JUNE 2013

Downtown Committee:  Join your business peers at this quarterly meeting of Downtown business, property owners and stakeholders on Wednesday, June 5, 8:30 am at the Renton Chamber of Commerce offices (625 S 4th St).  Contact Kellie Jordan at 425-226-4560 for more information.

Renton Farmers Market:  Join Mayor Denis Law along with sponsors Renton Technical College and Wizards of the Coast to ring the opening bell for the Market on Tuesday, June 4, 3 pm.  Visit RentonFarmersMarket.com for more information or follow the Market on FB and Twitter to get up to date information on vendors, entertainment and other Market news.

Return to Renton Car Show:  The Return to Renton Car Show returns to Downtown Renton for its 23rd event on Sunday, July 7, 10 am - 3 pm.  This benefit event not only brings thousands of people into DTR but also raises money for youth programs through the Renton Police Department.  Please note that detours will be in place starting at 5 am through 6 pm.  See the attached map for more details. 

Renton River Days Window Display:  Join the celebration of Renton River Days by creating a window display or painting your windows that shows your community spirit.  This year's Renton River Days theme is "specquackular" and displays must be completed by July 20 in order to be considered for the contest; prizes include a free ad in the Renton Reporter and IKEA gift cards.  For more information or to register for the contest, contact Rod Stewart at 425-235-6449.

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Have you noticed...

• how many DTR businesses won Renton Reporter's "Best of" contest?  Congratulations to Brag Hair Salon, St Anthony Catholic Parish, Poodie's Pet Palace, Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes, Melrose Grill, A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub, Freddie's Club and Casino, CD Danza Salon & Spa, Cugini Florist, Lee's Martial Arts, Merrill Gardens, McLendon Hardware, Ben's Loans, Diamond Tattoo, Antique Country Station and Garland Jewelers.
• over 50 people cleaning Downtown Renton  on May 4?  Volunteers fanned out throughout the Downtown to help make Downtown sparkle to prepare for the spring festival the following weekend.
• over 400 people strolling from Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center to Renton Pavilion Event Center on May 23?  The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) opened its week of films in Renton to record breaking attendance.
• a 2-year anniversary cake at the Berliner Pub?  Congratulations to owners Dennis & Lydia Mascarinas!
• First Savings Bank NW turns 90 this year?  Renton's homegrown bank celebrates its anniversary with specials and activities throughout the week of June 17. 

City news you can use...

Meadow Crest Playground Benefit Dinner

Join community members on Friday, June 7 for a benefit dinner to help raise money for the soon to be constructed Meadow Crest Playground where children and families of all abilities can play and learn while having fun!

Dinner will be served beginning at 5:30 pm with entertainment provided by Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond tribute band.  After dinner, Tony Ventrella’s motivational program SynergyLIVE will be presented at the Carco Theatre.  Doors open at 6:30 pm. This dynamic program begins at 7 pm and ends at 8:30 pm and features high-energy actors and singers. It’s more than a concert. It’s even more than educational, motivational and inspirational.  It’s the synergy of all these things together. A perfect family event!

There is no cost to register but a donation would be appreciated.  To register or for more information call the Renton Community Center at 425-430-6700.  Space is limited. Don’t miss this one of a kind program and the opportunity to help us meet our goal. 

Renton Names New Economic Development Director

The City of Renton announced that Cliff Long has been appointed economic development director. Long will assume his new role on June 3.  Under the direction of Chip Vincent, administrator for the city’s Community and Economic Development department, Long will work to encourage new business and economic activity in the city, foster on-going development projects, and support existing businesses. Long will also focus on downtown revitalization and develop an action plan to help create a robust economically thriving downtown. He will also oversee new development projects at Southport, Port Quendall, Hawks Landing, and in the Highlands.

Long most recently served as the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Nampa, Idaho. He successfully implemented a comprehensive economic development and redevelopment strategy for Nampa that brought projects worth over $20 million. He developed an ambitious urban renewal plan for revitalization and industrial expansion in Nampa and negotiated a major public-private development in its downtown bringing a new city library, public plaza and parking structure together with private offices, restaurants and retail space.

Prior to joining the City of Nampa, Long worked for the State of Idaho as the Economic Development Administrator. He held various positions with the state and managed their economic development program, administered the state’s Community Development Block Grant program, and worked with Idaho’s Rural and Community Development department.  

Long has a Masters of Business Administration from Boise State University, a Bachelor of Arts from Oregon State University and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute. Long and his wife Annette have two children. 

You are invited to a welcome reception for Cliff Long on Wednesday, June 5 at 3:00 pm, in the City Council Chambers. 

You're Invited to "Hot Issues in Renton’s Economic Development & Planning"

Sit down with the City’s Community & Economic Development Administrator and Planning Director, Chip Vincent, and new Economic Development Director, Cliff Long, to learn more about what’s happening in Renton and provide input on current issues.  We’d love to hear from you!

Wednesday, July 31, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Renton City Hall, 7th Floor Conferencing Center

Bring a brown bag lunch – refreshments provided.  RSVP to DCED@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-6580.

Rainier Ave Improvements Project Construction Moves East

Have you noticed construction work has moved from the west side of Rainier to the east side of Rainier?  The City's project to improve automobile and pedestrian safety and improve the aesthetics of the corridor continues on schedule and at budget.  Design elements such as trellises are currently being installed at the corner of S 3rd St & Rainier.  For more information about the project, sign up for project updates at the website.  

Renton Municipal Arts Commission proudly presents the work of local photographer David Godwin

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission proudly presents an exhibit by local photographer David Godwin.  The exhibit will be on display May 20 – June 28. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Sunday, June 9, from 3 – 5 pm in the Carco Theatre Lobby.  

David and his wife moved Seattle area about 11 years ago. David states, “It is just a fantastic place to live and it’s filled with lots of wonderful places to visit and photograph. I began my hobby of photography about 5 years ago. Since that time I have been hooked and I really enjoy being outdoors with my camera. My main focus and real passion is nature, wildlife and landscape photography.  This past summer my wife and I have gone on several hikes to see and capture images of many of the beautiful waterfalls found in the area. I am constantly seeking ways to improve my photographic skills. My goal in photography is to capture the beauty that surrounds us and it gives me great pleasure to be able to share those special moments with others.”

David’s work is currently on display at two locations, Wild Birds Unlimited in Covington and at the Grape Adventure in Kent. 

Carco Theatre, adjacent to the Renton Community Center, is located at 1717 Maple Valley Highway at the intersection of I-405 and Maple Valley Highway. Please contact the theatre for viewing times at 425-430-6706 or at rentonwa.gov.

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New Businesses in Downtown Renton   Afghan Cuisine (924 Bronson Way S, 425-917-0305) offers Afghan food in a traditional setting.  Stop by for a taste today! Fusion Modern & Vintage Furniture (924 S 3rd St, 206-910-5536) opens this week to offer a wide range of furniture and unique hand selected vintage items at great prices.  Check out the great finds Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 am - 7 pm.   Delancey's on 3rd (810 S 3rd St, 206-412-9516) presents live music and a space for celebrations.  Enjoy live entertainment in this neighborhood venue. Welcome to Judith Zelter, KCLS Library Manager for Renton, Highlands and Fairwood libraries.   Welcome to Sarah Andrews, Branch Manager for AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union. Belated welcome Doug Jones, Store Manager at Parker Paints.

New businesses coming soon to Downtown Renton

• Mothership Pro Scooter Store (900 S 3rd, Unit B)
• 8-Bit Arcade (916 S 3rd St)

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Business Resources Small Business Advisor available to help your business! Did you know that you have access to free and confidential business assistance services?  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 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 206-246-4445 or steve.burke@wsbdc.org to set up a one-on-one appointment.

On Inc.com:

3 Super-Cheap Marketing Tactics

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Downtown Businesses, Organizations and People in the News

In the Renton Reporter:

•  Renton City Council approves 19,500-square-foot library over the Cedar
• Mentors help keep kids in school
• The road to SIFF-Renton | the Preview FilmWalk Tuesday
• Spring festival Saturday has fun, family resources, art
• Renton's Berliner Pub celebrates two years
• Renton's own Nina and the Big Boys to perform at SIFF gala Thursday
• Renton, Metro Transit to conduct behavior patrols at transit center
• SIFF-Renton kicks off with 'Touchy Feely', big party
• When bytes conquered the film world: SIFF-Renton goes digital
• Spring festival Saturday has fun, family resources, art
• Renton's Berliner Pub celebrates two years
• With two days left, SIFF has surpassed last year's Renton ticket sales

On PRNewswire.com

• Erado to Exhibit at the 2013 FINRA Annual Conference

Puget Sound Business Journal on-line

• Profits spike at First Savings Bank NW, regulatory order lifted

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Downtown and Special Business Events

Many Downtown businesses host events on a regular basis.  For the latest information, check out their Facebook pages.

• A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub
• Luther's Table
• Old Renton Book Exchange
• Red House Beer, Wine Shoppe & Tapas Bar
• Renton History Museum
• The Berliner Pub
• The Local 907
• Whistle Stop Ale House
• Delancey's on 3rd
• Dionisio's Grill Restaurant-Lounge

• First Savings Bank NW (200 Wells Ave S) celebrates its 90th anniversary with activities throughout the week of June 17 - 21.  Visit their website for more details. 
• Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave S) presents exhibits, "Living the Dream" which presents the dreams of English Language Learners (ELL) from Dimmit Middle School and "Defining Spaces" which is the first gallery showing of visual art from the City of Renton Collection.  Both exhibits run through August 31.  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.
• Renton Chamber of Commerce (625 S 4th St) hosts "Business Excellence Awards" banquet on Thursday, June 6, 5:30 pm at the Renton Pavilion Event Center.  For more information about this or other events, contact 425-226-4560.
• Liberty Café hosts First Friday in dtr. Visit dtr (Downtown Renton) on S 3rd between Main and Wells on Friday, July 5, starting at 5 pm for art, music and a darn good time. For more information, contact dtrfirstfriday@gmail.com or Facebook – Downtown Renton First Friday.
• 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.
• A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) hosts trivia night every Monday and Pub Quiz Bingo Night every Thursday; 425-227-3396.
• The Local 907 (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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June 4 - September 24     Renton Farmers Markets, Tuesdays, 3 - 7 pm

July

7                  Return to Renton Car Show, 10 am - 3 pm

21 - 28        Renton River Days Window Displays

27                Renton River Days Parade & Sidewalk Sale, 10 am

Downtown Art & Cultural Events:

• Renton Civic Theatre (507 S 3rd St) hosts "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opens June 14 and auditions for the Summer Teen Musical starting June 15 for actors ages 13-19.  For more information about these or other events, contact 425-226-5539.
• Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S 2nd St) hosts:  Renton High School Orchestra concert, June 4, 7 pm; Renton High School Band concert, June 6, 7 pm; Spectrum Dance School, June 9, 12 and 4 pm; HOME Program Spring Play, June 14-15; Renton City Concert Band, June 16, 2 pm; Kids and Music Recital, June 21, 5:30 and 7:30 pm; Seattle Indian Music Academy, June 23, 5 pm.

Tastings:

• Red House Beer & Wine Shoppe (410 Burnett Ave S):  Wednesday tastings, 6 - 8 pm; 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.
• Delancey's on 3rd (810 S 3rd St) - Live music and entertainment; 206-412-9516.

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) - Wednesday and 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) - Second Sunday each month; 425-255-9010.
• Williams Ave Pub (214 Williams Ave S) - Saturday and Sunday nights; 425-277-2766.

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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, June 5, 8:30 am, Renton Chamber of Commerce offices (625 S 4th St).  Mark your calendars!  For more information, contact Kellie Jordan at 425-226-4560. 
• Join Piazza Renton to help keep Piazza Park alive with activity!  Contact Brian Larson at 425-226-2565 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 Carrie Olsen at 425-430-7214.
• 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!