October 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

Kent Businesses Encourage its Customers to “Find It In Kent” a New Shop Local Campaign

Kent, WA October 5, 2009 – Local consumers are urged to “Find It In Kent” as part of a just-launched campaign to remind them about the benefits of spending locally.

Development of the campaign was a team effort by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Station, the City of Kent, Kent Reporter and the Kent Downtown Partnership.

The theme of “Find It in Kent – We Have What You Want” will be featured at local businesses in the form of flyers, window decals, and inserts in shopping bags.  The Kent Reporter will also have ads featuring the central theme.

As well as being urged to spend locally, shoppers are encouraged to visit www.Facebook.com/FindItinKent site. There, they can enter comments and impressions about shopping in Kent, the “it” they found, and be entered to win prizes such as Kent Station gift card, Kent Reporter movie package, a Kent Chamber gift, and a KDP gift certificate.

A downtown rally to promote the campaign is scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13. Campaign promoters will have signs to wave and display, starting from the corner of James and Central and dispersing from there. At 7 p.m., all the rally participants will gather at the ShoWare Event Center to attract the attention of people attending the Thunderbirds Hockey game.

The partners of the shop local campaign will have decals and posters available for local businesses wishing to participate. “We want to remind shoppers just how important it is that they look locally for whatever ‘it’ is their heart desires,” Smith of the KDP said.

The benefits of local spending outlined in the Kent campaign include: Spending locally invests in our future, supports our schools, maintains our parks, fixes our roads, sustains and creates local jobs. “This is a solid way to support your local community,” Keikkala of Kent Chamber said.

Kent businesses and community members are encouraged to use the materials produced and to join the rally on the evening of October 13. For more information or materials, contact any of the following:

Kent Chamber – Andrea Keikkala, andreak@kent.chamber.com, 253-854-1770

Kent Station – John Hinds, jhinds@KentStation.com, 253-856-2301 x 100

Kent Downtown Partnership – Barbara Smith, barbaras@kentdowntown.org, 253-813-6976

Kent Reporter – Polly Shepherd, PShepherd@KentReporter.com, 253-872-6600

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I attended a networking event for the Kent Downtown Partnership Thursday at Treasures on W. Meeker St. This antique store/collectible shop has a great selection of furniture, home decor, collectibles and more. If you are a collector of just about anything – Hot Wheels, Tea Cups, Serving Pieces, Blue Glass, etc. – or just want something different for your home, you’ll enjoy Treasures.

Owned by Sandy Kissel and Linda Rushing, the store receives new items in daily including items from estate sales and buyouts.  Stop by and see for yourself what Treasures are hidden in downtown Kent.

Treasures
214 W. Meeker St.
Kent, WA  98032
253-520-6608

The City of Kent, the Kent School District and the Kent Downtown Partnership are teaming up once again to bring the community Spring Into Art, a free, family-friendly, art-oriented day of fun in downtown Kent. Go an art walk, attend fitness workshops, discover your inner artist, candle making, bug-a-rama and more.

For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event’s website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.

If you still have last minute gifts to buy and want to avoid the mall, consider shopping in downtown Kent. Both Kent Station and Kent’s historic district have some unique options. Here are a few of my favorites:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio: Steve St. Louis has some beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry that your sweetheart will love.

Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts: Consider a gift certificate to treat a loved one to a yoga or tai chi class or a massage treatment.

Balanced Athlete: This First Avenue shop has a great selection of running gear including exercise clothing, shoes and more. Owner Eric Sach can hook you up with something perfect for the athlete on your gift list.

Cypriana: This natural home store features wonderfully natural and organic products for home, bath and baby. In addition, owner Susan Thomas is an expert at designing custom slipcovers and embroidery for your home.

Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage: Treat yourself or a friend to a delightful massage, facial, skin care treatment or waxing. The personal care boutique also has some great stocking stuffers including make-up bags, eye masks, make-up, brushes and more.

English Cottage Collection: This darling shop on W. Meeker St. has different items every time I stop in. Filled with home decor, baby and gift items, this store has something for everyone in every price range.

American Charm: American Charm, also on W. Meeker, has a wide variety of fun, trendy and eclectic gift items, including home decor, children’s gifts, stuffed animals, purses, jewelry and more. You’ll love this shop’s American charm.

Children’s Bookshop: I love this lively children’s book store which is full of great books, learning tools, games, toys, teaching supplies and more. Find the ideal gift for the child or teacher in your life.

Renaissance Yarns: Now at Kent Station next to Dave’s MiniHobby Shop, Renaissance Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns, patterns, knitting tools and other gift items for the creative one on your list. Not sure what to buy? Ask Nancy or her helpful staff to make some suggestions.

Just the Thing: For the fashionista in your family, check out Just the Thing at Kent Station. This charming boutique specializes in custom jean fittings. Buy a gift certificate so your fashionable friend can pick out her favorite jeans.

Marie Haggin Accessories: Now next to Chico’s at Kent Station, Marie Haggin Accessories has hundreds of gift ideas including unique purses, handmade jewelry, wedding crystal, fashion accessories and more. You’ll never find the same thing twice.

Peridot Nail Salon: Tired from your holiday shopping? Stop by Peridot at Kent Station and enjoy a manicure or pedicure. Afterward, you’ll feel refreshed and ready for your next holiday task.

Topaz: If you’ve got trendy, young shoppers to buy for, visit Topaz, next to Road Runner at Kent Station. This new fashion boutique has great, affordable pieces you won’t find anywhere else in Kent.

Other possibilities for last minute gifts include: Bella home & garden, City Frame, Discovery Shop, Goju Karate & Pilates, Salon Avoni, Howell’s Religious Books, Distinctive Images Barber Shop and Styling Salon, NW Electrology & Permanent Makeup, Nature’s Vignettes and more. To learn more about these businesses, visit Kent Downtown Partnership or Kent Station online.

If you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, try one of downtown Kent’s many restaurants for lunch, dinner, coffee or a cocktail:

Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Kona Kai Coffee, Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant, Shindig Martini Bar, Bittersweet, Maggie’s on Meeker, Vibe Bar and Grill, Bev’s Cucina, Pat’s Bar & Grill, Zephyr, Zao Noodle Bar, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, Duke’s Chowder House, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Ram, Dillettante Mocha and Espresso, Jamba Juice and more.

Happy Holidays,

Dana Blozis
Virtually Yourz

I just heard that Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC) and the Kent Downtown merchants are sponsoring a trick-or-treat event again this year.

October 31, 2008
2 to 5 p.m.
$5 donation
Costumes preferred

Kids and their parents will pick up trick-or-treat bags and maps at PICC (328 Fourth Ave. South in downton Kent) and visit downtown merchants for a safe, fun Halloween. Pix by Kathy’s Photo Impressions will be available at PICC for $2 each.

PICC is a nonprofit organization in downtown Kent that provides specialized, 24-hour care for drug-exposed and medically fragile newborns.