Nominations open for Small Business awards
Nominations are being accepted for the 17th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, which will be presented May 3 at the Shilo Inn in Richland. The Small Business Awards, sponsored by Bank Reale, recognizes small businesses in Benton and Franklin Counties for exceptional customer service, outstanding commitment to employees and superior customer relations. The awards are presented to locally-owned and operated businesses with fewer than 60 (FTE) employees that best exemplify honesty, fairness, ethical business practices and concern for employees and customers. The Micro-Business of the Year award is presented to a small business with 10 or fewer employees that meets the criteria. Nominations are accepted from any citizen of Benton or Franklin counties who is an employee, customer, supplier or regulator of the nominated business. Businesses are encouraged to self-nominate. The applications deadline is Mar. 30. Applications are reviewed and scored by the Small Business Awards Judging Committee. Nominations may be obtained at the Pasco Chamber of Commerce or found online at www.midcolumbiasmallbiz.com.
Pooch & Pal Run & Walk set
The 12th Annual Pooch and Pal Run and Walk begins at 9 a.m. Mar. 24 at Columbia Point Marina in Richland. The Pet Over Population Prevention, or POPP, fundraiser includes 1-mile, 5K, and 10K events. Entrants can run or walk with or without their dogs in any of the races. The course follows the Columbia River Trail and has quick turnarounds at the half-way marks of all the races in Howard Amon Park. The entry fee is $25, which includes a t-shirt, dog ears and scarf for those who register by Mar. 16. All proceeds benefit Pet Over Population Prevention, a local, nonprofit volunteer no-kill pet organization dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless dogs and cats. Online registration is available until 9 p.m. Mar. 16 at www.popptricities.org. For more information contact Kim Hobbick at 947-4982 or by email at khobbick@charter.net.
Earth Month contest starts
The Mid-Columbia Earth Month Kids Growing Greener Contest continues through April 9. Kids from kindergarten through high school are encouraged to share in writing or through a video what you, your school, group, club or family are doing to help the earth. Using this year’s theme, Growing Greener, show how you are growing your mind, greening your actions, growing a garden or greening the community. Written entries can include photographs or drawings. All entries must be received by April 9 to qualify for cash prizes. Award criteria is based on the use of theme, educational value to others, creativity and clarity. For official contest rules and more information go to www.earthmonthmc.org/contest. The contest coordinator can be reached on 942-7321 or awesockes@ci.richland.wa.us.
Open meetings discussed
The William O. Douglas Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has scheduled a 90-minute question and answer session that will cover topics on Washington’s open records and public meetings laws. The program will be 7 to 8:30 p.m., March 15 in the Gallery Room at the Richland Public Library. The event will feature Tim Ford, open government ombudsman for the state Attorney General’s Office, and local experts talking about Washington’s public records and open meetings laws. The program is free and open to the public. For more information about SPJ visit spjwod.org.
Spring workshop planned
The Three Rivers Community Roundtable will have its 2012 Spring Workshop March 16 at the Country Gentleman Restaurant in Kennewick. In addition to status updates and interactions with the Roundtable’s Focus Groups, the workshop will also feature a presentation by Kim Zentz, executive director for Innovate Washington. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. The workshop will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Cost is $15 per person, which includes a breakfast buffet. RSVP to community.roundtable@pnnl.gov. For questions, contact Karen Blasdal at 375-5901 or Megan Neer at 375-6871.
White Bluffs offers basket exhibit
An exhibit of Native American basics is on display at White Bluffs Center for Quilting and Fiber Arts in West Richland through March 31. Jean Keaveney is the owner and curator of the Mohawk basket collection, which have been prized through the generations as much for their fragrance as for their usefulness and quality. The collection of Mohawk baskets is from the Akwesasne reservation that straddles the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. The White Bluffs Center is at 2034 West Van Giesen. For information, call Virginia Treadway at 967-2833.
Lydig workers to climb Mt. Adams
Lydig Construction will send a team of 22 climbers to the top of Mt. Adams as part of the CLIMB to Fight Breast Cancer. The CLIMB, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, raises money specifically to benefit breast cancer research at the Fred Hutchinson Center Research Center. The Lydig team has started training for the grueling event and has set a goal to raise $66,000 to send all 22 climbers. CLIMB to Fight Breast Cancer expeditions offer opportunities for participants of all skill levels to have fun and be challenged in honor of those who have battled breast cancer. This year, the CLIMB offers experiences not only at several mountains in the Puget Sound, but climbers can trek some of the greatest peaks in the world, including Denali, Everest and Kilimanjaro. Each CLIMB requires participants to raise a different amount of money for breast cancer research. To support Lydig Construction, go to http://gentinvolved.fhchc.org/goto/lydigconstruction.
Boys & Girls Club receives donation
The Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties received a $7,500 grant from JCPenney to give more Pasco youth the opportunity to attend after-school programs at the club. The Boys and Girls Clubs offer summer camp, drop-in and club care programs to provide a positive place for kids year round. Membership is more than 3,000 and more than 700 kids a day receive services from the organization. Membership costs are as low as $10 for the school year. For more information, contact Andrea Locati at 543-9980 ext. 22.
Ecology fines Kennewick company
The Washington Department of Ecology fined a portable toilet disposal company $50,000 in February for illegally dumping more than 4,000 gallons of raw sewage down a city of Kennewick sewer manhole on at least five occasions in October. Ecology officials said John Liniger, owner of Sunshine Portable Toilets, was caught on camera disposing of the portable toilet waste at a manhole on Plaza Way, west of Hildebrand Boulevard. That caused sewage to back up onto the street and clog the system, costing the city more than $7,800 to clean up. Liniger has a septic tank pump license from Benton Franklin Health District and is permitted to apply the waste at a farm near Finley. He has 30 days to pay the fine or file an appeal with the Pollution Control Hearings Board. Liniger’s attorney, Michael Davison, told city officials the assessment will be appealed.
PNNL offers partnership agreements
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland is among eight Department of Energy labs that will participate in a pilot initiative to make it easier for private companies to use the lab’s research capabilities. The program, Agreements for Commercializing Technology, will cut red tape for businesses and startups interested in working with the national laboratories. Previously, companies who wanted to partner with the labs for commercial research had to either sign a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement or a Work for Others Agreement. The labs participating in the new pilot program intend to offer a third, more flexible option: an Agreement for Commercializing Technology. ACT offers more flexibility in negotiating over intellectual property rights for technologies created at the lab and more flexible terms are also available on other issues ranging from payment arrangements to project structures to indemnification. The ACT also makes it easier to develop multi-party research and development partnerships. For more information, go to http://technologytransfer.energy.gov/ACTpilotFAQ.html.
Run for Ribbons planned
The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation will have its third annual Run for Ribbons 5K Run/1 Mile Walk and RibbonFest Health Fair Mar. 17 at Howard Amon Park in Richland. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with the health fair and check-in/registration. The run/walk starts at 10 a.m. The health fair features educational materials and activities to promote prevention and early detection of Cancer. Registration forms are available at the Foundation Office at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave. in Kennewick or online at www.runforribbons.org. For more information, call 737-3413.
Foundation receives donation
The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia received more than $12,000 from the Columbia Center Rotary Duck Race and will use the money to buy 250 community reading baskets that will be placed in various locations throughout the Mid Columbia. The reading baskets will be placed in medical waiting rooms, laundromats and restaurants, where they can be used by parents to entertain their children while they run errands encouraging families to read together.
Nominees sought
The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its 2012 Shining Lights Gala and Leadership Awards. The event is an opportunity to recognize and publicly thank those who work to make the Mid-Columbia a better place to live. The Chamber is seeking leadership nominations in the categories of: outstanding Latino educator, public servant, health care professional, volunteer, veteran, community leader, business, lifetime achievement and nonprofit organization of the year. For the purposes of these awards, the meaning of Latino(a) is not restricted solely to ethnicity, however, individuals nominated for the awards should reflect an obvious dedication to local Latino families, businesses and/or communities. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Martin Valadez at 430-1081 or the TCHCC office at 542-0933. Nominations can be faxed to 542-0933 or emailed to tchcoc@hotmail.com. The 2012 Shining Light Gala and Leadership Awards will be from 6 to 9 p.m. April 6 and TRAC in Pasco.
HealthSource offers screenings
HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab is offering free community health screenings in exchange for a $10 donation to the March of Dimes. The 19-point health screening can help recipients pinpoint the source of pain, like lower back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder or arm pain, bulging or herniated discs, leg pain, numbness and more. X-rays are included if necessary. Donations are being accepted at the HealthSource office at 1211 N. 20th Ave. in Pasco. To schedule an appointment call 547-1759.
PSD refinances bonds
The Pasco School District has refinanced its callable 2004 and 2006 bonds to take advantage of a lower interest rate. District officials said the refinancing will save Pasco taxpayers $1.6 million over the next 10 years. The expected reduction is approximately 4 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value. A homeowner with a home assessed at $200,000 will save about $80 in bond taxes, said Pasco Superintendent Saundra Hill. The Pasco School Board approved issuing $22.51 million in refunding bonds Feb. 22. Interest rates on the new bonds averages 2.26 percent, compared to the previous rate of 5.12 percent.
Give during National Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross is asking for donations during March, which is national Red Cross Month. The organization is seeking monetary donations, blood or volunteers. The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters per year in the U.S., providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities. It also provides 24-hour support to military members, veterans and their families, collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people annually in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills. In Benton and Franklin counties, the Red Cross responds to an annual average of 33 emergencies, like house fires, helps 185 military families and trains nearly 11,000 people in lifesaving skills. To donate or volunteer, call 783-6195. For more information, go to www.bfredcross.org.
Rather to speak at WSU
Veteran journalist Dan Rather has been named distinguished recipient of the 2012 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement by Washington State University. Rather will accept the honor and deliver a free, public address during the 38th Edward R. Murrow Symposium Sept. 27 in Beasley Coliseum at WSU Pullman. The fall award presentation will be preceded this spring with three days of seminars, workshops and panel discussions for professionals and students at the Murrow Communicators Summit April 3-5, also at WSU Pullman.
Abadan makes donation
Abadan, a company that has sold and serviced office equipment in the Tri-Cities for 58 years, donated $11,000 to Grace Clinic in February. In early February, Abadan representatives asked community businesses to take part in a survey and for each business that did, a donation was made to Grace Clinic by Abadan.
Kennewick receives firefighter grant
The Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration awarded $151,494 Assistance to Firefighter Grant to the City of Kennewick Fire Department in February. The federal share is 80 percent, or $121,196 and the city’s cost is 20 percent, or $30,298. The grant will be used to buy thermal imaging cameras and protective gear for firefighters.
Edith Bishel seeks sponsors, donations
The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is looking for community support for its 2012 fundraising events. The organization is seeking sponsors and items for giveaways for the following events: Spring Spaghetti Feed, April 20; May Day Bunko, May 1; Gold Tournament, May 4; Applebee’s Pancake Feed, June 2; Dinner in the Dark, Sept. 19; Fall Spaghetti Feed, Oct. 12; and Twilight Breaking Dawn Part II, Nov. 15. The center provides services for the visually impaired in Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Yakima and Klickitat counties. For more information, go to www.edithbishelcenter.org.
Nominations sought
Nominations are being accepted for the 2012 Tri-Citian of the Year. Nominations are accepted for those who display “service above self,” outstanding leadership and who contribute to the positive development, economic growth and quality of life in the Tri-Cities. Nomination forms are available at www.tricitianoftheyear.org and nominations are being accepted through Mar. 23. Nominations are evaluation by two panels of community citizens.
WPC offers scholarship
The Washington Policy Center honored Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn with its annual Champion of Freedom and continues to honor her legacy by offering the Second Annual Jennifer Dunn-Thomson Scholarship through the Jennifer Dunn-Thomson Fund for America’s Future. The $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a female college student who embodies Dunn’s values of leadership and commitment to public service and free-market principals. The scholarship recipient may use the money to pay for tuition or for an internship on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. WPC will help the recipient with an internship placement with a member of Congress in fall 2012. Applicants must be female and be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student during the 2012-2013 academic year and hold an above-average GPA with good oral and written communication skills. To apply, send resume, college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a writing sample from a public policy course or something similar. In addition, provide a brief, one-page essay that answers the following questions: How would you benefit from receiving this scholarship? How would it allow you to honor the legacy of Jennifer Dunn? Please indicate how you would like to use the grant, as well. Send applications by April 15 to WPC Operations Manager Braden Goodwin at bgoodwin@washingonpolicy.org.
Export seminar planned
Small to medium Washington business enterprise trying to generate sales to new markets can benefits from a two-day seminar being offered in Walla Walla April 2-3.
The Ready, Set, Export program is being hosted by the Washington Small Business Development Center and the International Trade Alliance. Participants who register early will be matched with a mentor from a successful exporting company and introduced to the export services of the WSBDC. Participants will receive the information about how to export products and services.
Pre-registration is required for the seminar, which will be at the Walla Walla Regional Airport Conference Center. Cost is $59 before March 19 or $75 after that date. The cost includes lunch and enrollment is limited. Register online at wsbdc.org/training-calendar. For information, call 509-413-1470.
Shoe drive planned
Sleep Country will have a Shoe Drive for Foster Kids March 19 – May 13. Donations of new shoes of any size can be dropped off at any Sleep Country Store. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Cash donations may also be made online at www.sleepcountry.com.
Milbrandt makes donation
The Benton-Franklin Chapter of the American Red Cross received more than $530 thanks to a recent fundraiser held by Milbrandt Vineyards of Prosser. The family-owned winery collected donations in lieu of regular tasting fees during Wine Yakima Valley’s annual Red Wine & Chocolate event in February.
PacTech to speak at Chamber
A representative from the Pacific Technology Alliance will be the keynote speaker at the Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s general membership luncheon April 9. The PacTech representative will make a presentation on how mobile technology is promoting job growth and one lucky attendee will receive a free iPad. The Pacific Technology Alliance educates citizens and policy makers throughout the Northwest about emerging technology issues and promotes policies that foster competition, innovation, increased choice and access to technology. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a .m. at the Pasco Red Lion. RSVP to the Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 547-9755 or by email at admin@pascochamber.org.
Knights of Columbus make donation
The Richland Council of the Knights of Columbus presented The Arc of Tri-Cities and the Children’s Developmental Center each with $1,500. The Knights of Columbus raised the money through its Tootsie Roll fundraiser.
WSU-TC offers MBA information meeting
You can learn how to earn a Master’s in Business Administration degree through Washington State University Tri-Cities at an information meeting Mar. 27. The informational session is at 6 p.m. in the Consolidated Information Center, Room 120 at WSU Tri-Cities, 2770 Crimson Way in Richland. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. WSU’s business faculty delivers a world-class graduate business education in the Tri-Cities. Classes are held in the evenings, Monday through Thursday, to meet the needs of working professionals. In addition, the WSU Tri-Cities Summer Session includes some business courses that are prerequisites or part of the business program. Potential students will learn about the MBA program, including the admission process, prerequisites, cost, coursework and more at the meeting. Applications to the MBA program are now being accepted. For more information about the program, go to www.tricity.wsu.edu/business or call 372-7360.
Arc plans March for Respect
The Arc of Tri-Cities will have its Fifth Annual March for Respect March 31 at John Dam Plaza in Richland to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month. Registration for the event is free and the march is about ½ mile. The event will include a rally with inspirational speakers before the walk and free hotdogs will be available during the rally. T-Shirts are also available for a cost of $11 if pre-ordered or $15 at the event. The rally and registration begins at noon and is followed by the march at 1 p.m.
Make a Difference Day seeks projects
The Mid-Columbia Make a Difference Day Committee is looking for creative and deserving project ideas for the 2012 Make a Difference Day. Project ideas can range from park clean up and building a playground to making repairs to schools or recreational facilities. Submit project ideas by email to makeadifference@mackaysposito.com or by going to www.mackaysposito.com. Project ideas must be submitted by April 13. Make a Difference Day is Oct. 27. Those interested in sponsoring the event or volunteer, or those needing more information, can contact Hollie Logan at Mackay and Sposito Inc. at 374-4248.
Arntzen to judge projects
Port of Kennewick Executive Director Tim Arntzen has been appointed to the Excellence on the Waterfront 2012 Interdisciplinary Awards Jury. Arntzen previously served as a keynote speaker at The Waterfront Center’s annual conference, where he shared the Port of Kennewick’s story of constructing a working lighthouse and river walk as a catalyst for transforming Clover Island into a sustainable waterfront destination. The Waterfront Center’s annual awards program is a chance for cities, design firms, developers, groups and students to receive recognition for waterfront achievements. The awards will be presented at The Waterfront Center’s annual conference in September in Washington D.C.
Tri-Citian of the Year awards planned
The 2012 Tri-Citian of the Year awards event will be at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. One Tri-Citian will be honored for outstanding “service above self” and for their commitment to the community. Tickets are $60 per person. Sponsorship packages are available. For reservations and information, call 783-2109 or email bajohnso@simon.com. Information can also be found at www.tricitianoftheyear.org.
Open meetings seminar offered
The William O. Douglas Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will have a 90-minute question and answer session on Washington’s open records and public meetings law at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Richland Public Library. The event will feature Tim Ford, open government ombudsman for the state Attorney General’s Office, and local experts talking about Washington’s public records and open meetings laws. The program is free and open to the public. For more information about SPJ, go to www.spjwod.org.
Nonprofit applications sought
The Mid-Columbia Area Combined Federal Campaign is accepting application from not-for-profits that wish to participate in the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign. By applying, your human care organization may be eligible to receive contributions from federal government employees in the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign. Applications can be found at www.midcolumbiacfc.com and are due no later than 4 p.m. Mar. 19 at 401 N. Young St., Kennewick. A committee of local federal agency officials will review all applications and only the agencies granted eligibility may receive federal employee contributions in 2012. For more information or to obtain a hard copy of the application, contact Erica McElwain at emcelwain@midcolumbiacfc.com or call 783-4102.
CBRC hosts Raise-A-Racquet
The Columbia Basin Racquet Club hosted the 2012 Raise-A-Racquet event to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties. The event included a dinner catered by Jack-sons in Richland and live and silent auctions. Tennis pros from CBRS and the Tri-City Court Club donated their time and skills and were auctioned off as doubles partners for a tournament. The event, sponsored by Kennewick General Hospital and Coca Cola, raised more than $33,500 for local youth. For more information, call Brian Fortney at 543-9980.
HAPO donates $25,000 to food bank
Second Harvest Tri-Cities received some much needed help from HAPO Community Credit Union.
Steve Anderson, HAPO’s executive vice president and COO announced the business would be donate $25,000 to the nonprofit.
HAPO has issued a challenge to the community to reach into their pockets and donate to Second Harvest, as well.
“We’d like others to remember and use as a motivator this great quote by Mother Theresa, ‘If you can’t feed 100 people, feed just one’, Your donation matters, regardless of size,” said Crystal Contreras, communications director. “The HAPO challenge is to get involved, right now and donate.”
TREN brings Silicon Valley to the Tri-Cities
The Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network’s March seminar: Transforming the Columbia Basin into the next Silicon Valley will be 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. March 20 at the Richland Public Library. A complimentary breakfast will be offered. The guest speaker will be Gary Morgan. Morgan joined Innovate Washington in August 2011 as an Executive Entrepreneur and is currently the interim director, accelerator services. For information or to RSVP call Teresa Claar at 509-375-2068 or email teresa.claar@pnnl.gov. To register visit www.pnl.gov/edo/resources/tren_default.asp.
Tri-Cities Cancer Center seeks proposals for snack bar
The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is requesting proposals for a vendor to operate a snack bar at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
The TCCC is looking for a vendor who sells food such as sandwiches, soups, salads, fruit, Yogurt, soft drinks and other health foods items or hot lunches. The option to provide specialty coffees is also considered appropriate. Proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2012. The proposed hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. if breakfast service is provided or 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for lunch only. The setup is an over-the-counter service operation with a security screen system for closure. Property in the snack bar includes and ice maker, two commercial refrigerators, one commercial blender, one commercial freezer, one microwave, one espresso machine and one coffee grinder. The equipment is to remain TCCC property, but is available for the vendor to use free of charge. Proposals can be sent to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Attention: Administration at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336. For more information send an email to admin@tccancer.org.
by Mary Hopkin
Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
