Contributed by the King County Solid Waste Division, reprinted with permission. Some links added by iLoveKent.net.

King County Executive honors 92 local companies and non-profits for waste prevention and recycling:  Organizations named as ‘Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling’

King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded 92 local companies for reducing waste and increasing recycling, naming them as the county’s “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling for 2012.”

“From recycling Styrofoam and cell phones to creating new programs for composting, the innovation these organizations have shown proves that sound environmental practices can go hand-in-hand with a successful business,” said Executive Constantine.

The sixth-annual list spans a wide array of businesses in King County, including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. The list includes an honor roll for companies that have made the list at least five years in a row.

The businesses honored use a wide range of recycling and waste reduction strategies, including:

• Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop’s program that donates customer cell phones to domestic violence shelters;
• Safeway’s styrofoam recycling program; and
• Lake Washington School District’s new composting efforts, which have helped reduce their garbage pick-ups by 50 percent.

“Many times, what businesses consider waste is something other entities can use and actually purchase,” said Andrew Koeppen, managing director at Hot Off the Press, a local family-owned printer based in Redmond, and a first-time Best Workplace for Waste Prevention and Recycling. “Finding out where our waste can be used helps our society become a community.”

Hot Off the Press holds green print design seminars to teach others how to design printed documents and business materials in an environmentally conscious way. They donate the paper they don’t use to local schools and non-profits.

Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 180,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. King County’s Solid Waste Division compiles the “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling” list annually to recognize the top recyclers and waste reducers, and help motivate others in the local business community.

All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible for the list. To secure their spot, businesses are required to meet the same five basic criteria, as well as 10 additional waste reduction and recycling criteria, such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, collecting batteries for recycling or sending electronic invoices.

To see the complete list of 2012 Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling and to learn more about what these businesses are doing to improve recycling programs, visit www.kingcounty.gov/recyclemore, and click on the link.

To learn more about the program, contact Karen May at 206-296-4353, or karen.may@kingcounty.gov.

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On July 25, King County’s Solid Waste Division announced that 92 local companies have been named to the 2012 “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction” list, including five businesses/offices in Kent. The list recognizes businesses with exceptional recycling programs and for their commitment to reducing the amount of waste their company produces. Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 180,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. However, King County’s Solid Waste Division compiles the “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling” list annually to recognize the top recyclers and waste reducers, and help motivate others in the local business community.

The sixth-annual list spans a wide array of businesses in King County, including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. Below is yesterday’s press release from King County. We can offer interviews with King County Solid Waste representatives about business waste reduction, as well as contacts for Kent businesses that made the list.

Kent honorees:

• Applus Technologies
• City of Kent
• Ingenium
• Kent Downtown Partnership
• Torklift Central

What do ice dancer Ben Agosto, Hilton Hotels and ShoWare Center have in common? They will all be integral players in bringing Skate America 2012 to Kent October 19 and 20, drawing thousands of sports fans and journalists from around the world to South King County.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke announced the news this morning at a press conference attended by local and state officials and representatives, media and residents and business people. Skate America will feature three days of competition featuring 52 world-class figure skaters from 15 countries. The DoubleTree by Hilton (SeaTac location) will be the host hotel, and ShoWare Center will host the competitions during the weekend-long event.

An enthusiastic Mayor Cooke said she wants to show the world “the very best Kent has to offer” in terms of dining, restaurants, lodging and other amenities.

“Let’s roll out the red carpet,” she said.

Though she had originally been scheduled to make the announcement, Governor Christine Gregoire was called away on last minute business. She made this statement in a press release issued following the press conference:

“We are excited to again welcome the international figure skating community and its fans to the state of Washington for 20120 Hilton HHonors Skate America,” Governor Gregoire said. “In recent years, Washington has hosted record-setting crowds in Spokane and Everett. The anticipated economic impact and international television exposure the event will bring to Kent and the greater Seattle area is exciting.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine was on hand to share in the good news. Constantine said he hopes to build on the success of the Olympic Diving Trials to be held in Federal Way next month, helping to position the area as a premier destination for sporting events.

“Thank you, Skate America, for choosing King County,” Constantine said.

Medalist Ben Agosto encouraged attendees to buy tickets for the event, explaining that some of the competitions held in Washington State are among the most memorable of his career.

“When you see it live, it is completely different than seeing it on TV,” Agosto said. “There’s a big energy transfer between the skaters and fans.”

Laura Lee of Production Sports will be handling the promotion of the event, with Ben Agosto serving as Skate America’s honorary chairman.

“This is our time to get noticed,” she told an audience of about 100.

Sports commentator Chris Egan of KING5 concluded the program: “It’s coming to YOUR city!”

Tickets for the international skating event will range in price from $75 for a weekend pass to $350 for premium seats. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow. For more information about the event, visit www.2012skateamerica.com.

King County Executive Dow Constantine signed an Emergency Declaration earlier this week to provide free disposal of wood debris, following our snow, ice and wind storms. Wood debris only can be recycled Jan. 28-29 and Feb. 4-5 in Kent:

Free Wood Debris Recycling
Russell Road Park
24400 Russell Rd. (across from Riverbend Golf Course)
Kent, WA 

Jan. 28 – 29:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Feb. 4 – 5:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Workers will be available to help Kent residents unload their wood debris. They ask that you place a tarp under the materials before bringing them to the park. This will make unloading easier. Stumps, logs and limbs shorter than six feet will be accepted. Other yard waste, such as brush, leaves and grass clippings, will not be accepted.

Please cover the wood debris while traveling from home to the park to prevent road litter and potential damage to other vehicles if the debris becomes loose during travel.

For more info., call 253-856-5549 or visit KentRecycles.com.

January 2, 2010 — Today the King County Council announced that it has appointed former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy in County Council District 8. Drago will take the seat vacated by Dow Constantine who was elected to the position of County Executive in the November 2009 election. Prior to joining the Seattle City Council in 1994, Drago was a small business owner and a school teacher.

Press Release from King County:

January 2, 2010 — The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy created in County Council District 8 when Dow Constantine was sworn in as County Executive.

“I am honored to be selected to serve the people of District 8,” said Drago shortly after her swearing-in by Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer. “I look forward to working with the Council and the communities and neighborhoods that make up the district on the challenges that we face this year.”

Drago will act as a caretaker in District 8, serving until the certification of the Nov 2010 general election when the new Councilmember for the district will be sworn in.

“Jan Drago is an experienced public official and policy-maker, and I look forward to working with her,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.

“Jan will make a wonderful addition to the King County Council,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “She knows the issues facing District 8 and will hit the ground running to serve her constituents well.”

“Jan Drago has a distinguished career serving our community, having been elected to serve Seattle residents four times,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I am confident she will represent the citizens of District 8 well until they have the chance to elect their permanent representative this fall.”

“The residents of King County will benefit from Jan’s experience, especially when it comes to addressing the 2010 budget,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Drago served on the Seattle City Council from 1994 through 2009, having served as Council President for four years and as Chair of the Council’s Budget Committee from 1999-2003. Drago, a graduate of Rutgers University, was a small business owner and school teacher prior to joining the Seattle City Council.

“I was looking for an independent minded person who could work with all of my colleagues,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “With Jan Drago we get that and a wealth of local government experience as well. I’m pleased to welcome her and look forward to working with her between now and November.”

“Jan Drago is an experienced local leader and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague on the King County Council,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson.

“I look forward to working with Jan Drago on the many complex issues facing King County, “ said Councilmember Larry Gossett.  “I am sure that Jan will serve her constituents well over the next 11 months.”

“All the candidates we considered were very qualified,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We are fortunate to have such talented, informed leaders to choose from. After working with Councilmember Drago at the City of Seattle, I am confident that she can hit the ground running and offer her considerable government and business experience to the County. We appreciate her budget expertise and familiarity with the issues facing King County.”

Drago was selected out of the 11 applicants who applied to replace Constantine. All of the applicants were interviewed by a 12-member advisory committee of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8. The advisory committee sent the Council Drago as well as the names of three other candidates:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

The committee stressed Drago’s proven ability in budget, trans-portation and labor matters, her strong regional relationships and the potential to strengthen partnerships with the city of Seattle because of her time on the city Council.

Contact: Al Sanders 206-296-1685

December 3, 2009

Advisory Committee recommends four to fill Constantine vacancy in District 8

Committee of the Whole to interview recommended candidates next Monday

An Advisory Committee has completed interviews of 11 candidates seeking to fill the King County Council seat vacated by Dow Constantine upon his election as King County Executive. The Advisory Committee has recommended four candidates for consideration by the County Council.

The committee recommended two individuals who intend to run for the seat in the November 2010 general election:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District

The committee also recommended two individuals who intend to serve in a caretaker capacity until the general election in November 2010:

· Jan Drago—A member of the Seattle City Council who is leaving the Council this year
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

All four candidates recommended by the Committee will be interviewed next Monday at a meeting of the Council’s Committee-of-the-Whole:

Committee-of-the-Whole

Monday, December 7

9:30 a.m.

Council chambers

10th floor, King County Courthouse

The advisory committee was chaired by former Seattle Deputy Mayor and Municipal Court Judge Anne Levinson and Mark Okazaki, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, a human service agency with facilities in High Point and Greenbridge. They were joined on the 12-member advisory committee by community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8:

· Aileen Balahadia, Executive Director of the White Center Community Development Association,
· Steve Daschle, Executive Director of Southwest Youth and Family Services,
· Tom Dean, Executive Director of the Vashon/Maury Island Land Trust,
· David Johnson, CEO of NAVOS, a mental health care facility that provides housing,
· Joan McGilton, Mayor of Burien
· Patti Mullen, CEO, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
· Behnaz Nelson, co-chair of the King County Coalition of Unions
· Kathy Nyland, chair of the Georgetown Merchants Association and chair of the City Neighborhood Association
· Doug Osterman, Normandy Park City Councilmember
· Chris Porter, business owner and a nurse practitioner who is active on park and recreation issues.

Co-Chairs Levinson and Okazaki said the committee represented a diversity of perspectives and experiences and took to heart the charge from the Council to forward a slate of candidates who would best serve the needs of the County and District 8.

“We had a remarkable pool of applicants and appreciated the number of people willing to step forward to serve. The finalists each bring experience and understanding of the complex array of issues facing the County. Each would hit the ground running and be a very effective addition to the Council,” said Levinson and Okazaki.

The committee’s criteria for evaluation of candidates included:

· Knowledge of the functions of King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues and challenges facing King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues affecting the constituents of Council District 8;
· A demonstrated ability to develop a responsible budget;
· A demonstrated ability to respond to public concerns; and
· Demonstrated leadership skills.

The County Council has final authority for making the appointment. The Council is expected to take action by Monday, December 14, the last Council meeting of 2009.