By Rachel Pritchett

Bury those rumors that craft beer king Mike Hale is going to open an alehouse in downtown Bremerton.
It’s not going to happen, at least now.
Talks to lure the affable Hale of Hale’s Ales Brewery of Seattle to downtown Bremerton had apparently been humming along earlier this year. In February, Hale told me that those on the other side of the table were “making it kind of hard to say no.”
I was unable to pin down the exact location. Some told me it was in the old Penney’s building. Others said it was in the about-to-open Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. Still others thought the location was in a building at Pacific Avenue and Second Street that years ago was the former Westsound Bank headquarters.
That building — with the tall, draped windows — turned out to be the site.
Mike Hale told me this week he’s pulling out of the Bremerton negotiations.
“Just way too much to get done trying to open two places at the same time,” he stated in an e-mail.
I don’t blame Hale; the pub he’s building now at the north end of Kitsap Mall is top of the line, and is going to change the entire character of that immediate area for good.
I can imagine it’s taking a toll on all kinds of his resources to do that project right. When it opens this summer, the new Hale’s Alehouse will cover 7,900 square feet and have a staff of 80 — no small feat.
But I also could see how Hale could have had a healthy interest in that particular downtown Bremerton location. Every day when the shipyard lets out, there Hale’s would be, mouth open like a whale ready to suck up the krill.
I don’t believe the small new brewpub that just opened in Manette, Der Blokken Brewery, had anything to do with Hale’s decision.
But something still could happen with the former Westsound building. How about a restaurant?
With Hale out of the picture, talks now are under way between Ron Sher, managing partner of Third Place Company, and the city for Sher to purchase the building. And who knows, maybe a restaurant in that space could follow. At least that’s one scenario. Sher owns the former J.C. Penney building nearby.
“We are looking at the old Westsound Bank building,” Karen True, Third Place spokeswoman, said late Friday of any potential purchase.
“We’re really interested; there’s no deal yet,” she said.
The sale, if it goes easy, could be finalized by June.
And don’t rule out a Hale’s in downtown Bremerton sometime in the future.
“We still plan to explore opportunities in downtown Bremerton after Silverdale is established,” Hale wrote.

Dow now at 11,153, up 18 points.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks traded in a tight range Friday as early gains from a strong report on new home sales dried up by late morning. Mixed news from earnings reports and Greece’s decision to trigger a bailout package kept the market in check.
The Dow Jones industrial average is on pace for its eighth consecutive weekly gain, which would be its best run since a similar streak ended in January 2004.
Stephen Carl, head of equity trading at The Williams Capital Group in New York, said momentum from the nearly two straight months of gains could be waning. “It’s been quite a run,” Carl said.
Analysts have been saying for weeks that the market could be primed for a pullback. The Dow is up nearly 8 percent over the past two months and stocks have been on a nearly unbroken path upward over that time. That kind of pattern leads analysts to believe that investors are becoming less discerning in their stock picking, leaving the market vulnerable if sentiment shifts for the worse.
“The market is trying to sort out how overbought it is,” said Nick Kalivas, vice president of financial research at MF Global in Chicago. “That’s left us in a choppy state.”
Sales of new homes jumped 27 percent in March, bouncing off a record low in February, the Commerce Department reported. It was the best month since July and the biggest monthly increase in 47 years. The gains were likely fueled by customers who are trying to qualify for federal tax credits that will expire at the end of this month. Sales could again slide once the credit expires, which might have tempered the excitement over March’s sales figures.
Stocks got another dose of good news on the housing sector on Thursday, when the National Association of Realtors said sales of existing homes also rose last month.
Joe Heider, principal at Rehmann in Cleveland, said the home sales report is a strong indication that consumers are growing more confident about the economy.
“We’re seeing that people have the confidence to make the biggest purchase of their lives,” Heider said. “And that bodes well for the markets.”
Shares of homebuilders including PulteGroup Inc. and Lennar Corp. rose for a second day as hopes rose that the troubled housing sector may finally be on the mend. Housing has been one of the hardest-hit sectors in the economy, helping to the economy into recession in late 2007.
In early afternoon trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 9.07, or 0.1 percent, to 11,143.36. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 0.46, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,209.13, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 4.44, or 0.2 percent, to 2,514.63.
The Dow had been up as much as 50 points after the home sales report. Before the report, major indexes had been slightly lower following mixed earnings from two Dow components and a report on durable goods orders. There was also skepticism that the latest effort to resolve Greece’s debt problems would work out in the long term.
Dow components Microsoft Corp. and Travelers Cos. both fell after their quarterly results failed to impress investors.
Travelers fell after its first-quarter profit missed expectations because of severe winter storms in the United States and the earthquake in Chile. Travelers fell 55 cents to $53.24.
Microsoft’s 35 percent jump in earnings wasn’t enough for investors. Investors were looking for bigger growth in corporate spending after other technology companies showed a big rebound in that area. Its shares fell 49 cents to $30.90.
The technology-heavy Nasdaq was being dragged down by a disappointing earnings outlook from Amazon.com Inc. Its shares fell $5.94, or 4 percent, to $144.15.
Homebuilders were the big gainers on the day. Pulte shares rose 88 cents, or 7 percent, to $13.36. Lennar jumped 91 cents, or 4.6 percent, to $20.65.
About three stocks rose for every two that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 550.5 million shares, compared with 584.8 million traded at the same point Thursday.
In Europe, stock indexes rose after Greek officials said they would tap a rescue package from the 15 other countries that use the euro and the International Monetary Fund. The move gives Greece better interest rates on its debt than it would be able to get from private investors.
Many remained skeptical, however, if the bailout would provide a long-term solution to Greece’s debt woes. Investors also expect that other weak European countries such as Portugal may require help, further undermining confidence in the euro, Europe’s shared currency.
The dollar fell against the euro after rising earlier in the day to touch its highest level in a year.
Bond prices fell as investors moved into stocks. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.83 percent from 3.78 percent late Thursday.
Gold and oil rose after the housing report.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 2.90, or 0.4 percent, to 737.21.
Overseas, Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 1 percent, Germany’s DAX index gained 1.5 percent, and France’s CAC-40 rose 0.7 percent. Japan’s Nikkei stock average fell 0.3 percent.

Bloggers,

My stories looking at Kitsap County’s 11 nursing homes will be at kitsapsun.com and in the paper Sunday and Monday. I found they vary quite a bit in terms of state citations and fines, and have concluded it’s best to do your homework now instead of when that health crisis hits. Thanks to the many of you who shared your experiences. I am changed forever.

Rachel Pritchett, 475-3783

Dow now at 11,130, up only 5 points so far on Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Investors are looking past a jump in home sales and focusing on concerns about Greece’s debt problems.
The National Association of Realtors says Thursday that home sales rose 6.8 percent last month after falling 0.8 percent in February. Buyers are trying to stay ahead of a tax credits that expire at the end of April.
Sales of previously occupied homes had been expected to rise 5.2 percent, according to Thomson Reuters.
Stocks have been dropping on concerns that rising debt costs in Greece will force the country to default on loans.
The Dow Jones industrials are down 90 at 11,035, about where it was ahead of the housing numbers. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is down 12 at 1,194, while the Nasdaq composite index is 26 at 2,479.

Market fairly stable today.

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2010/04/19/daily14.html

Marine Trades
Job Fair Set
for Thursday
BREMERTON
Marine trades employers will participate in a hiring event Thursday at the WorkSource office in Bremerton.
A number of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard contractors will participate in the job fair, according to Erin Mundinger, Olympic Area director for the state Employment Security department.
Employers at the event are seeking experienced shipyard workers, including welders, electricians, mechanics, pipe fitters, shipfitters, sheet metal workers, painters/blasters and firewatch professionals. Workers with current security clearances are especially in demand.
The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon at WorkSource Kitsap, 1300 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA. For more information contact WorkSource Kitsap at (360) 337-4810 or visit www.Go2worksource.com.
Gorst Animal
Hospital Begins
Expansion Project
Gorst
All Creatures Animal Hospital in Gorst will begin an eight-month expansion project today.
Clients, friends and the public are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The planned addition will more than double the current square footage and provide clients with better parking, a roomier reception area and more comfortable examination rooms. The expansion will give All Creatures Animal Hospital the room for additional medical, diagnostic and surgical equipment.
The hospital will remain open during the construction. Work is expected to be completed in early 2011.
All Creatures is at 241 state Highway 3. Reach them at (360) 377-3801 or www.allcreatures24hr.com.
Chico Towing
Receives Award
ORLANDO, Fla.
The United States Auto Club presented Chico Towing of Kitsap County the prestigious Partnership Award for outstanding service during the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida worldwide trade show in Orlando April 16.
Chico Towing is a third generation, full service towing and transport business operating in Bremerton since 1945 and currently owned by Stacey Tucker.
New Owners
for Belfair Bar
BELFAIR
HD’s Hideaway and Lil Moes, a Belfair bar at 24131 Highway 3, has new owners and a new name: The Looney Bin Bar and Grill.
The new owners are Roger and Dawn Gaunt. Reach them at (360) 275-4120.
Photographer From Bremerton to Speak at Big Conventions
BREMERTON
Katie Trujillo of Amanda K. Photography, a wedding and lifestyle photography studio based in Bremerton, has been chosen to speak at two large photography conventions in 2011.
She will speak at The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers in London in January 2011, presenting a master class on starting and maintaining a photography business. She also will speak at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention in Las Vegas in February 2011 on “setting up your business to work for you.”
Trujillo lives in Silverdale with her husband and three children; her photography studio is located in the Fourth Street Arts District in Bremerton.
Kitsap Networking
Group Elects
New Officers
PORT ORCHARD
Shelly Lambert, a reverse mortgage specialist and owner of Home Port Financial Services, has been elected president of Kitsap Network of Women (KNOW), a professional networking organization based in Port Orchard.
Rounding out the group’s executive committee are Sindy Collins, vice president, of Send Out Cards; Sheree Reed, secretary, of Organize It With Sheree; and Kathy Posey, treasurer, of Posey’s Critter Care.
The group’s primary goal is to help its members grow their businesses. Strong emphasis is placed on relationship building, professional and personal development, and a system of referrals. Anyone who is interested in developing strong business relationships is invited to join us.
The group meets from
11 a.m. to noon every Thursday at Park Vista Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Port Orchard. Info: Visit www.kitsapknow.com or e-mail to inquiry@kitsapknow.com.
On the Job
w Ann Ferda has retired from Kitsap Bank after 21 years of service. She joined the bank in February 1989 as a teller at the bank’s Silverdale branch. She is retiring as a vault teller from the same branch in which she began her career.
w Jim Palmeri has been named the new general manager of sales and marketing for local software firm Paladin Data. Palmeri has extensive background in the technology industry managing product marketing, sales, operations and support for software companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Oracle and Sun Microsystems. He will focus on development of sales and marketing strategies for the three main product lines: EKO-System, InterLocking Software and ASM, Advanced Skills Management.
w Timothy P. Kelly has joined the Port Orchard law firm of Anthony Otto. He formerly was with the firm of Crawford, McGilliard, Peterson and Yelish, and the Kitsap County Public Defense Office. He is a criminal law specialist with experience in all felony and misdemeanor defense. He is accepting new clients. His new firm is located at 1083 SW Bay St. in Port Orchard. Reach him at (360) 876-5566.
Business Calendar
April 21
What: State Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, will be the featured speaker at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce’s April 21 luncheon. She will provide an update on state legislation affecting businesses, ferries, schools, real estate, etc. The event is open to the public.
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Wing Point Golf & Country Club, 811 Cherry Ave. on Bainbridge.
Cost: $15.
RSVP: Visit (206) 842-3700 or online at www.bainbridgechamber.com.

April 27
What: The Kitsap County chapter of BNI, a networking group, will meet April 27. Visitors are invited to learn about the group, which bills itself as the world’s largest professional business networking organization.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Loft in Poulsbo
Info: Call Linda Lemon at (206) 842-5699

April 28
What: Richard S. Davis will give a presentation entitled “Positioning Washington for the Economic Recovery: How’d Lawmakers Do?” at the North Mason Chamber of commerce’s April membership luncheon. An Iowa native, Davis is president of the Washington Research Council and a former vice president of the Association of Washington Businesses and has been active in business research organizations for years.
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Theler Community Center
How much: $10

May 13
What: Dr. Arun Raha, chief economist for the state of Washington and executive director of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council will speak on “Economic Outlook — What Will the Recovery Look Like?” at the May 13 Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon. Raha is responsible for preparation and presentation of quarterly forecasts of Washington’s economy and General-Fund revenues. He also advises state legislative committees and other government agencies regarding economic and revenue activity in the state.
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Banquet Room, McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard.
Cost: $20 for members when prepaid; $22 for members and guests of members when paid at the door; $22 for non-members in advance.
Reservations: Online at www.portorchard.com or by calling the Chamber office at (360) 876-3505 by May 11.

May 20
What: The Port Orchard Chamber Business Showcase featuring the best of SK Awards and business after hours is planned for May 20 in Port Orchard. It is open for businesses, groups and associations to showcase their businesses before hundreds of consumers, chamber members and other business representatives.
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: SK8Town Event Center in Port Orchard.
Voting: The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite SK businesses. Best of SK Ballots are available at various Port Orchard locations including the chamber office, Printing Services, Port Orchard Independent and Port Orchard Kitsap Bank branches. Ballots must be returned by April 23.
Registration: $100 for Port Orchard Chamber members; $200 for nonchamber members; to register visit www.portorchard.com or call the Chamber office at (360) 876-3505.

May 25 & Oct. 19
What: A workshop, “Business Success When Times are Tough,” sponsored by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. It is designed for small business owners and managers who need answers on how to best navigate the current economy.
When: 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Where: Oxford Suites in Silverdale May 25, and Port Orchard Pavilion Event Center in Port Orchard Oct. 19.
Registration: $20; visit www.kitsapeda.org.
Info: Call Kathy Cocus at (360) 377-0180 or e-mail cocus@kitsapeda.org
Kitsap Sun staff

Dow now at 11,003.

Bloggers,

I am preparing a report on our 11 nursing homes in Kitsap County. Looking at the most recent state inspections, the quality of care, at least during the time the surveys were taken, vary widely. I’d like to hear your experiences, good or bad, that you’ve had with the care of your loved ones.

I will be working this weekend on the project, so call me at (360) 475-3783; or on my cell at (206) 498-0920; or e-mail me with your experiences. Names and hometowns, please. All for possible inclusion in my article. No anonymous people, please.

Rachel Pritchett, reporter

Dow now at 10,998, just a couple of points below the 11,000 mark reached earlier this week, but a 145-point drop nonetheless this morning.