Business Pulse Magazine

Don’t miss the best business event in October! Whatcom Business Alliance presents the annual Leaders of Industry Forum on Thursday, October 15, 3-5:30 p.m. Tickets/tables: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

What state and local policies will influence your business in 2027?
+ Washington Policy Center VP for Research Todd Myers, who has a pro-business record, will lead the discussion.

And these panelists will share their expertise:
+ Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund
+ Port of Bellingham Director of Economic Development Tyler Schroeder
+ Whatcom County Association of Realtors Association of Realtors and Building Industry Association of Whatcom County Government Affairs Director Perry Eskridge

At the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, enjoy networking (cash bar at 3 p.m.), hearing from Todd and local experts (3:30-5 p.m.), and participating in the Q&A with more networking (5-5:30 p.m.).

Courtesy photos: 1) Mayor Lund; 2) Tyler Schroeder; 3) Perry Eskridge; 4) Todd Myers.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors: bp, Larson Gross, WRS, and Hotel Bellwether.

You know electricity rates are rising in Washington, but do you know why? WBA breaks it down for you in Business Pulse magazine, thanks to guest columnist Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center VP for research.

In the September | October issue, read about why data centers for artificial intelligence are not to blame for rising rates: businesspulse.com/september-october-2026/, page 51. And hear more from this pro-business, personable leader: Todd will present at WBA’s annual Leaders of Industry Forum, Thursday, October 15, 3-5:30 p.m. Tickets/tables are at whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

Smart. Polished. Connected. Join WBA (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us) and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

Be part of the leading network of business people! Join Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us) and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

In the September | October issue, read about Barlean’s Fishery, the retail store offering live, fresh and frozen seafood on Squalicum Harbor: businesspulse.com/september-october-2026/, page 33. Writer: Mary Louise Van D**e.

Pictured: 1) Barlean’s Fishery co-owners Mark Riedesel and April Dayton, along with employee Courtney Perry. Pictured: 2, 3 & 4) Interior of shop. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

Register for the best business events in Whatcom! WBA’s annual Leaders of Industry Forum is Thursday, October 15, 3-5:30 p.m. Secure your tickets/tables: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

What state and local policies will influence your business in 2027? A host of industry experts — including Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center VP for research, with a pro-business record — will speak on local issues and viable solutions for a promising economic future.

At the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, enjoy networking (cash bar at 3 p.m.), hearing from Todd and local experts (3:30-5 p.m.), and participating in the Q&A with more networking (5-5:30 p.m.).

Pictured: 1) Todd Myers, courtesy. 2 & 3) Leaders of Industry Forum. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors: bp, Larson Gross, WRS, and Hotel Bellwether.

COVER STORY

Working waterfront! Read about the shoreline that powers Whatcom County’s economy and connects its communities: businesspulse.com/september-october-2026/, page 10. Writer: Tamara Loucks.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us), and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

Pictured: Top to Bottom Diving & Marine Services: (left to right) Morgan Kaye, Graham Wallace, Chad Deroux, Micaiah Copenbarger, Patrick Schjelderup and Kaiden Pope. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

What policies will influence your business in 2027? Find out at WBA’s Leaders of Industry Forum on Thursday, October 15, 3-5:30 p.m. Register for tickets and tables here: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

Whatcom business owners, here is an in-depth look at policies set to influence your business and our local economy in 2027! Todd Myers — Washington Policy Center Vice President for Research and a charismatic speaker with a pro-business record of research and advocacy — will present.

At the beautiful Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, enjoy networking (cash bar) at 3 p.m.; hearing from Todd and local experts, plus discussion, 3:30-5 p.m.; participating in the Q&A with more networking, 5-5:30 p.m.

Pictured: 1) Todd Myers, courtesy. 2) Leaders of Industry Forum; photo credit: Sattva Photo.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors: bp, Larson Gross, WRS, and Hotel Bellwether.

Here is your chance to see what this WBA member — bp Cherry Point — is all about! Scan the QR code below, to reserve your space for the open house. (Space is limited; reservation required; photo ID required when checking in).

Be at the BEST business events with Whatcom Business Alliance!

Register now for WBA’s Leaders of Industry Issues Forum — 3:30-5 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026 — and be part of the conversation about local and state policies affecting your business: bit.ly/462BZ2Q.

At the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, enjoy hearing from an expert panel, learning about the current business climate and networking with leaders and their teams (cash bar). SMART, POLISHED, FUN: The best business events are presented by your WBA.

Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

VSH CPAs present at WBA’s Lunch & Learn! You are invited to this free, virtual event — noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. Especially for business leaders: Learn about Washington’s evolving tax landscape, including the state’s new millionaire’s tax. Be part of WBA’s popular lunchtime series, and register here: bit.ly/4zORcC4.

This online seminar will walk you through the most important tax updates, what they mean for your business structure, and how to position yourself strategically.

From VSH CPAs, Madison Price Zender, Principal (pictured left), and Olivia Hanson, CPA, Senior Tax Accountant, will lead the discussion. Courtesy photos.

ALL ABOARD!

Here is your last chance to join the annual WBA Members’ Cruise, this Thursday, September 10 (4:30 p.m. check-in for the 5-7:30 p.m. cruise). Cruise Bellingham Bay on the Salish Express and enjoy personable connections with other business community members, a delicious array of complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets and details: bit.ly/3UlH7fT.

To attend, you must have a paid, current WBA membership. Not a member? Join: whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us.