A Seattle magazine has touted Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and its director, Mike Kluse, in its latest issue.

The story in the July issue of Seattle Business will help raise the lab's visibility and reputation on the west side and along the I-5 corridor, said lab spokesman Greg Koller.

Business, government, academic leaders and decision-makers west of the Cascades are aware of the lab's work in energy, environment, and national security issues and promoting scientific innovation, he said.

The story should inform readers in the Seattle area who are unfamiliar with PNNL about its work, particularly to promote renewable energy and how the lab is helping make the country secure, Koller said.

PNNL regularly gets a patent for a new invention, and over the years, through its Technology Assistance Program has helped many tech-oriented businesses in the Puget Sound area to improve their products and services, said Gary Spanner, manager of the economic development office at the lab.

For example, the lab recently helped Blood Cell Storage in Seattle iron out flaws in their equipment that monitors the quality of blood stored in the company's proprietary bags, Spanner said.

Spanner said he often makes presentations, particularly in Washington, to professionals from the technological and business world to tell them how they can partner with the lab to overcome specific technology challenges using the lab's expertise and the use of its advanced research facilities.

w Pratik Joshi: 582-1541; pjoshi@tricity herald.com; Business Beat blog at www. tricityherald.com