Frank Catalano

Frank Catalano

Business & Work Columnist


BUSINESS MATTERS

Analysis finds long-term, Whatcom median home prices still increasing

'Middle-income' housing sits well below median price

BUSINESS MATTERS

Amazon delivery facility still to open near Burlington, despite delay

Online retailer continues to adjust plans for office sites and store formats

BUSINESS MATTERS

Bellingham’s Portal Container Village expands for 2023 season

Port of Bellingham says current location likely to continue for at least 10 years

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: March 2023

The Admiralty Lounge opens, Western Wednesdays start

BUSINESS MATTERS

Bellingham store stands alone in providing products for breast cancer survivors

Nationally accredited Allies expands operations into Anchorage

BUSINESS MATTERS

For businesses, what happens in China doesn’t stay in China

Friday Harbor-based technologist shares predictions at annual Bellingham event

BUSINESS MATTERS

Public input on Skagit County agritourism favors more uses, with limits

Extensive effort now heads to policy change options

BUSINESS MATTERS

Bellis Fair’s future focuses on foot traffic under new owner

More events, different uses and an uptick in occupancy

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: February 2023

Joe's Gardens sets season opening date

BUSINESS MATTERS

Local hot sauce brand on fire after 'world champion' award

Funky's Hot Sauce Factory in Bellingham adding distribution, equipment, varieties

BUSINESS MATTERS

Multiple forces shaping 2023 local labor market

Regional economists explore staffing shortages, missing workers and hybrid work

BUSINESS MATTERS

Real estate rides roller coaster in Whatcom, Skagit counties

Residential median prices up, number of sales down in 2022 vs. 2021

BUSINESS MATTERS

WECU experiments with videos promoting local shopping

Well-received campaign may have raised awareness more than sales

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: January 2023

El Capitan's Taproom opens, Antler sets Valentine's pop up

BUSINESS MATTERS

Business climate hopes for 2023 include more staff, stability

Local business organizations share expectations for the new year

WTD?

What’s the Deal With: Steller’s Jays?

The raucous birds annoy some, appeal to others

BUSINESS MATTERS

A 2022 of small business recovery and caution

Some major developments will take more than this year to wrap

PLACES & THINGS

Year in review: Many places, and a few things

2022 in business openings, closings and changes

BUSINESS MATTERS

The Hub Community Bike Shop again rides where it can be seen

Bellingham bike nonprofit relocates downtown after four years out of sight

BUSINESS MATTERS

Carnal owners expand footprint locally, plan consumer products nationally

Restaurant partners now have three Bellingham locations

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: December 2022

New vet to open in Barkley Village

BUSINESS MATTERS

Osprey Hill Farm factors seasonality into expansion

Pasture-raised and organic, this farm is growing

BUSINESS MATTERS

If 2023 brings recession, area businesses could feel it unevenly

WWU webinar suggests traditional forecasting might not apply

BUSINESS MATTERS

Revitalizing Ferndale's downtown — and its downtown association

Grant funding and a full-time executive director kickstart the process

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: November 2022

A Fairhaven plant store opens, a florist will close

BUSINESS MATTERS

What might a mega-merger mean for Haggen in its hometown?

After nearly 90 years, new concerns about a beloved grocery name

BUSINESS MATTERS

Temporary retail holiday hires may be less in season this year

Local businesses are still looking for employees, period

BUSINESS MATTERS

Whatcom, Skagit home sales drop as mortgage rates rise

One analytics firm forecasts a likely Bellingham price decline

BUSINESS MATTERS

Superfeet marches on with fresh insoles

A year after private equity acquisition, the culture fit seems supportive

WTD?

What’s the Deal With: The ‘Rail Trail Historic Site’ markers?

Signs of a museum that’s no more

BUSINESS MATTERS

North to Alaska — from Everett

Alaska Airlines details near-term plans for Bellingham and Paine Field

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: October 2022

Zane Burger for sale, closing after Nov. 13

BUSINESS MATTERS

From catch to takeout: The business of fisherman family food trucks

Captain's Cod, Alaska Weathervane leverage Alaska boats

BUSINESS MATTERS

Big Cascadia climate action ideas, meet small business

Asking the uncomfortable ‘What’s in it for me?’ question

BUSINESS MATTERS

A coffee ecosystem grows again in the shadow of Starbucks

Tony’s, Woods, Maniac and others thrive in northwest Washington

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: September 2022

Pepper Sisters to close until December

BUSINESS MATTERS

Helping the literally powerless in Ukraine

Bellingham-based CEO uses connections to distribute aid

BUSINESS MATTERS

Downtown Bellingham Insiders sees an upside

Nonprofit’s loyalty program rebounds after pandemic disruption

BUSINESS MATTERS

Bellingham businesses worry about more than inflation

Survey finds vandalism, sleeping on property are common concerns

BUSINESS MATTERS

Exporting the great outdoors

Local kayak manufacturers surf the pandemic

PLACES & THINGS

Places & Things: August 2022

Aegis Games opens after Dark Tower ownership change

BUSINESS MATTERS

Skagit County weighs expanded agritourism for farm income

Whatcom and Skagit tourism revenue rises overall

BUSINESS MATTERS

Connecting the dots in the business of beer

Overall brewery growth spurs interactive graphics, passports

BUSINESS MATTERS

Businesses respond to inflation — and eye the risk of recession

Changes in customer behavior vary

BUSINESS MATTERS

Would you like a side of compost to go?

Restaurants prepare for Bellingham single-use plastics ban

BUSINESS MATTERS

Two counties, two breweries, one address

Craft brewer doubles down on Skagit Valley

BUSINESS MATTERS

Swipe right, get a job interview

App startup focuses on service industry hiring needs

BUSINESS MATTERS

Fresh eyes on Cascadia business and work

New business columnist joins the fold