Who's Who - in North Whidbey Business 2013

Tourism a boost to Whidbey economy

Published as a supplement to The Whidbey News-Times

2013

By WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES STAFF

When Mitch and Lynda Richards opened Coupeville’s Lovejoy Inn during the summer of 2008, they could not have picked a worse time to jump into a small, tourism-based business.

That fall, the stock market plummeted, housing prices tanked and the future of the economy looked bleak.

But in spite of their timing, the business has experienced growth each year that the inn has been open. Mitch Richards said he credits hard work, competitive pricing, a great location, a website to attract visitors and the efforts made to promote the region for his business’s success.

“There are not enough rooms in Coupe-ville in the summer months,” Richards said.

During the “shoulder” seasons of spring and fall – and the winter months when visits from vacationers dry up almost completely – efforts to promote the area are even more critical to supporting Whidbey’s tourism economy.

This is something that Sherrye Wyatt said she knows well. She is the public relations and marketing manager for the Island County Joint Tourism Committee.

An attractive and informative county tourism website attracts visitors, she said. On the site, pictures show the beauty of Whidbey and Camano islands, while the new infographics pique tourists’ interest with facts and figures.

The site receives between 400–600 unique visitors each day, and 20,000 people subscribe to the calendar and events email. The site has received 60,000 more unique visitors this year than last year in 2012, Wyatt said.

Richards said some of those online visitors discover his bed and breakfast as they peruse the site.

“The (county tourism) website is great and has everything you need to plan a visit,” Richards said.

An updated website and infographics were designed by FusionSpark Media in Langley, featuring the artwork of Christopher Baldwin.

Spreading the wordWyatt also spends considerable time

hosting travel writers and TV crews.Lisa Bernhardt, executive director of the

Pacific NorthWest Art School in Coupeville, said she appreciated a recent media visit to the school.

“Having the travel writer come to the art school gives them an idea of what we offer,” Bernhardt said. “There is so much going on here.”

Boosting attendance at the art school is good for the local tourist economy, Richards said. When its classes fill up, so do the rooms at his B&B.

Wyatt has hosted members of the media from as far away as Japan and Germany.

“It has taken a few years to develop these

relationships,” she said, “but they are paying off now.”

With the economy on the upswing, additional off-island marketing – such as the visitor guides produced by Whidbey Island’s community newspapers and distributed throughout the region – also have helped boost local tourism.

From April through June, ridership on the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry route was up by almost 9 percent as compared to the same time period the previous year.

According to Dianne Binder, the treasurer of the joint tourism committee, lodging tax revenues are up over 5 percent from one year ago at this time.

ConTinued on PAGe 5

North Whidbey’s

Contributed photo, courtesy of northwest Public Relations in Freeland

The wind picks up wisps of her brown hair, as the young woman runs across the grassy field. In a 15-second video clip, the story unfolds – all without sound – and we see scenes of water, beach, and driftwood, with her written words telling us about her experience. The video is an invitation to tourists to explore Whidbey and Camano islands under the slogan, “The Shortest Distance to Far Away,” showing at ferry terminals on Bainbridge Island and Seattle. The video is a new way to promote tourism in Island County.

Page 2 North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business • APRIL 24, 2013

Dea Bowen, Store Managerbayleaf, Your source for all things delicious!

360-675-6600720 SE Pioneer Way

Oak Harbor, WA. 98277

bayleaf in Oak Harbor and Coupeville offers a savory solution for every meal, a perfect wine for any party and the right cheese to match your tastes. From meats and olive oils to dressings and pasta, including gluten-free, owner Beth Kuchynka, store manager Dea Bowen and staff lend spice to everyday entertaining. This month, from 4-6 p.m. Fridays in Oak Harbor and 4-6 p.m. Thursdays in Coupeville, Bayleaf is holding April Wine Relief. You will enjoy five wines for five bucks, with all wines under $15. You can also join one of Bayleaf’s wine clubs and get great tips and recipes on Beth’s blog at bayleaf.us/blog/. Stop by Bayleaf and check out all the great items — your friends and family will thank you.

360-678-6603101 NW Coveland St.

Coupeville, WA. 98239

Allstate InsuranceFrom left to right : Samantha LaFlam, Matt Iverson,

Kim Jaeger, Patty Sacco, Mimi Iverson-Johnson

Our family has partnered with Allstate for years to help people with their insurance needs – from homes and auto to boats and life insurance. Our quality, service-oriented agency is not only owned and operated by a family, our customers tell us we make them feel like family too. As the owner of a small business, we understand the importance of building a solid foundation for the future and developing long-lasting customer relationships. That’s why we are committed to offering you the same level of service we would expect from our own business dealings. When you leave our of� ce, we hope you’ll feel con� dent, informed, assured and satis� ed in your choices. The way you should feel. Call us or stop in for a complimentary policy review and let us take the guesswork out of insurance.

Iverson Insurance Agency, Inc.360-675-5978 • 800-344-5978466 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor You’re in good hands.

Allstate Insurance ...........................................................................................2

bayleaf ................................................................................................................2

Burley Funeral Home ....................................................................................3

Cascade Insurance Agency .........................................................................3

Family Dermatology ......................................................................................3

Forever Pretty ..................................................................................................3

Hearing Health Services...............................................................................4

Island Family Hearing ...................................................................................5

Island Handyman ...........................................................................................8

Jewelry Gallery, The .......................................................................................4

Land Title Escrow Company ......................................................................4

NorthWest Granite & Flooring ...................................................................5

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce .......................................................6

Wallin Funeral Home.....................................................................................7

Weightloss to Wellness.................................................................................3

Whidbey General Hospital: Bock ..............................................................6

Whidbey General Hospital: Meyer ...........................................................6

Whidbey General Hospital: Porras ...........................................................7

Whidbey News-Times ............................................................................... 4-7

Feature: Island County Tourism targeting new means to bringvisitors and expand economy ...................................................................1

Index

APRIL 24, 2013 • North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business Page 3

Family DermatologyFriendly and professional staff

Family Dermatology is honored to offer the Whidbey Island community a full service facility located in Coupeville. We are a family-run business that saw a need for an of� ce that could deal with all dermatology issues right here on the Island. Whether it be treatment of acne, psoriasis, hair/nail disorders, skin cancer, or even MOHS surgery, our friendly staff of providers and nurses will be able to help you.

Phone (360) 682-5024 • Fax (360) 682-5749205 South Main St., Bldg B, Coupevillewww.familydermco.com

Weightloss-to-WellnessWeight, Skin & Wellness Clinic

Heidi Graf, APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner

1105 NE 3rd Ave, Oak Harbor, WA360-675-9369 • www.weigh2well.com

Weightloss-to-Wellness is a medical clinic established to provide you with personalized and professional care for weight loss, skin & beauty treatments and wellness.

WeiGHt LossPhentermine

Prescription HCGLipotropic InjectionsInch Loss Spa WrapsMeal Supplements

skiN tReAtmeNtsBotox & Juvederm Wrinkle Filler

Facial & Leg Vein TreatmentsMedical-Grade Chemical Peels

Laser Skin RejuvenationLaser Hair & Tattoo Removal

WeLLNessHormone ReplacementThyroid OptimizationVitamin B12 InjectionVitamine Supplements

Wellness Wraps

Tammy Kelly, PCC State Licensed Instructor and Technician with 20 years’ experience in the art of Permanent Cosmetics. She is referred by 4 Plastic Surgeons in the State. Degree in Psychology & a minor in Health. Specializing in Para-Medical Procedures Micro Needling treatment for all types of scars & 3-D Areola Restoration for breast cancer survivors. Correction of unwanted ink using removal & camouflage. Coupeville Certified PCC Training Center is where she trains & certifies students from all over the United States. She also has location at 1105 NE 3rd Avenue in Oak Harbor. Forever Pretty has been serving Whidbey Island for 10 years & plans many more. We love the community & the island is home. Consultations are Free. Doctor Referred & Recommended!

Oak Harbor & Coupeville360-672-4459

ForeverPrettyPCTraining.com

ForeverPretty

Burley Funeral Chapel Mark Andreasen-Manager

The Dignity® DifferenceNational Transferability • Bereavement Travel Services

24-Hour Compassion Helpline® • Aftercare® Planner • Everlasting Memorial®

100% Service Guarantee • Dignity Memorial Guidance Series® • And More.

PLAN. TO MAKE IT RIGHT.®

Whether you’re making funeral and cemetery arrangements for a loved one or making advance arrangements for yourself, planning with Burely’s,

a Dignity Memorial® provider, is a smart choice. Our burial, cremation and cemetery options, and benefi ts offered only by Burley Funeral Chapel, will

help you make the arrangements that are right for you and your family.

360-675-3192www.burleyfuneralchapel.com30 S E Ely Street , Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Serving families on Whidbey Island since 1962.

CASCADE INSURANCE AGENCYShelli Trumbull, Sonia DeMarsh, Judi Curtin, and Michelle Nannenga

Local Independent Agency With Over 25 Years Experience

Home • Auto • BusinessCascade Insurance Agency is an Independent Insurance

Agency which currently represents Travelers, Pemco, Safeco, Oregon Mutual, Progressive, and more. They will provide

comprehensive coverage at competitive pricing. They do the insurance shopping for you.

(360) 682-2162404 S. Main Street, Coupeville www.cascadeinsuranceagency.comwww.Facebook.com/CascadeInsurance

Ask us about our referral program!


Land Title and Escrow CompanyFront row, left to right: Debbie Tesch, Marissa Skaar, Clair Sorenson

Middle row: Delilah Steele, Susie Thompson, Patty Fakkema, Joanne SkaarBack row: Barry Tesch, Holly Lucas, Jim Secrest, Mandy Murdock

Land Title and Escrow is an independently owned company whose employee’s are dedicated to unsurpassed excellence.

Since April 3, 1940, the Land Title family has bestowed our experience and knowledge to all of our customers who range from the � rst time home buyer to the high volume builder. Through title and escrow services, our main intention is to help insure the American dream of home ownership one home at a time.

Not only is our family dedicated to providing friendly, accurate, and fast services by day, we also take part in serving our community by night. By taking part in community functions like the Boys and Girls Club Auction and being members of various community foundations like the Kiwanis Club as well as Rotary. Land Title has given back to our local neighbors with care and attention.

Here at Land Title, we realize that home ownership is part of the foundation of many things. Building a family, investing in future, becoming part of a community. Please let us be a part in building your family a solid foundation.

Title Dept (360) 675-2246Escrow Dept (360) 679-5055 (800) 829-5263 • www.ltco.com1080 N.E. 7th Ave., Oak Harbor

Teri MendiolaSales Representative

Teri Mendiola is new to the Whidbey News-Times family, she and her husband Ric moved to Oak Harbor in October 2012 to spend time with their son who is stationed here with the Navy. Teri has a long, success-ful history of working with businesses to raise brand recognition and increase yearly revenue. She invests time in learning what businesses have to offer, how that bene� ts the community we live in and how to communicate that to the Whidbey News-Times readers.

Contact Teri today for a free, no pressure consultation.(360) 675-661 • (877) 316-7276

[email protected]

31955 SR 20, #4 • Oak Harbor, WA

Hearing Health ServicesDr. Kristine L. Jarrell, Audiologist

Kristine L. Jarrell, Au. D. has been providing audiology services for children, adults, and seniors here on Whidbey Island for 17 years. In July of 2011 she assumed ownership of Hearing Health Services, established in 1999, which is conveniently located in Coupeville. Dr. Jarrell offers her patients the type of care that is focused on individual needs and � nding affordable solutions for their problems. She is sensitive to how hearing loss affects her patient’s lifestyle and takes pleasure in providing them with gentle, heartfelt care in a comfortable environment. Call her for an evaluation or stop by the of� ce, she will be happy to help you hear again.

(360) 678-1423107 S Main St, Ste A102, Coupeville, WA 98239www.coupevillehearing.com

Gloria CarothersOwner

Gloria Carothers came to Oak Harbor 56 years ago and is a graduate of Oak Harbor High School and Western Washington University. She has extensive gemological training and has been involved in the jewelry industry for the past 26 years. The Jewelry Gallery specializes in � ne diamonds, colored gemstone jewelry, gold and silver. We are the area’s authorized dealer for Pandora®, recognized as one of the world’s most popular jewelry brands. We also offer custom design, expert repairs and appraisals. We are your LOCAL BUYER for gold, silver, coins, diamonds, sterling � atware and estate jewelry. We sell vintage and estate jewelry, and welcome quality consignments. Doing business at the same location for over 21 years.

360-679-3700830 SE Pioneer WayOak Harbor, WAHours: Tues-Fri 11-5:30 Saturday 10-5 Est 1991

August was a great month, Wyatt said.

Revenue from Coupeville’s 2 percent lodging tax was higher in 2012 than it has ever been, said Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard. More rooms filled – and higher prices – both boost revenue.

Wyatt listed a number of reasons for the increase in visitors, including that the Coupeville-Port Townsend ferry route returned to two-vessel service in 2011.

It also doesn’t hurt that Whidbey and Camano islands are so close both to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., which fits the county’s marketing slogan, “The Shortest Distance to Far Away.”

“People can be somewhere different without flying,” Wyatt said.

Short video clips produced by Northwest Public Relations in Freeland showing at the ferry terminals on Bainbridge Island and Seattle highlight the islands’ beauty and are a new approach to catch prospective visitors’

attention in those markets.Canadian travelers, targeted

heavily by the county’s tourism efforts, are taking advantage of the value of the currency exchange, Wyatt said.

A changing demographicThe county’s tourism efforts are

still targeting families, but they are also trying to woo a younger crowd as well.

Wyatt said she tries to draw visitors who value the islands’ natural attractions, such as beaches and hiking trails. These visitors care about the environment and are interested in protecting and preserving it for the future, she said.

“They want to return and have it be as beautiful as when they were last here,” Wyatt said.

The Victoria Clipper returned this spring to Coupeville for day trips, which is good news for Coupeville businesses, said Lynda Eccles, executive director of the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce. The whale-watching

Big Stock Photo

Expanded ferry service, marketing efforts on the ferries during crossings and targeting nearby communities to bring more tourists are just some of the Island County Tourism strategies to increase business traffic this year.

ContInued fRom PAGe 1

We hire and use local skilled craftsmen, and are the only full service granite shop and

showroom on Whidbey. We do all our own work, and warranty it for life! Visit our beautiful 8,000 sf showroom & countertop fabrication shop and join

us improving our local economy. “We Rock!”

Local PeopleSupporting Local Business!

“We believe it’s very important to shop businesses owned and run by local

families,” comment owners Jeremey and Suzette Jackson, who live and have raised

their family here on Whidbey Island.

FLOORING & STOCK GRANITE SALES ON NOW!

360-675-4978687 Mobius Loop • Oak Harbor

www.nwgraniteand� ooring.com

Lee Ann MozesGeneral Manager

After moving back to Whidbey Island three years ago, I began working for the Whidbey News Group as an Advertising Representative and have served as the Advertising Sales Manager and now General Manager of the Whidbey News-Times. I bring 19 years of experience in marketing, sales, and management and am thankful to be in a position that allows me to serve the local businesses and community members of Whidbey. A copy of the Whidbey News-Times was always in my house growing up, I am honored to be a part of it today.

Contact Lee Ann today for a free, no pressure consultation.

(360) 675-661 • (877) [email protected]




Lauren Bock, PA-CCerti� ed Physician Assistant

Certi� ed physician assistant Lauren Bock (PA-C) is licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. In 2012 she joined Whidbey General’s medical staff and the family practice team at Whidbey Community Physicians, an af� liated clinic of Whidbey General Hospital. Before moving to Whidbey Island, she practiced at medical centers in Virginia and Texas. She believes in fostering positive, open communication with patients with a goal toward optimizing their mental and physical health.

Whidbey Community Physicians275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite B101Oak Harbor , WA 98277 360-675-6648

Sarah Meyer, CNM, ARNPCerti� ed Nurse Midwife & Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

Sarah Meyer, a Certi� ed Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), joined our medical staff in 2013. She provides routine gynecological care at Island Women’s Healthcare in Coupeville. Meyer practiced for more than 10 years at numerous locations for Planned Parenthood Northwest, including at clinics in Everett and Oak Harbor. Before moving to the US in 1999, she practiced midwifery in her native New Zealand. A strong advocate for women’s health, Meyer is committed to open communication, healthy lifestyle choices and compassionate care.

Island Women’s Healthcare201 Birch StreetCoupeville , WA 98239 360-678-0831

Oak Harbor Chamber of CommerceFrom left: Erika Jones, Membership; Michelle Gibbon, Finance; Elise Vogelman,

VIC Manager/Events; Kathy Reed, Director; Abbie Martin; Graphic Design.

OHChamberOAK HARBOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON

The staff at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is always ready to serve the greater Oak Harbor business community. The Chamber is a vibrant community organization that provides businesses, non-pro� t and service groups great opportunities to connect with one another and the community. Whether it’s a luncheon, newsletter, seminar or special event, the Chamber of Commerce helps members by offering small business support, public representation, business advocacy, networking, marketing opportunities and relocation, and visitor and referral services. The Chamber staff is happy to work with members to � nd tools to help them grow their business and � nd success. Find out how the Chamber can help you! Contact us today at 360-675-3755.

(360) 675-375532630 SR 20, Oak Harborwww.oakharborchamber.com

For Whidbey News Group Executive Editor and Publisher Keven R. Graves, returning to Whidbey Island was like coming home. Graves, 48, was born and raised in Anacortes. He started his newspaper ca-reer in 1986 as an intern reporter with the Whidbey News-Times. He covered nearly every beat over the next seven years. In 1994, he co-founded The Whidbey Examiner. With more than 25 years of news-paper experience now, Graves said he’s excited to help build on the history of excellence demonstrated by the News-Times, Examiner, South Whidbey Record and The Crosswind. It’s an honor to lead a group of newspapers committed to serving advertisers and readers, and to keeping the community informed and empowered.

(360) 675-6611107 S. Main Street, Ste. E101Coupeville, WA [email protected]

Keven GravesExecutive Editor and Publisher, Whidbey News Group


Island Family Hearing ClinicDr. Peter Keating, Audiologist

Dr. Peter Keating is a clinical audiologist who provides hearing testing and professional hearing aid services at Island Family Hearing Clinic. He is truly passionate about the � eld of hear-ing health care and has a drive to provide the best possible service to his patients. His dedication and compassion have been integral in his service on Whidbey Island, connecting family, friends and community through better hearing, over the past 11 years. Dr. Keating sees patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Visit www.islandfamilyhearing.com or stop by one of their two convenient locations.

(360) 279-1229380 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor

(360) 331-14155570 Harbor Ave., Suite B, Freeland

WallinFuneral Home

& Cremation llc.& & W

Wallin Funeral Home & CremationFamily Owned • 50 Years Experience

Gary & Martha Wallin, Owners

(360) 675 - 3447 1811 NE 16th Ave.Oak [email protected]

Pre-ArrangementsTransfer of Existing Arrangements

Reception FacilitiesVeterans Bene� tsOn-Site Crematory

Forethought Funeral Insurance™

Honoring memories.Honoring memories.Honoring memories.Honoring memories.Cele� ating Lives.

“ExpectExcellence”

Mario Porras, MDOrthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeon Mario Porras, MD, moved to Whidbey Island and joined our medical staff in 2013 after maintaining a successful practice in Reno, Nev., for 35 years. Dr. Porras has extensive experience in trauma care, sports medicine and joint replacements. He specializes in partial joint replacements using the Oxford Arthroplasty System, which may be recommended for patients who have knee problems but who are not ready for a total joint replacement. Understanding that effective care requires effective communication, Dr. Porras listens closely to patients in determining diagnosis and treatment. He sees himself as partnering with patients to produce the most favorable treatment outcomes possible.

Whidbey Orthopedic Surgeons80 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 770Coupeville , WA 98239 360-678-4424 or 360-321-1226

Gail RognanMarketing Representative

Gail Rognan moved to Whidbey Island over a year ago. She loves helping her advertising clients become more successful and also teaches college online as a Visiting professor. She writes poetry, does restorative yoga and loves walking on the beach.

Contact Gail today for a free, no pressure consultation.

(360) 675-661 • (877) [email protected]



Lic./Bonded/Insured360-240-0850 Phone/Fax Island County360-424-4948 Phone/Fax Skagit [email protected]

Island Handyman, Inc. Home Maintenance,

Improvements and Remodels

Specializing in Completing the “Honey-Do-List”

Brian Dernbach was born and raised in Oak Harbor. He is an Army Veteran who just couldn’t get the Northwest out of his system. He moved back to Oak harbor in 1996 and became a General Contractor. Brian, and his wife Joanna, started Island Handyman, Inc. in 2000 and never looked back. He takes great pride in providing his customers with honest, quality service and continues his construction education in order to keep up with the latest construction practices. Island Handyman, Inc. is located in Oak Harbor, and serves Island and Skagit counties. Island Handyman, Inc. does everything from your basic handyman duties “hanging pictures” to your general contractor duties “full remodel”. 24-hour Emergency Services Available.

Pressure Washing • gutter Cleaning • DeCks • roof rePairs • siDing • CarPentry Drain snaking • Moss reMoval • fenCes • oDD JoBs

Brian and Joanna Dernbach

360-240-0850

day trips from Seattle operate during the spring and bring tourists to the Coupeville Wharf for a lunchtime visit to Front Street.

Wyatt said she is also trying to reach out to cycling enthusiasts, birders and wine aficionados – all of whom have disposable income that could be spent on a visit to Island County.

The Washington State Audubon birding map now includes the Puget Sound loop, drawing visitors to checkout the local birding hotspots.

Several new birding brochures created by Whidbey residents Craig and Joy Johnson could also help boost tourism. The county has purchased an ad on the back to help promote this activity in the region.

In respect to oenophiles, the research shows that they tend to come longer and spend more money when vacationing, Wyatt said.

The wineries also fit neatly into a much bigger focus: developing culinary agritourism.

MusselFest, which takes place in March, draws overnight visitors craving Penn Cove mussels, Richards

said. As awareness of the festival grows, more and more people are coming specifically for the event, he said.

Richards said he is pleased to see that the restaurant scene in Coupeville has evolved to include a wider variety of cuisines – including some that feature locally produced food.

“Agritourism is a natural fit for who we are, and we can certainly deliver,” Wyatt said.

Staff Photo

Mitch Richards prepares coffee for his guests at the Lovejoy Inn in Coupeville. Mitch and his wife, Lynda, opened the B&B the summer of 2008. Despite a recession, the Richards’ have experienced growth each year that the inn has been open. Mitch credits hard work, competitive pricing, a great location, a website to attract visitors and the efforts made to promote the region for the success of his business.

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Documents

Who's Who - in North Whidbey Business 2013