Clifton honored for zero energy home

Ted Clifton was honored with the 2007 Builder of the Year award presented by the Skagit Island Counties Builders Association at the monthly meeting of SICBA helps June 24 in Oak Harbor.

Clifton is principal owner and president of CVH, Inc. Long involvement with “green building” in Island County and nationwide was a primary factor in this award. He built the first certified zero-energy home in Island County during 2007. He also teaches a variety of classes and seminars relating to the concept of true zero energy and energy efficient homes for the future.

Additionally, CVH, Inc. received awards for the 2007 Project of the Year in two catagories: 2,000 to 2,999 square feet Residential and Commercial Project of the year.

CVH, Inc. is located at 107 S. Main St., unit A201A in Coupeville.

If you are interested in zero energy homes contact Clifton at 678-7000.

Average wage increases 5 percent

The average annual wage in Washington state increased by 5 percent, to $44,721, from 2006 to 2007, according to the Employment Security Department. This is down slightly from the 5.4-percent wage growth in 2006.

Broken down by week, the average weekly wage went from $818 in 2006 to $860 in 2007, an increase of $42.

Among other things, it is used to compute unemployment-insurance benefits for jobless workers. Because of the increased average wage last year, the minimum and maximum unemployment benefits will go up next month.

The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage of $860, will increase from $122 to $129 starting July 1. The maximum weekly benefit, calculated at 63 percent of the average weekly wage of $860, will increase from $515 to $541.