by Ralph Nichols

An international spotlight will focus on Des Moines during the 1st World Emerging Industries Summit 2010 in China, which Mayor Bob Sheckler will attend Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

“I just got confirmation that I will be allowed, as requested, to make a speech on behalf of the city promoting local development,” Sheckler told The Waterland Blog in an Aug. 19 interview.

“This excites me and challenges me. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime, if ever. These are people who represent Fortune 500 companies,” Sheckler said.

“Des Moines, with a population of 30,000, has the opportunity to be promoted before all these international investors and developers in China.”

He added that “a lot of my ability to even go there is due to the city council’s support and help in paying for my trip.” The Des Moines Rotary Club also donated $500 to help with his airfare.

Referring to his successful China trip last November – which he paid for himself and which landed a multi-million-dollar hotel for Des Moines on Pacific Highway S. – Sheckler noted, “If it wasn’t for that trip I wouldn’t have been invited [to this summit].

“This trip is based on relationships I built with government officials and investors I made then. Otherwise this invitation wouldn’t have come my way.”

That invitation came from Wang Rulin, governor, Jilin Province of China, Dominique de Villepin, global chairman of the Asia-Pacific CEO Association Worldwide, and Zheng Xiongwei, global executive chairman of the association.

Sponsored by the Chinese government, the summit – “New Industrial Revolution & Green Economy” – will feature business talks on investment, cooperation and technology exchanges, and promotion of international economic cooperation in emerging industries.

International political leaders, ministers and elected representatives of federal, state, provincial and local governments, CEOs, representatives of industry and related international organizations, and top economists will attend.

“There won’t be a lot of time for one-on-one discussions, which makes my talk all the more significant,” Sheckler said.

Topping his list as he promotes the city will be the planned 89-acre Des Moines Creek Business Park just west of Pacific Highway north of S. 216th St. Des Moines will regulate land use planning and zoning since the business park is within its city limits.

The property is owned by the Port of Seattle, which supports Sheckler’s upcoming efforts in China to attract businesses to this planned development.

He will also highlight opportunities for commercial and residential development in the downtown Marina District, especially along Marine View Drive and 7th Ave. S.

“And there remain a lot of places for development along Pacific Highway in addition to the planned Waterview Crossing project and the 300-room hotel with a four- or five-star true Chinese restaurant.”

Sheckler recalled that the hotel originally was going to be built in Tacoma until he developed an international business relationship with its Chinese investor.

Earlier, he said the city’s efforts to attract international developers and investors have “to be a two-way street. We can’t just take and not give. They are looking for good opportunities for investments in Des Moines that will give them a good return for their dollar. Their interest is in profitable investments.

Chinese investors like the Des Moines area because they can’t get its views of Puget Sound anywhere else “without paying premium dollars for them,” Sheckler added. “And the marina is a huge attraction to them.”

This week, our decision to “take the pledge” to the TAO of Journalism came to fruition, and we’d like our Readers to know about it.

The “TAO of Journalism” is, quite simply, a “promise to your audience that you will be Transparent about who you are, Accountable for your mistakes, and Open to other points of view.”

Here’s how this concept originated:

At a Journalism That Matters conference in Washington, D.C., in 2008, John Hamer of the Washington News Council was thinking about how journalists demand that everyone they cover be transparent, accountable and open — but what about journalists themselves? Isn’t it a two-way street? He realized those three words spelled “TAO” and proposed a breakout session on the “TAO of Journalism.” About two dozen conference attendees showed up to discuss the idea and help refine it.

In 2009, at another Journalism That Matters gathering at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hamer floated the idea again and convened another breakout session. Several attendees came and talked it over — including Tom Stites of The Banyan Project, who encouraged Hamer to pursue it.

At a third Journalism That Matters event at the University of Washington in Seattle in January 2010 (Editor’s Note: this is where we first met John and learned of this concept), the “TAO of Journalism” was informally launched. Several attendees took the “TAO pledge” and/or bought T-shirts displaying a TAO logo. Others signed up at a Society of Professional Journalists convention in Seattle in April 2010.

We now proudly publish the pledge we took for not only The Waterland Blog, but for our five sister sites as well:

Transparent
We will fully disclose who we are, our journalistic mission and our guiding principles. We will post information on our background and expertise, including education and experience. We will list advertisers, donors, grants, and any other payments that support our work. If affiliated with a political party or special-interest group, we will disclose that. If lobbying for any particular legislation or regulation, we will disclose that. If we are being paid to promote a product or cause, we will disclose that. If other factors could be seen as potential conflicts of interest, we will disclose them. (NOTE: The principle of transparency does not apply to confidential sources, who may still be protected.)

Accountable
If we get any facts wrong, we will admit that promptly and publicly. We will post/publish/print/podcast/broadcast a correction or at least a clarification. We will fully explain what happened to cause the error or mistake. We will do a follow-up story if that is appropriate, putting the original material in better context. We will apologize and promise to be more careful next time. We will show a little humility.

Open
If there are credible challenges to our point of view or simply differences of opinion, we will be open to contrary positions. We will give the other side(s) opportunity and space to express their views and engage in open public dialogue through comments or other means. If we are primarily engaged in opinion and commentary, rather than news reporting, we will make that clear – while inviting others to express their opinions through comment and feedback means.

We do not necessarily agree to abide by any particular code of journalism ethics or professional standards, although we may choose to do so. If we do, we will declare that publicly. If we don’t, we will declare that as well. We understand that this will not be enforced by any outside organized group. It will be overseen by everyone on the Internet who wants to see high standards of transparency, accountability and openness in journalism – through whatever media platform.

We understand that if someone using the “TAO Seal” starts violating its basic principles, they will be admonished, criticized, reprimanded and embarrassed in public through the awesome power of the Internet. Call it “crowdsourcing” ethics and accuracy. In summary, we believe that Transparency, Accountability and Openness are keys to our personal credibility and public trust.

So…what the heck does this mean to our Readers?

• It means that you can rest assured that if we have a bias or agenda, we’ll do our best to openly disclose it.
• If we make a mistake, we’ll do our best to correct it.
• And, as we’ve showed in the past by allowing anonymous Comments and Forum Postings, we’ll continue to allow contrary points of view, as long as they’re not libelous, or contain naughty words.

by Ralph Nichols

Other Highline-area cities – Burien, SeaTac and Tukwila – have economic development directors or managers. So do other neighboring cities including Federal Way and Kent.

But until now, Des Moines has gone without one – despite a sagging local economy and a need for the city to position itself to attract new retail and other businesses when recovery begins.

That changed when the Des Moines City Council, on a 4-2 vote, created the position of “temporary full-time economic development manager.”

City Manager Tony Piasecki advised the council that, if they approved the proposal, he would appoint Marion Yoshino as the city’s first economic development manager. Yoshina had worked as a volunteer in that capacity since early this year.

She will be paid $70,512 – at $40 an hour – through next April 30, the equivalent of an annual salary near the lower end of the range for similar positions in some other suburban cities in the Puget Sound area.

“Some businesses have survived the recession well,” Piasecki told council members. “They’re the ones we want to bring here. We need to have our act together … to welcome them to our city … to go out and find them.”

Since coming to the city as a volunteer, Yoshino “has shown a tremendous amount of growth,” he continued. “She relates well to those businesses we want to attract.”

Mayor Bob Sheckler and council members Matt Pina, Dan Sherman and Carmen Scott voted to create the position. After voicing concern about city priorities after sharp budget cuts were made in the 2010 budget, Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Kaplan and Councilwoman Melissa Musser voted no.

“I agree there’s a need, but reluctantly I can’t support it,” said Kaplan, noting that utility tax revenue has dropped for the first time this year.
He questioned the city’s ability to pay for the new position for a third of next year and, noting there are other areas in which the city could apply $70,000, said “I just can’t, in good conscience, commit additional resources.”

Musser called the position “a luxury I wish we could have. But it doesn’t feel right. I can’t put it up there on my list of priorities.”

Pina, also wrestling with committing the funds for a new position, observed “that what makes this different is that it can be a revenue-generating opportunity … if we lose momentum here, it will be pretty hard to get it back. It will cost us more in the long run not to do this than to do it.”

Although absent, at a previous meeting Thomasson had stated his opposition to the move, calling it the “camel’s nose under the tent” and urging that the funds – from business and occupancy (B&O) tax revenues that are higher than anticipated – be used to help rehire a police officer.

Sheckler said, however, that “neighboring cities are getting ahead of us … we’re giving them an advantage. When the recession ends, I want us to get off to a running start.”

Acknowledging the difficult decisions Kaplan and Musser had to make, he added that what they said about the economy and city priorities are “very important … things we should keep in mind, too.

Has Kim at Waterland Blog advertiser Kimberley’s Exquisite Jewelry in Des Moines recently gone bananas?

You tell us:

Kim has decided to give away .10 pt and under diamonds just for having your rings repaired now through Sept 15th.

“Many women with diamond rings that have many diamonds, are always seeming to miss a few small stones. By running this first-time ever promotion, I can not only help them fill in the blanks on their rings, but I can tighten the stones they do have, thus making their rings as good as new,” explained Kim.

Basically all Kimberley’s repair customers will be paying is the cost of labor.

You’ll find Kimberley’s Exquisite Jewelry at 22221 7th Ave  in Des Moines.

The store is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Get your rocks replaced at Kimberley’s, now through Sept 15th.

WLB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Happy Thursday Loyal Blog Readers! The best thing about Thursdays, besides All You Can Eat Fish and Chips at Archery, is our August Car Show Event! Every Thursday of this month we have designated front row parking for you and your classic car or motorcycle! Come show us your ride and receive drink specials! We plan on having some great cars tonight, come see if yours is better!

Since we talked last, I have added a couple new items to our menu. We switched up our Clams and Mussels dish to Clams ONLY and it comes with a Smoked Tomato Butter with white wine and ginger. We also added a Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta with Pesto Cream sauce. It is selling like hot cakes! It started off as a dish I made for our after work staff meal and turned into a sensation! And if you’re one of our bar customers, don’t worry, we haven’t left you out. Introducing Cheese Fries!! Inspired by my brother “because he doesn’t eat “Normal” food,” our cheese fries come with Apple Bacon and White Cheddar Cheese. Come down and have some fries and watch some Pre-Season Football tonight!!!

Always,
Chef Brandon

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by Ralph Nichols

That retail activity is lagging in Des Moines comes as no surprise to city leaders, who continue to deal with a struggling “main street” on Marine View Drive, along with slumping sales tax revenue.

Now a survey conducted by the city reports that almost half of all responding Des Moines businesses – 41.5 percent – say their current volume of customers is less than what they need.

The same number of businesses – in both the downtown Marina District and along Pacific Highway South – says their customer traffic is just “OK.”

Only 17 percent of those responding said the number of people walking through their doors is “excellent.”

Results of the survey, which was mailed on May 15 to 332 licensed businesses, were recently reported to the city council by Marion Yoshino – now the city’s full-time Economic Development Manager.

Only 58 businesses responded to the survey. Yoshino told council members the low response may be due in part to difficulty owners for whom English is a second language had with the questionnaire.

She also noted that “those who had a strong opinion to express would be more likely inclined to respond … those businesses that are successful may be otherwise occupied and not take time to complete a survey.”

For these and other reasons, the survey provides insights into the local business community, but is not statistically valid.

Still, “this does give us some clear ideas about how we can move forward,” Yoshino said. “It also says to business, ‘We have heard you.’”

The best news for Des Moines, based on the information received, is that over 75 percent of responding businesses intend to remain in the city for at least the next three years:

• 48.1% plan to remain at their current location
• 15.4% will expand or remodel at their current location
• 13.5% will relocate within the city

Another 19.2 percent plan to relocate outside Des Moines, and 1.9 percent each will sell their business or the owners will retire.

More good news for the city is that 19 percent of businesses that have had interactions with local government in the last three years described their experiences as “excellent”; 57.1 percent called them “good.”

The city was given a “fair” rating by 16.7 percent, while only 7.1 percent described them as “poor.”

Beyond these encouraging findings, Mayor Bob Sheckler noted that a renewed Destination Des Moines (read our previous coverage here) is taking on “a brand new scope” to promote the city.

Destination Des Moines “will no longer be working on the premise of becoming a new Chamber of Commerce … it will be working on [local] events.

“Hold on and see what happens,” Sheckler added. “It’s going to be a pleasant surprise for everyone … next year’s Waterland Parade will be something else.”

The survey also underscored the small-business nature of much of the commercial activity in Des Moines. Ninety-six percent of responding businesses have eight or fewer full-time employees, with over 40 percent having only one employee.

In addition, 55.8 percent said the city “should take action to promote better maintenance or renovation” of commercial buildings and adjacent areas.

Responses to suggestions for ways the city might improve its downtown and highway business districts include:

• Colorful banners and flower pots along arterials and public art:
  • Very helpful: 47.3%
    
  • Somewhat helpful: 43.6%
  • Not helpful: 9.1&
• Pedestrian-friendly features such as sidewalks, benches, lighting improvements:
  • Very helpful: 54.5%
    
  • Somewhat helpful: 32.7%
  • Not helpful: 12.7%
• More police patrols:
  • Very helpful: 25%
  • Somewhat helpful: 34.6%
  • Not helpful: 40.4%
    
• A promotional city website that highlights Des Moines attractions:
  • Very helpful: 57.7%
    
  • Somewhat helpful: 32.7%
  • Not helpful: 9.6%
• Relaxing building or sign code restrictions:
  • Very helpful, 47.3%
    
  • Somewhat helpful: 27.3%
  • Not helpful: 25.5%

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a beautifully-maintained, spacious 5-bedroom home, right on Glen Acres golf course.

Charming landscaping boasts a park-like setting. There’s also an attached garage, 12×16 shop and updated kitchen. Downstairs features generous family room with fireplace.

Two huge bedrooms with his and her closet space and a full bathroom – A MUST SEE.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 8th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 11011 14th Ave South; West Seattle, WA 98168

INFO:

• List Price: $278,000
• Listing #: 103612
• Beds: 5
• Baths: 2
• Year Built: 1961
• Garage-Attached
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,080
• Lot Square Footage: 8,142

Interior Features:

• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Dining Room

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• Gas Available
• Outbuildings
• Patio
• Shop

Marketing Remarks:

Beautifully maintained home, right on Glen Acres golf course.

Charming landscaping boasts park like setting.

Come home to your spacious 5 bedroom home with attached garage, 12×16 shop and updated kitchen.

Downstairs features generous family room with fireplace.

Two huge bedrooms with his and her closet space and a full bathroom.

A MUST SEE!

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

WLB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Hello August! And hello blog followers! It’s been really hot in the Archery Bistro kitchen and it has us thinking about ‘Hot August Nights,’ the annual car show in Reno. Starting TONIGHT and EVERY Thursday in August we will have our own version! We are fortunate to have a large parking lot for you to show off your classic cars and bikes to the public and we will offer food and drink specials for all participants! Call your friends, bring your cars and bikes and enjoy a fun evening with us!

This past Tuesday was the one year anniversary of the First Avenue construction that I am properly dubbing “The Fiasco on First.” We are celebrating (or not celebrating) this fantastic date by offering a free appetizer with your entrée purchase. Just say “Fiasco” and the appetizer is yours! This offer is good through this Saturday August 7th.

I wanted to give you all a heads up about a super delicious dinner special that we are going to run this weekend; Bacon Wrapped Eastern Sea Scallops. These will make a return to our special menu because of their popularity! Come on in and have a little taste of love this weekend!

Until Next Time,
Chef Brandon

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events. Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Happy Thursday! Thanks to all of you who came out last Sunday for our Waterbrook Wine Dinner! It was great! The winemaker was handing out prizes after testing the diners on their wine knowledge! Don’t forget, the Normandy Park Hoop Fest will be taking place in our parking lot here at Archery Bistro this Saturday! We will be offering various lunch items and ice cold beers!!! Come down and check it out! Starting in August (dates to be determined) we will be doing “Hot August Nights.” Our parking lot will be transformed into a classic car show, with music, food, and drinks! Stay tuned for more info. Geez there is a lot going on down here! Sundays we have been selling food at the Music In the Park concert series at Mar Vista Park. We will be there this weekend selling some of our signature items!! Bring cash!! We have many events lined up for the month of August so we won’t be doing an August wine dinner. However, we have an award winning winery, Dutch John’s from Wenatchee, slated for September. It is sure to be a delicious evening! Stay tuned for the menu! Until next time!!! – Chef Brandon

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a totally-remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains.

This home features hardwood floors, six-panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows and much more.

There’s a large family room off the living room that leads to huge covered deck overlooking a fenced back yard, along with raised gardens and breathtaking views!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, July 25th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 4846 S 170th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188

INFO:

• List Price: $274,950
• Listing #: 107062
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 2
• Year Built: 1948
• 2-car Garage
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,840
• Lot Square Footage: 11,325

Interior Features:

• Ceiling Fan(s)
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• French Doors

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• High Speed Internet
• Outbuildings

Marketing Remarks:

Total remodel 3 years ago, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with Mt Rainier, Valley and Cascade Mt views!

Home features hardwood floors, 6 panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows, electric & plumbing.

Large family room off the living room leads to huge covered deck overlooking fenced back yard, raised gardens and breath taking views!

Deep 2 car garage with opener and shelves.

Lot of extra storage, private setting in back yard.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website read by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

A Business Recycling Collection Event is planned for Thursday, July 29th from 11am – 4pm at the Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

The event is sponsored by the cities of Burien, Des Moines and Normandy Park.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Business Recycling Collection Event.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 2010 11am – 4pm.

WHERE: WA State Criminal Justice Training Center, 19010 – 1st Ave South.

COST: There will be fees for computer monitors, TV sets, appliances.

INFO: More details available here, or contact Shanta Frantz at 206-938-8262.

From a flier:

Accepted Materials:

• Cardboard ~ non-waxed or coated, flattened CDs, Floppy Disks, Video Tapes ~ please remove paper or plastic covers
• Cellular Phones ~ phones, batteries, chargers, adapters
• Computers & Components ~ hard drives, monitors ($10 fee-cash only), keyboards, printers, mice.
• Plastics ~ grocery bags, stretch wrap, film, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, garment bags
• Scrap Metal ~ chairs, desks, file cabinets, refrigerators/freezers/cfc units ($25 fee-cash only), telephones, fax machines, type writers, adding machines, copiers, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Sealed tanks and drums and metals that are insulated, rubbercoated, contain chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted.
• Toner and Printer Cartridges
• TVSets~TV sets with 36-inch or smaller screens and encased in plastic ($20 fee-cash only). TV sets with larger than 36 inch screens, wood console, sets encased in wood, and big screen TV sets – ($25 fee-cash only).
• Projection TV sets ($30 fee-cash only).
• Wood Pallets and Clean, Untreated Scrap Wood

PLEASE NOTE: Fluorescent lights, tubes, bulbs, and incandescent lights will not be accepted.

Please visit the King County http://www.takeitbacknetwork.org/ for a drop location near you.

Questions? Call (206) 938-8262

Note: Only the types of materials listed above will be collected. No hazardous waste will be accepted. Visit www.lhwmp.org if you need assistance with hazardous materials disposal.

The Local Hazardous Waste Program is conducting a small business hazardous waste disposal pilot project for 2010. Qualifying small businesses can dispose of limited quantities of hazardous wastes at Seattle and King County household hazardous waste facilities. This pilot program is offered at no additional cost to eligible small quantity hazardous waste generators (SQGs) in King County. This is an excellent opportunity for SQG businesses to dispose of their stock pile of hazardous materials. Further information is available at www.lhwmp.org or contact the business waste line at 206-263-8899.

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Hey! Chef Brandon here! What a gorgeous day! I just finished up a round of golf and remembered that our Waterbrook Wine Dinner is in 3 days (on Sunday, July 25th)! With all the great wines Waterbrook has to offer, I wanted to pour both the Reserve Syrah & the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon but at the same time I wanted to serve a Black Cod & Kobe Steak. The solution is both! That’s right I will be serving both Courses at the same time along with both wines! We still have space available for you and yours! Call us at Archery or come by tonight for All You Can Eat Fish and Chips and sign up on the spot!

Are you on Facebook? Be sure to “Like” us (link here) and you will receive special offers and discounts only available to our Facebook fans! Also I am hoping in next weeks Blog to announce our schedule for our weekly “Hot August Nights” for both motorcycles & cars. We will be offering food and beer specials for those who want to show off their rides!!

Since I have been doing this weekly blog, people have asked many questions about me, the restaurant, and what really happens in a kitchen. So I would like to announce that I will be starting my own blog in addition to this weekly letter very soon. It is called “Kitchen Life” and will consist of things that happen in the life of a Chef. The site is cheflavielle.blogspot.com. Check it out starting next week!

Our patio at Archery is a great way to enjoy our food and a glass of wine or signature cocktails. Come by and see it if you haven’t already, no one in the area has a fire pit like ours and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it!

Until next time,
Chef Brandon

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The Waterland Blog is proud to announce that we’ve twisted the (non-golfing) arms of our friends at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, and if you mention The Waterland Blog, you can save $100 on the cost of a foursome at their upcoming Get-Away Golf Tournament on Thursday, July 29th.

This is the chamber’s annual big fundraiser, and will include networking, amazing food, great raffle prizes, excellent golfing (duh) and FREE BEER from Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub all day.

The dealio usually costs $600 for a foursome, but if you mention The Waterland Blog, they’ll knock $100 off, making the final price just $500 – that’s just $125 per golfer, a savings of nearly 17%. This is such a deal that you may want to just find three other strangers on the street to start your own foursome (actually, if you can’t come up with your own foursome, they’ll put you in one!).

And, according to the SWKCC folks, you don’t have to even be a golfer to have fun at this event – it’s a fundraiser after all, and all proceeds go right into the chamber’s coffers so they can continue to fund the good work they do for local businesses. Chamber membership is also not a requirement for participation.

The tournament will be on Thursday, July 29th at Rainier Golf & County Club, a private course located at 11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive South in Seattle, and here’s the schedule:

• 10:30 am: Your day begins with a hearty BBQ lunch on the veranda
• 12:00 pm: Shotgun start and scramble
• 4:30, 5:00 pm: After completing the 18-hole course, golfers and guests will convene in the club house for lavish hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous awards reception with exciting raffle prizes!

Other Items Worthy of Note:

• Did we mention ALL DAY FREE BEER from Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub!
  

  The tournament is Thursday, July 29th at Rainier Golf & County Club.

• Raffle Tickets: One for $5, three for $10, and ten for $20!
• Golfer Value Pack: Golfers can purchase a gift pack of a mulligan, putting green pass, raffle ticket and duck for only $15 (a $20 value)!
• Luxurious Raffle Prizes: Mariners tickets, wine, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, movie tickets, Flowers from Marine View Florist, Bloody Mary gift basket, Margarita gift basket, Autographed copy of Bill Gates Sr.’s new book, Gift Certificate from Eat Local and more!
• Duck Drive Contest (Sponsored by DAWN): Whack a rubber ducky as far as you can onto the green. The winning player whose ducky travels the farthest gets half the cash pot!
• Hole In One Contest (Sponsored by Interurban Chiropractic Center): Hit a hole in one and win $10,000! Athletic prowess can pay off!
• Putting Contest (Sponsored by Normandy Park Senior Living): Another chance to win half the cash pot!
• Golf Tournament 1st Place Prize: Each member of the foursome will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, a $50 gift certificate to the Rainier Golf & Country Club Pro Shop, and the perpetual trophy with your name on it and display rights until the 2011 Golf Tournament.
• Golf Tournament 2nd Place Prize: Each member of the foursome will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant.
• Longest Drive Prize: The player with the longest drive wins a driver!
• Closest to the Pin Prize: The player who hits closest to the pin wins a putter!

Committee Chair and Chamber Chair of the Board Carol Kolson of HomeStreet Bank said, “The Southwest King County Chamber Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament is by far one of the best tournaments in the area. It’s a unique opportunity to play at a private club and we are overwhelmed by the phenomenal response of new and returning sponsors.”

• Single golfer cost is $150 (includes BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize).
• Foursome cost is $600 $500 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize).
• Corporate foursome cost is $660 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize – plus recognition in publications and name in program).

Cost for a ticket to just the reception is $40 (that’s right – you can just go to the reception if you want).

In order to qualify for this special deal, you must call the Chamber office at (206) 575-1633 and mention The B-Town Blog. If no one is available, please leave a message and they will return your call and get you registered.

Since 1989, the mission of the Southwest King County Chamber has been to be a leader in the business communities it serves – Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. The Chamber provides business advocacy, outreach and networking opportunities. It is a vital force in promoting local business success and acting as a liaison between the cities and business community.

This event is made possible through the generosity of the chamber’s major sponsors, including:

• Baker Commodities
• Highline Community College
• HomeStreet Bank

Story and Photos by Janet Grella

An enthusiastic crowd of about 30 citizens, merchants, a city councilmember, realtors and community activists met Tuesday night (July 13) at the Des Moines Police Station to elect a new board for Destination Des Moines.

Joe Jewell, city and marina events guy, introduced the meeting by saying that this gathering was to “kick new life into Des Moines by breathing new life into Destination Des Moines.”

“The Board” of Destination Des Moines (as they are called) are:

• Bradley Hawthorne, Sales Manager Prudential Northwest Realty and Des Moines resident
• Brenda Anders, Senior Services & Marketing Professional
• Susan Goegebuer, Seaport Petroleum
• Tony Hettler, Broker/Owner John L. Scott in Des Moines
• Michelle Fawcett, owner Salon Michelle
• Gene Achziger, Des Moines Pool Commissioner
• Amber Scott, Mt. Rainier High School student & Des Moines Farmers Market

Many of these new board members have been long-time community activists and welcome the opportunity to serve.

It is the purpose of Destination Des Moines to create an event planning and marketing organization, totally independent of the city, that will bring people into Des Moines as well as streamline the communication process within the business and civic communities. It will serve as a clearing house for all events in Des Moines.

Joe Jewell ended the proceedings by saying that the Waterland Parade, the marina car shows, the 4th of July Fireworks and Concerts on the Pier were all something we could look forward to next year. Hear! Hear!

The meeting was adjourned with audience members invited to watch the proceedings as the new board went to work on electing the executive committee, who are:

• President: Bradley Hawthorne
• Vice President: Brenda Anders
• Treasurer: Susan Goegebuer
• Secretary: Tony Hettler
• Membership Chair: Michelle Fawcett

The board went right to work and hammered out a few housekeeping decisions including splitting the combined secretary/treasurer position, as well as settin a new annual membership fee structure:

• Resident/Individual: $15
• Nonprofit: $25
• Business 1-10 employees: $30
• Business 11-25 employees: $50
• Business 26+ employees: $75

They plan to meet bi-monthly for a couple of months to organize operating procedures and will hold a public meeting soon. Look for meeting announcements here on The Waterland Blog.

Vice President Brenda Anders commented that “This group is all about open communication. If you have questions, comments or ideas you would like to share, please contact us, we want to hear from you!” she later added, “We will announce our contact information, phone number, email & web address and Facebook page information in a few weeks.”

By Ralph Nichols

Mayor Bob Sheckler will return to China late this summer – invitation in hand – for the 1st World Emerging Industries Summit 2010.

Sheckler, who said his invitation is “quite an honor,” hopes to interest investors there “in any type of development that would complement the city, either on the highway or downtown.

“This has to be a two-way street. We can’t just take and not give,” he added. “They are looking for good opportunities for investments in Des Moines that will give them a good return for their dollar. Their interest is in profitable investments.

“I look forward to the exchanges I will have with my hosts, and to reporting back to our city when I return.”

Sheckler said Chinese investors like the Des Moines area because they can’t get its views of Puget Sound anywhere else “without paying premium dollars for them. And the marina is a huge attraction to them.

“We’re squared away to bring in investments on Pacific Highway and to downtown now that the water issue is taken care of – and to Des Moines Creek Business Park,” he continued.

Sheckler was invited as the result of personal contacts he made with government leaders and business investors during his China trip last year.

He went there in November to build foundations for a sister-city relationship with Changle and an exchange program between Chinese community college students and Highline Community College.

But Sheckler came home with a lot more – an agreement for a multi-million-dollar hotel in Des Moines in addition to those relationships.

In addition to the hotel, with more than 300 rooms, this development – at the old state vehicle emissions testing site along Pacific Highway S. north of Kent-Des Moines Road – will feature a four- or five-star Chinese restaurant and, possibly, retail space.

“It will be a true Chinese restaurant,” Sheckler noted. “Not a Chinese-American restaurant.”

The project is currently in the planning and design stage. Groundbreaking for construction is expected sometime next spring, perhaps sooner.

Matt Chan of Normandy Park, who is planning the multi-phase Waterview Crossing development on Pacific Ridge, accompanied Sheckler on his China trip last year and introduced him to business investors there.

Sponsored by the Chinese government, the Aug. 31-Sept. 3 summit – “New Industrial Revolution & Green Economy” – will include business talks on investment and cooperation, information and technology exchanges, and promotion of international economic cooperation in emerging industries.

International political leaders, ministers and elected representatives of federal, state and provincial, and local governments, leaders of Fortune 500 companies and other industry-leading companies, representatives from industry and related international organizations, and top economists have been invited.

The invitation came from Wang Rulin, governor, Jilin Province of China, Dominique de Villepin, global chairman of the Asia-Pacific CEO Association Worldwide, and Zheng Xiongwei, global executive chairman of the association.

“As Des Moines continues to reach across the Pacific to Chinese investors who are interested in the potential for them in Des Moines,” Sheckler declared, “I feel confident that the majority of city council members will embrace these opportunities for future economic development.”

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Well, I know I don’t need to tell you how hot the past few days have been. But I can tell you what the best way to cool down is. Come eat some soup at Archery Bistro! Drinking or eating hot liquids will make you sweat, therefore cool you down! I find it funny too! But since I know Tomato Bisque isn’t exactly what you are craving when it is 90 degrees out, come and try my new Watermelon and Cucumber salad! Wash it down with a glass of rose or one of our tropical signature cocktails! Hang out on the patio with your friends and keep those sunglasses on all night when our fire pit turns on!

Here is our first friendly reminder about our July wine dinner featuring Waterbrook Winery. It will take place on Sunday, July 25th. The menu will include prosciutto wrapped fruits, Pepper crusted Ahi, Baby Spinach Salad with creamy Pear Vinaigrette, and a dueling entrée dish which will have Black Cod and Kobe Beef! Finished off with a homemade brownie and homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream! Call us today to make your reservations!

Mention my blog when you come in and I’ll buy you an appetizer when you purchase two entrees! This cannot be offered with any other coupon or discount though!

Be sure your pets have fresh, cool, clean water!!

Adios!
– Chef Brandon

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WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is an “extremely clean 3 bedroom, 2 full (all new) bath rambler” located near the beach in Hurstwood and priced at $369,950.

This home features newly-refinished hardwoods, new tile in the kitchen and family room, new interior paint, and a 2-car garage with huge attic storage.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, July 11th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 13843 17th Ave SW, Burien 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $369,950
• Listing#: 32089
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 2
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 1966
• 2 Garage-Attached
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,420
• Lot Square Footage: 16,000

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• Patio

Marketing Remarks:

Extremely clean 3 bdrm,2full(all new) bath rambler.

Newly refinished hardwoods and new tile in kitchen and family rm.

New interior paint. 2 car gar.w/huge attic storage.

Sought after Hurstwood-near the beach.

Get in this one!

Furniture negotiable if interested.

Directions:

• Ambaum Blvd. to SW 144th St.
• West to 13th SW.
• Right to stop sign.
• Turn Right then immediate left to 13843 17th SW.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week will surely set off fireworks – a rare, one-of-a-kind 6-bedroom, 3-bath Normandy Park beauty with a nice view of Arrow Lake and Lot A beach rights.

This home is very light and bright and features huge sun-filled windows, new designer exterior paint, extra spacious kitchen, cozy downstairs family room, 2 brick fireplaces, room for 2nd kitchen on lower level, fabulous entertainment deck off dining room and large 2 car garage.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, July 4th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 19620 1st Place SW, Normandy Park, WA 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $475,000
• Listing#: 89273
• Beds: 6
• Baths: 3
• Year Built: 1966
• Garage-Detached
• Fireplaces: 2
• Approximate House SqFt: 3,000
• Lot Square Footage: 14,926

Interior Features:

• 2nd Kitchen

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• Patio
• RV Parking

Marketing Remarks:

Rare one-of-a-kind 6 bed. 3 bath beauty with nice view of Arrow Lake and Lot A beach rights.

This home is very light and bright and features huge sunfilled windows,new designer exterior paint,extra spacious kitchen,cozy downstairs family room, 2 brick fireplaces, room for 2nd kitchen on lower level, fabulous entertainment deck off dining room and large 2 car garage.

The lovely manicured .34 acre lot is walking distance to award winning Marvista Elementary, restaurants and shopping.

A real gem!

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

I would like to thank all who came to our Rodney Strong wine dinner this past Sunday. It was loads of fun and we had some amazing wines to drink! Keep in mind our next wine dinner will be with Waterbrook Winery on Sunday July 25th!

This past weekend I was invited to participate in the Leavenworth Wine and Food Festival and had a ton of fun with my cooking demonstration. Thanks to all our customers who came over to enjoy the festival with me. As I was in Leavenworth this past weekend it was so hot, I started thinking about our new patio and fire pit we just finished. It made me excited about our new summer menu. The new menu will include much “lighter items” and more “summer-friendly dishes.” So I’ve developed a few fun items which we’ll now offer on our regular menu; Seared Ahi Salad with a sweet wasabi vinaigrette, Mango and Papaya Salad with a cilantro dressing, and Grilled Alaskan Halibut with mango salsa, and our always popular Pulled Pork Sliders, just to name a few!

Be sure to come by this weekend for an 8 oz. Wagyu Beef Top Sirlion! We will be running this special today through Saturday. Have a safe and fun Independence Day weekend!

Happy Birthday America!

- Chef Brandon

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by Jack Mayne

The Port of Seattle has been accused by a taxicab company of violating the state open meeting act and seeks to have the Port restrained from signing a contract with Yellow Cab for exclusive cab service from the airport.

The legal dispute over the taxi contract for travelers arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport could make finding a taxicab impossible after the August 31 end of the current contract. The Port of Seattle and the Seattle Tacoma International Taxi Association, better known as STITA, say some sort of service will be found but no discussions have been held with any cab provider, say spokesmen for both sides.

Court orders sought by STITA and other cab companies have prevented the Port from signing a new contract with Yellow Cab as recommended by the Port staff. For 20 years, STITA has held the contract to provide all taxi service leaving the airport, but the Port was stung last year by a state auditor’s report dinging the Port for not making enough money on the contract.

The Port and STITA say there were no discussions about increasing income to the Port. Instead, for the first time last year, the Port issued requests for proposals, which resulted in Port staff recommending the contract be awarded to Yellow Cab.

STITA and other area cab companies have gone to court to stop Yellow from getting the contract, claiming various problems with the way the bid were evaluated.

In the latest filing, STITA is asking for the court to issue an injunction restraining the Port from signing a new contract with Yellow Cab because it violated the open meetings act by adopting changes in the provisions of the contract in a closed door meeting and without giving bidders notice of those changes. The changes should have been discussed in a public and open meeting, says attorney Michael A. Goldfarb on behalf of client STITA.

“Everything points to the Port of Seattle to go back to the drawing board, and clean up this mess,” says Jesse Buttar, a STITA spokesman. “We’re not asking for them to give us the contract, but to give us a level playing field. This has been stacked against STITA from the beginning.”

STITA says it also plans to appeal another case to the State Supreme Court to continue an injunction preventing the port from signing the Yellow Taxi contract. If the Court starts its summer recess before acting on the appeal, the injunction against a new contract could result in no contract for cab service being in place after the current one expires.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 2010 Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament at Rainier Golf and Country Club on Thursday, July 29th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29th:

• 10:30am: Lunch begins
• Noon: Shotgun start
• Awards reception follows

WHERE: Rainier Golf and Country Club, located at 11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive, near Boulevard Park.

COST:

• Single Golfer: $150 (includes BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf w/golf cart, reception and tee prize).
• Foursome: $600 (includes -for 4- BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf w/golf cart, reception and tee prize).
• Corporate Foursome: $660 (includes -for 4- BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf w/golf cart, reception and tee prize, PLUS recognition in publications and name in program).

REGISTER: Click here to download the Registration Form (PDF file).

Here’s more info from an email:

Join business leaders and other key members of the community for a fun-filled, sunshine-drenched day of golf! The day begins with a barbecue lunch on the veranda at 10:30 am and a shot gun start at noon. Complimentary beer provided by Elliott Bay Brewing Company. After completing the 18-hole course, golfers and guests will convene in the club house for a gourmet hors d’oeuvres spread fit for royalty and a fabulous awards reception with exciting raffle prizes.

Committee Chair and Chamber Chair of the Board Carol Kolson of HomeStreet Bank said, “The Southwest King County Chamber Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament is by far one of the best tournaments in the area. It’s a unique opportunity to play at a private club and we are overwhelmed by the phenomenal response of new and returning sponsors.”

The day will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 29, 2010. Rainier Golf and Country Club is located at 11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive South in Seattle. Single golfer cost is $150 (includes BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize), foursome cost is $600 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize) and corporate foursome cost is $660 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize – plus recognition in publications and name in program). Cost for reception only is $40. Chamber membership is not a requirement for participation. This event is made possible through the generosity of our major sponsors, Baker Commodities, Highline Community College and HomeStreet Bank.

For further information, contact the Chamber at 206.575.1633 or www.swkcc.org.

Remember “Destination Des Moines,” our city’s attempt at both a chamber of commerce and way to promote tourism? It was originally started in 2007, and at its most popular, had between 75-100 business members.

However, it has sat dormant for a while.

Well it’s been given serious mouth-to-mouth by some good-natured locals, including WLB Columnist Dave Markwell, along with Katy Reynolds and Joe Jewell from the Des Moines Marina, and it may come back to life after all!

On Tuesday, July 13th, there will be a Special Election meeting at City Hall ( 21630 11th Ave. South), beginning at 6:30pm. The purpose of this meeting is to elect seven Board Members. The Board will serve as a steering Committee, and from the Steering Committee, the Executive Board will be elected.

According to a letter sent out recently:

“…we envision Destination Des Moines will concentrate its work on bringing back the traditional events such as the Waterland Parade, and then branching out to add new events that create the type of community in which we all want to live and work. With the Mayor and City Council fully behind us, we are confident that this re-directed organization will succeed and flourish with the local business community and local residents of Des Moines.”

Here’s the full text of the letter sent out:

June 18th, 2010
General membership
Destination Des Moines
Des Moines WA, 98198
Re: Special Membership Meeting

Dear Fellow Members,

This letter is to inform you of efforts currently underway to revitalize Destination Des Moines. With the help of many volunteers and the City of Des Moines, we are now in the process of electing a new Board of Directors and refocusing its efforts.

The idea is for the Board to concentrate on those areas that will have the biggest impact on the city. To that end, we envision Destination Des Moines will concentrate its work on bringing back the traditional events such as the Waterland Parade, and then branching out to add new events that create the type of community in which we all want to live and work. With the Mayor and City Council fully behind us, we are confident that this re-directed organization will succeed and flourish with the local business community and local residents of Des Moines.

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we are calling all Members of Destination Des Moines to join us July 13, 2010 at City Hall, 21630 11th Ave. South, at 6:30 PM for a Special Election.  At this meeting we will be electing 7 of our Board Members. The Board will serve as our steering Committee and from the Steering Committee the Executive Board will be elected.

Anyone that has been a member in good standing within the past 3 years and wishes to maintain their membership, shall have one vote and is encouraged to cast their vote at this special election. If anyone has an interest in serving on this board, please let us know. There will be a total of 8 additional Board openings within the next 60 days.

If you have any questions please contact Joe Jewell at 206-870-6724 or email at jjewell@desmoineswa.gov.

Sincerely,
Dave Markwell
Acting President
Destination Des Moines

Our latest Advertiser, Infusion Tea & Coffee is a place where your beverage should be more than a caffeine fix, it should be an experience, catering to visitor’s needs and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.

On Tuesday, June 22nd from 3-8pm, stop by to celebrate Infusion’s official Grand Opening. Sample Teas of many blends, your favorite espresso or partake in something out of the box. Infusion Tea & Coffee offers fresh ground coffee in one of the purist forms called a pour over technique which is something you must see to fully enjoy. Latte fan? Try a honey latte for something a little different. Sample some of the pastries including cheese cakes, cookies and specialty nut free, gluten free items from Little Rae’s Bakery.

During the grand opening event enjoy live music and meet in person Erika Sheehan, featured photographer and see some of her amazing world travel images. Currently on display is her adventures through Italy.

Infusion Tea & Coffee wants to bring to the community something a little different, with extended hours, free Wi-Fi, a cozy fireplace and weekly entertainment. Check their website for the most recent updates. Follow them on Twitter here, or on Facebook here.

The baristas here are trained on a semi-automatic espresso machine giving them greater control of your espresso experience. Not a fan of the coffee varieties? They also have you tea lovers at heart, offering a full customizable loose tea service for 1-4 people. Having the option of both the leaf and bean beverages allows people more options for whatever they are in the mood. Did I mention they have not one but three types of honey to choose from?

Infusion Tea & Coffee is the perfect place to hold a business, community, or group event. Their large comfortable space allows for presentations or just a good place to catch up with friends. Students show a valid ASB card and receive a discount. Everyone can check for daily deals on the half off cookies and pastries… but do hurry the go fast.

Just for being a B-Town Blog Reader, click here (PDF file) for a free tea or coffee coupon that you can print yourself!

Infusion Tea & Coffee:

15607 – 1st Ave S, Ste 102

Burien, WA, 98148

206-436-8440

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BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Only three more days until Father’s Day and if you don’t have dinner reservations, look no further. Archery Bistro is still accepting reservations so give us a call. We will be offering a three course menu for $19.99! The first course includes, Heirloom Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Vine Ripened Tomato Bisque, and a Prawn Cocktail with candied lemons. Entrees will feature our popular Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast, Grill Alaskan King Salmon with Lime Leaf Rice, and Roasted Bell Pepper and Parmesan Ravioli with Lemon Alfredo Cream. Last but not least, dessert. We will have a Strawberry Rhubarb Tart and Chocolate Truffle Ganache Cake.

In addition to this menu, we will also feature a “Dad’s ONLY” menu! A selection of items that are a little more macho if you will. The first course features a Dungeness Crab Cake. The entrée is a Bacon Wrapped Filet with an Australian Rock Lobster Tail and for dessert, my version of the Banana Split! The banana split is special to me because my dad always said if I would hit a homerun in my baseball game, he would buy me a banana split. I NEVER hit a homerun, unless you count the defense making a fielding error or two! But my dad still bought me a banana split! He will be joining us for dinner this Sunday, and you should as well!

We still have spots available for our Wine Dinner on Sunday June 27th featuring Rodney Strong Wines. If you haven’t been to one of our Wine Dinners, now is the time. Since it will be the weekend before Independence Day, we will be showcasing a menu that is inspired by backyard barbeque foods. It is going to be a great time!

Hope to see you this Sunday!!

Chef Brandon

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