#2HoursInSLU - Art Marble 21

For this installment of #2HoursInSLU, we heard from Mike Kenney from Art Marble 21 Restaurant and Bar.



Mike Kenney, Art Mable 21

Art Marble 21 Restaurant and Bar sits in a building that has been in my family for 3 generations. My grandfather, Frank Kenney, purchased the building in 1979 to be used as the showroom for Frank Kenney Toyota. At that time SLU was very much an industrial area, very different from the tech center that it is today. My grandfather and father sold cars out of that building for over a decade, and I even shot a commercial for a Toyota when I was a toddler right inside what is now Art Marble. So the building itself has a lot of meaning to me and my family.

Even before us, the building has a deep history in Seattle. In 1921 it was built by the Art Marble Company, which was a Seattle based company that specialized in artistic marble work. They did the marble work for some well-known Seattle establishments, such as the University of Washington and St. James Cathedral. They also had a display area where they allowed local artists to display their marble artwork. When coming up with our company name, we felt that tying the original roots of the building to our brand was a really cool way to show that we are one of the last of the old buildings to remain in SLU, and to pay tribute to the originals. And this concept ties into the whole reason we started this project, which was to get back to where we began; a local family owned business on the corner of 9^th and Westlake.

Besides the ties to my family, there are many reasons I love our building and location. We are shaped like a triangle, which is perfect for us because we are a goofy bunch and being different has always come easy for us. It also allows for a great view of the park and lake with

the rounded dining room on the north end of our building. You can sit and eat dinner, drink beer, and enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Union and the park.

Since I live just on the other side of the lake, I love being able to walk to work through the park along the water, looking at the wooden boats and all the happy people relaxing in the sun. Now if only I could convince them all to walk across the street for nachos and a margarita…..

The last time I had 2 free hours in SLU I went to MOHAI to check out their prohibition exhibit and thought it was fascinating. It’s so cool being able to look back at our city 100 years ago and seeing how much things have changed. I would highly recommend everyone goes and checks out the museum’s new location if they haven’t yet.

My Grandpa used to tell me about how he rode the trestle as a kid and what a different place Lake Union used to be. It’s really fun and exciting to be a working part of the new SLU neighborhood, and we are so happy to be a member of this growing and improving community.

Micro-Parks of Westlake Avenue North

Community Meeting @ 415 Westlake September 3, 5:30 to 7:00 pm

On behalf of the South Lake Union Community Council and the Department of Neighborhoods, we invite you to a kick-off community meeting for the Micro-Parks of Westlake Avenue North – a project to improve the Westlake streetscape between Denny Way and Lake Union Park in order to create a stronger pedestrian connection between two of the main hubs of the neighborhood.

Background: As South Lake Union continues to grow, two focal points emerge as welcoming gateways to the neighborhood at either end of Westlake Avenue North. The intersection at Westlake and Denny Way marks the southern end – with its high concentration of neighborhood amenities such as groceries, restaurants and retail, and Lake Union Park marks the north – as a citywide destination on the water. The potential for Westlake Avenue to become a great street is critical to the success of the neighborhood, providing the opportunity to connect the two nodes with an engaging pedestrian experience that fosters activity, neighborhood identity, commerce and a sense of security.

Design Goals: Design considerations include (but are not limited to) planting, seating, lighting and other artistic and/or functional elements, with special attention given to the ground plane under the trees that is currently lacking paving or planting, and suffering from the bulging root systems. Solutions will consider pedestrian traffic and use patterns, relationships to adjacent ground level functions, as well as implementation and long-term maintenance. Thematic elements to consider are technology and international culture, as they are among the emerging subjects of conversation as the community grows. The intent of this project is to achieve an improved, consistent pedestrian and retail experience along Westlake Avenue that bridges the two prominent anchors of the neighborhood.

Design Team: We have selected Goodspeed Architecture and Hewitt to lead the design process, and in our first meeting we’ll see initial studies and analysis of the site, and it will be a great opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas in order to help shape the design, as well as to inform the team from your various perspectives of the positives and negatives of the avenue as it is now.

Volunteer in the Beer Garden & Support the SLU Chamber

Want great perks at the Seattle Street Food Festival?

Volunteer in the beer garden & help support the SLU Chamber!

VOLUNTEER PERKS

Sign up as a volunteer! Shifts are available anytime Friday 14th (Noon-9pm), Saturday 15th (Noon-11pm), Sunday 16th (11am-8pm)

And get:

• A free Event Staff T-Shirt! •

• An Invite to the End-of-Year Volunteer Party! •

• Snacks! •

• 2 Shifts or More: 2 Passes to the Fremont Outdoor Movies!•

Email director@sluchamber.org to sign up!

#2HoursInSLU - WeWork

For this installment of #2HoursInSLU, Dave Mercer from Athletic Awards interviewed Gina Phillips from WeWork, where the SLU Chamber offices are located.

Gina Phillips, WeWork

I recently had the opportunity to meet up with Gina Phillips with WeWork. Gina leads the company’s Seattle presence and has been here since they opened in February of 2014. Located at 500 Yale Avenue North, WeWork is an office space solution company offering individual and multiple team member offices as well as open spaces for meetings and drop in use.

Currently WeWork has 30 locations worldwide all listed on their website. Members to WeWork benefit from access to all their facilities. As a Seattle member traveling to New York for example, you have the convenience of a location to do business or hold a meeting. They are expanding rapidly and Gina indicated that a new location in downtown Seattle is scheduled for September while a Portland location will open later in 2015.

During my tour of the facilities with Gina, I noted that the open and common spaces were bright and comfortable. The atmosphere was professional yet creative and light. Custom murals adorned the walls with local themes to add to a sense of place. A variety of businesses are benefiting from this unique business model. During the tour I noticed offices ranging from lawyers and large beverage companies to gaming and small startups. 

I asked Gina what she liked most about South Lake Union. She spoke about the excitement of being in an area experiencing so much growth. She is thrilled to be part of the momentum that is happening in this slice of the city. She also indicated that, with so many wonderful options, it was not possible to narrow down her favorite lunch spot. Gina helped to bring food trucks to the east side of Fairview Avenue and finds that her favorites change almost daily.

Consider dropping in to WeWork to check out their facilities. If you make it on a Thursday afternoon you can enjoy their “Happy Hour” with a free beer drawn right from their tap.

For more information give WeWork South Lake Union a call at (202) 688-2302.

Get to know Danah Abarr, our new SLU Chamber Executive Director

What was your background prior to joining the Chamber?
Prior to taking the role as Executive Director, I served on the SLU Chamber’s Board of Directors for 3 years and before that oversaw membership and business development for Washington State’s biotechnology and biomedical industry trade association. I am also the founder of a small local nonprofit and understand the struggles of entrepreneurship and a small business.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time and what is that people would find most surprising about you?
Like many Seattleites, I love being outdoors. One of my favorite past times is hanging off the sides of cliffs – rappelling, rock climbing, canyoneering . . . show me a canyon or rock face and I’m there:)

What do you love most about being involved in South Lake Union?
The energy in this neighborhood is electric. I love being surrounded by such smart, motivated, and passionate individuals. It feels great to help individuals achieve their business goals and the Chamber plays a part in making that happen.

What's on your to-do list as the SLU Chamber ED?
What isn’t! This is such an exciting role in which I get to wear many hats. My first priority is always our members – connecting with them, understanding their businesses and what unique challenges they face. This building of partnerships helps the Chamber to better engage with local stakeholders and better understand their needs so we may advocate on their behalf.

What do you see as some of the goals and opportunities for the Chamber in the coming year?
The Chamber is excited about the growing opportunities to partner with its members to support and get involved in community events and activities. We are working with City officials on improvement projects and economic development opportunities for our local businesses.

Why should someone join the SLU Chamber?
The Chamber offers individuals and businesses great benefits like access to networking and business connections, free business consulting, 401K programs, free marketing and brand visibility. Through the Chamber you are supporting projects like transportation initiatives, construction mitigation and advocacy for neighborhood improvements!

What events do you have coming up?
Summer is just around the corner and we are celebrating with some fun after hours social events! Join us on June 4th at Art Marble 21 for a fun mixer and don’t miss out on one of our most popular events, the Summer Celebration aboard the Virgina V docked in Lake Union on June 17th! I hope to see many of you there!

Ride Transit Month

Ride Transit Month is a month long celebration of transit riders, whether you ride a bus, train, light rail, ferry, water taxi, or van pool, we are in this together! Just keep track of your trips to trips work, school, the museum, farmer’s market, and everywhere in between. 

As you log trips each day with Ride Transit Month, you’ll gain motivation to keep going, not only in reducing your carbon footprint, and increasing your health, but you’ll be eligible for prizes just for riding!  Prizes will be awarded to top riders in the following categories: Overall Ride Leader, Overall Team Leader, Largest Individual Team & Largest Organizational Team. In addition, one daily prize will be awarded randomly! Examples of the daily prizes include: Experience Music Project Tickets, Zipcar Driving Credit, SIFF Cinema tickets, Pronto Annual Membership, Aveda Gift Box, Poquitos Gift Card, and more! And our grand prize winner will receive a $1500 travel voucher to use as they see fit. 

Who can participate?
Everyone! Participate as an individual or as a team, each team has a captain who recruits, leads and keeps tabs on each team member to make sure they’re staying on track, offering assistance with trip planning and being a cheerleader for the group. Each captain who recruits 5 or more team members will receive a free Ride Transit Month T-Shirt.  While we encourage users to join or create a team, you are welcome to log trips as a solo rider.

We make it fun and easy to log your trips:

·         Tracking trips online is easy and a great motivator!

·         Simple registration using Facebook or email

·         Fun transit oriented events all month long

·         Compete for daily prizes and a grand prize drawing if you log 4 or more transit trips.

Learn more: http://www.ridetransitmonth.org/

#2HoursinSLU - Immanuel Community Services

The offices for Immanuel Community Services (ICS) are located upstairs in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, which has been standing on the same ground in SLU for over 100 years. 

Today, Patty Turnberg, Executive Director of ICS, is helping set up the twice-monthly food bank that is held downstairs in the church the last two Mondays of every month. 

"It’s hard to see hunger," she says of the need for such a service. "You can assume that a homeless person is hungry; you can’t assume that a senior that’s living in a building is skipping meals to pay for their medical bills. That’s happening all the time, but it’s not advertised."

The ICS food bank regularly benefits from the fresh food grown just across the street at the Cascade P-Patch, offering fresh and healthy foods for those in the community that depend on the food bank to help feed themselves or their families. It also happens to be one of Patty’s favorite places in South Lake Union.

"I love being across from the park – it’s beautiful. I love walking through the park, going to the p-patch."

For the first time this year, the Immanuel Lutheran Church has a garden plot of their own. Patty is excited to work with ICS volunteers and members of the residential rehabilitation program to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables.

ICS is fortunate to partner with other service organizations located nearby - food donations for the ICS food bank are stored adjacent to the church at the Cascade Women’s Shelter, which provides another vital service to the SLU community by offering a place for homeless women to live and access vital resources, and the Y at Cascade People’s Center opens its doors to people waiting in line for the food bank, serving them coffee and giving them a place to get out of the elements on rainy days.

But it’s not just access to these organizations that makes Patty love her location in the South Lake Union community. The Row House nearby has plenty of cozy rooms where she can get a great meal and host committee meetings without disturbing other guests. She also loves Paddy Coyne’s reubens, or Caffè Torino for lunch because of their great soups and salads.

If you want to volunteer or make a donation to Immanuel Community Services, visit www.icsseattle.org or call 206-622-1930.

LINC up with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Regional Administrator Calvin Goings

There’s a hunger among entrepreneurs to find financing to get their business off the ground or take the next big step in their expansion plan. Across the country, thousands of small businesses are searching for term loans, equipment financing, lines of credit, invoice financing and real estate loans to help them start, hire and expand. Too often, they spend time they don’t have, cold-calling and door-knocking their way to a lucky break, to find the money they need.

Technology is the answer. Entrepreneurs and lenders now have the option to use online matchmaking services. Pairing lenders with prospective borrowers comprises a multibillion dollar industry. Using the power of the Internet, commercial lenders are finding creditworthy small business borrowers and entrepreneurs are finding loan officers who are ready to sit down and talk.

SBA not only supports this concept, we’re implementing it.  A new SBA initiative called LINC (Leveraging Information and Networks to access Capital (LINC (Leveraging Information and Networks to access Capital)) has just been announced. LINC is a matchmaking service to help entrepreneurs get a date with a lender.

We spent months surveying our lending partners to discern what information they require before they’re ready to receive a loan pitch. Based on those talks, we’ve developed a simple online form that takes only minutes to fill out. Once completed, the form is sent to participating SBA lenders in an applicant’s county, as well as financial institutions with a statewide or national reach.

While a positive “hit” won’t ensure entrepreneurs will receive a loan, it will put them on a fast track, because they will have been pre-screened. If LINC doesn’t produce an immediate match, entrepreneurs will be directed to their local SBA adviser, for additional assistance with their loan application.

We’re rolling out LINC in two phases. First we’re connecting small business owners with nonprofit lenders that offer free financial advice and specialize in microlending, smaller loans (SBA’s Community Advantage program) and real estate financing (SBA’s 504 program).  Phase 1 is off to a strong start. We have participating LINC lenders in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. These lenders have made a combined 42,000 loans totaling more than $17 billion since 2009.   In phase 2, we plan to add more traditional banks that offer an even wider array of financial products.

In the longer term, we believe LINC can be modified to facilitate government contracting by connecting eligible small businesses with procurement officers, prime contractors, and federal buyers. The future is upon us, and the SBA is proud to be leading the way.

LINC is expanding small business lending options beyond someone’s local bank. Technology is assisting with getting entrepreneur’s feet in the door, based on their merits. SBA is committed to becoming as innovative, as the small businesses we serve. LINC is paving the way.  For more information about LINC or other SBA programs, contact a local SBA District Office at https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/wa/seattle.

Taking advantage of SLU Chamber’s 401(k) member benefit program

The best part of walking into Oculus Eyecare is the immediate sense of style.  

Owner Jeff Woerner works hard to curate an incredible selection of eyewear.  Come to find out, representatives fly directly from Europe to deliver Jeff’s exclusive selection.  It’s amazing what you find out when visiting members!

Jeff is also one of the first members to vet and ultimately adopt our exclusive 401(k) program.  As a business owner in a bustling local economy, he wanted to enhance employee benefits to reward and retain staff while helping them save for retirement.  “After researching all of the 401(k) options, the SLU Chamber’s plan made the most sense for my growing business.

In 2014, the Chamber introduced an exclusive 401(k) Plan enabling members to offer a retirement plan built on a model of services that includes a local, boutique financial service provider.

“It had everything I wanted,” says Mr. Woerner.  This includes best in class investment options and risk based portfolios.  “And it came with an on-site small business financial advisor!”

Starting today, you can expect to see and hear more about our 401(k) benefit program via active chamber outreach.  We’re excited to provide the opportunity for you to tell your story and take advantage of this exciting new member benefit.

In the meantime, visit Jeff and his friendly staff on the corner of Denny and Dexter.  

“We were met with open arms right from the start.  SLU is a great place to have a business.”

To find out more today, you can call the Chamber office directly (206) 547-2577, or email director@SLUchamber.org.  You can also reach out to the program’s financial advisor, Jason McKinney with your detailed questions - (206) 271-9917, jmckinney@ifclegacy.com.

#2HoursinSLU - MOHAI

MOHAI or the Museum of History & Industry, located directly on the south end of Lake Union and in the center of the beautiful Lake Union Park, is the premiere location to spend an exciting day learning all about the history of Seattle. It is a fun, educational environment for all ages and Amanda McDougal, the K-12 and Youth Program Educator for MOHAI, will typically conduct programs for 15 to as many as 120 children on a daily basis.

MOHAI currently has a special exhibit until August 23^rd entitled:  American Spirits, The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, entailing the history of the United States prohibition era, along with great programs, such as Speakeasy Saturdays. Speakeasy Saturdays will occur on Saturdays in June and July in which visitors of the exhibition can sample, and learn about, Puget Sound made craft beers, ciders, and liquors for a small additional admission.

Amanda McDougal sat down with me to share some of her favorite things to do in South Lake Union, when she’s not spending time checking out the endlessly entertaining exhibits at MOHAI. Considering the current special exhibit at the MOHAI, we found it only appropriate to meet over happy hour. Over drinks at a local favorite just across from MOHAI, Cask & Trotter, Amanda let me know how she would typically spend #2HoursinSLU.

Amanda’s favorite pastime in the neighborhood, aside from people watching and the occasional happy hour, would have to be taking a run on the Chesiahud Lake Union Loop, a 6.2 mile run that circles around Lake Union. Her typical #2HoursinSLU would involve running the trail before meeting up with friends at the German restaurant Feirabend for happy hour and an order of their delicious pommes frites.  

Afterwards, she would spend some time people watching at the outdoor seating in front of Whole Foods. Finally, to end her South Lake Union visit, she might stop by Kakao, for a delicious sweet treat.  For breakfast, Amanda’s favorite spot is Portage Bay Cafe for their exceptional berry breakfast bar.  She also enjoys having lunch or happy hour at Row House Café and her go-to gym in the area is Soul Fitness on Terry Avenue.

Overall, Amanda still stands by the fact that one of her favorite places in South Lake Union to spend her time is browsing the exhibits at MOHAI. She definitely would say that it’s an excellent way to spend #2HoursinSLU.

WorkSmart to the Traffic Rescue

If you sat in the traffic back-up for hours last week after the semi-truck crash on SR 99, you know firsthand how one bad accident can tie up traffic around downtown Seattle. Drivers literally couldn’t get from here to there. Add that to the city’s plan to reduce traffic lanes in the South Lake Union neighborhood to make way for streetcars, plus the frustrating search for on-street parking in that neighborhood, you can already start to see the advantages of a reduced commute – either through teleworking, a compressed workweek, or a flexible work schedule.

King County Metro is partnering with the Seattle Department of Transportation and Commute Seattle to provide the free WorkSmart program, all to help businesses be more productive, recruit and retain employees, and improve productivity, not to mention lessen the traffic impact on the environment. (Driver sanity might count for something, too).

Again, did we mention that the WorkSmart program is free to employers?

The WorkSmart team of experts has over 30 years of experience working with private, public and non-profit businesses from across the country. If you run a business, you might be thinking, ‘How can I possibly allow employees to work at home? They’re part of a team and we need to see each other face to face.’ The WorkSmart team has heard and seen it all when it comes to addressing concerns. They want to make it work for your company and your employees.

WorkSmart’s free services include one-on-one consultation for customized programs to:

·         Assess potential and necessary steps for a customized plan

·         Assist with overcoming concerns

·         Lead you through every step to put a program in place

·         Develop custom presentations and marketing materials to present the plan

·         Consult on technology needs

·         Develop policies, procedures and agreements

·         Train managers and employees

·         Provide evaluation guidelines and strategies

If you WorkSmart, what do you gain?

For employers, your employees are more productive, by 10-20%. Morale often improves, since employees haven’t battled lousy traffic to get to work. You can save on real estate costs, upwards of 25-90% in overhead, in situations where employees don’t need permanent office space. It helps you recruit and retain top employees. It can even ensure you won’t lose business in the event of construction projects, traffic accidents or emergencies. Planning to WorkSmart can also help your company meet CTR goals through reduced trips.

For employees, workers gain flexible schedules and the ability to work at a home office or location closer to home. It cuts commuting costs, plus you save anywhere from an hour to three hours a day on commuting time. WorkSmart surveys show improved morale and increased job satisfaction.

The community and environment benefit by more forward-thinking companies doing what they can to lessen the number of commuters on the roads. That means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and often, credit towards LEED certification.

Here’s who to call if you’re interested in moving forward with a WorkSmart program:

Elham Shirazi, Lead Consultant

worksmart@kingcounty.gov

206.909.3498

www.kingcounty.gov/telework  

The SLU Chamber is hiring!

JOB TITLE: Executive Director, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce (full-time position)

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce

SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience; Paid Time-off (PTO) plus holidays

APPLY: To apply, send cover letter and resume to info@sluchamber.org; due by end of day on April 3

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South Lake Union (SLU) Chamber's mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of the South Lake Union area through varied programs and services that benefit members and the community at large.

The SLU Chamber does this by:

• Encouraging the growth of business
• Supporting community activities
• Assisting members in connection to legislative and governmental matters
• Promoting the general welfare of area businesses, organizations and residents

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director of the SLU Chamber of Commerce serves as the face of our neighborhood, bringing in-depth understanding and unwavering commitment to the development of this dynamic, growing part of Seattle. This visionary leader is the key advocate and representative for business in Seattle’s rapidly developing South Lake Union neighborhood, and oversees activities and growth of our 180 + membership.

This person is responsible for identifying and securing new members; cultivating and retaining current members; planning meaningful social events/trainings/workshops of interest to our membership base; recommending initiatives to promote/strengthen South Lake Union as a more vibrant neighborhood attractive to small and large businesses, residents, customers and visitors; sharing information with members in a timely manner via a variety of vehicles; serving as a visible presence at a wide array of community functions and meetings; serving as liaison with other chamber of commerce groups; maintaining effective relations with key elected and appointed officials; staffing the Board of Directors and guiding committee work; and partnering with other community, neighborhood, government and business organizations as necessary to further the goals of the Chamber and its members.

As a strong advocate for the SLU neighborhood, the Executive Director provides leadership, direction and guidance for Chamber activities, committees and volunteers, to ensure continued financial vitality and sustained growth for the organization.

Reporting and Supervising Relationships

This position reports to the all-volunteer Board of the SLU Chamber and its Executive Committee, which will provide quarterly reviews and an annual performance evaluation to the Executive Director. The Executive Director supervises one staff person, as well as various committees and volunteers. The Executive Director also serves as a non-voting member of the board.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Attract and retain members to achieve growth in membership and revenue.
• Serve as the key spokesperson for the SLU Chamber, with excellent oral, written and presentation skills, both in one-to-one and group settings, such as serving as emcee at Chamber functions.
• Keep in ongoing, direct contact with current and prospective SLU Chamber members to survey needs. Develop benefits, programs, events, and materials that support those needs.
• Work closely with the Board to shape the vision of the SLU Chamber and, using strong leadership skills, execute that vision.
• Attain financial, membership, and strategic objectives and goals, developed in concert with the Board on an annual basis.
• Serves as a liaison with other relevant civic organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, persuasive and listening communication skills with a particular focus on public speaking, exhibiting confidence and warmth. Ability to present compelling ideas to a variety of audiences, interacting with all members of the neighborhood, business leaders, and elected officials.
• Proven ability to think strategically while executing and delegating tactics and activities that advance our Chamber mission.
• Exceptional customer service skills; previous sales experience a plus. Savvy, tactful and skillful in working with a diverse background of people, often with differing goals.
• Proven ability to advocate for an organization, while remaining neutral on individual agendas; knowledge of the South Lake Union neighborhood preferred.
• Confident, easy-going personality, with the capability of rallying people around a common goal/cause.
• Self-motivated and self-starter, with ability to be highly productive in an independent work environment.
• Displays ability to problem solve, handle multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes amid changing priorities/conditions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets, and overseeing financial stability. Familiarity with financial statements and reporting.
• Strong project management experience, providing oversight to external vendors/contractors and internal employees/volunteers/Board.
• Event planning, production, and administration experience.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office suite – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, database/CRM programs, as well as website and social media content management.
• Website content development. Experience working with ChamberMaster desired.
• Basic graphic design and/or photography skills helpful.

Education and Work Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (business, marketing, etc.)
• Demonstrated success in sales/marketing, including negotiating and securing sponsorships and partnerships
• Background in community relations, public affairs and/or government relations
• Background working with and motivating/leading volunteers and boards of directors
• Development of and management to budgets and timelines
• General knowledge of media/public relations, and ability to be key spokesperson for organization
• Day-to-day management, operations and administration of a nonprofit
• Previous experience working with a Chamber of Commerce a definite plus

Preferred

• Prior experience working with community-based and/or non-profit organizations

Rent the Fremont Ferry for your next event!

Did you know, in addition to Sunday Ice Cream Cruises, the Fremont Avenue ferry can be rented out for employee recognition and team-building events?

• Splashy Private Parties
• Rollicking Holiday Fetes
• Game Day Fanatic Floats
• Twinkly Twilight Sails
• Hipster Happy Hours
• Effervescent Summer fun
• Captain’s Wondrous Weddings
• Winter Blues Cruises
• Buoyant Bachelorette Blowouts
• City-Gazing
• Swingin’ Birthday Bashes

and more!

Three Hour Cruises with Captain and Crew! 

$1,350 for three hours afloat!

BYOB - we’ll pour!

Additional hours $300

42 Passenger Capacity for fair weather cruises

30 snug and warm in cabin

Details? Call Captain Larry! 206-713-8446

    

                                              

#2HoursinSLU - Premier Pilates

For this edition of #2HoursinSLU, we spoke with Premier Pilates owner, Natalia Tikhonova.

I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones.  My Pilates Studio is only a long block away from Whole Foods South Lake Union, so I know everything they offer for lunch – and it’s pretty good and a favorite of mine.  Otherwise, I haven’t had much opportunity to wander around, but I’ve gotten a pretty good feel about all the interesting places to go and things to see in the area.

Today, the area is in its greatest expansion in many years and new restaurants abound.  Shops and services have popped up in many places.  One of my personal favorites La Toscanella on Westlake.  Yes, I have to admit I have a weak spot for croissants.  But I also have Pilates workouts to burn off the calories. 

At Premier Pilates we have different level and intensity classes and great instructors to teach them.  We make a point of working on each client's particular weaknesses as we try to strengthen and stretch clients back to good posture, good flexibility, and the strength to move correctly and with grace.

I suggest you sign up for some great Pilates workouts or a rehab plan at Premier Pilates, park in the Whole Foods underground parking garage, and then take a 45 minute walk around the area before returning to buy a loaf of bread or a mango at Whole Foods, so your 2 hours of parking is free.