Thursday, October 30, 2008

Winter Shelter Program Draws 1,400 Volunteers; Starts November 1st

35 FAITH GROUPS, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PITCH IN

Clark County, WA: For the sixth year in a row, the Winter Hospitality Overflow program will provide emergency shelter at two churches as the weather turns cold and rainy. Those additional shelter beds will be available beginning November 1.

The program is a collaborative effort of the Council for the Homeless, Share, St. Paul Lutheran, St. Andrew Lutheran and 1,400 volunteers, many from more than 35 faith communities.

Since September 1, 2008, more than 800 people calling the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse were turned away because the existing shelters were full. Many callers started asking about the availability of the winter shelter in September.

Over the winter last season 675 people found haven through the Winter Hospitality Overflow program.

St. Paul in downtown Vancouver will offer beds to up to 24 single men while St. Andrew in Orchards will accommodate single women, couples, and families, up to 42 people.

Those seeking shelter need to call the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse at 360-695-9677.

Starting November 1, single men seeking shelter in WHO should call the Clearinghouse, rather than contacting Share House directly. The Clearinghouse will take calls from families and couples beginning at 9 a.m. and from single men starting at 11 a.m.

As in past years, the program will be staffed by volunteers. This year, more than 35 groups have pledged to help. New volunteers, groups or individuals, are welcome and donations are also gratefully accepted. Items needed are food, hygiene items such as soap and shampoo, clothing and paper products.

Pearl O’Brien is the WHO Coordinator this year. An AmeriCorps*Vista volunteer, O’Brien joined the Council in September. She can be contacted at 360-699-5106 or by email at who.vista@icfth.com for information about volunteering or donating to the program.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Chamber Board Opposes Initiative 985

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted at its Oct. 23, 2008 board meeting to accept a recommendation from the Chamber’s public affairs committee to oppose Initiative 985.

The board voted unanimously to oppose the measure, billed as the “Reduce Congestion Initiative” sponsored by tax activist Tim Eyman “primarily for the reason that the measure allocates general fund dollars for a specific transportation issue, continues Clark County as a donor to Puget Sound funding and unduly restricts the ability to use the highway system to provide alternative modes of transportation.”


The measure would open high-occupancy vehicle lanes to all traffic during specified hours, require traffic light synchronization, increase roadside assistance funding and dedicate certain taxes, fines, tolls and other revenues to traffic-flow areas.

Identity Clark County (ICC) has also taken a stand against the initiative. The GVCC and ICC have partnered together to run an advertisement that urges citizens to vote “no” on the initiative. The ad will run in the Oct. 31 issue of the Vancouver Business Journal.

Both groups oppose Eyman’s initiative, stating that it removes more than $100 million annually from the general fund; reduces allocations for education, criminal justice, health care and other priorities; as well as clogs HOV lanes used by public transit and van pools.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Nominations Sought for Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Now is the time of year when we call for nominations to fill seats on our Board of Directors.

Nominees must be a Member of our Chamber of Commerce for a minimum of six months and possess a desire to actively participate in our organization in a leadership capacity not limited to:

Participating in a minimum of two committees

Attend Monthly Board Meeting

Participate in Annual Events

Represent our Chamber of Commerce in a professional capacity

Should you be interested or would care to nominate a candidate please send a letter of interest along with a brief bio here to the office where we will then give it to the Nominating Committee for consideration.

The Committee will meet the first week of November to make decisions on the 2009 Slate of Officers and Directors and an announcement will be made at the November 6th General Meeting.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Green Building Wins Design Award

Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union’s green-built Washougal branch won a Community
Pride Design Award. The award recognizes outstanding Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development.

Completed in April 2008, Columbia’s Washougal branch is the first financial building that meets
strict LEED, green building standards in Clark County. A team of experts in sustainable architecture, design and operations incorporated green building components into the branch at every level with respect to its physical surroundings, the environment and the members and staff who occupy the building.

“We believe that our sustainability leadership sets us apart in the marketplace as an innovative
organization,” said Columbia CEO Parker Cann. “And, we hope our green building efforts will inspire others to consider sustainable practices themselves.”

Project nominations were evaluated on a range of criteria including aesthetics, pedestrian
friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability. “Columbia’s Washougal branch exemplifies the spirit of these awards,” said committee member Helen Devery. “The committee was very impressed by the thoughtful and sustainable design of the building. The entire community can truly be proud of this new branch.”

An awards ceremony will be held November 10th at the Clark County Public Service Center to
honor this year’s winners. Since 1996, more than 100 projects representing commercial, industrial, residential development, public facilities and restoration efforts have been recognized.
Columbia’s second green branch, located at Grand Central, opened in June 2008 and is
Vancouver’s first financial building that meets strict LEED standards. For more information about Columbia’s green practices, please visit www.columbiacu.org.

County to Take Applications for Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board has an opening for someone to represent the business community or a public sector employer of people with developmental disabilities.

The board makes recommendations to the county commissioners relating to developmental disabilities services. Members serve terms of three years. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver.

People with diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000 or e-mail – jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov by Nov. 12.

For more information, contact Mary Strehlow at (360) 397-2130.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools Announced

Influential Mayors Partner With USGBC to Advance Green Schools

October 16, 2008 – (Washington, DC) – Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami and Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle today announced the formation of the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to strategically harness the leadership and creativity of mayors across the country to promote the benefits of green schools in their communities. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Alliance will work to accelerate implementation of programs supporting the 2007 U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) resolution calling for green schools for all children within a generation.

“As mayors, we know all too well that schools are the heart of our communities, as they represent the promise we make to our children and future generations, a promise of learning and of opportunity,” said Mayor Diaz, President of the US Conference of Mayors. “With this alliance, we are coming together and reconfirming our promise to the health and learning of our children, and ensuring that future generations are mindful of the importance of protecting our environment.”

"I’ve seen the enormous impact mayors have when they unite around a common goal," said Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, who launched the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, which advances the goals of the Kyoto Protocol and now boasts nearly 900 mayor signatories. "This new coalition of mayors will shine the light on the countless opportunities to make our schools greener, our students and teachers healthier and our communities stronger."

“As first responders to the needs of their communities, mayors are the vanguard of sustainable development in our country,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC, “and USGBC wants to do all we can to support them, especially in this critically important initiative. “We have Green School Advocacy Committees in 80 local USGBC chapters throughout the country, and we are putting them at the mayors’ disposal to advance opportunities, programs and initiatives that champion green school causes and help them publicly celebrate their successes.”

Together with Mayor Diaz and Mayor Nickels, Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco, Cal; Mayor Will Wynn, Austin, Texas; Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore, Md., Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines, Iowa; and Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids, Mich.; have put forth a call to mayors around the country to join this important effort to support green schools for all children.

“This new Alliance dovetails perfectly with Baltimore’s new Sustainability agenda,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “It also will provide more ways to support our ongoing efforts to promote the health and well-being of our students as we improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of our school facilities.”

Mayors across the country are leading efforts to deliver the benefits of green schools to their communities. For example, EcoMedia is working with mayors in Miami and San Francisco to leverage innovative public‐private partnerships that create new opportunities for green school projects.

Other Alliance initiatives will work to:
• Develop and create public‐private partnerships with a local business to allow schools to plant a green roof, install a solar garden or start a recycling program.
• Help school districts green their existing facilities through the Clinton Climate Initiative’s K‐12 Retrofit Program.
• Encourage state legislatures to create policies and incentives for green school improvements.
• Engage in a national dialogue about green schools, green jobs and green infrastructure.

Clark County Permit Centers Reduce Hours Open to The Public

Vancouver, WA – Beginning Monday, October 27, Community Development permit centers will reduce the hours they are open to the public. “This decrease is due to recently announced staff reductions resulting from economic conditions and the downturn in our business,” says Community Development Director Marty Snell.

The main permit center, located in Vancouver at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., will be open:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Battle Ground permit center, located in the Gardner Center, 1808 SW 9th Ave., Bldg C, Suite 101, will be open:
• Wednesday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.
• Staff will answer questions and provide information, but will not have the ability to accept payments, receive applications or issue permits at this location.

Snell said 23 employees were recently informed that they will be laid off from their jobs in the next two months. The 2008 construction season brought no relief from the slowdown that began in 2006 and he sees no substantial change before the end of 2009.

“We are sorry that our new hours will be less convenient for some customers and hope they will be patient during these difficult times,” Snell said. “It’s hard for us to lose so many top-notch employees. But Community Development remains dedicated to providing essential services and developing efficiencies to address the current economic conditions.”

Three Creeks Advisory Group to Hear About Economic Development

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Three Creeks Advisory Council will meet Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be open to the public, at the offices of the Clark Regional Wastewater District, 8000 NE 52nd Court, in the Hazel Dell area.

The council will hear a discussion about prospects for economic development in the Three Creeks Special Planning Area.

The Board of Clark County Commissioners appointed the council to assist the county on transportation, land-use planning and related issues in the planning area, which includes unincorporated areas around Hazel Dell, Felida, Lake Shore, Salmon Creek and the county fairgrounds.

County Calls For Applications For Solid Waste Advisory Group

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC) is a volunteer advisory group to the Board of Clark County Commissioners. This group makes recommendations on solid waste, recycling, and waste reduction programs and issues in the community. This group also makes recommendations on landfills and transfer facilities.

There is a vacant position on the commission for a person living in Southeast Clark County (boundaries are south of 179th Street and East of Highway 503). Commission members serve a three-year volunteer term. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. For more information, please contact Anita Largent, Clark County Public Works, 360-397-6118 ext. 4484.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

2008 Authors & Illustrators Dinner & Auction featuring Vancouver’s Lisa Jackson

VANCOUVER, Wash.—The annual Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation Authors & Illustrators Dinner & Auction will be held Monday, November 10. The fundraising event will feature local romantic suspense author Lisa Jackson. Jackson has published more than 85 novels, has 10 million copies in print, and has appeared on the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today’s Bestseller Lists. The Foundation helps support programs provided by the 13 libraries and 3 bookmobiles operated by the FVRL District in Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, and portions of Cowlitz County. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington and will include a silent auction as well as dinner. The Hilton is located at 301 W 6th Street in Vancouver, Washington. Tickets are $60 each and tables for 10 are still available. This event will sell out. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, call the Foundation at 360-699-8846.

Author’s Circle Sponsors: The Columbian and The Hilton Vancouver Washington
Publisher’s Circle Sponsors: Howard S Wright Constructors

Editor’s Circle Sponsors: Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, Presentation Services, and Stoel Rives

Illustrator’s Circle Sponsors: Bank of America, Friends of Battle Ground Community Library, Berger-ABAM Engineers/JD White, Davidson Benefits Planning, LLC, Bank of Clark County, Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Kramer Gehlen Associates, Inc., Realvest Corporation, Smith-Root, and Stein Distributing, Inc.

MAX MUSCLE “FLEXES” ITS WAY INTO WASHINGTON

Local Entrepreneur Opens Vancouver Location

Anaheim, Calif. – Max Muscle, the nation’s premier franchise in sports nutrition, weight loss and fitness, announces the opening of its newest retail outlet at 9301 NE 5th Ave-Ste.102 in Vancouver’s Hazel Dell Towne Center. The new location is owned and operated by Trevor Bryant.

The store is the first of two area locations to be opened by Trevor Bryant. The expansion into the local market is part of a national growth plan to break into markets including Colorado and Illinois, as well as expand Max Muscle’s existing presence in markets such as California, Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Oregon and Nevada. With more than 125 locations currently operating across the U.S., company plans call for 500 new franchises in the next five years.

“I am incredibly excited about joining the Max Muscle team and building upon the brand’s already strong history and loyal customer base,” Bryant said. “With the population growing older and obesity problems on the rise, I look forward to offering the highest quality line of sports nutrition products and athletic gear to local customers.”

Already a big player in the $16 billion a year nutritional supplement market, Max Muscle offers a diverse but integrated product mix of innovative nutritional supplements and fashionable athletic apparel that targets a broad consumer base with a true passion for fitness and health. Founded by athletes committed to living a healthy lifestyle gained from exercise and nutrition, Max Muscle carries its own line of sports and general nutritional supplements, as well as sells competing products, and employs only certified nutritionists who provide unmatched consulting end educational services.

“Differing from other brands in the sports nutrition industry, Max Muscle sits down with clients to learn about what their fitness regime is in order to recommend the right products,” Bryant added, highlighting each store’s Max Muscle Information Center featuring flat-screen televisions with an interactive library and on-line meal, exercise, and nutritional planning software.

“At this location, we also offer customers a program called ‘Max Meal Plans,’” added Bryant. “This entails nutritional counseling where we sit down in a one-on-one session and create meal plans for our customers. We have already seen great success with this program and are eager to help other Vancouver residents in the future.”

To contact Max Muscle of Vancouver, please call (360) 573-7099

Friday, October 10, 2008

VCHS Establishes Residency in Their New Facility

After 11 years of existence, Vancouver Christian High School launched their 2008-2009 school year in their new permanent home. The 24,000 square feet of school space is a welcomed change compared to the 8,000 square feet space the students were accustomed to. The past several months, VCHS has opened its doors to the community as we have hosted such events as, VCHS 2008 Auction and our Annual Dinner Theater. We are grateful to have this space not only for our use, but are willing to lease our facility to the community for special events as well.
On Sunday, October 26th at 2:30 p.m., VCHS will be having a Dedication/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the past, present, and future of Vancouver Christian High School. We will commemorate its solid foundation as we transition into a new chapter in the life of our school.
About Vancouver Christian High School - Vancouver Christian High School, founded in 1997, currently enrolls over 125 students. With a strong academic program, resulting in over 70% of its graduates pursuing a college degree, VCHS annually fulfills its mission of, “educating students for life (Leadership, Integrity, Faith and Excellence).”

Thursday, October 9, 2008

“Recovery Works in Clark County” Campaign Kickoff Set

Vancouver, WA -- The Clark County Regional Support Network (RSN) is embarking upon a project to improve the employment rate for individuals in RSN-funded mental health services.

An event entitled, "Recovery Works in Clark County" will kick off the campaign. The event is set for Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1-2 p.m. at the Town Plaza Mall, 5411 Mill Plain, Vancouver. Tours, information and resources will be available 2-4 p.m.

The RSN, responsible for the coordination of mental health services in Clark County, is required by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to conduct performance improvement projects. One project is to focus on clinical services (related to the outcomes of service provision) and one non-clinical (related to the process of service delivery). The current non-clinical project focuses on timely access to services and the clinical work aims increase employment for individuals with mental illnesses.

The “Recovery Works” event will feature:

Success stories from employees and employers.
A presentation on the negative impact of long-term unemployment.
Resource tables to address some of the major barriers to employment.
Open tours and orientations of the employment-related services located within Town Plaza (Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, WorkSource, Clark College).
Opportunity to meet with representatives from local organizations who help support individuals with mental illness find and maintain gainful employment.
Employment is central to integrating people into a full life in their community, whether they are affected by a disability or not. For people living with mental illness, employment can play a key role in their recovery, offering valued roles, greater income, and opportunities for social support and increased self-esteem.

Recent research has found that the benefits of employment almost always outweigh any risks associated with the stressors of working for people with serious mental illness. Moreover, mental health systems are beginning to recognize the dangers associated with long-term and that being unemployed is much worse for people with mental illness than being employed.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

County to Reduce Staff and Services Linked to Development

Vancouver, WA – With the continuing sharp downturn in building permits and development applications, Clark County is preparing to reduce hours at permit centers in Vancouver and Battle Ground effective Nov. 3.

“In 20 years, I have not seen building and development experience a downturn this sharp,” said Community Development Director Marty Snell. “This is a response to the economy and the reduction in our business.”

Snell said 23 employees have recently been informed that they will be laid off from their jobs by the end of 2008, based on current circumstances.

He said the 2008 construction season brought no relief from the slowdown that began in 2006 and he sees no substantial change before the end of 2009. New hours of service will be announced as soon as a new staffing plan is completed.

The county will work to help place the outgoing employees in other county departments if possible. In addition, the Human Resources department will provide help with job-seeking activities and transition issues.

“We understand how difficult it can be when employees lose their jobs. Our policy is to do our best to assist those who are affected,” said Human Resources Director Francine Reis. “Beyond that, it is also very hard for us to lose the experience, expertise and company of top-notch people.”

Community Development has been reducing projected expenses for about two years. The department reduced staffing by 34 positions in earlier rounds of cost cutting this year. Of those, 17 were vacant at the time they were removed from the budget.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Port of Vancouver Purchases Second Mobile Harbor Crane

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Following up on authorization from the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, the port has signed a contract with Austrian crane manufacturer Liebherr to purchase a second mobile harbor crane, Executive Director Larry Paulson announced today.

It will be the port’s second Liebherr mobile harbor crane and will match the first one, which the port bought in 2006. That crane is capable of lifting 140 metric tons, making it the largest mobile harbor crane in North America. The second crane will have the same capacity.

The Liebherr LHM 500S – capable of lifting the equivalent of an adult blue whale – will be built in Rostock, Germany and delivered by Star Shipping directly to the Port of Vancouver, with the voyage beginning in January 2009. It will be assembled at the port, and commissioned shortly thereafter.

Commissioners on May 27, 2008, authorized port staff to solicit bids for a second mobile harbor crane, and on September 23, authorized staff to use a sole source solicitation to assure that the port gets the crane that most appropriately fits its specific needs.

This crane will give the port twin cranes that will be used for lifting wind energy cargo and other heavy project cargos. The crane cost the port $4.7 million.

As wind energy cargo and project cargo increases significantly in the next year and the long term, the port will need the crane in order to keep up with the amount of cargo moving across its docks.

“We also expect to be loading more wind energy cargo to rail, which means we need another heavy-lift crane to efficiently move cargo across the port,” Paulson said. “In other words, we’ll be able simultaneously unload vessels with one crane while loading cargo to trucks or rail cars. Additionally, some wind components require two cranes in order to eliminate the possibility of damage. These heavy capacity cranes can also safely handle other large, heavy components without turning the vessel – an important cost saving feature.”

The port also expects to be using some of the Alcoa/Evergreen property for storage of the wind energy components, which means that at times, a second crane will be needed at that location to place the components that come off a vessel into storage before they’re due to be delivered to the job site, while another crane offloads cargo from the ship.

With the second crane, the port will not only be able to continue to attract more wind energy business, but also more of the heavy-lift project cargo. By having two cranes that are the same, the port would be able to use the two cranes in tandem to increase the total lifting capacity to at least 210 metric tons.

“Thanks to having the first crane, Longshore crews working at the Port of Vancouver in 2007 put in 72,000 work hours on wind energy components alone, and the ILWU (International Longshore & Warehouse Union) local hired 26 new full-time Longshore workers due to the wind energy cargo increase,” said Operations Manager Mike Schiller.

Like the port’s first LHM 500S, the new crane will have the capability to lift greater weights on an extended boom, and then rotate up to 360 degrees to position the cargo on the dock. These features improve the efficiency of cargo operations and minimize multiple moves; ultimately, saving port customers time and labor costs.

With 20 axles and 80 wheels the LHM 500S crane can maneuver in any direction, and can be positioned along the port’s marine terminals, cargo storage areas, or rail yards. The crane weighs more than 500 tons, has a tower height of 116.5 feet, and a boom length of 174 feet.

Friday, October 3, 2008

City seeks applicants for Design Review Committee

The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill a mid-term vacancy on the Design Review Committee which will expire November, 2010. For applications or further information, contact Myk Heidt in the City Manager's Office at City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, Wash., 98668 or call (360) 696-8181; email myk.heidt@ci.vancouver.wa.us or FAX (360) 696-8049. To apply on-line visit: /boards

The Design Review Committee is a nine-member volunteer body that is appointed by City Council to review plans for building and remodeling in Vancouver's downtown, waterfront and Central Park areas. The committee goal is to maintain and improve the appearance and architectural tone of those areas, and to encourage innovation and flexibility in design. There are no residency requirements. Experience in a design-related profession such as architecture, planning or landscape architecture is desired.

The Design Review Committee regularly meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 4 to 6 p.m., on the 3rd floor of the 4400 Building, NE 77 Ave. Applications must be received in the City Manager's Office by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31

Department of Revenue Offers Free Tax Workshop October 15 in Vancouver

Olympia, Wash., September 30, 2008 –The Vancouver office of the Washington State Department of Revenue is hosting a free workshop for new and small business owners on Wednesday, October 15, from 9 a.m. till noon and 1-4 p.m., at 8008 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 340, in Vancouver.

Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection, and record-keeping requirements. All receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Department of Revenue rules and regulations.

To register, visit the Department of Revenue web site at www.dor.wa.gov or call (360) 256-2060. Space is limited. A complete schedule of workshops statewide and a short streaming video version of the workshop in English and Spanish are available on the Web site.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

New Industrial Space Available at Port of Camas-Washougal

Right Choice Cabinets to be First Tenant

Washougal, Wash. (September 29, 2008) – Port of Camas-Washougal announces the addition of another 15,000 square feet of new industrial space on port property as the $1.45 million Building 14 nears completion. Even as the final touches are being installed on Building 14, Port tenant Right Choice Cabinets, Inc. is preparing to move in as the new building’s first industrial tenant. Right Choice Cabinets will utilize 3,750 square feet for its custom cabinet manufacturing operation.

Over the last decade, the Port of Camas-Washougal had added over 70,000 square feet of industrial and manufacturing space in several buildings at its industrial park in Washougal. The new spec building featured at the Port is designed to allow for the flexible use of industrial space by a single or multiple tenants for a wide variety of uses. The building can fit one or multiple companies, providing office space in the front, with large bay doors and loading docks in the back for shipping and receiving.

“At the Port of Camas-Washougal, our primary mission is economic development and increasing jobs in our local community,” said Scot Walstra, Port Director of Planning & Development. “We’ve had great success with filling this type of spec building. Our convenient access to major highways, air, and rail transportation makes the Port’s location attractive to a wide range of industrial users. “

Walstra added that the Port can provide build-to-suit options for lease or sale. With over 120 acres available for new development, the Port offers tenants room to grow and enhance the local industrial base.

The Port’s 430-acre industrial park is already home to over 40 diverse companies for heavy and light industrial activities, 150,000 square feet of warehouse space, over a thousand employees, and 120 acres for future industrial expansion. Port tenants generate hundreds of additional jobs locally, over $30 million in payroll, and contribute to taxes that help pay for public services such as roads, schools, and police and fire protection.

USGBC and Island Press launch GreenWorks

A Book Club for Professionals in the Green Building Industry

October 2, 2008 – (Washington, DC) –Two leading nonprofit organizations – the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Island Press, have teamed up to launch GreenWorks, a book club that will offer the newest and best books on green building at discounted prices. GreenWorks, created expressly for USGBC members, will offer a selection of featured reads each month, while also connecting readers to a vast selection of the latest green building industry books and noteworthy authors.

“This book club is about starting a conversation,” said Peter Templeton, Senior Vice President, U.S. Green Building Council. “USGBC members are full of ideas and solutions. The book club will offer professionals a place to connect with others in the field, share their thoughts on various books, ideas and authors, as well as learn more about all things green building.”

“Island Press has been publishing resources on the built environment for almost 25 years. By working with USGBC, one of the primary sources for planners, architects, and other professionals, we will be able to offer a wide range of ideas and solutions to those looking for expertise on these critical issues,” said Charles S. Savitt, president and publisher of Island Press.

Books are selected on a monthly basis by a panel of leading experts in the field, and are available for purchase from Island Press. USGBC members will be able to buy at discounted prices, including an opportunity for bulk purchase discounts. From the array of books potentially of interest to USGBC members, those featured each month are evaluated by industry professionals and selected for their contribution of ideas and analysis of green building issues. GreenWorks members are encouraged to contact Island Press via their web site to suggest potential titles, authors and topics.

The first four books to be featured are:
1. Emerald Architecture, by GreenSource Magazine, a collection of 24 in-depth case studies of green buildings that are both sustainable and attractive;
2. The Green Building Revolution, by Jerry Yudelson, a chronicle and manifesto of green building, showing why and how readers need to start thinking about designing, building and operating LEED-certified buildings on conventional budgets;
3. Sustainable Construction, 2nd edition, by Charles J. Kibert, which guides construction and design professionals through the process of developing commercial and institutional high-performance green buildings in today's marketplace; and
4. The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations are Working Together to Created a Sustainable World, by Peter M. Senge with Bryan Smith, Nina Kruschwitz, Joe Laur and Sara Schley. Senge and his co-authors reveal how companies are boldly leading the change from “business as usual” tactics to transformative strategies that are critical for creating a flourishing, sustainable world.

About USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Since USGBC’s founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 16,700 member companies and organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED® green building certification systems, an expansive educational offering, the industry’s popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, and a network of 78 local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

VANCOUVER POLICE HOST WEST PRECINCT DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY FORUM

On October 14, 2008, the Vancouver Police Department will be holding a Community Forum to discuss crime trends and community policing initiatives that effect citizens within the West Precinct District 1 boundaries. Residents, business owners, apartment managers or anyone that works in District 1 is encouraged to attend. For a map of the District, visit the Vancouver Police Department online at www.vanpolice.org.

Photo/sound file

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Discovery Middle School (800 E. 40th Street)

The neighborhood associations within District 1 include:
• Fruit Valley
• Northwest
• Lincoln
• Carter Park
• Hough
• Esther Short
• Arnada
• Shumway
• Rose Village
• West Minnehaha

World-Class Chefs to Teach at Skills Center

Sunday, October 5th and Monday, October 6th, students in the Clark County Skills Center Restaurant Management/Culinary Arts program receive world-class instruction sponsored by the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Certified Master Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt and Master Pastry Chef Paul Jean Prosperi will instruct students as part of the “CIA in the Classroom” project.

Chef Sonnenschmidt is one of only 46 Certified Master Chefs, the highest designation given by the American Culinary Federation. He spent 34 years with the Culinary Institute until retiring as Culinary Dean in 2002. He has also been a chef at the Piccadilly and Grosvenor Hotels in London, the El Dorado Shore and Yacht Club in New Rochelle, New York and the Sheraton Hotel in New York City. He won gold medals at the International Culinary Competition in 1976, 1984 and 1988. He is the co-author of The Professional Chef’s Art of Garde Manger and Dining with Sherlock Holmes. He is the third Certified Master Chef to visit the Skills Center, the first two being Brad Barnes and Edward Leonard.

Chef Prosperi is a Certified Executive Pastry Chef and instructor. He trained at the Piccadilly Hotel in London. He has been a Baking and Pastry Arts Professor and an Ambassador with the Culinary Institute of America since 1982.

Both will work with 2nd year students on Sunday and present back to back to all students on Monday.. Master Chef Sonnenschmidt will work with students Sunday to prepare for Monday’s classes when he will be presenting Western Beef Stew with Braised Sweet Potatoes and Bell Pepper Medley.

Master Pastry Chef Prosperi CAP,CHE, will teach plate presentation and offer

Raspberry Sorbet with Lemon Crème Tart.

In addition, chefs from the ACF Oregon Chapter’s Chef de Cuisine Society will observe alongside Skills Center students Monday. The classes are closed to the public.

For more information and media access including scheduling interviews and photo opps, contact Skills Center Chef Andrew McColley CEC,CCE (360) 604-1050/ (360) 521-1269 or Skills Center Catering Coordinator Robbin McColley at

(360) 604-1050/ (360) 901-5189.

Opened in 1983, the Clark County Skills Center is owned and operated by ten southwest Washington school districts providing technical and professional training programs that prepare Clark County high school and college students for the workforce.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

New Edge Networks’ Online Gateway Earns Customer Value Award

FROST & SULLIVAN SAYS ‘MyEdge’ PORTAL STANDS OUT FOR EASE OF USE, INNOVATIVE FEATURES

VANCOUVER, Wash. – (Oct. 1, 2008) – New Edge Networks, the business communications unit of EarthLink Inc., (NASDAQ: ELNK), says its online gateway for customers and partners received a customer value award from Frost & Sullivan, a global research and growth consulting firm.

In presenting the 2008 North American Customer Value Award for best business portal for large and distributed enterprises, Frost & Sullivan noted that New Edge Networks’ portal offers customers one-stop access to an online portfolio of ordering, billing, trouble ticketing, network performance and collaboration tools.

Frost & Sullivan reviewed and assessed online portals offered by seven leading national communications providers based on predetermined criteria. Researchers also conducted interviews with business users.

“New Edge Networks’ MyEdge portal stands out for its ease of use and array of innovative features and tools that anticipate customer needs,” said Lynda Stadtmueller, senior research analyst for business communications services at Stratecast, a division of Frost & Sullivan.

“The MyEdge portal is an outstanding communications and collaboration tool that offers significant value to customers by allowing them greater control over their distributed networks and their New Edge Networks accounts,” Stadtmueller said. “New Edge Networks has identified its portal as a strategic initiative, and continually solicits and acts on feedback from customers and partners to improve the customer experience.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents its customer value award for business customer portals to the company that has best demonstrated the ability to serve its customer base with more innovative e-servicing strategies than competing vendors.

New Edge Networks will receive its award during a banquet on Dec. 3 in San Antonio.

“This award is an affirmation of the strategic importance New Edge Networks places on a portal that delights,” said Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing for New Edge Networks. “This is one of seven tenets we track for measuring customer satisfaction. A highly functional customer-facing portal is essential for both our customers and our company to drive efficiency, cost savings and customer satisfaction.”

In addition to the basic portal capabilities such as role-based permissions, bill viewing, ordering, trouble reporting and ticketing, and network performance management functions, New Edge Networks’ MyEdge portal also demonstrates “best-in-class” characteristics that aide in maximizing efficiency. Among these are:

A mapping feature powered by Google Maps that provides both high-level network visibility and the ability to click on each location for detailed site data
Track routers and customer premises equipment returns
Site installation monitoring
Real time access to technician notes
Live chat with network operation center technicians
A copy of the Frost & Sullivan’s award description, measurement and selection criteria is available at www.newedgenetworks.com/frost/mns. More information about Frost & Sullivan’s best practices awards program is available at www.awards.frost.com.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks builds and manages private IP-based wide area networks that do not use the public Internet. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend of available access technologies – from DSL and T1 lines to fiber-optic connections – for building private and secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees. A wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc., (NASDAQ: ELNK), New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.