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Published as a supplement to the
From Schools To Services, People & Places, Look Inside To See Your Vote.
Page 2 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
Pg. 3 | Best of Whidbey: 2010 on-line survey results
Pg. 6 | Recipe for success: Whidbey Coffee
Pg. 8 | Service with Style: a haircut with Shear Inspiration
Pg. 10 | Whidbey’s last new car dealer is its best: Oak Harbor Motors
Pg. 15 | Nostalgic Pleasure: Shady Ladies attract antique following
Publisher | Marcia Van DykeEditor | Jim LarsenDesign & Layout | Michelle WolfenspargerWords & Images | Justin Burnett, Katie McVicker, Jessie Stensland & Nathan WhalenMarketing Manager | Terri Tinker Marketing | Sarah Felger & Patrick Shanahan
Marketing Art | Rebecca Collins, Holly Rinne, Ginny Tomasko & Leslie VanceProduction Manager | Michelle WolfenspargerSelection Committee | Whidbey Islanders who logged on to cast over 400 web ballots for their choice of"best" Whidbey businesses, services, places & people. THANKS!
Best of Whidbey | staff
A montage of why we all love living on Whidbey– the food and wines, the great places to do everything from walk barefoot in the sand to have a romantic picnic, the wonderful events and festivals, the beauty all around us and the great places to live and work. We think the Best IS Whidbey!
O.H. YEAH!Being the bestis the best feeling.
Community Volunteer: Jo BaldaCommunity Leader: Jim SlowikBusiness Person: Shelli Trumbull
Local Band: Midlife CrisisLocal Artist: Tyler Potts
Local Author: Deb LundBirdwatching: Crockett Lake
Campground: Deception Pass State ParkBeach: West Beach
Event: Holland HappeningHistoric Building: Fort Casey
Place to Watch a Sunset: West BeachPark: Windjammer / City BeachPlace to Fish: Deception PassBike Route: The Kettles Trails
You are the BEST of the BEST!
Koetje Property Management
Koetje Property Management
Koetje Property Management Oa Har or
CHAMBER OF COMMERCEWHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
on the cover
contents
Additional copies of this publication, subscriptions and advertising information can be obtained by contacting:WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES | 360-675-6611PO Box 1200, 107 S. Main Street, Ste. E101
Coupeville, WA 98239
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 3
Best Bar/TavernOak Harbor TavernLava LoungeToby’s Tavern
Best Place to DanceLava LoungeElementDan’s Classic Ballroom
Best Place to Play PoolAll Sports PubLava LoungeToby’s
Best Place to take a DateFrasers Gourmet HideawayBlue Fox Drive-inChristopher’s
Best Entertain-ment for KidsBlue Fox Drive-InWindjammer Park/City BeachFort Nugent Park
Best Place to WorkNaval Air Station Whidbey IslandChugach
Best Place to Work (cont.)Whidbey General Hospital
Best Place to GambleBayside Casino &Element NightclubOak Bowl
Best Place to hear Live MusicLava LoungeO� the HookTied for third place–Oak Harbor Tavern ElementFlyer’s
Best Community VolunteerJo Balda at Key BankJill JohnsonJohn Dyer
Best Community LeaderJim Slowik, Mayor of Oak HarborJill Johnson, Oak Harbor ChamberSheri� Mark Brown
Best Businessman or BusinesswomanShelli Trumbull, Cascade InsuranceTied for second place–Bob DrennanLinda Haddon
Best Local Band/MusicianMidlife CrisisTied for second place–Johnny & The Bulldogs Don Richards Band
Best Local ArtistTyler PottsStacey Neumiller (tie) Linnane ArmstrongPerry Wood� n
Best Local AuthorDeb LundLaura MoorePeggy Darst Townsend
NIGHT & DAY LIFE PEOPLE
Say hello to the BestThe Best Food, Fun, People and Places found on Whidbey, as voted upon by the readers of the Whidbey News-Times.
Whidbey News-Times/File Photo
The “Best place to work” is still Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, according to our online poll.
Thank you for votingCascade Insurance Agency, LLC
for Whidbey Island’s
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY
Continued on page 4
Page 4 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
SHOPPING
Best BartenderHaley Plumly, Toby’s, Jamie Goodenough (tie) Brandy ThompsenCorey Jonsen, Lava (tie) Josee Fraser, Fraser’s
Best BaristaKatherine, Drag ‘n’ Fly
Best Barista (cont.)Hilary, Whidbey Co� eeLeah Norton, Whidbey Co� ee
Best WaitpersonPier Johnson Haley PlumlyTied for second place–Joanna, China CityChelsea Jones, LavaLounge
Best BloggerJill Johnson, Oak Har-bor ChamberSue FrauseBill Burnett
Best Asian MenuChina City1-2-3 ThaiSweet Rice
Best Coffee Shop/StandWhidbey Co� eeStarbucksDragon� y Espresso
Best Barbecue RestaurantBBQ JointSho ‘Nu� BBQKimo’s BBQ
Best Cheap MealTaco BellMcDonalds123 Thai
Best DeliSafewayCounty Deli, CoupevilleAlbertson’s Deli
Best BurgerFlyers Restaurant & BreweryToby’sBurger King
Best Clam ChowderSeabolt’s SmokehouseToby’sChristopher’s
Best Fish & ChipsSeabolt’s SmokehouseToby’sFlyer’s
Best SalsaEsteban’s RestaurantEl CazadorMi Pueblo
Best Mexican MenuEsteban’s RestarantEl CazadorMi Pueblo
Best SteakFraser’s GourmetHideawayApplebee’s Flyer’s
Best PizzaPapa Murphys Take N” Bake PizzaGood TimesPizza Factory
Best SeafoodSeabolt’s RestaurantToby’sFraser’s
Best DessertFrasers Gourmet Hide-awayApplebee’sChristophers
Best Happy HourApplebee’sChina CityFlyer’s
Best Restaurant For KidsApplebee’sMcDonald’sGood Times Pizza
Best Antique StoreShady Ladies AntiquesOak Tree AntiquesElkhorn Trading Co.
Best Automotive DealershipOak Harbor MotorsSlowick MotorsWhidbey Island Mazda
Best Women’s Clothing StoreMauricesCasual HouseWalMart
Best Shoe StorePayless ShoesourceCasual HouseMaurices
Best Flooring StoreFloors Plus Carpet One Floor & HomeHome DepotTied for second place–Wescott Floors (South Whidbey)Northwest Flooring & Granite
The vote for “Best Happy Hour” in north Whidbey Island went to Applebee’s® Restaurant.
Seabolt’s SmokehouseSeafood Market & Deli
675-6485Next to Oak Harbor Flooring America
To Go Orders Available!
Serving Lunch and Dinner in a
Comfortable, Inviting
Atmosphere!
Thank You for Voting Us
Whidbey’s Best
We Ship Worldwide! Order Online:www.seabolts.com
Seabolt’s Smokehouse
and Dinner in aLook for Seabolts at
Deception Pass. We have opened the deli/market
formerly “Whidbey Market”
Lots of Seabolt’s products,
camping supplies & take out menu.
Come see us.
Les Schwab Tire Center360.679.1535 • 31720 SR 20, Oak Harbor
Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5
The crew at Whidbey’s BEST TIRE STORE
(9 years in a row!) Thanks the Best Customers EVER
for your votes!
Thank Youfor voting our doc’s the best
Dr. Douglas LangrockDr. Christopher BiddyPA-C Deborah Biddy
Whidbey Community PhysiciansBoard Certified Family Practitioners
275 SE Cabot Drive Ste B101Oak Harbor, WA 98277
360-675-6648www.whidbeyphysicians.com
RESTAURANTS & FOOD
PEOPLE
Continued on page 5
Best place to take kids...
To their rooms!ʻ̒ ʻ̒
FunniestVoters
Comments
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 5
Best Flower ShopMidway FloristGreenhouse Florist & Nursery
Best Furniture StoreWhidbey FurnitureFurniture WorldTied for third place–NEX Furniture StoreHabitat for Humanity Restore
Best Gift StoreIsland DrugWal MartBrenda’s Front Porch
Best Grocery StoreSafewayAlbertson’sSaar’s Marketplace
Best Gym/Fitness/Yoga CenterThriveNorth End FitnessLotus
Best Personal TrainerTyson Van Dam, ThriveJohn Atkins, ThriveJamie Armstrong
Best Jewelry StoreGerald’s JewelryJewelry GalleryIsland Jewelers
Best NurseryGreenhouse Florist & NurseryMailliard’s Bayview Farm &Garden
Best Tattoo ShopAaron’s TattooHooligan’s TattooIsland Ink
Best PharmacyIsland DrugWallgreensLind’s Pharmacy
Best Thrift/Resale StoreIsland ThriftWAIF Thrift StoreTied for third place–Good Cheer (South Whidbey)Habitat for Humanity
Best Tire StoreLes SchwabPrecision TireMidway Mu� er & Tire
Best Beauty SalonArtisianosCarla’sSeaside Spa & Salon
Best Hardware StoreAce HardwareHome DepotSebo’s Hardware
Best Place for a HaircutCarla’s Shear Inspira-tionsArtisianosPosh Salon
Best AccountantKathy Jones, Jones Ac-countingKathy JollyJohn Kingma
Best CatererBBQ JointSho’ Nu� FoodsSerendipity Catering
Best PlumberScottie’s Plumbing & RepairNorthwest Plumbing & MechanicalAll Island Plumbing
Best Cleaning ServiceMargie’s MaidsA+ CleaningServicemaster
Best Contractor/BuilderKingsmen ConstructionYonkman ConstructionWaldron Construction
Congratulations Laura Jean!T hank You Frasers Gourmet Hideaway!
Thank you Scott Fraser for providing a $50.00 gift certi� cate to Fraser’s Gourmet Hideway, to the randomly selected Best of Whidbey voter Laura Jean!
Thank you to all of the people who submitted entries to the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest on-line, it was a great success.
PO BOX 1200, 107 S Main St, Ste E101, Coupeville, WA 98239360-.675.6611
Dinners Tues - Sat 4:30-9:30Visit our full menu at www.frasersgh.com
360.279.1231
Whidbey’s Ultimate Dining ExperienceDramatic Open Chef’s Kitchen
(360) 679-1902 • 656 Bayshore Drive (next to Drivers Licensing)
Oak Harbor’s Oldest Antique Store
•Antique & Vintage Furniture•Collectibles•Jewelry & Gifts
Shady Ladies’
Thank you! We’ve been open for
18 years because of you!!
THANKS!To everyone who logged on
to whidbeynewstimes.com & voted for “The Best”
Your favorite park is still Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor, pictured above during Driftwood Day,
held each September.
Your vote for “Best Place to
take a date” was Frasers Gourmet
Hideaway,where you’ll find a great wine list
to choose the perfect accom-
paniment to your romantic meal.
SERVICESSHOPPING
Page 6 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
BY KATIE MCVICKER | STAFF REPORTERIt’s scary to think that the be-
loved institution of Whidbey Coffee could’ve been replaced with the insti-tution of another lawyer, but that was the original plan.
Whidbey Coffee, the coffee house winner for this year’s Best of Whid-bey competition, was founded by Dan Ollis in 1989. At the time, Ollis was attending Edmonds Community Col-lege. He purchased a coffee cart to bring to local fairs in order to make money for law school, but after just one summer in the business, Ollis for-got about the lawyer idea.
“I started the fi rst coffee stand, the fi rst one turned into three very quick-ly and the story goes from there,” Ol-lis said.
Currently there are 10 Whidbey Coffee locations employing more than 100 people in addition to an on-line store. Ollis attributes his Best of Whidbey award to his strong admin-
istrative team and dedicated baristas.“We’re trying to give you a great
experience,” he said. “We’ve got great coffee, and we’ve got great peo-ple. That recipe put together into one is what’s giving us this compliment. We’re very honored and humbled.”
Ollis said he works to establish strong relationships with his employ-ees and enjoys watching them grow from their experience at the stores. He said he still receives college graduation announcements and letters from former workers who want to keep in touch.
“It’s always nice to hear that we did it right and that they’ve been proud to work for us,” Ollis said. “That says something about our company.”
And it seems true that Whidbey Coffee baristas are passionate about their work. Assistant manager Hilary Carpenter said she fi nds herself think-ing about her job even while on vaca-tion.
“I was gone for 10 days and I missed my regular customers,” she said.
Barista Julie Weible, who’s been with the company four years, added, “The customers are so good to us.”
Carpenter and Weible work at the two Oak Harbor locations which they said are always busy. Accord-ing to Weible, the drive-thru line at the Highway 20 location usually wraps around the building. By Labor Day, Ollis hopes to open a cafe at the SEE COFFEE, PAGE 7
Recipe for Success: Whidbey Coffee, Whidbey’s Best
Dan Ollis, founder of Whidbey Coffee.
Celebrating our 4th year in business and4 straight years as the “Best of Whidbey”
360-679-3500
Thank you to all of our customers who have become part of our family.
Thank You!
Complete Floral ServiceComplete Floral Service
Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!for voting us
Best Flower Shop!
www.midway� orist.com
Thank you for voting us the Best Place
to get a Haircut!
(360) (360) 679-4478
830 SE Bayshore Dr, Ste 101OAK HARBOR
NEW Upstairs Skincare Studio! Come enjoy our “hidden paradise”
overlooking the water!
Celebratingour 29th Year in Business!
Katie McVicker/Whidbey News-TimesStamp cards of regular customers are posted on the wall of Whidbey Coffee to honor loyal service.
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 7
Katie McVicker/Whidbey News-TimesThe daily special sign hangs above picnic tables at the Oak Harbor Pioneer Way location of Whidbey Coffee.
At left, Barista Julie Weible prepares a drink at the Oak Harbor Pioneer Way location of Whidbey Coffee. Whidbey Coffee was the coffee house winner for the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest.
highway location that serves grab-and-go food and offers a place for customers to relax and take ad-vantage of the wireless internet.
“He’s really going to the nines with this one,” Weible said. She said Ollis plans to install fl at screen televisions and a stand-alone fi replace at the cafe.
Furthermore, Ollis said drink options will contin-ue to expand. He said he’s working more directly with importers to fi nd high-quality beans.
“We’re constantly trying to fi nd new projects with new farmers who are trying to work their craft in third world countries,” he said.
Ollis’ favorite coffee right now is Whidbey’s Founders Blend, but he said it’s nearly impossible to choose when the products are ever-changing.
Locations and hours for Whidbey Coffee can be found at www.whidbeycoffee.com.
COFFEE, FROM PG. 6
The customers are so good to us.ʻ̒ ʻ̒
Julie Weible, Whidbey Coffee Barista
Your Locally Owned
150 SE Pioneer Way360-679-3533
Come to the place where we’ll treat you right!
Come to the place where
seen the light?
Still haven’t
New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
We’re Glad You Like Us
Thanks to you, we are celebrating 61 years of Business in Oak Harbor with local ownership.
Your patronage and con�dence over the years has made itpossible for us to be Whidbey’s Best Furniture Store
and Mattress Center.
Thanks, We like you too!
Whidbey FurnitureCelebrating 61 Years of Business
www.whidbeyfurniture.com
75th Anniversary2010-2011 CALENDAR
Historic photos, nostalgic newsarticles and items of interest
about the origins of the Deception Pass Bridge
only $5.00360-675-6611
Call the Whidbey News-Times O� ce or stop by to get yours while supplies last!
Page 8 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
SEE CUT, PG. 9
BY NATHAN WHALEN | STAFF REPORTER
While several businesses in Oak Harbor have gone under during these tough times, one long-standing busi-ness in downtown expanded.
Carla Dozier, owner of Carla’s Shear Inspiration, started a skin care studio last May on the second fl oor of its Bayshore Drive location. She has two rooms in a recently renovated space for staff to offer customers fa-cials in a quiet, relaxed setting where guests enjoy tranquil music and pic-turesque views of the harbor and, on a clear day, Mount Ranier.
In addition, she has developed a de-voted clientele in her nearly 30 years of business. Her customers are so faithful, in fact, that they named Car-la’s Shear Inspiration as the best place to get a haircut and the second best hair salon overall in the 2010 Best of Whidbey competition organized by the Whidbey News-Times.
Dozier said that despite the current economic times, her staff assures suc-cess by making sure their customers have an enjoyable experience.
“We try to make them feel really comfortable,” Dozier said.
Carla’s Shear Inspiration employs 13 people and her business offers facials, manicures, pedicures and haircuts.
She noted her business is a bit un-usual for hair salons. In a business where many salons lease booth space to stylists, Dozier said hers is differ-ent because her staff are employees.
“In order to maintain a professional environment, you have to maintain some sort of control,” Dozier said.
Dozier started working as a hair-stylist when she was only 16 years of age. In 1981 she opened Carla’s
A haircut with Shear Inspiration
Nathan Whalen/ Whidbey News-Times
The employees of Carla’s Shear Inspiration are a reason it’s been mentioned fre-quently in the Best of Whidbey contests over the years. From left are Nancy Van Dam, Lacey Lang, Carla Dozier, Val Bryant, Bethany Hazelin, Susan Baza, Teresa Uribe, Laura Crendall, Julia Kellogg and Kirsten Laney.
Voted Best Mortgage Lender
� ank you so much for the opportunity to be of service…
Your trust, friendship, and business are important to me.
With heartfelt appreciation,Lyn
Lyn BankowskiAssistant Vice President
Senior Mortgage Loan Originator
O� ce: (360) 679-9755Direct: (360) 679-5633Cell: (360) 969-5550
PEOPLE YOU KNOW. A NAME YOU CAN TRUST.
APPLY ONLINE 24/7 www.lynbankowski.com
I became an Edward Jones �nancial advisor because I wanted to be part of a �rm that truly puts its clients’ needs �rst. I believe our long-term investment philosophy, conveniently located of�ces and personal face-to-face approach show our commitment to helping the people in the communities we serve every single day.
On behalf of Edward Jones and my branch of�ce, it gives me great pride to have been named Best Financial Planning by “The Best of Whidbey.” This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without your support, andfor that I’m grateful.
Scott Dudley, AAMS®Financial Advisor
32650 Sr 20 Suite C-101Oak Harbor, WA 98277360-679-2527
I’M GRATEFUL FOR THESUPPORT OF MY COMMUNITY.
Happy Hour from 3-6pm-$2 Well Drinks
$2 Domestic Drafts
1/2 Price AppetizerSpecials from 11am-7pm
We deliver all dayfrom 11am-9pm.
www.chinacityrestaurant.com
Thank you to our customers for voting
us a 1st Place Winner!
“Best Asian Menu”
Oak Harbor33185 SR 20279-8899
Freeland1804 E. Scott Rd.
331-8899
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 9
CUT, FROM PG. 8
Nathan Whalen/staf f photo
Carla’s Inspiration owner Carla Dozier snips the hair of Connie Sullivan, who has been a custom-er for nearly 30 years. Dozier’s business was named “Best place to get a haircut” in the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest.The shop recently expanded its skin care studio by moving it to the second floor.
We’dLike To
Make OneMore
NominationFor ‘‘The Best Of
Whidbey.’’Our
Customers.
www.wibank.com
Client: Whidbey Island BankPub: Best Of WhidbeyAd: Nomination Live: 8.333" x 12.5"Trim: N/ABleed: N/A
Shear Inspiration, which was then lo-cated in Old Town Mall on Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor. Her business
then had fi ve chairs but outgrew that space fi ve years later and she moved to its current home on Bayshore Drive.
Recently, after the United Way of Island County moved several blocks away, Dozier, who also owns the building, decided to renovate the second fl oor space to expand her skin care studio. She thanked her family for their help in com-pleting the renovations.
“What I’m really proud of is reinvesting in this business and in Oak Har-bor,” Dozier said. In 2011, her business will celebrate 30 years.
Carla’s Shear Inspiration has been an award winner in previous years of the Best of Whidbey contest. Last year, the business was named second best hair salon.
In 2010, the popular hair salon earned best haircut and fi nished ahead of Artisiano’s and Posh Salon. It also earned second best beauty salon, fi nishing behind Artisiano’s and ahead of Seaside Spa and Salon.
Carla’s Shear Inspiration is located at 830 SE Bayshore Dr. in Oak Harbor. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs-day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 679-4477.
Thank You to our loyal customersfor all of your support and votes!
360-675-2754 Mon-Fri 8am -5pm, Closed Sat & Sun 152 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor
Martin’sAUTO ELECTRIC, L.L.C.
®
Martin’sVoted “Best Place To Get Your Car Fixed”
Come see us on Oak Harbor’s Other Main Street!Your Family Owned & Operated Full Service Auto Repair Shop Since 1959
Page 10 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
BY JUSTIN BURNETT | STAFF REPORTERFor the fourth time in 10 years, Whidbey News-
Times readers have named Oak Harbor Motors the best new car dealership on Whidbey Island.
Readers responded to the newspaper’s annual contest by online survey and made it clear that the dealership is their top pick when shopping for a new ride anywhere on the island.
Admittedly, the list was much smaller than in years past. At the time of the survey, the dealer-ship’s only competition was Slowik Motors and Whidbey Island Auto Group, LLC, more common-ly known as Whidbey Island Volkswagen Mazda. It closed its doors July 30, following in the footsteps of Whidbey Island Ford and Frontier Chevrolet, both of which folded over the past two years.
While Oak Harbor Motors remains the last hold-out, owners Mike and Cathy Horrobin maintain that they aren’t going anywhere. With their fi ve-year plan in place, and having already made many of the tough but necessary decisions, they are here to stay. They believe they can not only do just that, but that it’s also the right thing to do.
“We’ve made a commitment to our people,”
Page 10 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, July 18, 2009
Whidbey’s last new car dealer is its best
Justin Burnet t / Whidbey News-Times
Mike and Cathy Horrobin, owners of Oak Harbor Motors, hold a framed copy of the 1979 Whidbey News-Times cover story detailing their purchase of the dealership. It is now the only new car dealership left onWhidbey Island..
SEE MOTORS, PAGE 11
How it plans to roll into the future
T hank You!
T hank You!
Mike Horrobin said. “You have to.”“Our employees mean a lot to us,”
Cathy Horrobin said.The Horrobins have owned and
operated the dealership for the past 31 years. Its longevity is really no surprise when you consider who is at the helm. Growing up in Pasco of the Tri-Cities area, the duo make an awe-some business team. You could chalk that up to them being high school sweethearts.
But selling cars is also in their blood. Mike Horrobin grew up run-ning around his father’s dealership in Pasco, and his grandfather was selling cars in Seattle as early as 1935. While
he initially fought against follow-ing in their footsteps, making a brief foray into the banking business, it wasn’t long before he was selling cars in the Seattle area like his grandfather before him.
To get away from the city, the Hor-robins and their two children moved to Oak Harbor and purchased the dealership from Eddie Bowyn in 1979. A lot has changed since then.
New cars no longer sell for just a few thousands dollars, and a large portion of their sales is generated
GERRY OLIVER“Go With Go”(360) [email protected]
Thanks for Voting meWhidbey’s Best Realtor!
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 11
MOTORS, FROM PAGE 10from online buyers. Just last month, a car was shipped to a customer in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The industry as a whole is also un-dergoing unprecedented strain.
According to a February press release from Detroit-based Urban Science, a consulting fi rm that tracks foreign and domestic dealerships statistics, the nationwide dealership count for the year fell by 1,603, or 8 percent, to 18,481. The decline was double the 2008 record of 881 deal-ers, which was the largest since 1991 when data was fi rst collected, the re-lease said.
It went on to say the numbers were mostly a result of automakers tak-ing proactive action to reduce dealer count, with GM and Chrysler ac-counting for approximately 90 per-cent of the consolidation.
In May 2009, 800 Chrysler dealer-ships got franchise cancelation no-tices. Oak Harbor Motors, which sells new Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep auto-mobiles, was spared mainly because of its good reputation, according to Mike Horrobin.
However, there is no doubt the island’s last new car dealership has experienced its fair share of fi nan-cial troubles. In 2005, the Horrobins grossed $13.5 million in sales. That fell to $11.3 million in 2006, $11 mil-lion in 2007, and $10 million in 2008. Ten million in sales is not too shabby, said Mike Horrobin, but revenues plummeted again in 2009 to just $8.5 million.
“When that happens, you have to make adjustments,” he said. “You have no choice.”
The Horrobins are around the offi ce a lot more these days doing the jobs once held by other employees. They are also careful about borrowing. Much of the dealerships inventory
is purchased with existing currency, rather than with loans from banks. The concept is simple, Cathy Hor-robin said: Don’t overspend.
“Don’t take home the profi ts, rather invest it back into the dealership,” she said.
Adjusting to market and consumer changes is also key. For example, Mike Horrobin said used car sales are currently the “bread and butter” of the dealership, with 38 sold just last month. Facilitating and meeting that demand is just good business, he said.
However, statistics from the state Department of Revenue indicate that used car dealers in Oak Harbor are struggling as well. In 2006, they grossed a total of $12.19 million in sales. That fi gure dropped by a stag-gering 85 percent over the next three years to just $1.82 million in 2009. During the same time period, new car sales fell from $17.18 million in 2006 to $13.68 million in 2009.
Collectively, the drop represents more than just a drop in the bucket to city coffers. In 2006, the combined industries brought in $249,624 in sales tax revenue for Oak Harbor. By 2009, the number had decreased to $131,805.
According to Sharon Hart, execu-tive director for the Island County Economic Development Council, the loss of jobs is painful as well. With 75 percent of all businesses in Island County employing eight or fewer people, new car dealerships are con-sidered large-scale employers. Oak Harbor Motors currently employs 26 employees, and the Volkswagen Mazda dealership employed 20.
“It’s really hard to back fi ll those kinds of employers,” Hart said.
Some of those employees have been hired on by the Horrobins, however. As new car sales continue to struggle, they are investing in mechanics that can service makes of vehicles once sold by their competi-
tors. That not only allows them to capture local business that may have otherwise gone off island, but skilled workers are valuable assets.
“Not everyone can be a good mechanic,” Cathy
Horrobin said.The Horrobins are considering
other means of improving their bottom line as well, from carrying some of the brands once offered by their competitors to expanding car-
care services offered at the dealership. Whatever the future brings, the plan is to continue serving a community that has supported them for more than 30 years.
“We are very cognizant and thankful to our community,” Cathy Horrobin said. “They’ve given us a good life.”
Justin Burnet t / Whidbey News-Times
For the fourth time in 10 years, Whid-bey News-Times readers have named Oak Harbor Motors the best new car dealership on Whidbey Island.
Thank you for voting me THE BEST OF WHIDBEY.
It has been a pleasure serving our community for the last 12 years.
Bayshore Chiropractic REGENCY ON WHIDBEYRETIREMENT & ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
Thank YouFor Voting UsBest Of Whidbey
The Premier Senior Living Destination
Page 12 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
Best ChiropractorBayshore ChiropracticSchi� man ChiropracticIsland Chiropractic
Best Customer ServiceLes Schwab Tire CenterCascade Insurance AgencyAlbertson’s
Best Automotive RepairMartin’s Auto ElectricJack’s Auto RepairMidway Tire & Mu� er
Best DentistDr. KeyesDr. BernerDr Kallander
Best DoctorDr. Douglas LangrockDr. Christopher BibbyDr. Deborah Bibby
Best Bank/Credit UnionWhidbey Island BankAlaska USA Federal Credit UnionNavy Federal Credit Union
Best Financial Planning/Investment FirmEdward Jones – Scott DudleyCook Wealth Manage-mentEdward Jones – Je� Pleet, Edward Jones – Gene Barner (tie)
Best OptometristDr. Gaustad – Whidbey Vision CareVan Cleve OpticalDr. Burge
Best Place to Buy GasSafewayCenex – Skagit Farm-er’s SupplyAM/PM
Best Mortgage LenderLyn Bankowski, Alaska USA Mortgage Co.Karen Hu� , Guild Mort-gageBanner Bank
Best Insurance AgentShelli Trumbull at Cas-cade InsuranceAllstate, Iverson AgencySteve Richardson Insur-ance
Best Pet Groomer Heather’s Pet Groom-ingHead to Tails GroomingWatch Dawg Grooming
Best LodgingThe Coachman InnBest WesternCandlewood Suites
Best Massage TherapistSooz Konopik at Sea-side Spa & SalonPam AragonCarolyn Brady
Best Real Estate AgentGerry Oliver, Coldwell Banker TaraPropertiesKathi PhillipsBethany Lamb
Best Retirement CenterRegency on WhidbeySummer HillCareage of Whidbey
Best VeterinarianDr. Anderson, Best Friends Veterinary CenterDr. Mangiamelli, North Whidbey Dr. Gusta� son, Penn Cove
ARTISIANOS SALON
Thank you for voting us
BEST BEAUTY SALON!
791 SE Fidalgo Ave #202 Oak Harbor
360-679-1684
Happy Hour
*Offered in the entire dining room
360-679-6100
Best Place to Take KidsBest Happy Hour
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ʻ̒ ʻ̒
Mark Brown, Island County Sheriff
I like to be a sheriff who’s very open to the public and accessible to the public. It’s a pretty important part of my job.
SERVICES
ʻ̒ʻ̒
According toone voter
the “Best placeto get a tattoo”is “My buddy’s
garage” anothersaid “Right Cheek.”
FunniestVoters
Comments
Continued on page 13
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 13
WHIDBEY ASPECTS “Best place to dance” keeps
the beats thumpin’...Lava Lounge in Oak HarborTwo years in a row, according to our online voters.
Best place to dance...
in my living roomʻ̒ ʻ̒
FunniestVoters
Comments
Best Landscaping BusinessPioneer Tree Service & LandscapingThree Men & A MowerJason’s Lawncare
Best Golf CourseGallery Golf CourseWhidbey Golf & Coun-try ClubLamm’s Links
Best Place to TanWhidbey TropicsDesert SunJ-Sun’s
Best place to take a walkCity Beach Fort EbeyWest Beach
Best Historic BuildingFt CaseyEbey’s Ferry HouseThe Roller Barn
Best EventHolland HappeningOld Fashioned 4th of JulyCoupeville Arts & Crafts Festival
Best ParkCity BeachDeception PassFort Nugent
Best Place to Watch a SunsetWest BeachDeception Pass State ParkCity Beach/Windjam-mer Park
Best Bike RouteThe Kettles TrailsWindjammer Park/City BeachFort Ebey
RECREATION
SERVICES
Best BirdwatchingCrockett LakeFreund PondWest Beach
Best Place to go CampingDeception Pass State ParkFort EbeyFort Casey
Best Crabbing SpotCornet BayCrescent HarborOak Harbor Bay
Best BeachWest BeachCity Beach/Windjam-mer ParkRocky Point
Best Place to FishDeception PassCranberry LakeKeystone
WHIDBEY ASPECTS
The vote for “Best Event” on Whidbey Island is always a tough choice with so many wonderful picnics, festivals and community gatherings. Your favorites again this year: Holland Happening (First Place) followed closely by the Old Fashioned Fourth of July.
THANKS!To everyone who logged on to
www.whidbeynewstimes.com and votedfor “The Best of Whidbey.”
Page 14 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com
Thanks for Voting usBest of Whidbeythe last 3 years – 2008, 2009, & 2010
Proudly serving Whidbey Island for 51 years
Many exciting new things are happening at Gerald’s.Stop in and see our new look!
We’re Proud To Be Your #1 Choice For Pizza!We’re Proud To Be Your #1 Choice For Pizza!
‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, and again in 2010!
‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, and again in 2010!
SEE SHADY, PG. 15
Shady Ladies attract antique followingBY JESSIE STENSLAND | STAFF REPORTER
The antique store that was chosen by voters as the best of North and Cen-tral Whidbey is certainly also the biggest and the most jam-packed of all such businesses on the island.
Owners Patty Henderson and Barbara Bourg moved their antique and col-lectables shop, the Shady Ladies, from Pioneer Way to a large space on Bay-shore Drive two years ago. The location next to the Department of Licensing Offi ce is not as visible, but it hasn’t deterred their customers.
“A lot of people come down from Canada just to see us,” Bourg said.
Jessie Stensland/ Whidbey News-Times
The Shady Ladies Antique and Collectibles shop has a large amount of china and glassware from different eras.
And there’s a lot to see — and buy. The 2,500 square feet or so of space is fi lled with a smorgasbord of items that span the decades. The treasures include fi gurines, cookie jars, hats, clocks, paintings, china, glassware and decora-tions of all sorts. Perhaps the most unusual item is a mounted goat head with a taped-on ear that Henderson proposed naming “Van Goat.”
Henderson said people tend to think of the store as being fi lled with glass-ware, but there’s actually more than 80 pieces of furniture for sale underneath all the other items.
The antique business, the women say, has been different since the recession hit. There are no defi nite trends to what people are looking for anymore. People
“A lot of people come down from Canada just to see us,” Bourg said.
www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 15
Oak Harbor - 230 SE Pioneer Way360-675-6688 | 800-378-6688
Clinton - Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza360-341-3880
THANKS, FOR VOTING US Best Place to Buy a Gift
and Best Pharmacy!
|
Best Friends Veterinary
Center
Voted “Best Veterinarian”
Dr. Anderson
Thank you to our great customers for voting us
BEST VET... again!
Jessie Stensland/ Whidbey News-Times
Barbara Bourg, left, and Patty Henderson own the Shady Ladies, an Oak Harbor antique store that offers shoppers hours of browsing pleasure.
SHADY, FROM PG. 14are still spending, but they are more cautious.
“We try really hard to price according to the economy,” Henderson said.
The women say they’re glad to see a lot of young people shopping at the store. Some are drawn by the perennial lure of vintage costume jewelry, and others have come to realize that antiques are often better quality than items made nowadays. A young mother even came in recently and bought a wash-board because her washer broke down.
The merchandise in the store is ever-changing, as it’s supplied by a dozen dealers who rent space. Henderson and Bourg also offer their own antiques and collectables; some of it comes from people who walk in the door and have something interest-ing to sell.
A group of people started the store 18 years ago at a Pioneer Way storefront as the Oak Harbor Antique Mall. Over the years it “transitioned” to Shady Ladies, Henderson said, and was located at Old Town Mall for about eight years before moving to the larger space.
The Shady Ladies invite everyone to come in and browse. But be warned. The collecting of antiques can be addictive.
“It gets in your blood,” Henderson said. “I grew up with it. I was raised by my grandparents, so I grew up with antiques and antique people.”
Jessie Stensland/ Whidbey News-Times
Collectable Mickey Mouse figures are among the treasures at the store.
www.whidbeycoffee.comTwo Drive-Thru Locations in Oak Harbor: 980 SE Pioneer Way & 31275 SR 20Whidbey Coffee Is Also Available At: Safeway, Prairie Center & Navy Exchange
Since 1989 Our commitment
to quality is as strong as our island roots.
www.whidbeycoffee.com
Thank you Whidbey Islandfor voting us best coffee shopfor 4 years in a row!
Thank you, for showing us how much you appreciate us by not only voting us the best coffee shop for four years running but by also recognizing Leah and Hilary as Whidbey Island’s Best Baristas.
We have some great things in store. We look forward to the coming months when we will have the opportunity to share a beautiful new drive up and sit down cafe with the community.
And keep a look out for much more excitement to come.