are protected by state and federal law, even if they ex-ist on private property, Bush said. It’s a felony in Washington to disturb these

sites without the proper permitting, ar-chaeologists included.

“Compliance archaeology” is the bread and butter for the local firm. This work is mandated by a permitting agen-cy, usually during a construction project, and requires specialists to conduct a survey of potential cultural resources on the property prior to proceeding with construction.

Bush finds that most clients are surprised to discover their construction project lies atop an archaeological site.

“Most people don’t realize there are archaeological sites across the land-scape,” she said, adding that Skagit

S t o r y b y C o d i H a m b l i n | P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f E q u i n o x R e s e a r c h

Equinox ResearchConcrete research firm examines, protects archaeological

sites uncovered by construction companies

Equinox Research continued on Pg. 10

Tait Elder, Amy Homan and Kelly Bush excavate at a 3,000-year-old archaelogical site in the North Cascades.


MARCH 19th, 20th & 21stFriday, Saturday & Sunday

360-757-6916 • www.SICBA.org

Presented byMajor Supporter

at The Skagit County Fairgrounds

$4/Person or $6/FamilyTickets available at the gate ~ FREE Parking!

SURPLUS MATERIALS SALESaturday, March 20, 1 PM

CISCOE MORRISSunday, March 21, 1 PM

NEW THIS YEAR:• Garden Court • Playhouse Competition for Local Charities

THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!

647-A Sunset Park Dr. Sedro-Woolley, WALIC#RIGHTWPO77NS

(360) 855-2665

THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!THINK GREEN! GO GREEN!

(360) 855-2665

GET OFF THE GRID...

EveryoneNeeds Power.

Do Your Part Today!

Design and installation of SOLAR PV PanelsRetroFit Existing Homes and New Construction

Our Service is the Difference! Family Owned & Operated

since 1991

Self-Haul Recycle Yard

Drop Boxes • Demolition

Recycling • Property Clean Up

Hauling • www.lautenbachind.com

T&T RECOVERY 360.757.4000

866.732.9256

Recycling can save you money! Call Us.

SALE!SALE!SALE!On

TIRE SALEOur Most Popular ON SALE!

ECLIPSE

Starting at

$6091

NEW FOR2010CUSTOMWHEELS

Starting as low as

$7500

TIRE & WHEELPACKAGES

Burlington Pat Rimmer TIre Center903 S. Burlington Blvd. • 757-0038

Sedro-Woolley Pat Rimmer Tire Center204 W. Moore St. • 855-1033


County alone has thousands of archae-ological sites recorded with the state. Less than 5 percent of the land has been surveyed.

If the other 95 percent was surveyed, tens of thousands of new archaeologi-cal sites would be recorded, Bush said. According to the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, an archaeological site is considered any piece of land that contains the physical remains of human activity.

Bush said there’s a niche for compa-nies like ERCI because state and federal regulations regarding cultural resources, which have been established for years, are becoming increasingly enforced as development encounters these sites.

“People in the process of building or changing the ground in any way really need specialists in the field to help them identify these things and work through (the process),” she said.

Although ERCI is the only cul-tural resource management firm based in Skagit County, it is not the only firm working in the area. About 48 archaeo-logical consulting firms are registered with the department, and about 26 of them are located near Puget Sound.

Bush considers the company a “bou-tique-style” business that uses creative problem solving techniques to meet clients’ needs while protecting cultural resources and the interests of the stake-holders who manage cultural resources.

At a site in Point Roberts, staff worked with a client who was replac-ing a septic system, but found the entire property was located on an archaeologi-cal site. To help the client replace the septic system and preserve the artifacts, ERCI staff found someone to design an above-ground septic system. They then contacted another company to build it.

The result, Bush said, was a win-win

situation for all parties. “His neighbors think it’s gross,” Bush said with a laugh. “But the tribe is happy he wasn’t dig-ging up an archaeological site.”

Bush and Meidinger said the en-couragement to share and argue each others’ ideas helps the team think “out-side the box” and devise quick, effective solutions. Employees share responsibili-ties and contribute various skills unique to archaeology in Western Washington.

“I think our success is a reflection of the strength of our teamwork — of working together and trying to play to each others’ strengths,” Bush said.

Aside from compliance work, the company contracts with federal agen-cies like the National Forest and Park services to assist in cultural research projects.

For the last five years, ERCI has spent six to eight weeks in the spring months working with the North Cas-cades National Park in the Ross Lake Basin. Here they have been collecting and analyzing various data that tells a story about what, when and how people lived thousands of years ago.

During their research, the team dis-covered several hearth features, animal bones including bear, rabbits and moun-tain goats, and evidence of tool making and hide processing. Bush said the team used radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the remnants at one site were at least 6,000 years old.

“That’s much older than people in the past considered the upper reaches of the Skagit (River) to have been used,” Bush said.

While conducting research in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the archaeologists discovered old railroad grades, shovels and fire hoses that were used long ago. They also discovered remnants of logging and construction of railroad trussels.

Bush and Meidinger said although

During their research, the team discovered several hearth features, animal bones including bear, rabbits and mountain goats, and evidence of tool making and hide processing. Bush said the

team used radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the remnants at one site were at least 6,000 years old.

Tait Elder, Kelly Bush and Gordon Herman screen soil for cultural material at a remote setting in the North Cascades


Skagit CountyBUSINESSPULSE

WINNERBEST ACCOUNTANT

2004



2006



2005

Software Training, QuickBooks and MoreElectronic Filing Available • A.M. & P.M. Appointments Available


FINALISTBEST ACCOUNTANT

2003



1999



2000

Achieving the next level

John R. Brown, CPA, INC., PSCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSPERSONAL FINANCIAL SPECIALIST

Call 360/336-65111129 Riverside Dr., Suite BMount Vernon, Washington

[email protected]

Thank You for Your Votes!• Individuals • 1040s & tax planning • Small business • Corporations • Partnerships

• Sole proprietors • LLC • Trusts & estates • Tax planning consultations • State & Federal Tax Representation • Retirement planning • Business Valuations • Bookkeeping & Payroll services • Financial Statements • Audits

Our Expertise Can SaveYou Time & Money.



2002



2007



2008

- SINCE 1977 -


2009

BUSINESSSkagit County

PULSE

they don’t get to participate in research work very often, it is the most interest-ing and exciting part of the job. It’s fun to collect stone and soil samples and pull the information into an interesting story, Bush said.

Meidinger recalls her excitement of selecting the artifacts to radiocarbon at the Ross Lake archaeological site. She says it was luck that she selected the particular pieces of charcoal that al-lowed them to date the archaeological site back thousands of years.

“That was pretty darn exciting and pretty unexpected,” Meidinger said.

In addition to conducting research and cultural resource management ser-vices, employees participate in commu-nity outreach. Each year, staff hosts a booth at the Skagit Family Festival, give classroom presentations to area schools and provide trainings to groups that often encounter archaeology sites, like city public works departments or devel-opment contractors.

Two of the company’s employees

teach at Whatcom Community College and one at Western Washington Univer-sity.

Offering community outreach and trainings — an activity unique to ERCI — helps create good archaeological stewards because it teaches people about what to do, or not to do, should

they discover cultural materials, Bush said.

“If you can create stewards in the big world … they’re the ones who are going to protect the archaeological sites for you,” she said.

Equinox Research continued on Pg. 13

Brett Meidinger analyzes soil samples for ancient plan remains.


Thank You, Skagit Valley!AAA Travel is extremely proud to have been named the winner of the 2009 Skagit Business Pulse

People’s Choice Award for Best Travel Agency. To those who have used our travel services, we thank you. And to those who have not, we welcome the opportunity to serve you.

THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL WITH AAA INCLUDE:No Service Fees on Cruises and Tours* – Unlike most travel agencies, AAA does

not charge service fees on cruises and tours, so you save money from the beginning.

You Don’t Have to Be a Member to Use AAA Travel – AAA Travel is open to the general public, so you don’t have to be a member to take advantage of our great service and savings.

We’re the Largest Leisure Travel Company in Washington – Our nearly $100 million in travel bookings result in tremendous buying power, and great deals and savings for you.

Safety and Security – For more than 100 years, travelers have put their trust in AAA to protect their travel investment.

Travel Expertise – Our travel experts help you plan your trip and save you money.

We Work With World Class Travel Partners – We work with the travel industry’s best cruise and tour companies, so you know you are dealing with high-quality, � nancially strong companies, such as the ones listed below.

*AAA does not charge service fees on the purchase of cruises and tour packages. Other service fees may apply for items such as airline tickets, passports, fees imposed by other companies or government entities, etc. Agency# 178-018-521

CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS!AAA Mount Vernon O� ce: 1600 E. College Way, Suite A

Local Telephone: (360) 428-5800Surrounding Area: (800) 430-9001


During the trainings, participants learn what to look for on the job. They are shown photos and samples of arti-facts, like bones, tools and stone. People often don’t realize that if they come across bones, human or not, they need to contact someone — usually 911, Bush said.

The diversity of the job is what staff find most interesting about the busi-ness of archaeological consulting. The company works with lawyers, engineers, biologists and other scientists. A major part of the job is to understand the laws, Bush said, adding that they work as con-sultants, not enforcers.

Being in the field researching and problem solving are what make the meetings, paper work and intensive lab work worthwhile, Bush said. For Mei-dinger, it’s the diversity of the day-to-day work that attracts her to the busi-ness.

“Every site is different, every proj-ect is different,” Meidinger said. “From that you learn a lot. It doesn’t get mo-notonous, that’s for sure.”

Meidinger says part of the signifi-cance of their work is protecting cul-tural resources for future research and generations to learn about. If the arti-facts are dug through, then they’re gone and nobody will know what it was, she added.

“In a large part we’re doing protec-tion, and occasionally, changing the face of history,” Meidinger said.

Equinox Research continued from Pg. 11

Sarah Kamp sketches hearth feature objects at an ancient site in

the North Cascades

1� | SKAGIT BUSINESS PULSE | March 2010 goskagit.com

It’s time for the 30th annual Skagit Island County Association Home and Garden Show, and this year’s event will feature about 150 booths, where build-ers and vendors of home products can show their wares.

The event in Mount Vernon occurs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday March 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday March 20, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday March 21 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia St.

Among the services and goods are composting, insulation, window tinting, pump drilling, pest control, plumbing, painting, electric work, home design and construction, flooring, lighting,

security systems, cabinets, heating and cooling, landscaping, birdhouses, concrete, siding, sealcoating, air ducts, wastewater treatment, furniture, mulch-ing and solar panels.

Admission is $4 per person, or $6 per family. On opening day Friday, all seniors and active military and their families are admitted free. The show is presented by SICBA and Skagit Publishing.

A new event is the SICBA Play-house Challenge. SICBA members built six playhouses that will be raffled off during the weekend, with the proceeds going to each team’s favorite charities: Josephine Sunset House, For-gotten Children’s Fund M Bar Ranch, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, Skagit Habitat for Humanity, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, and The Landing. The participating builders and companies include MHE International LLC, Hagge Design As-sociates, ProBuild of Coupeville, Skagit Drywall Inc., Cedar Creek Lumber, Skagit Habitat for Humanity, Spane Buildings Inc., Cascade Lumber, Right Way Plumbing and Heating, Christo-pher Homes, and Pharaoh’s Construc-tion.

Attendees are asked to vote for their favorite design, which will be awarded with a “Best of Show’’ trophy.

“As I was building a playhouse to benefit Habitat for Humanity for the 2009 SICBA Home Show, I had a thought,’’ said Thom Richter of Pha-raoh’s Construction and the committee chairman of this year’s show. “We are an association of builders and suppliers, why couldn’t we create a competition, and engage more of our members to build playhouses to benefit the com-munity?’’

S t o r y b y G o r d o n We e k s | P h o t o b y S c o t t Te r r e l l / C i s c o e M o r r i s C o u r t e s y P h o t o

SICBA Home ShowExpertise, inspiration awaits March 19-21 at Skagit Fairgrounds

Ciscoe Morris


Kenneth Killpack DDSRussel Borneman DDS

1218 29th St Suite AAnacortes, WA 98221

360.293.8451Mercury Free Since ‘83

DON’T GET YOUR MERCURY “SILVER” FILLINGS REMOVED!Unless your dentist practices the safe mercury removal protocols

recommended by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Find a safe mercury free dentist at www.IAOMT.org today!

The six playhouses will be unveiled at a SICBA event March 17 at the Cotton Tree Inn in Mount Vernon, but Spane Buildings, Inc. owner Jim Vane offered a peak at the structure under construction at his Mount Vernon busi-ness. The 6-by-8-foot playhouse sports a small patio, cedar shingles, composite decking, hardware floors, and a deco-rative foam fireplace. A solar panel on the roof helps power the battery under the porch, which lights the four dormers.

A surplus sale is conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday. Popular TV and radio gar-dening specialist Ciscoe Morris returns to the show to give a presentation at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Pavilion building.

For information, call the SICBA office at 360-757-6916 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Four members formed SICBA in June 1979 after deciding they could better represent themselves than an industry group based in Bellingham or Seattle; two months later, the group

had 22 builders and 30 associates who applied for a national charter.

In its mission statement, the group states, “We are your neighbors and community leaders, providing educa-tion and support for building industry professionals. We promote jobs for local people, encouraging home owner-ship and sustainable growth in Skagit and Island counties.”

Member benefits include reduced rates on homebuilders insurance, state and national affiliation, networking opportunities, lobbying representation, information and resources.

Felix Galindo of Spane Buildings, Inc. in Mount Vernon

takes a break from constructing one of the six

playhouses that will be raffled off for charities at the SICBA

Home and Garden Show.


BUSINESS Briefs

NEW BUSINESSES DeAnna’s Place Deli hosted a grand

opening party and ribbon cutting cer-emony Feb. 12 at 133 E. Rio Vista Ave., Burlington.

NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONSJeff Westergard and James Bundy

are new employees at Rat Race Kart-ing, 1635 S. Walnut St., Burlington. Both are experienced drivers and pit crew members and have raced at Skagit and Deming speedways. The center opened in August 2009 and offers mini golf, X-Box on a 6-foot screen, an arcade and electric karts.

Vhari Rust-Clark is a new hygien-ist at the Roosevelt Dental Center in Mount Vernon. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene in 1998. She is employed by Dr. Charlie Collins and Dr. Ute Collins. Her background includes teaching, volun-teering, and being an active member of the Washington State Dental Hygienists Association.

Melissa Doerge, LMP, and Denise Davis, LMP, joined the staff at North-west Chiropractic, 1601A William Way, Mount Vernon. The two licensed mas-sage therapists are preferred providers for most medical insurance, Labor & Industries and auto injury claims.

MOVES/NEW OWNERSKey Bank plans to open a branch at

1600 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The site currently is home to Carquest Auto Parts.

Central Welding Supply is scheduled this month to open a new location at 9026 Molly Lane, Anacortes.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Barbara and Robert Atterberry, co-owners of Avenue Catering in Burling-ton, recently received the Mount Ver-non Chamber of Commerce’s “Rising Star” award for best new business. The award is decided by peers. The couple also owns Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon in Anacortes.

Stephanie Hamilton, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce program and events director, recently graduated from the Institute for Organization Manage-ment, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Graduates receive IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of comprehensive course of study consisting of four annual one-week sessions focusing on professional growth and development in nonprofit management.

Dr. Gary Tollefson, president of Skagit Valley College, recently received the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors “Citizen of the Year Award.” The award was presented to Tollefson at the organization’s general member-ship luncheon at the Best Western Cot-ton Tree Inn in Mount Vernon. “I was honored to be recognized by the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors,” Tollefson stated in a press release. The award acknowledges a person who demonstrates outstanding contributions to the community as a private citizen, elected or appointed official, educator or business professional. Tollefson was honored for his presence at noteworthy community events, his positive attitude


Bridging the Technology Gap!Your single source office technology provider

• Fast and Friendly Professionals • Document Management Strategies• Expert Service and Sales • Scan to E-mail, FTP, or File• Low Cost Color Printing Systems • Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Digital Printers & Copiers

• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow Efficiencies• Improved Workflow EfficienciesAuthorized Dealer

1575 Port Drive www.oasysinc.com 360-755-0309

BUSINESS Briefs

and persistent “call to action” to the community with regard to the impor-tance of the college to the area.

GOOD WORKSSandy Westad is collecting shoes for

the victims of the Haiti earthquake at her Anacortes store, New Beginnings. Westad said she was inspired by a TV news report about Port Orchard resi-dent Molly Hightower, a missionary to children at a Haitian orphanage who died during the earthquake. Informa-tion: 360-873-8663.

OPPORTUNITIESCascade Mall in Burlington has part-

nered with the American Red Cross to collect monetary donations — in cash, checks and credits cards — to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti re-ceive food, water, shelter and medical help. A collection site is located at guest services, which is near the center court. The mall is unable to accept other types of relief donations, such as clothing, food or medical supplies. Monetary do-nations are also being accepted online at www.redcross.org. Information: www.shopcascademall.com.

The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Skagit Young Profession-als group meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at rotating loca-tions. The cost is $5 for chamber mem-bers, and $10 for non-members. The group also meets at 4 p.m. every Friday at Max Dale’s martini lounge for happy hour and discussion with rotating topics and speakers, with no admission charge. Information: 360-428-8547, www.Skagi-tYoungProfessionals.com, or e-mail [email protected].

The Anacortes Chamber of Com-merce is partnering with the BusinessResource Center in Mount Vernon to offer business consulting services to

Anacortes businesses. The free meetings can be arranged in either Anacortes or Mount Vernon with the Service Corps of Retired Executives or the Small Busi-ness Development Specialist through the Economic Development Associa-tion of Skagit County.

The networking group Skagit Val-ley Business Network International seeks motivated, ethical profession-als to meet at 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the Elks lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Information: Jeanette Coffey at 360-961-7441 or Doug Faber at 360-336-3535.

Skagit Valley College’s Displaced Homemaker Program offers free monthly classes on career exploration and job-search techniques to assist those who have become sole supporters of their families. Call 360-416-7762.

Goodwill offers a three-month retail and customer service training program at its Mount Vernon store. Students receive detailed classroom instruction and hands-on experience working in the store to prepare them to enter the workforce. Call 360-848-0646.

The Mount Vernon Visitor’s Infor-mation Center seeks volunteers to com-mit to four hours a week. The center, op-erated by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, sees almost 65,000 peo-ple each year. Volunteers answer almost 15,000 phone calls annually. Contact

Kristen at 360-428-8547 or [email protected].

The Economic Development As-sociation of Skagit County hosts the business-to-business expo Schmooze-Fair Thursday, April 15. Market your business to other business owners and community leaders. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, live jazz music, a silent auction, contests and prize drawings. A sponsorship costs $1,100, and includes booth space. A corner or premium booth is $425, a standard booth $380, a double booth $650, a non-profit booth $280. Tickets to the event are $12 each. Information: 360-336-6114.

The Western Washington Univer-sity Center for Economic Vitality hosts “Social Media Conference NW 2010” March 25 at the McIntyre Hall Per-forming Arts and Conference Center in Mount Vernon. The theme is “Evolv-ing Marketing Conversations.” The ses-sions are designed for business owners and managers of small-to-medium sizes businesses, marketing and communica-tions managers, and professionals work-ing in or with larger organizations. The cost is $225 if registered by 5 p.m. March 11, $275 after that. Information and reg-istration: 360-733-4014 or www.social-mediaconferencenw.com.

The Skagit County Chambers of Commerce and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival host a tourism training seminar


from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 in the community room at the Cascade Mall in Burlington. The semi-nar is free to chamber members and Tu-lip Festival sponsors, $10 each for every-one else. Register by March 9 by calling 360-428-5959.

The Economic Development As-sociation of Skagit County hosts educa-tional sessions at its offices at 204 West Montgomery, Mount Vernon. Advance registration is required at 360-336-6114 and www.skagit.org. They include plan-ning and financing a business from 1-4:30 p.m. March 9, free; understanding the Department of Revenue require-ments II from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 11, $10-$12; and finding government contracting opportunities from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 24, $15-$25.

The Dispute Resolution Center and Washington State University Exten-sion offer the five-session seminar “The Power of Process: Facilitation for Chal-lenging Times” from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays May 7, 14, 21, 28 and Saturday May 8. Information and registration: 360-542-8488 or www.voaww.org/doc and click on the training tab.

MISCELLANEOUS During its 2009 campaign, the United

Way of Skagit County raised $972,651. It is a record for the local agency. Unit-ed Way helps residents in need of food, shelter and other essential services, as well as local youth.

Polly’s Coffee Shop, 9029A Chucka-nut Drive in Bow, recently replaced its almost 20-year-old building with a new one. The owner is Julieanna Hansen.

Skagit Valley College’s Automo-tive Technology program has received national certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excel-lence (ASE) for another five years. The program has been certified in these ar-eas: engine repair, engine performance, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, brakes, suspension and steering, manual transmissions and

automatic transmissions. To achieve the recognition, the program underwent a rigorous evaluation by the NATF. Na-tionally-accepted standards of excel-lence in such areas as instruction, fa-cilities and equipment were used. “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,’’ NATEF Chairman Donald Seyfer stated in a press release. “Because this program increases cooperation between education and industry leaders, it gives

added assurances that Skagit Valley College graduates will be employable as entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by SVC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.’’

wxm

I’m your online source for what’s happening locally. I can connect you to breaking news,

events, contests, local ads and other useful resources.

I’m here for everybody who wants to get the most out of living in Skagit County.

Optimism IsContagious.

Making Life A Little EasierMEMBER FDIC

WhidbeyIsland Bank

Date post:	19-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	skagit-publishing
View:	219 times
Download:	5 times

Skagit Business Pulse | Mar 2010

Documents