No changes for local patients as Providence, Swedish complete affiliation agreement
February 10, 2012
NEW — 8 a.m. Feb. 10, 2012
The partnership between Providence Health & Services and Swedish Health Services should not affect services at Issaquah health care facilities, officials said as the organizations completed a groundbreaking affiliation agreement.
Through the affiliation, Providence and Swedish plan to operate as the Western Washington Region of Providence Health & Services. The organization encompasses all Swedish operations in King and Snohomish counties, plus Providence operations in King, Snohomish, Thurston and Lewis counties.
The entities operate Providence Marianwood, a 25-year-old nursing home, and Swedish/Issaquah, a 7-month-old hospital, in the city.
“Swedish/Issaquah is a community hospital focused on the community needs here,” Chuck Salmon, chief executive for Swedish/Issaquah and ambulatory care, said days after the Feb. 1 announcement. “At this point, my direction is, ‘Don’t change a thing. You guys are doing fine.’ There should be really no change at all as perceived by the public.”
State utilities regulator focuses on energy conservation
February 8, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 8, 2012
The state utilities regulator, the Utilities and Transportation Commission, has created a Conservation and Energy Planning Section to focus on energy use and renewable energy, officials announced Tuesday.
The section focuses on conservation and renewable energy requirements, energy reliability, greenhouse gas emissions and low-income programs.
“These changes recognize that conservation and renewable energy have become larger and more visible parts of our work,” Regulatory Services Director Mark Vasconi said in a statement.
The just-created Conservation and Energy Planning Section is under the leadership of longtime staff member Deborah Reynolds, assistant director.
Officials appointed Acting Assistant Director for Energy Regulation Tom Schooley as the permanent assistant director for the energy section. The section continues to focus on economic regulatory matters, including rate cases, finance and accounting.
State leaders promote Earned Income Tax Credit
February 7, 2012
Gov. Chris Gregoire and other state officials urged Washingtonians to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit on federal income tax returns.
The program goes unused by about 20 percent of qualified workers entitled to receive a check for up to $5,751. In Washington last year, 426,124 taxpayers applied for the credit, bringing about $847 million into the state economy.
Gregoire proclaimed Jan. 27 as Earned Income Tax Credit Day to raise awareness.
“Every year, there is money available to working families and individuals that does not get claimed,” she said. “File your 2011 tax return and take advantage of this tax credit, which puts money in your pocket and into our local economy.”
The state Department of Commerce and the state Department of Social and Health Services joined the federal Internal Revenue Service, plus other local and national organizations, to remind people to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Find eligibility requirements and learn more at the Department of Commerce website, www.commerce.wa.gov.
Costco tops list for quality in Consumer Reports customer survey
February 7, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 7, 2012
Issaquah-based Costco pleased shoppers more than other major retailers, Consumer Reports announced Tuesday.
The magazine surveyed more than 26,000 readers to compile the data. Customers told Consumer Reports about 55,108 shopping experiences at 10 retailers, including Costco, JCPenney, Macy’s, Target and Walmart. The survey respondents also detailed experiences at the retailers’ online outlets.
Costco emerged as the only chain to earn the top rating for overall merchandise quality, in brick-and-mortar stores and online. The warehouse chain also earned above-average scores in all 10 product categories, including electronics and jewelry.
Costco’s website performed better than warehouses on all counts except product quality. The website also received top marks for checkout, layout and product value.
State insurance commissioner offers advice for understanding storm claims
January 31, 2012
The top insurance regulator in Washington offered some insurance-claim tips to residents cleaning up from recent snow and ice storms.
“We encourage people to start with their agent or insurer. But our staff can often help with denied claims, delayed payments and confusing policy language,” state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said in a statement.
Consumers call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 toll free or file a complaint at www.insurance.wa.gov.
Homeowners should check contractors before hiring for storm cleanup
January 31, 2012
The state Department of Labor & Industries reminded residents to check contractors’ credentials, as residents seek help to clean up from recent winter weather.
Whether the job requires residents to hire a tree-removal service to clean up a downed tree or a general contractor to repair damage to a roof and gutter, the agency said a little homework upfront can protect consumers against fraud, shoddy work or, simply, bad contractors.
Issaquah Chamber of Commerce seeks business, nonprofit innovators
January 31, 2012
Issaquah businesses and nonprofit organizations continue to innovate, despite a tough economy and other challenges.
In order to recognize local entrepreneurs’ accomplishments, the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for the Innovation in Issaquah contest, a showcase for local businesses offering unique services. Honorees demonstrate innovation in product development, services, systems or strategies.
The chamber launched the program last year. The initial honorees included Democracy Live, Restorix Health, Applied Precision and the nonprofit Eastside Baby Corner.
Nominate a business or nonprofit for the honor at www.issaquahchamber.com/form/innovation-in-issaquah by 5 p.m. Feb. 6.
Chamber leaders plan to recognize the 2012 honorees at a Feb. 22 luncheon.
Eastside business leaders outline priorities to state lawmakers
January 31, 2012
Eastside business leaders focused on economic development, education, taxation and transportation in a legislative agenda for state lawmakers in Olympia.
East King County Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition members urged legislators to foster job creation, shore up transportation funding, and adopt reforms to kindergarten through 12th-grade and higher education.
The coalition is comprised of 10 chambers from the region, including the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.
“Our state is at an important crossroads and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce is proud to work with the coalition to affect positive change for the Eastside business community in Olympia,” Issaquah Chamber of Commerce CEO Matthew Bott said in a statement.
Lawmakers face a bursting docket. Legislators must close a $1.5 billion budget gap. The state Supreme Court ruled legislators failed in funding basic education — a constitutional obligation. In addition, the Legislature is also considering a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington.
The collation released a 10-part legislative agenda Jan. 5 at a breakfast attended by state lawmakers.
Hospital architect earns top interior design honor
January 31, 2012
Swedish/Issaquah architecture firm CollinsWoerman has earned the highest honor in healthcare interior design for the hospital.
The firm received the award from Contract magazine in a New York City ceremony Jan. 27.
“We’re honored to receive this prestigious award,” Sarah Reisenauer, CollinsWoerman senior interior designer, said in a statement. “By working closely with our client and extended design team, the space we created together enhances the patient journey, benefits the community, and achieves our design and aesthetic vision.”
The hospital spans 550,000 square feet, and includes a medical office building, cancer center and ambulatory care center. The project focused on the concept of a commons — a central, unifying and orienting public space. Special design features include 40- to 60-foot high LED back-lit metal sculptural grass blades on concrete shear walls and a winding tile trail embedded in the terrazzo floor.
“The interior elements combine poetry of color and nature to play off the building’s natural surroundings,” Reisenauer said. “We wanted to design the space from the perspective of the patient, so it was essential to include crisp aesthetics, material integrity, and a sense of warmth and familiarity.”
Eastside business leaders outline priorities to state lawmakers
January 30, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Jan. 30, 2012
Eastside business leaders focused on economic development, education, taxation and transportation in a legislative agenda for state lawmakers in Olympia.
East King County Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition members urged legislators to foster job creation, shore up transportation funding, and adopt reforms to K-12 and higher education.
The coalition is comprised of 10 chambers from the region, including the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.
“Our state is at an important crossroads and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce is proud to work with the coalition to affect positive change for the Eastside business community in Olympia,” Issaquah Chamber of Commerce CEO Matthew Bott said in a statement.
