Business briefs

Gateway news services

RE/MAX Town and Country announces new employee

RE/MAX Town and Country has hired Alvin Mullins, a former chef from Memphis, Tenn. He brings years of experience in real estate marketing.

For more information, call 253-225-2158 or e-mail Mullinsworld@gmail.com.

Bark Busters hosts benefit holiday pet supply drive

Bark Busters Home Dog Training will host the Pause for Paws Holiday Pet Supply Drive to support local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Peninsula Pet Hospital, 3604 56th St. NW in Gig Harbor, is a drop-off site for donations like leashes, dry food, cat litter, treats, toys, brushes, blankets and collars, which will be delivered to local humane societies.

Coats appointed interim realtors executive officer

Wanda Coats of Gig Harbor has been appointed interim executive officer for the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors, the board of directors announced. Virgil Wells, president of the association, made the announcement.

Coats has more than 18 years of experience as a real estate agent and a managing broker for a local company. In 2005, she was the 100th president of TPCAR, and she was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2007 to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.

Coats currently chairs the Washington Realtors sub-committee on Consumer and Business Affairs and is active in government affairs at the local and state levels of the association.

Olympic Crest Insurance launches new Web site

Olympic Crest Insurance, Inc., has announced the launch and re-design of its Web site, www.olympiccrest.com.

Olympic Crest worked closely with IvyCat, a web design firm, to develop the site. Individuals can apply online for medical and dental insurance and more. Olympic Crest Insurance is a full-service insurance broker located in Gig Harbor. It specializes in individual and employer-sponsored benefit programs.

New statewide minimum wage to take effect Jan. 1

Washington’s minimum wage will increase 48 cents to $8.55 an hour beginning Jan. 1.

Washington’s minimum wage applies to workers in both agriculture and non-agricultural jobs, although 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $7.27 an hour.

Free minimum wage and worker’s-rights posters are available from any Labor and Industries office, by calling 1-866-219-7321 or by dowloading it from the L&I Web site, wages.lni.wa.gov.