Floods, fires and fierce determination
In 1975, a group of visionary business leaders in Whatcom County, led by banker Rick Tremaine, founded Whatcom County Business Pulse with a bold mission: to give the local business community a voice. From its inception as a tabloid-style newspaper, the publication was designed to highlight the people, news, issues and trends shaping the region’s economic landscape. Over the past five decades, Business Pulse has grown into an enduring institution, championing the successes of local businesses and driving meaningful conversations about community prosperity.
As Business Pulse marks its 50th anniversary, we look back at its remarkable journey, shaped by visionary leadership, innovative adaptation to change and an unwavering commitment to the business community.
The beginning: a voice for local business
The early 1970s was a time of significant change and growth in Whatcom County. Local business leaders saw the need for a platform to elevate stories about businesses, advocate for their interests and address key economic issues. Under Rick Tremaine’s leadership, a dedicated team of entrepreneurs and professionals launched Business Pulse as a tabloid-format newspaper. The publication quickly became a trusted source for stories about the people and industries driving local economic growth.
The desktop publishing revolution: Gerald Baron’s vision
In 1988, Gerald Baron acquired Business Pulse and began transforming it into a full-fledged magazine. This transition coincided with the emergence of desktop publishing technology, an innovation that changed the publishing industry forever. Baron embraced the revolution, swapping traditional typesetting equipment for the groundbreaking Aldus PageMaker 1.0 software and the first-generation laser printers. Time Magazine took notice and interviewed Baron as a pioneer of desktop publishing in America.
Baron’s bold embrace of technology enabled Business Pulse to elevate its visual design and storytelling. Recognizing the need for fresh talent, he hired Tony Larson, a young entrepreneur just out of college who had learned much from his mentor, Gerald’s father, Sid Baron, also a serial entrepreneur who owned many businesses. Together, they set the stage for the next chapter of the magazine’s growth.
From disaster to determination: Tony Larson’s leadership
By February 1990, Larson was ready to take the helm of Business Pulse. On Friday, February 9, Larson and Baron finalized the terms of the sale. But the next day, disaster struck: A flood backed up Baker Creek and devastated the magazine’s office, destroying equipment, files, the darkroom and even the current issue about to be published. Despite this significant setback, Larson, with the help of Sid Baron, moved forward with the purchase. Sid Baron offered Larson free temporary office space, including a desk, phone and fax and copy machine. On his first official day as owner, Larson faced the challenge of rebuilding the business from scratch.
Larson’s resilience and vision guided the magazine through this tumultuous start. His mission was clear: to celebrate the individuals and businesses driving positive change and to advocate for the success of the local business community. Larson believed that business success was the cornerstone of community prosperity.
Expanding the vision: events and advocacy
Under Larson’s leadership, Business Pulse evolved beyond a publication. It became a platform for celebrating local businesses and fostering community dialogue. Central to this expansion was Danielle Larson, Tony Larson’s wife, who worked side by side with him in planning and executing many of the magazine’s special events. Together, the Larsons organized and promoted many events, including the Northwest Business Expo, the Business Person of the Year Awards Banquet, the Economic Forecast Breakfast, the Leaders of Industry Conference, the entrepreneurial and success conferences and various seminars and monthly roundtables.
Danielle’s meticulous planning and organizational skills ensured that these events ran smoothly, providing opportunities for business leaders to connect, share ideas and celebrate their successes. These gatherings became cornerstones of the magazine’s mission to uplift the business community and became important profit centers that supported the magazine.
Business Pulse also became a strong advocate for policies that supported the business community, often challenging elected officials to prioritize economic development and policies supportive of local farming, industry and small business.
Rising from the ashes: the 1999 fire
In March 1999, tragedy struck again when a fire destroyed the magazine’s office and much of its archives. The fire occurred just a week before the annual Business Person of the Year Awards Banquet. While the records and planning documents were on the hard drives, the cloud was not yet invented, so all the planning materials were lost. Despite the devastation, the event went on as planned, becoming a powerful celebration of resilience and the role Business Pulse played in the community. The fire underscored the magazine’s determination to continue its mission even in the face of significant obstacles.
Danielle Larson played a critical role during this crisis, helping ensure the awards banquet was a success despite the challenges. The event became a testament to the strength and dedication of the Larsons and their team.
A new era: the Whatcom Business Alliance
In 2012, Larson founded the Whatcom Business Alliance as a natural extension of Business Pulse’s advocacy work. This nonprofit organization was built on Larson’s foundational belief that business success drives community prosperity and his understanding that there is strength in numbers — and, thus, that if he could attract CEOs from Whatcom County’s top companies, the advocacy would be much more powerful. The WBA quickly gained traction, with top business leaders in Whatcom County joining its board. Larson recalled a conversation with early adopter Doug Thomas, CEO of Bellingham Cold Storage: “Doug was one of the first to join the board and become a founding member. I so much respected Doug, the core values he represented and how those could be seen in the way he ran his company,” Larson said. Thomas still serves on the WBA board. Business Pulse then became the official publication of the WBA, further solidifying its role as a voice for the business community.
Transition to new leadership: Barbara Chase takes the helm
In 2020, after decades of dedicated service, Larson stepped down as president of the WBA and publisher of Business Pulse magazine. The WBA board appointed Barbara Chase as his successor, ushering in a new chapter for the organization and its flagship publication. “Barb is an extraordinary asset to the WBA, Business Pulse and the community,” Larson said. “Having been a business owner herself, she understands the many challenges and obstacles of running a business and how important it is to have the backs of those working so hard to support their employees.” Chase’s leadership continues to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors, ensuring that Business Pulse remains a vital resource for the local business community.
Reflecting on 50 Years: a legacy of impact
As we celebrate 50 years of Whatcom County Business Pulse, it’s clear that the publication’s impact extends far beyond its pages. From its humble beginnings as a tabloid newspaper to its evolution into a respected magazine and advocacy platform, Business Pulse has been a constant voice for the business community.
With more than 500 cover features and thousands of stories celebrating the accomplishments, challenges and insights of business leaders from all walks of life — from large corporations to mom-and-pop businesses, from seasoned veterans to rising entrepreneurs — Business Pulse brought many stories to light.
These stories aren’t just about successes; they are about the full spectrum of the human experience in business — the victories, the failures and the lessons learned along the way.
The journey has been marked by challenges, from floods to fires, but each obstacle has only strengthened the publication’s resolve. At its core, Business Pulse has remained committed to its founding mission: to uplift the individuals and businesses that drive Whatcom County’s prosperity and quality of life.
The contributions of Tony and Danielle Larson, along with their teams, have ensured that Business Pulse not only survived but thrived. Their shared vision and dedication to lifting the community created a legacy that continues to shape Whatcom County’s business landscape.
Larson said he believes Business Pulse Magazine has survived and thrived because of the business community buy-in and the unwavering dedication, skill and passion of its employees. He adds that every individual — past and present — has played a critical role in shaping the legacy of the past 50 years.
Today, as we reflect on five decades of history, we also look to the future. The business community continues to evolve, and so too will Business Pulse and the WBA, adapting to new challenges and opportunities while staying true to their core values.
Here’s to 50 years of Whatcom County’s Business Pulse magazine — and to many more years of championing local businesses, fostering community success and making a lasting impact.