Peoples Bank announces two new appointments
Peoples Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Hefter to the Peoples Bank and Peoples Bancorp Board of Directors. An executive with nearly 30 years of experience in community banking, Hefter has been involved in all facets of bank management and has contributed to the company’s tenfold growth during her tenure. Today, Peoples…
Read MoreState minimum wage set to increase to $13.69 on January 1
Whatcom County businesses should brace for another state minimum wage increase on January 1, 2021. On that date, the new state minimum wage will be $13.69 per hour. State overtime rules are also changing, which could result in employers seeing additional increases to the labor costs beyond just the wage increase. While the planned minimum…
Read MoreWBA calls on Inslee administration to avoid UI tax increases
Despite the Inslee administration’s claims, it has become clear that Washington businesses should expect an increase in their unemployment insurance (UI) taxes that will add up to $800M in 2021, with additional increases likely in store in 2022 and 2023. Economists at the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) attribute the UI shortfall to the…
Read MoreWBA hosts webinar on cybersecurity
Whatcom Business Alliance Hosts Webinar on Cybersecurity As a part of its ongoing “Recovery Whatcom” webinar series, the Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) hosted “Cybersecurity and the New Risks to Your Business” on Wednesday, September 16. Chase Bank’s Merrick Tam, Vice President, Treasury Management hosted the session, which provided advice and guidance for Whatcom County businesses looking…
Read MoreWBA reacts to the failure of additional coronavirus relief legislation
On Thursday, September 10 Senate Democrats blocked what some called a “skinny” coronavirus relief bill. The two parties could not agree on the scale of the aid, with Republicans supporting relief for schools, small business, and jobless benefits. The $650B package was deemed too small by Senate Democrats, who opposed the bill on a near…
Read MoreInslee administration restricts agri-tourism, threatens family farms
Washington continues to witness positive trends as hopeful data emerges on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the state. However, despite the good news, Governor Jay Inslee’s administration has placed additional regulatory burdens on Agri-tourism and family farms. Under the Administration’s new restrictions, customers cannot touch or view animals. Hayrides, games, and touching farm…
Read MoreWBA hosts Recovery Whatcom webinar, ‘The future of health care: experts answer your questions’
On Thursday, August 19, business leaders from across Whatcom County attended the Whatcom Business Alliance’s Recovery Whatcom webinar to learn more about the science behind COVID-19, the potential policies and changes to the future of health care and what businesses could do to mitigate the spread of the disease and potentially open sooner. Panelists included:…
Read MoreWhatcom County businesses must step forward and make their voice heard
Things were normal. Then they weren’t. Then everything was closed. Then a few things could open—and that is where things have stayed. In early June Whatcom County moved to Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and for the time being that is where Whatcom County will remain. Per Governor Jay Inslee’s latest order,…
Read MoreIn an economic downturn, you shouldn’t give up on marketing and sales
In an economic downturn, marketing and sales are often the first budgetary items to get cut. So, what can Whatcom County’s local businesses do to align what the community knows about their company (public relations), their value proposition (marketing), and close customers (sales)? They can begin by asking the following four questions. Question 1: Who…
Read MoreRebound and Recovery website aims to help small business bounce back
By Kris Johnson We’ve all learned new terms and acronyms in the last few months, from “flattening the curve” and “social distancing” to WFH (working from home) and PPE (personal protective equipment). It’s remarkable how quickly COVID-19 has upended our lives and inserted itself into our daily rhythms. If you run a business, the terms…
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