A big B-Town welcome to the Discover Burien Association, new to our Advertising roster. They have stepped up to be the first-ever sponsor of our weather-widget. That’s the daily and updated weather for Burien you see in the right sidebar – next time you check out the weather, click through to check out Discover Burien’s new website.

Over the years our readers have all enjoyed the many events staged by Discover Burien, all designed to bring people to the city core. You may not be aware that Discover Burien is also a non-profit organization whose mission is to not only provide events, but also to promote and represent the concerns of businesses to the city and beyond.

When we sat down with Steve Gilbert, Executive Director of Discover Burien he chose not to talk about their new and highly interactive website. He didn’t talk about their hardworking steering committee members of 14 Burien business people. He didn’t address the current membership and how the new site links to all its member websites.

What he wanted to talk about was two things. First was “volunteer extraordinaire” Jane Matz:

“She’s a dynamo who loves giving back to the community.

Jane’s truly the nicest ‘people’ you’ll ever meet.”

Jane typically works at their Burien location at 620 SW 150th across from the main post office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Steve is looking to build a team of 10-15 volunteers to work the back office and help facilitate the many business-oriented programs which include bi-monthly business forums and “after hours” networking get-togethers, which are the second thing that Steve wants our readers to know about. If you’re interested in volunteering, give Steve a call at 206-433-2882.

The business education programs are designed to provide timely information that local businesses can use to enhance their bottom line. Highline Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helped educate business owners on successfully navigating the challenges of seeking business financing. Their next program will take place the morning of Wednesday, April 28 at Prudential Northwest Realty Associates offices and feature The B-Town Blog’s own Scott Schaefer helping businesses thrive in an online world full of Facebookers and Twitterers. And all you have to do to attend is be a Discover Burien member.

And who doesn’t like a party? Every eight weeks or so, members of Discover Burien get together to network and share ideas in a casual setting complete with food and drink. The next “After Hours” will be on March 24th at Mark Restaurant and Bar in Olde Burien starting at 6pm. They plan a wine tasting event.

Steve looks at Burien as a “community that’s truly a community.” And he further believes that “there’s an energy and real momentum happening in the Burien business community.”  He finds that more sponsors are stepping up to market their businesses through event sponsorship.

He invites all non-members to consider joining Discover Burien, to take advantage of the many programs offered by this group. And with the new website, it’s easy. You can join online or contact Steve or Jane. (www.discoverburien.com/join/)

We welcome Discover Burien as our first ever weather sponsor.

But we assure you that Discover Burien is just bringing you the local weather, they can’t do anything about it.

Discover Burien’s Annual Silent Auction and the City of Burien Citizen Awards Recognition Dinner will be Friday, March 5th, from 6 to 10 pm at Karuna Yoga Studio in Olde Burien.

At this event, awards will be given out to the recipients of the city’s four awards for Outstanding Citizens and/or Businesspeople for 2009, which include (read our previous coverage here):

• John Nelson
• Luke Cruise
• Jean Spohn
• Jerry Robinson

And if you’re a local businessperson who’d like to donate an item to the auction, please click here for a Procurement Form (PDF file). This is Discover Burien’s big annual fundraiser event, and each item donated will be seen by a captive, interested, local and relevant audience (in other words, it’s a great way to market your stuff!). Contact Debra George if you have a donation: debrageorgemi@aol.com or via phone at (206) 941-7199.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Discover Burien Annual Silent Auction and the City of Burien Citizen Awards Recognition Dinner

WHEN: Friday, March 5th from 6pm to 10pm

WHERE: Karuna Yoga Studio, located at 819 SW 152nd Street (at the corner of SW 152nd and Ambaum Blvd. in Olde Burien).

INFO: This will be a fun social event, with Dinner, Awards, Silent Auction and a No Host Bar. More information available at the Discover Burien website.

COST: Tickets are $25 each, or a Table with 8 tickets is $200.

Call (206) 433-2882 or e-mail debrageorgemi@aol.com or pick up tickets at the Discover Burien office or City Hall.

The City of Burien announced the recipients of its four awards for Outstanding Citizens and/or Businesspeople for 2009 at its council meeting Monday night (Feb. 8th), and here are the winners:

John Nelson was named the recipient of Burien’s 2010 Citizen Community Leader award by the city council at their Feb. 8th meeting.

Nelson is cited in the council’s award designation as “the inspiration and engine for bringing two new charity running races to our City” – the Cove to Clover and the Brat Trot runs. “Each surpassed all expectations of what new events can be in terms of scale, polish, turnout and funds raised” – $37,000 between the two.

Luke Cruise was named Educator Leader of the Year. Cruise has worked for Highline High School as a para-educator for a number of years, and has volunteered as Flag Team advisor, Pacific Islanders Club advisor and Dance Team advisor.

Jean Spohn, described as “a stalwart member” of the Shorewood-on-the-Sound Community Club for many years, was named Environmental Leader of the Year. A Beach Naturalist, she has also led efforts to rid Shorewood Park of invasive plants that threaten native vegetation in the park.

Jerry Robinson, owner of Robinson Communications and publisher of the company’s weekly newspapers, including the Highline Times, was named Business Leader of the Year.

All four awards, which will be presented at the Annual Discover Burien Dinner on Friday, March 5th, were made by a unanimous council vote.

The catered dinner and silent auction will be at Karuna Yoga Studio, 819 SW 152nd Street, with a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at 7, with the presentation of the Burien Leadership Awards at 8:15.

Tickets are $25 each, and are available at the Discover Burien office, which is located at 620 SW 150th Street, as well as Burien City Hall, online at www.discoverburien.com, or by calling 206.433.2882.

Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here) has been moved to BTB Advertiser Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Jeff was moved from Highline’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila to Burien Rehab just before Christmas.

Debra George says:

They are working on getting him walking and moving his right side better.

He is beginning to eat on his own some.

And Burien Rehab’s Nate Neff adds:

Jeff is here and we are happy to have him.

Jeff arrived just before Christmas on Dec. 23. and has adjusted to Burien Rehab and this new setting.

He is currently making gradual improvements and participates in physical and occupational therapy daily.

The therapy team is working on Jeff’s ability to stand as well as his hand eye coordination.

Jeff continues to progress and we enjoy having him here.

Here’s a pic of Jeff courtesy Burien Rehab – check out his groovy goatee!:

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

According to Debra George, who visits him almost daily at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila:

Jeff is starting to eat by mouth some, but is still very scattered memory wise – it seems to come and go.

He is not able to get up out of bed yet, but he is able to be in a wheelchair.

He had his trach out on Tuesday and he is talking pretty good. He is getting items in his head mixed up but he is saying some of his old lines, such as “whats your name?”

It seems as he tires he gets more confused on who people are and his short term memory is not so good – such as I come in and he says I know you, your Debra George and then a little later in the conversation he tells me to tell Debra hi for him.

Each day it seems to get better, we are hoping they will start to get him up and in physical therapy for his arms and legs next.

- Debra George
Discover Burien, Event Manager

The hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

If you’d like to visit Jeff, he’s taking visitors now at his location at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus, which is located at 12844 Military Rd South in Tukwila (phone: 206-244-0180). Jeff is in room #229.

Story by Janet Grella
Photos by Scott Schaefer

What do you get when you cross a fireball with a firecracker?

You get Discover Burien’s new Executive Director, Steve Gilbert.

What a rare and unique find for the city of Burien.

BTB sat down with Steve for breakfast last week at one of Burien’s busiest breakfast eateries, 909 Coffee & Wine. At warp speed, we covered everything from his family, past positions and his vision for Burien and Discover Burien.

“Burien is an absolutely spectacular community,” Steve said. “It’s like one of those small town mid-American communities where everyone knows each other and everyone has got your back. It’s really really neat to see the energy in Burien.”

He continued his rah-rah head cheerleader role, continuing: “…with a strong business base, access to parks, the water and the airport – Burien’s got it all!”

With pieces already in place from a business and community standpoint, Steve sees “Burien full-out sprinting” from the recession.

With Steve at the helm, I have no doubt.

In his opinion “Burien is primed to do something great, yet we cannot lose track of where we’ve been.”

Looking forward, Steve sees the very board who hired him as a group of “very enthusiastic individuals who listen to ideas and are all going in a common direction, with a shared vision. When everyone has a single goal, they become an unstoppable force.”

That unifying vision of direction will be flushed out at the Discover Burien Board retreat on January 13.

I asked him in a nutshell how he would explain to our readers what the Discover Burien Association is; his response:

“Discover Burien is a gathering place for business and community leaders to get together to positively affect change in their own community.”

“Discover Burien presents a real opportunity to people to make a difference to make a difference in the community they live, work and play in,” he concluded. “Participating in Discover Burien is the best investment a business can make.”

Membership to Discover Burien starts at just $25 per year. If you are interested in joining, you can check their website for a membership application, or call the office at 206-433-2882.

What’s next for Steve and Discover Burien?

He plans to bring back the education series held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The first seminar will be conducted by Devon Rich of the Small Business Development Center on Business Financial Loans on Feb. 24th.  He will also be introducing an Educational Series with a Retail focus.

And really good news – the monthly Discover Burien After Hours for business networking will resume again in January.

When Steve isn’t cheerleading for Burien, he’s living with his family in Issaquah that includes daughter Madison, 11, son Cooper, 8, and his wife Becky, “the love of my life”.

The commute?

“It isn’t bad. I leave the house at 6:20 in the morning and arrive in Burien at 7 am, ready to hit the ground running.”

We don’t doubt that at all.

Discover Burien announced Thursday (Nov. 19th) that it will be offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the driver of the vehicle that committed the hit-and-run on Jeff Kearney in White Center on Tuesday, Nov. 17th.

The $1,000 reward is set up at Burien’s Sterling Savings Bank (located at 224 SW 152nd Street; (206) 243-6869), and residents can contribute to it as well.

Kearney, 36, a well-known mentally-challenged man and part of Burien’s “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th on Tuesday around 5:20pm. The suspect vehicle was southbound on 16th when it struck him. The vehicle slowed but did not stop and was last seen driving off southbound on 16th.

Kearney was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, and the latest reports we’ve heard are that he’s been upgraded to “serious condition.”

The suspect driver is still at large, and according to police, a driver’s side exterior mirror was found at the scene, and there is also likely damage to the left front fender.

The vehicle is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

We will continue to post updates about Jeff and this story as we learn more.

RELATED:

• UPDATE: Police Need Help Finding Vehicle In Hit-And-Run Of Jeff Kearney

The City of Burien has put out its annual call for people to nominate Outstanding Citizens and/or Businesspeople for 2009’s “Outstanding Citizens Awards” program.

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1, 2010.

Winners will be honored at the city’s annual awards ceremony, which will be held Friday, March 5th.

The four categories are:

• Outstanding Citizen
• Business Person
• Educator
• Environmental Activist

This program is sponsored by the city, along with Discover Burien.

To nominate a person, the city asks you to:

“Please describe what this person or organization has done, when the contribution was made, who benefited, how the contribution was accomplished and where the impact was made.”

(hmmm…perhaps this could be the year that a certain, fast-growing Burien-based community news website gets nominated…?)

There are two ways to make a nomination, and the deadline is Feb. 1, 2010:

1. Via an online form here
2. Via snail mail to:

Adriene Buckley
Burien City Hall
400 S.W. 152nd Street, Suite 3
Burien, WA 98166

For more information, contact Adriene at (206) 248-5512.

The Discover Burien Association announced Wednesday (Oct. 28th) the appointment of Steve Gilbert as their new Executive Director.

Starting the first week of November, Gilbert will be charged with promoting Burien as “The Place to Be.”

“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a great organization and I am excited to get started,” Gilbert said. “Burien is a true gem in the Northwest and a tremendous community. There are so many great things about it and yet it is full of opportunities. This is the right time for businesses to look to Burien as a great place to do business.”

“We are so excited to have someone of Steve’s caliber to lead the organization,” added Lori Alden, branch manager of Prudential Northwest Realty and Associates and Discover Burien chair. “He has strong ties with the business and commercial real estate communities, as well as working with volunteers on economic development initiatives. We had a lot of great people interested in the position, but Steve brought all of the enthusiasm, work ethic, and skills we needed. He will have his plate full here, but he has a tremendous support group of all the members that make up the Discover Burien Association.”

In July, we broke the news that Kim McKoy would be the new Executive Director, but she had to step down before assuming the role due to family issues. After the resignation of Patty Sader in June, Discover Burien resumed its search for a replacement.

More information on Discover Burien is available at their website.

The annual “Boo In Burien” is coming to town on Saturday, Oct. 31st from Noon to 5pm, with lots of FREE candy for the kids, as well as the exciting return of the Wiener Dog Races.

Oh, and the Wiener Dog Races will be hosted by BTB’s own Wiener-In-Chief Scott Schaefer!

There will be tons of other fun treats all day, including:

• Trick or Treat on Main Street (kids can go business to business for free candy)
• Noon – 5pm: Hayrides
• 1pm – 5pm: Downtown businesses Haunted House at Moss Chiropractic
• Noon+: Paint Pumpkins at Grocery Outlet
• Noon – 5pm: Children’s Costume Contest in Olde Burien
• Noon – 3pm: Costume Dog Parade registration in Olde Burien
• 3pm: Costumed Dog Parade starts
• Wiener Dog Races After Dog Parade (most likely at 9th SW & SW 152nd near the Danish Bakery)
• Olde Burien Scary Story Telling by Burien Live Theatre
• Specials in local businesses along with hot treats for all and much more!

The event is sponsored by Discover Burien, Prudential Northwest and Grocery Outlet.

Burien’s annual free Fall Art Walk is coming to downtown on Saturday, Sept. 12th from 10am to 5pm, and everyone’s invited to come enjoy visual artistry of every stripe while taking in some fresh air, as well as giving back this year at the new Give & Get Fundraiser.

The Art Walk will take place in the downtown core on SW 152nd between 2nd Ave SW and 10th Ave SW with art both inside and outside businesses in downtown Burien. Artists will typically be on hand to talk about and sell their work during the free art walk, and some artists will demonstrate their techniques. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Discover Burien Association and Sterling Savings Bank.

Find artist locations with an art walk map, which can be obtained free at the Discover Burien Association booth at SW 152nd Street between Ambaum Boulevard SW and 10th Ave SW in Olde Burien.

Give back during this year’s art walk with the new Give & Get Fundraiser at The Mark Restaurant in Olde Burien, where you can start your walk in proper form with a Mimosa and Pastries Breakfast from 9:30am to 10:30am, featuring the big, beautiful artwork of Warren Knapp. This modern impressionist has made his artwork extremely affordable just for the art walk and will donate 30 percent of the proceeds from sales of his artwork made during the breakfast and later that day to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence for an arts scholarship.

On Friday, Sept. 11th, chat with Warren Knapp and other artists who will be exhibiting Saturday while sneaking a peak at their work and enjoying some wine and cheese. The Wine and Cheese Reception runs from 5pm to 8pm Knapp will donate 30 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his artwork to Discover Burien.

Both the breakfast and reception will be held at the Mark Restaurant & Bar, 918 S.W. 152nd St.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and marketing of the city.

For more information, call (206) 941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.

The B-Town Blog has learned that longtime Burien resident Kim McKoy has been named the new Executive Director of Discover Burien, replacing the outgoing Patty Sader, who resigned June 10th.

Kim has over 15 years’ of executive leadership with ACAP Child and Family Services, CIS of Washington, and Friends of the Children.

In addition to working on children’s issues, Kim volunteers with United Way and BurSST for Prosperity.

Kim told BTB that she is “excited for the opportunity to lead Discover Burien.”

“I like to spend leisure time with friends, traveling, enjoying photography, being a complete computer geek, and playing a mean game of spades,” McKoy added. “My greatest joy though is hanging out with my five pound poodle (Pierre) at Lake Burien Park or Seahurst Park at least a few times a week. Oh, and he is the absolute coolest and cutest dog on the planet!”

So…could this mean a business networking dog park meetup sometime soon? Stay tuned…

According to their website:

Discover Burien is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation working on economic development, business recruitment & retention, education, promotion and marketing of the Burien community. We are a membership based organization, but do not limit our services to only members, we include the entire Burien business community. We work with Burien businesses to find solutions to their problems to help educate or direct to resources that are available. We also work as a liaison between businesses and city hall to help streamline issues.

by Janet Grella

Discover Burien’s Board of Directors had their monthly meeting last Wednesday night, and here are some notes:

It was just one month ago that current Executive Director Patty Sader officially resigned, and as we first reported in an exclusive on Friday July 10th, Board President Sarah Slaughter has also just stepped down (in a private executive session).

The search committee consisting of Lori Alden, Sarah Slaughter, Dave Elliott, Doug Moreland, Brian Frederick and Diane Summerhays have culled through the applicants and narrowed the field to two candidates for the position. When asked when they will announce the new director, Lori Alden said “soon.” Each of the finalists were asked to give a 10 minute presentation on themselves and their qualifications to the entire board (and stay tuned to the BTB, as we’ll most certainly report on who is chosen as the new Executive Director).

Events as presented by Debra George, Discover Burien Events Manager:

• The weekly Thursday Farmers Market moved on July 2nd to its final home on SW 152nd in front of Town Square Park. There were 42 vendors there, with room for up to 60. The vendors were happy, with many saying “now we’re home” (BTB is the official blog of the Farmers Market and you can catch us there every week live blogging from our booth).
• The Father’s Day Car Show was a complete success, with over 200 vintage cars this year and car enthusiasts packed the streets;
• Fall Artwalk will be September 12. Preliminary information is being distributed.
• OctoberFest is returning to Town Square Park September 26-27. In the works is a carnival adjacent to B/ IAS plus activities and entertainment that will use up every area of the park. BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub will host a beer garden. Additionally, Elliott Bay Brewery will have their own Octoberfest that weekend. Burien has not had Octoberfest since 2005 due to the construction of the Library, City Hall and Town Square condominiums.

Mike Martin, Burien’s City Manager delivered the City Manager’s report:

• Mr. Martin has been in what he described as an “active conversation” with the fire department over the placement of their new fire station
  The city has received the last of the funds to complete the $22 million transit parking garage. Groundbreaking is on schedule to start in January 2010. This will add an additional 500 parking spaces.
• Radio Free Burien, 540 on the AM dial is up and working. They are working on a Spanish translation, with other languages to follow.
• The Community Center/Senior Center construction is on track, and should start in four months. Head Start, which used to be in Burien and moved to White Center will be temporarily housed here while their White Center building is being remodeled.
• All Seattle Web won/earned the re-design of the Discover Burien website.
• Martin said the Northeast Development Area is on target, or in his words, “pad ready.” They are attempting to get the auto dealers to move off first on over there plus attract outer dealers to make an auto mall. The Lora Lake Apartment complex needs to come down for this to happen, and there are a few residents along 8th Ave. who don’t want to move away. Once the auto dealers are moved off First Ave South they could open that area up for more retail. This would be another multi-year project for Burien.

In a BTB exclusive, we have learned that recently-installed Discover Burien Board President Sarah Slaughter (of BTB Advertiser El Dorado West Retirement Community) announced that she is stepping down from her position, effective immediately.

This makes for the second departure from Discover Burien’s executive ranks in the last few weeks, as Executive Director Patty Sader tendered her resignation on June 10th.

Here’s Sarah’s resignation letter:

“The only thing constant is change.”

Many of the Discover Burien board members learned last Wednesday that I have stepped down as the President of the Discover Burien Board effective immediately. I am also resigning my position as a board member. I have accepted an opportunity with my company which has taken me full time to Issaquah. It is a move that pushes my career forward and offers me new challenges but does not afford me the time that Discover Burien and the city deserve.

Lori Alden, Vice President and committed Discover Burien member, will be standing in as acting President until the Board makes further decisions.

It has been one of my greatest pleasures to participate with this dynamic group and though I am excited about my new endeavors I will sincerely miss working with all of you.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as President for this brief period.

Sincerely,
Sarah Slaughter LPN
Resident Care Director
Spiritwood at Pine Lake
3607 228th Ave. SE

Lori Alden, formerly the Vice President of Discover Burien, will take over as acting President, and according to our sources, the search for a new Executive Director is almost complete – be sure to check back to The B-Town Blog, as we’ll most certainly be posting that story first.

According to their website:

Discover Burien is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation working on economic development, business recruitment & retention, education, promotion and marketing of the Burien community. We are a membership based organization, but do not limit our services to only members, we include the entire Burien business community. We work with Burien businesses to find solutions to their problems to help educate or direct to resources that are available. We also work as a liaison between businesses and city hall to help streamline issues.

Discover Burien President Sarah Slaughter, left, and
outgoing Executive Director Patty Sader.

Story and Photo by Janet Grella

The B-Town Blog has acquired a copy of the resignation letter that Discover Burien’s (DB) Executive Director Patty Sader read to her board at their June 2nd meeting.

We sat down with Patty and DB President Sarah Slaughter (Executive Director of BTB Advertiser El Dorado West), and DB Vice President and Prudential’s Lori Alden over lunch at 909 Coffee & Wine to discuss not only Patty’s accomplishments in this position, but the accomplishments of Discover Burien over the past two years.

We had hoped to have past DB president Linda Isernio with us, but she’s on a well deserved vacation. Before we got started, Sarah wanted to especially thank Linda for her two years of service to DB through a particularly challenging time in the groups’ history and long-time board member Kevin Fitz for his leadership. Both remain on the Discover Burien Board.

From the letter:

To The Discover Burien Board of Directors:

In June of 2007 you asked me to come aboard as your Interim Executive Director.

I came aboard at a time when the business community was somewhat fractured and indecisive about what they wanted and needed from an organization like Discover Burien. This business community was very vocal and none to (sic) happy with what they perceived as their “value to membership”.

I jumped right in with a voice of reason, allowing a venue for this business community to voice their concerns of the past and their hopes for the future.

You asked me to do a few very specific things, to bring together the business community to work together as a team, to re-build a relationship with City of Burien Staff and City Council members, to build value to membership and to create programs that were useful to the Burien Business community…

Sarah: “Patty can take credit in growth in membership.”

Patty: “No, I can’t. I believe that I attracted strong committee members to the membership committee. They should be credited. Any member of DB can apply to serve on various committees. Our membership has grown the first half of 2009 from 127 members to 160 currently. Our membership committee members are Jim Hughes, Lori Alden, Sarah Slaughter, Janel Stoneback, Merry Ann Peterson and Shandra Rose.”

Patty: “Early on I made (recently deceased long-time Burien businessman) Dick Dahlgard the ‘Master of Retention’ on this committee.”

Dick died suddenly last November, but his good work continues with other members.

Lori: “I adore Patty, consider her a great friend and thank her for getting me so involved with DB.”

Patty told us she spent countless hours in her fist two months visiting the disgruntled, the unhappy, the unsure about DB. Plus she walked right into the First Ave. reconstruction where she acted as the “ears” between the contractors, city and retail establishments on First Ave., from Burien Nissan all the way down to Fred Meyer, and all parts in-between.

Patty: “Slowly but surely the drop-outs and disillusioned are trickling back into DB.”

Other accomplishments in the past two years include the introduction of monthly networking after-hours at various venues around Burien and the recent introduction of informational seminars that have proven very valuable to BTB and others in the small-business community who have attended. The latter done in conjunction with the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) from the Highline area and Renton.

…In the two years that I have been a part of your organization we have accomplished these things and many more of which we can all be proud. I am confident that the current Board of Directors will continue on with strong leadership, with integrity, and vision for the future.

Saying these things, the time has come for me to step down as your Executive Director as you conduct a search for your next leader who will be able to lead you into the next phase of your dream…

Patty: “I’m proud given where we’ve come from, to where we are today. Both old and new members are energized.”

Sarah: “We have 1,500 licensed Burien businesses and want a substantial number involved in DB. All Burien business are invited to contact the DB office (206-433-2882) if they would like additional information or see our website for a membership application.”

Patty: “My job is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s like you’re nurturing ‘this thing’ for a long time. There are still communites to be nurtured, most particularly the Hispanic community.”

There will be an immediate search for a new Executive Director.

I have been asked by the Board of Directors to remain in my role and assist them in this transition phase of which I am happy to do so.

In the meantime it will be “business as usual”…

Lori: “We’ve had 20 resumes that came in by Tuesday’s deadline. We’ve got a nice round offering of applicants. DB has seven board members on the selection committee. Each member was asked to identify their top five candidates. Interviewing has already started.”

Sarah: “Our goal is to make the transition very seamless. “There’s been a positive roadmap laid out by Patty to follow.”

Patty: “The marketing, membership and website committees are all moving forward.”

…I am looking forward to the next phase of my career and a possible relocation in the near future to sunny Arizona…

A Western Washington native, Patty’s next phase includes moving to Arizona, returning to a private-sector position in the Tel-Com industry, learning to play golf and enjoying hot weather and barbequing.

She concluded by telling BTB that “I will NOT miss working on weekends.”

Burien’s annual Father’s Day Car Show will be Sunday, June 21st from 10am to 4pm, with plenty of cool cars, retro tunes, a chili cook-off and guy-pleasing grub, plus a new charity poker tournament and raffle.

Ogle amazing cars from yesterday and today along SW 152nd Street between 4th Ave SW  and 8th Ave SW in downtown Burien. The event has become so popular the action will expand onto 6th Ave SW and into the new Burien Town Square.

Buffed-up beauties in the car show will compete for top billing in nine outside-the-box categories:

• Mayor’s Choice
• Best Project Car
• Under Hood Artwork
• Most Likely To Go On A Date In
• People’s Choice
• Best Interior
• Auto Dealers’ Choice
• Best Paint Job
• Lowest Odometer

Bet on the health of local youth sports by sitting in on the brand new Hold’em for Highline poker tournament or buying a 50/50 raffle ticket. All proceeds from the two activities will go to the Highline Boosters, a local nonprofit organization that benefits Highline High School athletics.

From Noon to 2pm, savor free samples of potentially prize-winning eats from the Chili Cook-Off. The first-place chili will be awarded $250 plus a traveling trophy for a year, second place earns $100, third place $50, and People’s Choice $100. Teams competing in the Chili Cook-Off must send in a completed preregistration form and a $25 fee. Chili must be cooked onsite and provide 500 samples plus tastes for the judges. The cook-off will supply each team with a table, propane gas burner and 500 napkins, spoons and tasting cups. To register, click here to download a PDF form.

Catch the sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s spun by a KJR radio DJ while grabbing an affordable bite at the car show’s hotdog cart or chilling with a Hawaiian shaved ice. Nearby businesses offer dining alternatives and some will feature in-store specials.

Participants in the car show and the poker tournament may either register in advance or on Father’s Day. Preregistration fees are $15 for the car show and $20 for the poker tournament. Registration on Father’s Day will cost $20 and take place between 8am and 10am at SW 152nd St. and 8th Ave SW. Same-day registration for the tournament is $25 at the Hold ‘em tent. To register, click here to download a PDF form.

Burien Auto Row is the primary sponsor of the event, which is being presented by Discover Burien, a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development, promotion and marketing of the city. Except for the charity poker and raffle fees, all funds collected will go toward operation of the event and Discover Burien.

For more information, go to www.discoverburien.com or contact Debra George, the Discover Burien event manager, at 206-941-7199.

Patty Sader, Executive Director of local non-profit business booster org Discover Burien announced at last night’s monthly Board meeting that she will be leaving her position after two years to pursue other interests.

She will be moving to Arizona.

After tearfully reading her resignation letter, Patty told the board and audience members that it’s been “challenging and fun.”

When BTB ran into Sarah Slaughter, Director of El Dorado West Retirement Community, and newly elected President of Discover Burien at the Farmers Market Thursday, Sarah told us that “It’s been a pleasure to work with Patty. Myself and the entire board all wish her well.”

This ad for the Executive Director position was posted yesterday on Craigslist, so if you think you’re qualified, go ahead and apply:

Executive Director for Non Profit (Burien)
Reply to: job-6zzff-1212819576@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-06-09, 7:27AM PDT

Discover Burien is seeking an individual with enthusiasm, and high energy to fill the position of Executive Director.
The ideal candidate would have knowledge of Burien and Burien business.

The mission of Discover Burien is to create and sustain a vibrant business community through promotions and education. Discover Burien is non-profit economic development organization focused on business recruitment & retention, education, promotion and marketing of the Burien community. We are a member-based organization serving the entire community. We work closely with the City of Burien to serve as a liaison between the business community and City Hall.

The Executive Director has responsibilities for the overall management of the organization and implementation of the goals established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director reports to and is evaluated by the Board of Directors, and he/she supervises the organization’s staff, volunteers and contractors.

Primary responsibilities:
Manage the day-today operations of the organization, within the Board-approved budget and including management of the Clean Sweep contract with the City.
Work with the Board of Directors to prepare and implement an annual plan and budget providing monthly written reports to the Board describing progress on the plan and budget.
Recruit, supervise and evaluate all volunteers and contractors working with Discover Burien.
Develop and implement board-approved member recruitment and retention plans, working with the Board Membership Committee.
Develop partnerships with other area community organizations.
Produce monthly member networking and education activities.
Assure a strong communications program including a monthly newsletter and an up-to-date website.
Maintain a positive working relationship with the city of Burien including negotiating the annual contract (with input from the Board) and submitting required reports in a timely manner.
Provide support to the Board of Directors including coordinating meeting schedules and sending reminders, preparing materials for Board Meetings, maintaining Board records, submitting program/services and administrative reports, and related activities.
Assure a visible presence of Discover Burien in the community.

Qualifications:
Knowledge of membership development, business development and promotion, municipal government and general management.
Successful experience as a project manager
Excellent written, verbal and electronic communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities.
Ability to work independently and to seek guidance as appropriate.
Demonstrated accuracy, timeliness and thoroughness in handling project details.
Computer skill and experience, especially with MS Office Suite products.
Demonstrably strong work ethic.
Commitment to building strong relationships within the community.
Valid driver’s license and transportation.

The position is three-quarter time and exempt with an annual salary dependent upon qualifications. The Board of Discover Burien, its employees and its volunteers remain firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and to provide information and program services to any and all interested parties in need of said services and for those interested in serving in a volunteer capacity, without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, age, national origin, handicap, gender and/or ability to pay. Discover Burien values each employee’s talent and supports an inclusive and respectful environment.

Please submit cover letter along with resume and salary requirements to apply.

* Location: Burien
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

At this Saturday’s Burien Town Square grand opening celebration, local business non-profit Discover Burien will be giving out FREE “Sling Bags” with a great local coupon book to the first 600 people who come by their booth.

The coupon book is meant to promote local business, and includes discounts from:

• 3 Wishes
• Azteca Restaurant
• B-Town Scoop
• Card Bar
• Goodie Gumdrops
• Aestheic & General Dermatology
• Burien Press
• E.B. Foote Winery
• Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub
• Emerald City Smoothie
• Hey Paison!
• Hairmasters
• Lovers Package
• John Muramatsu, DDS
• Mark Restaurant & Bar
• Moss Chiropractic
• Market Place Salon & Day Spa
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
• Denny’s
• Optimark Eyecare
• Poggi Bonsi Cucina & Outlet
• Osteria da Primo
• Page 2 Books
• Robbie Howell, Realtor
• Sal’s Deli
• Prudential Northwest
• Vino Bello
• Village Woodworks
• The Jewelry Pouch Store
• Veracruz Mexican Restaurant
• Soundview Cottage B&B
• Sounds On Wheels
• Skinperfect Aesthetics
• Karuna Arts Yoga
• Stepping Stone Preschool
• Short Stop Coffee Shop & Tim’s Sports Cards
• Tasty Dogs
• Sylvan Learning
• Zizia
• Vision Collision
• The Yarn Stash
• Olde Burien $5 Off Coupon

So…be sure to show up early, find the Discover Burien booth and get your free “Sling Bag” (not to be confused with a “Sling Blade”, uh-huh…).

by Janet Grella

Discover Burien, a local non-profit organized seven years ago to address all things about Burien businesses, has a monthly board meeting the second Wednesday of every month. It is in these meetings that Board members, comprised of individuals from local businesses address the issues of, well, Burien businesses.

From my seat in what I’ve long referred to as “the peanut gallery” (any resident or business in Burien are not only invited to attend, but comment from the gallery) I announced the B-Town’s Blog intention to report things big and small from this meeting.

Last night’s meeting was especially rewarding to this reporter as I got my first view from the new meeting room high above Burien on the third floor of the new city hall. I also learned that all the systems in city hall are run by computer, except for the meeting room, which has a few light switches. Good thing too, as the meeting went into twilight and then night as we all hashed-out challenges and opportunities in our fair city.

As a long-time member of the “peanut gallery” (and yes, I am still a card carrying-member of the Howdy Doody Club), I’ve always looked forward to the City Manager’s report. Last night it was issued by Dick Lohman, Burien’s own Economic Development Director. Here’s a few things he reported:

• Effective July 1 the Burien Parks Dept. will take over management of the former Library. It will be remodeled to contain a new Senior Center as well as housing Parks Department. Both are currently housed at the Community Center on 4th Ave.
• The Burien City Council has passed a Special Events Ordinance which will create a uniformed procedure for all special events. Burien’s city attorney studied 10 cities to understand what their ordinances contain. The city is beginning to work on special events applications which should be availabe in the next 90 days, or so.
• Speaking of special events, noting the number of medical and alternative medical businesses in Burien, the city will be hosting a Wellness fair on 5th Ave. in Town Square Park on September 19th. The city is in the process of inviting over 50 medical related businesses to the fair.
• Our new city hall’s big move went without a hitch.
• And finally, with all the events planned on Saturday June 13th, the long-awaited “Water Feature” at Town Square Plaza will not be operational as they are still waiting fo essential parts to make it work.

Patty Sader, Executive Director of Discover Burien, reported a few things BTB readers should know:

• Discover Burien is still seeking volunteers for the big event this weekend at Town Square’s grand opening. If you can help, call Patty at 433-2882.
• The next business seminar “Identifying Customers You Want” will be held at Cox Financial on June 24th. These valuable and highly attended seminars have been invaluable to businesses who attend. Seating is limited. To secure you seat, click here.
• The Art in Empty Storefronts has their first empty storefront in Jordstads Jewelry on 152nd. The purpose is to dress up the empty storefronts throughout Burien with local artist’s offerings. The first artist posted will be Mark Eaton who has been displaying his artwork at Vino Bello.

Event-wise, Debra George, Discover Burien’s Event Manager had a few announcements:

• Town Square Plaza, City Hall and Library Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening this Saturday: The first 600 people to visit the Discover Burien tent will receive a “sling” bag stuffed with water (courtesty of Prudential Northwest Realty) and a coupon book chock full of Burien deals from 42 businesses.
• Burien Farmer’s Market is moving to Town Square Plaza on July 2nd (it’s still on 10th Ave in front of BTB world headquarters). Currently there’s 40 vendors and there’s room for 10-15 more stalls on 5th Ave. BTB will be stationed near the entertainment where we’ll share the electricity.
• Father’s Day Car Show:  To date there’s 53 cars registered and four chili cook-off entrants. If you have a great chili recipe and want to win $250, a ‘traveling trophy’ and serve your chili up to at least 500 people, call Debra at (206) 941-7199. The Highline Boosters will also be having their “Hold ‘em for Highline” Texas Hold’em fundraiser event. For more information stop by BTB booth at the Farmers Market this afternoon to register or watch ‘em play.

Discover Burien has recently elected new officers and voted on some new and old board members to round out the team for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

New officers include:

• President: Sarah Slaughter/El Dorado West Retirement and Assisted Living;
• Vice-President: Lori Alden/Prudential Real Estate Northwest;
• Treasurer: David Elliott/D.G. Elliott Financial Services;
• Co-Secretaries: Lori Box/Highline School District and Michelle Codd/Poggi Bonsi & Cucina

Returning board members that were re-elected were:

• Lynda Isernio with Sterling Savings Bank
• Lori Box with Highline School District
• Kevin Fitz
• Diane Summerhays with the Port of Seattle

The newly elected board members include:

• Erin Collins of Collins Chiropractic
• Brian Frederick with Cox Financial

Hold’em for Highline is a Charity Poker Tournament that will be held during the annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 21st, from 10am to 4pm.

The goal of the charity game will be to raise funds for the Highline Booster Club, which bnefits Highline High School Athletics.

No cash prize will be awarded – prizing will consist of donated items only. 100% of all money raised will go directly to the Highline Booster club.

You must be 21 years of age or older and be able to play in the designated time slot picked and in the final table at 6 pm if you qualify.

To apply, please download an application form here (PDF file), fill out and mail it to:

MARKETING INNOVATIONS
916 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 941-7199

Burien’s annual Farmer’s Market blossoms on 10th Ave SW in Olde Burien (see map below) starting this Thursday, May 7th, then moves to the new Town Square July 2nd.

Sponsored by Prudential Northwest Realty, the market will take place every Thursday through October 15th, from 11am to 6pm, and The B-Town Blog will be there with our own booth, doing live blogging!

New this year, free samples of local eateries’ dishes will join farm-fresh produce and unique handcrafted goods at this weekly outdoor event.

The plan has long been for the farmers market, produced by the Discover Burien Association, to be located in the new Town Square. Originally, the market was located near Burien City Hall. With the move, the market will be close to the new City Hall in Town Square, according to Debra George of Marketing Innovations, the market manager on behalf of the Discover Burien Association.

“Town Square is a great centralized location for market customers,” George said. “And the new library and City Hall will increase foot traffic, which will benefit the vendors.”

The market’s fresh-off-the-vine fruits and vegetables are grown by Washington State farmers, most of them local plus a few from Eastern Washington. George notes that prices are affordable, even for organically-grown produce, and the quality is high since this just-picked bounty comes directly from the farmers with no middlemen or delays.

This year, look for new items like Turkish handmade bread or a Hawaiian Shave Ice and, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. taste offerings from area restaurants.

Add a shave ice or a piece of fruit from a market vendor to tasty eats from the market’s hotdog cart for a great lunch deal. Enjoy it all at the market’s patio tables while taking the edge off the workday with live music, performed most days. Stop and chat with the B-Town Blog, the market’s official blogger, which will blog live from the market.

Customers who developed relationships with farmers or craftspeople last year will want to know that many of this season’s vendors are returnees, said George.

The market’s Olde Burien site is on 10th Avenue SW between SW 151st Street and SW 152nd Street (map below). In Town Square the market will be situated on 5th Avenue SW off SW 152nd Street.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and promotion of Burien.

For more information, call 206-433-2882 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.

View Larger Map

“Clean Sweep,” Burien’s annual spring cleaning event, is planned for Saturday, April 25th, starting at 8am at the fire station on 8th Ave SW.

Citizens are encouraged to join this effort to improve the appearance of the downtown area and neighborhoods by picking up trash and other debris along streets, sidewalks and parks.

Volunteers are asked to report to the Burien Fire Station, located at 15100 8th Ave. SW (map below) at 8am, where they can enjoy a free continental breakfast and then head out to the community to clean, pick up trash, remove graffiti and more.

At Noon the crews return to the fire station for a hot dog lunch and raffle with prizes donated by area businesses. The event ends at 1:00 p.m.

Last year 7.61 tons of garbage was collected.

Participants should bring their own tools, gloves and, if needed, rain gear.

Call Discover Burien at (206) 433-2882 for more information.

View Larger Map

The annual Discover Burien Dinner/Silent Auction and City of Burien Annual Awards Ceremony will be Friday, March 6th from 6pm-10pm at the Karuna Yoga Studio, located at 819 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

This will also serve as the official 16th Birthday Party for the city, which promises to drive carefully if only “you’ll get me a British racing green Mini Cooper with an in-dash iPod and GPS, please Daddy please they’re so awesomely cool!”

As you may recall, last year’s 15th birthday bash involved a very unique “Birthday Bus” that was driven up with just a Learner’s Permit from Burning Man, so who knows what to expect for Burien’s Sweet 16 (although we have heard rumblings of a “special surprise” so read on…).

The city will be giving out its annual awards, which will honor:

• Outstanding business leader
• Environmental activist
• Citizen community activist
• Education activist

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual Discover Burien Dinner & Silent Auction and City of Burien Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, March 6th from 6pm-10pm

WHERE: Karuna Yoga Studio, located at 819 SW 152nd in Olde Burien (map below)

COST: $25 per person or a table of 8 for $200

INFO: We hear there will be a “special surprise” for attendees, and we know it’s going to be very cool and very Burienesque, so you don’t want to miss this night!

Patty Sader, Executive Director of Discover Burien, also tells us that they’re looking for Event Sponsors and Volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping out, please call her at (206) 433-2882.

They’re also looking for swag to insert into the 150 or so gift bags that will be given out, so if you’re a local business who wants to get some publicity, give Patty a call.

View Larger Map

by Gina Bourdage

Notes from Monday night’s Burien City Council meeting (Feb. 9th):

LAKE-TO-SOUND TRAIL
King County Council Chair Julia Patterson and her team presented the 17-mile Lake-To-Sound Trail that would begin in Renton, end at Puget Sound in Des Moines and wind its way through Tukwila, Burien and SeaTac. The proposed trail would connect the Cedar River Trail, Green River Trail, Westside Trail and the Des Moines Creek Trail, making its way along the light rail station in Tukwila and then over to Burien and possibly along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Voters have already approved a levy that would contribute $705,000 over the next year as well as $3.75 million over the next five years, pledged from the King County Parks expansion levy in 2007. Deputy Mayor Rose Clark said:

“I can’t tell you how long I have wanted a trail in Burien like this one.”

Council Chair Patterson has already made visits to Washington DC asking for measures to be included in upcoming stimulus budgets for the Lake-To-Sound Trail. According to Patterson, DC is listening to any proposals that would open up jobs for local residents and this project would do just that.

Here’s a map of the proposed trail, which starts in Renton and ends in Des Moines:

DISCOVER BURIEN
Executive Director of Discover Burien Patty Sader presented promotional efforts put forth from the Discover Burien team building community awareness for local businesses. Large banners reminding the community to shop local, a restaurant guide brochure, newsletters and welcome wagon bags given to each new business that opens in the Burien community.

Coming up with ideas business and residents alike can do to overcome tough economic times, Sader brought to light the average of 10-12 business that applied for licenses despite the odds. With 147 new business owners in Burien a light of hope and perseverance shines in what could be seen as a dark financial time.

CITY LIGHT PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
The City Council addressed the City Light project that had proposed to shut power off to many businesses along 152nd Monday February 9th for 8 hours in the middle of the day. With a vehement protest from the business along this main stretch of Burien, City Light agreed to move the scheduled power outage to late Thursday February 12th overnight. Power is scheduled to be restored after the electricity to the new city library and city hall building has been installed approximately 6 am.

ANNEXATION UPDATE
On Monday the Seattle City Council voted 8 to 1 against Burien’s memo proposed to split and adopt the North Highline neighborhoods.

Council Member Gordon Shaw said:

“The current proposal will save money in the long run.”

“I think it’s an ideal situation for Burien to finally be in an adversarial position. It’s good for Burien to not have opposition.”

Every week we all get lots of mail, including slick direct mail pieces from a company called “Red Plum.”

Usually (at least in this Reporter’s household), these pieces go straight into the recycling bin.

BUT THIS WEEK, “THE QUEEN OF ALL SHOPPING WEEKS,” SOMETHING DIFFERENT ARRIVED:

The Red Plum Direct Mail piece in your mailbox today includes a four-page pullout section chock full of local coupons for Burien-area businesses that are members of Discover Burien.

Including The B-Town Blog:

This nice-looking direct mail piece went out to 75,000 homes in the area, and we’re encouraging all of our Readers to make sure they find it, pull it out and use it.

The 31 local businesses who Advertised include (in order of layout), most with great discount coupons:

• Discover Burien’s Dec. 6th Winterfest (on the cover)
• Abyssinisn Dance Center (1 Complimentary Class)
• The B-Town Blog
• Burien Little Theatre ($2 off tickets for Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol)
• Cox Financial
• Poggi Bonsi Cucina (Buy 1, Get 2nd 1/2 Off)
• Dry Cleaning Station (Free Dry Clean Item)
• Howard & Marge (20% Off Coupon)
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Buy 1, Get 2nd Half Price)
• Herr Backyard Garden Center (Buy 1 Ornament, Get 1 Free)
• A Place For Pets ($5 Off when you spend $25)
• Jorge Peralta, DDS, PS ($500 Off Comprehensive Treatment Plan)
• 909 Coffee & Wine (20% Off Food Coupon)
• Aussie Bakery (50% Off Any Baked Goods)
• B-town Scoop (Buy 1 Scoop, Get A Double For Free)
• Burien Arts Association (10% Off Art At Burien Art Gallery)
• Burien Town Square (Free Latte From Yo’s Bistro w/Tour)
• Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub (Buy 1, Get 2nd Entree 50% Off)
• Emerald City Smoothie (.75 Cents Off 24-oz. Smoothie)
• Evergreen Eye Center ($500 Off Refractive Procedure)
• Goodie Gumdrops (10% Discount Coupon)
• Poggi Bonsi (Free Eiffel Tower Key Chain w/$30 Purchase)
• Hey Paison! (Buy 1, Get 2nd For 25% Off)
• Highline Athletic Club (50% Off Enrollment Fee)
• Highline Medical Center
• Marketplace Salon (Get 2nd Massage At 1/2 Price)
• Card Bar (10% Off Purchase of $20 or More)
• Tin Room Bar ($5 Off Lunch Coupon)
• The Yarn Stash (20% Off Coupon)
• Vino Bello Wine Bar & Wine Shop (10% Off Coupon)
• Dermatology Seattle (back cover – 3 great coupons)

Of course, you must use the actual coupons from the mailer, so we encourage everyone to make sure they find and keep this piece.

And use it!

By supporting your local businesses, you support your own community! Something we at the B-Town Blog believe in strongly.

And if you’re at all interested in Advertising on Burien’s #1 Daily-Updated Online News Source, be sure to click here. Our rates start at just $50 per month.

The City of Burien, along with Discover Burien, is seeking an Event Manager (PDF available here), and have submitted this Request For Proposal (RFP) outlining their needs – could this be your next great gig?:

Position Description & RFP: Event Manager
The mission of Discover Burien is to create and sustain a vibrant business community through promotions and education. Discover Burien is an economic development organization focused on business recruitment & retention, education, promotion and marketing of the Burien community. We are a member-based organization serving the entire community. We work closely with the City of Burien to serve as a liaison between the business community and City Hall.

The Event Manager position is a contracted position reporting to the Executive Director of Discover Burien.

The Event Manager has responsibilities for the overall planning, execution and evaluation of Board-approved community events sponsored by Discover Burien.

Primary responsibilities:

• Annually prepare a complete description of each event, including the measures by which each will be evaluated.
• Annually prepare a full budget for all event revenues and expenditures.
• Provide on-site management of and volunteer supervision for all events.
• Regularly submit written financial and results reports to the board after each event.
• Work under the direction of the DB Executive Director.
• Abide by board-approved policies including ethics and conflict of interest.
• Manage additional board-approved events (for an additional, negotiated fee).

Proposal Instructions:
To be considered as the contractor for Discover Burien’s Event Management, please submit a written proposal which addresses the following:

• Your demonstrated ability to plan and manage the type of community events presented by Discover Burien.
• The process you will use for preparing event budgets and evaluating events.
• Your strategies for volunteer management (volunteer recruitment is the responsibility of the DB Executive Director).
• How you would generate sponsorship for events and what benefits you would propose for various levels of sponsorship. How would you work with the Sponsorship Committee of the Board?
• The promotional strategies you would use for each event
• How you would structure the working relationship with the DB Executive Director, especially in the areas of volunteer recruitment and sponsorships.
• How you would structure your reports to the Board of Directors, especially with regard to evaluation and financial matters.

The Event Manager selected will be expected to provide evidence of professional liability insurance naming Discover Burien as an additional insured.

All proposals are to be submitted by email or in writing to: liz@npcenter.org or to:

The Nonprofit Center
1501 Pacific Avenue, Suite 320
Tacoma, WA 98402

Questions may be directed to Ms. Heath at 253-272-5844.

The deadline for receipt of proposals is 5 p.m. on Monday, December 1st, 2008.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This listing is for 2008!

The annual, family-friendly “Boo In Burien” is this Saturday, Oct. 25th, and will include some outrageous fun stuff, including Wiener Dog Races!

The frightful festivities take place throughout downtown Burien from Noon to 5pm and include activities for the entire family, such as:

• Trick or treating
• Kids costume contest
• Haunted house
• Scary storytelling
• Wiener dog races
• Costumed dog parade
• Hot treats
• Free hayrides
• Store specials
• Live Blogging from the B-Town Blog (we’ll have a booth)!

The Wiener Dog Races and the Costumed Dog Parade both bound into action at 9th Ave SW on SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

Costumed canines will strut their stuff in the parade beginning at 3pm followed by the Wiener Dog Races.

Register for the parade at the kickoff intersection for a $2 fee, beginning at Noon.

Parade participants will receive doggie gift bags while supplies last. Dog costume contest and race winners will be awarded canine-appropriate prizes.

Trick-or-treaters can scare up goodies at businesses marked with an orange “Boo in Burien” sign. Shops will also offer unearthly store specials and hot treats.

Youngsters are invited to don their ghostly best, register and compete in the Kids Costume Contest at the B-Town Scoop, located at 917 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien. Prizes will be awarded for most original, scariest and cutest costume. Winners will be chosen and contacted after the contest ends. Be sure to sample B-Town’s tasty spiced pumpkin ice cream for free.

Try bowling with a pumpkin at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub, 255 SW 152nd Street. Participants get to take their spooky artworks home. There will also be pumpkin painting at a location to be determined.

From 2 to 4 p.m., Burien Little Theatre actors will conjure the supernatural with Halloween stories for children at Burien Books, 643 S.W. 152nd Street.

Shriek in delighted fright in the haunted house at Moss Chiropractic, 612 S.W. 152nd Street, from 2 to 5 p.m. Dr. Jonna Moss and her staff, family and patients have 15 years of experience terrorizing visitors with their spectral creativity. While the haunted house is not gory, it is inappropriate for children ages 5 and younger, including babies.

The event, which is sponsored by the Discover Burien Association, centers on Southwest 152nd Street in downtown Burien. Weary wraiths may hitch a free hayride along 152nd Street.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and marketing of the city. For more information, call 206-941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.

Discover Burien is presenting their annual “Ladies Day Out” this Saturday, Oct. 4th, from Noon to midnight in the downtown Burien area.

It’s a fun, all-day event meant to raise funds to fight breast cancer (and as you may know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month).

Activities will include:

• Purchase a Pink Bandana for just $5 (100% goes to Highline Cancer Center) and get special discounts and promotions
• In-store specials throughout the area
• Wine tastings
• Book signings
• Ballroom dancing at 4:30pm at Karuna Yoga

So, get out, look for the pink balloons at participating businesses and enjoy the festivities, knowing it’s for a great cause.