PUD installs fiber for broadband

Jefferson County Public Utility District fiber optic crews are working along U.S. Highway 101, from Gardiner to Quilcene, installing main line and fiber home connections to remaining customers in the area that are registered for PUD broadband service.

To date, crews have provided fiber drops to approximately 1,000 homes. Splicing and in-home installs are underway, and registration remains open for the PUD’s remaining fiber zones. To learn if your home Is within a fiber buildout area, check the PUD’s website.

UFCW locals oppose merger

A coalition of United Food and Commercial Workers local unions have maintained their opposition to the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons, which has helped lead to three lawsuits, whose trials were completed in September and October, but there has not yet been any decision in any of those cases.

However, the judge in the Washington case indicated plans to issue a decision on Dec. 10, after press time, so the “Stop the Merger” coalition of UFCW locals 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000 plan to respond to any decision once it is announced.

1st Security, 75K meals

1st Security Bank, which has a branch in Port Townsend, donated 75,000 meals through the “Making A Difference Foundation” to Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank in Tacoma. 

Eloise’s Cooking Pot currently serves 75,000 individuals and distributes 1.5 million pounds of food monthly across Pierce and South King Counties, tailored to their tastes, cultural backgrounds and dietary needs, and all its services are free.

"Serving our communities is a fundamental part of our core values,” a representative from 1st Security Bank stated. “From donations to volunteer efforts, we are proud to contribute to brighter futures for the people we serve. This partnership with MADF reflects our dedication to meaningful service."

Webinar for state contractors

If you’re a contractor interested in residential projects, the state Department of Commerce's Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebate Programs have $165 million to help homeowners improve their homes with weatherization and high-efficiency appliances, so Commerce is seeking skilled contractors to make it happen

Contractors can join a webinar Jan. 15 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., to learn how the program works, how to join the Qualified Contractor Network, how residents can locate QCN contractors in their area, what financial incentives available for contractors, and how contractors get paid.

The QCN will become a statewide list of residential contractors qualified to work on IRA home energy rebate projects. Contractors must be members of the QCN to work on these projects, and Commerce is seeking electricians, plumbers, HVAC and heat pump technicians, home insulators and air sealers, and home energy auditors.

State weighs in on on latest jobs report

The National Federation of Independent Business’s final monthly jobs report of the year shows the overall job market softening, as hiring among small businesses remains a struggle, with Main Street owners continuing to feel pressure to raise compensation to attract and retain workers.

NFIB’s November jobs report found that 36% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill that month, up one point from October.

Labor costs were reported as the single most important problem for business owners, and rose three points to 11%, only two points below the highest reading of 13%, reached in December of 2021.

A seasonally adjusted net 18% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, up three points from October.

Job openings were highest in the transportation, construction and professional services sectors, and lowest in the agriculture and finance sectors. Job openings in construction were up five points from last month, and over half (54%) have an open position they can’t fill.