Hoquiam-based composite panel manufacturer Paneltech International filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week as the company works to reorganize operations amid mounting debt and unexpected decreases in sales.

Paneltech has served as a prominent local example of green manufacturing, producing resin-reinforced composite panels out of recycled materials. The 16-year-old company has recently reported declines in commercial and military sales of its household countertops, construction frames, ballistic armor panels and other products.

Company President and CEO Roy Nott and Chief Financial Officer Scott Olmstead filed bankruptcy papers Wednesday acknowledging difficulties keeping up with increased debt after expected military contracts and other sales failed to materialize. They requested court approval to continue operations as the company works to refocus its production toward growing markets.

The market environment remains difficult in the short term, but the business is on the right track for long-term success, Olmstead wrote to the court. I believe we will be profitable after reorganization so long as we are able to continue operations through the life of this bankruptcy case.

Olmstead wrote that the company took on significant debt as part of an extensive expansion in 2009 aimed at keeping up with potential demand for military armor panels and other contracts. The company has since struggled to keep up with debt payments when those armor orders dropped off.

Military orders did not increase as expected, and sales in other areas declined with the drop in manufacturing over the last few years, Olmstead wrote. In order to meet the bottom line in these circumstances, (the company) was forced to lay off employees, and Leroy Nott and I skipped paychecks. Despite these efforts, (the company has) been unable to pay their debts as they have come due.

The Chapter 11 application, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court, lists more than $1.2 million in unsecured debt to more than 50 creditors. Those debts listed more than $350,000 owed to the Starbucks Corporation in a disputed liability claim and dozens of other corporate expenses.

Court records also list about $1.7 million in loans from Anchor Bank.

Olmstead said the company employs 39 people. He noted the company recorded more than $17 million in sales in 2008, saying he believes the company remains worth more as a functioning business than it would if its assets were liquidated.

He asked for court approval to continue operations and payroll as the company works to return to profitability.

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Paneltech files for bankruptcy

The iPad wasn't the only thing to come out of Apple's March 7 event. Several new apps were announced that are worthy of note.

This was a big week for Apple with the announcement of the new iPad, and though I got to play with it a little bit at the event Wednesday, I really can't wait to put it through its paces when it's finally released March 16.

With that said, the new iPad wasn't the only thing released on Wednesday; Apple also announced the availability of several updates to iOS apps, including the new iPhoto for iOS.

This week's collection of iOS apps is a little different than usual. Instead of a themed collection, I'm going to list the Apple apps released this week so you can have them all in one place. Click the name of the link to head to our download page, or click the link at the end of each one to read our Hands On articles about each of the apps.

The effects fan out so you can pick which style you want before choosing an effect.

iPhoto ($4.99) for iOS was probably the biggest iOS app news because it's brand-new to the operating system and sports elegant ways to manage and edit photos. I got the full demo from Apple after the event, and can definitely say I was impressed with the tools offered, the effects you can use, and some of the specialized features offered in the app.

Journals in iPhoto, for example, lets you easily create a collage of your photos, and you can move them around with a touch of your finger, while the app automatically makes all the other images fit. You can have location data from where the shot was taken added automatically, and you can add date and time for shots, making for a great package to send as a URL to your friends and family of vacation pics. From there your family member can click a link and see the same collage, and click on a photo to see it full-screen. Read our Hands On for iPhoto.

Choose from four different overall tones for your string section.

GarageBand ($4.99) for iOS got several tweaks as well, with a whole new Smart Instrument category that lets you add stringed instruments to your music. I really like how Apple designed the layout here, requiring you to "bow" the instrument (swipe back and forth) for a continuous tone, and the ability to toggle instruments in the strings section on and off. There were other additions as well, with four new instruments you can use in both the Piano and Bass categories of Smart Instrument that can only add to the fun of making music on the touch screen.

The ability to have a live "jam session" with up to three other friends is a pretty neat addition as well, but I wonder how often people will actually get together and use it. Read my Hands On for Garage Band.

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New Apple app roundup for iOS

Then throw in elegance, modernity, durability and sustainability. Having indoor and outdoor living spaces is a bonus.

First off, people want to save money - if not in upfront costs, then on the expenses of energy consumption and maintenance later. And as the housing market slowly improves, future home sellers want their houses up-to-date and competitive for the market.

Hardieplank, the fiber-cement product that looks and feels like wood, is marketed as weather resistant, insect and fire resistant, and more durable than wood siding.

Decreased labor costs have "revolutionized" the industry, Wes Hadsell of Hadco Services said about Galvacore structural panels. The galvanized steel system can be used to make a range of structures - from fire pits and courtyards to outdoor kitchens to fences and benches.

Kevin Murphy, a lawnmower salesman, talked about the benefits of propane-fueled mowers. Propane, which is cheaper than gasoline and diesel, burns cleaner and produces less toxic emissions, he said.

And many people are looking for heavier lawn mowers that last longer than smaller, more convenient models.

Granite continues to be a must for many homebuyers and on the list of upgrades that increase home value.

"Granite is still the most popular when it comes to countertops," Hawksworth said. It's what 90 percent of CTS customers come in looking to buy.

Others are looking at quartz because of its low-maintenance reputation. But these days, granite is just as easy to keep up.

In the way of bathroom remodeling, Hawksworth said many customers are focusing less on luxurious tubs and more on larger shower spaces.

Original post:
Home, garden show focuses on saving money

The annual Tour of Architects, which showcases some of the top residential design work in the Pacific Northwest (including the house pictured here), is Saturday (March 17) and Sunday (March 18), and March 24 and 25.

The architects and their clients offer an opportunity for the public to visit custom homes and architecturally designed spaces, and to meet the architects who designed them.

The event, sponsored by AIA Seattle and AIA Southwest Washington, offers four tours on four different days. Tour One (Saturday) features projects in the Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Port Orchard areas. Tour Two (Sunday) features projects on Bainbridge Island. Tour Three (March 24) features projects in Seattle. Tour Four (March 25) features projects in Seattle and on the Eastside.

Tickets are $20 per tour, $35 for a weekend pass, or $50 for two-weekend pass. Profits will be donated to Wild Fish Conservancy.

Tickets and info at http://www.TourofArchitects.com; email Liz@TourofArchitects.com or call 206-819-3618.

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Annual tour of custom homes in the area coming up

The tour covered the 550-acre waterfront property that will include a mix of hotel, conference, commercial, residential, industrial, retail, parkland, open space and recreational uses. A land exchange shifts development away from protected refuge areas toward the active harbor area and acquired 62 additional acres of land for parks, open space and lower-impact future development.

Chula Vista, Calif. (PRWEB) March 09, 2012

While the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan was not on the Coastal Commission's agenda during its monthly meeting held March 7, 8 and 9 in Chula Vista, the tour familiarized commissioners and staff with the site's geography, as they look to have the project on the agenda for consideration of approval in the coming months.

When approved, the Port of San Diego will prepare and issue a Request for Qualifications from developers.

"The future of the Port of San Diego is in the South Bay," said Ann Moore, Vice Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners, who participated in the tour. "I want to thank the California Coastal Commission for taking the time to tour an area that holds tremendous opportunity for the San Diego region and the city of Chula Vista."

The tour covered the 550-acre waterfront property that will include a mix of hotel, conference, commercial, residential, industrial, retail, parkland, open space and recreational uses. A land exchange between the Port and Pacifica Companies, a development company, shifts development away from protected refuge areas toward the active harbor area. It also allowed the Port to acquire 62 additional acres of land for parks, open space and lower-impact future development.

The project is anticipated to create more than 2,200 permanent jobs, nearly 7,000 construction jobs and numerous indirect jobs in Chula Vista and the San Diego region.

Its promising economic impact was noted by Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox following her comments to the Coastal Commission during the public comment period at the March 7 meeting.

"Given its scale, this project, in many ways, is the first of its kind, balancing business investment and environmental preservation," said Cox of the plan that aims for a resort feel while implementing buffers for protection of adjacent habitat areas. "To me, it also means jobs and the generation of $1.3 billion for the regional economy over the next 20 years, including more than $11.5 million in annual tax revenues."

During her comments, Cox recognized the supporters from environmental groups, business and government who helped develop the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan. In attendance were elected officials and regional leaders, including Lou Smith, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, Vice Chair Ann Moore, Port President and CEO Wayne Darbeau, City of Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney, City of Coronado Councilmember Mike Woiwode, Chula Vista Councilmember Pamela Bensoussan and Chula Vista City Manager Jim Sandoval. Also present were representatives from Goodrich Aerostructures, the Environmental Health Coalition, the Chula Vista Nature Center, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Building Industry Association.

Continue reading here:
Development Opportunity Approaches After Coastal Commission Site Visit Along San Diego Bay

Carrboro's first hotel and parking deck will soon be under construction downtown.

The first phase of the 300 East Main project includes a 142-room Hampton Inn & Suites with 18,100 square feet of retail and restaurant space located on the ground floor.

A 500-space parking deck will sit behind the hotel and will provide free public parking.

Construction of this phase will take about 14 months.

The first work will be demolition of existing buildings at 304 and 404 E. Main St. and two empty houses on Padgett Lane and Boyd Street.

Developers will hold a groundbreaking ceremony later this month after demolition is complete.

Main Street Properties of Chapel Hill LLC, whose partners include Kevin Benedict and Laura Van Sant, is the developer of 300 East Main and will own and manage the six to nine retail and restaurant spaces in the new building.

The Atma Hotel Group out of Chapel Hill is a partner in the first phase and will own and operate the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Future phases of 300 East Main will bring additional retail, restaurant, office and cultural space.

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Work begins on Carrboro project

Date: Saturday Mar. 10, 2012 6:26 AM ET

OTTAWA National Defence was close to getting a green light from cabinet to buy new fixed-wing search-and-rescue planes three times since 2007, but the $3.1-billion plan has been shot down by objections from other departments, say senior defence sources.

Frustration among senior defence and military officials over the Conservative government's inability to move forward with the project to replace nearly 50-year-old C-115 Buffalos and three-decade-old C-130-H Hercules transports was palpable Friday.

Potential bidders were informed this week that a formal tender call has been put off until next year, raising questions about whether the continued delays could potentially cost lives.

The Buffalos reach their end of their service life in less than three years and face severe parts shortages.

Defence sources said Industry Canada has raised concern about the regional industrial benefits, and Public Works questioned the process for selecting the new search plane.

"It's been close three times, but it's been pulled back three times," said one senior official.

The program, originally announced by the Martin government, has been stuck for nearly a decade.

The Harper government had been hoping for an announcement this summer to highlight the plan. But information released Friday shows the project will still be deep in the consultation and discussion phase.

Public Works released a notice, asking prospective bidders to come forward with letters of interest and said that the first in a series on information workshops on the program will take place on April 11.

More here:
Frustration mounts amid search plane replacement delays

OTTAWA - National Defence was close to getting a green light from cabinet to buy new fixed-wing search-and-rescue planes three times since 2007, but the $3.1-billion plan has been shot down by objections from other departments, say senior defence sources.

Frustration among senior defence and military officials over the Conservative government's inability to move forward with the project to replace nearly 50-year-old C-115 Buffalos and three-decade-old C-130-H Hercules transports was palpable Friday.

Potential bidders were informed this week that a formal tender call has been put off until next year, raising questions about whether the continued delays could potentially cost lives.

The Buffalos reach their end of their service life in less than three years and face severe parts shortages.

Defence sources said Industry Canada has raised concern about the regional industrial benefits, and Public Works questioned the process for selecting the new search plane.

"It's been close three times, but it's been pulled back three times," said one senior official.

The program, originally announced by the Martin government, has been stuck for nearly a decade.

The Harper government had been hoping for an announcement this summer to highlight the plan. But information released Friday shows the project will still be deep in the consultation and discussion phase.

Public Works released a notice, asking prospective bidders to come forward with letters of interest and said that the first in a series on information workshops on the program will take place on April 11.

Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press that once formal proposals are received they'll face further review against the air force's "criteria for mission success."

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Search plane replacement vexes Tories, as more industry consultations announced

The enclosed porch, above left, was removed and replaced with a library/music room on the main level, above right. This allowed for the installation of French doors in the library that lead to a new terrace, the focal point of the backyard. The terrace also connects to the kitchen/family room.

Annie Schwemmer,

Is it spring yet?

Well, the technical answer is no, but psychologically some of us need to push the issue a bit.

One way to endure the winter doldrums is to focus on spring gardening. We'll bet some of you are spending time with your Burpee catalog or wandering around your favorite garden center, watching workers set out the spring inventory.

So, what do architects know about gardening?

Just this: Houses and gardens together create the environment we call home, and they should "speak" with each other.

When we look at a remodeling project, our main concern in this regard is the connection between the indoor and outdoor space.

Traditional homes, especially those built before 1950, express little interest in this symbiotic relationship. Many of the modest tract homes built in the valley in the pre- and post-war boom period have the bedrooms and bathroom at the rear of the house; getting to the back yard involves using a side door and walking down the driveway to even find useable outdoor space.

Today's lifestyle embraces both inside and outside space. Especially with our favorable climate, outdoor areas can act as an additional living space from spring through fall.

Read more here:
Tips to designing seamless outdoor spaces

Light and bright. That's the look Gigi and Kyle Graffagnini went for when remodeling and redecorating their State Street home, and it is precisely what they created.

And the rooms do. Walls throughout the home are painted a soft neutral color that Gigi Graffagnini settled on after many trials and errors.

Oushak carpets -- in muted colors -- cover the floors in rooms both downstairs and up, enhancing the continuity of the dcor. Crystal chandeliers, sconces and candelabra reflect and refract the light that pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows and glass French doors.

Creamy silk draperies dress the windows, and Belgian linen cover the sofa and chairs in one room. To complete the palette, many pieces of furniture are painted wood -- rather than natural -- be they of French, Italian or Swedish heritage.

If it sounds sumptuous, it is. But Gigi Graffagnini said it is also livable.

"With three young daughters, we needed to use upholstery fabric that wouldn't suffer much from regular wear and tear," she said. "The girls will come running into the family room and jump on the sofa, and it doesn't matter."

Gentle but thorough update

The 1892 vintage Victorian grande dame that the Graffagninis now live in -- which will be on the Academy of the Sacred Heart alumnae association's inaugural home tour Friday -- wasn't always the splendid showplace it is today.

When they bought it in late 2007, its systems had become outmoded and its interior -- especially the baths and kitchen -- dated. The house had been on the market for nine months when the Graffagninis decided it had all the natural ingredients to become a lovely and comfortable family home.

"I think some people may have been daunted when they realized everything would need to be rewired and re-plumbed -- it's a lot of work," Gigi Graffagnini said. "But we could see what it could look like when all of the improvements were made and the rooms painted. One thing that really attracted us was the fact that all of the original features were still here."

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The doors to beautiful Uptown houses open for Sacred Heart Academy's first home-tour fundraiser