Northwest Gold Coast

It seems that there are coffee shops on just about every corner in the Seattle area.  We Northwesterns love our java, but there is one locally owned coffee shop that stands out from all the others.

Mike’s Community Cup, a newer addition to the SeaTac community, is more than just your daily dose of caffeine. This locally owned, family operated business has a personal touch and gives back to the community. 10 cents from every beverage purchased goes back to organizations serving the SeaTac community including McMicken Heights Elementary School, SeaTac’s Back to School Resource Fair, Young Life, Des Moines Food Bank and local fire victims.

Mike Condon opened the shop in January 2009 across from Safeway on Military Road in SeaTac. Mike is a personable guy with a connection with his customers. Punch cards are held at the counter so customers don’t have to worry about carrying them around or losing them. Photography from local artists hangs on the wall for purchase.

The relaxed atmosphere has a draw for a wide audience with daily specials, a drive through, free wi-fi, a 42 inch Plasma tv, comfortable leather couches and a kids playing area. Sports fans are welcome to come in on weekends for some football and great drink specials.

The menu includes premium coffee beverages, hot, iced and blended, as well as Italian sodas, granitas and 8 flavors of delicious smoothies. Sizes of cup range from 8 ounces to 24 ounces. Along with the beverages, Mike’s also offers breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries and cookies. Breakfast sandwiches are a hot item because of their portion size, price and selection.

This is a great place to meet people in the neighborhood, have some truly great coffee, and help give back to the community.

For more info and map and location, visit their website at www.mikescommunitycup.com.

Tags: Dining by Risa Miller
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Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington contest is here again.  Each year, King 5 and Evening Magazine ask viewers and fans to nominate and cast votes for their favorite businesses around the Puget Sound, such as restaurants, coffee shops, salons, fitness centers, shops, boutiques and much more.   There are 178 categories to choose from with over 5800 nominees.

Making nominations and voting is easy.  Simply go online to http://best.king5.com and sign in, or create an account for free if you do not have one.  Browse the different categories to find your favorites, or even nominate one that has not been suggested.  And yes, you can and should nominate your own company and it is okay to campaign for votes.

All votes will be tallied and the winners of The Best of Western Washington will be announced in an upcoming episode of Evening Magazine.   The top five companies in each category are recognized.  The contest is widely recognized and it’s great exposure for the effort.  One voter says, “I know when I walk into a shop or restaurant with the sign ‘Best of the Northwest 2008′ I already have an assumed trust that it will be a good experience.”  And one candidate says, “Ask your clients to vote for you at point of sale and let them know how meaningful it is to the success of your business.”

Some of our favorites that have already been nominated are Smart Service Independent Subaru Expert, www.smart-service.com in the auto repair category, Poggi Bonsi & Cucina, www.poggibonsigifts.com in the housewares category,  and C’est la Vie, www.clvcatalog.com for best gift shop.

This contest ends October 11^th, so get online and vote for your favorites today.

Tags: Community Involvement by Michelle Leonard
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Is your business improving?

While some business owners look to their financials to determine whether their business is doing better, many small business owners also look to the following indicators.  They know business is better when:

1. Management isn’t panicked when some high maintenance customers go elsewhere.
2. Management begins to test new services and markets.
3. Pay raises and/or year-end bonuses are extended to staff.
4. More staff is hired.
5. Equipment and facilities are upgraded.
6. Logo, business cards, website and other marketing materials are updated.
7. The business supports a fundraising event.
8. The business sponsors a youth sports team.
9. The owner takes a vacation for the first time in years.
10. Some tasks are done “just for fun”.

Furthermore, the truly wise business owner will engage in the above activities even before business is really better.  This is because the wise business owner knows from experience that acting on the belief that something is better actually helps things move in the direction of getting better, just as priming a pump helps the water to flow more quickly and steadily.

Tags: Business Advice by Elizabeth Paulsen
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After the recent presidential election, people eagerly hoped to see the nation’s economy recover quickly.  People are reluctant to invest money in the stock market, and are wary of big government and corporations.

My hometown, Federal Way, is actively promoting the idea of shopping locally. The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce hopes to stabilize and strengthen the city’s economy by encouraging residents and businesses to buy locally.

Spending money in our community results in more sales taxes to city government.  It also helps local businesses sustain and create more jobs.

Before searching for a product or service on the internet, it makes sense to consider our hometown businesses first.  We may pay a few pennies more, but in so doing, we re-energize the whole idea of community and local prosperity.

While mobility was supposed to make the world smaller, it can isolate us from our neighbors.  If we drive 30 miles or order online from a company half a continent away, simply to save a percentage point or two, we miss the opportunity to connect in our hometown.   Local coffee shops, the nearby dairy, and the grocery that touts “locally grown” are places where we can rediscover our community and regain our humanity.

I am choosing to shop my hometown first.  Whether you are in Kent, Shoreline or Tukwila—why not make your next purchase in your hometown?

Tags: Community Involvement by Oksu Ellis
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Artwalk in Chinatown: See cool arts of many local artists. | Sat. 09/19/09, 5pm | International District 666 Jackson Seattle, WA 98104 |  For more info: 206-601-2981 http://www.socializr.com/event/418996268

Italian Festival: “Celebration of All Things Italian.” Includes food vendors, crafts, puppet theatre, Italian films, game contest and more. | Sat. 09/26/09-09/27/09 | Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion |  For more info: http://seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/festal/detail.asp?EV_EventNum=16

Family Fright Night: Tukwila Community Center welcomes you, your family and friends to join us for our fun filled Family Fright night on Thurs. Oct 29th from 6-8pm at the Tukwila Community Center.  Step into our spooky haunted house, enjoy fun carnival games, raffles, contests, and food.  Costumes are welcome and your donations of non-perishable foods for the Tukwila food pantry are gladly accepted at the door. For more info:  please follow the link at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/

STARS (State Training & Registry System): Educational Free Early Childhood Workshops. | Sat. 10/03/09-12/03/09 | King County Libraries | For more info: http://www.kcls.org/stars/

Taste of Tuscany: The city of Burien invites you to Taste of Tuscany at the Burien Community Center Auditorium, Friday Sept. 25th | 5pm-7pm.  Spend time with friends and family and get to know people in the community as you enjoy a wonderful spaghetti dinner and entertainment.  Cost is $8 per person.  Families welcome.   For more info:  Call 206-244-3686 or visit the link at :   www.burienwa.gov

TurkFest: Celebrates the multiple cultures, modern Turkey to the East and West. 10/17/09 & 10/18 | Seattle Center House |  For more info: http://seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/festal/detail.asp?EV_EventNum=18

Harvest Celebration Farm Tour: Come meet the local farmers and enjoy farm-fresh produce and chef demonstrations, tons of fun things for familes and kids with hay rides, live music, cider making, corn mazes, live animals and much more.  This event will be held around local farms in the area on Sept. 26th | 10am.  The cost is free, but suggested donations are greatly appreciated.  To find out more and a list of farms in your area that are hosting this event, please visit the website at: www.king.wsu.edu

Family Scramble: The community of Seatac invites families to come join the fun on Sunday, October 4th |11am-3pm | Valley Ridge Park in SeaTac.  This event will challenge you and your family as you chart your course through the parking using a map and compass to navigate looking for specific locations with questions to complete the scramble challenge.  Cost is $5. per family.  For more information | www.ci.seatac.wa.us/

Federal Way Farmers Market Chili Cook-Off: Attention chili lovers… This years chili cook-off is going to be held in  the Sears parking lot at ‘The Commons’ on 320th.  The chili cook-off is between the police vs the fire department.  You wont want to miss this.  Volunteers are also needed.  Sept. 26th | 11:30-1:30 and the cost is $10.  For more info, call  (253) 261-8157 or visit the website at:  www.federalwayfarmersmarket.com

Hoot ’n’ Howl: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, WA invites you and your family to this unique and fun experience as you take a night tram ride through lighted pathways and exhibits.  Wear your costumes and add to the fun with games, prizes and treats for everyone.  Oct. 23rd-24th |10am-4pm.  Cost is $6-$12.  For more information, map and driving directions, visit the website for Northwest Trek at:  www.seattlesouthside.com

The Great Wallingford Wurst Festival: This Seattle festival in the community of Wallingford offers a variety of foods, a rock climbing wall, games, prizes, inflatable rides, new and used book sales, craft vendors, and live entertainment.  This event will be held on Fri. Sept. 25th | 4pm-10pm  and Sat. Sept. 26th | 10am-10pm.  The festival is suitable for all ages and is free!  For more info, please visit the website at:  www.stbens.net

Northwest Tea Festival: Welcome to a celebration of the worlds favorite beverage, with tea tasting, world renowned presenters, shopping and more.  There is a suggested donation of $5 which includes a tasting cup and gift bag.  Oct. 3rd and 4th, 9am-6pm.  For more info. |  www.nwteafestival.com

Free First Friday: Bellevue Art Museum is having their Free First Friday of free admission.  Come view amazing and intriguing art and sculpures and much more.  Friday, Oct. 2nd  |11am-8pm.  Also remember that if you have kids, Saturdays at the Bellevue Art Museum offer ‘Get Crafty’ projects for kids for a $2 fee.  from 1pm-3pm.  For more info |   www.bellevuearts.org

The Puyallup Fair:  Packs a punch full of family fun. | 09/11/09-09/27/09 | Sun.-Thur. 10am-10pm, Fri, Sat 10am-11pm | Western Washington Fairgrounds, Puyallup | For more info: www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/

The Hi-Liners MainStage Presents ‘ Thoroughly Modern Millie’: Performing 4 shows at the Highline PAC on Sept. 19th at 7:30pm, Sept. 20th at 1:30 pm, Sept. 26th at 7:30pm and Sept. 27th at 1:30pm.  This production is an original Broadway version and is rated PG.  Ticket prices vary by show.  For more info., please call 206-617-2152 or visit the website at:  www.hi-liners.org

Fishermen’s Fall Festival: Free event celebrates local fishing fleet. The festival features industry-related exhibits and competitions, fundraising salmon barbecue, children’s activities and musical entertainment. |  Sat., 09/26/09 | 11am-dusk | Fishermen’s Terminal, 1900 W. Nickerson, Seattle, WA 98119 | For more info: 206-283-4665 | www.portseattle.org/

20th Anniversary Celebration: The Southwest King County chamber of commerce is celebrating 20 years of serving the business community.  This extravaganza is a party you wont want to miss.  This evenings event will be held on Sat. Oct 17th at the Seattle Airport Marriott.  The reception begins at 6pm with a silent auction, dinner and a program at 7pm followed by dancing.  Attire is gala/festive.  For more info and purchasing tickets to this event, please go to:  www. www.swkcc.org

St. Demetrios Greek Festival: The church annual fall festival. Taste great Greek food, kids games, arts, crafts and traditional Greek music and folk dancing. | Fri. noon-9pm., Sat. 10:30am-9pm., Sun. noon-7pm. |  For more info: http://www.seattlegreekfestival.com/

Maelstron Internationl Fantastic film Festival: Seattle Genre Film Festival| 09/18/20-09/20/09 | SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall Seattle  |  For more info: http://www.mifff.org/index2.html

Mysterious Gifts: Theater of Iran, Authentic piece of theatre art from Iran. | 09/24/09-10/11/09 | Seattle Children’s Theatre | For more info: http://www.sct.org/browse/Production.aspx?prod=6105

Museum Day 2009:  Enjoy area museums for free! | Sat. 09/26/09 |For more info:  http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html

Pacific Science Center Puyallup Fair:  3D Journey through the human brain with “Weird Al”.  Learn how the human body works and see real human organs! | All day, 10/03/09-01/03/10 | 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup, WA 98371 |  For more info: http://pacificsciencecenter.org/

Run Wild 8K/5K fun run &walk: Run through beautiful nature trails at Run Wild, Trek’s 8K/5K fun run and walk. | Sat. 09/19/09 | 8:30am-11am | For more info: http://www.nwtrek.org

Tags: Events by admin
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