Sunday Buzz
Sunday Buzz is a weekly collection of insightful, entertaining and sometimes irreverent tidbits from the Puget Sound business community. Send tips or comments to business@seattletimes.com.
The Westsound Bank building in Bremerton on May 8, 2009, the day it was closed. LARRY STEAGALL | KITSAP SUN
Union vote looms at a top firm in Oregon | Sunday Buzz
The Machinists seek an organizing victory at Portland-based aerospace supplier Precision Castparts; also, some state experts who track layoffs get laid off, and four years after failing, Westsound Bank is still a big financial crater.
Amazon analyst frozen out on company Q&A calls | Sunday Buzz
Analyst skeptical about Amazon wonders why he’s not getting a chance to ask questions during the e-commerce giant’s quarterly conference calls.
Blue Nile benefits from drop in gold | Sunday Buzz
One company isn’t worried about the plunge in gold prices - Blue Nile says it will bring in customers.
Washington credit unions try can’t lose lottery | Sunday Buzz
Washington credit unions are pitching a lottery with cash prizes to encourage people to start saving money. Also: a hedge fund comes down hard on Flow International, and the big Pinnacle Foods IPO may leave sour taste in Tacoma.
Don’t plan to live here long? It’s best to rent | Sunday Buzz
Rent rather than buy if you’re not staying at least four years, study suggests. Also, Sammamish man was allegedly at the center of a penny-stock fraud, and housing for artists is coming to Mount Baker neighborhood.
Hot stock, cold reality at steamy Baristas | Sunday Buzz
Boeing survey asks: 787 — hot or not? | Sunday Buzz
Boeing runs survey on attitudes towards the 787 Dreamliner. Also: Washington’s job recovery slow, but not the slowest; and, Seattle biotech has a new biggest loser, with $1.9 billion in total accumulated deficit.
WaMu’s demise re-enacted, much like Gettysburg | Sunday Buzz
Washington Mutual’s demise is re-enacted for leadership training at Ohio community bank; also, Redbox finds classy way to handle crude Oscars reference.
Top WaMu execs in mortgage biz again | Sunday Buzz
Top execs from the failed Washington Mutual have taken on key roles at growing Vericrest Financial of Texas; also, Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz stars in a comic-book biography.
Smith Tower hits a milestone on the road to recovery | Sunday Buzz
Once mostly empty, the historic Smith Tower is filling up with tenants. Also, Seattle tech firm’s sellers sue buyer over $62 million payout.
2 towers long on ice show signs of thaw | Sunday Buzz
While one downtown tower suspended by the recession is officially going ahead again, two others are moving more cautiously.