WASHINGTON'S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE

January 2010/FEATURES

Trade: Trading Spaces

Washington’s convention business needs a larger trade center, but the state Legislature is holding up the process.
By: By Mike Ullmann
In the stormy fall of 2009, during the worst downturn since the Great Depression, 6,900 electrical contractors arrived at Seattle's convention center to find a brilliant September sun. The sun wasn't the only surprise. "It...

Economy: A Hard Fall

After a brutal year, local leading economic indicators are pointing upward, and the next decade looks even more promising.
By: By Dick Conway
The Washington state economy will build steam through the spring and summer of 2010, but total employment won't return to peak levels of 2008 until well into 2011, analysts forecast. And for many residents and businesses,...
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Contents

Departments

Finance

Finance: The Invisible Bank
Why can’t you see any of Washington Trust Bank’s branches in Seattle? It doesn’t need them.
On Reflection: Weak Dollar and Increasing Trade
The world may lead the U.S. out of recession, thanks to rising exports.
Cover Feature: Mobile Mecca
The confluence of software and wireless technology in the Pacific Northwest has put the region in a favorable position as it moves toward an anytime-anywhere mobile computing society.

Commentary

CEO Adviser: The Social Media Blind Spot
Why executives need to overcome their reluctance to use social media.
Commentary: The Workers' Comp Chokehold
Businesses get squeezed as the economy shrinks and workers’ compensation rates increase.
Editor's Note: The Next Phase
Final Analysis: A Letter from Steve Ballmer
Virgin On Business: Our Boeing-less Future
Washington state has other options if its largest private employer packs up and leaves.
Economy: A Hard Fall
After a brutal year, local leading economic indicators are pointing upward, and the next decade looks even more promising.

Retail & Services

Retail: The Egg Girl
Diane Irvine grew up on a farm, which provided the ideal experience to prepare her for her future job… Selling diamonds as CEO of Blue Nile.
Retail: Precious Mettle
For Steven Goldfarb, jewels are the family business.
Talking Points: Elson Floyd
President, Washington State University
Spotlight: Travel as if You Live There
Gay travelers get a specialized resource online
Trade: Trading Spaces
Washington’s convention business needs a larger trade center, but the state Legislature is holding up the process.

Health Care

Bright Idea: Say "Ah!"
Oasis Diagnostics is working to replace the needle with a swab in the cheek.

Manufacturing

Brief: Everett loses new 787 line to plant in North Charleston, S.C.
Brief: Boeing lays off 500 workers

Technology

Brief: Microsoft cuts 800 more jobs
Brief: Frazier tech fund dissolves
Brief: Turn left for Cinnabon...

Real Estate

Lane Powell on Law: Time to Focus on Seattle’s Future
Challenging conditions provide opportunities to plan ahead.