Business briefs: First Federal makes grants; networking group forms; Hatch promoted, more

Networking group forms

BNI Rainshadow Referrals Chapter is set to officially launch from 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at The Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course, 1965 Woodcock Road, Sequim. Members of Sequim and Port Angeles’ business community, as well as the general public, are invited to attend to learn more. The cost to attend is $20 and lunch will be provided. BNI focuses on growing businesses in local communities around the world by passing qualified business referrals to one another.

For more information or to attend, contact Jonathan White at JonathanWhite@olypen.com or 461-5312. Visit www.bnipnw.com to learn more.

Hatch promoted at bank

Sound Community Bank announces the promotion of Julie Hatch, former Port Ludlow branch manager, to the role of North Olympic Peninsula business development officer. The BDO partners with the three peninsula branches to develop new business relationships while fostering existing relationships with creative solutions to help ensure businesses grow and thrive.

Hatch brings 34 years of banking experience in roles spanning from teller to management.

Holiday cooking demo set

Carolyn DeSalvo, M.D. will host a cooking demonstration “Navigating the Holidays on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Rain Shadow Integrative Medicine, 346 N. Sequim Ave. in Sequim. Come learn how to enjoy delicious foods with family and friends that will make you feel vibrant, healthy and proud of yourself for staying on track.

Email dr.carolyn@rainshadowintegrativemedicine.com or call 360-504-3243 to reserve your spot. Space is limited and a small fee will be charged.

Meditation class planned

Fit4Life Studio, 1245 W. Washington St., Sequim, is offering a free class on Movement Meditation for Your Mind at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Kelbi Folkerson, a former professional mime at Knott’s Berry Farm and a living statue at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., will be conducting the class. The class will use miming techniques which focus on the mind and isolated movement with music that will help you calm your mind, relax, kick out anxiety and help your creativity.

First Federal makes grants

First Federal Community Foundation announces the following grant awards to local nonprofits that are making a difference in their communities:

• North Olympic Land Trust: Awarded $5,000 Community Support Matching Grant for the agency’s “Love Where You Live” education and awareness programs in Clallam County.

• Port Angeles Food Bank: Awarded $10,000 Community Support Challenge Grant to purchase and install a generator for emergency preparedness.

• Sequim Food Bank: Awarded a $10,000 Community Support Challenge Grant to purchase and install a generator for emergency preparedness.

• Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County: Awarded $5,000 Community Support grant for nurse training programs.

• St. Andrew’s Retirement Community: Awarded $30,000 Affordable Housing Challenge Grant for capital improvements to St. Andrew’s Place Assisted Living facility in Port Angeles.

• Olympic Medical Center Foundation: Awarded $50,000 Community Development Grant for capital campaign to expand Cancer Care Center in Sequim.

Fix-it clinic slated

Around Again hosts a “green” holiday event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St., featuring free, fun family activities including hands-on crafts with all materials supplied, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a small appliance fix-it clinic.

Business grants available

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee announces an opportunity for business grants for large-scale events, projects or infrastructure improvements from monies received from a consumer tax on lodging.

Clallam County’s Lodging Tax Fund will be the primary source of county funding for activities, operations and expenditures designed to increase tourism in the unincorporated areas.

Applications may be submitted by any nonprofit entity, any public entity or any group of eligible organizations.

To apply, contact the Clallam County Board of Commissioners office at 417-2233 or agores@co.clallam.wa.us, by visiting the commissioners office in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, or online at www.clallam.net/bocc/documents/LTACLodgingTaxApp.pdf to obtain an application.

Applications must be received by close of business, Friday, Dec. 30.