Monday, June 15, 2009

Spokane’s Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) has received the 2009 Humanities Washington Award, the first time an organization has received this honor. The award recognizes "outstanding and exemplary achievement in the public humanities." Humanities Washington, formerly known as Washington Commission for the Humanities, is a statewide organization dedicated to the humanities.

Finders Keepers owner, Deena Caruso, recently branched out from her retail business, launching a new line of stylish headbands that are taking the international fashion scene by storm. Each piece in the D. Caruso line is completely one-of-a-kind and includes stones and crystals hand-selected by Caruso from old vintage jewelry pieces at her retail businesses. Her new venture was recently written up in the popular, national Instyle Bride magazine, comparing her work to the industry leader, Jennifer Behr. Caruso’s headbands will also be featured in next month’s issues of Italian Vogue and will be seen in the coming months in as many as 20 major fashion magazines. The pieces are also getting recognition from the entertainment world. Miley Cyrus has purchased 5, and the All My Children television show has ordered several for their characters. According to Instyle Bride, the line is quite affordable for custom work, with the most expensive headband priced at $400. Caruso owns Finders Keepers at 112 S. Cedar Street, 509-838-4590; and Finders Keepers II, 18 W Main Avenue 509-624-1251.

Great Customer Service Hall of Fame. Today we’re starting a new feature in How’s Business, suggested by Tom Rulon. When you experience superior customer service, please let us know the details and we’ll honor the person and the business here in the Great Customer Service Hall of Fame. Tom cites Charlie Miller (no relation to the founders), of Miller’s Hardware, 2908 E 29th Avenue, for outstanding customer service. And that’s saying quite a lot for this business, where Matt McCoury, the current owner, and all of the other employees provide the best service around. Tom says: "Charlie is an outstanding employee. He is very friendly and helpful with each customer. His knowledge of the retail hardware business is exceptional and he's a great asset to Miller's Hardware."

The Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau has earned accreditation from the Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). Only 93 destinations worldwide have earned the distinction. Spokane is the first destination in Washington State to earn DMAP accreditation. The accreditation standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships. For more information about our convention and visitor’s bureau go to www.visitspokane.com.

Kiemle and Hagood Company has sold their Friendly Parking Services operations to Republic Parking Northwest in order to focus more on their core business of commercial real estate. Republic, based in Seattle, is a recognized leader in technological advancement and controls in parking lots. It was founded in 1966, and controls more than 350 parking facilities spread over 90 cities across North America, Latin America, and Europe. They have retained the management and the rest of the Friendly Parking Services staff, and the only change you will notice is the Republic Parking name on the signage and uniforms.

ConoverBond Development is having an open house tomorrow, June 16, from 4 to 6pm, hosted by Rob Brewster at the Holley Mason Building, 157 South Howard. The company will present its future Spokane projects, offer tours of available spaces in the building, and introduce the new management team. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. ConoverBond Development focuses on urban redevelopment, including renovations of historic buildings and new construction projects, specializing in commercial and residential projects for a variety of industries including technology, health care, hospitality, and retail. For more information call 509-755-5555 or go to their websitewww.conoverbond.com.

The "Latah Creek Variety Market" is coming to the Latah Plaza this weekend, June 20-21. Besides vendors selling antiques, crafts, artwork and home decor items, growers from throughout the area will be selling an array of fresh homegrown fruits, flowers, vegetables and spices. More than 70 vendors and local artisans will be there, making it one of the largest street markets in the Inland Northwest of its kind. The event will have the feel and flavor of an old-fashioned, smoke-free bazaar, but with the intimacy and friendliness of a farming community get-together. Besides vendors with their goods and wares, a myriad of fun-filled activities for families with children are planned for both days. Events will include an old-fashioned pancake feed, a children's cakewalk, arts and crafts, live singing and dancing entertainment, and on-site food and drink, to name just a few of the activities. The location of the Latah Creek Variety Market is at the Latah Plaza located just off Highway 195. There will be free customer parking, and free admission.

Skyline Northwest presents "Trade Show Strategies for Today’s Economy," Wednesday, June 17, 9:30 am to noon, at their offices, 9922 E. Montgomery, #33. The free seminar will cover the latest best practices for all key parts of a successful trade show program. A bonus session on Better Booth Staffing will be offered from 1-3pm. Skyline, a national leader in trade shows, will present knowledge to help businesses become more successful exhibitors. They are also giving each participant their 68-page book, "Trade Show Marketing Kit," with tips, shortcuts and helpful planning worksheets, as well as their new 48-page book, "Booth Staffing Guidebook," which has articles, worksheets, and checklists to help you to better pick, train, and inspire booth staff to new levels of performance. You can register by or by calling 509-892-5354 or online at www.skyline.com/seminars.

Gina’s Design Corner, owned by Gina Cook and located at 1 North Browne in downtown Spokane, has been in business for over 4 years, specializing in space planning, custom flooring and window coverings and countertops. They have a large variety of materials and products to choose from and also offer unique specialty products, like bamboo and cork flooring, custom area rugs, among many other green products like paperstone and recycled glass countertops, very popular because of their renewable aspects. Gina’s Design Corner specializes in project management and will provide you with all aspects of your home project, from start to finish – a home consultation, creating your design, choosing materials, working with all the subcontractors and installation. For more information, visit www.ginasdc.com or call 509-624-2205.

Cindra Shields, owner of Graphic Business Systems, has received the first Power Woman Award by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, starting a new tradition at their Power Women’s Summit. The award is sponsored by Sterling Savings Bank and will become an annual tribute. Cindra Shields started a successful career in the publishing industry in California in 1988. She became active in the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce where she won the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000. In 2003 she moved to the Spokane area and chose to locate her business in Spokane Valley. She has become an active member of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and of the Inland NW Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). In 2006 she became the publisher of Remodel Spokane magazine. In 2007 the Spokane Home Builders Association honored her with the Presidents Award for Outstanding Service to the building industry. Congratulations Cindra!

Here’s your chance to be a Lifesaver. Last year, Spokane Parks Foundation gave out 800 swimsuits to children in need, up from 600 the year before. Though there will be fewer pools this summer, splash pads will be ready and in heavy demand. And all those children will need swimsuits, so donors have a chance to be real lifesavers this summer by providing quality suits to kids who need them. Also, day camps at local youth centers offer donors another way to be a lifesaver by funding a raft of activities, including music, science, art, and the outdoors. Donors can drop off NEW swimsuits from Monday-Thursday to the Spokane Parks Foundation office at 315 W Mission, Spokane, or make a donation to Spokane Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 2021, Spokane, 99210. To donate online, go to www.spokaneparksfoundation.org.

Merchants on Northwest Boulevard present "A Day on the Boulevard" this Saturday, June 20th. They’re offering classes, specials, refreshments and a drawing for a "Grand Prize". The participating merchants are: Down River Grill, Lil Garden Café, Polka Dot Pottery, Judy's Enchanted Garden Nursery, Uniquely Chic Gifts/Collectibles, and Hartwell's Home Furnishings. For more information contact Pam Stewart, event coordinator at 509-216-0457.

Quisenberry Marketing & Design, a full-service advertising, interactive and public relations agency with offices in Spokane and Seattle, has been awarded a 2009 National Gold ADDY for its work on the 2008 URM Annual Report. The National Gold ADDY is just the latest national award garnered by the agency. Previously this spring, Quisenberry was honored with one silver and two bronze 2009 National Telly Awards. You can see the award-winning URM Annual Report at their website, www.quisenberry.net, click on Print.

Washington Trust Bank and DeVries Business Services team up this Friday, June 19th, noon to 4pm, for a "Shred Day" at the bank’s East Sprague Branch, 3510 East Sprague Avenue, benefiting Lilac Services for the Blind. Destroying old, outdated personal documents is one of the simplest forms of identity theft protection one can take. The first two small boxes or grocery bags are complimentary, although a donation is suggested. For every box or bag over that, there is a charge of $5 with all proceeds benefiting Lilac Services for the Blind. Secure, on-site shredding will be provided by DeVries Business Services, a NAID AAA Certified company. For more information about DeVries Business Services or NAID Certification, visit their website at www.devriesinc.com., or call 509-838-1044 in Spokane, or 208-765-4397 in Coeur d’Alene.

LCD Exposition Services, Spokane’s premier full service trade show decorator, is celebrating 40 years of service to Spokane and the Inland Northwest. For many of the trade shows and consumer events you attend, such as the Spokane County Interstate Fair, Ag Expo, the Home Shows, and scores of other conventions, corporate and special events, more than likely, the décor has been set-up by LCD Exposition Services. Locally owned and operated by Ken Quimby and Barbara Lockard, LCD Expo also extends their services beyond trade shows and conventions to weddings, family reunions and employee recognition events. Their staff works with clients in planning every aspect of an event. For the budget-minded, LCD Expo offers do-it-yourself options, which provide economical ways for you to add something creative to your special event in your home, church, business or any location. For more information, contact LCD Exposition Services, at 509-325-9656 or visit their web site at www.lcdexpo.com.

Doug Greybill has joined CLS Mortgage as underwriter and manager of portfolio performance. He was previously with Genesis Financial and has over 25 years of mortgage experience.

Two weeks ago we mentioned that Aqua/Bluefish on the corner of Sprague and Lincoln, had closed it's doors and a new restaurant will open very soon in the very same spot. Now we can tell you more. The new restaurant will be called "Agave Latin Bistro". Ian Wingate, owner of the highly successful Moxie Restaurant has partnered with Sergio De Leon, owner of Sergio's Heroes & Legends and De Leon Mexican Deli. The property has been going through a minor renovation and a new sign will be installed shortly. The cuisine will be influenced and presented in an upscale Latin American flavor, utilizing the creativity and flair of Wingate and the resources of De Leon. An official opening date for Agave Latin Bistro will be announced shortly but in the meantime, you will be able to sample a small portion of their cuisine at the upcoming 8th Annual Taste Washington, Sunday June 21st at the Davenport Hotel, of which tickets are still available. For more information on Taste Washington, visit www.tastewashington.org.

Treat your Dad to a car show this Sunday! Wendle Motors presents a Father's Day Car Show on Sunday, June 21st, 11am-3pm at 9000 N Division Street. The event will be hosted by Classic Mustangs of Spokane. For more information, contact Randy at 509-926-1113.

The business thought of the week is from author William Arthur Ward: "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it."

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