Residents: focus on economic development
A Washington State University study found Washington residents think economic development should be a top priority for tax dollars.
Nearly half of those surveyed by WSU’s Social and Economic Sciences Research Center in November said the economy was the state’s biggest issue, followed by health care and education at 16 percent each. Jobs and wages, lower taxes and the environment followed at 11 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively.
In September, education was considered the highest priority by 34 percent.
State budget gets back to black
Washington State Gov. Chris Gregoire has cut $260 million in spending, pulling the state budget out of the red for the fiscal biennium ending June 30, 2009.
The state will also save $330 million through hiring freezes and savings on out-of-state travel, personal service contracts and equipment purchases. Gregoire called for a second economic stimulus package employing people on public works projects and boosting food stamps and health care services, according to the Office of the Governor.
With Washington, 40 other states are in deficits or projecting them in the coming budget cycle.
The state budget will be finalized Dec. 20.
Clark County passes budget with cuts
The Board of Clark County Commissioners Dec. 4 adopted its 2009-2010 budget, which is 6 percent smaller than last year’s.
The $994 million budget calls for cutting about 150 jobs in January, some of which are vacant. Salaries were frozen for management and elected officials.
General fund departments lost nearly $6.7 million and Law and Justice lost $8.16 million.
The board passed a resolution to use part of the county’s road fund for sheriff’s patrols and adopted measures to maintain a general fund balance large enough to demonstrate financial stability.
Emergency unemployment extended
President Bush signed legislation in late November to extend emergency unemployment benefits in Washington State.
The program will give unemployed workers as much as 13 weeks in additional benefits, for a total of 33 weeks.
Statewide, unemployment claims are 50 percent higher than last year. Initial applications can be submitted to the state Employment Security Department through March 28, and approved claims can be paid through Aug. 29.
Those currently receiving the benefits do not need to apply.
Tidewater christens barge, tug boat
Vancouver-based Tidewater Holdings Inc. christened a converted double-hulled liquid products barge and a repowered tug boat Nov. 21.
The former single-hulled grain barge was named The New Frontier and includes high-level alarms and equipment for vapor recovery and spill response.
The tugboat Rebel has new electronically-controlled diesel engines to reduce emissions 85 percent and boost fuel efficiency 25 percent.
Troutdale-based Sundial Marine put in 70,000 hours in 10 months for the conversions.
River Maiden Coffee plans reopening
Vancouver-based River Maiden Coffee signed a lease for a commercial space at 701 Main St. in Vancouver.
The space in the Centurion Building is three blocks from River Maiden’s previous shop at the former indoor Vancouver Farmer’s Market site, which closed in 2007. The new shop will open in February or March.
River Maiden’s flagship shop is on Devine Road in Vancouver. The 6-year-old company is known for a specialty coffee that sells for $15 per cup, according to the company.
Chamber seeks business award nominations
The Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce will accept nominations for 2008 Business Person and Citizen of the Year through Dec. 15.
The business award will go to a chamber member who owns or operates a business in the 98604 zip code and has had new developments, works to benefit other businesses and is involved with professional organizations.
The citizen award is based on community service, volunteerism and leadership in Battle Ground.
Nominations can be sent to drivera@battlegroundchamber.org or to the chamber at 2210 W. Main St., Suites 107-345, Battle Ground, WA, 98604.
Shoe seller collects shoes for charity
Vancouver-based When the Shoe Fits will collect gently worn shoes for donation to Nashville-based Shoes4Souls Inc. through Dec. 31.
Donors will receive a $10 coupon to use at the store’s Fisher’s Landing and Salmon Creek locations, which will become ongoing drop-off sites for the charity.
Donated shoes will go to disaster victims and people living in extreme poverty.
Store owners Amy and Alan O’Hara will also donate 100 pairs of new shoes to the cause.
Papa Murphy’s fights hunger
Vancouver-based Papa Murphy’s pizza launched its Feed Your Neighbor campaign to benefit Feeding America.
The hunger relief organization, formerly America’s Second Harvest, serves more than 25 million Americans annually. Papa Murphy’s customers can donate to the cause through Dec. 24 at www.papamurphys.com.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Feds award $2M to development council
The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council received a $2 million grant to support careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The United States Department of Labor awarded the grant to serve 850 people, including 500 disadvantaged youth, with assessment, training, job search assistance and more. The grant will fund STEM-related work with high schools and alternative schools.
STEM-related industries produced almost half of U.S. economic growth in the last 50 years, according to DOL.
BANKING + FINANCE
iQ boosts ATM access
Members of Vancouver-based iQ Credit Union can now access cash at 13 Walgreens stores in Clark County.
The iQ-branded ATMs don’t have surcharges for members. The machines are owned and operated by Houston-based Cardtronics.
REAL ESTATE + DEVELOPMENT
Grant Building gains two tenants
The Fleming Marketing Group and trainer Mark C. Hughes are new tenants of The Grant Building at 3811 “H” St. in Vancouver’s Uptown Village.
FMG was previously based in Brush Prairie and provides executive coaching, small business consultation and marketing services.
Hughes’ office headquarters The Karma Institute, which provides business coaching, workshops and retreats.
