2015 Think Local First Insert

OPEN THIS

DIRECTO RY to find Local, Independently Owned Businesses.

Find your

PASSPORT TO LOCALS! SEE PAGE 10

Enjoy these

LOCAL TOURS & EVENTS! SEE PAGE 10

LEAD SPONSORS

Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community.

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Independents

Directory All businesses in Bellingham unless otherwise noted.

Bold Type indicates sponsoring businesses.

ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING Greenleaf Bookkeeping & Accounting Services

360 201-8061 Just Enough Accounting & Administrative Solutions

360 739-2053 Larson Gross PLLC 360 734-4280 Laurie Parrish Prall CPA, pllc 360 527-1266 Lucid Consulting 360 306-5258 Practical Solutions LLC Bookkeeping & Business Services 360 224-0097 Thrive Business Group: Accounting. Advising. Educating. 360 746-8738 VSH CPAs 360 734-8715

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING [bundle] design studio 360 421-0638 2020 ENGINEERING, Inc. 360 671-2020 Adaptations 360 734-5275 Bourne Engineering, PLLC 360 935-2676 BREWSTER design build 360 922-7952 Building Design Services 360 671-0529 Cascade Design Group 360 715-2119 Fuller Building Design 360 393-3131 Greg Robinson Architect 360 778-1385 Grinstad & Wagner Architects, Inc. P.S.

360 676-9501 HAVEN DesignWorkshop, Ferndale 360 527-2840 Kulshan Design 360 739-6472 Michael E. Smith FAIA 360 220-1089 Northwest Washington Chapter of AIA

360 671-9555 RMC Architects 360 676-7733 Ross Architecture N.W. 360 676-4443 Spiral Studios 360 202-0635 Wilson Engineering, LLC 360 733-6100

ARTS Bellingham Frameworks 360 650-1001 Allied Arts of Whatcom County 360 676-8548 Baker Creek Ceramic Studio 360 393-5458 Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden

360 734-4885 Old School Tattoo, LLC 360 715-8261 Ragfinery 360 738-6977

AUTOMOTIVE Vacationland RV 360 734-5112 Wilson Motors and Wilson Motors Nissan

360 733-5590 Fountain Rental & Leasing Co. 360 733-7420 Mac & Mac Electric Company, Inc. 360 734-6530 Roger Jobs Motors, Inc. 360 734-5230 Yorky’s Market 360 734-2201

BAKERS & BAKERIES Breadfarm Let Them Eat Cake Pure Bliss Desserts Ralf’s Bavarian Bakery

360 766-4065 360 733-3078 360 739-1612 360 733-3066

BANKING Whatcom Educational Credit Union 360 676-1168 Peoples Bank 360 354-4044 Skagit Bank 360 543-7006

BEER, WINE & SPIRITS Kulshan Brewing Co. 360 389-5348 Aslan Brewing Company 360 778-2088 Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro 360 647-5593 Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen 360 75-BEERS Elizabeth Station 360 733-8982 Honey Moon Mead & Cider 360 734-0728 Mount Baker Distillery 360 734-3301 Samson Estates Winery, LLC, Everson 360 966-7787 Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants 360 393-3271 Wander Brewing 360 647-6152

BIKING Kulshan Cycles Earl’s Bike Shop Fairhaven Bike & Ski Fanatik Bike Company Jack’s Bicycle Center Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition

360 733-6440 360 746-2401 360 733-4433 360 756-0504 360 733-1955 360 961-1636

BOOKS & MAGAZINES Village Books

360 671-2626

Free Range Nonprofit Solutions 360 920-7283 Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce, Maple Falls 360 599-1518 Project Directions, Inc. 360 933-1517 Speedy Automated Mailers 360 676-4775 Technology Alliance Group (TAG) for Northwest Washington

360 318-7710 The Workspace 206 227-1724 Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center 360 676-0122 Whatcom Women’s Network 360 647-2280

CATERING Crave Catering Cuisine Claire Paellaworks, Glacier

360 223-4900 360 389-3731 360 599-1898

CHILDREN & BABY Fairhaven Toy Garden 360 714-8552 Kids Northwest 360 676-6051 Launching Success Learning Store 360 527-2641 Red Wagon Diaper Service 360 961-3710 Wee Ones Reruns, Inc. 360 733-6794

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Fairhaven Runners & Walkers Klicks Running and Walking Labels Women’s Consignment ModSock Sojourn texture clothing Wise Buys

360 676-4955 360 738-6900 360 676-1210 360 778-2532 360 671-5704 360 733-3351 360 734-0202

COFFEE & TEA Bellingham Coffee Roasters 360 339-8550 flying bird botanicals 360 303-8196 Lettered Streets Coffeehouse 360 933-4689 Moka Joe Coffee, Anacortes 360 714-1953 Onyx Coffee Bar 360 739-2693 The C Shop, Candy Shop, Cafe & Pizza, Birch Bay 360 371-2070 The Torres Coffee Company 360 220-7121 The Union Coffee Shop 360 733-8996

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES Business Support Services Northwest, LLC

360 303-5798

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Independents

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/ HUMAN SERVICES Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

360 671-3990 Opportunity Council 360 734-5121 Alzheimer Society of Washington 360 671-3316 Bellingham Whatcom Housing Authorities

360 676-6887 Downtown Bellingham Partnership 360 527-8710 Kulshan Community Land Trust 360 671-5600 Lydia Place 360 671-7663 Paul Schissler Associates, Inc. 360 201-8900 Salud Translation Services 360 383-7002 Whatcom Community Foundation 360 671-6463 Whatcom Farm Friends, Lynden 360 354-1337 Photo by Pattie Rowlson

Fact:

SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES

ARE THE LARGEST EMPLOYER NATIONALLY AND IN OUR COMMUNITY.

As a new business owner Colleen at Q Laundry is proud to add more jobs to our local workforce. She goes above and beyond in creating meaningful employment by offering a living wage, giving employees specialized tasks allowing personal growth, and letting them choose the charities and community events Q Laundry supports.

-Pictured, Colleen Unema, Owner, Q Laundry

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Independents

COMPUTER SERVICES & SUPPLIES Data-Link West Inc Kulshan Computer Services Myna IT Consulting PogoZone Internet RDMacs

Smith & Vallee Woodworks, Inc., Edison TCLegendHomes Tretwold Construction LLC West Coast Homes, Lynden

360 592-4295 360 220-2119 360 201-1513 360 927-1293

EDUCATION Bellingham Technical College Culinary Arts Program Cascade Harvest Coalition, Seattle Cascadia Workshops, Maple Falls Childlife Montessori School Explorations Academy North Cascades Institute, Sedro-Woolley Salud Spanish Programs

360 752-8425 206 632-0606 360 599-2134 360 671-3380 360 671-8085 360 854-2599 360 383-7002

ENTERTAINMENT 360 734-8911 360 671-7012 360 733-8782 360 676-8772 360 306-5557

CONSTRUCTION & CARPENTRY Esary Roofing and Siding Co., Inc., Burlington 360 318-0604 Overhead Door Co of Bellingham 360 734-5960 A-1 Builders, Inc. 360 734-5249 Aiki Homes, Inc. 360 715-0700 Aperture Electrical, Bow 360 421-3963 Bellingham Bay Builders 360 733-7500 Birch Equipment Rental & Sales 360 734-5717 Building Performance Center 360 734-5121 x103 Cascade Joinery, Ferndale 360 527-0119 CAZ Energy Services 360 389-1056 Chuckanut Builders 360 734 3201 Coffey Construction 360 671-9930 Dawson Construction, Inc 360 756-1000 Faber Construction, Lynden 360 354-3500 G R Plume Company, Inc, Ferndale 360 384-2800 Gallant Design and Construction, Inc.

360 733-1225 Lookabill General Contracting 360 201-7024 Meucciworks, Inc. 360 739-8522 Moceri Construction 360 671-3381 New Whatcom Interiors 360 671-3389 North Sound Energy & Remodel 360 739-2653 North Wave Electric 360 961-4445 Rainshield Roofing & Construction, Inc. & Handyman Services, Ferndale 360 380-5290 Ram Construction 360 715-8643

Film Is Truth 24 Times A Second 360 752-0159 iDiOM Theater 360 201-5464 Mount Baker Theatre 360 733-5793 Northwest Washington Fair Association, Lynden 360 354-4111 Pickford Film Center 360 647-1300 Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa, Ferndale 360 543-7108 The Upfront Theatre 360 733-8855

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Northwest Ecological Services 360 734-9484 Sustainable Whidbey Coalition, www.sustainablewhidbey.org Whatcom Conservation District, Lynden 360 526-2381

FACILITATION, TRAINING & COACHING Janet Ott & Associates Laura Todd Consulting

360 739-0098 360 224-0116

FARMS & LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD Alm Hill Gardens, Everson Backyard Beans & Grains Project, Everson Barbie’s Berries, Ferndale BelleWood Acres, Lynden Bellingham Country Gardens Bellingham Pasta Company Blanchard Mountain Farm, Bow Bow Hill Blueberries, Bow Boxx Berry Farm, Ferndale

360 966-4157 360 224-4757 360 384-1260 360 318-7720 360 223-3724 360 594-6000 360 399-1006 360 380-2699

Breckenridge Farm, Everson 360 966-4343 Burk Ridge Farms, Blaine 360 746-5592 Cascade Blueberry Farm, Custer 360 366-5188 Cedarville Farm 360 592-5594 Chubby Bunny Farm, Everson 419 351-2778 Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson 360 966-5859 Curt Maberry Farm, Inc., Lynden 360 354-4504 Dragon Tongue Medicinal Farm 360 738-6062 Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy, Inc., Lynden 360 354-6812 Full Bloom Farm, Lummi Island 360 758-7173 Glen Echo Garden 360 592-5380 Grateful Bounty Farm 360 927-9827 Growing Washington, Everson 360 927-4845 Hauck’s Orchard and Produce, Ferndale 360 384-5967 Heritage Lane Farm, Lynden 360 441-9903 Highland Blueberry Farm, Burlington 360 770-0854 Hopewell Farm LLC, Everson 360 927-8433 Jack Mountain Meats, Burlington 360 873-8672 Lone Boot Buffalo Ranch, Ferndale 360 384-4161 McIntyre Family Farm, Sedro Woolley 360 224-0079 Mellema Farm, Lynden 360 318-8486 Misty Meadows Farm, Everson 360 312-3554 Misty Mountain Farms, Deming 206 406-5345 Osprey Hill Farm, Acme 360 595-9134 Prairie Road Farm, Burlington 360 399-1434 Rabbit Fields Farm, Everson 360 393-8747 Sage and Sky Farm 360 255-0757 Samish Bay Cheese, Bow 360 766-6707 Scratch and Peck Feeds 360 318-7585 Stoney Ridge Farm, Everson 360 966-3919 Sumas River Farm, Sumas 360 319-0895 The Carrot and Stick 360 739-8826 Triple Wren Farms, Ferndale 360 296-5056 Twin Brook Creamery, Lynden 360 354-4105 Twin Cedars Farm, LLC, Deming 360 306-8644 Vine Maple Acres 360 223-4900 Viva Farms, Burlington 360 707-3223 Well Fed Farms, Bow 360 708-0520 Whatcom Farmers Co-op, Lynden 360 354-2108

FINANCIAL CONSULTING Bayport Financial Paulson Financial Services Saturna Capital Skyline Advisors, Inc. Steele Financial Services, Inc.

360 332-8900 360 738-6968 360 734-9900 360 671-1621 360 647-1739

Fact:

WHEN YOU PURCHASE GOODS AND SERVICES FROM LOCAL,

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED BUSINESSES MORE OF YOUR MONEY STAYS IN THE COMMUNITY.

Family business Faber Construction, now in their 29th year of business, consistently chooses to make the extra effort to source project materials from businesses nearby. In 2014, they kept 65% of their spending in Whatcom County, and another 25% within the state of Washington keeping money recirculating right here in our community. – Pictured, Rick Faber (center) with family and staff, Faber Construction FITNESS 3 Oms Yoga Bellingham Bay Athletic Association Whatcom Family YMCA Yoga Northwest

360 671-3510 360 389-3505 360 733-8630 360 647-0712

FUNERAL PROVIDER Moles Farewell Tributes - Bellingham

360 733-0510 Moles Farewell Tributes - Ferndale 360 384-1391 Moles Farewell Tributes - Greenacres, Ferndale 360 384-3401 Moles Farewell Tributes - Lynden 360 318-1321 Whatcom Cremation & Funeral 360 734-7073

GROCERS & MARKETS Bellingham Farmers Market 360 647-2060 Community Food Co-op 360 734-8158 ACME Farms + Kitchen 360 325-1903 Bellingham Public Market 360 715-8020 Crossroads Grocery, Inc., Maple Falls 360 599-9657 Dandelion Organic Delivery 360 933-1130

Ferndale Farmer’s Market, Ferndale Terra - Organic & Natural Foods 360 715-8020 The Green Barn, Lynden 360 318-8869 Woolley Market LLC, Sedro-Woolley 360 982-2649

HEALTH Hoagland Pharmacy Infusion Solutions Living Earth Herbs Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood Sweetpeas and Seaweed Tree Frog Farm, Lummi Island

360 685-5004 360 933-4892 360 734-3207 360 734-9007 206 331-0348 360 758-7260

HEALTH PRACTITIONERS Advanced Medical Massage Bellingham Birth Center Bellingham Physical Therapy Binyon Vision Center Cascadia Physical Therapy Cedar Male Medical Dana Mattson, LMP

CHOOSE

360 527-9566 360 752-2229 360 647-0444 360 647-2020 360 734-0222 360 255-5355 360 671-7087

Independents

5

Diana Gay Pepper at Tree Frog Farm, Lummi Island Erin K. Simpson DC, PS Family Care Network FeatherStone Touch Inner Rivers Acupuncture Lisa Harmon, LMHC Vital Source Natural Medicine

360 758-7260 360 647-1060 360 318-8800 360 303-7486 360 296-6633 360 820-9469 360 306-8313

HEATING & COOLING Barron Heating and AC, Ferndale Feller Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Smith Mechanical, Ferndale

360 676-1131 360 733-4827 360 384-3203

HOME FURNISHING

Fact: Local businesses

have the ability to reduce environmental impact.

Osprey Hill Farm is a leader in preserving farmland in Whatcom County, advocating healthy environmental practices and protecting valuable agricultural areas.

They are very public about their desire to improve the land and protect our natural resources. They treat their livestock with great care, and embrace issues of social justice, believing that good clean food should be a standard, not a privilege.

– Pictured, Anna and Geoff Martin, Owners, Osprey Hill Farm

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Independents

Appliance Depot 360 527-2646 Artwood, a Gallery of Fine Woodworking

360 647-1628 Greenhouse 360 676-1161 Greg Aanes Furniture 360 389-2714 Ideal-Carefully Curated Goods 360 752-5522 Samuel’s Furniture, Ferndale 360 384-3388

INDEPENDENT MEDIA Cascadia Weekly Adventures NW magazine Bellingham Alive Magazine Entertainment News NW Grow Northwest Magazine Lynden Tribune & Print Co., Lynden The Northern Light, Blaine Whatcom Watch What’s Up! Magazine

360 647-8200 360 319-1614 360 483 4576 360 599-6827 360 398-1155 360 354-4444 360 332-1777 360 734-6007 360 599-3320

INSURANCE Darren Clark--Farmers Insurance Agency

360 714-8117 James Farmer Agency 360 676-0201 Rice Insurance LLC 360 734-1161

LANDSCAPING Jack’s Four Seasons LLC 360 650-0455 Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture

360 542-4052 Northwest Rain Solutions 360 303-9725 The Philbin Group Landscape Architecture, Bow 360 766-4333 Treemendous Plantworks LLC 360 647-1800 Wonder-Flora Landscape Design 360 920-1082

LEGAL 4th Corner Network, Inc. Buri Funston Mumford, PLLC

360 671-2455 360 752-1500

LODGING Peaceful Mountain Retreat Center, Maple Falls Tree Frog Night Inn

360 599-9988 360 676-2300

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & CLEANING Bay City Supply 360 671-7400 Q Laundry 360 656-5621 Doudna Window Cleaning 360 734-5788 European Quality Carpet Cleaning 360 647-7700 EVL Enterprises 360 671-4107 Spongebon Co LLC 360 734-6920

MANUFACTURING Index Industries, Inc.

360 629-5200

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Applied Research Northwest, LLC DoubleMRanch Design, Everson good eye design Ideation Design Group LLC Midline Design

360 647-6067 360 966-3639 360 714-8608 360 393-4202 360 739-9067

MUSEUMS Mindport Exhibits Whatcom Museum

360 647-5614 360 778-8930

MUSIC Bellingham Wind Works Make.Shift Art Space Nuages, a Gypsy jazz quartet Piper Music Soundings of the Planet Whatcom Symphony Orchestra

360 733-5840 510 499-0535 360 961-1559 360 738-7166 360 592-8441 360 756-6752

NURSERIES Cascade Cuts Garden Spot Nursery Joe’s Gardens Kent’s Garden and Nursery Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe

360 671-6310 360 676-5480 360 671-7639 360 384 4433 360 715-3066

OFFICE SUPPLIES Trico Office Interiors

360 734-2026

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Bellingham Traverse Community Boating Center Gato Verde Adventure Sailing Recreation Northwest

360 739-8458 360 714-8891 360 220-3215 360 739-8458

PAINTING Community Strength Painters Earth Craft Painting

360 733-8597 360 305-9272

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT First Congregational Church of Bellingham

360 734-3720 Jillian Froebe, Interfaith Ministry & Spiritual Guidance, Deming 360 319-8704

PET & ANIMAL CARE Life Cycle Pet Cremation, Inc. Mueller Animal Chiropractic Wild Bird Chalet

360 778-9578 360 738-3763 360 734-0969

PHOTOGRAPHY Brandon Sawaya Diane Padys Photography Phil Rose Photography Quicksilver Photo Lab

360 312-7627 360 715-0600 360 739-9067 360 676-2725

PLUMBING Favinger Plumbing Inc Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, LLC Spectrum Plumbing And Heating Sullivan Plumbing, Ferndale

360 676-1774 360 734-9700 360 739-9207 360 734-6440

PRINTING Lithtex NW Printing Solutions Amjay Screenprinting Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress Copy Source Special-T Signs & Graphics The Paper Mill WCR Plan Center / Western Construction Resources

360 676-1977 360 676-1165 360 734-0481 360 738-1280 360 734-7617 360 746-8574 360 738-0370

REAL ESTATE / RENTAL & LEASING Barkley Company 360 671-6450 Blossom Management Corporation 360 738-8088 Cerise Noah, Real Estate Broker with Windermere

360 393-5826 Danne Neill, Independent Real Estate Agent, The Muljat Group 360 303-4428 Daylight Properties 360 734-6600

Fact: Supporting unique, local businesses keeps our community unique and one-of-a-kind.

The Bellingham Farmers Market is an amazing gathering place for our community offering a unique shopping experience that is unparalleled. Visitors to the market find a never ending variety of delicious locally grown and produced food as well as handcrafted wears made right here in Whatcom County. By shopping at the Farmers Market you are supporting not only one but several local businesses. – Pictured, Margo Myers, BFM Board President, Zach Zink, Site Manager and Caprice Teske, Market Director, Bellingham Farmers Market Debbie Biery, Broker, eXp Realty 360 223-2341 Fairway Mortgage / Marie Bjornson, CPA

360 676-9600 Jeff Braimes, Realtor 360 961-6496 Misty Mountains Realty, LLC 360 599-2200 Saratoga Commercial Real Estate 360 676-4866 Sterling Real Estate Group 360 756-0021 The RJ Group 360 733-5760

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT Whatcom Land Title Company Re-Use Consulting Sanitary Service Company, Inc. Scrap-It Sound Shredding & Recycling

360 676-8484 360 733-1363 360 734-3490 360 734-1112 360 733-7932

RENEWABLE ENERGY Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC Fire Mountain Solar LLC, Mount Vernon

360 318-7646

Itek Energy Western Solar Inc. Whole Energy

360 647-9531 360 746-0859 888 600-8611

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & DELIS Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro Ciaò Thyme Avenue Bread Brandywine Kitchen Busara Thai Cuisine Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen Cliffhouse Restaurant Colophon Café Diamond Jim’s Grill Electric Beet Juice Co. Fairhaven Pizza & Prawns Good To Go Meat Pies, Everson Lynden Homeskillet Il Caffe Rifugio, Deming

360 647-5593 360 733-1267 360 715-DELI 360 734-1071 360 734-8088 360 75-BEERS 360 734-8660 360 647-0092 360 734-8687 360 676-7477 360 756-7561 360 966-2400 360 778-1111 360 676-6218 360 592-2888

360 422-5610

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Independents

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Keenan’s at the Pier Mallard Ice Cream Nell Thorn Restaurant of LaConner, La Conner Old Town Café Old World Deli Pepper Sisters Pizzázza, 12th St. Alabama St.

360 392-5510 360 734-3884 360 466-4261 360 671-4431 360 738-2090 360 671-3414 360 756-9322 360 647-1122

Skylark’s Hidden Café 360 715-3642 The Daisy Cafe 360 733-8996 The Table by Bellingham Pasta Co 360 594-6000 Trapeze 360 594-6069

SALONS & SPAS

Fact: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

In 2014 Janet and Ed of Boundary Bay Brewery won the distinction of Philanthropic Business of the Year for Washington State. The good folks at Boundary Bay Brewery are known for their generosity in sponsoring local events, donating their time, donating beer as well as donating the beer garden for fundraising events. This is a great story of another local business giving back to the community they love.

– Pictured, Janet Lightener and Ed Bennet, Owners, Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro

The Chrysalis Inn and Spa Kara’s Beauty Barn Studio 910 Salon

360 392-5515 360 778-2433 360 671-4100

SEAFOOD Desire Fish Company Galley Fare Lummi Island Wild Nerka Sea Frozen Salmon Wild Pacific Seafood, Deming

360 676-0605 360 543-3556 360 224-6512 360 293-3262 360 592-4072

SENIOR SERVICES Mt. Baker Care Center 360 734-4181 The Leopold Retirement Residence LLC 360 733-3500

SPECIALTY SHOP Paper Dreams Apple Yarns NW Handspun Yarns Oyster Creek Canvas Co. Tide Lines Washington Gourmet Gifts

360 676-8676 360 756-9992 360 738-0167 360 734-8199 360 441-2368 360 647-0128

SPORTING GOODS Boccemon Yeager’s Sporting Goods Backcountry Essentials

360 224-2909 360 733-1080 360 543-5678

TRANSPORTATION Express Delivery Courier Services Port of Bellingham WTA

360 305-7634 360 676-2500 360 676-RIDE

WEBSITE HOSTING & DESIGN Bellingham WP Highwaters Media

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Independents

360 224-7416 360 961-5033

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TOP

TOP TEN REASONS

TO THINK LOCAL - BUY LOCAL - BE LOCAL

1. BUY LOCAL: Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

2. SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

3. KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust 4. REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5. CREATE MORE GOOD JOBS: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

6. GET BETTER SERVICE: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

7. INVEST IN COMMUNITY: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

8. PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

9. BUY WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT SOMEONE WANTS YOU TO BUY: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

10. ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

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Independents

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PASSPORT

INDEPENDENTS MONTH PASSPORT TO LOCALS! Take a tour, learn about a new business, attend a fun event, or take a spin at the prize wheel and get your passport stamped.

HERE’S HOW 1. Use the passport provided below.

(Make extra copies if needed for family and friends.)

2. Get your passport stamped by attending the tours and events listed.

3. Get 6 stamps and mail your passport to us for a chance to win.

4. Include your Contact Information.

NAME

PHONE

EMAIL

STAMPS

TOURS

Itek Energy – Thursday, July 9th, 1pm

Did you know that Itek Energy manufactures solar panels right here in Whatcom County? Their continued development of cutting edge technology has made them a front running in the solar industry. Join us for a tour of their facility to see how solar panels are made, learn where the materials come from and details on why solar is a great option, even in the cloudy Pacific Northwest. www.itekenergy.com 3886 Hammer Dr., Bellingham.

Scratch and Peck Feeds – Wednesday, July 15th, 5pm

This family-owned and operated feed mill was the first in North America to be non-GMO certified. Scratch and Peck Feeds is dedicated to their certified organic products because they believe, “You are what your animals eat.”

Come and tour the facility where the feed is milled, mixed and packaged, learn where the ingredients come from and why good feed is where a sustainable food movement starts. www.scratchandpeck.com 1645 Jill’s Ct., Bellingham. Look for signs.

New Community Food Co-op Connections Building– Monday, July 20th, 5:30 pm

Join us for a tour of the Community Food Co-op’s new Connections Building. Hear about the stunning renovation of the existing building from Co-op General Manager Jim Ashby, as well as representatives from local firms RMC Architects and Pearson Construction. Tour-goers will view the Healthy Connections classroom and community space, new baking facility and the features that make this building an exciting new asset to our community. www. communityfood.coop 405 E Holly St., Bellingham

texture clothing and Ragfinery – Wednesday, July 22nd, 12pm

Did you know that beautiful “Clothing with a Conscience” is made right here in Bellingham? Most of the clothing we wear comes from very far away but right here, in our own community Teresa and her team are locally manufacturing beautiful clothing out of natural and responsibly sourced fabrics. Tour texture’s workshop and see how clothes are made. After viewing texture we’ll travel to Ragfinery, a non-profit training business and textile reuse center. We’ll learn about how used and scrap textiles are being used to help workers learn new skills and how they’re being reused and recycled. www.textureclothing.com www.ragfinery.com texture 1425 N State St., Bellingham.

Ragfinery 1421 N Forest St. Bellingham *Tour starts at texture clothing.

EVENTS Electric Beet Juice Co. Juice 101 + Tasting Event – Friday, July 3rd, 6-8pm

Stop by Electric Beet, Bellingham’s Organic Microjuicery + Kitchen to taste a flight of 3 juices + one of our raw treats, AND learn more about the amazing benefits of juice. Cheers! $3 Located inside Terra Organica, 1530 Cornwall Ave. , Bellingham

July Art Walk – Friday, July 3rd, 6-10pm Coordinated by Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Downtown’s Art Walks exhibit the high quality of artists and remarkable variety of venues present in downtown Bellingham. From 6-10 pm on the first Friday of every month, local artists are on display in downtown galleries, boutiques, restaurants, studios, and more. Visit Allied Arts Gallery at 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham to view Juried Artist Series: Early Delights, pick up a map of participating stops and to get your passport stamped.

Bellingham Bells vs. The Cowlitz Black Bears sponsored by Village Books – Wednesday, July 8th, 7:05pm Who doesn’t love a good baseball game? Join Village Books to cheer on local favorites, the Bellingham Bells. Kids participating in Village Books Summer Reading Challenge can receive two free tickets to the game if they complete the challenge before July 7th! They’ll give a pair of tickets to the first 25 kids to complete the challenge before that date. Visit Village Books table at the game and they’ll stamp your passport.

Downtown Bellingham Sidewalk Sale – Friday, July 10th – Sunday, 12th

It’s summer in downtown Bellingham, and that means it’s time for the annual Sidewalk Sale! Shop Local at participating stores and restaurants featuring special deals on their sidewalks and patios to help you get into the summer groove! While you’re out shopping, stop by Backcountry Essentials, Kids Northwest or Greenhouse to get your passport stamped. (Yes, you can get stamps at all 3 of these stops!)

Think Local Prize Wheel at Bellingham Farmers Market – Saturday, July 11th, 10am-3pm

Test your luck with a spin of the Think Local First prize wheel. Lucky folks will win prizes donated by your favorite local businesses! Prizes generously donated by: Apple Yarns, Aslan Brewing, Bay City Supply, Bellingham Traverse, Copy Source, Electric Beet Juice Co., Fanatik Bike Company, Good to Go Meat Pies, Ideal in celebration of their 7th Anniversary, Kulshan Cycles, Kulshan Brewing Co., Mindport, Pickford Film Center, Ragfinery, Triple Wren Farms, Village Books, and more.

Afraid of the Dark at Pickford Film Center – Thursday, July 23rd, 6:30 pm

This may be the most important film about climate change you will ever see. A professional, stunning and locally produced documentary examines why we are failing miserably in our response to this obvious threat.

Is there anything that we can do to change that? Maybe not. 2015. Unrated Get your passport stamped when you buy your ticket.

ENTER TO WIN:

Mail your passport or drop it by the Sustainable Connections office

by August 1st.

Attn: Independents Passport Sustainable Connections 1701 Ellis St., Ste 221 Bellingham, WA 98225

PRIZE: Win a cruise for two with Gato Verde Adventure Sailing and a prize package of local treats to take on your cruise including locally brewed beer from Kulshan Brewing Co., a pizza from Fairhaven Pizza & Prawns and a sweet treat from Colophon Cafe.

Enjoy a cruise on the bay and delicious food and drink.

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Thanks!

UNDERWRITER: LEAD SPONSORS:

C0- SPONSORS:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro The Chrysalis Inn and Spa Esary Roofing and Siding Co., Inc Fairhaven Runners & Walkers Kulshan Brewing Co. Kulshan Cycles Overhead Door Co. of Bellingham Q Laundry Wilson Motors & Wilson Motors Nissan

CONTACT

360 647-7093 | www.sustainableconnections.org