October a busy start to fourth quarter in Whatcom County

October was a busy start to the fourth quarter of 2011 in terms of economic activity in Whatcom County.
Along with a variety of business expansion announcements and moves, one of Whatcom's largest manufacturing employers went through a contentious contract negotiation. Workers at Alcoa Intalco Works voted to strike on Friday, Oct. 14, but remained on the job as long as progress was being made in negotiations. After two weeks, the union members voted to accept a revised contract offered by the company.