Nautilus found liable for $7.8 million
Nautilus Inc. was found liable by a federal jury in Salt Lake City for using certain language in the company’s advertising and promotion of its Bowflex home gyms and Trimline treadmills. The jury found for Colorado-based Icon Health and Fitness in the amount of $7.8 million, a decision which the Court will review. The court requested additional briefings to be submitted by the parties by Dec. 12, and Nautilus expects a ruling from the Court early in 2006. Nautilus is also seeking damages against Icon in two trademark cases and a patent issue.
Nautilus Inc. was found liable by a federal jury in Salt Lake City for using certain language in the company’s advertising and promotion of its Bowflex home gyms and Trimline treadmills. The jury found for Colorado-based Icon Health and Fitness in the amount of $7.8 million, a decision which the Court will review. The court requested additional briefings to be submitted by the parties by Dec. 12, and Nautilus expects a ruling from the Court early in 2006. Nautilus is also seeking damages against Icon in two trademark cases and a patent issue.
No general increase in 2006 workers’ compensation rates
The Department of Labor and Industries cancelled plans for a 3.8 percent increase in workers’ compensation premiums for 2006.
The Department of Labor and Industries cancelled plans for a 3.8 percent increase in workers’ compensation premiums for 2006.
In August, the agency proposed the increase, but said good investment returns, a strong economy, control of the agency’s medical costs and a continued decline in the frequency of workplace-injury claims combined to make an increase unnecessary.
While there will be no general rate increase, the premium rate will rise in the Accident Fund, into which only employers pay. That fund provides money for pensions and wage-replacement benefits for workers who are injured so seriously they cannot work. The increase in that fund will be offset by decreases in the Medical Aid and Supplemental Pension funds, to which both workers and employers contribute. Washington is the only state where workers contribute a substantial portion of the premiums. Next year, their share will be 24.1 percent.
Senator Benton presented AWB award
Senator Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was presented the Cornerstone Award on Nov. 15 by the Association of Washington Business during its regional board meeting in Vancouver.
AWB’s Cornerstone Award is given to legislators whose support of business-related issues has been solid, according to AWB standards.
Cardinal Nutrition takes PSU industry award
Vancouver-based Cardinal Nutrition president David Lakey received an Industry Achievement Award from the Food Industry Leadership Center during its conference at Portland State University last month. Nearly 500 executives from the nutrition, retail and packaged goods industries attend the annual conference.
Lakey has developed marketing curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students, served on the faculty and mentored many students now working in the industry, according to Tom Gillpatrick, Food Industry Leadership Center executive director.
Cardinal Nutrition operates the only facility solely dedicated to production of licensed MSM, a drug reported to aid joint health, according to a statement from the company.
Cardinal Nutrition operates the only facility solely dedicated to production of licensed MSM, a drug reported to aid joint health, according to a statement from the company.
Clark Chamber presents Best-In-County
The Clark County Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Best-In-County Awards from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Dec. 13 at the Hostess House, 10017 N.E. Sixth Ave. in Vancouver. The chamber will present awards to outstanding organizations that have successfully implemented innovative business programs in the categories visibility, networking, public advocacy, business services, training and entrepreneurship.This event is free to the public. Refreshments are provided. To RSVP, please contact the Clark County Chamber at 360-258-1181 or info@clarkchamber.com. RSVP is due by Dec. 12.
The Clark County Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Best-In-County Awards from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Dec. 13 at the Hostess House, 10017 N.E. Sixth Ave. in Vancouver. The chamber will present awards to outstanding organizations that have successfully implemented innovative business programs in the categories visibility, networking, public advocacy, business services, training and entrepreneurship.This event is free to the public. Refreshments are provided. To RSVP, please contact the Clark County Chamber at 360-258-1181 or info@clarkchamber.com. RSVP is due by Dec. 12.
I&T Briefs
HP income drops 62 percent
Hewlett-Packard Co. reported fourth quarter revenue of $22.9 billion, an increase of 7 percent versus the same period last year. Net income fell 62 percent to $416 million, due to a $1.1 billion restructuring-related charge. Earnings per share were 14 cents, versus 37 cents. For the fiscal year, HP posted revenue of $86.7 billion, up 8.5 percent. Income fell 31 percent to $2.4 billion and earnings per share were 82 cents, versus $1.15. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computer and printer company employs about 1,800 people in Vancouver.
Hewlett-Packard Co. reported fourth quarter revenue of $22.9 billion, an increase of 7 percent versus the same period last year. Net income fell 62 percent to $416 million, due to a $1.1 billion restructuring-related charge. Earnings per share were 14 cents, versus 37 cents. For the fiscal year, HP posted revenue of $86.7 billion, up 8.5 percent. Income fell 31 percent to $2.4 billion and earnings per share were 82 cents, versus $1.15. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computer and printer company employs about 1,800 people in Vancouver.
nLight names Lastek Group Distributor in Australia
Vancouver-based nLight has reached an exclusive agreement with Lastek Group of Companies to distribute its products in Australia and New Zealand. Lastek will be responsible for sales and service of all of nLight’s CW and QCW high-power visible and near-infrared diode laser product lines.
D&C Briefs
U.S. spending bill targets SW Wash. transportation
A House-Senate conference committee approved the FY 2006 spending bill for the departments of Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and other federal agencies last week. More than $4.5 million was secured for transportation and community funding in Southwest Washington, including $2.3 million for the environmental impact statement for a multi-modal freight mobility project at the Port of Vancouver; $425,000 for safety and security training and services to first responders along the Columbia River; and $2 million for rail crossing improvements at 39th Street.
Two long-time Vancouver companies join forces
In January, Parkin Engineering will move into new offices in the Smith-Root Inc. campus at 14014 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. While Parkin became part of the Smith-Root family of businesses last July, it had continued to operate from its 500 Washington Street premises.
John Parkin has provided structural engineering services for Smith-Root fisheries projects for 30 years. With the increasing interest and regulations around fish control, and Smith-Root decided to create an in-house engineering group to assist in its construction and research and development activities.
Parkin Engineering will continue to serve its existing clients with structural engineering design and consulting services from its new location.
John Parkin has provided structural engineering services for Smith-Root fisheries projects for 30 years. With the increasing interest and regulations around fish control, and Smith-Root decided to create an in-house engineering group to assist in its construction and research and development activities.
Parkin Engineering will continue to serve its existing clients with structural engineering design and consulting services from its new location.
Clark County taps Otak for watershed plan
Officials from Clark County have selected Otak Inc., a planning, architecture, design and engineering firm with an office in Vancouver, to produce the Whipple Creek Watershed Projects Plan. This major watershed plan will be led by Otak’s Oregon/Southwest Washington Water & Natural Resources Group.
County officials will work with Otak to identify and prioritize various capital improvement projects for the Whipple Creek area. Otak then will establish the modeling and assessment methods and develop a prototype Watersheds Projects Plan that will enable other watersheds to save and restore their natural functions while mitigating the impact of current and future development.
Otak’s Joe Simmler will serve as project manager, with Tim Kraft as the deputy project manager and Alissa Maxwell as the project engineer. Russ Gaston will be the principal-in-charge. Otak’s subconsultants include Inter-Fluve and Dr. Rich Horner of the University of Washington.
Officials from Clark County have selected Otak Inc., a planning, architecture, design and engineering firm with an office in Vancouver, to produce the Whipple Creek Watershed Projects Plan. This major watershed plan will be led by Otak’s Oregon/Southwest Washington Water & Natural Resources Group.
County officials will work with Otak to identify and prioritize various capital improvement projects for the Whipple Creek area. Otak then will establish the modeling and assessment methods and develop a prototype Watersheds Projects Plan that will enable other watersheds to save and restore their natural functions while mitigating the impact of current and future development.
Otak’s Joe Simmler will serve as project manager, with Tim Kraft as the deputy project manager and Alissa Maxwell as the project engineer. Russ Gaston will be the principal-in-charge. Otak’s subconsultants include Inter-Fluve and Dr. Rich Horner of the University of Washington.
WD Briefs
WSU-V starts workforce prep program
Washington State University Vancouver has announced the start of the workforce preparation program, WSU Vancouver 4-H Teen-Works, a cooperative effort between WSU Vancouver, WSU Clark County Extension 4-H and community partners.
Teen-Works, a program of the new WSU Vancouver Center for Youth Workforce Preparation, is open to youth ages 13 to 18. Participants can select one or more areas of interest and attend career exploration courses held on the WSU Vancouver campus.
Teen-Works, a program of the new WSU Vancouver Center for Youth Workforce Preparation, is open to youth ages 13 to 18. Participants can select one or more areas of interest and attend career exploration courses held on the WSU Vancouver campus.
Tentative courses include crime scene investigation, robotics, global information systems and global positioning satellites technologies, medicine and healthcare, law enforcement, computer technology, leadership and more.
For information and application materials, contact Stephanie Klein at 360-546-9160 or e-mail kleinst@vancouver.wsu.edu.
For information and application materials, contact Stephanie Klein at 360-546-9160 or e-mail kleinst@vancouver.wsu.edu.