Downtown News - August 2012

Downtown Renton is the City's eclectic, historic and artistic center. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping or dining experience, urban living opportunities or enjoying Downtown's amenities — Downtown Renton has something for you. This monthly newsletter keeps you informed about what’s happening in Downtown (or DTR as it's known to locals) and shares opportunities to become involved in Downtown. Help us spread the word about Downtown and don't forget to e-mail your news to include in future editions.

Hot Topics...

SR 167 closed in Renton - August 10, 7:30 pm through August 13, 5 am

Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk, August 25, 11 am - 5 pm

SR 167 Closure: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to close SR 167 from 7:30 pm on Friday, August 10, through 5 am on Monday, August 13, to install a new fish-friendly culvert on Panther Creek. This work will reduce seasonal flooding to properties along the west side of SR 167. For more information, visit the WSDOT website or call the WSDOT Construction Hotline at 425-456-8585.

Downtown Art & Antique Walk: The 7th Annual Downtown Art & Antique Walk returns on Saturday, August 25, 11 am - 5 pm. Over 70 artists will display and sell their art on the sidewalks in Downtown on S 3rd from Burnett Ave S to Main Ave S as well as on Wells Ave S and Main Ave S. New this year is an arts and crafts table for kids at the corner of 3rd & Williams. For more information, visit the website.

Have you noticed...

over 4000 people in the streets for the Return to Renton Car Show? A record number of cars was on display and the all-volunteer committee raised over $17,000 for the Renton Police Department Youth Education Fund.
the "425 Magazine" article about "Fun by the Dozen" for Renton? Many Downtown businesses were mentioned or pictured, including St. Charles Place Antiques, Antique Country Station, A&M Stamps, Old Renton Book Exchange, happy delusions, Renton Coin Shop, Smoking Monkey Pizza, Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant, Cedar River Smokehouse, Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes, A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub, Williams Ave Pub, Whistle Stop Ale House, Renton Civic Theatre, Renton History Museum, and Renton Farmers Market.
large posters of book covers throughout Downtown Renton? The King County Library System Foundation partnered with the Downtown Committee to place 22 colorful book cover posters that create an outdoor gallery and encourages reading. What's your favorite?
the Renton Patch "Renton Readers Vote 2012"? It's an opportunity to vote for your favorite businesses and activities. Vote before August 17!
yellow rubber duckies on windows throughout Downtown Renton? Twenty-one businesses decorated their windows and storefront displays for the Downtown Window Display contest to celebrate the theme of Renton River Days. Congratulations to Renton Western Wear (1st Prize), happy delusions (2nd Prize) and Renton Flower Shop and Little Quadoo (tied for 3rd Prize). Mark your calendars for 2013 IKEA Renton River Days on July 26 - 28.

City news you can use...

Seahawks Spirit Day, August 10

Mayor Denis Law presented a proclamation on Monday, July 16, declaring August 10 to be Seahawks Spirit Day, and the “12” flag is flying high above Renton City Hall and several other public facilities. Over 20,000 fans are expected to attend Training Camp that began on July 28 in Renton. Throughout the city “Renton Welcomes Seahawks Fans” banners proudly tout fan spirit, and local businesses, organizations and fans are displaying Training Camp 2012 cheer cards. Fans can download cheer cards from the city’s website at rentonwa.gov. Everyone is being asked to wear blue and green colors and put on their “12” buttons on August 10 to show their support. Businesses are also encouraged to use their own reader boards to celebrate Seahawks Training Camp 2012 in Renton.

Nominate for Citizen of the Year by September 14

The Citizen of the Year program is sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Renton and the City of Renton. The mission of the program is to formally recognize the contributions made by individuals who help to nurture the soul and sense of community in Renton through their selfless acts of generosity and volunteerism. Read more and download the nomination form. A banquet will be held on October 18 at the Renton Senior Activity Center.

Aerospace Industry Strong in Renton

Boeing announced that the 100,000th order of its 737 made it the first commercial airplane to hit this level of sales. The City and Renton Technical College are partners in developing a new Renton Aerospace Training Center at the Renton Municipal Airport. You can read more at the City's aerospace webpage about one way the City is supporting efforts to create jobs in Renton.

City of Renton Joins Nationwide Effort to Give Crime a Going Away Party

On Tuesday, August 7, neighborhoods throughout the City of Renton are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 29th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. This year the City of Renton is hosting the local event at Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. NE, from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. There will be food, safety games, and fun party hoppers for the kids.

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New Businesses in Downtown Renton

Aah Health & Wellness (123 Wells Ave S) brings over 12 years of experience to Renton to offer massage, hot stones and wellness programs. For more information, contact Stephanie Moore at 206-930-4200.
Taqueria El Kiosko (526 S 2nd St) offers Mexican food in a newly painted corner in Downtown. Stop by to welcome owner Lucia Pelayo or call 425-271-2341 for more information.
Welcome to Joanna Tift, the new Community Relations Director at Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre.

New businesses coming soon to Downtown Renton

Moving

Saks on 2nd Salon moved from Downtown to Rainier Ave N across from the airport. But House of Cutz by Bryant is still cutting hair at 321 S 2nd St.

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Business Resources

Renton Small Business Advisor available to help your business!

Did you know that as a business leader in Renton, you have access to free and confidential business assistance services? The Small Business Development Center Business Advisor can advise on topics such as business planning, financing, marketing, research, employee relations and any other topic and challenges your business faces. Contact Renton's Business Advisor Asbury Lockett today at 425-235-7819 or SBDC-Renton@rtc.edu.

5 Tips for Making Your Website More Social

If you operate a website, you're no doubt familiar with search engine optimization. Now, add "social optimization" to your to-do list. A website that's optimized for social media sharing typically attracts more traffic and sparks more engagement with customers. But what does social optimization mean exactly? Read more on Entrepreneur.com.

4 steps to preventing social-media disasters

Social media can be an excellent tool for promoting your brand’s message and your company’s image. But the same factors that make social media so effective in promotion – a large audience, instant reach, and easy sharing – can also make even a minor slip-up a big problem. Read more on the Puget Sound Business Journal.

How to Compete with the Big Chains? Think Locally

What do you do as a small, independent retailer when a major food chain, big-box store or national franchise becomes a direct competitor? Read about steps that specialty merchants can take in order to maintain position in Entrepreneur.com.

5 Tips to Help Your Marketing Messages Sing

With attention spans short and competition intense, clear language is essential to help marketing messages sing and spark interest in your business. Read more about guidelines for effective marketing descriptions to build your reputation and business in Entrepreneur.com.

5 Secrets to Hiring Employees Who Last

You need key people to help you grow. But hiring good employees in a small business is harder than you think. Read more in Inc.com.

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Downtown Businesses, Organizations and People in the News

Please note - there are many letters to the editor regarding the location of the Downtown library. Please visit the Renton Reporter and Renton Patch sites linked below to read these letters.

In the Renton Reporter:

On Renton.Patch.com:

On Puget Sound Business Journal BizTalk:

Cost of First Savings Bank proxy battle: $600,000

On Seattle Times:

A fast-food joint that's heaven-sent

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Downtown and Special Business Events

Elixir Restaurant & Lounge (310 Wells Ave S) hosts a ribbon cutting grand opening, September 14, 4 pm. For more information, contact 425-204-1000.
Old Renton Book Exchange (227 Wells Ave S) hosts "White Ninja/White Russians" with special guest readers will be 'performing' pieces from Lustbader's "The Ninja," "The Miko" and "White Ninja" on Saturday, August 18, 7 pm. For more information, contact 425-430-2665.
Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave S) presents Duwamish Journey with Johnny Moses, June 12 - August 24 and Open Doors: Renton History Museum's partnership with Renton Technical College for the annual summer exhibit showcasing stories by the students of RTC, June 22 - August 24. All programs are free with regular Museum admission, which is a suggested donation of $3 for adults or $1 per child. Renton History Museum hours are 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact 425-255-2330.
happy delusions and Liberty Café host First Friday in dtr. Visit dtr (Downtown Renton) on S 3rd between Main and Wells on Friday, September 7, starting at 5 pm for art, music and a darn good time. Artist reception at happy delusions (924 S 3rd St) from 5 – 9 pm. For more information, contact dtrfirstfriday@gmail.com or Facebook – Downtown Renton First Friday.
Luther's Table (419 S 2nd St) hosts live music, trivia night and now food and beverage specials every day from 2 - 5 pm. For more information, contact 425-970-3157.
Compass Veterans Center (419 S 2nd St) offers a way to honor those who served in the military year-round by helping to furnish the newly built housing for Veterans and their families – everything from dishes to towels. Visit the website for more information or contact 206-357-3240.
happy delusions (924 S 3rd St) hosts Stitch & %itch gatherings on Sundays 1- 5 pm at the store. Bring your craft project to work on and socialize. For more information, contact 425-255-6078 or happydelusions@yahoo.com.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) hosts trivia night every Monday and Pub Quiz Bingo Night every Thursday; 425-227-3396.
DC's Bar and Grill (907 S Third St) hosts trivia every Wednesday at 8 pm and comedy on the 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8 pm. For more information, contact 425-255-2511.
Liberty Cafe (926 S 3rd St) hosts a weekly Monday Magic gathering at 6 pm, weekly Art Jam on Tuesday at 7 pm for artists to create art, contact 425-235-1400.

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Downtown Community Events

Tuesdays through September 25

Renton Farmers Market 3 - 7 pm,

August

25 Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk, 11 am - 5 pm

October

5 - 7 Renton FilmFrenzy Filming weekend

13 Fall Harvest Festival** and Renton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, 10 am - 4 pm

22 Renton FilmFrenzy Film Screenings, 7 pm

23 Renton FilmFrenzy Awards Gala, 7 pm

27 Dowtown Trick or Treat & “Olde” Fashion Halloween Party*, 1 – 4 pm

December

1 Downtown Renton Tree Lighting** & Holiday Activities*, 3 – 7 pm

7 & 14 Santa's House*, 5 – 7 pm

8 & 15 Santa's House*, 1 – 4 pm

*For more information or to volunteer for these events, contact 425-254-2038.

**For more information or to volunteer for these events, contact 206-919-9746.

Downtown Art & Cultural Events:

Renton Civic Theatre (507 S 3rd St) kicks off their 25th season with "Grease" (September 7 - 22). Season tickets are also for sale. For more information about these or other events, contact 425-226-5539.

Tastings:

Red House Beer & Wine Shoppe (410 Burnett Ave S): check out the theme-based Wednesday tastings, 6 - 8 pm, $15-25 for food and tasting; first Wednesday - wines of the West Coast; second Wednesday - "Beer Scouts" beer tasting; third Wednesday - Old World Wine Experience; fourth Wednesday - Granny's Recipe Box has Red House staff cooking up customer's favorite heirloom recipes; 425-226-2666.
The Met Coffee & Wine Bar (232 C Burnett Ave S): every Thursday, 5 - 7 pm, with live music, $5; 425-687-7989.

Live music entertainment:

Luther's Table (419 S 2nd St) - Live music Thursday through Saturday and Thursday open mic night; 425-970-3157.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) – Live rock & roll every Friday and Saturday nights and live jazz at brunch every Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 3 pm, Irish music session, Sundays at 5 pm; 425-227-3396.
Liberty Café (926 S 3rd St) - Jam sessions every Saturday night, open mic night every Wednesday; 425-235-1400.
Williams Ave Sports Bar (214 Williams Ave S) - Live music every Friday; 425-277-2766.
Uncle Moe's Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Jam session every Sunday, 5 – 10 pm; 425-917-3130.
Harambee (316 S 3rd St) – hosts open mic night on the last Friday of the month, 8:30 pm; 425-271-6700

Karaoke in Downtown:

The Berliner Pub (221 Main Ave S() - Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights; 206-793-6437.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) – Tuesday and Wednesday nights; 425-227-3396.
Dionisio's Grill (310 Wells Ave S) - Thursday nights; 425-291-7779.
Uncle Moe’s Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; 425-917-3130.
VFW (416 Burnett Ave S) - One Sunday a month; 425-255-9010.

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Get Involved

Have an idea to improve Downtown? Want to join others to create positive efforts in Downtown? It only takes a few people to make a big difference.

Here are just a few ways to get involved:

Attend the next Downtown Committee meeting, Wednesday, September 5, 8:30 am, Renton Chamber of Commerce (625 S 4th St). Mark your calendars!
Join Piazza Renton to help keep Piazza Park alive with activity! Contact Linda Middlebrooks at 206-919-9746 or jmidbk@aol.com for more event opportunities.
Help plan and implement events to draw people to discover Downtown. Events include Clean Up Day; Poker Run; Storefront Scarecrows; Trick or Treat; "Olde" Fashion Halloween Party in Main Street Square; and Holiday Celebration. Contact Amy Farnham at 425-254-2038 for more information.
Join the Renton Farmers Market Working Group or join the Friends of the Market list of contributors. For more information, contact 425-430-7214 or vlopez@rentonwa.gov.
Keep up with the latest happenings throughout the City through the Community Services Newsletter – available on-line.

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Thank you for your continued support of Downtown Renton!

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