Novelties, assorted oddities and a precious pup

The St. Helens neighborhood has a new neighbor! The Brownie Morrison boutique just moved in at 711 St. Helens #104. If you're looking for that perfect gift or something sassy for yourself, check it out and be sure to say hello to April - the mastiff rescue.

Tacoma Arts Commission keeps community art alive

The Tacoma Arts Commission recently awarded $45,000 in 2010 Arts Projects funding to 19 different Tacoma organizations in support of public outreach projects in the fields of music, dance, film, theater, literary and visual arts. The awards range in value from $1,000 to $4,000 and serve a cross-section of Tacoma’s community. For a complete listing of funding programs, publicly accessible funded projects and information about the Tacoma Arts Commission, visit www.tacomaculture.org.

McMenamins sets tentative opening date

The countdown can begin! McMenamins, the Oregon-based hotel and entertainment company, has tentatively set an opening date of St. Patrick's Day 2012 for its new restaurant and entertainment venue in the old Elks Temple. McMenamins plans restaurants, a brew pub, an entertainment venue and hotel rooms in the 93-year-old temple. Read more...

Local bizz is finalist for Inner City 100 list

SiteCrafting, a website design and web application development company with 24 employees, is a finalist for the Inner City 100 list of fastest growing inner city companies in America. The growing company has been headquartered in the Tacoma since 1998 and operating in Spokane since July 2009.

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national not-for-profit organization founded. ICIC's mission is to promote economic prosperity in America's inner cities through private sector engagement that leads to job, income and wealth creation for local residents.

Out with the old, in with the new with Tacoma’s First Night

Roar! Meet the New Year like a tiger, with dance, sculpture, music, drums, theater, nonsense, fire, and a tiger named Komandu at Tacoma’s First Night. First Night – Tacoma’s New Year’s Eve celebration – is an opportunity for friends and families to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new. For more information, visit the First Night Web site at http://www.firstnighttacoma.org/.

Save the date: City's MLK Day celebration, Jan. 18

Be sure to mark your calendar for the City of Tacoma’s 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration! The annual event is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. This year’s theme is “Unity in the Community.” For more information, contact the Human Rights and Human Services Department at (253) 591-5151 or www.cityoftacoma.org/hrhs.

A unique boutique has a new home on 6th Ave

Annette B., which started in 2003, recently moved to a new space at 2611 6th Ave. This unique boutique offers apparel, home, accessories and maternity clothes. The staff are dedicated to featuring designers who use their creativity to make beautiful and one-of-a-kind items. For store hours, more information or to shop, visit Annette B online at www.annetteb.com.

All a buzz… Vanilla Bean Cafe now open

Muffins, pastries, coffee and more are now available at the Vanilla Bean Café, 743 St Helens Ave. Making a move from 64th Street and Waller, the owner is excited to have a bigger, better space to serve customers on St. Helens across from City Hall. This is a “soft” open for the café a grand opening is scheduled for the first of the year. Hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Lecture on sustainability, economics and historic preservation, Dec. 7

You won’t want to miss a free presentation, Dec. 7, by Donovan Rypkema – a leading national figure in the field of historic preservation, economic revitalization and real estate market analysis. As a part of the City’s Historic Preservation Plan and Policy update project, Rypkema will discuss sustainability, economics and historic preservation, focusing on the importance of linking preservation strategies with community-wide goals for sustainability and economic development. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Carwein Auditorium, University of Washington Tacoma, Keystone Building Room 102.

Tacoma's Everest College branch grows

Everest College, a branch of Corinthian Colleges, expanded into approximately 29,000 square feet in two buildings, 2112 Pacific Ave. and the adjacent 2106-2108 Pacific Ave. Move-in is expected to be completed by January 1. The leases expands the college into 8,400-square-feet and 20,700-square-feet on Pacific Avenue.

All signs point to Tacoma

A local business is benefiting from our neighbors to the north. Canada's provincial government is paying Zumar Industries here in Tacoma to make road signs with Canadian stimulus spending. Zumar Industries has received more than $1 million in work from the B.C. government in the last four years. Read more...

Learn the nuts and bolts of art

A free, two-day arts symposium for artists and arts organizations is scheduled Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Nov.15 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on the University of Puget Sound campus. Sessions will include information on copyrights, marketing, fundraising, financial management, using the internet for promotion, public art and portfolio building. An arts legal clinic, offered by Washington Lawyers for the Arts, will offer artists and arts organizations low-cost, private legal consultations with a lawyer. Pre-registration for all sessions is required, as space is limited. To register, contact Naomi Strom-Avila at (253) 591-5191 or nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

It's official!

As of Friday, McMenamins now owns the Elks Temple, and the City owns the adjoining vacant land to the north. Ownership of the downtown Elks Temple and the adjacent property has officially changed hands. Read more from The News Tribune.

Take a studio tour

Get a look inside the working studios of 75 local artists and collaborative studios this coming weekend. This free, self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. The tour covers 39 locations throughout Tacoma. Attendees can meet the artists at work in their studios, see how art is created, purchase one-of-a-kind items and even create their own masterpiece. Visit www.ArtAtWorkTacoma.com for a complete list of studio locations and a map.

The Cinderella story

Read two refreshing blog posts on Tacoma...

• Tacoma: A weekend of glass appreciation and great cuisine
  by Suzanne Wright
• Destination: Tacoma, A West Coast diamond in the not-so-rough
  by Craig S. Bower
  

2009 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award winners announced

Gov. Chris Gregoire recently announced the 2009 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award winners. Five projects were recognized as models of success in creating jobs, building a skilled workforce and enhancing the economy in communities around the state. This year's Best Practice Awards recognize leadership and exemplary accomplishment in a project, program or initiative.

Don't miss Art at Work Month's opening celebration, Oct. 29

As part of Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, the public is invited to attend a free celebration Oct. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave. The event will include an award ceremony, live music by the Tacoma Youth Symphony, poetry readings, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a no-host bar and the museum galleries will be open for viewing. For more information about Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, go to http://www.artatworktacoma.com/ or contact Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191. Read the Tacoma Weekly article.

Hotel Murano ranks 6th in the U.S.

Tacoma's very own Hotel Murano just made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler: 2009 Readers' Choice Awards list. Ranking #6 in the U.S , the award-winning boutique hotel showcases the city’s local art and culture. Read more from The News Tribune...

Evergreen Tacoma Initiative will enable reinvestment, protect Puget Sound

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the City of Tacoma, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) held a joint news conference to announce and explain a proposed national model called the Evergreen Tacoma Initiative.

The Evergreen Tacoma Initiative takes a systematic approach to environmental cleanup by considering an entire area affected by soil and groundwater pollution, rather than by tackling the problem one parcel at a time. A team of representatives from state, county and local governments, private property owners, environmental consultants and other business professionals as well as non-profit organizations will work together to identify the system-wide sources of contamination and develop a cleanup and sustainable re-use plan to prevent re-contamination and enable reinvestment. This initiative will also help to protect Puget Sound. Learn more about it...

Tacoma tops the list

After a sharp decline in property values, the Tacoma housing forecast looks promising. Here is some good news for Tacoma homeowners: 10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets That Are Ready to Rebound.

McMenamins coming to Tacoma

Tacoma City Council unanimously approved three resolutions last night at the Council meeting that will pave the way for the restoration of the Elks Building on Broadway. When it's redeveloped the Portland-based McMenamins – a place for family and friends – has plans to move in. When the much anticipated McMenamins arrives, guests will be able to swim on the first floor, dance on the second floor, eat and drink on the third floor and sleep on the fourth floor!

Learn how to get free publicity at Sept. 23 Economic Gardening Workshop

At the Sept. 23 Economic Gardening Workshop, learn to create news the media can use to help you enhance your business. The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department will host the upcoming Economic Gardening Workshop - Free Publicity: How to Share your News to the Media on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Tacoma business owners can choose between two free sessions – 8-10 a.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound, Collins Library in McCormick Room #303 located at 1500 N. Warner St.

For more information or to reserve your spot by phone, contact Christine Clifford at (253) 573-2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.

Penuel Cafe now OPEN near City Hall

A new deli, grill and coffee café is now open for business at 744 Market St. across from the Tacoma Municipal Building (the space formerly occupied by the Java Bean coffee shop). They have an expansive breakfast and lunch menu including Belgian waffles, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. For more information, visit www.penuelcafe.com.

Successful 10th annual Bank to Bay

Whatever distance, whatever their reason for participating, whatever their age, over 2,000 people took to the streets of downtown Tacoma on Sunday, Sept. 13, for the 10th annual Bank to Bay 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids’ Run which started with a horn blow at 9 a.m.

“We are glad to be able to continue our partnership with KeyBank for the 10th consecutive year as a sponsor for this fun, family event,” said Tacoma City Manager Eric Anderson. “This is one of our many efforts to bring people into of our City so they can witness all of the growth and charm our community has to offer.”

Bank to Bay is co-sponsored by KeyBank and the City of Tacoma and has grown from an idea that developed in the year 2000 to promote Tacoma’s downtown revitalization efforts to become a popular community event that attracts runners and walkers from around the Puget Sound region.

Russell bids farewell to Tacoma

Russell announced last Wednesday it would move its headquarters and 900 local employees from Tacoma to the tower at 1301 Second Ave. in Seattle in 2010. President and CEO Andrew Doman said in a prepared statement that "the unique conditions of the commercial real estate market in Seattle" were a factor in the decision.

Russell Investments' parent company paid $115 million for the 42-story downtown Seattle tower known until recently as the WaMu Center, according to a document filed Thursday with King County.

City staff will continue to work with partners in the Tacoma Partnership to fill the current Russell headquarters building and to attract additional businesses to downtown Tacoma.

A new eatery and coffee shop near City Hall

A sign across Market Street from the Tacoma Municipal Building touts a new cafe, grill and coffee shop that promises to open soon in the space formerly occupied by the Java Bean coffee shop. Signage refers onlookers to check www.744MarketSt.com for information, and that link refers to the Penuel Cafe. No details yet on when the new eatery and coffee shop is scheduled to open.

New life for the 96-year-old Tacoma Elks building?

The News Tribune and Exit133 both offer stories today about potential new development that would make a major addition to the north end of downtown Tacoma, including the restoration of the Elks Temple building at 565 Broadway. Visit each site to join in the conversation about the potential project.

Mandolin Café goes gourmet

Mandolin Café, known for its in-house coffee roasting and live music, will unveil new menu items in early July. Staff will serve dishes such as a Vegetarian Sweet Potato Sandwich, Tamale Casserole and Pasta with Clam Sauce from the restaurant’s new kitchen. Located on South 12th Street near Proctor, the restaurant’s expansion into the former Valhalla Coffee Roaster space will allow the popular community gathering place to serve a more diverse, made-to-order menu. Owners Creig and Marla Kostoff received an $82,276 from Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority to help finance the expansion. As a part of the loan agreement, the restaurant will hire three full-time and one part-time employees. The remodel also includes the addition of a second bathroom and an enlarged banquet room that will seat up to 30. For more information, contact Genal Gavaldon at g.gavaldon@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5213.

New dining options on Tacoma Ave.

There’s new life coming to Tacoma Avenue! SideBar Bistro will open at 1101 Tacoma Avenue South by the beginning of September at the site of the former Kelly’s Restaurant in the historic Samuel Robertson building. Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority will support this new venture with a $150,000 low-interest loan that owners Thomas and JoAnna Irick will pay back over the next five years. The loan will help to provide working capital and finance improvement and equipment purchases for the restaurant. Job creation is one of the requirements of this type of loan, and SideBar Bistro will create six new full-time positions to help run the restaurant.

The site of the former Kelly’s Restaurant in the historic Samuel Robertson building has been vacant for the past five years. The new owners have completely remodeled the building and will occupy legal offices on the upper floors. SideBar Bistro will offer made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, healthy salads and comforting soups as well as delivery and take-out and espresso, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Genal Gavaldon at g.gavaldon@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5213.

The Irick’s, who since 2005 have operated the Hot Rod Dog at 1742 Pacific Ave. in the Old West Coast Grocery Building across from Union Station, will receive another $50,000 loan to expand that business. They will add sandwiches and paninis to their menu at the Pacific Ave. location, and will open a new Hot Rod Dog location next to SideBar Bistro. Hot Rod Dog will hire two additional full-time employees as part of that loan agreement.

Developers: Apply for RC tax deduction through Aug. 17

Developers who are looking for a competitive advantage can apply for Tacoma’s Commercial Revitalization Deduction (CRD) allocation. The City will grant the $12 million allocation of federal tax deductions to projects located in the Renewal Community Zone, which includes most of Tacoma’s downtown core, the Port area, Upper Tacoma and a portion of the city’s East side.

New construction and substantially rehabilitated projects that creates space for new jobs qualify for the tax credit. Any single project can qualify for up to $10 million for the credit, which can result in an accelerated depreciation schedule, and therefore, a lower tax bill. The financial relief comes early in the construction process when projects have higher expenses. As one of the nation’s urban Renewal Communities, Tacoma receives the CRD allocation annually from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Unless Congress extends it, this is the final year for the program, so buildings have to be in service by the end of 2010.

Pacific Plaza, Rainier Connect, Thea’s Landing, Ted Brown Music Building, Albers Mill, Marriott Courtyard, Rainier Pacific, Fraternity Hall, Shuffleboard building, Atrium Court, Bridge Lofts, Carlile Transportation Systems freight facility, McFarland Cascade shipping center, Sun-In trans-load facility, First Swedish Baptist Church building, the Kress-Payless, Ford building and auditorium and the Foss Landing building are all projects that have been awarded a CRD allocation.

Applications are available beginning July 6 and are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 17 and are available at through the Community and Economic Development Department, 747 Market St., Room 900, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or contact Debbie Bingham at (253) 591-5117 or debbie.bingham@cityoftacoma.org,

Metal-Urge heats up this weekend

Metal-Urge, a city-wide celebration of the metal arts, gets underway this weekend and continues through Sept. 20. This unique event offers 23 venues exhibiting the work of more than 100 artists whose metal work includes jewelry, sculpture, vessels, hardware, home décor, enamel and artifacts. In addition to art exhibits, there's opening parties, community festivals, workshops, lectures and moreTo see the entire Metal-Urge lineup visit http://www.tacomaculture.org/. You can also pick up a copy of the brochure at many galleries and museums around Tacoma. See related post.

Today's forecast: It's raining in Water Forest

Although crews will continue to fine-tune the water and fiber optic systems in the days ahead, the replanting of Water Forest is complete. And it's raining again! This weekend might be a good time to cool off in Water Forest.

Know your cash flow

It's not too late to sign up for "Cash Flow Planning for your Business," on June 10. The City of Tacoma's Community and Economic Development Department's Economic Gardening workshop is free for Tacoma business owners. Register online for one of these free sessions—8-10 a.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. See related post.

Water Forest: Replanted

Crews began work today reinstalling Water Forest, a public art piece by Howard Ben Tre', in its native habitat at the Esplanade plaza in front of the Museum of Glass. The renewed art piece features safety and stability improvements, and by July 1, the water should again flow from the unique glass-like and bronze cylinders.

The newly engineered cylinders are made of acrylic instead of Pyrex® glass. And each of the 20 cylinders includes four stainless steel rods that connect the acrylic tube with its bronze base. In the previous version, the two pieces were glued together. Each cylinder will be bolted to the ground rather than welded.

The City hired Seattle-based Pinwheel Corporation to reengineer and fabricate the refurbished piece. City Public Works crews will complete the installation within a couple of days and will fine tune the electrical, fiber optic and water systems throughout June. For more information, contact amcbride@cityoftacoma.org.

DaVita stays in Tacoma

DaVita, the city’s second-largest private employer with 900 employees, announced May 29 that the company will stay at its current location in Tacoma and will sublease at least three floors in the Columbia Bank Center building.

“DaVita’s future expansion plan will help to strengthen our local employment picture, it will contribute to keeping our local higher education options strong, and the company’s presence in and contributions to our community will enhance the vitality and livability of our city,” said Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma.

Over the past year, DaVita had explored the possibility of moving its headquarters to other locations in the South Sound. In a statement issued by the company, DaVita Vice President and Controller Jim Hilger said, “The City of Tacoma and the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County have gone out of their way to assist DaVita during our search for solutions to our local office space needs.”

Ryan Petty, director of the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department, celebrated the decision. “DaVita recognizes that, even during this time of slower economic growth, the City and its partners are working together to set the table for the economic recovery that’s ahead. We are working hard and working smart to prepare for future growth, and their decision shows they desire to be a part of that,” he said.

Up for a little chit chat?

Want to hear about great creative work? Join the conversation at Pecha Kucha Night. Pronounced Pe-CHAW Ke-CHAW, it means “chit chat” in Japanese. Already in 200 cities around the globe, the movement debuts in Tacoma 5:30 p.m. June 3 at the New Frontier Lounge.

Klein Dytham architecture created the event in Japan in 2003 as a way for young designers to meet, network and show their work. Each presenter shows 20 slide images for 20 seconds each, with six minutes and 40 seconds for each presentation—no go-backs, pauses or do-overs.

Some of Tacoma’s creative finest are set to present at Tacoma’s first PK Night. Volume 01 celebrates our hometown and 12 artists, musicians, designers, architects who influence it. The inaugural presenters include Jennifer Adams, Beautiful Angle, Oliver Dorris, Lisa Fruichantie, Elias Hansen, Rachel Moorehead, Chris Sharp, Michael Sullivan, Jennifer Weddermann-Hay, and Shannon Eakins and Marc Dombrosky.

For more information, visit www.pecha-kucha.org, then click on the link to Tacoma’s site. Email the organizer at pechakucha.tacoma@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to present at a future PKN.

Winter & Company to make historic preservation improvements

The City of Tacoma wants to make sure that new development work and historic preservation interests are in synch. Tacoma Community & Economic Development Department has selected the nationally known firm Winter & Company to make it happen. “We’re interested in providing more clarity and certainty for developers and the preservation community,” said Reuben McKnight, Historic Preservation Officer. For the $100,000 project, Winter & Company will scour the City’s development and historic preservation policies for inconsistencies and make recommendation for relevant updates to the City’s comprehensive plan; update the historic building inventory, which now numbers approximately 2,000 properties; and create a more user-friendly database of those properties. The City Council committed funds to this project and a related review of the City’s archaeological resource protection policies to make development easier while protecting the integrity of the City's unique historic building stock.

Metal-Urge to galvanize arts community

No, it’s not a reunion of 1980s bands with big hair. Metal-Urge is an arts event that will forge the talents of more than 100 metal artists at 24 downtown Tacoma venues.

From June 6-Sept. 20, Metal-Urge events and exhibits should attract people to the South Sound’s downtown like magnets to metal, says Event Organizer Amy McBride, who is the City of Tacoma’s Arts Administrator. “Puget Sound has become known for its work in metal arts, and Metal Urge combines the talents of many of these artists so that visitors will experience the very best and most unique metal work.”

It coincides with two major metal art-oriented exhibits at Tacoma Art Museum, “Ornament as Art” and “Loud Bones.” See the list of participating venues and learn more. Get up-to-date exhibit infomation at http://www.tacomaculture.org/. For more information on Metal-Urge, contact Amy McBride at (253) 591-5192 or amcbride@cityoftacoma.org. Photo courtesy of Vinosus® Jewelry

Blue Mouse, TV Tacoma receive awards

The Blue Mouse Theatre and TV Tacoma recently received State Historic Preservation Officer’s Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Historic Preservation. The Blue Mouse Theatre, built during the silent movie era, achieved the recognition for its long-time community-led volunteer effort to continue operation of this historic, single screen theater. TV Tacoma was recognized for its array of feature length historical programs that highlight Tacoma’s many architectural landmarks. Learn more about the State awards. In addition, the City of Tacoma’s Landmarks Preservation Commission chose the Blue Mouse Theatre as one of its winners of the 2009 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Awards. The awards recognize accomplishments in preservation-related efforts, including nominations to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, historic preservation and public service. See the City's other award winners.

Grow your cash flow

Certified Public Accountant Audrey Godwin says that one of the primary reasons businesses fail is because business owners run out of cash. “Knowing what your cash balances are today and during the next six months is essential for a healthy and sustainable business,” she said.

If your small business' cash flow needs a little TLC, attend a June 10 City of Tacoma Economic Gardening workshop. There, Godwin will give advice on how to plan and manage cash flow more efficiently. Tacoma business owners can register online for one of these free sessions—8-10 a.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. The workshops will be held at Evergreen State College-Tacoma Branch, 1210 6th Ave., Room 105. Parking is available in the campus lot in front of the building. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

For more information or to reserve your spot by phone, contact Christine Clifford at (253) 573-2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.

Northwest Rental Dealers meet May 14

The Northwest Rental Dealers Association will meet May 14 for the group’s annual business meeting at the La Quinta Hotel. At the conference, members will hear about local business concerns, get federal and state legislative updates, and consider adding the state of Alaska to its membership. The group currently includes membership from the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For more information, email mevans@rtohq.org.

Progressive Dinner, Dancing on 6th Ave.

On May 20, Take in some of 6th Avenue’s most popular restaurants at Studio6Ballroom's progressive dinner, “A Taste of Asia.” Sample fare from Wild Orchid, Gateway to India and North China Garden. Complete the evening with live dance music from Maia Santell & House Blend at Studio6, 2608 - 6th Ave. Purchase tickets before May 17 for $35 per person and $45 after at all participating locations. For more information, call (253) 905.5301 or visit Studio6Ballroom.

Hughes Group moves here, creates jobs

In June, Hughes Group, LLC, will relocate from Lakewood to Upper Tacoma. Owner Patrick Hughes expects to create about 15 new jobs at his facility management services company. The company will purchase and improve a 10,000 square-foot building at 6th Avenue and Sprague Street, located in one of the City’s renewal areas.

Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority (TCRA) provided a $450,000 loan to assist with the $1.2 million project, which includes additional funding from the Grow America Fund—a Small Business Administration program. Hughes Group will occupy a little over half of the space to consolidate its warehouse, office space and small showroom. The African American Resource Center, a counseling consortium, and B&I, which provides drug testing and home monitoring for state agencies, also lease space in the building.

The Puget Sound Business Journal recognized the Hughes Group as the seventh-fastest-growing minority-owned business in Washington State in 2008. The firm ranked third on that list in 2007. For more information, contact Genal Gavaldon at g.gavaldon@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5213.

Go fresh at Tacoma Farmer’s Market

Beginning May 21, people who live, work of visit downtown can once again shop for all things fresh at the Tacoma Broadway Farmer’s Market. Each Thursday from 9 a.m-2 p.m. until Oct. 15, shoppers can enjoy more than 80 booths of local produce, flowers, art, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more. To learn more, visit http://www.tacomafarmersmarket.com/ or call (253) 272-7077.

Farmers Markets in Tacoma, Pierce County

The Proctor Market at North 27th and Proctor streets, which takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. until Nov. 2, offers the longest season of any area market. It features meats, cheese, bakery items, hot foods and limited produce, as well as cooking and gardening demonstrations and children’s activities. Other area markets include the Sixth Avenue Market at Pine Street and Sixth Avenue, offered Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. from June 2-Sept. 29; The Gig Harbor Market, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through September; and the Puyallup Market at Pioneer Park, offered Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through October and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through August.

Nuco sets up shop in William Factory

Nuco Healthcare, LLC, will soon hire four new staff members to connect medical personnel with jobs. The medical staffing company, which also has offices in Shoreline and in Pleasanton, Calif., will open a location at the William Factory Small Business Incubator by early June. A $100,000 loan through the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority (TCRA) will help fund the recruiting positions. Nuco has staffing contracts with hospitals, assisted living facilities as well as correctional, detox and mental health facilities in Washington and California. It also offers home care services. For more information, contact Genal Gavaldon at g.gavaldon@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5213.

Get your Go Local on

Go Local Tacoma helps Tacoma get to know itself better. A growing movement to strengthen our local economy, Go Local uses sustainable resources and sound business practices to connect local customers to local business owners.

Learn more about Go Local at these events:

• May 19—Tacoma Shop Talk, 5 p.m., Varsity Grill, 1114 Broadway. Meet others who care about Tacoma’s local business community.
• May 21—Go Local Tacoma Day at the Broadway Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  

For information on these and other Go Local events, visit http://www.golocaltacoma.com/ or email info@golocaltacoma.com.