Nov 26, 2024

KIRO Newsradio

Ross

KIRO Newsradio announced that Dave Ross will retire on Dec. 19, after serving 47 years with the station. Colleen O'Brien, who has been a key voice on “Seattle's Morning News” alongside Ross for many years, will also be stepping away from her role. Her last day on the air will be Dec. 19. “Dave has not only been a trusted voice in Seattle but a powerful example of journalistic excellence,” said Tanya Vea, president and chief operating officer of Bonneville International. “For nearly five decades, his dedication to truth and commitment to the Seattle community have left a lasting impact on KIRO Newsradio and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.” Ross joined KIRO Newsradio in 1978 as a news reporter and anchor. In 1987, he began hosting “The Dave Ross Show,” and since 2013 he has anchored “Seattle's Morning News.” His news commentaries have been recognized with the Edward R. Murrow Award for writing five times. To celebrate his remarkable career, KIRO Newsradio will feature special on-air tributes, including appearances and messages from current and former colleagues. Listeners can share their memories and tributes to Ross at http://MyNorthwest.com/DaveRoss

Trico Companies

Toepfer

Trico Companies, a design-build general contractor based in Burlington, added Corey Toepfer as project manager for its commercial team. Toepfer has over 15 years of experience leading diverse projects from concept to completion, and has managed complex budgets, timelines and teams. “I’m excited to bring my experience in project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving to Trico Companies,” Toepfer said. Toepfer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Indiana State University. Trico has been building since 1979, and is licensed across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, Mississippi, Tennessee, and California, serving a diverse range of industries and projects.

Nov 22, 2024

First Interstate Bank

Schillinger

Leo Schillinger joined First Interstate Bank as a systems analyst. Based in Seattle, he is responsible for developing, implementing, enhancing, documenting, and supporting the organization's most complex, multifaceted software applications critical to the day-to-day functions of the bank. Schillinger has 10 years of experience in the financial industry, previously serving as an application engineer at TrueBlue, senior financial analyst at Pemco Insurance, and financial analyst at Boeing. First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana, delivering banking and wealth management services across Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Compass Housing Alliance

Ross

Christopher Ross has rejoined Compass Housing Alliance as its new president. Ross previously served Compass Housing Alliance as chief operations officer from 2019 to 2021. Under the board's authorization, he will lead the team with two primary objectives: to continue in providing essential emergency services such as shelters and hygiene centers while also focusing on the development and management of low-income housing for individuals and families, and to advance the 2021 affiliation agreement with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) to create a fully integrated organization. Compass Housing Alliance and LCSNW share complementary missions, and were both founded by Otto Karlstrom more than 100 years ago. This integration will equip Compass Housing Alliance to tackle challenges facing nonprofits in the housing, human services, and refugee support sectors, including uncertain government funding, shifting political views, and the rising costs of providing care. Former president Michael Bailey left Compass to pursue other professional opportunities.

Nov 21, 2024

CBRE finds funding for Uptown hotel

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CBRE announced this week a $27 million refinancing package for the Hampton Inn & Suites extended-stay in Uptown. Leading the team were James Bach, Connor Lemley, Regina Wang and Griffin Walker. The 199-room project was developed in 1996 by family-run Puget Sound Hospitality, which continues to own and operate the midrise hotel located a few steps from Seattle Center. CBRE's Wang said in a statement, “The success of this process highlights the resurgence of competitive capital sources for hospitality assets, which have not been a priority for lenders since 2020. The property's strong post-renovation performance, excellent location and timing for refinance all helped us secure an excellent, sub-6% rate for our client from a correspondent life company lender.” Public records show Jackson National Life Insurance to be the lender. CBRE's in-house hotel analysts say that Seattle was fifth on the U.S. occupancy list last year, at over 80%, compared to the national average of just over 70%.

Fourth Avenue makes Oregon buys

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Multifamily shop Fourth Avenue Capital has offices in Spokane and Seattle, and is both a developer and investor in that sector. The firm recently announced two buys in Oregon: the new 140 Sacramento townhouses in East Portland, with nine units; and the 88-unit Sunpointe garden apartments (pictured), in Gresham, which were developed in 1990. Upgrades are planned there. Fourth Avenue's Davis Vaughn said in a statement, “We continue to find compelling opportunities across a range of deal profiles in the Pacific Northwest. We think now is a great time to be buying, as we have conviction that there will be outsized growth in this region long-term.” The firm now rates its portfolio at 1,000 units, also ranging from Montana to New Mexico, with another 500 planned. Assets under management are valued at over $300 million.

King County Metro Vehicle Maintenance

Blandi

Chris Blandi has been named King County Metro Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year. Blandi was selected by his fellow vehicle maintenance team members for the honor. Master mechanics like Blandi reduce the need for costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of coaches, said Chris Parrott, division director of vehicle maintenance. Drew Marcell, vehicle maintenance superintendent, said Blandi is “our ideal employee. You can count on him to get things done. If he's doing repairs, you know it's quality.” Blandi has worked in vehicle maintenance for five years. Blandi's colleagues say he's a leader with a positive attitude and is highly capable at leading the shop and making good decisions, even under demanding circumstances.

Hermanson Co.

Hermanson Co. hired Jon Sigmund as a business group leader. Sigmund brings over 28 years of experience in the mechanical construction industry, beginning his career in the field and progressing to roles in estimating, engineering, project management, and as a senior project executive. At Hermanson, he will collaborate with the business group leader team to support the growth of the company's project portfolio and strengthen client relations. Hermanson Co., a full-service mechanical contractor, has offices in Kent, Seattle, Redmond, and in Oregon.

Northwest Natural Holdings

Northwest Natural Holdings has entered into an agreement to acquire SiEnergy Operating from SiEnergy Capital Partners (an affiliate of Ridgewood Infrastructure) for $273 million in cash and the assumption of $152 million of debt. Upon closing the transaction, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2025, SiEnergy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of NW Natural Holdings. SiEnergy serves approximately 70,000 residential and commercial customers in the greater metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, and Austin. SiEnergy has grown organically by providing infrastructure to residential and commercial developments in high-growth areas and has a current contracted customer backlog of over 180,000. NW Natural Holdings expects to finance the cash portion of the acquisition with junior subordinated notes in the first half of 2025, and has obtained a committed interim term loan from J.P. Morgan Securities to fund the purchase price. J.P. Morgan Securities is serving as exclusive financial advisor to NW Natural Holdings with Stoel Rives serving as legal advisor. NW Natural Holdings is headquartered in Portland, and has been doing business for over 165 years.