OLYMPIA, WA-Despite historically dipping in June, the state's unemployment rate has risen yet again, three-tenths of a percent over last month to 5.7%. Employment Security Commissioner Sylvia Moody says this is typical of a slowing economy.
EDMONDS,WA-The fast seafood chain lost its CEO last week, but the CFO has taken the helm and plans modest growth following tough cutbacks aimed at turning a profit.
BOISE, ID-Albertson's Inc. is laying off workers, closing stores and consolidating operations in an effort to cut costs and make the food and drug retailer a more efficient company.
SPOKANE, WA-Avista Corp. intends to ask regulators in Washington and Idaho to OK an energy surcharge to electricity customers in both states. The surcharge is intended to offset the costs of a severe shortage of hydropower generation and volatile energy market prices.
SEATTLE-R.C. Hedreen Co. is obtaining the necessary approvals for a 32-story office and residential tower, but Hyatt Hotels now also is interested in the site for a 200-room, five-Park Hyatt.
SEATTLE, WA-King County has awarded $6.85 million in low-income housing grants and loans to 10 development projects that are expected to create or preserve 532 affordable housing units.
BOTHELL, WA-City officials are expected to review comprehensive plan amendments this week that would permit auto dealers to operate in some commercial business areas previously zoned for indoor retail sales.
LACEY, WA-The Minneapolis-based retailer paid $10.5 million for the land and intends to build a 1.5 million-sf warehouse-distribution center from which products will be shipped to regional distribution hubs across the country.
BREMERTON-This week marked the deadline for organizations hoping to receive state money - to the tune of $10 million - for future construction projects. Four proposals, three of which call for the creation of area conference centers, have been submitted to officials.
BELLEVUE, WA-The locally based Laptop Lane has announced the opening of its newest business center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The new Laptop Lane location in the North Satellite, between gates N8 and N9, is the ninth store the company has added this year.