Vancouver, WA— As the investigation into the national Salmonella outbreak continues, Clark County Public Health food safety staff are actively ensuring that all recalled products are removed from outlets in Clark County that sell or distribute them. The outbreak has sickened more than 500 people in 43 states, including 13 from Washington state. Health officials attribute the outbreak to certain products containing peanuts (see link below).
“We’re especially interested in identifying stores or outlets that might be less aware of the recalls of certain products that contain peanuts,” said Gary Bickett, Public Health program manager. “We’re contacting not only the large major grocery outlets, but also facilities such as food banks, nutrition stores, discount outlets, convenience stores, liquidators, and others to confirm that they know of the recall and are not selling or distributing recalled products.”
For the most recent list of recalled products in Washington state, see http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/salmonellaoutbreak.html. For more information on the outbreak, see http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/.
Salmonellosis is the illness caused by exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They typically start 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Although most people recover on their own, anyone with these symptoms should see a health care provider. There have been no new Washington cases since mid-December.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Care Net Vancouver Opens Second Center in East Vancouver
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center adds a second center in east Vancouver to serve more women and teens with unplanned pregnancies.
Vancouver, WA January 30th— On February 14th (Valentine’s Day), Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Vancouver will hold the Grand Opening of its second center located at U.S. Digital Outreach, 1400 NE 136th Ave., in Vancouver. The community is invited to a celebration and ribbon cutting from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Care Net Vancouver equips women and men to make life-affirming decisions regarding pregnancy and sexual health through counseling, education and compassionate care. This medical facility serves the community by providing free nurse certified pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, pregnancy and sexual health counseling, material assistance, and personalized pregnancy and infant care education. All women deserve to receive accurate, comprehensive, and professional medical information in a warm, caring environment. Care Net Vancouver provides such a place.
Matthew Zoller, Executive Director for Care Net Vancouver says: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to expand our services to meet the needs of more women faced with unplanned pregnancies. When a young woman feels scared and alone, we want her to know she has a safe place to seek information and assistance.
We’re also thankful for the extraordinary support of US Digital and for a generous memorial fund donation in honor of Paula Melin from Life Point Church. This generous support, combined with the monthly support of many individuals and churches in our community, makes it possible for us to open our doors in an area where pregnancy support services haven’t been met.”
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Vancouver has served the community for 25 years. All services are provided free of charge and available to anyone. For more information, contact the center’s main office at 2128 E. Mill Plain, (360) 695-9869, info@prcvancouver.org, or through the website at www.PRCVancouver.org.
Vancouver, WA January 30th— On February 14th (Valentine’s Day), Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Vancouver will hold the Grand Opening of its second center located at U.S. Digital Outreach, 1400 NE 136th Ave., in Vancouver. The community is invited to a celebration and ribbon cutting from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Care Net Vancouver equips women and men to make life-affirming decisions regarding pregnancy and sexual health through counseling, education and compassionate care. This medical facility serves the community by providing free nurse certified pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, pregnancy and sexual health counseling, material assistance, and personalized pregnancy and infant care education. All women deserve to receive accurate, comprehensive, and professional medical information in a warm, caring environment. Care Net Vancouver provides such a place.
Matthew Zoller, Executive Director for Care Net Vancouver says: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to expand our services to meet the needs of more women faced with unplanned pregnancies. When a young woman feels scared and alone, we want her to know she has a safe place to seek information and assistance.
We’re also thankful for the extraordinary support of US Digital and for a generous memorial fund donation in honor of Paula Melin from Life Point Church. This generous support, combined with the monthly support of many individuals and churches in our community, makes it possible for us to open our doors in an area where pregnancy support services haven’t been met.”
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Vancouver has served the community for 25 years. All services are provided free of charge and available to anyone. For more information, contact the center’s main office at 2128 E. Mill Plain, (360) 695-9869, info@prcvancouver.org, or through the website at www.PRCVancouver.org.
Pearson Air Museum Announces More Affordable Admission Rates
New $22 Family Rate Admits Two Adults and Up to Four Students
(Vancouver, Washington) -- In an effort to make visiting Pearson Air Museum more affordable, the museum has reduced its adult admission rates, allowed teens up to age 17 for the student rate and added a family rate effective immediately. The new rates are:
Adults (age 18-54): $7 (reduced from the previous $8)
Seniors (age 55+) and active military with ID: $5
Students (ages 6-17): $5 (previously teenagers paid adult admission)
Children under 6, museum members and school groups: Free
Family rate (2 adults and up to 4 students): $22 (new category)
Adult membership to Pearson begins at $35 and includes free admission to the Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia and the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Pearson Air Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1115 East Fifth Street, Vancouver, Washington, on the Vancouver National Historic Reserve just east of historic Fort Vancouver. Pearson Air Museum tells the story of Pearson Field, one of the oldest active airfields in the United States. The museum is managed by Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust. For info call 360-694-7026 or visit www.pearsonairmuseum.org/.
(Vancouver, Washington) -- In an effort to make visiting Pearson Air Museum more affordable, the museum has reduced its adult admission rates, allowed teens up to age 17 for the student rate and added a family rate effective immediately. The new rates are:
Adults (age 18-54): $7 (reduced from the previous $8)
Seniors (age 55+) and active military with ID: $5
Students (ages 6-17): $5 (previously teenagers paid adult admission)
Children under 6, museum members and school groups: Free
Family rate (2 adults and up to 4 students): $22 (new category)
Adult membership to Pearson begins at $35 and includes free admission to the Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia and the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Pearson Air Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1115 East Fifth Street, Vancouver, Washington, on the Vancouver National Historic Reserve just east of historic Fort Vancouver. Pearson Air Museum tells the story of Pearson Field, one of the oldest active airfields in the United States. The museum is managed by Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust. For info call 360-694-7026 or visit www.pearsonairmuseum.org/.
IQ CREDIT UNION INCREASES REWARD RELATED TO CREDIT UNION ROBBERIES TO $15,000
VANCOUVER, Wash. — iQ Credit Union is increasing the reward to $15,000 for information leading to the apprehension and capture of the robber in the case of two recent bank robberies.
Police are asking for help finding a man who was caught on camera robbing the same branch of iQ Credit Union on two separate days.
On Wednesday, January 7, a man robbed the iQ Credit Union branch at 601 E. 16th Street at 5:29 pm. During the robbery, he wore blue jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt under a black hooded jacket with the hood pulled over his head and worn tightly around his face. His jacket had the Nike logo and the word Nike in white lettering across the jacket’s chest. The man is described as white, in his late 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with blue or green eyes.
On Monday, January 12, at 5:15 pm, a gunman carrying a plastic bag and wearing white gardening gloves robbed the same branch of the credit union and used the bag to carry out the bank’s money. He wore a blue flannel shirt over two hooded sweatshirts with the hood pulled over his head. He fled on foot in a southwesterly direction.
If you have information about these robberies, please call Vancouver Police Department at (360) 487-7420 or the FBI at (360) 695-5661.
Police are asking for help finding a man who was caught on camera robbing the same branch of iQ Credit Union on two separate days.
On Wednesday, January 7, a man robbed the iQ Credit Union branch at 601 E. 16th Street at 5:29 pm. During the robbery, he wore blue jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt under a black hooded jacket with the hood pulled over his head and worn tightly around his face. His jacket had the Nike logo and the word Nike in white lettering across the jacket’s chest. The man is described as white, in his late 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with blue or green eyes.
On Monday, January 12, at 5:15 pm, a gunman carrying a plastic bag and wearing white gardening gloves robbed the same branch of the credit union and used the bag to carry out the bank’s money. He wore a blue flannel shirt over two hooded sweatshirts with the hood pulled over his head. He fled on foot in a southwesterly direction.
If you have information about these robberies, please call Vancouver Police Department at (360) 487-7420 or the FBI at (360) 695-5661.
THE FUTURE IS GREEN
On Thursday, February 5, Clark College
will welcome the community as it takes part in the second National Teach-In on Global Warming
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- On Thursday, February 5, Clark College will join more than 1,000 other educational institutions, community groups, and faith-based organizations to participate in the second National Teach-In on Global Warming.
Organized nationally by the National Teach-In Committee, the event is designed to encourage participants to address the immediate and urgent challenges posed by climate change and empower them to engage personally in finding solutions that work. All events are free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.
The day’s events
From 8:00 a.m. to noon, faculty, staff, student, and community presenters will address issues and solutions related to global climate change and related issues regarding sustainability. At noon, the Clark College Speech and Debate team will continue the discussion.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the college will host a Sustainability Careers and Lifestyle Fair, showcasing more than 30 local businesses and organizations.
At 4:00 p.m., Clark College will host the Vancouver Planning Commission's "First Tuesday" public forum. The forum has been moved from Tuesday to Thursday specifically for this event. A panel of local citizens will present ways that Clark County is already working and living green. Discussion will focus on projects in local businesses and neighborhoods, as well as changes that individuals can make in their homes to promote a greener lifestyle. The forum will be held in the college’s Gaiser Student Center.
In addition to the discussions and forums, video presentations addressing climate change around the world will be shown throughout the day.
Attendees will be able to learn about green-collar career options, calculate their ecological footprints, make an immediate and simple personal commitment to change and will receive a reusable shopping bag as a thank-you for that commitment.
The Green Career and Lifestyles Fair participants include: Campus Supply/Corporate Express; Clark College Bookstore; Clark College Career Center; Clark College Teaching & Learning Center; Clark County ReStore; Clark County Solid Waste; Clark Public Utilities; Greenstone Architecture, PLLC; LSW Architects, PC; Master Composters/Recyclers; Mr. Sun Solar; Naturally Beautiful Backyards; Northwest Service Academy; Rosemattels CSA farm and the Battle Ground Farmers Market; Vancouver Food Coop; Waste Connections, Inc.; and Watershed Stewards.
Maps and Directions/For more information
Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Maps and driving directions are available on the Clark College Web site at www.clark.edu/maps
Information about the National Teach-In on Global Warming is available at www.nationalteachin.org
will welcome the community as it takes part in the second National Teach-In on Global Warming
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- On Thursday, February 5, Clark College will join more than 1,000 other educational institutions, community groups, and faith-based organizations to participate in the second National Teach-In on Global Warming.
Organized nationally by the National Teach-In Committee, the event is designed to encourage participants to address the immediate and urgent challenges posed by climate change and empower them to engage personally in finding solutions that work. All events are free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.
The day’s events
From 8:00 a.m. to noon, faculty, staff, student, and community presenters will address issues and solutions related to global climate change and related issues regarding sustainability. At noon, the Clark College Speech and Debate team will continue the discussion.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the college will host a Sustainability Careers and Lifestyle Fair, showcasing more than 30 local businesses and organizations.
At 4:00 p.m., Clark College will host the Vancouver Planning Commission's "First Tuesday" public forum. The forum has been moved from Tuesday to Thursday specifically for this event. A panel of local citizens will present ways that Clark County is already working and living green. Discussion will focus on projects in local businesses and neighborhoods, as well as changes that individuals can make in their homes to promote a greener lifestyle. The forum will be held in the college’s Gaiser Student Center.
In addition to the discussions and forums, video presentations addressing climate change around the world will be shown throughout the day.
Attendees will be able to learn about green-collar career options, calculate their ecological footprints, make an immediate and simple personal commitment to change and will receive a reusable shopping bag as a thank-you for that commitment.
The Green Career and Lifestyles Fair participants include: Campus Supply/Corporate Express; Clark College Bookstore; Clark College Career Center; Clark College Teaching & Learning Center; Clark County ReStore; Clark County Solid Waste; Clark Public Utilities; Greenstone Architecture, PLLC; LSW Architects, PC; Master Composters/Recyclers; Mr. Sun Solar; Naturally Beautiful Backyards; Northwest Service Academy; Rosemattels CSA farm and the Battle Ground Farmers Market; Vancouver Food Coop; Waste Connections, Inc.; and Watershed Stewards.
Maps and Directions/For more information
Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Maps and driving directions are available on the Clark College Web site at www.clark.edu/maps
Information about the National Teach-In on Global Warming is available at www.nationalteachin.org
SEVENTH ANNUAL AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDSSM ANNOUNCES 2009 CALL FOR ENTRIES
Business Awards to Honor U.S. Organizations, Executives, and Workers
New York, NY – January 28, 2009– Just when American workers and companies could use a pick-me-up, the Stevie® Awards issued a call for entries today for its Seventh Annual American Business Awards, the awards that honor achievements in the American workplace, from the executive suite to the mailroom. The 2009 awards will honor work since the beginning of 2008.
All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to participate in The American Business Awards – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. Entry details are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba. The entry deadline is March 31. Late entries will be accepted through April 30 with a late fee, and the awards will be announced in New York on June 22.
“Especially in tough economic times like these, participating in awards shows is a cost-effective way to thank and honor your valued employees and to build or burnish your brand,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards. “The 2009 American Business Awards will shine a spotlight on the achievements that American organizations, executives and workers continue to turn out.”
Entries are accepted in dozens of categories from Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, and Best New Product or Service to Best Web Site and Best Annual Report.
New categories in 2009 include Business Innovation of the Year and Fastest-Growing Company of the Year. For a full list of all categories, please visit: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/70_816_3655.cfm
The 2009 ABAs will also mark the introduction of the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New ProductsSM, in which the general public will vote for their favorite new products and services of the year. Each new product or service nominated in The American Business Awards will automatically be included in people’s choice voting. Voting begins in April and winners of the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New Products will be honored at the June awards gala in New York.
The Sixth Annual American Business Awards were presented last June to a diverse group of American organizations including Monsanto, the Philadelphia Eagles, Energy Control, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, John Hancock, LifeLock, Omniture, The Marketing Arm and Wingstop, among others. For complete results of the 2008 awards visit: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/403_2183_17775.cfm
To get an entry kit for The 2009 American Business Awards, visit http://www.stevieawards.com/aba.
New York, NY – January 28, 2009– Just when American workers and companies could use a pick-me-up, the Stevie® Awards issued a call for entries today for its Seventh Annual American Business Awards, the awards that honor achievements in the American workplace, from the executive suite to the mailroom. The 2009 awards will honor work since the beginning of 2008.
All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to participate in The American Business Awards – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. Entry details are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba. The entry deadline is March 31. Late entries will be accepted through April 30 with a late fee, and the awards will be announced in New York on June 22.
“Especially in tough economic times like these, participating in awards shows is a cost-effective way to thank and honor your valued employees and to build or burnish your brand,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards. “The 2009 American Business Awards will shine a spotlight on the achievements that American organizations, executives and workers continue to turn out.”
Entries are accepted in dozens of categories from Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, and Best New Product or Service to Best Web Site and Best Annual Report.
New categories in 2009 include Business Innovation of the Year and Fastest-Growing Company of the Year. For a full list of all categories, please visit: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/70_816_3655.cfm
The 2009 ABAs will also mark the introduction of the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New ProductsSM, in which the general public will vote for their favorite new products and services of the year. Each new product or service nominated in The American Business Awards will automatically be included in people’s choice voting. Voting begins in April and winners of the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New Products will be honored at the June awards gala in New York.
The Sixth Annual American Business Awards were presented last June to a diverse group of American organizations including Monsanto, the Philadelphia Eagles, Energy Control, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, John Hancock, LifeLock, Omniture, The Marketing Arm and Wingstop, among others. For complete results of the 2008 awards visit: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/403_2183_17775.cfm
To get an entry kit for The 2009 American Business Awards, visit http://www.stevieawards.com/aba.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOCIATION INVITES PUBLIC TO HELP KICK-OFF 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
First of many anniversary events to celebrate the co-operative’s centennial
WHAT: 100th anniversary celebration event/open house for community members, the general public and media. Ted R. Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon, declared February 6, 2009 “Tillamook® Cheese Day” in Oregon. He encourages all Oregonians to join in this observance in recognition of the quality and tradition the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has exemplified throughout its 100-year history.
Special day-of activities include:
Free samples of anniversary ice cream, “Sweet Centennial”
Free anniversary cheese samples
Photos with Tillie, the Tillamook cow mascot
View special new historic displays
For more information about the kick-off or other upcoming anniversary events, please visit www.TillamookFanClub.com.
WHO: This is a community event to thank those who have supported TCCA for its first 100 years, showcase its history, recognize and honor its members, past members, generational dairy farmers and others who have contributed to TCCA’s success.
WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2009
Open house 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Opening remarks 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center
4185 Hwy 101 North
Tillamook, OR 97411
COST: FREE
Contacts: Martina Degliantoni Ashley Sherrick
Conkling Fiskum & McCormick Conkling Fiskum & McCormick
P: (503) 419-4123 P: (503) 802-4115
martinad@cfmpdx.com ashleys@cfmpdx.com
WHAT: 100th anniversary celebration event/open house for community members, the general public and media. Ted R. Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon, declared February 6, 2009 “Tillamook® Cheese Day” in Oregon. He encourages all Oregonians to join in this observance in recognition of the quality and tradition the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has exemplified throughout its 100-year history.
Special day-of activities include:
Free samples of anniversary ice cream, “Sweet Centennial”
Free anniversary cheese samples
Photos with Tillie, the Tillamook cow mascot
View special new historic displays
For more information about the kick-off or other upcoming anniversary events, please visit www.TillamookFanClub.com.
WHO: This is a community event to thank those who have supported TCCA for its first 100 years, showcase its history, recognize and honor its members, past members, generational dairy farmers and others who have contributed to TCCA’s success.
WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2009
Open house 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Opening remarks 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center
4185 Hwy 101 North
Tillamook, OR 97411
COST: FREE
Contacts: Martina Degliantoni Ashley Sherrick
Conkling Fiskum & McCormick Conkling Fiskum & McCormick
P: (503) 419-4123 P: (503) 802-4115
martinad@cfmpdx.com ashleys@cfmpdx.com
Columbia Resource Company Celebrates Grand Opening at Port Of CW
New waste transfer station will serve Camas-Washougal
Washougal, Wash. (January 28, 2009) – The Columbia Resource Company [CRC], a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Washougal Transfer Station with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The community is invited to attend the ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2009, at 2 pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The actual public opening of the facility is scheduled for later in February. The new Washougal Transfer Station is located at the east end of the existing Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park at 3720 South Grant Street, Washougal, Wash.
The CRC’s Washougal Transfer Station will operate under contract with Clark County for its solid waste disposal, and will primarily handle the transfer of municipal solid waste collected in the Cities of Camas and Washougal. The Washougal Transfer Station is CRC’s third transfer station in Clark County, and it will be open to the public for garbage drop off (for a fee) from 8 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays (actual public opening later in February). Recyclable material can be dropped off at no charge from Monday to Saturday.
Background:
Through a Clark County competitive bid process, CRC is the contractor on record for all three solid waste transfer stations in Clark County. The need for an additional solid waste transfer station arose as a result of East County's new development over the past decade. The 4.5-acre site will be specifically designed to handle solid waste needs and provide a more convenient disposal option for residents of the Camas-Washougal community, according to Scott Campbell, CRC District Manager. Campbell anticipates handling enough solid waste for about two to three transloads a day, serving primarily their east County residents.
The new Washougal Transfer Station will feature a recycling drop-off area for recyclables such as newspapers, cardboard, mixed waste paper, tins, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. One day per month, CRC will offer free, safe disposal of household hazardous waste (moderate risk), including chemicals, paints and used motor oil. This is in addition to the actual solid waste facility where material will be sorted and transferred out to their designated landfills. For more information on Waste Connections, visit www.wasteconnections.com.
"This waste transfer facility will be an important community resource for recycling and responsible handling of local waste," said Port director of planning and development, Scot Walstra. "This site has gone through major public scrutiny over a multi-year permitting process. CRC has been consistently cooperative and has gone the extra mile to ensure this transfer facility is a good neighbor in our industrial park." Landscaping is planned to strategically screen the facility from their industrial neighbors and foot traffic on the dike. Walstra believes that the local transfer station will provide needed services, reduce carbon emissions and help protect the environment through recycling, reducing illegal dumping, and diminish road travel.
Washougal, Wash. (January 28, 2009) – The Columbia Resource Company [CRC], a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Washougal Transfer Station with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The community is invited to attend the ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2009, at 2 pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The actual public opening of the facility is scheduled for later in February. The new Washougal Transfer Station is located at the east end of the existing Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park at 3720 South Grant Street, Washougal, Wash.
The CRC’s Washougal Transfer Station will operate under contract with Clark County for its solid waste disposal, and will primarily handle the transfer of municipal solid waste collected in the Cities of Camas and Washougal. The Washougal Transfer Station is CRC’s third transfer station in Clark County, and it will be open to the public for garbage drop off (for a fee) from 8 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays (actual public opening later in February). Recyclable material can be dropped off at no charge from Monday to Saturday.
Background:
Through a Clark County competitive bid process, CRC is the contractor on record for all three solid waste transfer stations in Clark County. The need for an additional solid waste transfer station arose as a result of East County's new development over the past decade. The 4.5-acre site will be specifically designed to handle solid waste needs and provide a more convenient disposal option for residents of the Camas-Washougal community, according to Scott Campbell, CRC District Manager. Campbell anticipates handling enough solid waste for about two to three transloads a day, serving primarily their east County residents.
The new Washougal Transfer Station will feature a recycling drop-off area for recyclables such as newspapers, cardboard, mixed waste paper, tins, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. One day per month, CRC will offer free, safe disposal of household hazardous waste (moderate risk), including chemicals, paints and used motor oil. This is in addition to the actual solid waste facility where material will be sorted and transferred out to their designated landfills. For more information on Waste Connections, visit www.wasteconnections.com.
"This waste transfer facility will be an important community resource for recycling and responsible handling of local waste," said Port director of planning and development, Scot Walstra. "This site has gone through major public scrutiny over a multi-year permitting process. CRC has been consistently cooperative and has gone the extra mile to ensure this transfer facility is a good neighbor in our industrial park." Landscaping is planned to strategically screen the facility from their industrial neighbors and foot traffic on the dike. Walstra believes that the local transfer station will provide needed services, reduce carbon emissions and help protect the environment through recycling, reducing illegal dumping, and diminish road travel.
Riverview Bancorp Earns $1.5 Million in Fiscal Third Quarter; Significantly Increases Liquidity Through Fed’s Primary Credit Program
Vancouver, WA – January 29, 2009 – Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GSM: RVSB) today reported net income of $1.5 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 ended December 31, 2008, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, Riverview reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $7.5 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Financial results for fiscal 2009 include a $3.4 million non-cash other than temporary impairment (OTTI) charge on an investment security and a $7.2 million provision for loan losses in the second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008.
“Our third quarter results were solid as we continue to strengthen our franchise,” said Pat Sheaffer, Chairman and CEO. “Loan and deposit growth was strong, with loan balances up 13% year-over-year and 5% over the prior quarter and deposit balances increasing 11% year-over-year and 8% over the prior quarter. However, we have not been immune to the current economic slowdown in our markets and as such, we expect loan growth to slow in the coming calendar year. We will continue to focus on reducing controllable expenses throughout the year and stabilizing the net interest margin.”
“We continue to maintain capital levels in excess of the well-capitalized regulatory threshold,” stated Sheaffer. “In addition to our solid customer base, we have available to us further sources of liquidity, including additional borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the sale of certain available for sale securities, borrowings at correspondent banks and wholesale markets, including brokered deposits. In January 2009, we were approved for participation in the Federal Reserve Bank’s primary credit program. This program, coupled with our other funding sources, will give us available liquidity of $400 million, or 43% of total assets. With our growing capital and liquidity levels, we are confident that we are well positioned to work through the challenges of this difficult economic period.”
“We have continued to rely on core deposits and our long-standing customer base to grow our deposits,” said Sheaffer. “Our stable funding sources remain a strength for Riverview, as we have traditionally focused on less volatile sources of deposits.” Non-brokered deposits have increased $32.1 million, up 5% for the quarter or 20% annualized, since September 30, 2008. At December 31, 2008, brokered deposits accounted for 5.2% of total deposits.
Riverview’s actual and required minimum capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.
Credit Quality
“We continue to devote a considerable amount of resources to monitoring credit quality,” said Dave Dahlstrom, EVP and Chief Credit Officer. “We have recently allocated five new officers to ensure problem assets are managed in a timely manner. We have also added additional reporting on problem loans, including comprehensive staff and management meetings and we are conducting even more intensive monitoring and analysis on our existing portfolio to help proactively identify loans before they become a problem asset. This includes, among other things, performing detailed breakdowns of our construction and land development loans by geographic region and classification. In addition, although we have always maintained a conservative philosophy regarding underwriting, for these turbulent economic times we have even further tightened our underwriting criteria across all loan types such as requiring lower loan to values and higher debt service coverage ratios.”
Non-performing assets increased $8.6 million to $31.4 million, or 3.38% of total assets, at December 31, 2008, compared to $22.8 million, or 2.54% of total assets, three months earlier. Total non-performing loans consist of forty-four loans and thirty-six lending relationships, which includes fourteen land-acquisition and development loans totaling $16.9 million, eight construction loans totaling $3.5 million, three commercial loans totaling $1.7 million, fourteen residential real estate loans totaling $2.0 million and five other real estate mortgage loans totaling $4.3 million. All of the loans are to borrowers located in Oregon and Washington, with the exception of one land acquisition and development loan totaling $1.4 million to a long-time Washington-based customer who has property located in Southern California. Riverview also had $3.0 million in other real estate owned (OREO) at the end of December 2008 compared to $699,000 at September 30, 2008. Included in OREO are sixteen properties limited to seven lending relationships. These properties consist of fourteen single-family homes and two residential lot loans. All properties are located in the Company’s primary market area except for one single family home located on the southern Washington coast.
Total classified and non-performing loans, including OREO, were $37.8 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $37.3 million at September 30, 2008 and $10.5 million at December 31, 2007. “We remain focused on reducing the level of our classified and non-performing assets as we continue to actively work with our borrowers to help mitigate losses,” added Dahlstrom. Residential land development and construction loans accounted for $25.9 million of these balances at December 31, 2008, compared to $26.8 million at September 30, 2008. Multi-family and commercial loans accounted for $4.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of the remaining balance at December 31, 2008, compared to $4.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, at September 30, 2008.
The provision for loan losses was $1.2 million for the third quarter, compared to $7.2 million during the second quarter and $650,000 in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009 the provision for loan losses totaled $11.2 million, compared to $1.1 million in the same period a year ago. “We increased our provision for loan losses again this quarter from prior year amounts not only to account for higher levels of nonperforming loans compared to a year ago, but also as part of our prudent system to build up our reserves during these very uncertain economic times,” said Dahlstrom.
The allowance for loan losses, including unfunded loan commitments of $260,000, was $16.5 million, or 2.01% of total loans at December 31, 2008 compared to $16.4 million, or 2.08% of total loans at September 30, 2008 and $9.9 million, or 1.37% of total loans, at December 31, 2007. Net loan charge-offs were $1.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to $4.2 million for the previous linked quarter and $207,000 for the fiscal third quarter a year ago.
OTTI Charge during 2Q09
During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 Riverview recorded a $3.4 million non-cash OTTI charge on an investment security. The investment is a trust preferred pooled security issued by other bank holding companies, is classified as available for sale and has a par value of $5.0 million. Although management believes it is possible that all principal and interest will be received, and the Company has the ability and intention to continue to hold the security until there is a recovery in fair value, general market concerns over these and similar types of securities, as well as a lowering of the investment rating for this specific security, caused the fair value to decline severely enough to warrant an OTTI charge. Consequently, management chose to recognize a $3.4 million OTTI charge during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 bringing the value of the security to $1.6 million. Management does not believe that the recognition of this impairment charge has any other implications for the Company’s business fundamentals or its outlook.
Riverview does not have sub-prime residential real estate loans in its loan portfolio and does not believe that it has any direct exposure to sub-prime lending in its Mortgage Backed Securities portfolio. Other than the trust preferred pooled security discussed above, the Company does not have any other investment securities of concern. Mortgage backed securities totaled $5.0 million, or 0.53% of total assets at December 31, 2008. Riverview does not have any exposure to Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) securities in its investment portfolio.
Operating Results
“The 175 basis point drop in the Federal Funds rate during the quarter, as well as the reversal of interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the quarter reduced our net interest margin,” said Ron Wysaske, President and COO. “We expect our margin to improve as our deposit pricing catches up with the recent interest rate cuts.” The reversal of interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the quarter accounted for a twelve basis point decrease in the quarterly net interest margin. For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the net interest margin was 3.95% compared to 4.18% in the previous linked quarter and 4.71% in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009 the net interest margin was 4.11% compared to 4.75% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.
Third quarter net interest income was $8.4 million, compared to $8.9 million in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, net interest income was $25.4 million compared to $26.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2008.
Non-interest income was $1.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $2.2 million for the third quarter a year ago. “The decrease in third quarter non-interest income compared to the same period a year ago is due to a $148,000 decrease in mortgage broker fees as a result of the slowing real estate market and a $77,000 decrease in asset management fees,” said Wysaske. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, total non-interest income, excluding the $3.4 million OTTI charge during 2Q09, was $6.2 million, compared to $6.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.
“We have continued to focus on managing costs and as a result we have been able to keep our operating expenses in line in fiscal 2009, even reducing them from year ago levels,” said Wysaske. Non-interest expense improved to $6.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to $7.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Decreases in salaries and employee benefits of $257,000 were partially offset by increased FDIC insurance premiums of $110,000. Riverview’s efficiency ratio was 67.23% for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to 63.69% for the same period in the prior year.
Balance Sheet Review
“Although third quarter loan growth was strong, up 5% for the quarter or 18% annualized,” said Dahlstrom. “We are seeing the loan pipeline start to decrease from the robust pace of the last few years. We expect to see a decline in loan demand and loan originations in the near term, reflecting the slowdown in the economy and tighter underwriting criteria, with our focus of keeping the portfolio high quality and well-diversified.” Net loans increased 13% to $805 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $716 million a year ago. Commercial and commercial real estate loans account for 73% of the total loan portfolio and construction loans account for 16% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2008.
“We continue to reduce our exposure to real estate construction and we reduced our one-to-four family construction portfolio to $76 million at quarter-end from $84 million three months earlier and $101 million at the end of December 2007,” added Dahlstrom. “We should continue to see reductions in our construction portfolio as we focus on other lending opportunities.”
Deposits grew 8% in the last three months, increasing $52 million to $690 million at the end of December 2008, compared to $637 million at September 30, 2008. Transaction accounts represent 55% of all deposits with non-interest checking balances representing 12% of total deposits and interest bearing checking balances representing 15% of total deposits. Brokered deposits increased $20.2 million since September 30, 2008, to $35.8 million, which represents 5.2% of total deposits.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity was $89.6 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $92.4 million a year ago. Book value per share was $8.21 at the end of December 2008, compared to $8.46 a year earlier and tangible book value per share was $5.80 at quarter-end, compared to $6.04 a year earlier. Tangible shareholder equity was 6.82% of its total assets at December 31, 2008, compared to 7.80% a year earlier.
As previously reported, the Board of Directors of Riverview elected to suspend the dividend for the current quarter. “We believe this was a prudent step to preserve capital given the current uncertain and volatile market conditions,” said Sheaffer. “We continue to exceed the regulatory benchmark for a ‘well-capitalized’ financial institution.” At December 31, 2008, Riverview’s total risk-based capital ratio was 10.73%. “We plan on continuing to carefully manage our capital with the goal of increasing total capital,” added Sheaffer. “All capital management options are being analyzed, including an evaluation of the Bank’s balance sheet structure and the use of approximately $5 million of cash available at the holding company which could be invested in the Bank. We believe taking these steps will position Riverview to take advantage of strategic growth opportunities as they present themselves.”
For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, Riverview reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $7.5 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Financial results for fiscal 2009 include a $3.4 million non-cash other than temporary impairment (OTTI) charge on an investment security and a $7.2 million provision for loan losses in the second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008.
“Our third quarter results were solid as we continue to strengthen our franchise,” said Pat Sheaffer, Chairman and CEO. “Loan and deposit growth was strong, with loan balances up 13% year-over-year and 5% over the prior quarter and deposit balances increasing 11% year-over-year and 8% over the prior quarter. However, we have not been immune to the current economic slowdown in our markets and as such, we expect loan growth to slow in the coming calendar year. We will continue to focus on reducing controllable expenses throughout the year and stabilizing the net interest margin.”
“We continue to maintain capital levels in excess of the well-capitalized regulatory threshold,” stated Sheaffer. “In addition to our solid customer base, we have available to us further sources of liquidity, including additional borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the sale of certain available for sale securities, borrowings at correspondent banks and wholesale markets, including brokered deposits. In January 2009, we were approved for participation in the Federal Reserve Bank’s primary credit program. This program, coupled with our other funding sources, will give us available liquidity of $400 million, or 43% of total assets. With our growing capital and liquidity levels, we are confident that we are well positioned to work through the challenges of this difficult economic period.”
“We have continued to rely on core deposits and our long-standing customer base to grow our deposits,” said Sheaffer. “Our stable funding sources remain a strength for Riverview, as we have traditionally focused on less volatile sources of deposits.” Non-brokered deposits have increased $32.1 million, up 5% for the quarter or 20% annualized, since September 30, 2008. At December 31, 2008, brokered deposits accounted for 5.2% of total deposits.
Riverview’s actual and required minimum capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.
Credit Quality
“We continue to devote a considerable amount of resources to monitoring credit quality,” said Dave Dahlstrom, EVP and Chief Credit Officer. “We have recently allocated five new officers to ensure problem assets are managed in a timely manner. We have also added additional reporting on problem loans, including comprehensive staff and management meetings and we are conducting even more intensive monitoring and analysis on our existing portfolio to help proactively identify loans before they become a problem asset. This includes, among other things, performing detailed breakdowns of our construction and land development loans by geographic region and classification. In addition, although we have always maintained a conservative philosophy regarding underwriting, for these turbulent economic times we have even further tightened our underwriting criteria across all loan types such as requiring lower loan to values and higher debt service coverage ratios.”
Non-performing assets increased $8.6 million to $31.4 million, or 3.38% of total assets, at December 31, 2008, compared to $22.8 million, or 2.54% of total assets, three months earlier. Total non-performing loans consist of forty-four loans and thirty-six lending relationships, which includes fourteen land-acquisition and development loans totaling $16.9 million, eight construction loans totaling $3.5 million, three commercial loans totaling $1.7 million, fourteen residential real estate loans totaling $2.0 million and five other real estate mortgage loans totaling $4.3 million. All of the loans are to borrowers located in Oregon and Washington, with the exception of one land acquisition and development loan totaling $1.4 million to a long-time Washington-based customer who has property located in Southern California. Riverview also had $3.0 million in other real estate owned (OREO) at the end of December 2008 compared to $699,000 at September 30, 2008. Included in OREO are sixteen properties limited to seven lending relationships. These properties consist of fourteen single-family homes and two residential lot loans. All properties are located in the Company’s primary market area except for one single family home located on the southern Washington coast.
Total classified and non-performing loans, including OREO, were $37.8 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $37.3 million at September 30, 2008 and $10.5 million at December 31, 2007. “We remain focused on reducing the level of our classified and non-performing assets as we continue to actively work with our borrowers to help mitigate losses,” added Dahlstrom. Residential land development and construction loans accounted for $25.9 million of these balances at December 31, 2008, compared to $26.8 million at September 30, 2008. Multi-family and commercial loans accounted for $4.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of the remaining balance at December 31, 2008, compared to $4.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, at September 30, 2008.
The provision for loan losses was $1.2 million for the third quarter, compared to $7.2 million during the second quarter and $650,000 in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009 the provision for loan losses totaled $11.2 million, compared to $1.1 million in the same period a year ago. “We increased our provision for loan losses again this quarter from prior year amounts not only to account for higher levels of nonperforming loans compared to a year ago, but also as part of our prudent system to build up our reserves during these very uncertain economic times,” said Dahlstrom.
The allowance for loan losses, including unfunded loan commitments of $260,000, was $16.5 million, or 2.01% of total loans at December 31, 2008 compared to $16.4 million, or 2.08% of total loans at September 30, 2008 and $9.9 million, or 1.37% of total loans, at December 31, 2007. Net loan charge-offs were $1.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to $4.2 million for the previous linked quarter and $207,000 for the fiscal third quarter a year ago.
OTTI Charge during 2Q09
During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 Riverview recorded a $3.4 million non-cash OTTI charge on an investment security. The investment is a trust preferred pooled security issued by other bank holding companies, is classified as available for sale and has a par value of $5.0 million. Although management believes it is possible that all principal and interest will be received, and the Company has the ability and intention to continue to hold the security until there is a recovery in fair value, general market concerns over these and similar types of securities, as well as a lowering of the investment rating for this specific security, caused the fair value to decline severely enough to warrant an OTTI charge. Consequently, management chose to recognize a $3.4 million OTTI charge during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 bringing the value of the security to $1.6 million. Management does not believe that the recognition of this impairment charge has any other implications for the Company’s business fundamentals or its outlook.
Riverview does not have sub-prime residential real estate loans in its loan portfolio and does not believe that it has any direct exposure to sub-prime lending in its Mortgage Backed Securities portfolio. Other than the trust preferred pooled security discussed above, the Company does not have any other investment securities of concern. Mortgage backed securities totaled $5.0 million, or 0.53% of total assets at December 31, 2008. Riverview does not have any exposure to Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) securities in its investment portfolio.
Operating Results
“The 175 basis point drop in the Federal Funds rate during the quarter, as well as the reversal of interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the quarter reduced our net interest margin,” said Ron Wysaske, President and COO. “We expect our margin to improve as our deposit pricing catches up with the recent interest rate cuts.” The reversal of interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the quarter accounted for a twelve basis point decrease in the quarterly net interest margin. For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the net interest margin was 3.95% compared to 4.18% in the previous linked quarter and 4.71% in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009 the net interest margin was 4.11% compared to 4.75% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.
Third quarter net interest income was $8.4 million, compared to $8.9 million in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, net interest income was $25.4 million compared to $26.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2008.
Non-interest income was $1.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $2.2 million for the third quarter a year ago. “The decrease in third quarter non-interest income compared to the same period a year ago is due to a $148,000 decrease in mortgage broker fees as a result of the slowing real estate market and a $77,000 decrease in asset management fees,” said Wysaske. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, total non-interest income, excluding the $3.4 million OTTI charge during 2Q09, was $6.2 million, compared to $6.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.
“We have continued to focus on managing costs and as a result we have been able to keep our operating expenses in line in fiscal 2009, even reducing them from year ago levels,” said Wysaske. Non-interest expense improved to $6.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to $7.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Decreases in salaries and employee benefits of $257,000 were partially offset by increased FDIC insurance premiums of $110,000. Riverview’s efficiency ratio was 67.23% for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to 63.69% for the same period in the prior year.
Balance Sheet Review
“Although third quarter loan growth was strong, up 5% for the quarter or 18% annualized,” said Dahlstrom. “We are seeing the loan pipeline start to decrease from the robust pace of the last few years. We expect to see a decline in loan demand and loan originations in the near term, reflecting the slowdown in the economy and tighter underwriting criteria, with our focus of keeping the portfolio high quality and well-diversified.” Net loans increased 13% to $805 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $716 million a year ago. Commercial and commercial real estate loans account for 73% of the total loan portfolio and construction loans account for 16% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2008.
“We continue to reduce our exposure to real estate construction and we reduced our one-to-four family construction portfolio to $76 million at quarter-end from $84 million three months earlier and $101 million at the end of December 2007,” added Dahlstrom. “We should continue to see reductions in our construction portfolio as we focus on other lending opportunities.”
Deposits grew 8% in the last three months, increasing $52 million to $690 million at the end of December 2008, compared to $637 million at September 30, 2008. Transaction accounts represent 55% of all deposits with non-interest checking balances representing 12% of total deposits and interest bearing checking balances representing 15% of total deposits. Brokered deposits increased $20.2 million since September 30, 2008, to $35.8 million, which represents 5.2% of total deposits.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity was $89.6 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $92.4 million a year ago. Book value per share was $8.21 at the end of December 2008, compared to $8.46 a year earlier and tangible book value per share was $5.80 at quarter-end, compared to $6.04 a year earlier. Tangible shareholder equity was 6.82% of its total assets at December 31, 2008, compared to 7.80% a year earlier.
As previously reported, the Board of Directors of Riverview elected to suspend the dividend for the current quarter. “We believe this was a prudent step to preserve capital given the current uncertain and volatile market conditions,” said Sheaffer. “We continue to exceed the regulatory benchmark for a ‘well-capitalized’ financial institution.” At December 31, 2008, Riverview’s total risk-based capital ratio was 10.73%. “We plan on continuing to carefully manage our capital with the goal of increasing total capital,” added Sheaffer. “All capital management options are being analyzed, including an evaluation of the Bank’s balance sheet structure and the use of approximately $5 million of cash available at the holding company which could be invested in the Bank. We believe taking these steps will position Riverview to take advantage of strategic growth opportunities as they present themselves.”
County Seeks Substance Abuse Advisory Board members
Vancouver, Wash. – The Board of Clark County Commissioners is recruiting members to serve on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB).
The Substance Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) advises and makes recommendations to the Clark County Board of Commissioners and county alcohol and drug addiction program manager regarding alcoholism and drug addiction programs in Clark County. Board activities include community needs assessment, prioritization, program planning, evaluation, monitoring and community education for treatment and prevention services.
Clark County values ethnic and life experience representation on its advisory boards and must have representation from all of these communities. This diversity is vital to better identify treatment, intervention and prevention services needed in Clark County.
It is very important that prospective board members have a working knowledge or strong interest in learning the issues and needs related to alcohol and other drug addictions including treatment, prevention, crisis services, diversity issues, service capacity and resource development.
We encourage applications from all areas of Clark County. Anyone interested in serving on the advisory board should send a letter and resume before March 1, 2009 to:
Clark County Board of Commissioners
PO Box 5000
Vancouver, WA 98666
Attention: Jennifer Clark
Specific questions may be directed to Barbara Becker at (360) 397-2075 ext. 7831 or Cyndi Smith at (360) 397-2075 ext. 7835.
The Substance Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) advises and makes recommendations to the Clark County Board of Commissioners and county alcohol and drug addiction program manager regarding alcoholism and drug addiction programs in Clark County. Board activities include community needs assessment, prioritization, program planning, evaluation, monitoring and community education for treatment and prevention services.
Clark County values ethnic and life experience representation on its advisory boards and must have representation from all of these communities. This diversity is vital to better identify treatment, intervention and prevention services needed in Clark County.
It is very important that prospective board members have a working knowledge or strong interest in learning the issues and needs related to alcohol and other drug addictions including treatment, prevention, crisis services, diversity issues, service capacity and resource development.
We encourage applications from all areas of Clark County. Anyone interested in serving on the advisory board should send a letter and resume before March 1, 2009 to:
Clark County Board of Commissioners
PO Box 5000
Vancouver, WA 98666
Attention: Jennifer Clark
Specific questions may be directed to Barbara Becker at (360) 397-2075 ext. 7831 or Cyndi Smith at (360) 397-2075 ext. 7835.
Port of Vancouver to host annual Port Re:Port on February 5
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver is Anchoring the Economy in Clark County, which will be the theme for this year’s Port Re:Port State of the Port event.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, February 5 at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay (100 Columbia Street, Vancouver).
Speakers will include Port Commission President Nancy Baker, the port’s Executive Director Larry Paulson, and brief comments from a couple of special guests. A near sell-out crowd is expected for the port’s annual report to the community, which will be tape-delayed on CVTV, and will be available online at www.cvtv.org later in the day.
Baker will deliver the commission’s perspective of the port’s growth, development and outlook as a major force in the economic viability of Greater Vancouver and Clark County, including the port’s upcoming development of the new Terminal 5 at the former Alcoa/Evergreen aluminum property. Paulson will deliver a state-of-the-port address that focuses on creating jobs and benefiting the local economy through strategies that align port development with a diversified cargo base, improved rail access and by expanding industrial business activity at the port. Paulson will also review the port’s 2008 performance in terms of cargo movement and vessel calls.
The port will also present its annual awards to tenants and customers for their outstanding contributions to the port and the community.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, February 5 at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay (100 Columbia Street, Vancouver).
Speakers will include Port Commission President Nancy Baker, the port’s Executive Director Larry Paulson, and brief comments from a couple of special guests. A near sell-out crowd is expected for the port’s annual report to the community, which will be tape-delayed on CVTV, and will be available online at www.cvtv.org later in the day.
Baker will deliver the commission’s perspective of the port’s growth, development and outlook as a major force in the economic viability of Greater Vancouver and Clark County, including the port’s upcoming development of the new Terminal 5 at the former Alcoa/Evergreen aluminum property. Paulson will deliver a state-of-the-port address that focuses on creating jobs and benefiting the local economy through strategies that align port development with a diversified cargo base, improved rail access and by expanding industrial business activity at the port. Paulson will also review the port’s 2008 performance in terms of cargo movement and vessel calls.
The port will also present its annual awards to tenants and customers for their outstanding contributions to the port and the community.
Remember to register by Feb. 4 for 2009 State of the County event
Free gathering to feature address by County Commissioner Marc Boldt
Vancouver, WA – Reservations are due by Feb. 4 for the 2009 State of the County event on Feb. 12. There will be no charge to attend the gathering, which will feature an address by Marc Boldt, chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
The traditional luncheon has been eliminated this year, to keep costs down, increase the potential number of seats and encourage as many people as possible to attend. Reservations are required to ensure adequate seating and to provide light refreshments.
This year’s program will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. To R.S.V.P., please contact the Commissioners’ Office at (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov
Vancouver, WA – Reservations are due by Feb. 4 for the 2009 State of the County event on Feb. 12. There will be no charge to attend the gathering, which will feature an address by Marc Boldt, chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
The traditional luncheon has been eliminated this year, to keep costs down, increase the potential number of seats and encourage as many people as possible to attend. Reservations are required to ensure adequate seating and to provide light refreshments.
This year’s program will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. To R.S.V.P., please contact the Commissioners’ Office at (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Call for Poster Sessions & Program Abstracts
The nation’s best regional “small tech” conference, co-hosted by the Washington Technology Center and Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) will be back for a sixth year after last year’s highly successful event. You are invited to participate!
Prospective authors are invited to submit abstracts to the Sixth Annual Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference. Abstracts (300 word maximum) must be submitted no later thanWednesday, March 31, 2009. Approximately 30 presentation/panelist presentations and 30 posters (on display throughout the conference and at a special 3 hour reception) will be included in the program.
You will be notified no later than Friday, May 29, 2009. If your abstract is accepted, the abstract will be distributed to all conference attendees and posted on the conference website. You will also be required to electronically submit a final abstract and short bio for the conference program, and to prepare/submit PowerPoint or poster presentation materials in accordance with conference specifications.
Topics relevant to micro and nanoscale technologies for which abstracts are especially encouraged:
Advanced MEMS devices and applications
Sensors and systems, e.g. for motion control
Nanoelectronics and biolectronics
Nanoscale patterning and fabrication processes
Printed and solution-processed devices and systems
Nanomaterial design, synthesis and scale-up
Nanomaterials for clean-tech applications
Nano-bio technologies
Micro-energy and chemical systems
Nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis
Nanomedicine and cancer therapies
Nano-optics and optoelectronic technologies
Tentative session format:
Ten presentation sessions will be selected from the above topic list, and will have the following format:
One overview paper covering the state-of-the-art and needed breakthroughs
One cutting-edge research paper (university or national laboratory)
One commercialization/new product development paper (industry or later stage startup company)
Contributors of presentation abstracts will be asked to identify which category they are submitting for.
Prospective authors are invited to submit abstracts to the Sixth Annual Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference. Abstracts (300 word maximum) must be submitted no later thanWednesday, March 31, 2009. Approximately 30 presentation/panelist presentations and 30 posters (on display throughout the conference and at a special 3 hour reception) will be included in the program.
You will be notified no later than Friday, May 29, 2009. If your abstract is accepted, the abstract will be distributed to all conference attendees and posted on the conference website. You will also be required to electronically submit a final abstract and short bio for the conference program, and to prepare/submit PowerPoint or poster presentation materials in accordance with conference specifications.
Topics relevant to micro and nanoscale technologies for which abstracts are especially encouraged:
Advanced MEMS devices and applications
Sensors and systems, e.g. for motion control
Nanoelectronics and biolectronics
Nanoscale patterning and fabrication processes
Printed and solution-processed devices and systems
Nanomaterial design, synthesis and scale-up
Nanomaterials for clean-tech applications
Nano-bio technologies
Micro-energy and chemical systems
Nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis
Nanomedicine and cancer therapies
Nano-optics and optoelectronic technologies
Tentative session format:
Ten presentation sessions will be selected from the above topic list, and will have the following format:
One overview paper covering the state-of-the-art and needed breakthroughs
One cutting-edge research paper (university or national laboratory)
One commercialization/new product development paper (industry or later stage startup company)
Contributors of presentation abstracts will be asked to identify which category they are submitting for.
Columbia Credit Union has been designated as a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union has been designated as a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Preferred Lender status allows Columbia to approve SBA guaranteed loans with minimal review from the SBA, and “gives business members faster loan application response,” said Coletta Bruce, Columbia Vice President of Business Lending.
To earn the designation, lenders must establish a successful track record and display a thorough understanding of SBA lending policies and procedures. “Preferred Lender status is the SBA’s premier accreditation,” said Dennis Lloyd, SBA Director of Lender Relations, Portland District office. “This
puts Columbia among the top lenders in the area.” Columbia is listed among the top 20 SBA lenders in the Portland-Southwest Washington market.
Columbia Credit Union’s business lending department has over 150 years of combined experience and specializes in SBA lending. “We stay current on all SBA lending information and issues,” said Bruce. “We’re dedicated to helping Southwest Washington small businesses find the financing that works best for them.”
For more information on Columbia Credit Union’s business lending or SBA loan program, please visit www.columbiacu.org or call 360.619.3060.
To earn the designation, lenders must establish a successful track record and display a thorough understanding of SBA lending policies and procedures. “Preferred Lender status is the SBA’s premier accreditation,” said Dennis Lloyd, SBA Director of Lender Relations, Portland District office. “This
puts Columbia among the top lenders in the area.” Columbia is listed among the top 20 SBA lenders in the Portland-Southwest Washington market.
Columbia Credit Union’s business lending department has over 150 years of combined experience and specializes in SBA lending. “We stay current on all SBA lending information and issues,” said Bruce. “We’re dedicated to helping Southwest Washington small businesses find the financing that works best for them.”
For more information on Columbia Credit Union’s business lending or SBA loan program, please visit www.columbiacu.org or call 360.619.3060.
Grant helps Vancouver Lake Partnership efforts to improve water health
VANCOUVER, WA– The Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership has been awarded a nearly $50,000 grant by the Washington Department of Ecology, marking another advance in local efforts to improve and protect the health of the regional water resource and all who use it..
The $48,137 grant will allow the Partnership – an organization of citizen stakeholders and government agencies with interest and jurisdiction over Vancouver Lake -- to team with Washington State University Vancouver in investigating cyanobacteria blooms, frequently referred to as bluegreen algae blooms.
The grant-funded investigation will focus on growth and death rates of cyanobacteria, as well as their relationship with predators such as microscopic zooplankton. Understanding these complex food-chain interactions is critical to identifying appropriate strategies for improving Vancouver Lake, a community resource for swimming, sailing, rowing, bird-watching, hiking and other recreational activities.
Since the late 1960s, public use of the large, relatively shallow Vancouver Lake west of downtown Vancouver, has been frequently limited in late, hot summer months due to toxic bluegreen algal blooms.
Such closures led to the 2004 formation of the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership by the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver Public Works, Clark County Public Works, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association. Clark County Public Works serves as the lead agency in securing and overseeing the Ecology grant.
Funding for Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program was established by the 2005 Washington Legislature through an annual $1 license fee assessed to the owners of boats. The program boosts local efforts to reduce the occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria blooms in lakes by investigating nutrient sources, performing education projects, and conducting monitoring and treatments to affected lakes.
Members of the Partnership include nine citizens and the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver Public Works, Clark County Public Works, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, Port of Ridgefield, Clark County Health Department, Clark Public Utilities, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More Partnership information is available at www.vancouverlakepartnership.org.
The $48,137 grant will allow the Partnership – an organization of citizen stakeholders and government agencies with interest and jurisdiction over Vancouver Lake -- to team with Washington State University Vancouver in investigating cyanobacteria blooms, frequently referred to as bluegreen algae blooms.
The grant-funded investigation will focus on growth and death rates of cyanobacteria, as well as their relationship with predators such as microscopic zooplankton. Understanding these complex food-chain interactions is critical to identifying appropriate strategies for improving Vancouver Lake, a community resource for swimming, sailing, rowing, bird-watching, hiking and other recreational activities.
Since the late 1960s, public use of the large, relatively shallow Vancouver Lake west of downtown Vancouver, has been frequently limited in late, hot summer months due to toxic bluegreen algal blooms.
Such closures led to the 2004 formation of the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership by the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver Public Works, Clark County Public Works, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association. Clark County Public Works serves as the lead agency in securing and overseeing the Ecology grant.
Funding for Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program was established by the 2005 Washington Legislature through an annual $1 license fee assessed to the owners of boats. The program boosts local efforts to reduce the occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria blooms in lakes by investigating nutrient sources, performing education projects, and conducting monitoring and treatments to affected lakes.
Members of the Partnership include nine citizens and the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver Public Works, Clark County Public Works, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, Port of Ridgefield, Clark County Health Department, Clark Public Utilities, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More Partnership information is available at www.vancouverlakepartnership.org.
Port Commissioners to work through light agenda on January 27
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners will hold its second 2009 regular meeting Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., with a light agenda.
Just one action item is on the docket for Commissioners Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver and Brian Wolfe to consider. Two items of unfinished business will also be taken up during the public meeting. The commission will hear a presentation from the Parks Foundation.
In the only action item, Commissioners will be asked to authorize Executive Director Larry Paulson to execute an engineering contract amendment with Westmar Worley Parsons for the design and construction administration of West Vancouver Freight Access project No. 4 in the amount of $485,430 for a total contract amount of $1,009,430. The port is currently in the final stages of permitting and design. Staff anticipates advertising for bids in April with construction in July or August.
Under unfinished business, commissioners will review both commission and staff assignments within the organizations in which the port participates, and may make changes to those assignments as they see fit; a discussion of a contract with Columbia River Economic Development Council; and discussion around the Clark County Freight Mobility Study. Commissioners will also consider their endorsement for the Clark County Transportation Alliance’s Legislative Agenda for 2009.
The meeting will be televised live on CVTV for Comcast customers, and will be streamed live on the web at www.cvtv.org. Recordings of the meeting will also be archived on the website.
Just one action item is on the docket for Commissioners Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver and Brian Wolfe to consider. Two items of unfinished business will also be taken up during the public meeting. The commission will hear a presentation from the Parks Foundation.
In the only action item, Commissioners will be asked to authorize Executive Director Larry Paulson to execute an engineering contract amendment with Westmar Worley Parsons for the design and construction administration of West Vancouver Freight Access project No. 4 in the amount of $485,430 for a total contract amount of $1,009,430. The port is currently in the final stages of permitting and design. Staff anticipates advertising for bids in April with construction in July or August.
Under unfinished business, commissioners will review both commission and staff assignments within the organizations in which the port participates, and may make changes to those assignments as they see fit; a discussion of a contract with Columbia River Economic Development Council; and discussion around the Clark County Freight Mobility Study. Commissioners will also consider their endorsement for the Clark County Transportation Alliance’s Legislative Agenda for 2009.
The meeting will be televised live on CVTV for Comcast customers, and will be streamed live on the web at www.cvtv.org. Recordings of the meeting will also be archived on the website.
Dear Parents, Staff and Community Members:
The Washington Association of School Administrators invited Dr. Steve Webb, superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools, to give testimony to the House Education Appropriations Committee on January 22. He was asked to address the potential impacts of state budget reductions in three
areas: I-732 (cost-of-living adjustments), I-728 (student achievement
fund) and Local Effort Assistance, or levy equalization.
To view a summary of Dr. Webb’s remarks at the hearing, please visit our Budget Facts web page:
http://www.vansd.org/budget_facts
areas: I-732 (cost-of-living adjustments), I-728 (student achievement
fund) and Local Effort Assistance, or levy equalization.
To view a summary of Dr. Webb’s remarks at the hearing, please visit our Budget Facts web page:
http://www.vansd.org/budget_facts
Open house to explore potential planning, zoning in Mill Creek area
Vancouver, WA – An open house is scheduled Feb. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. for anyone interested in reviewing and commenting on a proposed plan to guide the future of the Mill Creek planning area north of Washington State University Vancouver.
The open house will be held at the Public Safety Complex near the fairgrounds, 505 N.W. 179th St. Topics will include proposed zoning, road connections and environmental safeguards.
If adopted by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, the plan will become part of the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan. It covers residential and business uses in the area between Northeast 163rd and 179th streets and between Northeast 34th and 50th avenues.
The open house will be held at the Public Safety Complex near the fairgrounds, 505 N.W. 179th St. Topics will include proposed zoning, road connections and environmental safeguards.
If adopted by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, the plan will become part of the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan. It covers residential and business uses in the area between Northeast 163rd and 179th streets and between Northeast 34th and 50th avenues.
Lt. Governor to testify on measure to help public safety personnel and their families cope with stress from job
Lt. Gov. Brad Owen will testify at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 before the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee on a measure to help to people working in public safety who may be suffering personally from what they encounter on the job.
The bill, SB 5131, is executive request legislation from the lieutenant governor, who has been working for the past several months with members of the public safety community on establishing the program, called “Safe Call Now.”
Open to law enforcement, firefighters, and correctional officers statewide, the program offers confidential assistance aimed at reducing suicide and substance abuse. It will include a 24-hour toll-free help number and a Web site to connect troubled officers to counselors, mental health specialists, law enforcement personnel, support staff and other experts who can both coach them and provide additional resources for treatment and help. The program also assists their family members.
“Within public safety are some of the toughest, most stressful occupations you can find. People who choose this line of work are extremely dedicated and committed, so much so that too often their personal lives suffer because of what happens on the job,” said Lt. Gov. Owen, who serves as board chair for the new organization.
Owen said while Safe Call Now is already established, the legislation further supports the program by providing direction to the Criminal Justice Training Commission to train law enforcement and correctional officers to recognize personal crises and seek assistance before problems escalate. Secondly, the bill provides for confidentiality for crisis referral services to give public safety employees the confidence that they can seek assistance for personal difficulties without jeopardizing their careers.
The legislation is being sponsored by Senators Jerome Delvin, Jim Hargrove, Dale Brandland and Debbie Regala. The committee, chaired by Sen. Hargrove, will meet in Hearing Room 1 of the John Cherberg Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.
HB 1194 is the companion bill in the House and is sponsored there by Reps. Al O'Brien, Mark Ericks, Brad Klippert, Christopher Hurst, Timm Ormsby, Tami Green, Troy Kelley and Phyllis Kenney.
The bill, SB 5131, is executive request legislation from the lieutenant governor, who has been working for the past several months with members of the public safety community on establishing the program, called “Safe Call Now.”
Open to law enforcement, firefighters, and correctional officers statewide, the program offers confidential assistance aimed at reducing suicide and substance abuse. It will include a 24-hour toll-free help number and a Web site to connect troubled officers to counselors, mental health specialists, law enforcement personnel, support staff and other experts who can both coach them and provide additional resources for treatment and help. The program also assists their family members.
“Within public safety are some of the toughest, most stressful occupations you can find. People who choose this line of work are extremely dedicated and committed, so much so that too often their personal lives suffer because of what happens on the job,” said Lt. Gov. Owen, who serves as board chair for the new organization.
Owen said while Safe Call Now is already established, the legislation further supports the program by providing direction to the Criminal Justice Training Commission to train law enforcement and correctional officers to recognize personal crises and seek assistance before problems escalate. Secondly, the bill provides for confidentiality for crisis referral services to give public safety employees the confidence that they can seek assistance for personal difficulties without jeopardizing their careers.
The legislation is being sponsored by Senators Jerome Delvin, Jim Hargrove, Dale Brandland and Debbie Regala. The committee, chaired by Sen. Hargrove, will meet in Hearing Room 1 of the John Cherberg Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.
HB 1194 is the companion bill in the House and is sponsored there by Reps. Al O'Brien, Mark Ericks, Brad Klippert, Christopher Hurst, Timm Ormsby, Tami Green, Troy Kelley and Phyllis Kenney.
Craigslist gets some healthy competition in Washington
SEATTLE, Washington – (Jan. 22th 2009) – Want to buy and sell used outdoor gear and support a great cause at the same time? Well that’s exactly what you can do at WashingtonGearList.com (WGL). Entrepreneur Todd Disraeli has launched a new classifieds website that’s dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts in Washington. Its sister site, IdahoGearList.com, launched just 8 weeks ago and is already one of the most visited outdoor focused websites in the state.
“I wanted to create an outdoor gear classifieds website that’s free like Craigslist, but I thought it’d be far better to develop a community-centric site that serves Washingtonians, all of whom are always looking for a great deal to expand their quiver of outdoor toys and gear,” said Disraeli, a former AOL sales executive, landscape photographer and self confessed gearhead.
More importantly, WGL will donate a significant percentage of advertising revenue to various outdoor causes in Washington as well as G.O.O.D. (Great Outdoors Opportunities for the Disabled/Disadvantaged) a new organization formed by Chris Crawford the founder of RiverHelpers. “We all love the outdoors and the focus of G.O.O.D is to provide that enjoyment to those that are physically challenged or less fortunate. It’s a cause that Todd and I are very passionate about” said Crawford.
WGL’s categories include: Outdoor Sports & Fitness, Fishing & Hunting, Recreational Vehicles, Boats & Watercraft, Community Connection, and Get Outta Town. What can you expect to find on WGL? Everything…Fly reels, skis, ATV’s, cabin rentals, road bikes, RV’s, tents, kayaks, jet boats, hunting & fishing guides, climbing gear, and the list goes on.
WGL also features gear reviews, cool outdoor videos, and the latest outdoor conditions and reports. In the near future WGL will be adding an outdoor social networking site and hosting member submitted outdoor video contests.
“Everyone in Washington loves the annual ski swap in their home town, and some places have an annual bike swap, but why should people have to wait a year for the chance to buy or sell used gear?” Disraeli said. “Now there is a ‘swap’ open 24 hours a day to help meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in Washington.”
Organic community-centric development is the WGL mantra. So if you’re a gearhead with a suggestion, or a company that wants to explore a partnership, you can contact them at 208-629-8049 or info@gearlistnetwork.com.
“I wanted to create an outdoor gear classifieds website that’s free like Craigslist, but I thought it’d be far better to develop a community-centric site that serves Washingtonians, all of whom are always looking for a great deal to expand their quiver of outdoor toys and gear,” said Disraeli, a former AOL sales executive, landscape photographer and self confessed gearhead.
More importantly, WGL will donate a significant percentage of advertising revenue to various outdoor causes in Washington as well as G.O.O.D. (Great Outdoors Opportunities for the Disabled/Disadvantaged) a new organization formed by Chris Crawford the founder of RiverHelpers. “We all love the outdoors and the focus of G.O.O.D is to provide that enjoyment to those that are physically challenged or less fortunate. It’s a cause that Todd and I are very passionate about” said Crawford.
WGL’s categories include: Outdoor Sports & Fitness, Fishing & Hunting, Recreational Vehicles, Boats & Watercraft, Community Connection, and Get Outta Town. What can you expect to find on WGL? Everything…Fly reels, skis, ATV’s, cabin rentals, road bikes, RV’s, tents, kayaks, jet boats, hunting & fishing guides, climbing gear, and the list goes on.
WGL also features gear reviews, cool outdoor videos, and the latest outdoor conditions and reports. In the near future WGL will be adding an outdoor social networking site and hosting member submitted outdoor video contests.
“Everyone in Washington loves the annual ski swap in their home town, and some places have an annual bike swap, but why should people have to wait a year for the chance to buy or sell used gear?” Disraeli said. “Now there is a ‘swap’ open 24 hours a day to help meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in Washington.”
Organic community-centric development is the WGL mantra. So if you’re a gearhead with a suggestion, or a company that wants to explore a partnership, you can contact them at 208-629-8049 or info@gearlistnetwork.com.
Potato processors announce major volume cutbacks in potato contracts as French fry demand declines
Food Processor News Network
January 2009
Boise, ID - Potato processors quietly announced to potato grower associations late last week that they are immediately cutting volumes on potato contracts in 2009 as a result of increased costs, a weak economy and changes in fast-food menus - all of which are causing French fry demand to significantly decline.
According to potato grower groups in Idaho, Washington and Oregon, the resulting cutbacks in potato contracts could cause potato acreage in the Pacific Northwest to decrease by as much as 20% in 2009.
The proposed cutbacks in potato growing contracts were not a complete surprise to grower groups. At a recent industry meeting, officials of Lamb Weston (the potato- processing division of Con-Agra Foods) indicated that they first saw a decline on the food-service side of its business at the end of October due to slower restaurant sales.
The company even saw a drop-off of 13 percent on the retail side of its business in December.
In addition, Quick Service Restaurant chains have begun a trend of offering fewer combo meals with fries.
Processors used 4.6 percent fewer potatoes in December than they did a year, according to industry analysts.
Dehydrators used 2.3 percent more potatoes, but other processors - mostly french fry producers - saw a 6.7 percent decrease in usage compared with December 2007.
January 2009
Boise, ID - Potato processors quietly announced to potato grower associations late last week that they are immediately cutting volumes on potato contracts in 2009 as a result of increased costs, a weak economy and changes in fast-food menus - all of which are causing French fry demand to significantly decline.
According to potato grower groups in Idaho, Washington and Oregon, the resulting cutbacks in potato contracts could cause potato acreage in the Pacific Northwest to decrease by as much as 20% in 2009.
The proposed cutbacks in potato growing contracts were not a complete surprise to grower groups. At a recent industry meeting, officials of Lamb Weston (the potato- processing division of Con-Agra Foods) indicated that they first saw a decline on the food-service side of its business at the end of October due to slower restaurant sales.
The company even saw a drop-off of 13 percent on the retail side of its business in December.
In addition, Quick Service Restaurant chains have begun a trend of offering fewer combo meals with fries.
Processors used 4.6 percent fewer potatoes in December than they did a year, according to industry analysts.
Dehydrators used 2.3 percent more potatoes, but other processors - mostly french fry producers - saw a 6.7 percent decrease in usage compared with December 2007.
Educational Speaker Series meets Wednesday January 28th
Please join us on Wednesday at Hometown Buffet, 11:30am - 1:30pm for our first monthly Educational Speaker Series. Kathy Condon, author, international speaker, and executive coach will be joining us to speak on effective communication.
Kathy's recently published book, "It Doesn't Hurt to Ask: It's all about the Communication" has been selected as "Best Book Finalist USA Book News." You may already receive her "Weekly Wisdom" emails that inspire and guide us through our week.
Please visit: www.kathycondon.info for more information on this phenonemal speaker. RSVP is recommended as seating is limited.
Lunch purchase is required by the restaurant. There is also a $10 entrance fee for non BSA Members.
Kathy's recently published book, "It Doesn't Hurt to Ask: It's all about the Communication" has been selected as "Best Book Finalist USA Book News." You may already receive her "Weekly Wisdom" emails that inspire and guide us through our week.
Please visit: www.kathycondon.info for more information on this phenonemal speaker. RSVP is recommended as seating is limited.
Lunch purchase is required by the restaurant. There is also a $10 entrance fee for non BSA Members.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Camas World Travel Named Business of the Week by CW Chamber
Camas, WA – Camas World Travel, a pillar in the business community of Camas since 1977, has been named the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the week starting on Monday, January 26. Camas World Travel prides themselves on their wide range of travel services that span to in-route travel assistance, to pre-paid trust accounts.
Unbiased information, superb time management, and the best value possible is the promise by Camas World Travel to their customers. About 60-75% of Camas World Travel’s customers are repeat customers. “Its not just repeat customers, but the children of customers and their friends, that they refer to us… and even people who have moved away still call us to book their trips,” said Julie Scott-Seaman.
The staff at Camas World Travel has 70 years of combined travel knowledge and know-how. They are the travel company that was used to bring over representatives from Camas’s sister city Taki in Japan. “As a thank you for helping bring them over, they gave us gifts, its part of their culture,” said Seaman. The calligraphy art still hangs in Seaman’s office today. Also their in-route travel assistant ranges from coordinating with airlines when your flight is delayed, canceled, or re-routed to holding up a cruise ship if you are delayed in route.
In addition to booking vacations, business trips, honeymoons, etc… the team at Camas World Travel also books everything from a one-nights stay in Jantzen beach to local rooms for families that fly in for weddings, reunions or business. Also, their trust system allows customers to pre-pay on a vacation, up to one year to six months before. This way you can make payments before you leave, so your vacation is paid off before you depart.
Camas World Travel also gives back to the community by sponsoring local soccer teams and donating annually to the Alcohol free graduation party night for Camas and Washougal High School. “We are part of this community, we all have lived here forever” said Seaman.
The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Week program is designed to recognize local businesses and employees and their contributions to the local community. The CW Chamber is dedicated to the advocacy of local businesses in East Clark County. For more information on Camas World Travel call them at 834-3050 or via email at camasworldtravel@hotmail.com. Camas World Travel is located in the Riverview Bank Building in downtown camas at 330 NE Franklin.
Unbiased information, superb time management, and the best value possible is the promise by Camas World Travel to their customers. About 60-75% of Camas World Travel’s customers are repeat customers. “Its not just repeat customers, but the children of customers and their friends, that they refer to us… and even people who have moved away still call us to book their trips,” said Julie Scott-Seaman.
The staff at Camas World Travel has 70 years of combined travel knowledge and know-how. They are the travel company that was used to bring over representatives from Camas’s sister city Taki in Japan. “As a thank you for helping bring them over, they gave us gifts, its part of their culture,” said Seaman. The calligraphy art still hangs in Seaman’s office today. Also their in-route travel assistant ranges from coordinating with airlines when your flight is delayed, canceled, or re-routed to holding up a cruise ship if you are delayed in route.
In addition to booking vacations, business trips, honeymoons, etc… the team at Camas World Travel also books everything from a one-nights stay in Jantzen beach to local rooms for families that fly in for weddings, reunions or business. Also, their trust system allows customers to pre-pay on a vacation, up to one year to six months before. This way you can make payments before you leave, so your vacation is paid off before you depart.
Camas World Travel also gives back to the community by sponsoring local soccer teams and donating annually to the Alcohol free graduation party night for Camas and Washougal High School. “We are part of this community, we all have lived here forever” said Seaman.
The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Week program is designed to recognize local businesses and employees and their contributions to the local community. The CW Chamber is dedicated to the advocacy of local businesses in East Clark County. For more information on Camas World Travel call them at 834-3050 or via email at camasworldtravel@hotmail.com. Camas World Travel is located in the Riverview Bank Building in downtown camas at 330 NE Franklin.
Nominations sought for Public Health Community Award
Vancouver, WA— Clark County Public Health is seeking nominations for the Public Health Community Award, recently created to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to promoting and protecting the community’s health. Nominations should demonstrate public health excellence in one or more of the following areas:
§ Innovation
§ Partnership
§ Individual contribution
§ Communitywide effort
Nominations are due March 1. Forms are available on the Public Health Web site at www.clark.wa.gov/health. They can be completed and submitted online or filled out manually and mailed or hand-delivered.
A committee comprising members of the Clark County Public Health Advisory Council and Clark County Public Health staff will review all nominations and make a recommendation to the Clark County Board of Health for final selection.
The award presentation will take place on April 9, 2009 at the Center for Community Health in Vancouver.
“It’s easy to take for granted the quality of the water we drink, the safety of the food we eat, and assume that we will always be protected from disease,” said Dave Seabrook, Public Health Advisory Council Chair. “Unfortunately, the current economic situation and lack of stable public health funding are good reasons why none of these things can be taken for granted and why we should raise awareness of public health. This award will help to highlight public health excellence right here in Clark County.“
§ Innovation
§ Partnership
§ Individual contribution
§ Communitywide effort
Nominations are due March 1. Forms are available on the Public Health Web site at www.clark.wa.gov/health. They can be completed and submitted online or filled out manually and mailed or hand-delivered.
A committee comprising members of the Clark County Public Health Advisory Council and Clark County Public Health staff will review all nominations and make a recommendation to the Clark County Board of Health for final selection.
The award presentation will take place on April 9, 2009 at the Center for Community Health in Vancouver.
“It’s easy to take for granted the quality of the water we drink, the safety of the food we eat, and assume that we will always be protected from disease,” said Dave Seabrook, Public Health Advisory Council Chair. “Unfortunately, the current economic situation and lack of stable public health funding are good reasons why none of these things can be taken for granted and why we should raise awareness of public health. This award will help to highlight public health excellence right here in Clark County.“
County calls for nominations for annual salmon recovery awards
Vancouver, WA – The Sammy Awards are Clark County’s answer to the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys, except that our concern is less with the glitter of showbiz and more with the sparkle of wild salmon in our waterways. The Sammys recognize individuals, groups, organizations, or projects for outstanding contributions to salmon recovery in Clark County.
Do you know someone who deserves a Sammy? We would love to hear from you!
Potential Sammy Award nominees might involve the following:
Habitat restoration projects
Education and outreach efforts
Grassroots, neighborhood association or school projects
A business or organization implementing salmon-friendly or best management practices
Special or lifetime achievements for individuals committed to salmon recovery
Other volunteer activities
Nomination forms can be found on the Clark County ESA Web site: www.saveoursalmon.com, or you may request a form by calling 397-2022, ext. 2. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 13. Winners will be announced during a special event planned for June 11, with details to be announced.
Do you know someone who deserves a Sammy? We would love to hear from you!
Potential Sammy Award nominees might involve the following:
Habitat restoration projects
Education and outreach efforts
Grassroots, neighborhood association or school projects
A business or organization implementing salmon-friendly or best management practices
Special or lifetime achievements for individuals committed to salmon recovery
Other volunteer activities
Nomination forms can be found on the Clark County ESA Web site: www.saveoursalmon.com, or you may request a form by calling 397-2022, ext. 2. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 13. Winners will be announced during a special event planned for June 11, with details to be announced.
CORRECTED VERSION: ENTER THE OMSI DA VINCI CHALLENGE AND PUT YOUR IMAGINATION TO WORK
PLEASE NOTE RSVP PHONE NUMBER HAS BEEN CORRECTED
PORTLAND, OR (Jan. 22, 2009) — The natural impulse to invent leads not only to innovation but to great entertainment—and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is joining in the fray. In celebration of Leonardo da Vinci, OMSI is inviting 16 teams to put their inventive minds to work and build a modern adaptation of a da Vinci invention using an alternative energy source—air, water, solar, or human power.
The challenge is free and open to the public. To enter the challenge, teams must submit a short description (100 words or less) explaining their design idea to challenge@omsi.edu by February 16 at 8:00 a.m. The design must be modeled after an actual da Vinci invention or idea and be powered by alternative energy: air, water, solar, or human power. Please include names, ages, and contact information for each team member with your submission.
The challenge is open to teams of no more than six people. There will be eight youth teams (high school age) and eight adult teams selected. Teams with mixed age groups are permitted. Teams will be announced and full challenge instructions and rules will be released on February 20. Teams will have six weeks and be given $250 to design and build their inventions.
On April 4, all teams will demonstrate and test their inventions in front of a panel of judges and the general public in a fun-filled Da Vinci Challenge event at OMSI. At the event, teams will also be given a surprise challenge to complete in a specified amount of time (bring a spare change of clothes!). Teams traveling to OMSI from further than 75 miles for the event may apply for a travel and lodging stipend.
Teams will be judged based on creativity and the performance of their invention. Prizes will include an OMSI membership for each winning team member and a night at the museum for the winning team and their friends.
The Da Vinci Challenge is made possible by the generous support of The Lemelson Foundation. For questions or comments, please e-mail challenge@omsi.edu or call 503.239.7817.
PORTLAND, OR (Jan. 22, 2009) — The natural impulse to invent leads not only to innovation but to great entertainment—and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is joining in the fray. In celebration of Leonardo da Vinci, OMSI is inviting 16 teams to put their inventive minds to work and build a modern adaptation of a da Vinci invention using an alternative energy source—air, water, solar, or human power.
The challenge is free and open to the public. To enter the challenge, teams must submit a short description (100 words or less) explaining their design idea to challenge@omsi.edu by February 16 at 8:00 a.m. The design must be modeled after an actual da Vinci invention or idea and be powered by alternative energy: air, water, solar, or human power. Please include names, ages, and contact information for each team member with your submission.
The challenge is open to teams of no more than six people. There will be eight youth teams (high school age) and eight adult teams selected. Teams with mixed age groups are permitted. Teams will be announced and full challenge instructions and rules will be released on February 20. Teams will have six weeks and be given $250 to design and build their inventions.
On April 4, all teams will demonstrate and test their inventions in front of a panel of judges and the general public in a fun-filled Da Vinci Challenge event at OMSI. At the event, teams will also be given a surprise challenge to complete in a specified amount of time (bring a spare change of clothes!). Teams traveling to OMSI from further than 75 miles for the event may apply for a travel and lodging stipend.
Teams will be judged based on creativity and the performance of their invention. Prizes will include an OMSI membership for each winning team member and a night at the museum for the winning team and their friends.
The Da Vinci Challenge is made possible by the generous support of The Lemelson Foundation. For questions or comments, please e-mail challenge@omsi.edu or call 503.239.7817.
CRC hosts question and answer sessions on number of lanes for future I-5 bridge
VANCOUVER – The Oregon and Washington transportation departments invite community members to learn more about the tradeoffs associated with an 8-, 10- or 12-lane Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River at upcoming informational sessions. Project staff will provide a presentation, answer questions and accept public comment.
Two question and answer sessions are scheduled:
* Wednesday, January 21: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Clark County Elections building, Room 226, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver, Wash. 98660
* Saturday, January 24: 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kaiser Town Hall, Conference rooms A & B, 3704 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, Ore. 97227
A replacement I-5 bridge will have three “through” lanes in each direction and up to three lanes in each direction to connect interchanges in the five-mile project area. These connector lanes are known as add/drop or auxiliary lanes. No add/drop lanes are proposed north or south of the project area. The upcoming question and answer sessions will focus on the number of add/drop lanes and the choices and potential traffic and environmental effects of the 8-, 10-, and 12-lane scenarios. Information presented will include data on the purpose, safety and efficiency of add/drop lanes and the decision making process for determining the number to be included in the project.
Comments received will be provided to the CRC’s Project Sponsors Council. The council will use the comments to aid in its recommendation for the project’s number of lanes, expected in early February.
CRC is a bi-state project to reduce congestion, enhance mobility and improve safety on I-5 between SR 500 in Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland. The project will replace the I-5 bridge, extend light rail to Vancouver, improve six interchanges, and enhance the bicycle and pedestrian path between the two cities. Cost estimates for the project range from $3.1 to $4.2 billion, a portion of which would be financed by bridge tolls. More information may found at: http://www.columbiarivercrossing.org.
Two question and answer sessions are scheduled:
* Wednesday, January 21: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Clark County Elections building, Room 226, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver, Wash. 98660
* Saturday, January 24: 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kaiser Town Hall, Conference rooms A & B, 3704 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, Ore. 97227
A replacement I-5 bridge will have three “through” lanes in each direction and up to three lanes in each direction to connect interchanges in the five-mile project area. These connector lanes are known as add/drop or auxiliary lanes. No add/drop lanes are proposed north or south of the project area. The upcoming question and answer sessions will focus on the number of add/drop lanes and the choices and potential traffic and environmental effects of the 8-, 10-, and 12-lane scenarios. Information presented will include data on the purpose, safety and efficiency of add/drop lanes and the decision making process for determining the number to be included in the project.
Comments received will be provided to the CRC’s Project Sponsors Council. The council will use the comments to aid in its recommendation for the project’s number of lanes, expected in early February.
CRC is a bi-state project to reduce congestion, enhance mobility and improve safety on I-5 between SR 500 in Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland. The project will replace the I-5 bridge, extend light rail to Vancouver, improve six interchanges, and enhance the bicycle and pedestrian path between the two cities. Cost estimates for the project range from $3.1 to $4.2 billion, a portion of which would be financed by bridge tolls. More information may found at: http://www.columbiarivercrossing.org.
LEGEND HOMES AND PACIFIC LIFESTYLE HOMES FORM MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
Groundbreaking Alliance Matches Builders In Midst of Corporate Reorganization
Portland, OR. – Legend Homes and Pacific Lifestyle Homes announced plans today for the two builders to cooperate on several joint marketing efforts.
Both firms filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in 2008 and are in the midst of working through reorganization procedures. Each company reports positive progress with plans to emerge by the second quarter of 2009.
Several joint marketing initiatives are planned, including an initial joint sale of each company’s completed homes inventory.
“These are two of our industry’s leaders and I applaud their efforts. It shows how even the biggest players in one industry can work together to reach a common goal,” said Dave Nielsen, chief executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland.
Legend Homes is one of the Portland metro area’s most enduring builders. Founded in 1965 by David Oringdulph, the company sold 1760 homes from 2004 through 2008.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. The company was founded in 1996 and is owned by Kevin Wann. From 2004 to 2007, the company built 971 homes, 86 of which were built in 2007.
Companies Plan Joint Sale That Will Include Over 100 Homes
Reorganization consultants for both builders have advised that current inventories of completed spec homes are too high. Experts recommend that both builders liquidate their inventories. One of the first marketing efforts will be a joint sale. Collectively, the sale will feature over 100 completed homes that represent each company’s 2008 inventory.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes will have 56 homes as part of the sale and Legend Homes will offer 48 homes. These homes are in neighborhoods across the metro area as far north as Woodland, Washington, and as far south as Corvallis, Oregon.
All homes included in the sale must be sold by March 31, 2009, for the companies to remain on target with their reorganization plans.
“As the market slowed and demand for new homes decreased, we were left with an oversupply of completed homes," said Jim Chapman, president of Legend Homes. Both expect strong results from the sale. “The homes are certainly priced to sell. Once we reduce overall inventory numbers, we will return to a very manageable operating position,” said Kevin Wann, chief executive officer of Pacific Lifestyle Homes.
The homes offered in the sale will range in size from 1214 square feet to 2917 square feet. All homes include the respective builder’s typical warranties and customer service. Potential buyers can make offers to purchase any of the homes from prices as low as $174,900.
The communities included in the sale are in Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Tualatin, Tigard, Wilsonville, and Clackamas in the Portland area; and Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Woodland in Southwest Washington. Additionally, there are homes in North Albany, Corvallis, Lafayette, and Salem in the Willamette Valley.
Buyers interested in purchasing a home during the sale can view the available homes being liquidated at www.NewHomeSale.org
Company Restructuring Moving Along For Both Firms
Both companies report positive movement toward emerging from Chapter 11 protections.
Legend Homes, who filed for its reorganization first, has found the process to be very positive. “It’s allowed us to restructure our capital position, as well as to review our entire operation. I think anytime that you do that, you will find better ways to operate,” said Chapman. Legend is expected to emerge from Chapter 11 protections during the second quarter of 2009.
The outlook at Pacific Lifestyle Homes is also up. “Our team has remained extremely positive. The reorganization was about restructuring our debts and overall capital picture. We finished 2008 with a very positive sales quarter,” said Wann. Pacific Lifestyle Homes is expected to lift Chapter 11 protections sometime in the third quarter of 2009 due to its later filing.
“Two thousand eight was a really tough year for many of our builders. Navigating the changing credit markets and requirements of the lending institutions were major challenges. This year, with institutions stabilizing and interest rates hitting a 50-year low, things should be looking up,” said Nielsen.
About The Sale: Over 100 homes built by Pacific Lifestyle Homes and Legend Homes are being liquidated. The homes represent the firms’ 2008 inventory of unsold, completed homes. All homes must be sold by March 31, 2008. Homes are offered on a first come, first served basis and will be removed from the liquidation once an offer has been accepted. Interested buyers can see the entire inventory at www.NewHomeSale.Org.
Portland, OR. – Legend Homes and Pacific Lifestyle Homes announced plans today for the two builders to cooperate on several joint marketing efforts.
Both firms filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in 2008 and are in the midst of working through reorganization procedures. Each company reports positive progress with plans to emerge by the second quarter of 2009.
Several joint marketing initiatives are planned, including an initial joint sale of each company’s completed homes inventory.
“These are two of our industry’s leaders and I applaud their efforts. It shows how even the biggest players in one industry can work together to reach a common goal,” said Dave Nielsen, chief executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland.
Legend Homes is one of the Portland metro area’s most enduring builders. Founded in 1965 by David Oringdulph, the company sold 1760 homes from 2004 through 2008.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. The company was founded in 1996 and is owned by Kevin Wann. From 2004 to 2007, the company built 971 homes, 86 of which were built in 2007.
Companies Plan Joint Sale That Will Include Over 100 Homes
Reorganization consultants for both builders have advised that current inventories of completed spec homes are too high. Experts recommend that both builders liquidate their inventories. One of the first marketing efforts will be a joint sale. Collectively, the sale will feature over 100 completed homes that represent each company’s 2008 inventory.
Pacific Lifestyle Homes will have 56 homes as part of the sale and Legend Homes will offer 48 homes. These homes are in neighborhoods across the metro area as far north as Woodland, Washington, and as far south as Corvallis, Oregon.
All homes included in the sale must be sold by March 31, 2009, for the companies to remain on target with their reorganization plans.
“As the market slowed and demand for new homes decreased, we were left with an oversupply of completed homes," said Jim Chapman, president of Legend Homes. Both expect strong results from the sale. “The homes are certainly priced to sell. Once we reduce overall inventory numbers, we will return to a very manageable operating position,” said Kevin Wann, chief executive officer of Pacific Lifestyle Homes.
The homes offered in the sale will range in size from 1214 square feet to 2917 square feet. All homes include the respective builder’s typical warranties and customer service. Potential buyers can make offers to purchase any of the homes from prices as low as $174,900.
The communities included in the sale are in Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Tualatin, Tigard, Wilsonville, and Clackamas in the Portland area; and Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Woodland in Southwest Washington. Additionally, there are homes in North Albany, Corvallis, Lafayette, and Salem in the Willamette Valley.
Buyers interested in purchasing a home during the sale can view the available homes being liquidated at www.NewHomeSale.org
Company Restructuring Moving Along For Both Firms
Both companies report positive movement toward emerging from Chapter 11 protections.
Legend Homes, who filed for its reorganization first, has found the process to be very positive. “It’s allowed us to restructure our capital position, as well as to review our entire operation. I think anytime that you do that, you will find better ways to operate,” said Chapman. Legend is expected to emerge from Chapter 11 protections during the second quarter of 2009.
The outlook at Pacific Lifestyle Homes is also up. “Our team has remained extremely positive. The reorganization was about restructuring our debts and overall capital picture. We finished 2008 with a very positive sales quarter,” said Wann. Pacific Lifestyle Homes is expected to lift Chapter 11 protections sometime in the third quarter of 2009 due to its later filing.
“Two thousand eight was a really tough year for many of our builders. Navigating the changing credit markets and requirements of the lending institutions were major challenges. This year, with institutions stabilizing and interest rates hitting a 50-year low, things should be looking up,” said Nielsen.
About The Sale: Over 100 homes built by Pacific Lifestyle Homes and Legend Homes are being liquidated. The homes represent the firms’ 2008 inventory of unsold, completed homes. All homes must be sold by March 31, 2008. Homes are offered on a first come, first served basis and will be removed from the liquidation once an offer has been accepted. Interested buyers can see the entire inventory at www.NewHomeSale.Org.
Register to attend Clark County Tourism Awards ceremony
Vancouver, WA — Register to attend the Clark County Tourism Awards ceremony on Feb. 26 by contacting the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau at (360) 750-1553, ext. 13. The registration deadline is Feb. 19 and cost is $25.
This annual celebration is co-hosted by the county, Clark County Lodging Association and the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau and sponsored by the Vancouver Business Journal. It highlights the achievements, successes, partnerships and leaders in Clark County’s growing tourism industry.
Tourism generated more than $365 million in economic impact last year and the Clark County Tourism Awards is an opportunity to recognize people, companies, events and programs for their contributions and successes.
Award categories and finalists are shown below. Winners will be announced Feb. 26.
Outstanding Tourism Service Award
· Bethany Vineyard and Winery
· Brett Wilkerson (The Heathman Lodge)
· Phoenix Inn Suites
Outstanding Ecotourism Award
· Waterfront Renaissance Trail
· Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
· Water Resources Education Center
Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award
· Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association
· Confluence Project
· Pearson Air Museum
Restaurant Excellence Award
· Beaches Restaurant and Bar
· La Bottega Café Deli & Wine Shop
· The Restaurant at the Historic Reserve
Retail Excellence Award
· Historic Reserve Bookstore
· Lily Atelier
· Pendleton Woolen Mills
Outstanding Event Award
· Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival
· Hot July Nights
· Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival
Rising Star Award
· Chad Naeve, The Heathman Lodge
· Teresa Smith, Phoenix Inn
· Morgan Thompson, Springhill Suites
This annual celebration is co-hosted by the county, Clark County Lodging Association and the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau and sponsored by the Vancouver Business Journal. It highlights the achievements, successes, partnerships and leaders in Clark County’s growing tourism industry.
Tourism generated more than $365 million in economic impact last year and the Clark County Tourism Awards is an opportunity to recognize people, companies, events and programs for their contributions and successes.
Award categories and finalists are shown below. Winners will be announced Feb. 26.
Outstanding Tourism Service Award
· Bethany Vineyard and Winery
· Brett Wilkerson (The Heathman Lodge)
· Phoenix Inn Suites
Outstanding Ecotourism Award
· Waterfront Renaissance Trail
· Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
· Water Resources Education Center
Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award
· Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association
· Confluence Project
· Pearson Air Museum
Restaurant Excellence Award
· Beaches Restaurant and Bar
· La Bottega Café Deli & Wine Shop
· The Restaurant at the Historic Reserve
Retail Excellence Award
· Historic Reserve Bookstore
· Lily Atelier
· Pendleton Woolen Mills
Outstanding Event Award
· Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival
· Hot July Nights
· Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival
Rising Star Award
· Chad Naeve, The Heathman Lodge
· Teresa Smith, Phoenix Inn
· Morgan Thompson, Springhill Suites
Business Success Association first monthly Educational Speaker Series
We are pleased to have Kathy Condon as our keynote speaker. Kathy has many well established credentials. She is an Executive Coach, Author and Internationally Recognized Speaker. Time spent with Kathy Candon is time well spent.
Date: January 28, 2009, Wednesday
Location: Hometown Buffet, 78098 Vancouver Plaza, Vancouver, WA
Time: 11/30 until 1:30
Registration fee is $10.00 in addition to your lunch purchased from Hometown Buffet. Check or cash please - we can not accept credit cards for the registration fee.
There will be door prizes and a great opportunity to network.
There is limited seating so RSVP is recommended. Either call Donna Owen at 360.635.2933 or reply to this invitation.
Date: January 28, 2009, Wednesday
Location: Hometown Buffet, 78098 Vancouver Plaza, Vancouver, WA
Time: 11/30 until 1:30
Registration fee is $10.00 in addition to your lunch purchased from Hometown Buffet. Check or cash please - we can not accept credit cards for the registration fee.
There will be door prizes and a great opportunity to network.
There is limited seating so RSVP is recommended. Either call Donna Owen at 360.635.2933 or reply to this invitation.
First Quarter Education Breakfast Event
(Suggestions Needed!!!)
It's our hopes for YPOV as an organization to become more diverse with our events this year.
Please select a topic you would like to see for our first Quarterly Breakfast of the Champions. Thanks for your input!
Please email your responses to Chanel chanel@medicleanonline.com
1) Marketing your Business
2) Money Management
3) Sales--Increase your Production
4) Motivational Coach
5) Time Management
6) Loss Prevention
It's our hopes for YPOV as an organization to become more diverse with our events this year.
Please select a topic you would like to see for our first Quarterly Breakfast of the Champions. Thanks for your input!
Please email your responses to Chanel chanel@medicleanonline.com
1) Marketing your Business
2) Money Management
3) Sales--Increase your Production
4) Motivational Coach
5) Time Management
6) Loss Prevention
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
ANNUAL DUNGENESS CRAB FEAST AT AROUND THE TABLE SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH 6:30 PM
CAMAS, Wash.—January 16, 2009--It is time again for the Annual Crab Feast at Around the Table. Gather around our table January 24th, 2009 and enjoy the bounty of crab season. We're setting out the bibs, wet wipes, newspaper lined tables and plenty of Fresh Dungeness Crab. The menu will include Steamed Dungeness Crab, Gorgonzola & Camembert Fondue with Winter Vegetables, Clam Chowder, Organic Greens with Pears, Apples and Sweet Curry Dressing, and more. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm for $40 per person. Reservations required and can be made by contact Around the Table at (360)834-0171 or at aroundthetable@comcast.net. For a complete menu, visit www.aroundthetable.net.
Around the Table is a culinary studio with space for special events, catering, and cooking lessons. They offer events such as First Friday Buffets, Monthly Happy Hour, Family Nights and classes such as Realistic 30-Minute Meals, and Kids Cook! The atmosphere Around the Table is a mix of urban and traditional elements with brick walls, high ceilings and an open kitchen wherein guests view the food preparation while sitting Around The Table. The studio is located at
316 NE Dallas St Camas, WA 98607. Tel. (360) 834-0171.
aroundthetable@comcast.net
Around the Table is a culinary studio with space for special events, catering, and cooking lessons. They offer events such as First Friday Buffets, Monthly Happy Hour, Family Nights and classes such as Realistic 30-Minute Meals, and Kids Cook! The atmosphere Around the Table is a mix of urban and traditional elements with brick walls, high ceilings and an open kitchen wherein guests view the food preparation while sitting Around The Table. The studio is located at
316 NE Dallas St Camas, WA 98607. Tel. (360) 834-0171.
aroundthetable@comcast.net
DISCOVER YOURSELF IN HOME VALLEY, WASHINGTON
In Washington D.C. 110 years ago, President William McKinley was negotiating the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish-American war. The treaty was declared in effect in April 1899 and Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States. Clear across the country in Washington State, many important events were taking place as well. Mt. Rainier National Park was established by Congress in March 1899. The state’s first hydroelectric plant began generating at Snoqualmie Falls. And Weyerhauser finalized one of the largest land purchases in U.S. history. Down in southwestern Washington, just above the Columbia River, Swedish immigrant Erik Bylin, began homesteading on 160 acres. With Homestead Certificate No. 4405 signed by President McKinley himself, the land claim of Bylin was established and duly consummated in conformity to law, for the “North East Quarter of Section 23 in Township Three North of Range Eight East of Willamette Meridian in Washington”. The community was previously known as “Heim Dal”, named by Norwegian emigrants who settled the area. Postal authorities translated the name to Home Valley in 1893 at a time when the mail was delivered by rail and the mailbag left on a hook near the tracks as the train sped by.
Home Valley lies on the north shore of the Columbia River at river mile 155 in Skamania County in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The area is home to endless recreational outlets including fishing at the mouth of the Wind River and hiking the trails on Wind Mountain. The property originally settled by Bylin has seen continuous family ownership. The current owner is Leroy Anderson whose father was Erik Bylin’s first cousin. Leroy was raised on the land above State Route 14 and attended classes at the one-room schoolhouse in Home Valley that is still standing today. As a child, he would return home from school, harness up the family’s old mare and deck logs to be hauled to the river at Cook. His childhood days were spent exploring the acreage just west of Wind Mountain.
Several years ago, as Leroy was nearing retirement from a career with Columbia Distributing, he began contemplating ways to share the beautiful landscape with others. After much consideration, the decision was made to build a campground and RV park on a small portion of the original homestead. There would be nothing else like it in the Columbia River Gorge, a park removed from the highway and the railroad tracks, providing the peaceful serenity that Native Americans found here hundreds of years ago. With assistance from engineer Bruce Powers with David Evans & Associates and over a three-year permitting process, Timberlake Campground and RV Park was created. Opening in the summer of 2006, Timberlake Campground was developed so that others might share the natural beauty of the land. The design has maintained the natural environment and the park is “green” and eco-friendly. The existing topographical vegetation was retained and the property is fed by natural spring water that is used for irrigation and potable water.
With 43 RV sites, 18 with water, electric and sewer and additional tent sites, Timberlake Campground is the perfect base camp location for exploring all that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are a short drive also. Fishing, hiking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, mountain biking or just sitting back and enjoying a spectacular sunset – it is all accessible here. The park provides a children’s playground, pet area, modem and Wi-Fi, cell phone service and the nicest restrooms ever discovered at a campground. Plus Timberlake Hall is available for group use with a large stone fireplace, full service kitchen, tables and chairs to seat 100 people. All these amenities result in a wonderful site for weddings, reunions, RV clubs, scout outings and much more.
Young Native Americans used nearby Wind Mountain for vision quests during their teenage years and the rock structures and “nests” at the summit can still be seen today. Take care not to disturb these sacred sites. From those original stewards of the land to the Scandinavian settlers many years later, Home Valley has served as a haven for those seeking exquisite scenery in a natural setting. Visit Timberlake Campground & RV Park and enjoy that same experience.
Timberlake Campground & RV Park is open from March through October. For more information, visit their website at www.timberlakecampgroundandrvpark.com, e-mail timberlakecamprground@embarqmail.com or call 509-427-2267. 112 Bylin Road, Home Valley, Washington 98648. For more information on Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge, visit www.skamania.org or call the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce at 800-989-9178.
Home Valley lies on the north shore of the Columbia River at river mile 155 in Skamania County in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The area is home to endless recreational outlets including fishing at the mouth of the Wind River and hiking the trails on Wind Mountain. The property originally settled by Bylin has seen continuous family ownership. The current owner is Leroy Anderson whose father was Erik Bylin’s first cousin. Leroy was raised on the land above State Route 14 and attended classes at the one-room schoolhouse in Home Valley that is still standing today. As a child, he would return home from school, harness up the family’s old mare and deck logs to be hauled to the river at Cook. His childhood days were spent exploring the acreage just west of Wind Mountain.
Several years ago, as Leroy was nearing retirement from a career with Columbia Distributing, he began contemplating ways to share the beautiful landscape with others. After much consideration, the decision was made to build a campground and RV park on a small portion of the original homestead. There would be nothing else like it in the Columbia River Gorge, a park removed from the highway and the railroad tracks, providing the peaceful serenity that Native Americans found here hundreds of years ago. With assistance from engineer Bruce Powers with David Evans & Associates and over a three-year permitting process, Timberlake Campground and RV Park was created. Opening in the summer of 2006, Timberlake Campground was developed so that others might share the natural beauty of the land. The design has maintained the natural environment and the park is “green” and eco-friendly. The existing topographical vegetation was retained and the property is fed by natural spring water that is used for irrigation and potable water.
With 43 RV sites, 18 with water, electric and sewer and additional tent sites, Timberlake Campground is the perfect base camp location for exploring all that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are a short drive also. Fishing, hiking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, mountain biking or just sitting back and enjoying a spectacular sunset – it is all accessible here. The park provides a children’s playground, pet area, modem and Wi-Fi, cell phone service and the nicest restrooms ever discovered at a campground. Plus Timberlake Hall is available for group use with a large stone fireplace, full service kitchen, tables and chairs to seat 100 people. All these amenities result in a wonderful site for weddings, reunions, RV clubs, scout outings and much more.
Young Native Americans used nearby Wind Mountain for vision quests during their teenage years and the rock structures and “nests” at the summit can still be seen today. Take care not to disturb these sacred sites. From those original stewards of the land to the Scandinavian settlers many years later, Home Valley has served as a haven for those seeking exquisite scenery in a natural setting. Visit Timberlake Campground & RV Park and enjoy that same experience.
Timberlake Campground & RV Park is open from March through October. For more information, visit their website at www.timberlakecampgroundandrvpark.com, e-mail timberlakecamprground@embarqmail.com or call 509-427-2267. 112 Bylin Road, Home Valley, Washington 98648. For more information on Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge, visit www.skamania.org or call the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce at 800-989-9178.
Commissioner Boldt to deliver State of the County 2009 address
Make reservations now for February 12 event
Vancouver, WA – Commissioner Marc Boldt, Chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners, will deliver the annual State of the County address on Thursday, Feb. 12. The event will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas.
County commissioners will also present 2009 Spirit of Clark County awards to volunteers for extraordinary contributions in serving the community.
Reservations are required, but there will be no charge for attending. Please R.S.V.P. by Feb. 4. For more information or to make reservations, call (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov.
Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) Cable Channels 21 and 23, will air the speech at a later date.
Vancouver, WA – Commissioner Marc Boldt, Chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners, will deliver the annual State of the County address on Thursday, Feb. 12. The event will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas.
County commissioners will also present 2009 Spirit of Clark County awards to volunteers for extraordinary contributions in serving the community.
Reservations are required, but there will be no charge for attending. Please R.S.V.P. by Feb. 4. For more information or to make reservations, call (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov.
Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) Cable Channels 21 and 23, will air the speech at a later date.
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Vacancy
Vancouver, WA – The Board of Clark County Commissioners is calling for applications for Clark County residents to serve on the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to fill an unexpired term through December 2009.
The Commission meets on the third Friday of each month from noon to 3 p.m.
The 13-member Parks and Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Vancouver City Council and Clark County commissioners in matters relating to: planning, acquisition, development and operation of neighborhood, community and regional parks; greenways; open space; trails; recreation programs; and cultural programs and activities.
Commission members may be called on to host public meetings and request public input on plans, programs, budgets and other park-related issues.
The Commission meets on the third Friday of each month from noon to 3 p.m.
The 13-member Parks and Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Vancouver City Council and Clark County commissioners in matters relating to: planning, acquisition, development and operation of neighborhood, community and regional parks; greenways; open space; trails; recreation programs; and cultural programs and activities.
Commission members may be called on to host public meetings and request public input on plans, programs, budgets and other park-related issues.
Herrera legislation would change license plate renewal process
Bills would end seven-year replacement rule, allow people to maintain same plate number without charge
If you are wondering why it is mandatory that you have to replace your license plate every seven years, you are not alone.
Acting on this question and the concerns of her constituents, Rep. Jaime Herrera is sponsoring legislation that would end the mandatory seven-year license plate replacement requirement, and allow people to keep their same license plate numbers without a charge.
“I’ve heard from many thoughtful people who have told me that requiring the replacement of license plates every seven years is a waste of personal resources and a poor use of taxpayer dollars. A gentleman from Vancouver also pointed out that it is bad for our environment. I agree with these sentiments,” said Herrera, R-Ridgefield. “It also makes sense to allow people to keep their license plate numbers without charging them for it. It is just an unnecessary government fee and process.”
House Bill 1368 would eliminate the mandatory seven-year license plate replacement requirement and, instead, only require replacement upon request of the vehicle owner or upon transfer of ownership.
House Bill 1367 would eliminate the $20 retention fee for keeping the same plate number when replacing a license plate.
“These two common-sense measures would eliminate unnecessary government bureaucracy and lift a financial burden on people,” said Herrera. “We cannot forget that government is funded by taxpayer dollars, and taxpayers are customers. Government should be more customer-friendly in its processes and services.”
The two bills will be assigned to a House committee next week.
Herrera, who is assistant floor leader for the House Republicans, sits on the following House committees: Health and Human Services Appropriations; Transportation; and Technology, Energy and Communications.
The 2009 legislative session began Jan. 12 and will run 105 consecutive days.
If you are wondering why it is mandatory that you have to replace your license plate every seven years, you are not alone.
Acting on this question and the concerns of her constituents, Rep. Jaime Herrera is sponsoring legislation that would end the mandatory seven-year license plate replacement requirement, and allow people to keep their same license plate numbers without a charge.
“I’ve heard from many thoughtful people who have told me that requiring the replacement of license plates every seven years is a waste of personal resources and a poor use of taxpayer dollars. A gentleman from Vancouver also pointed out that it is bad for our environment. I agree with these sentiments,” said Herrera, R-Ridgefield. “It also makes sense to allow people to keep their license plate numbers without charging them for it. It is just an unnecessary government fee and process.”
House Bill 1368 would eliminate the mandatory seven-year license plate replacement requirement and, instead, only require replacement upon request of the vehicle owner or upon transfer of ownership.
House Bill 1367 would eliminate the $20 retention fee for keeping the same plate number when replacing a license plate.
“These two common-sense measures would eliminate unnecessary government bureaucracy and lift a financial burden on people,” said Herrera. “We cannot forget that government is funded by taxpayer dollars, and taxpayers are customers. Government should be more customer-friendly in its processes and services.”
The two bills will be assigned to a House committee next week.
Herrera, who is assistant floor leader for the House Republicans, sits on the following House committees: Health and Human Services Appropriations; Transportation; and Technology, Energy and Communications.
The 2009 legislative session began Jan. 12 and will run 105 consecutive days.
Budget Facts Web Page - Vancouver Public Schools
To help keep you apprised of the state’s budget outlook, legislative activity, and the implications for Vancouver Public Schools, we have created a Budget Facts web page on the district’s web site:
http://www.vansd.org/budget_facts
On the Budget Facts web page, you will find a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document in an indexed PDF format that addresses questions we have heard from staff, parents and community members, including these:
- What is the projected budget shortfall for Vancouver Public Schools in 2009-10?
- Will the district’s projected budget shortfall result in employee layoffs?
- Could the district use money from its ending fund balance, or financial reserve, to ease the projected budget deficit?
- Has the number of administrators employed by the district increased in recent years?
- How are salaries determined for the superintendent and other administrators?
We hope the Budget Facts web page will be helpful when you are having budget-related conversations with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We would appreciate your help in clarifying the facts when questions surface in your daily activities at work or in the community.
If you have questions that you would like us to consider adding to the FAQs document, please send me an e-mail message with your suggestions.
The Budget Facts web page also contains district news releases, superintendent’s messages to staff, the budget planning process and timeline, and links to other web sites that provide information on this important topic. From February 1-15, an on-line survey will be posted to enable all staff and community members to provide suggestions on how to address state funding reductions and the expected shortfall in the district’s budget.
The 2009 Legislative Session promises to be long and arduous given the
$6-7 billion fiscal challenge facing our elected officials in Olympia.
We encourage you to visit the district's Budget Facts web page periodically for updates.
Thank you for your continued support of Vancouver Public Schools.
http://www.vansd.org/budget_facts
On the Budget Facts web page, you will find a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document in an indexed PDF format that addresses questions we have heard from staff, parents and community members, including these:
- What is the projected budget shortfall for Vancouver Public Schools in 2009-10?
- Will the district’s projected budget shortfall result in employee layoffs?
- Could the district use money from its ending fund balance, or financial reserve, to ease the projected budget deficit?
- Has the number of administrators employed by the district increased in recent years?
- How are salaries determined for the superintendent and other administrators?
We hope the Budget Facts web page will be helpful when you are having budget-related conversations with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We would appreciate your help in clarifying the facts when questions surface in your daily activities at work or in the community.
If you have questions that you would like us to consider adding to the FAQs document, please send me an e-mail message with your suggestions.
The Budget Facts web page also contains district news releases, superintendent’s messages to staff, the budget planning process and timeline, and links to other web sites that provide information on this important topic. From February 1-15, an on-line survey will be posted to enable all staff and community members to provide suggestions on how to address state funding reductions and the expected shortfall in the district’s budget.
The 2009 Legislative Session promises to be long and arduous given the
$6-7 billion fiscal challenge facing our elected officials in Olympia.
We encourage you to visit the district's Budget Facts web page periodically for updates.
Thank you for your continued support of Vancouver Public Schools.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Lottery to determine who gets two retail fireworks permits
Deadline for permit applications is Jan. 30
Vancouver, WA – Fireworks retail sales require a permit in Clark County. Two permits have become available and will be decided by lottery in February. To be entered in the lottery, retailers must submit an application to the Fire Marshal’s Office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30.
The county’s population limits the number of permits available. The Fire Marshal’s Office will issue 40 fireworks permits within unincorporated Clark County in 2009, the same number as last year. As allowed by county code, two permit holders did not renew their permits in 2008. These are the two permits now available in the lottery.
Interested parties may obtain application forms at the Fire Marshal’s Office, 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, or on the Clark County Web site at http://www.clark.wa.gov/commdev/documents/firemarshal/lottery.pdf. Only one completed lottery application form may be entered per person or organization.
Submit applications in person at 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, by mail or via fax at (360) 397-2076. Applications must arrive at the office no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2009 (postmarks cannot be accepted.) The Fire Marshal’s Office will contact the parties chosen right after the lottery.
Vancouver, WA – Fireworks retail sales require a permit in Clark County. Two permits have become available and will be decided by lottery in February. To be entered in the lottery, retailers must submit an application to the Fire Marshal’s Office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30.
The county’s population limits the number of permits available. The Fire Marshal’s Office will issue 40 fireworks permits within unincorporated Clark County in 2009, the same number as last year. As allowed by county code, two permit holders did not renew their permits in 2008. These are the two permits now available in the lottery.
Interested parties may obtain application forms at the Fire Marshal’s Office, 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, or on the Clark County Web site at http://www.clark.wa.gov/commdev/documents/firemarshal/lottery.pdf. Only one completed lottery application form may be entered per person or organization.
Submit applications in person at 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, by mail or via fax at (360) 397-2076. Applications must arrive at the office no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2009 (postmarks cannot be accepted.) The Fire Marshal’s Office will contact the parties chosen right after the lottery.
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Vacancy
Vancouver, WA – The Board of Clark County Commissioners is calling for applications for Clark County residents to serve on the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to fill an unexpired term through December 2009.
The Commission meets on the third Friday of each month from noon to 3 p.m.
The 13-member Parks and Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Vancouver City Council and Clark County commissioners in matters relating to: planning, acquisition, development and operation of neighborhood, community and regional parks; greenways; open space; trails; recreation programs; and cultural programs and activities.
Commission members may be called on to host public meetings and request public input on plans, programs, budgets and other park-related issues.
Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and a resume by January 23, 2009* to Jennifer Clark in the Board of Clark County Commissioners Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Commissioners will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058, and by e-mail at jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov
*Due to the holidays and the recent weather conditions, we have extended the application deadline.
The Commission meets on the third Friday of each month from noon to 3 p.m.
The 13-member Parks and Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Vancouver City Council and Clark County commissioners in matters relating to: planning, acquisition, development and operation of neighborhood, community and regional parks; greenways; open space; trails; recreation programs; and cultural programs and activities.
Commission members may be called on to host public meetings and request public input on plans, programs, budgets and other park-related issues.
Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and a resume by January 23, 2009* to Jennifer Clark in the Board of Clark County Commissioners Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Commissioners will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058, and by e-mail at jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov
*Due to the holidays and the recent weather conditions, we have extended the application deadline.
County to fill a vacancy on the Mosquito Control Board of Trustees
Vancouver, WA - The Clark County Board of Health is calling for applications to fill an unexpired term on the Mosquito Control Board of Trustees. This appointment would begin on March 1, 2009 and go through May 30, 2010.
This position will represent Commissioner District # 3; this district is mostly within the City of Vancouver and fans out from the southwestern portion of the county east to Interstate 205 and north to Salmon Creek and Hazel Dell.
The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the mosquito control district. The board is composed of one member from each city in Clark County and three members appointed by the Clark County Commissioners. The board establishes the mosquito control policy, prepares and approves district expenditures, and contracts for services.
Quarterly meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and open to the public, in February, May, August and November.
To be considered, applicants should submit a resume and/or a letter of interest by January 30, 2009* to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000. Commissioners will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058 or e-mail at Jennifer.Clark@clark.wa.gov.
*Due to the holidays and the recent weather conditions, we have extended the application deadline.
This position will represent Commissioner District # 3; this district is mostly within the City of Vancouver and fans out from the southwestern portion of the county east to Interstate 205 and north to Salmon Creek and Hazel Dell.
The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the mosquito control district. The board is composed of one member from each city in Clark County and three members appointed by the Clark County Commissioners. The board establishes the mosquito control policy, prepares and approves district expenditures, and contracts for services.
Quarterly meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and open to the public, in February, May, August and November.
To be considered, applicants should submit a resume and/or a letter of interest by January 30, 2009* to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000. Commissioners will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058 or e-mail at Jennifer.Clark@clark.wa.gov.
*Due to the holidays and the recent weather conditions, we have extended the application deadline.
PIANO HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 60th ANNIVERSARY! Join Us on Founder’s Day – February 11, 2009
VANCOUVER, Wash. –Jan. 16, 2009 – Emil Fries Piano Hospital and Training Center, now known as The School of Piano Technology for the Blind, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009. Founded by Emil B. Fries in 1949 to help blind and visually impaired people live independent productive lives, the school remains the only one of its kind in the world. During the past 60 years, more than 300 students from 36 states and 14 countries have traveled to Vancouver to learn the unique piano tuning and repair techniques developed by Mr. Fries.
Since 1949, the Piano Hospital and Training Center has tuned more than 56,000 pianos in Clark and Multnomah counties in support of its mission to train blind and visually impaired people for careers as piano technicians. Pianos typically have 225 strings. Each string requires about 100 lbs of force per string to get in tune. During the past 60 years, Piano Hospital technicians have exerted several million pounds of force to tune the pianos of Clark and Multnomah Counties. NASA reports it took 1.5 million pounds of force to launch an Apollo spaceship. We may have generated enough force to launch an Apollo spaceship!
Kim J. Capeloto, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and president of the piano school’s board states, “The Board of Trustees takes pride in the fact that the school has served as an incubator for over 200 small businesses. The unemployment rate among blind adults is more than 60 percent, but our graduates are able to earn a good living utilizing the entrepreneurial skills learned at the school.”
The school, a private, accredited vocational school, became a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation in 1965 to insure its mission would continue forever.
Founder’s Day Open House
Join us as we celebrate our 60th anniversary on Founders Day on Feb. 11, 2009. Emil Fries was born on February 11 so we will celebrate the day with an open house at the school at 2510 East Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661. Len Leger, executive director, says, “Everyone is invited to visit the school to see our mission in action.” Tours will be run hourly starting at 10 a.m. There will be entertainment and refreshments from 4 – 7 p.m.
Since 1949, the Piano Hospital and Training Center has tuned more than 56,000 pianos in Clark and Multnomah counties in support of its mission to train blind and visually impaired people for careers as piano technicians. Pianos typically have 225 strings. Each string requires about 100 lbs of force per string to get in tune. During the past 60 years, Piano Hospital technicians have exerted several million pounds of force to tune the pianos of Clark and Multnomah Counties. NASA reports it took 1.5 million pounds of force to launch an Apollo spaceship. We may have generated enough force to launch an Apollo spaceship!
Kim J. Capeloto, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and president of the piano school’s board states, “The Board of Trustees takes pride in the fact that the school has served as an incubator for over 200 small businesses. The unemployment rate among blind adults is more than 60 percent, but our graduates are able to earn a good living utilizing the entrepreneurial skills learned at the school.”
The school, a private, accredited vocational school, became a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation in 1965 to insure its mission would continue forever.
Founder’s Day Open House
Join us as we celebrate our 60th anniversary on Founders Day on Feb. 11, 2009. Emil Fries was born on February 11 so we will celebrate the day with an open house at the school at 2510 East Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661. Len Leger, executive director, says, “Everyone is invited to visit the school to see our mission in action.” Tours will be run hourly starting at 10 a.m. There will be entertainment and refreshments from 4 – 7 p.m.
Senate Passes Cantwell’s Package to Protect Pacific Northwest Public Lands
Cantwell’s Bills Protect Pacific Northwest Scenery and Pristine Coastal Areas; Will Boost Tourism across the Region
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded Senate passage of a landmark public lands package to protect some of the Pacific Northwest and Washington state’s most breathtaking public lands and coastal areas. Cantwell secured key components of the package that will have lasting effects on preserving areas of Washington state that are important to its history and economy.
“Washington state and the Pacific Northwest are home to some of the most pristine natural resources and spectacular views this country has to offer,” said Cantwell. “The steps we took today will help protect our lands and coastal areas so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. These bills will provide a much needed boost to our state’s tourism, help protect our local wildlife habitats and help our country get a handle on the impacts of climate change to coastal areas.”
Key components of Cantwell’s package:
Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act: Creates a comprehensive national ocean acidification research and monitoring program that will take a hard look at the devastating impacts greenhouse gas emissions are having on our oceans. The world’s oceans are absorbing roughly 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every day, causing seawater chemistry to become more acidic – possibly withholding the basic chemical building blocks needed by many marine organisms. Warmer, more acidic oceans can destroy important fisheries and food chains in the Pacific Ocean, impacting Pacific Northwest icons like Pacific Salmon. Understanding ocean acidification is critical to Washington state’s marine life and economy that depends on it.
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act: Develops and maintains an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations for the nation's coasts, oceans and Great Lakes. This system could help improve warnings of tsunamis and other natural hazards, enhance homeland security, support maritime operations, and help scientists understand more about our fragile ocean environment.
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Act: Establishes a coastal and estuarine land protection program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect coastal areas with significant ecological, recreational, or watershed protection values that are threatened by human development, and administers grants to coastal states for acquiring coastal land for conservation and recreational purposes.
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Act: Designates the 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail as a National Scenic Trail and will promote its protection and maintenance. National Scenic Trails provide recreation, conservation, and delight of significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities. The 1,200 mile Trail, running from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, ranks among the most scenic trails in the world. The trail includes the Rocky Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and Wilderness Coast and crosses three national parks and seven national forests. The Trail has received National Recreation Trail status in the three national parks it crosses (Olympic, North Cascades, and Glacier) and has also received Millennium status from the Clinton Administration.
Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act: Allows the Snoqualmie Pass Fire District to acquire an acre and a half of Forest Service land to build a new fire station that will support neighboring communities and address safety and security needs, while helping to preserve the environment. For decades, the Fire District has operated out of an aging building that was not originally designed to be a fire station and is structurally inadequate to meet the growing emergency response needs at the Pass.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Designation Act: Creates an Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail through portions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana to tell the story of how a series of monumental floods created the unique geology of Central and Eastern Washington and boost regional tourism. The trail would be managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Ice Age Floods Institute, participating states, tribes, and other local entities. Interpretive centers, signs and markers, exhibits, waysides, and roadside pullouts would be used to tell the story of the floods, provide educational opportunities, and help enhance regional tourism.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded Senate passage of a landmark public lands package to protect some of the Pacific Northwest and Washington state’s most breathtaking public lands and coastal areas. Cantwell secured key components of the package that will have lasting effects on preserving areas of Washington state that are important to its history and economy.
“Washington state and the Pacific Northwest are home to some of the most pristine natural resources and spectacular views this country has to offer,” said Cantwell. “The steps we took today will help protect our lands and coastal areas so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. These bills will provide a much needed boost to our state’s tourism, help protect our local wildlife habitats and help our country get a handle on the impacts of climate change to coastal areas.”
Key components of Cantwell’s package:
Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act: Creates a comprehensive national ocean acidification research and monitoring program that will take a hard look at the devastating impacts greenhouse gas emissions are having on our oceans. The world’s oceans are absorbing roughly 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every day, causing seawater chemistry to become more acidic – possibly withholding the basic chemical building blocks needed by many marine organisms. Warmer, more acidic oceans can destroy important fisheries and food chains in the Pacific Ocean, impacting Pacific Northwest icons like Pacific Salmon. Understanding ocean acidification is critical to Washington state’s marine life and economy that depends on it.
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act: Develops and maintains an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations for the nation's coasts, oceans and Great Lakes. This system could help improve warnings of tsunamis and other natural hazards, enhance homeland security, support maritime operations, and help scientists understand more about our fragile ocean environment.
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Act: Establishes a coastal and estuarine land protection program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect coastal areas with significant ecological, recreational, or watershed protection values that are threatened by human development, and administers grants to coastal states for acquiring coastal land for conservation and recreational purposes.
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Act: Designates the 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail as a National Scenic Trail and will promote its protection and maintenance. National Scenic Trails provide recreation, conservation, and delight of significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities. The 1,200 mile Trail, running from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, ranks among the most scenic trails in the world. The trail includes the Rocky Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and Wilderness Coast and crosses three national parks and seven national forests. The Trail has received National Recreation Trail status in the three national parks it crosses (Olympic, North Cascades, and Glacier) and has also received Millennium status from the Clinton Administration.
Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act: Allows the Snoqualmie Pass Fire District to acquire an acre and a half of Forest Service land to build a new fire station that will support neighboring communities and address safety and security needs, while helping to preserve the environment. For decades, the Fire District has operated out of an aging building that was not originally designed to be a fire station and is structurally inadequate to meet the growing emergency response needs at the Pass.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Designation Act: Creates an Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail through portions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana to tell the story of how a series of monumental floods created the unique geology of Central and Eastern Washington and boost regional tourism. The trail would be managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Ice Age Floods Institute, participating states, tribes, and other local entities. Interpretive centers, signs and markers, exhibits, waysides, and roadside pullouts would be used to tell the story of the floods, provide educational opportunities, and help enhance regional tourism.
New Book Uncovers the Emotional Triggers That Drive Sales
Must-read new book for sales and marketing professionals explains why the corporate decision to buy Oracle or do business with service providers is no different than consumers deciding to buy Toyota or Nike.
(Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, January 12 2009): A new book comprehensively introduces Emotional Trigger Research, a deceptively simple but powerfully effective method that helps uncover the core, unfiltered and spontaneous triggers that cause people to act.
Linda Goodman and Michelle Helin, business owners with decades of consulting experience for America’s Fortune 500 companies, have released their first joint book, ‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’. The book, published by Career Press, is now available in major bookstores across the country and on www.amazon.com.
According to Ronald W. Fry, President of Career Press, the book addresses a subject that is long overdue. “As companies deal with unprecedented global challenges, coupled with the recent catastrophic economic downturn, they are looking for new ways to attract and retain customers”, said Fry. “Traditional approaches to explaining customer behavior are no longer enough to remain competitive. The book is a must-read manual for marketing and sales professionals who are seeking new and innovative ways to grow their businesses, and professionals who are asking the questions ‘What makes my customers do what they do?’ and ‘What really motivates them?’
Transcending the current trend of books and theories about “gut instinct” and “intuition,” ‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’ offers specific and practical guidelines for sales and marketing executives that illustrate how previously undetected insights can become the basis for converting emotional considerations into actionable solutions. While previous books on the subject have identified the power of understanding the emotional connection to purchasing decisions, this book demonstrates that the same emotional bond that consumers feel for Apple or Coke can effectively be replicated in the B2B space.
Unlike other traditional methodologies that primarily focus on mapping emotional reactions against existing products or communications messages, Emotional Trigger Research is a proactive technique aimed at uncovering the core, unfiltered, and spontaneous triggers that drive actions. These triggers reveal insights for crafting the sales and marketing strategies that transform companies. Utilizing a combination of provocative questions, insightful listening, and in-depth conversations, this powerfully different method gets to the heart of what companies need to know.
‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’ offers a number of insightful case studies cross multiple disciplines and market segments, within the local, national and global landscape.
(Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, January 12 2009): A new book comprehensively introduces Emotional Trigger Research, a deceptively simple but powerfully effective method that helps uncover the core, unfiltered and spontaneous triggers that cause people to act.
Linda Goodman and Michelle Helin, business owners with decades of consulting experience for America’s Fortune 500 companies, have released their first joint book, ‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’. The book, published by Career Press, is now available in major bookstores across the country and on www.amazon.com.
According to Ronald W. Fry, President of Career Press, the book addresses a subject that is long overdue. “As companies deal with unprecedented global challenges, coupled with the recent catastrophic economic downturn, they are looking for new ways to attract and retain customers”, said Fry. “Traditional approaches to explaining customer behavior are no longer enough to remain competitive. The book is a must-read manual for marketing and sales professionals who are seeking new and innovative ways to grow their businesses, and professionals who are asking the questions ‘What makes my customers do what they do?’ and ‘What really motivates them?’
Transcending the current trend of books and theories about “gut instinct” and “intuition,” ‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’ offers specific and practical guidelines for sales and marketing executives that illustrate how previously undetected insights can become the basis for converting emotional considerations into actionable solutions. While previous books on the subject have identified the power of understanding the emotional connection to purchasing decisions, this book demonstrates that the same emotional bond that consumers feel for Apple or Coke can effectively be replicated in the B2B space.
Unlike other traditional methodologies that primarily focus on mapping emotional reactions against existing products or communications messages, Emotional Trigger Research is a proactive technique aimed at uncovering the core, unfiltered, and spontaneous triggers that drive actions. These triggers reveal insights for crafting the sales and marketing strategies that transform companies. Utilizing a combination of provocative questions, insightful listening, and in-depth conversations, this powerfully different method gets to the heart of what companies need to know.
‘Why Customers Really Buy: Uncovering the Emotional Triggers that Drive Sales’ offers a number of insightful case studies cross multiple disciplines and market segments, within the local, national and global landscape.
OIT BREAKS GROUND FOR GEOTHERMAL WELL TO POWER KLAMATH FALLS CAMPUS
WHAT: U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will be one of the featured speakers, as OIT begins drilling a deep geothermal well to feed a power plant that will take the campus off the grid. This is the first step in making OIT the first geothermally powered campus in the world. The well will be drilled to a depth between 5,000 and 6,000 feet to reach a water temperature of approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water will be used to produce steam which will then turn a turbine to power a 1.2 megawatt power facility.
WHY: The installation of this power plant would provide a number to benefits:
· A showcase for individuals interested in sustainable practices.
· Financial savings of approximately $400,000 annually in electricity costs.
· The OIT campus will become a “net zero” energy user.
· OIT and Oregon will continue to be leaders in developing and using renewable, green energy.
· A realistic laboratory for engineering students to study, gather data and report findings, and making this information available to other potential users.
· Opportunities for interested individuals to monitoring the operation of the plant through Web-based controls.
· Potential for additional income to the campus by selling the excess hot water to adjacent users.
· Additional electricity will be generated with a bottoming cycle power plant (binary cycle) using the “waste” water after flashing.
WHO: Sen. Wyden and President Chris Maples and other dignitaries from the Oregon University System.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009
WHERE: The southeast corner of campus, where the drilling rig will be visible. If inclement weather prevents outside access, the event will be held in the College Union.
WHY: The installation of this power plant would provide a number to benefits:
· A showcase for individuals interested in sustainable practices.
· Financial savings of approximately $400,000 annually in electricity costs.
· The OIT campus will become a “net zero” energy user.
· OIT and Oregon will continue to be leaders in developing and using renewable, green energy.
· A realistic laboratory for engineering students to study, gather data and report findings, and making this information available to other potential users.
· Opportunities for interested individuals to monitoring the operation of the plant through Web-based controls.
· Potential for additional income to the campus by selling the excess hot water to adjacent users.
· Additional electricity will be generated with a bottoming cycle power plant (binary cycle) using the “waste” water after flashing.
WHO: Sen. Wyden and President Chris Maples and other dignitaries from the Oregon University System.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009
WHERE: The southeast corner of campus, where the drilling rig will be visible. If inclement weather prevents outside access, the event will be held in the College Union.
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