Apr 25, 2025

City of SeaTac

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced that the city of SeaTac received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget — excelling as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the city had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective and high-quality budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Whatcom Community College

The Whatcom Community College (WCC) Medical Assisting program has received continuing accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The CAAHEP decision was based upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board. WCC's review found no areas of non-compliance and the program was commended for multiple strengths which included: having exemplary administrators, faculty and staff who support students at multiple levels; recognition that the program is responsive to student needs and provides updated equipment and supplies; and that the college provides student resources such as quiet study areas, tutoring and testing support. Dean of Healthcare Professions and STEM Elizabeth Johnson said, “It always is validating to have an external accrediting body confirm what we here at Whatcom already know. That our exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty are the cornerstone of our institution. Our medical assisting faculty are 100% dedicated to their students, no matter circumstance. To have the program commended for faculty excellence at such an elite level truly is an honor and one that is well deserved.”

Tractor Supply

Rural lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply recently broke ground on its new distribution center in Nampa, Idaho. The 865,000-square-foot facility will be the 11th distribution center in the Tractor Supply network and represents an initial investment of nearly $225 million in the Canyon County area. Tractor Supply is bringing more than 500 full-time jobs to the region with the opening of its new distribution center. At the groundbreaking event, Tractor Supply announced donations of $10,000 each to the Ridgevue FFA and Canyon County 4-H chapters, organizations that play a vital role in youth development and agricultural education. Tractor Supply evaluated cities for potential distribution center sites in five states before selecting Nampa. The distribution center will eventually serve more than 200 Tractor Supply stores located throughout the Pacific Northwest, including nearby stores in Middleton, Kuna and Emmett, Idaho, and will be built to LEED certification standards. The Nampa distribution center will be located at 9640 Ustick Road and has an anticipated completion date in late 2026 or early 2027. Tractor Supply currently operates 12 stores in Idaho and 2,296 stores in total across 49 states, as well as 10 distribution centers.

Apr 24, 2025

Mary Bridge: first look

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Not yet open in Tacoma, but nearing completion is Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Before its anticipated debut next year, you can tour the project with NAIOPWA next Tuesday, April 29. Naturally the walk requires full protective gear (hard hats, etc.). Layton Construction and Abbott Construction are building the 250,000-square-foot project, which was designed by Earl Swensson Associates of Nashville, with local support from TGB Architects of Edmonds. The price tag is an estimated $415 million. The tour begins at 4 p.m., and concludes with drinks at the nearby W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Details and registration: naiopwa.org

Berkadia lands $102M loan for Vancouver senior housing

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Down south in Vancouver, Koelsch Communities opened its Park at University Village and Inn at University Village two years ago. That's a 263-unit independent and assisted living community. Now that it's up and running, with an occupancy rate of about 67%, Berkadia stepped in to arrange a $102 million bridge loan. That retires the construction loan, says Berkadia, along with preferred equity from a REIT and a partner note. Berkadia's Jay Healy and Andrew Lanzaro led the effort, with a federal agency lending the money. The loan two-year, interest-only term. Full occupancy is expected next year, says Berkadia.

eXp continues international push

Based in Bellingham, eXp Realty is an entirely virtual brokerage, with its agents working across North America and, per a recent announcement, in Turkey. The new office is its 26th abroad. CEO Glenn Sanford said in a statement, “Our entry into Turkey, just weeks after launching in Peru, reflects our momentum and our mission: to deliver the most agent-centric brokerage on the planet. We're expanding fast — not just for the sake of growth, but because agents around the world are demanding a better way to build their business.” The new office is led by Yigit Portakal, who added, “This is a proud moment — not just for me, but for every agent in Turkey who's been waiting for a better way.” The firm now lists nearly 83,000 agents under its banner.

DWFritz Automation

Barcey

DWFritz Automation, a global provider of precision metrology, inspection, and assembly automation solutions, named Brent Barcey as its vice president and general manager, advanced manufacturing solutions. Barcey will develop and execute DWFritz Automation's go-to-market strategy for build-to-print solutions for manufacturing customers. Barcey brings over 25 years of leadership experience in robotics, logistics, fulfillment, business development, automation and material handling. He is a seasoned executive with experience developing strategic partnerships, as well as automation and robotics solutions tailored for complex material handling and manufacturing challenges. Prior to joining DWFritz Automation, Barcey served as senior vice president of corporate development at Osaro. Prior to his time at Osaro, he held the vice president of sales & business development position at Plus One Robotics, where he helped the automated material handling solutions provider expand its presence throughout the European Union. He also served as FANUC America's executive director of global sales. Barcey currently serves as co-chair of MHI's The Robotics Group where, through collaboration and shared expertise, he works with other industry leaders to shape the future of automation and advanced manufacturing. Established in 1973, DWFritz Automation is based in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Identity Digital

Identity Digital announced a partnership with the National Forest Foundation to plant 25,000 trees in the U.S. by the end of 2025. This partnership will aid essential reforestation efforts on National Forest lands, ensuring resources are allocated to the most pressing restoration needs to sustain these vital ecosystems. As part of this collaboration, the Identity Digital team will have the opportunity to volunteer alongside the National Forest Foundation and U.S. Forest Service staff on a project within the White River National Forest in Colorado. In addition to partnering with the National Forest Foundation, Identity Digital is working with multiple organizations around the world to plant trees — improving biodiversity, offsetting carbon emissions, restoring landscapes, rebuilding habitat for wildlife, and empowering communities to take tangible action towards ecological balance. By the end of 2025, Identity Digital will have planted 35,000 trees worldwide. Identity Digital's efforts also expand across Australia, India and Africa. Identity Digital supports over 28 million domains on its registry services platform. Headquartered in Bellevue, Identity Digital is a global company with approximately 250 employees.