Briefcase: SHMC wins architect award
The new pediatric emergency department at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center was recognized by the American Institute of Architects this week as one of the best health care design projects in the country.
The addition was one of five recipients in the category of less than $25 million in construction cost, according to an AIA news release.
“This addition creates a safe, calming environment for young patients in traumatic circumstances,” the association said. “The building’s ‘emergency red’ panels serve as a recognizable focal point on the medical campus, while a light-filled atrium accented by wood and warm colors welcomes visitors arriving from the sheltered drop-off zone.”
The 28,000-square-foot addition was designed by Mahlum Architects, of Seattle. Bouten Construction Co. was the general contractor. The Rypien Foundation, a major donor to the project, also participated in the process.
Starbucks quarter plenty perky
NEW YORK – Starbucks said Thursday its quarterly profit jumped 22 percent as pricier drinks and food helped lift sales at its U.S. cafes.
The Seattle-based coffee chain said sales rose 8 percent in its flagship Americas unit. In the U.S., which makes up the majority of the unit, the company has been pushing up sales with price hikes and offerings like S’more Frappuccinos and Flat White espresso drinks that cost a little more.
Customer visits are increasing, too, boosted by the company’s mobile app, which incorporates its loyalty program, encouraging people to return by rewarding them with “stars,” which can be used toward free drinks and food.
Amazon finds profits in cloud
SEATTLE – Amazon.com reported a surprise second-quarter profit Thursday on continued strength of its cloud-computing business and strong revenue both domestically and abroad.
The quarterly results bucked Amazon’s long-time strategy of investing the money it earns back into the company, resulting in quarterly losses or thin profits. But Amazon got a boost in revenue from Amazon Web Services, a suite of products and services offered to businesses by way of the “cloud.”
Revenue from that business climbed 81 percent to $1.82 billion.
Loan program out of money
NEW YORK – Small business owners hoping to get a loan from the government are going to hear “wait until later.”
The Small Business Administration’s biggest lending program is on hold after the SBA ran out of money for loan guarantees. The agency on Thursday reached the $18.75 billion limit set by Congress on the amount of loans it can back in a fiscal year. The shutdown will force business owners to wait for loan approvals until money starts flowing again. That could happen if Congress raises the ceiling on the program, which backs 7(a) loans. If lawmakers don’t act, business owners will have to wait for the new fiscal year Oct. 1.