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.