Jun 12, 2020

Siemens Healthineers

Siemens Healthineers relocated its ultrasound business headquarters to Issaquah, where it recently renovated its 139,000-square-foot building to create manufacturing space for its Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system and other products. The company's old headquarters in Mountain View, California, was changed to a satellite office. Over 300 staff work in the Issaquah location, which is supplementing existing overseas manufacturing.

Fortive

Everett-based Fortive formed a joint innovation studio with Pioneer Square Labs to create new industrial technology companies. New companies resulting from this work will either continue as standalone venture-backed businesses or become part of the Fortive family. The studio is headquartered in PSL's offices in downtown Seattle. It is staffed with full-time employees from each company who are responsible for developing new ideas, validating concepts with potential customers, and executing and scaling the most promising ventures. Fortive is a diversified industrial technology growth company. PSL finances, creates and launches technology startups.

Cyemptive Technologies

Snohomish-based Cyemptive Technologies acquired IT services and support company Interpreting Technology of Burlington. Cyemptive plans to expand its offerings and overall footprint by using Interpreting's expertise in customer service, computer forensics and cyber compliance. Interpreting has over 250 customers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cyemptive provides preemptive cybersecurity products and technology.

World Affairs Council

The World Affairs Council is seeking a new member for its Fellows Program, a cohort focused on international affairs that includes greater Seattle area business and community leaders. Fellows convene monthly with international experts who offer insight into current global issues. Selection is based on leadership in the community, background and interest in international affairs, and ability to discuss international issues. The deadline to apply is July 15. More information is at http://www.world-affairs.org/program/fellows.

Jun 11, 2020

Amazon Air

In Seattle, Amazon Air is leasing 12 Boeing 767-300 converted cargo aircraft from Air Transport Services Group. One of the new aircraft joined Amazon's air cargo operations in May, with the remaining 11 to be delivered in 2021. The new 767s boost Amazon's fleet to over 80 aircraft. Amazon also is expanding its ground operations and is planning to open regional air hubs later this summer at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida and next year at San Bernardino International Airport, along with a central air hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in 2021. In May, Amazon began operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

State of Washington

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for an additional 30 days, requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for consumers requiring COVID-19 testing. Kreidler also ordered a one-time early refill option for prescription drugs. The extension applies to all state-regulated health insurance plans and limited-duration medical plans until July 3.

Tukwila Food Pantry

Tukwila Food Pantry last month started a temporary home delivery service using Uber Eats. The program targets seniors and others vulnerable to COVID-19 in Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien and Boulevard Park. It is expected to run through the end of the month and is a partnership between King County Emergency Management and Uber Eats.

Jun 10, 2020

Ziply Fiber

Kirkland-based Ziply Fiber acquired Wholesail Networks, a privately held telecommunications and internet infrastructure company with operations in Yakima. Ziply says it has been working with Wholesail over the past six months to lay the groundwork for its fiber network built for the internet. Ziply also is beginning fiber build-out and network improvements in 13 markets that have never had fiber, many in smaller cities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. These will be the first areas to benefit from Ziply's plan to invest over $500 million on network and service improvements. Washington cities getting the improvements include Anacortes, Kennewick, Pullman, Richland and Snohomish.

Precept Wine

Seattle-based Precept Wine bought Pampelonne, a sparkling wine cocktail company based in New York. Pampelonne is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Precept, with Pampelonne founders Wyatt Carder and Erik Weller continuing with the company. Los Angeles-based American Discovery Capital was Pampelonne's financial adviser. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Amazon

The Amazon Literary Partnership is providing over $1 million in grant funding to 66 nonprofits across the country that support writers. Some of the local recipients include Artist Trust, Clarion West, Creative Writing Program (University of Washington), Humanities Washington, Richard Hugo House, Seattle Arts & Lectures, Seattle City of Literature, Seattle Public Library, Town Hall Seattle, Washington Center for the Book and Writers in the Schools.

People's Bank

In Medford, Oregon, People's Bank of Commerce says it has provided over 900 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $91 million to small businesses. The bank plans to keep making the loans until the program sunsets on June 30 or until committed funds have been exhausted. It expects to get $3.6 million in processing fees from the Small Business Administration for the initial loans.