AWB Member Spotlight

Composite Solutions earns Washington’s highest civic award

A small Auburn materials company received a big honor when Secretary of State Sam Reed selected it for his Companies for Communities recognition program.

Composite Solutions will receive Washington’s highest civic award – the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award. For the first time, this award, long given to applaud voter education efforts, civic engagement or government service, is being awarded to a business.

“Composite Solutions [has] shown a dedication to the community that clearly goes to the core of their business operations and services,” said Reed. “I am so pleased to recognize them as [a company] that set the standard for giving back, which is what Corporations for Communities is all about.”

The company, which joined AWB this year and supplies the aerospace industry with composite materials, earned the award by giving employees paid time off to do a variety of volunteer work. More than 60 percent of Composite Solutions’ employees volunteered at food banks, community programs and other services this year.

“We are very honored by the award,” said Art Sauls, general manager of Composite Solutions. “We like serving people and making sure that we’re doing our part for society.”

Reed will present the award to Composite Solutions at a reception on Nov. 4. Additionally, AWB members Puget Sound Energy, Rowley Properties, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel will receive honorable mention certificates from Reed for their community service.

Puget Sound Energy received honorable mention for activities including support for Washington Business Week. Rowley Properties was recognized for community service work in the Issaquah area, and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel was honorably mentioned for its environmental education program for employees and its green practices in its operation. 
 
“We are deeply impressed by what the nominees are doing to better their communities, and we hope this recognition encourages them to keep up the extraordinary work for Washington state,” said Pam Floyd, the Office of the Secretary of State’s corporations director.

The next cycle of award nominations is open from Feb. 1 to March 15, and winners will be announced in April 2010. More details are available here.

Areva bucks recession with new Tri-Cities jobs

More good economic development news for the Tri-Cities: Areva, an AWB member since 1985, is consolidating its fuel assembly operations for nuclear plants in Richland, where it has operated for 40 years. In September, the company announced it will end production in Lynchburg, Va., and add 50 new jobs to its 700 employees in Richland.

The French-owned energy service company announced last year that it would build a $2 billion uranium enrichment plant at Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Idaho facility will produce a raw material for the Richland plant to turn into fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors.

With concern over carbon emissions and global warming on the rise, nuclear power, which emits no greenhouse gases, is seeing a new lease on life and much renewed interest even from some environmentalists. While the current cap-and-trade legislation before Congress makes no provision for nuclear energy as a renewable source of power, many observers believe it likely that aggressive carbon reduction targets will spur the development of more nuclear plants.

"We are fortunate to have a highly skilled and technology-savvy workforce in the Tri-Cities, which is attractive to employers such as Areva, as well as a business-friendly environment which welcomes research and development into nuclear fuels," said Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, who works in the nuclear industry himself. "This decision demonstrates how our regional economy and families in Washington can benefit when business and government leaders work together to promote expansion of reliable, clean, carbonless energy sources, including nuclear power."

Gov. Chris Gregoire reiterated the importance of supporting companies like Areva in the push to find new and innovative solutions to the state’s energy needs.

“I am pleased that AREVA chose Washington for this consolidation and expansion which means approximately 50 jobs will be added to AREVA’s Richland facility. AREVA’s expansion solidifies the Tri-Cities area as a global research and development hub for the carbon-free energy sector.”

For more information on nuclear power, visit the Nuclear Energy Institute.

AWB members rank high among America’s fastest growing private companies

 Looking for life in Washington’s business community during the economic downturn? Look no further than Redmond’s Xtreme Consulting Group. Started in 2005 by two former Microsoft employees who understood the difficulty large organizations have in finding good resources, Xtreme developed a culture built on a “people first” principle. This customer-service focus has served this business and IT services firm well. An AWB member since early 2009, Xtreme now has 185 employees and a staggering growth rate of 3,092.5 percent from 2005 to 2008.

 

Xtreme’s amazing growth placed it on Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Fifteen AWB members made the list, released on Aug. 17, including three that made the Inc. 500, the top 10 percent of companies on the Inc. 5000 list due to their spectacular growth between 2005 and 2008. Xtreme ranked at number 47.

 

In addition to Xtreme, the two AWB members in the Inc. 500 are Prep Sportswear and Remote Medical International.

 

Founded in 2003, Seattle’s Prep Sportswear, the nation’s largest school and team sports marketplace for high school apparel and merchandise, ranked number 87 with a 1,728 percent growth rate. The firm is now rapidly moving into the collegiate, corporate, non-profit and recreational markets while maintaining a fun, casual working environment for its 32 employees.

 

At number 147, Remote Medical International is a unique 54-employee company based in Seattle that is a single source for equipment, training, telemedicine and onsite medical care for people in remote areas who cannot reach a hospital. It showed a 1,206.6 percent growth rate. Founded in 2003, by a professional rescuer and paramedic, the company provides services not only for wilderness rescue and care, but also in urban disaster zones, including New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. 

 

The seven other AWB members in the Inc. 5000 are Talyst, Fine Solutions LLC, CFO Selections, Pharmacy OneSource, White Shield Inc., Aircraft Cabin Systems, Sound Glass Sales, Protingent Staffing, Bayview Limousine Service Inc., Senske Lawn and Tree Care Inc., PCO Inc., and Westshare Services Inc.

 

“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”

 

Read more on the criteria used to judge the Inc. 500/5000 companies.

Three AWB members honored for increasing jobs through international trade

On Aug. 6, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized three AWB members with its Faces of Trade® award honoring small-and medium-sized U.S. companies that are actively engaged in the global marketplace and creating jobs here in America.

The three Washington state winners are Sterlitech Corporation, a Kent-based manufacturer of silver membrane products; Washington Chain & Supply, Inc., a major Seattle supplier of heavy hardware and wire for the marine, construction and offshore drilling industries; and GM Nameplate, a Seattle-based company that specialized in the custom design and manufacturing of product identification components.

Each of the award-winners has a considerable amount of international business.

"We have been doing business internationally for over eight years, and free trade agreements have been extremely positive for our company," said Mark Spatz, founder and president of Sterlitech, which credits 30 percent of its sales to international trade.

“Trade agreements and increased exports are vital to U.S. businesses, workers, and farmers, as 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States,” said Liz Reilly, director of TradeRoots, the U.S. Chamber’s national trade education program. “Through expanded trade, the United States will create new opportunities to sell products and services abroad, and consumers will benefit from lower prices and greater choices here at home.”

Longview Fibre is finalist for 2009 Pulp & Paper International Award

Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Inc., an AWB member since 1928, has been nominated for a 2009 Pulp & Paper International Award.

The PPI Awards are the only global honors that recognize achievements in the pulp and paper industry. Longview is the only U.S. company in the final round in the sales/marketing category. Longview’s FibreShieldTM — the company’s super-strong paper grade —  has been short-listed for PPI’s Promotional/Sales/Marketing Award.

“These new awards are regarded as a universal benchmark of quality within the paper and pulp industry,” said Matt Elhardt, Longview’s marketing director. “Being short-listed is a tremendous achievement for the Company, particularly in this challenging year.”

Longview Fibre manufactures specialty paper and containers. The company's manufacturing facilities include one of the largest pulp-paper mills in North America and a network of converting plants. Longview Fibre's products include paperboard, value-added corrugated and solid-fiber containers, and commodity and specialty kraft paper.

 “We’ve been thrilled with the high quality and number of entries for the first ever PPI Awards,” said Mark Rushton, editor of Pulp & Paper International magazine.  “The finalists should be justly proud of their achievements.”

This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony at in Munich, Germany, on Oct. 28.

Insitu produces 1,000th ScanEagle unmanned aircraft; expands production operations

Earlier this month, Insitu Inc. delivered its 1,000th ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system. On the heels of this major milestone, the company announced it is expanding its manufacturing capacity to continue to meet increasing customer needs for rapid solution fulfillment.

Insitu’s new 42,000 square foot Stevenson facility is scheduled to open later this year. The new facility will allow the company to increase output of its current fleet of unmanned aircraft. Most importantly, production of Integrator – Insitu’s next generation, multi-mission aircraft evolved from in-field experience of more than 180,000 combat flight hours and 1,500 ship board sorties — will increase.

“The great news behind the 1,000th ScanEagle is that the company’s agility, robust supply chain, superior quality control and a tightly integrated delivery system are well in place to serve our customer.  These assets, combined with our increased production capacity, are indicative of our commitment to provide the customer with the highest quality unmanned aircraft system solutions,” said Andrew J. Brignoli, Insitu vice president.

An AWB member since 2006, the Bingen-based company designs, develops and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems and associated services for commercial and military applications. Insitu currently employs  more than 500 people and could have at least 750 on board by the end of the year, when the new Stevenson manufacturing plant is open.

Apex Karting: Not your average go-kart track

Apex Karting, an AWB member since 2006, transforms what once were average, run-of-the-mill business meetings into memorable team building events, as guests experience the adrenaline rush that comes from racing.

Apex, located in Tumwater, boasts a 15,030 foot go-kart track and 21 karts, but also more than 7,000 square feet of lobby space and two 400 square-foot meeting rooms that accommodate groups of up to 300 people. Unlike most karting operations, Apex also has a well-stocked snack bar for pit stops or full meal breaks.

AWB recently went to Apex to see tour their facility and meeting space — and do a little racing.  

Alaska Airlines tops customer satisfaction survey

J.D. Power and Associates ranked AWB member Alaska Airlines highest in customer satisfaction among traditional network carriers in North America in its annual study released June 30. This is the second year in a row that SeaTac-based Alaska, an AWB member since 1979, came out on top in this independent survey of customer satisfaction.

"Alaska Airlines has made notable improvements in the courtesy and knowledge of its check-in staff from 2008," said Dale Haines, senior director of the travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates.

The J.D. Power and Associates study is based on responses from more than 12,900 travelers who flew on a major North American airline between April 2008 and May 2009. The study measures overall customer satisfaction based on cost and fees, flight crew, in-flight services, aircraft, boarding, deplaning, baggage, check-in and reservations. While the study found that overall airline customer satisfaction declined for a third consecutive year to a four-year low, Alaska was highlighted for bucking the trend.

"We're delighted to receive this prestigious award, which represents a ‘Triple Crown' for Alaska and Horizon," said Bill Ayer, Alaska’s CEO. "First of all, we've been consistently exceeding our goals and setting records in our on-time performance and customer satisfaction scores. Secondly, our Mileage Plan recently won the Freddie Awards' ‘Program of the Year' for the second year in a row. And now, J.D. Power and Associates has honored us again. This well-deserved recognition is due to all of the hard work by employees at both airlines to set the bar for customer service excellence."

Thirty-two AWB members among 100 Best Companies to Work For in Washington

Thirty-two AWB members are among the top 100 Best Companies to Work For, according to Seattle Business magazine.

Among AWB members, the top ranking large company was Moneytree Inc., the top midsize firm was Clark Nuber, and the highest ranking small firm was GordonDerr LLP. The listing is a salute to Washington companies that set the standard for leadership in creating a positive work environment for employees in areas like benefits, information sharing and training programs. The rankings were made by a panel of expert judges from the human resources field.

Dean Allen, CEO of McKinstry Co., which scored second place among midsized firms, summed up the philosophy that brought this recognition to his company and the other honorees.

“We’re organized around the philosophy that the company is here to serve the people who work here and not the other way around,” said Allen.

The 32 AWB members included in 2009’s 100 Best Companies to Work For are:

Large Companies
• Moneytree, Inc.
• Columbia Bank
• Pathology Associates Medical Labs
• Proliance Surgeons
• Pro Sports Club
• Alaska Airlines

Mid-Size Companies
• Clark Nuber
• McKinstry Co.
• Concur Technologies
• IMCO General Construction Inc.
• Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP
• S.D. Deacon Corp. of Washington
• Propel Insurance
• Baker Boyer Bank
• University Mechanical Contractors Inc.
• Riverview Bank
• Garvey Schubert Barer
• Outback Power Systems

Small Companies
• GordonDerr LLP
• Northwest Laboratories
• Avalara, Inc.
• The Frause Group Inc.
• Another Source
• Sabey Corp.
• Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell LLP
• ClearPoint, Inc.
• Pharmacy OneSource, Inc.
• MCM
• Talyst

Non-Profit Organizations
• Pacific Medical Centers
• Valley Medical Center
• Woodland Park Zoo

Westshare Services’ Shari Schoonover is SBA Home-Based Business Champion

Starting small, thinking big and growing to a multimillion dollar company is the aspiration of every small business owner. Thanks to plenty of hard work, Shari Schoonover’s dream came true. Schoonover, the founder of Westshare Services, is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Washington State and Region X 2009 Home-Based Business Champion Award winner. Westshare has remained in SBA’s top 20 Diversified/Women Owned Businesses in Washington for the last eight years. 
 
“The successes of Shari’s ‘pay-it-forward’ attitude, resilience and her entrepreneurial spirit encompass the Champion Award attributes,” said Nancy Porzio, acting regional administrator and Seattle District director of the SBA. 
 
Shari Schoonover started Westshare Services in her Snohomish home in 1997. An office was later built on her property to handle business as the company grew into multimillion dollar firm. Westshare, an AWB member since 2003, now employs up to 75 full time workers. Westshare provides technical and professional service personnel to large companies and corporations in the telecommunications and utilities industries.

“I was honored to receive this award,” said Schoonover. “It shows that perseverance and hard work pay off in the end.”