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Statshot: The Silver Economy

Statshot: The Silver Economy

Washington state fares better than most when it comes to older adults

Washington state is considered among the best places in the country for older residents due to its natural beauty and thriving economy, though it does have a relatively high cost of living. Seniors are significant players in the state’s economy. Here’s an economic snapshot: 38.5 Median age in U.S. 37.7 Median age in Washington state…

Gym Journey

Gym Journey

Chris Travis launched SSP to help others in the same situation he once found himself in

Chris travis remembers working 80 hours a week after starting a new job at Amazon’s Kindle division back in 2010. Not surprisingly, it took a toll on his health. He was eating poorly. He had developed a bad back, and wasn’t exercising. He wasn’t really even moving at all. He spent all of his time…

Deliberate, Direct, Decisive

Deliberate, Direct, Decisive

At Davidson & Associates, culture is nurtured on a daily basis

Don’t be confused by Tony Johnson’s use of the word “deliberate” to describe the culture at his insurance company. Think thoughtful, not laid-back. And it all begins before an employee even sets foot in the door. “We are ‘deliberate’ about ensuring personalities will mesh well with our culture in the hiring process,” says Johnson, principal…

On Reflection: Telecommuting Triumph

On Reflection: Telecommuting Triumph

Seattle and Washington state score high for remote work

If you’re reading this from your home office, you’re not alone. Almost one-third of employees across Washington state work from home on at least a part-time basis. A report from web hosting company Hostinger says slightly under 2 million people, or 32.7% of the state’s workforce, worked remotely at least one day out of the…

Statshot: Life Science on the Rise in Washington

Statshot: Life Science on the Rise in Washington

Advancing scientific knowledge, improving public health

Washington state’s life science industry bucked the pandemic downturn, with impressive job growth, especially among women. The industry added $21.7 billion to the state’s GDP in 2022, and contributed $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue. “Washington has solidified its standing as a top 10 life science hub in the country,” Life Science Washington…

Cultural Revolution

Cultural Revolution

Revolution tops ‘Best Companies’ list by emphasizing teamwork and open communication

Revolution Custom/Civil Builders employees and their families very much anticipate the Issaquah-based builder’s annual company retreat to Chelan. Pizza is served on Friday night, followed by an elegant dinner the next day at a winery. Last year, one disappointed worker was unable to attend the company-paid bash. You’d never know it by looking at a…

Whale Wins

Whale Wins

A new study pinpoints massive economic impact

Most people look at Puget Sound and think of its natural beauty. They notice nearby islands, or Washington state’s fleet of 21 ferry vessels. Add whales to that mix. A study for the Pacific Whale Watch Association by Martin Associates finds that whale watching expeditions in Washington state create $119.1 million in economic value and…

Statshot: Maritime Punch

Statshot: Maritime Punch

A hub of innovation

Working waterfronts across Washington state boast significant economic benefits. The state maritime industry creates more than 174,000 direct and indirect jobs and $14.4 billion in labor income. A study commissioned by the Washington Maritime Federation found that the average annual salary for maritime-related jobs is $112,000, including benefits. The study notes that, while the majority…

Counterfeit Crackdown

Counterfeit Crackdown

Amazon bulks up fraud-fighting efforts as global scams increase

Amazon’s extensive efforts to fight fraud are paying off. The Seattle e-commerce giant says it stopped more than 700,000 “bad actor” attempts to create new selling accounts last year. Amazon’s recently released 2023 Brand Protection Report reveals that the company invested a staggering $1.2 billion into fighting fraud last year. Amazon has more than 15,000…

Creating Community

Creating Community

Hayden Homes is a robust builder in more ways than one

As a homebuilder with employees spread across the Pacific Northwest, Hayden Homes faces a unique challenge in creating a tight-knit culture of cooperation and collegiality. It all comes down to trust. It’s very intentional. “Team members are trusted to do their work and be accountable to the team depending on them,” says Patti Murphy, the…

A Quest For Economic Equity

A Quest For Economic Equity

The 2024 Minority Business Forum set for next week in Seattle

One of the nation’s most influential conferences is coming to Seattle for the first time…

On Reflection: Dogs and Chickens

On Reflection: Dogs and Chickens

Costco's trajectory just keeps rising

You can buy virtually anything at Costco. Costco has its own travel agency. It offers health. The company sold 11 million tires last year and filled 60 million prescriptions. You can buy a 5-carat diamond for $260,000 or a Mickey Mantle autographed rookie card for $250,000. But it’s the hot dogs and rotisserie chickens that…

Statshot: Weapons of Mass Construction

Statshot: Weapons of Mass Construction

Seattle boasts an impressive number of new office buildings

Downtown Seattle’s vacancy rate continues to rise, though new office buildings are going up at a rapid rate. A report from Kidder Mathews pegs the vacancy rate at 23.9%. For comparison purposes, it was about 10% at the end of 2019, just before the pandemic. Despite that, data firm Commercial Edge reports that Seattle has…

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