Whatcom Business Newsletter

Bellingham Chamber appoints Gorman to interim position

Bill Gorman has been hired by the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce to assist the organization while it searches for a new president.

Port expects Bellingham waterfront proposals by mid-July

BELLINGHAM - Prospects for a central waterfront renaissance should be clear by mid-July, when the Port of Bellingham expects to receive serious proposals...

The Port of Bellingham is asking for developers to submit proposals for 10.8 acres of waterfront property in the area of the Granary Building.

Costco submits potential plan for Bakerview store

BELLINGHAM - Retail giant Costco is envisioning a 161,893-square-foot store with a six-island gas station and about 800 parking spaces at a potential...

This rendering of a possible Costco across from the Bakerview Fred Meyer in Bellingham was part of a pre-application packet the company submitted this spring to the city of Bellingham. It is not a final plan, and no agreement has been made for a store to be built on the site. The circled letters on the rendering refer to other detailed photos provided in the packet. The rendering was designed by MulvannyG2 Architecture.

Bellingham café at museum to offer locally made food with quick service

Good, quality food served quickly is going to be Arlené Mantha's recipe for making her new café a success at the Lightcatcher Museum in ...

Arlene Mantha, left, prepares cookies while Andrew Spencer brews coffee as they prep for the opening of twofiftyflora Thursday, May 9, 2013 in Bellingham. The café will open on May 15, said Mantha.

Market Report: Time to start ramping up tourism, farming in Whatcom County

Two big economic industries will start ramping up in Whatcom County in the coming weeks.

Workers prepare the new Silver Reef Casino Event Center Thursday, May 2, 2013. The new facility, which includes a Mexican restaurant, 1,000-seat event center, 150-seat theater and 225 more slot machines, is having a grand opening Thursday, May 9.

New Blaine distribution facility adds 72 jobs, has room to grow

BLAINE - This border city can be a convenient launching point for British Columbia firms interested in getting a foothold in the U.S market.

Omer Hillal, a qualitity assurance leader, inspects a pair of glasses at Coastal Contacts' distribution warehouse Thursday afternoon, May 9, 2013 in Blaine. The warehouse opened in November 2012 and employs 72 people.

Report: Retail sales in Whatcom up nearly 8% last year (Biz Blog)

A significant amount of shopping took place in Whatcom County last year, with the biggest increases coming in the border communities.

Attracting business clients a key factor to latest Silver Reef expansion

LUMMI RESERVATION - The Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa has taken a steady approach to growth, and officials believe the latest expansion is an important...

Slot Manager Jeff Swatman prepares one of the new slot machines in the new Silver Reef Casino Event Center Thursday, May 2, 2013. The new facility, which includes a Mexican restaurant, 1,000-seat event center, 150-seat theater and 225 more slot machines, is having a grand opening Thursday, May 9.