Business Pulse Magazine

GOAL! Whatcom summer tourism gets to be on the world stage in this Business Pulse magazine feature story. Writer Tony Moceri describes the excitement of FIFA 2026, summertime festivals, and why business owners thrive in the sunshiny months in Whatcom: businesspulse.com/may-june-2026/, page 26.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us), and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

On June 9, the Whatcom Business Alliance is excited to present the WBA Business Conference. We are grateful to our event title sponsor Washington Trust Bank and generous corporate sponsors — bp, Larson Gross, and WRS — all companies that make Whatcom a better place to do business.

Pictured: Washington Trust Bank Chief Economist and 2026 conference presenter Steve Scranton. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

FEATURE STORY!

In response to Washington state’s ambitious climate goals, Puget Sound Energy, under the auspices of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, is proposing rate hikes. Read about the effects on local companies and how business leaders are preparing: businesspulse.com/may-june-2026/, page 20. Writer: Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us), and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

COVER STORY!

Matt Hardin used to keep boats running as a mechanic — now he helms a thriving, full-service marine dealership. Meet the team at Northwest Diesel Power/Cardinal Yacht Sales, and read about how this business on Bellingham Bay offers customer service as their core product: businesspulse.com/may-june-2026/, page 40. Writer: Tamara Loucks.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us), and receive a complimentary subscription to Business Pulse magazine.

Pictured: 1) Northwest Diesel Power/Cardinal Yacht Sales owner Matt Hardin. 2) In 2017, Cardinal Yacht Sales became the first West Coast dealer in the U.S. for Targa offshore motorboats. 3) “We have a great team,” said Matt Hardin of the Northwest Diesel Power/Cardinal Yacht Sales team. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Take the survey!

Qualify for the prestigious TOP 100 PRIVATE COMPANIES LIST in Whatcom County by taking a one-minute survey: scan the QR code or go to bit.ly/4rV8U2m.

The Top 100 List appears annually in the July|August 2026 issue of Business Pulse magazine — published by Whatcom Business Alliance — one of the largest issues of the year.

To be considered, your business must be headquartered in Whatcom County with annual revenue of $1M+ (in 2025).

Only days left to register: Don’t miss the WBA Business Conference: 7-9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Tickets ($85 individual |$640/table of eight) include a delicious, hot breakfast buffet: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

Event sponsor Washington Trust Bank Chief Economist Steve Scranton (pictured) will present a mid-year economic forecast. Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center Vice President for Research, will provide an update on Washington State legislation that may impact your business. Additional networking through 9:30 a.m.

Special thanks to title sponsor Washington Trust Bank and these sponsors that make this WBA event possible: bp, Larson Gross, and WRS.

Courtesy photo.

BUSINESS PULSE MAGAZINE DELIVERS YOUR LEGISLATOR SCORECARD! Here is your recap of Washington State’s 2026 legislative session. What passed, what failed, and how did your representatives vote? Read Dann Mead Smith’s column and see Whatcom County’s legislator scorecard: businesspulse.com/may-june-2026/, page 45 online.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance (whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us), receive a complimentary subscription to Pulse, and stay connected. Published by the WBA, Business Pulse (businesspulse.com/) has been covering the entrepreneurial spirit and economic influence of business talents in Whatcom County for over 50 years.

Courtesy photo.

Tickets are selling fast for this mid-year economic forecast!

Register for the WBA Business Conference: 7-9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Tickets ($85 individual |$640/table of eight) include a delicious, hot breakfast buffet: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

Event sponsor Washington Trust Bank Chief Economist Steve Scranton (pictured) will present a mid-year economic forecast. Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center Vice President for Research, will provide an update on Washington State legislation that may impact your business. Additional networking through 9:30 a.m.!

Special thanks to title sponsor Washington Trust Bank and these sponsors that make this WBA event possible: bp, Larson Gross, and WRS.

Courtesy photo.

Publisher’s Note from Business Pulse May | June 2026 issue: businesspulse.com/may-june-2026/

Resiliency! At a time when economic pressures weigh heavily with rising inflation, increasing fuel costs, escalating housing prices and the growing strain on household budgets, it is more important than ever to recognize the resilience of our local business community.

In this issue of Pulse magazine, read the cover story about how a marine mechanic turned a desire for more opportunity into a full-service marine dealership. Discover how local growers have made Whatcom County a global berry powerhouse. Brace for a “hot” summer in the Fourth Corner as Puget Sound Energy’s proposed rate hikes spark concern among business leaders. See why our mountain-and-sound setting is set to shine on the world stage with the FIFA World Cup.

Join the Whatcom Business Alliance, receive a complimentary Pulse subscription, and be part of a thriving network advancing Whatcom business: whatcombusinessalliance.com/join-us. — Barbara Chase, Executive Director

Pictured: 1) WBA Executive Director Barbara Chase. Courtesy photo. 2) Cardinal Yacht Sales and Northwest Diesel Power. From left: Matt Hardin, Steve Hardin and Tyson Laurabee. Photo credit: Sattva Photo.

How is Washington State legislation affecting your business? Find out, only at the WBA Business Conference, 7-9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Tickets ($85 individual |$640/table of eight) include a delicious, hot breakfast buffet: whatcombusinessalliance.com/events.

Todd Myers (pictured), Washington Policy Center's Vice President for Research, will deliver an update on how current and proposed legislation may affect you and your company. Event sponsor Washington Trust Bank Chief Economist Steve Scranton will present a mid-year economic forecast. Additional networking through 9:30 a.m.!

Special thanks to title sponsor Washington Trust Bank and these sponsors that make this WBA event possible: bp, Larson Gross, and WRS.