Small business
Laundry-job lessons serve successful Stanwood farmer
Tristan Klesick, owner of the Klesick Family Farm in Stanwood, didn't just stumble on a great idea for a business.Everything he learned in his life, including jobs seemingly unrelated to his current small business, became a building block for his success.Klesick...
Date: 05/20/2013 | Business
Five reasons that small businesses fail
Starting a small business is risky. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 50 percent of new businesses last five years or more, and only about 33 percent last 10 years or more. To find out why, the News & Observer reached out to David Grant, chairman of...
Date: 05/19/2013 | Business
State scales back start of health insurance exchange
SEATTLE -- A new health insurance marketplace being set up in Washington state to help small businesses find insurance for their employees will not be fully operational this fall, as planned.
Date: 05/16/2013 | Northwest
Drinks with local flavor
Snohomish distillery uses ingredients from close to home
Date: 05/15/2013 | Life
Help for county's distillers
A tax break is proposed to aid small makers of spirits
Date: 05/07/2013 | Local News
Success: directing the future, not predicting it
When Sarri Gilman, executive director for Leadership Snohomish County, picked up a copy of Inc. magazine, she was struck by a cover story on the topic of how...
Date: 05/06/2013 | Business
Pins, tears fall as alley closes
Regulars bowl final frames at Edmonds' Robin Hood Lanes
Date: 04/25/2013 | Local News
Terms that small business owners should know
April is Financial Literacy Month. On this, the day when many procrastinators rush to get their last-minute forms printed off and receipts organized to file their dreaded federal income taxes, it’s only too appropriate to discuss the importance of finance.
Date: 04/15/2013 | Business
New Fresh IGA store coming to Edmonds
EDMONDS -- Focus On Fresh will soon open a new Edmonds Market Fresh IGA in the retail space previously occupied by Petosa's Family Grocer at 550 Fifth Ave. S., the business owners announced Thursday.
Date: 04/12/2013 | Business
Raising minimum wage comes with costs for economy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., made national headlines when she testified recently before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about the need to raise the federal hourly minimum wage above its current level of $7.25.After all, it's been fixed...
Date: 04/01/2013 | Business
Keeping shop open in shadow of derelict building not easy
The Klothing Vault is a second-hand shop, a storefront along Everett's Hewitt Avenue. It's only footsteps from where fire destroyed the...
Date: 03/31/2013 | Local News
From bowl to business
Camano family hopes its gluten-free cereal will catch on
Date: 03/21/2013 | Local News
Bothell contractor pleads guilty in sales-tax theft
EVERETT -- Let Me Paint It Inc., a Bothell company operated by Timothy S. Strash and Tracy L. Kemp-Strash, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Snohomish County Superior Court to theft of $23,000 in sales tax between 2004 and 2010 and admitted covering up the theft by filing fraudulent tax returns.
Date: 03/19/2013 | Business
Monroe may extend parking hours to encourage shopping
MONROE-- The City Council is considering allowing people to park downtown for up to four hours to give shoppers more time to spend money in local businesses.
Date: 03/19/2013 | Local News
Selling real estate at 18
Jackson High School grad has always had a knack for sales
Date: 03/18/2013 | Business
Penney unwise to disrupt traditional pricing
When J.C. Penney made a bold pricing move to create a shift in major department-store retailing over a year ago, many experts had their doubts. The economy had been sputtering for some time, and introducing a concept of "fair and square" pricing seemed a bit dramatic.What's...
Date: 03/18/2013 | Business
Plant Shack reopens at site of former Emery’s Garden in Lynnwood
The Plant Shack, a seasonal nursery at the site of the former Emery's Garden in Lynnwood, is opening for its second year Friday.
Date: 03/14/2013 | Home and Garden
Small liquor stores struggle
A state rule is driving away some business for them
Date: 03/10/2013 | Local News
HVAC business reaches out with social media, email, Web
Preventive maintenance is money well spent when you're taking care of a home heating system.
Date: 02/18/2013 | Business
Part store, part incubator
He Said, She Said offers eclectic mix of wares
Date: 02/18/2013 | Business
In slow economy, entrepreneurs turn to direct sales
Jane Currin liked The Pampered Chef's kitchen products, but wasn't sure she wanted to sell them.Maybe in "another season of life," Currin said.In 2009, Currin hosted an in-home show for a consultant who sells the company's kitchen wares. But Currin declined the...
Date: 02/12/2013 | Business
Oil-change shop: a small business done right
When Dean Curry decided to purchase a foundering Meineke/Econo Lube franchise in south Everett 18 months ago, he had great hopes for a successful small business.Curry realized that the combination of a great location and excellent customer service could propel this company...
Date: 02/04/2013 | Business
Business tax maze
Viewpoints: System should be simplified to one fair, flat rate
Date: 02/03/2013 | Commentary
Innovative boatbuilder: model entrepreneur, risk-taker
Ken Hopen was a friend like no other. He could tell stories and share insight and wisdom about business and about life. And he would scribble notes and diagrams and tell of...
Date: 01/21/2013 | Business
Washington liquor stores find business hard
YAKIMA -- Kristen Clark doesn't sugarcoat her thoughts on business at Liquor and More."We're still here," said Clark, who managed the former state contract liquor store before taking ownership in September. "But alcohol is not a stand-alone product you can have a business on."
Date: 01/14/2013 | Business
Financial help for start-up farmers
Nathaniel Talbot is serious about becoming a farmer.
Date: 01/14/2013 | Business
Small businesses’ outlook improved at end of year
NEW YORK -- Small business owners were slightly more optimistic at the end of 2012 even as they awaited the outcome of negotiations in Congress over the "fiscal cliff."
Date: 01/08/2013 | Business
The case for and against ‘Made in the USA’
There's a new craze that hit the airwaves this past holiday season intended to save jobs and reenergize American manufacturing. Blame it on an unnamed economist whose calculations have concluded that, should each of us buy $64 worth of products "made in America," we will collectively create 200,000...
Date: 01/07/2013 | Business
Tech manufacturer flourishes in Granite Falls
GRANITE FALLS -- Aerospace is a key industry in Washington state, one that is still growing, and Snohomish County is home to many leading aerospace related firms.
Date: 01/07/2013 | Business
Diamond Knot Brewery renovation on tap
The Diamond Knot Brewery is expanding near the Mukilteo waterfront. To do so, though, the alehouse will close for about two months beginning Monday.
Date: 01/01/2013 | Local News
Petosa’s to close after 26 years
The family-owned store is a convenient stop for retirees
Date: 12/29/2012 | Business
Solar's shining example
Marysville firm making industry's toughest solar panels
Date: 12/22/2012 | Business
U.S. economy grew at 3.1% in summer
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 percent over the summer as exports increased, consumers spent more and state and local governments added to growth for the first time in three years. But the economy is likely slowing in the current quarter.
Date: 12/20/2012 | Business
Will cigarette makers jump into pot market?
SPOKANE -- Will the Marlboro Man light up a joint soon?The states of Washington and Colorado legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in the November elections, but it is unclear if any cigarette makers plan to supply either market.
Date: 12/19/2012 | Business
EvCC student makes ‘rocket pitch’ for tea maker’s investors
Entrepreneurs with a great idea need to develop their rocket pitch.
Date: 12/17/2012 | Business
Weathering a storm
It was hard, but Quantum Windows made it through bad times
Date: 12/17/2012 | Business
Where to shop locally
We asked where to go Christmas shopping, and you delivered
Date: 12/14/2012 | Life
Biz Bits: People and businesses in the news
Snohomish County people and businesses in the news
Date: 12/10/2012 | Business
Entreprenuers work new fitness product into routine
It's the time of year when the excesses of Thanksgiving meals, workplace parties and potlucks catch up with us, and so begins the other holiday tradition -- of crafting resolutions. And it's safe to say that many are considering the need for more exercise and attention to fitness.
Date: 12/03/2012 | Business
Biz Bits: People and businesses in the news
Snohomish County people and businesses in the news
Date: 11/26/2012 | Business
Small businesses hope to grab some shoppers Saturday
NEW YORK -- After the crowds have shopped at large stores and sprawling malls on Black Friday, many smaller businesses are hoping Saturday will be their day.
Date: 11/23/2012 | Business
How Nordstrom ethic works for a Lynnwood pizza place
Successful small businesses know that keeping great employees and regular customers is a smart investment.It's less expensive to retain experienced staff members than train new ones. Regular customers are a crucial part of a business' bottom line.
Date: 11/19/2012 | Business
Caffeinated truffles take off
Lynnwood man’s Rocket Chocolates gave him jolt of success
Date: 11/15/2012 | Business
A gluten-free-for-all
Those who must limit gluten have more and tastier options
Date: 11/13/2012 | Life
Coastal Community Bank fortunes continue to improve
EVERETT -- Coastal Community Bank has grown considerably over the past few years and is one of the few Snohomish County-based financial institutions to survive the recession of 2008.
Date: 11/12/2012 | Business
Rules meant for big banks could hurt county’s small banks
EVERETT -- Banking reforms meant to fix the practices that led to the 2008 financial meltdown could end up doing more harm than good to the Snohomish County economy -- and the nation.
Date: 11/07/2012 | Business
U.S. employers post fewer jobs, but layoffs fall
WASHINGTON -- U.S. employers posted fewer job openings in September after advertising more in August than first estimated. The report suggests hiring will likely remain modest in the coming months.
Date: 11/06/2012 | Business
Small banks drive small business in county
ARLINGTON -- Business at Cascade Door and Hardware is humming along.Owner Glenn Bayha hired two more employees this year, and demand for the Arlington company's services and products appears to be on the upswing.
Date: 11/05/2012 | Business
Extra mile can’t be extra for entrepreneurs
Perhaps you've heard the phrase going the extra mile, as it relates to a business' attention to customer service and the importance of performing work over and above expectations. Nowadays, this practice may be what small business owners should focus their attention on if they expect to grow their...
Date: 11/05/2012 | Business
Big Apple improvises to reopen for business
NEW YORK -- Two days after Superstorm Sandy brought business in New York City to a standstill, stores that lost power are again serving customers albeit by flashlight. Companies with closed offices are setting up shop in coffeehouses. And the owner of the Starlight Diner is borrowing bacon from his...
Date: 10/31/2012 | Business
Storm’s economic hit expected to be temporary
WASHINGTON -- Superstorm Sandy will end up causing about $20 billion in property damages and $10 billion to $30 billion more in lost business, according to IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm.
Date: 10/30/2012 | Business
Manufacturers find Arlington to their liking
ARLINGTON -- It's not quite a phoenix rising from the ashes, but it's great news for Arlington and surrounding communities.
Date: 10/29/2012 | Business
Lynnwood's toy empire
Funko parlays bobbleheads into big business (gallery)
Date: 10/26/2012 | Business
Mill Creek eye doc focused on uninsured
If you get an eye exam at the new Seattle Hill Vision Center, east of Mill Creek, you may think you need to have your eyes checked again when you see the bill.Instead of the market price of around $300 for an exam, you'll see $85.
Date: 10/15/2012 | Business
Economy a ‘Surprise’ to some experts, index finds
WASHINGTON -- It isn't only the federal government's Bureau of Labor Statistics that is issuing surprisingly good news about the U.S. economy these days.
Date: 10/12/2012 | Business
Feds set aside land for solar energy projects
SAN FRANCISCO -- Federal officials on Friday approved a plan that sets aside 445 square miles of public land for the development of large-scale solar power plants, cementing a new government approach to renewable energy development in the West after years of delays and false starts.
Date: 10/12/2012 | Business
Caffeinated waffles hit TV
Marysville company hopes 'Shark Tank' gives it a jolt
Date: 10/10/2012 | Business
The challenge of online customer reviews
A small business owner contacted me recently to cry foul over an experience he faced with Yelp. After several years in business, he had received his first Yelp customer review.
Date: 10/01/2012 | Business
Talking with customers key to business success
Eldon Bartelheimer and Tina Sharp are entrepreneurs who've been working hard to refine their business strategy and improve their respective companies' bottom line. And while there are several key areas of focus that can help a business' performance, none is more valuable than taking time to know...
Date: 09/17/2012 | Business
Business owner accused of not paying workers comp
EVERETT -- An employee's fall from a roof has authorities crashing down on a Lake Stevens business owner.
Date: 09/14/2012 | Local News
Company owners more upbeat about post-election biz
NEW YORK -- Small business owners are getting a little more optimistic about how their companies will do after the November election, according to a survey released Tuesday.
Date: 09/11/2012 | Business
Biz Bits: News about people and businesses
News about people and businesses
Date: 09/03/2012 | Business
Tiered pricing can help business sell out its service
Some consumers get upset when they learn the price listed may not be the best price. After all, in this economy, most everyone is looking for a bargain. Yet for some businesses -- large and small -- tiered pricing can make all the difference for business success.
Date: 09/03/2012 | Business
Lynnwood company adapts in flash to change
By Juergen Kneifel Just how quickly and efficiently a business adapts to change can make all the difference in seizing new business opportunity.
Date: 08/20/2012 | Business
Small business credit crunch eases
Is this the time to start or expand a business?
Date: 08/15/2012 | Business
Smaller but surviving
Smart choices helped Garlic Jim's ride out recession
Date: 08/15/2012 | Business
U.S. small businesses banking on microfinancing
MIAMI -- Do an Internet search for microcredit, and images of colorfully dressed women in Africa, South Asia and Central America pop up. But the international trend that began more than three decades ago in Bangladesh is increasingly finding a home in the United States.
Date: 08/09/2012 | Business
Bakery owners’ move to Everett proves sweet
EVERETT -- There's a new bakery and cafe downtown that has people excited about starting their day with a tasty burrito or croissant sandwich, grabbing a salad for lunch or picking up pastries, cakes and breads to take home.
Date: 08/06/2012 | Business
Small-business owners usually can’t call in sick
What happens to a small-business owner -- especially in a one-person shop -- who needs to call in sick?It is probably one of the greatest challenges that a small-business owner faces, especially if they're wearing all of the hats for the business operation.
Date: 08/06/2012 | Business
Young entrepreneur on a roll
With dad's help, 12-year-old brings Segway tours to Edmonds
Date: 08/01/2012 | Local News
Mother of invention
Everett woman creates solution for active diabetic daughter
Date: 07/26/2012 | Local News
Congress girds for food fight over calories
WASHINGTON — A proposed federal rule that could force convenience stores, pizza joints and supermarkets to post calorie counts on ready-to-eat food items is causing political heartburn on Capitol Hill.
Date: 07/25/2012 | Nation & World
Restaurateur’s bowling alley strikes a balance
ARLINGTON -- The thunderous roll of bowling balls, the crack of tumbling pins and a mix of hurrahs and groans from the six busy lanes at Arlington's Rocket Alley Bar & Grill are music to Steve Saunders' ears.
Date: 07/23/2012 | Business
Small auto shop’s edge: Loaner cars
If you're running a small business against big chain competition, how do you set yourself apart?Smart Service owner and mechanic Michael Corbin says the answer is specialization, offering loaner cars like dealerships do and finding creative ways to advertise.
Date: 07/16/2012 | Business
For a third straight year, job market is slumping
WASHINGTON -- U.S. employers added only 80,000 jobs in June, a third straight month of weak hiring that shows the economy is still struggling three years after the recession ended.The unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent, the Labor Department said Friday.
Date: 07/06/2012 | Business
Food trucks prompt debate
Edmonds may allow more, to concern of restaurateurs
Date: 07/06/2012 | Local News
Lessons of corporate career helped Mill Creek salon owner to success
MILL CREEK -- Some people might consider it risky to put aside a successful career in the corporate world in order to start a business in a field they know nothing about. But for Colleen Buck, owner of the award-winning Elle Marie Hair Studio, it seemed the most natural thing in the world.
Date: 07/06/2012 | Business
Chain offers lesson to small businesses on value
The economy is sluggish. The Fed is finding its tool bag near empty. Unemployment is still running high, and consumers are more than ever becoming value-driven. Look at the companies that have experienced any measure of success in recent years and you'll no doubt find off-price discounters at the...
Date: 07/02/2012 | Business
What small business can expect after health ruling
The overhaul of the nation's health care system requires that by 2014, all businesses with 50 or more employees must provide health care benefits that are deemed affordable under the law. Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, small companies can get a...
Date: 06/28/2012 | Business
Some small companies may opt for fine over coverage
NEW YORK -- A big worry for small businesses who were against the Obama administration's health care law was that it would increase their costs. But now that the Supreme Court has upheld it, some small companies could opt to go a route that will save them thousands of dollars each year.
Date: 06/28/2012 | Business
2 in, 1 out at Port's complex
Cafe's gone, but Waterfront Center adds 2 new businesses
Date: 06/27/2012 | Business
Consumer confidence slipped in June
NEW YORK -- Americans can't seem to shake their uneasy feeling about the economy.
Date: 06/26/2012 | Business
Don’t stop at insurance to protect business in disaster
No one wants to think of a worst-case scenario in business, let alone plan for a disaster. Perhaps that's why so many businesses fail when a natural disaster or catastrophic event hits an enterprise.
Date: 06/25/2012 | Business
More companies taking an interest in Pinterest
For Karen Reinstatler, pinning is the new window shopping.
Date: 06/24/2012 | Business
Costco, others suing state
YAKIMA -- Supporters of an initiative that privatized liquor sales in Washington state have filed a lawsuit challenging the state's rules for implementing it, claiming that liquor regulators circumvented the measure by arbitrarily restricting wholesale distribution and pricing of wine and...
Date: 06/23/2012 | Business
Weak U.S. job market weighs on broader economy
WASHINGTON -- The sluggish job market is weighing on the U.S. economy three years after the Great Recession ended. And the signs suggest hiring may not strengthen any time soon.
Date: 06/21/2012 | Business
Weak outlook prompts Fed to push for borrowing
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve is trying again to jolt the American economy out of its stalled recovery. It's extending a program that aims to encourage borrowing and spending by reducing long-term interest rates.
Date: 06/20/2012 | Business
Signs of U.S. weakness mount as confidence, output fall
WASHINGTON -- Industrial production unexpectedly fell and consumer confidence slid, adding to evidence of U.S. economic weakness days before Federal Reserve policymakers meet to decide whether more stimulus is needed.
Date: 06/15/2012 | Business
An employee's best friend
Employees say workplace pets improve mood, productivity
Date: 06/14/2012 | Business
Hopeful sign: Small manufacturers buy big machines
NEW YORK -- Small businesses that make machines and components for other manufacturers are experiencing an upswing that could be a sign of things to come for the broader economy.
Date: 06/14/2012 | Business
Small business sentiment unchanged in May
NEW YORK -- Small business owners remain fairly pessimistic about how business will fare in the coming months, according to a recent survey.
Date: 06/12/2012 | Business
Erickson Furniture: 100-year-old family business
EVERETT -- Erickson Furniture has survived fires, wars, depressions and recessions to become one of the oldest businesses in Snohomish County continuously owned by the same family.
Date: 06/11/2012 | Business
(12)
