WBA News
10 positive behaviors Lean Leadership
Randall Benson | Lean Operations So how do we lead a Lean transformation?” I was recently asked this question by the owners of a small manufacturing company, so I came up with 10 behaviors that could help them get started as leaders in Lean. How many of these behaviors do you embody? Lead a journey.…
Business Person Lifetime Achievement Award – Ed Brandsma
Passion and hard work take Edaleen Dairy from small family farm to thriving independent dairy brand and beyond Article by Tamara Anderson-Loucks originally published March 2017 in Business Pulse magazine— Ed and Aileen Brandsma, owners of Lynden’s Edaleen Dairy Farm and stores, have steered their farm in many new directions during the 52 years they’ve…
Local Elections Matter
originally published March 2017— First turnover of County Council under new system holds profound implications with 4 seats open By Business Pulse magazine staff One of the most important elements of any democracy is how representatives are elected. It is no less important here in Whatcom County. In 2015 County voters approved significant changes to…
We can balance economic prosperity and environmental stewardship
originally published March 2017— By Tony Larson, President Whatcom Business Alliance Most reasonable people understand there are trade-offs on most important decisions. Few decisions provide all benefit with no costs. Decisions that impact our community are typically no different. Particularly when the goal is to balance our economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Many believe it…
Forest health: How to assess our new state Lands Commissioner
originally published Jan 2017– We need to be taking a more proactive role in restoring our forest health.” These words from newly-elected Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz highlight something people do not typically associate with forestry politics: scientific consensus. Quietly, over a decade, the last two lands commissioners – one from each party –…
Whatcom County Council has a choice: Is Cherry Point open for business, or not?
originally published Jan. 2017— Whatcom County Council has a choice: Is Cherry Point open for business, or not? John Huntley, president of Mills Electric in Bellingham, found himself recently in a place he never thought he’d be – in a room full of people on a snowy night, standing in front of the Whatcom County…
Local businesses stepping up together to make a difference
originally published Jan 2019– The Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) recently launched its Step Up for Business Advocacy Campaign – or “Step Up,” as it has become known. “Step Up is the answer to numerous requests and long Board [of Directors] conversations about how to substantively improve the business climate in Whatcom County,” WBA President Tony…
2014 Employment at Cherry Point Report
originally published Jan. 9th, 2017 Whatcom County Council has a choice: Is Cherry Point open for business, or not? John Huntley, president of Mills Electric in Bellingham, found himself recently in a place he never thought he’d be – in a room full of people on a snowy night, standing in front of the Whatcom…
Alcoa Intalco Works Ferndale avoids planned layoffs of nearly 500 employees
Published May 3, 2016 On May 2, Alcoa announced its agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration to amend its current power contract to help improve the competitiveness of the Intalco Works Ferndale smelter. The new amendment to the power contract, effective July 1, 2016 through Feb. 14, 2018, will provide for additional market access during this…
Q gone for good. Now Brio is its name-o
Published in Business Pulse magazine in March 2016 Alliance Laundry Systems Corp., the makers of Speed Queen washers, claimed a trademark on the brand “Q.” Therefore, Owner/President Colleen Unema has rebranded her company to Brio Laundry on Alabama Street just off its intersection with James Street in the Sunnyland neighborhood. Unema liked the sound and…