The Best Of... - 2011

A supplement published by the

COVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMONDCOVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMONDREPORTER

Lookfor the

BESTin your

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20112011

“You know it’s going to be good.”

Prize drawing sponsored by

2 Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond 2011

Congratulations to the winners of the drawing!

$150 QFC GIFT CARD:

J. O’Connell - Covington

$100 QFC GIFT CARD:

A. Hicks - Maple Valley

$50 QFC GIFT CARD:

L. Pugsley - Maple Valley

Eight $25 QFC Gift Cards:

J. Katen - Black DiamondL. Brady - Maple Valley

T. Patton - AuburnD. Mower - Maple Valley

C. Davidson - Fife

HH ealthy choices for you and your family.

At your neighborhood QFC you will be sure to find the products you and your family enjoy the most.

From fresh produce, to delicious meat from Certified Angus Beef®.

No matter what you have planned for meals, QFC has you covered. Come in today and let our friendly

associates help you find exactly what you are looking for. At QFC, you know it’s going to be good.

Wilderness Village QFC22131 SE 237th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 | (425) 432-9961

THANK YOU to

for sponsoring this drawing!for sponsoring this drawing!

Reporter readers select their favorites

You’ve answered the call and made your choices for the best Covington, Maple Valley and Black Diamond have to o� er, from food to � tness and hardware to health care. We are proud to honor our outstanding businesses in our community that our readers have chosen.

Reporter readers made their picks through ballots published in the paper throughout the months of July and August. � e response from the community was tremendous. We would like to thank all our readers who took the time to complete the ballots.

� e awards are given in categories that include dining, shopping, service providers and much more.

We hope you enjoy the next several pages of results of our 2011 Best of Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and also enjoy the messages from the businesses for which you voted. We are a great community here in South King County!

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond 2011 3

IMPORTANT NOTE: All ties for category winner are listed alphabetically. All � nalists are listed alphabetically.PEOPLEAttorney/Law FirmWinner: Donna VasilkovsFinalists:Cam CaseyGreg Cromwell – Hanis Irvine Prothero Law FirmBarry Kombol

Barista Winner:City Perk– Morning GirlsFinalists:Cutter’s PointLevi – BoyristaStarbucks - Covington

BartenderWinner: Alan at Gonzo’sFinalists:Gina Martin - DavineGretchen Lewis – Druids GlennTerri - El Corral Cantina

ChiropractorWinner:Kriss ChiropracticFinalists:Chiropractic Today - CovingtonDr. Davin Hagman - Hagman ChiropracticDr. Todd Partain - Partain Chiropractic

Community Volunteer Winner:Patti JensenFinalists:Shane DaviesTina McDonaughLeih Mulvihill

Dentist/OrthodontistWinner:Dr. Kashner, OrthodontistFinalists:Covington Family DentistryDr. Craig R. Jolley, DMDDr. Vincent Ho, DDS

Fire� ghter Winner:John RobbinsFinalists:Matt Cohen Kelley JensenKevin Kramlich

Insurance Agent Winner:Craig Johnson– State FarmFinalists:Phil Boldman - State Farm, Covington

Patti M. Jenson – Allstate, Maple Valley

Ross Olive, LTCP– State Farm, Maple Valley

Danny Shin - AFLAC, Maple Valley

Pet GroomerWinner:Pampered Pet– Tina HollandFinalists:Horizon Pet Supply - Black Diamond

Pawsitively Pets - Maple Valley

Petco - CovingtonSoggy Doggy

PhysicianWinner:Shannon Markegard– Valley Medical Center - Lake Sawyer Primary CareFinalists:Dr. Cynthia Cote - MD Cote Medical Laser & SpaElisabeth B. Golden, ARNP - Valley Medical Center - Covington Primary Care Dr. Edward Wakatake - Multicare Covington Urgent Care

Police Of� cerWinner: ChiefMichelle Bennett,Maple ValleyFinalists:Of� cer Harmon – Maple ValleyEd ValponieChris Williams

Public Of� cialWinner: Joe FainFinalists:Jim FlynnMayor Margaret HartoLeih Mulville

RealtorWinner:Tina McDonoughFinalists:Carla Clark - Windermere Real Estate/Maple ValleyVicki Dalisky - Windermere Real Estate/South - KentTamara Paul - Prudential Meridian Valley RealtyCathy Wahlin - Windermere/ Auburn - Lakeland Hills

Teacher / SchoolWinner:Kevin Hurt – Tahoma HSFinalists:Tara Lee - Grasslake ElemLinda Parker Roberts - Rock CreekTheresa Turner – Kentlake

Veterinarian Winner: Lake Wilderness Animal HospitalDr. Melanie CavinessFinalists:Jack Smith - 4 Corners Maple Valley Animal HospitalSawyer Lake Vet HospitalVCA - Covington

Waiter-WaitressWinner: Cindy - at Gloria’sFinalists:Lupe & Irma at Hacienda Del MarMallory at Isabella’sMichelle at Maggie’s on Meeker

Thank youfor all yourvotes for the

Best of Covington,Maple Valley,

Black Diamond!

We value our long term relationships!

At Duane Weber Insurance, we strive for excellent customer service.

We go above and beyond our customers’ expectations by fulfilling their insurance needs. We are a family run business, whose owner, Duane Weber founded Duane Weber Insurance in 1972 to provide customers with a place for all their insurance needs.

Duane Weber began as insurance adjuster in 1968, and since then the family business has grown. Duane’s wife, Marcy, began working for the company in 1989; his oldest son Derek began working here in 1995, and his youngest son Dylan started working here in 1998.

We’ve Been Serving Your InsuranceNeeds for Over 30 Years!

WE ARE OPEN -MONDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm • FRIDAY: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Duane WeberINSURANCE

PROPERTY • AUTO • LIFE • COMMERCIAL

327 5th Ave S, Kent, Washington 98032

(253) 852-1251

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Quality Care by a Compassionate Staff23714 222nd Pl SE, Ste L • MAPLE VALLEY

425.432.9975www.wildernessvet.com 5

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Thank youfor nominating us in the

Best Veterinary categoryof the Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond

reader’s choice contest!

Thank you


SERVICESAutomotiveWinner:Les Schwab- CovingtonFinalists:Covington TireLes Schwab – Maple ValleyValley Automotive

Bank/Credit UnionWinner:BECUFinalists:Bank of America – Lake MeridianColumbiaKey Bank

CateringWinner:Mama Passarelli’sFinalists:Cedar GrillGloria’sLinds Meats – Maple Valley

Dry CleanerWinner:Grace Cleaners– 4 CornersFinalists:4 CornersBella CleanersCountry Cleaners

Fitness CenterWinner:Pinnacle Medical WellnessFinalists:Covington Hot YogaGet Hot YogaKinetics – Jeff RamosMaple Valley Fitness

Golf CourseWinner:Druids GlenFinalists:Elk RunJade Greens Golf Course – AuburnLake Wilderness

Hair Salon/Barber ShopWinner:Daniel RossFinalists:AttitudesLoftSalon Parente

Massage TherapyWinner:Pinnacle Medical WellnessFinalists:Daniel RossMassage Envy3 R’s Therapy

Nail SalonWinner:Daniel RossFinalists:4 Seasons – CovingtonBlue WaterNail Spa – Covington

Senior Living FacilityWinner:Fountain CourtFinalists:Covington PlaceRatcliffe PlaceWeatherly Inn

Spa ServicesWinner:Daniel RossFinalists:Blue WaterMD Cote Medical, Laser & SpaThe Loft

Travel AgencyWinners:AAA Jetway TravelFinalists:Loree ConnorsMaple Valley Cruise and Travel

IMPORTANT NOTE: All ties for category winner are listed alphabetically. All � nalists are listed alphabetically.

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Nominated for:

BEST BOOKSTOREBEST GROCERY STOREBEST GARDEN CENTERHope to see you soon....

THANK YOU for your votes & continued

support!

17432 SE 270th Pl., Covington | 253-630-7791 | www.walmart.com

13215 SE 240th Suite GKent, WA 98042

253.630.6765

Thank you for nominating

BAND BOX HAIR for “Best Hair Salon/Barber Shop.”We love our customers!

Christie InmanOwner & Stylist

Celebrating 50 Years on Kent East Hill.

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Donna E. Vasilkovs, J.D.Attorney at Law

Experienced Trial Attorney; Criminal, Civil, & Juvenile

• Rated the Most Aggressive and Effi cient Defense Counsel

• Online Rated as a Top Lawyer• 24 Years of Litigation Experience• FREE Consultations• Located in Covington

(253) [email protected]

I appreciate your votes. Thank you!

THANK YOU for your support over the last 30 years!I appreciate your loyalty and for choosing me as your State Farm® agent in Maple Valley.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (not in NJ), State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Bloomington, IL • Insurance and discounts subject to qualifications.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARMS IS THERE. ®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

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Craig JohnsonAgent

22035 SE Wax Rd., Suite 12Maple Valley, WA 98038-8543

www.craigrjohnson.com

425-432-1900


SHOPPINGAppliance StoreWinner:Home Depot – CovingtonFinalists:Costco – CovingtonDo It CenterFred Meyer

BookstoreWinner:Baker StreetBooks (BD)Finalists:Costco – CovingtonFred Meyer WalMart

Car/RV DealerWinner:ScarffFinalists:AirstreamCar ClubTrailers NW

Clothing/Shoe StoreWinner: Kohl’s Finalists:Fred Meyer Kid-To-KidPayless

Consignment/Thrift StoreWinner:Goodwill - Maple ValleyFinalists:A Treasure BoxKid-To-KidValue Village

Flower ShopWinner:Carol’s– Maple ValleyFinalists:Bee’s FloristBuds & Blooms – CovingtonSafeway - Covington

Furniture/Home DecorWinner:Matter of StyleFinalists:Bella (Kent)Pier 1 ImportsQuintessence

Gift StoreWinner:QuintessenceFinalists:Fred MeyerHallmark Store,Leih’s Gifts

Grocery or Convenience StoreWinner:QFC - Maple ValleyFinalists:Fred Meyer – CovingtonSafeway - CovingtonSafeway – Maple Valley

Jewelry StoreWinner:Anthony’sFinalists:Costco – CovingtonFred MeyerKohl’s

Pet Store/Pet SuppliesWinner:Petco - CovingtonFinalists:HorizonMud Bay Yummy Tummy

Plant Nursery/Garden CenterWinner:Taylor CreekFinalists:Covington Creek NurseryDo-It Center – Maple ValleyHome Depot - Covington

Winery/Wine ShopWinner: Davine– Maple ValleyFinalists:Costco wine sectionGrape Adventure KentQFC – Wilderness Village

Thank you to our loyal membersfor nominating us as:

BEST GROCERY STOREBEST JEWELRY STOREBEST FURNITURE/HOME DECOR STOREBEST APPLIANCE STOREBEST BOOKSTOREBEST WINERY/WINE SHOP

in the 2011 Best ofCovington|Maple Valley|Black Diamond Reporter Reader’s Poll!

{{We appreciate our members!

517058

425-432-2273 • fax 425-432-246824005 Maple Valley Hwy SE • Maple Valley, WA 98038

519136

Davin L Hagman, DCCertified Chiropractic Sports Physicianhagmanchiropractic.com

rehab

Bring this add in to receive$200 off your initial evaluation and treatment (x-rays only if necessary). Expires September 28, 2011.

• Providing exemplary care,

specific to your needs, one

patient at a time.

• In our office you’re not just a

number, you’re number one!

Thank you for your support!

-Dr. Hagman & Staff

26514 SE 216th St., Maple Valley, WA 98038

Your local neighborhood nursery and landscaping company!

TAYLOR CREEKNursery & Landscaping

Fri., Sat. & Sun. 10am - 6pmand by appointment

425-432-2689email:

[email protected]

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Thank you for nominating us “Best Plant Nursery”

THANK YOU SPECIAL

ROSEBUSHES

Exp. 9/20/11

$10EAWith coupon.



RESTAURANTSAsian CuisineWinner: HimitsuFinalists:Benjarong Thai – CovingtonIron Grill4 Corners Teriyaki

BBQ Winner:RootersFinalists:BBQ Pete’s – KentCedar GrillIron Grill

Breakfast/Coffee ShopWinner:Black Diamond BakeryFinalists:Big Apple DeliCity PerkIHOP - CovingtonTesty Chef

Family RestaurantWinner:Red Robin- CovingtonFinalists:Black Diamond Bakery

Cedar Grill

IHOP – Covington

Fine DiningWinner: Cedar GrillFinalists:272 Restaurant

Druids Glenn

Ristorante Isabella

HamburgerWinner: Red RobinFinalists:Applebee’sTesty ChefVillage Inn

Italian CuisineWinner:Mama Passerelli’sFinalists:Fresh Pizza Co.Ristorante IsabellaThe Rock

LunchWinner:Black Diamond BakeryFinalists:Applebee’sBig Apple DeliSubway – CovingtonSubway – Lake Sawyer Village

Mexican CuisineWinner: Hacienda Del MarFinalists:La FogataLos CabosPuerto Vallarta

PizzaWinner:The RockFinalists:Frankie’s - Maple Valley

Garlic Jim’s

Papa Murphy’s – Covington


I have been the one privileged to serve you!

� ank YouCovington/

Maple Vall� !

• Realtor since 1981

• Senior Real Estate Specialist& Advocate for Clients 55+

• RELOCATION certifi ed with majorPuget Sound companies

517528

(206) 718-3296 [email protected]

Dawn RushtonManaging Broker

Helping family BUY & SELL homes in YOUR neighborhood since 1984!

I CovingtonI Maple Valley

(Thanks for ing me too!)

518910


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Covington Animal Hospital

27045 174th Pl. SE; Covington, WA 98042(behind Jiffy Lube, adjacent to WalMart)

THANK YOU for nominating

our staff and hospital as

“Best Veterinarian” in the 2011 Readers’ Poll!

(253) 631-8616Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm; Sat 8am-6pm; Sun: Closed

www.vcahospitals.com/ covington

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BY DON C. BRUNELL

You may have missed it, but amidst the global economic turmoil, riots in London and our volatile stock market, there is some good news.

Boeing has completed fl ight tests on its long-delayed 787 Dreamliner and has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to certify the plane for produc-tion. The company is hoping to earn FAA approval in time to start delivering planes in September.

Despite the delays, the 787 remains a major source of future income for Boe-ing. Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Jim Albaugh says they have 830 orders for the 787 from 52 customers, and the plane is sold out through 2019.

This is good news for the entire state, Dr. Arun Raha said, Washington’s chief economist. Noting that Boeing has added 6,200 workers since 2010, Raha writes,

“We expect the aerospace job growth to continue over the next couple of years as Boeing plans signifi cant production in-creases in all fi ve models of commercial

aircraft. Between now and early 2013, total production will rise from the 42 planes per month to 60 planes per month, an increase of more than 40 percent.” Reu-ters reports that Boeing has taken orders for a net total of 268 com-mercial planes so far in 2011.

Obviously, things are looking up — but all that could change.

Boeing’s rosy outlook is by no means assured. Next year, the company must negotiate new labor contracts with its machinists and engineers — a relation-ship that has been marked by four crip-pling strikes in the last 22 years. A strike on top of the three years of 787 delays could jeopardize future production in Washington state and the U.S.

In addition, the National Labor

Relations Board is pursuing claims by Washington labor leaders that Boeing’s decision to build a second production line in South Carolina — a right-to-work state — constitutes illegal retribution against the unions for the walkouts. The case has garnered national attention with critics charging that a favorable NLRB ruling would essentially give unions veto power over where any company does business. Offi cials in South Carolina say the NLRB’s move is a slap at non-union states that could stall their economic recovery.

But Boeing’s future isn’t dependent solely on what happens here in the U.S.

China, Brazil and Canada all have aircraft manufacturers who are encroach-ing on Boeing’s cash cow — the 737 — and Airbus, which is subsidized by the European Union, rivals Boeing each year for the number of commercial airplane orders.

To survive in this aggressive global

marketplace, Boeing needs certainty and stability at home, with its workforce and with government regulators. Without it, Boeing’s future prospects are uncertain.

In his most recent revenue forecast, Raha warned, “Our guarded optimism about the second half prospects of the national economy has given way to a sinking feeling of pessimism. Consumer confi dence is in the tank. The risk of the national economy slipping back into recession has increased signifi cantly. The state, along with the nation, is now facing additional shocks and uncertain-ties….”

The decisions made over the next couple of years by federal offi cials, gov-ernment regulators and union leaders will help determine the future of our state and perhaps our nation. They should proceed with caution.

Don Brunell is the president of the As-sociation of Washington Business.

Boeing needs sound decisions from government

COMMENTARY

Don

Bru

nell

King County residents can reduce junk mail • Want to cut down on how much junk mail you receive?You can with a free account through a new King County EcoConsumer online service.“You have the ability to opt out of junk mail now to stop the fl urry of holiday catalogs you don’t want,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine in a county media release. “Recycling is great, but reducing waste at the source is even bet-ter.”

The King County EcoConsumer program has joined forces with non-profi t Catalog Choice to provide a convenient website, kingcounty.catalogchoice.org, where residents can opt out of thousands of diff erent catalogs, coupons, credit off ers, circulars, newsletters, other junk mailings and unwanted phone books. This service is prominently featured on the EcoConsumer website at www.KCecocon-sumer.com.In addition to making mail and phone book opt-outs easier, this partnership will allow King County to make solid estimates about the amount of paper waste being diverted from its regional landfi ll. Using ZIP codes, Catalog Choice will provide to the County data on the amount of mail being reduced and the number of County residents participating.The opt-out website is intended for all King County residents who live outside the city of Seattle.

• Meet the Author: Amy Pennington7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. S.E.Urban pantry, tips and recipes for a thrifty, sustainable and seasonal kitchen and apartment gardening, plants, projects and recipes for growing food in your urban home.Food writer and green living advocate, Amy Pennington, will show us how the food we consume can be grown in our space, even if our space is as small as an apartment.Amy is the creator and owner of GoGo Green Garden, an edible gardening busi-ness that builds plants and tends edible gardens for city folk in their backyards. In March 2009 Amy launched UrbanGardenShare.org, a garden web site that pairs city gardeners with unused garden space.

News and Notes


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Healthy Kids, Healthy Smiles

Maple Valley Pediatric DentistryCurtis Barnett, D.D.S., PLLC

Thank youfor putting your trust in us and

13034 Kent-Kangley Rd.Kent, WA 98030

253-631-6398www.dfkwa.com

26812 Maple Valley HwyMaple Valley, WA 98038

425-432-2200www.dfkmv.com

“THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF CARE

FOR YOUR CHILD”

Best Dentist i n C ov i n g t o n / M a p l e va l l e y

nominating us

Thanks Covington & Maple Valley for nominating me for best Realtor!

[email protected]

Patti Berube

As a local John L Scott agent & lifelong Washington Native – I appreciate it and look forward to continuing to help you

with your real estate needs!

518931

515402

Thank You for Your Votes!

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151�1 SE �7�nd, Kent, WA 9��4� • (�5�) ��-749� • weatherlyinn.com

A secure community for Alzheimer's & related Dementias, including Day Stay & Respite Care

with 24-hr nursing.Serving Our Community Since 1999.

Family Owned and Operated

Come Home to the Weatherly InnA Huge Thank You to the Covington/Maple Valley

Community Who Nominated Us.

We sincerely thank the members of our community who voted us one ofCovington/Maple Valley's Best.

Building a gourmet menu doesn’t mean that you’ll have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing before guests arrive. By keeping the menu simple and focused on the foods and � avors that are perfectly in season, you can showcase what makes the season special without sacri� c-ing time spent with your guests.

When it comes to the ingre-dients you’ll use, take a sustain-able approach by visiting local farmers markets or your own garden plot, if you have one. It’s important to remember that ingredients other than vegeta-bles can still be sustainable and environmentally friendly.

And since steak is the perfect main dish for a grilling get-together, look for steaks with labels with identifying informa-tion, letting you know that it is grass-fed or pasture-raised.

Plan on serving at least four dishes: a salad, a side, a main dish and a dessert. A green salad topped with rich blue cheese and herb dressing is a wonder-ful, fresh start to the meal. Follow it with a side dish of seasonal vegetables and cheese-topped steak. Depending on the vegetable you choose, it’s pos-sible to prepare both your side and main dishes on the grill, allowing you to spend more

time outside with your guests. Complete the meal with a sweet treat of ripe fruits - baked into a rustic French galette or tossed with fresh mint as a topping for a light sorbet.

Try these recipes for your salad and steak courses and you’ll be preparing sustainable dishes that perfectly capture the essence of good entertaining.

Blue Cheese Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

INGREDIENTS:1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1/4 cup skim milk

1/2 cup green onions (includ-ing green tops), thinly sliced

1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1/2 clove garlic, pressed

1/4 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon rosemary, crushed

Dash salt, to taste

SALAD1 large head iceberg lettuce

6 slices thick-cut bacon

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled

Black pepper, to taste

Chopped pears, walnuts, red onion and/or tomatoes, to taste

In small bowl, stir together yogurt and milk. Mix in onions, cheese, garlic, herbs and salt. Cover and chill 30 minutes or

more to blend � avors. Cook bacon until crisp and

crumble into large pieces. Cut lettuce into four to six wedges. Pour blue cheese dressing over the top. Sprinkle bacon over dressing. Add additional crumbled cheese, freshly ground black pepper, chopped pears, walnuts, red onion and/or tomatoes, if desired. Makes four servings.

Steak with Gorgonzola � yme CrustINGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 beef tenderloin or small rib eye steaks (about 6 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick

1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Preheat broiler. Spoon Worcestershire sauce over both sides of the steaks and let stand � ve minutes. Sprinkle garlic and pepper over steaks.

Place steaks on rack or broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat source three to four min-utes per side for medium rare steak.

Remove pan from broiler. Sprinkle thyme, then cheese over steaks. Return to oven and broil two minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

A simple and sustainable gourmet meal

Salad dressed with blue cheese makes an easy to prepare gourmet meal that is quick to � x ARAcontent


F Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by experienced chefs

F Friendly service & relaxed atmosphere

F Quality food at a reasonable price

Thank Youfor your votes for Best Asian Restaurant

120 Washington Ave N • Kent WAon Washington & Meeker with plenty of onsite parking

253-850-5887Dine-in or Take-out

Mon-Fri 11am-9pmSat 12pm-9pm

510418

$5offwith minimum $25dinE-in purchasE

Limit one coupon per person.Expires 12/01/11.

Thank youfor supporting

City Perk Espressofor the

2011 Best ofMaple Valley!

Offering more than just a warm atmosphere and great

coffee. Have ameeting, browse our retail or

sit by the � re with friends.A great place to meet for

any occasion.Customers have access

to free wi-� .

Swing byAug 29 - Sept 2after 4:00PM

*$2.00 lattes!!!*16oz. hot or iced,2 shots of espresso.Extra shots or � avors will

be additional.

Now serving, fresh daily, cupcakes by

“My Friend Diane”.Grab a sweet treat

with your coffee or take one to your friends or loved ones.

Having an event?Call or come in to place

an order.

ESPRESSO“Keeping our Community Ca� nated for over 20 Years”

23912 SE Kent Kangley Rd Maple Valley

425-432-6144www.cityperkespresso.com.

COUPON

$1.00 offGranita

16oz, 20oz, 24oz or 32oz.one per customer / per visit

Expires 9/30/11519437

BY STEVE HUNTER

[email protected]

Jeff Caso has watched a lot of children benefi t over the last two years from the Thunderbird Community Sports Founda-tion supported by Seattle Thunderbirds hockey fans.

From Kent School District students who need help to pay athletic fees to new equip-ment for the Kent Valley Hockey Associa-tion, the nonprofi t foundation has awarded 30 grants worth a total of $64,700 during its initial two years of operation after the Thunderbirds moved to the ShoWare Cen-ter in Kent from KeyArena in Seattle.

“We’ve exceeded what we thought we would be able to do,” said Caso, president of the Thunderbird Community Sports Foundation and a hockey operations as-sistant for the T-Birds.

Seattle opens the 2011-12 Western Hockey League season Sept. 24 at the ShoWare Center.

A 50/50 drawing and jersey raffl e at T-Birds home games serves as the primary fundraiser for the foundation. Fans can buy a $2 drawing ticket with $1 going to the winner’s pot and $1 to the foundation.

Tickets for the 50/50 are sold until the end of the second intermission. Winners are drawn at the 10-minute mark of the third period. Volunteers, many from the Kent-Meridian Key Club, run the 50/50 drawing.

Only 200 jersey raffl e tickets are sold at each game to give fans a 1 in 200 shot at

winning. Jersey raffl e tickets cost $5. One jersey is given away each game.

“The last 10 to 15 home games we sold out (200 raffl e tickets) before the fi rst period was over,” Caso said of the 2010-11 season that wrapped up in March.

The Kent School District has received more than $15,000 from the foundation to help students pay for fees the district charges to participate in middle school and high school sports. The foundation has given $9,000 to the Kent Valley Hockey Association to help pay for beginner equip-ment as well as fees of players who cannot afford to pay.

“Our focus is the Kent area but we are not limited to that,” Caso said.

Other groups that have received funds include the Auburn Little League, the Au-burn Specialized Recreational Program, the city of Kent Parks program for elementary children, the Western Washington Female Hockey Association and the Kent Commu-nity Foundation.

“Our mission is to help all amateur athletics and athletes,” Caso said. “We’ve helped everyone from minor hockey to Special Olympics to club basketball and the Kent School District.”

The foundation is run by a three-person board of directors and 16 voting members. Subcommittees review grant applications and work on fundraising ideas.

In fact, partly because 50/50 sales have gone so well, the foundation is working on coming up with an annual fundrais-ing event as another way to raise money because the Washington State Gambling

Commission limits how much a nonprofi t group can bring in through drawings and raffl es.

“We’re bumping up against the gam-bling limit,” Caso said. “We need to fi g-ure out how to get more money coming in so we can get more money going out. But that’s a good problem to have.”

The Thunderbirds started the founda-tion after they decided to move to Kent from Seattle. The Sno-King Amateur Hockey Association ran the 50/50 draw-ings at KeyArena but did not continue that fundraiser after the T-Birds move.

That opened the door for the T-Birds to go a new direction with the formation of the Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation.

Not every group that applies for grants receives funds.

“We do get more (applications) than we can fund each year,” Caso said. “That’s another reason we’re looking for new ways to raise money.”

Youth and amateur sports associations, schools, teams and individuals can apply twice a year for grants from the foundation at www.thunderbirdsfoundation.com.

Thunderbirds dish out funds to schools and sports groups

Je� Caso, Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey Operations Assistant, is the president of the Thunderbird Community Sports Foundation which help out the local community, CHARLES CORTES, Kent Reporter


Thank you Maple Valley and Covington Residents for nominating me as

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT!

519146

My business has been built on referrals of happy homeowners like you, I deeply thank you for your trust and nominations.

Kerri Young,BROKER206-909-3612

www.kerriyoung.com

Looking for an experienced agent to join my REO team, if interested email [email protected]

Ribs • Chicken • Pulled PorkBeef Brisket • Hot Links

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Corner of W. Valley Hwy & 212th6621 South 211th St • Kent

bbqpetes.com • 425.251.0778

Thank You Covingtonfor your business and votes!

23220 MV-Blk Diamond Rd., SEMaple Valley, WA 98038

(425) 432-6880

Thanks to our loyalcustomers for nominating

Us as Best... Family Restaurant

Breakfast/Coffee Shop

Hamburgers

Italian Cuisine

Waitress (Cindy & Debbie)

in the 2011 Covington/Maple Valley/

Black Diamond Reader’s Poll!

50% OFFEntréePurchase one

entrée at regular price and receive the 2nd Entrée of equal or lesser value 50% OFF

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Expires 9/30/11519375

KELLY’S Gift Boutique Authorized Miche Bag Distributor

THANKS for VOTING FOR US! WE LOVE our CUSTOMERSand appreciate you traveling to Kent for our services.

NAILS By DESIGN

Kent’s

Experts

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BY CALVIN GOINGS

Whether your small business is in the early stages of development or already thriving and seeking growth capital, you will need to determine whether venture capital � nancing is right for your company – and if so, how you get it. It’s why the President announced the “Startup America” initiative to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepre-neurship in Covington, the North-west and across the nation.

Venture capital, also o� en referred to as equity capital, is money raised by a busi-ness in exchange for a share of ownership in the company. Equity � nancing allows a business to obtain funds without incurring debt, or without having to repay a speci� c amount of money at a particular time. A key source of equity capital for new and emerging businesses is venture capital � rms - high net worth investors who seek

high returns through private investments in start-up companies.

Typically, venture capital investors invest funds unsecured by assets in young, private

companies with the potential for rapid growth in the hope of pro� t-ing from their investment. Such investing covers most industries and is appropriate for businesses across the spectrum of develop-mental stages. Investing in new or very young companies inher-ently carries a high degree of risk. But venture capital is long term or

“patient capital” that allows companies the time to mature into pro� table organiza-tions.

Successful long-term growth for most businesses is dependent upon the avail-ability of equity capital. Lenders generally require some equity cushion or collateral before they will lend to a small business. A lack of equity limits the debt � nancing available to businesses. Small businesses

o� en rely on venture capital to provide a fresh injection of equity, which can allow the company to seek new debt.

With President Obama’s “Startup America” initiative, venture capital can be leveraged with a match from the U.S. Small Business Administration to strengthen capital access for entrepreneurs and � rms with high-growth potential. � rough our Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, SBA will target over $2B in new growth capital into companies located in underserved communities and emerging sectors such as clean energy, as well as in early-stage companies facing dif-� cult challenges accessing capital.

Venture capitalists seek companies with high growth potentials, strong manage-ment teams, and solid business plans. � ey typically invest in ventures involved in industries or technologies with which they are personally familiar.

At the Small Business Administration, we’ve always been proud to serve not just

Main Street businesses, but also small, high-growth � rms. � rough our SBIC Program, we’ve even helped companies like Intel, Apple Computer, Outback Steakhouse, Staples, and FedEx as they were just starting out. � ese once small startup companies have added millions of jobs and transformed our economy over the decades. “Startup America” will focus the resources of the SBA and other federal agencies to partner with the next great American success story to continue and expand our economic recovery.

Entrepreneurs interested in seeking � nancing can visit the venture � nancing page on the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/content/sbic-program-0. � e Web page includes several useful articles on venture capital for entrepreneurs. � e page also in-cludes a directory of SBICs, listed by state.

Calvin Goings is the regional administrator for the Small Business Association, region 10.

Investing in high growth businesses in Covington

COMMENTARY

Calv

in G

oing

s

It’s time for the public to nomi-nate its favorite community-cen-tric corporations for Washington’s highest civics award.

Secretary of State Sam Reed has announced his o� ce will start accepting nominations Friday for a Corporations for Communi-

ties 2011 Award. August 31 is the nomination deadline.

� e Corporations for Com-munities program was launched in 2009 by Reed as a way to recognize exceptional Washing-ton businesses that demonstrate a commitment to giving in order

to improve local or regional social and environmental conditions.

“� is is an opportunity to encourage standout corpora-tions that are choosing to make their community a priority,” said Reed. “Particularly in these tough economic times, it’s important to cheer on businesses that are going above and beyond to make a dif-ference in Washington.”

Each year, Reed selects one large and one small corporation from among the public nomina-

tions to receive a National As-sociation of Secretaries of State Medallion, which is the highest civics honor awarded by the state.

Anyone is able to nominate businesses for this honor. Any sized for-pro� t corporation, lim-ited liability corporation (LLC), or limited partnership is eligible for this award. � e nominee must be registered with the Of-� ce of the Secretary of State and be in compliance with state and federal laws.

Nomination forms are avail-able on the Secretary of State’s Web site at http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/corpsforcommu-nities/.

Winners for the 2011 Awards cycle will be announced in September.

For more information about the Corporations for Communi-ties program, contact program coordinator Patrick Reed at (360) 725-0358 or [email protected] .

Seeking nominations for communities 2011 award


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King County’s Waste-water Treatment Division issued $494 million worth of new sewer revenue bonds at a rate of 3.79 percent. The total savings to county ratepayers from this refinancing is projected to be more than $70 million, or about $3 million per year, through 2034.

“King County’s strong credit rating means we can sell bonds at low interest rates and keep our costs down,” said King County Executive Dow Constan-

tine. “I am pleased that, even in a time of econom-ic uncertainty, our track record of strong financial management allows us to

issue bonds at a rate that will save tens of millions of dol-lars as we invest in our region.”

Most of the pro-ceeds will be used to

refinance $458 million of outstanding sewer revenue bonds that were issued in 2001, 2002, and 2004. The remainder of the bond proceeds will be used to fund the completion of the Brightwater Treatment

Plant project and other capital improvements.

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) reaffirmed its AA+ rat-ing of the utility’s sewer revenue bonds. S&P cited consistent financial performance, the King County Council’s will-ingness to incrementally raise rates and connection charges to meet financial obligations, and a robust economic base that retains strong underlying credit fundamentals despite a period of slow growth.

Millions in projected savings for King County

savingmoney

When you start a small business, you’ll probably discover that what you learned in business school doesn’t cover everything you need to know as a busi-ness leader.

That’s what Michael Alter, SurePayroll president and CEO, discovered dur-ing his 10 years leading the company. He’s put together five tips for growing a small business that you probably won’t learn in business school:

1. Don’t be afraid to make new mistakes.

Mistakes are one of the most valuable learning tools I’ve ever come across. You can’t learn anything if you’re afraid to try some-thing new, or worried about letting your staff do things differently.

As a small business owner, you can’t afford to

fall victim to “the paralysis of analysis.” That doesn’t mean you should change how you run an aspect of your business without do-ing your due diligence. But the longer you wait to try something new, the longer you’ll wait to learn some-thing your competitors might already know.

Develop a culture where you and your employees feel comfortable trying something new and em-bracing an entrepreneurial spirit. “At SurePayroll, we give a ‘Best New Mistake’ award that’s our equivalent to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The winner walks away with $400 - the largest prize we issue to any employee,” Alter said. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much you learn, and how entrepreneurial your employees can be, when

you give them the freedom to err.

2. Saying “no” to new business is one of

your most powerful assets.Taking on new chal-

lenges and doing practi-cally everything yourself is the hallmark of a small business owner. But rather than accepting every new opportunity that looks like it might be helpful with your business, start saying “no” to things that aren’t strategically aligned with your business.

Be sure “no” is part of your vocabulary so you can say “yes” to focusing on your core business.

3. Use negatives as positives.

You may never have the big marketing budgets, huge cash flow, or large infrastructure that your big competitors will. Most

people will tell you that’s a negative you’ll have to over-come (or a “challenge” you have to overcome, if they’re being nice). Rather, think of it as a positive - an opportu-nity you need to seize.

Working with abun-dant resources is always more cumbersome. When your competitors want to change, they have an army of employees to retrain, technology to reprogram and at least a few big wigs who’ll need to sign off on it - usually after a lot of con-vincing.

As the owner of a small business, you are able to change quickly. Use your nimbleness to your advan-tage. Turning your idea into a reality quickly is much easier for you than for a colleague who works at a large employer.

4. Play to your strengths, not your

weaknesses.In past jobs your bosses

probably tried to help you by identifying skills or traits you should improve when they conducted your performance reviews. But, time is the one resource you can never get more of. So why waste time trying to improve something you’re not good at - and probably don’t have any passion for - when you can outsource your weaknesses?

If you’re buried in receipts and your general ledger, struggling to keep the books accurate, find an accountant or bookkeeper so you can free up your time to focus on growing your business. If you’re great at selling your service or product but can’t help customers with questions,

get a customer service rep-resentative on board so you can focus on what you’re best at.

When you’re in the middle of doing something you hate, pass the buck to someone else.

5. Use technology to improve every-

thing.The advances in business

technology over the last 15 years have leveled the playing field. With the right technology, you can revolu-tionize how your business and service works - and even what your market expects.

Find the technology that can help you improve oper-ations and free your staff to work on tasks that generate more revenue. Smart tech-nology investments always produce a strong return on investment.

Five tips for growing a small business

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