Andersen Construction Open House on August 14th at CCD Office in Seattle

Update from Andersen Construction that the E. Fir St. project bid date has been moved up a week from Aug. 28^th to Aug. 22^nd, 2pm. Click - Request for Proposal with the correct information.

The MBDA Business Center is joining with Andersen Construction Company Inc. to have an Open House at our CCD classroom on Tuesday, August 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  This event is to showcase the Request for Proposal for the 1105 E. Fir Street Apartments construction project that is part of the big Yesler Terrace renovation on Capitol Hill. This project includes constructing a 91-unit apartment building first, then three townhomes with three units in each afterwards.  

This RFP, for which info is attached, is specifically for the MEP trades, namely Plumbing, HVAC, Fire Protection and Electrical and Low Voltage. NOTE: This RFP is for DESIGN and INSTALL, not just install. Therefore, you will be creating the system you will be installing, and you can hire subcontractors to help.  The estimated amounts for each trade are:  Plumbing $1.3M, HVAC - $7-800K, Electrical - $1.5M, Fire Protection - $300K.  BIDS ARE DUE AT 2:00 pm ON TUESDAY, AUGUST, 28TH!  The buildings themselves have already been designed, however, Andersen is interested in meeting firms with other disciplines, too, as they have a number of projects coming down the pike and would like to start meeting some new firms to work with.

A little bit about Andersen (www.andersen-const.com).  Headquartered in Portland, OR, with a sizeable Seattle office just a couple blocks from CCD, they are a family owned business that's been around for decades and specializes in structural work.  They've done very large projects throughout the PNW and have made it a corporate policy to exceed the WMBE goals that are set out by the project owners (yes!).  In the case of the Fir St. Project, these are the goals Andersen has determined they want to achieve:

Section 3 - Business Participation - 12%
MWBE and Disadvantaged Business Participation - 30%
Section 3 - New Hire employment Percentage - 100%
Section 3 - Employment New Hires for Project - 60 New Hires
MWBE Employment Participation - 50%
Apprentice Utilization Participation - 17%

As you can see, these are healthy targets, especially the MWBE goal of 30%, which is more than twice the level the City of Seattle set. If you have a diversified crew, then your chances of successful bidding are even better. Andersen has indicated that lowest bidder is not necessarily their guideline, but best value and goal achievment, too.

I encourage you to attend this Open House at 1437 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98144 (corner of 16th & Jackson).   Light refreshments will be served and we have free parking around the building and on the streets.  Bring your business cards and any materials you wish to share.  You will also need to complete Andersen's prequalification form, which you can get directly from Andersen, as well as project documents.  I also urge you to call these people at Andersen for more info--they want to hear from you!

Ms. Tracey Hilliard - Community Outreach Coordinator - Ofc: 206-763-6712 or cell: 425-652-8798, e/m thilliard@andersen-const.com

Mr. Steve Jones - Sr. Project Mgr. - Cell:  206-541-8108, e/m sjones@andersen-const.com

Mr. Ben Brodsky - E. Fir St. Project Mgr. - Ofc. 206-763-6712, e/m bbrodsky@andersen-const.com.

Finally, I need to know who and how many will be attending, so please e/m or call me ASAP so I can give Andersen a head count.  Bring your teaming partners, too, and feel free to share this info with others in your data base.  I look forward to seeing you at our 'home'!

Best regards,

Rhonda L. DeVito
Business Consultant
Seattle MBDA Business Center
US Dept. of Commerce/Minority Business Development Agency
Operated by Community Capital Development
Ph:  206-267-3131 x1 | Fx:  206-267-3132 | Cell:  206-234-6390
E/M:  rhondad@seattlembdacenter.com
www.seattlembdacenter.com | www.mbda.gov | www.seattleccd.com

Upcoming events & latest IRS news releases

Announcements & Upcoming Events:

Jump Start Your Business – Free Workshops May 15-18 at SBA in Seattle
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1101229459706-62/SBA+Seattle+JumpStart+May2011.pdf
Jump Start Your Business is a series of workshops designed to help start-up and existing small business owners improve their bottom line.  Take advantage of the expertise shared by savvy business professionals and small business owners who teach a wide variety of topics. 3-4 workshops will be offered each day.
May 15 – 18
SBA Education and Training Center
Fourth and Battery Building
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121 
Preregistration is requested – register online: http://events.sba.gov/eventmanagement/eventlisting.aspx?state=WA
Space is limited to the first 40 attendees

Small Business Resource Fair – May 21 -- Tulalip
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=66pjrybab&oeidk=a07e5vkzyxs025193e6
A half-day event to network with 5 individuals your business must have to help you run and manage your business: lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance agent/financial planner and business advisors, These individuals can supply the knowledge required to address problems and setbacks and to streamline operations and avoid problems that have not yet arisen. Bring your questions and ask the experts! Workshops will be offered spontaneous to the networking event. Each session will last for 30 minutes, plus time for question and answer. 
Sponsored by the Northwest Washington Women’s Business Center & Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce
May 21 - 12 noon to 5:00 pm
Hibulb Cultural Center, 6410 23rd Ave. NE Tulalip, WA 98271
For a complete list of workshops and to register, visit the link above.
GMTCC Members - $5; Launch & Grow Participants & Alumni - $5; Non-GMTCC Members - $10 at the door
For more information, contact Sylvia Johnston at the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce at 360-659-7700. 

South Sound Business Fair – Saturday, June 9 -- Orting

http://www.southsoundbizfair.com/Home.html
Starting a business?  Growing your business?
Attend this free business fair – various government agencies, business assistance organizations and vendors will be there to provide information.  There will also be a variety of workshops – there is limited class enrollment, so be sure to RSVP to Gwen Robson (360) 893-2219 x133 or grobson@CityOfOrting.org
Saturday, June 9 -- 9am-3pm
Orting Middle School
111 Whitehawk Blvd. NW
Orting WA 98360

Bellevue Chamber 2012 Job Fair

http://www.bellevuechamber.org/2012_job_fair.html   
Free!  Get ready to meet face-to-face with employers, dress for success and bring plenty of copies of your resume network with the companies that want to meet and interview you! This event is free for all job seekers!  The event will host employers ready to hire, who are located in Bellevue and the greater Eastside in a variety of industries for all types of positions, including management, sales, operations, maintenance, customer service, IT, business services, and administration
May 22 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lexus of Bellevue
101 116th Ave. SE, Bellevue

BBB Secure Your ID Day

http://www.akorww.bbb.org/secure-your-id
Gather up unwanted documents and old cell phones, and take advantage of this FREE shredding service. Drive up and drop off up to three (3) grocery bags or boxes of documents to be securely shredded on-the-spot! No cardboard or three-ring binders please. Used cell phones will be collected by your BBB and safely recycled courtesy of HopeLine. To protect your information, all phones will be wiped of stored data prior to recycling. BBB's Secure Your ID Day helps consumers and businesses securely dispose of documents to help prevent identity theft.
Saturday, May 19 -- 9 am – 1 pm
Harbour Pointe Retirement
10200 Harbour Pl, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Small Business Workshops – Seattle SBA Education and Training Center
Small Business Taxes & Bookkeeping for the Small Business Owner - 2^nd & 4th Thursday of each month - 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Upcoming workshop dates:  May 24, June 8 & 22
Learn about important information regarding your tax responsibilities as a small business owner, find out what taxes to pay and when they are due. 

Payroll Workshop - 2nd Thursday of each month -- 8:30 am to 9:30 am

Upcoming workshop dates:  June 8, July 12
Have you been in business for a while?  Are you ready to incorporate?  Hire employees?  Want to know more about payroll, benefits, and human resources?  If you need to make informed decisions about growing your business, this workshop is for you.  Key information covered: 1) Contractor versus employee; 2) Keeping current on ever changing tax rules; 3) Payroll software and business owner options; 4) Strategies to empower yourself as an entrepreneur.

All workshops are held at the 4th & Battery Building - 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle

Please pre-register by calling 206-553-2664 or e-mail workshops@sba.gov.
SBA and SCORE also offer a variety of other workshops for small business owners – find out more here: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3157

Seattle SCORE Workshops

http://seattle.score.org/events
SCORE offers workshops designed to give you the skills necessary to start your own successful business. 
June 6, Aug 1 -- Starting a New Business
4th & Battery Building - 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle

Spokane SCORE Workshops

http://www.scorespokane.org/workshops.php
Spokane Regional Business Center (SRBC), 801 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 444, Spokane
June 6 -- Starting a New Business – Cost: $40
Financial Record Keeping – May 23, June 27 – 8:00 am – 12:30 pm – Cost: $40
Check website for current listings and registration information.

Employer's Introduction to L&I Workshops

http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainTools/Workshops/Available/EmpOrien/default.asp
This workshop is designed for new businesses or businesses that plan to hire workers for the first time. It explains an employer’s rights and responsibilities and provides an overview of the services and resources available at Labor and Industries.
May 22 – Bremerton – 9am – 12 pm
Jun 6 -- Tukwila  – 9am – 12 pm
Jun 19 – Tacoma – 9am – 12 pm
Jul 17 -- Spokane – 9am – 12 pm

New Business Tax Workshops – Washington State Department of Revenue

https://fortress.wa.gov/dor/efile/SecureForms/Content/WorkshopsAndEducation/AttendAWorkshop/RegisterForWorkShop.aspx?ID=213
Learn the basics of Washington State taxes. This free workshop will help you understand your tax reporting responsibilities. Tax reporting classifications, deductions, sales tax collection, and recordkeeping requirements will be discussed. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions regarding taxes that apply specifically to your business. To find out when the next workshop will be held in your area, and to register, see the link above.  Can’t attend a workshop in person? Watch an online workshop or tutorial.

IRS Updates & News Releases:

Did you know? One of the best ways to get information is by visiting the IRS Small Business Tax Center where you can learn everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online to how to best navigate an audit.

Missed the Income Tax Deadline?  IRS Offers Help for Taxpayers

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=256779,00.html
The IRS has some advice for taxpayers who missed the tax filing deadline.

Start Planning Now for Next Year's Tax Return

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=257050,00.html
The tax deadline may have just passed but planning for next year can start now. The IRS reminds taxpayers that being organized and planning ahead can save time, money and headaches in 2013. Here are eight things you can do now to make next April 15 easier.

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