FEMA to give retailers legal help
Retailers impacted by winter storms and flooding in Washington can get legal help from a new federal hotline.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's new round-the-clock legal line will serve 15 Washington counties, including Cowlitz County. Help topics include property insurance claims, hiring contractors, replacing legal documents and landlord/tenant issues.
The toll-free hotline, 1-866-519-7099, is operated by the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division.
Acorn Deli adds to services
Joellen Fixel has expanded the service offerings of Vancouver-based Acorn Deli, Wine and Catering.
Fixel previously ran a deli at Vancouver Marketplace, and shifted focus to catering in May 2008 with her move to 2501 S.E. Columbia Way, Suite 270.
She added breakfast, lunch and wine services in early 2009.
REAL ESTATE + DEVELOPMENT
Builders make progress in Chapter 11 sale
The new home liquidation sale launched by Vancouver-based Pacific Lifestyle Homes and Portland-based Legend Homes has netted 33 home sales.
The builders filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2008, and teamed up in January to sell more than 100 homes in the Vancouver-Portland metro area. All homes in the sale must be sold by March 31 for the companies to remain on target with their reorganization plans.
DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION
BIA will award trade scholarships
The Building Industry Association of Clark County and its charitable subsidiary, the Building Futures Foundation, will award college students $1,000 scholarships. Students pursuing study in a field that benefits the building trade are eligible for the awards. More information can be found at the association's website, www.biaofclarkcounty.org.
BANKING + FINANCE
CCU president to join BECU
Parker Cann, president and chief executive officer of Columbia Credit Union, will leave CCU at the end of April to join Boeing Employees' Credit Union on May 4 as its senior vice president and corporate counsel.
Cann, who has nearly 30 years of financial industry experience, led CCU's efforts to reduce loan portfolio risk. The credit union has begun its search to find a replacement, which is expected to take a minimum of three months.
Columbia River Bank will move some operations from Vancouver
The Dalles-based Columbia River Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Bancorp., will relocate several administrative departments from downtown Vancouver to The Dalles by mid-year. About 30 support positions will move to the administrative headquarters, while some innovation and technology and human resources personnel will remain in Vancouver.
Once the relocation is complete, the bank will employ 335 people, down 27 percent from a high point in August 2008.
