Port Angeles Kayak Symposium Canceled

The 2013 Port Angeles Kayak Symposium has been canceled.  It had been scheduled for April 12th through 14th.

The owner of Olympic Raft and Kayak, which sponsors the symposium, said:

“I know this decision will not be a popular one, and I do understand what PAKS means to everyone.  Please believe me, this has been a heavy weight on my shoulders, but ultimately I have to put the business before anything, even my own heart sometimes. I believe that this was such a difficult decision for me because I do understand what an event like this means to the local and regional community.”

Nathan West to Speak at PABA meeting

Economic Development Director Nathan West will be the guest speaker at this Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association. He will be discussing Port Angeles' waterfront development project and how many local contractors are being employed in the project.

Eight consultants and five contractors involved in this project are from either Port Angeles or the Sequim area.  These include Alisanne Design, Zenovic & Associates, Unger Engineering, Inc., Westech, Inc., Wengler Surveying & Mapping, SCUBA Supplies Co., Shreffler Environmental and NTI Engineering.

Carlsborg-based Primo Construction is the lead construction contractor and has subcontracted with Angeles Concrete, Olympic Electric, Amidst Vision Photography and Allform Welding.

Strike Against Nippon Apparently Over

Shortly after 4 p.m. today, the PDN received this e-mail from Nippon Mill Manager Harold Norland:

“We are pleased to report that the [Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers] Local 155 has offered to unconditionally return to work on Monday, March 25, 2013.  We look forward to welcoming our union-represented employees back to work.  We also look forward to continued negotiations with the AWPPW to conclude an agreement.”

 He made no further comment, and Union Vice President Greg Pallesen could not be reached for comment.

Over 100 Nippon Union Workers Walk Off Job

About 130 Nippon union workers have walked off their jobs over the stalling of contract talks.  Workers will be setting up informational pickets.  On Monday, Nippon imposed a contract that union members had already rejected.

Greg Pallesen, vice president of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, told the PDN:

“We'll take whatever action we need to do and go from there.  The focus is this, to help this community with security and jobs in the long term.”

Layoffs at Westport

Westport Shipyard has announced layoffs.  Westport Human Resources General Manager Jennifer Swogger said:

“Westport Shipyard Inc. has made adjustments to employment levels at its 50-meter yacht construction facility.  The reduction is reflective of the current market conditions for premiere luxury yachts.”

PABA to Discuss cross-Strait marketing between Port Angeles and Victoria

At this Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association, the guests will be PABA President Don Perry and Black Ball Ferry Line Marketing Director Ryan Malane.  They will be discussing their recent meeting with Victoria business leaders and the possibilities of cross-Strait marketing.

Unemployment Rate Rises on Peninsula

The unemployment rate is back in the double digits in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.  From December to January, Clallam County's jobless rate went from 9.7% to 11.1%.

During the same period, the rate in Jefferson County went from 9.4% to 10.9%.

Bill to Allow Sales Tax Increases Without Public Vote

HB 1919, if passed, will allow county governments to raise sales taxes without getting approval from the county's voters.  The money from the sales tax increase would be used for public safety:  law enforcement, criminal prosecution, fire protection, etc.

This bill is supported by Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim).

Glenn Cutler to Retire

Public Works and Utilities Director Glenn Cutler is planning to retire sometime this summer.  He began his career with the City in June of 1999.

Wild Olympics and Lincoln Park Tree Removal among topics at PABA meeting

At this Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association, there will be a discussion and possible vote on position papers concerning the Wild Olympics and the Lincoln Park tree removal.  There will also be a report on a visit to Victoria and meeting with the city's mayor and the head of the Downtown Victoria Business Association.