Business Notes

"Whidbey trade fair seeks participantsAnyone on Whidbey Island who wants to show off their products and services is invited to participate in the ninth annual Uniquely Whidbey Trade Fair and Home Show.While the fair isn't until Oct. 14 and 15, those interested in having a booth at the event must register by Sept. 8. The organizers encourage unique, elaborate booths and promotional items like samples and door prizes.Last year over 3,000 people attended. More than 125 businesses are expected to participate this year. Admission is free. Call 888-506-7999 with questions.County hires new plannerMichael Schechter has been hired as the new new assistant planner in the Island County Planning Department, announced Planning Director Phil Bakke.Schechter graduated cum laude from the University of Washington last month with a double degree in geography (emphasis on economic geography and marine transportation) and political science, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He also won the American Association of Geographers/National Council on Geographic Education Outstanding Senior Award for UW. He will be responsible for various planning tasks in the department including the GIS system and developing graphic illustrations and maps. Schechter was born in Manhattan, raised in The Bronx and now resides on Whidbey. Sales associates earn designationSusanne Hollyfield and Jim Sparling, sales associates with Windermere's Freeland office, recently earned the Graduate Realtors Institute Designation, which comes after 90 hours of classroom training in such subjects as contract law, professional standards, marketing and finance.Hollyfield has been licensed in real estate since 1992, beginning in Texas. Sparling has been in real estate in 1995, having previously worked in banking.State sponsors business fairThe fourth annual Washington Small Business Fair will be Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th St., Renton.The Biz Fair will feature more than 40 seminars and 50 exhibits to assist entrepreneurs who want to form, operate or expand a small business. There is no charge, people can come any time, and parking is free.This year's seminars include several e-commerce topics. A complete listing can be found on the web at dor.wa.gov; select services, then workshops, then 2000 Biz Fair. Or call 1.800.647.7706."

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