2009 March Monthly Newsletter

PASCO LIBRARY

Upgrades and Updates

The Mid-Columbia Library and City of Pasco will open the doors of the newly remodeled Pasco branch near the end of this month. In a nod to demographic and technological changes in the 46 years since the library was first opened, space will be rearranged to make room for 34 public internet-access computers, an openaccess wi-fi hotspot and larger collections of Spanish-language material. According to MCL Director Danielle Krol, “...we are also expanding space and com-

puters in the children’s area to give our customers what they want, and to achieve our number one Strategic Plan goal of providing young children with the resources and opportunities they need to start school ready to learn.” Michael Huff, MCL Collections and Merchandising Director, says, “...customers will see all types of new materials, with particular increases in our picture and board book collections, Spanish materials, and media, such as DVDs, Playaways, and books on CD. Downloadable books will also be a new feature available to customers in March.” The facility was last upgraded in 1999. Last year the Pasco branch had just over a half-million patron visits and

MARCH 2009

nearly a quarter-million items circulated. The library will receive new paint, furniture, interior design and artwork by local artists. The entryway foyer and meeting room will also be remodeled. The library will have added self-check-out terminals to improve customer convenience and privacy. As part of the project, the library has already received new energy-efficient windows. The Pasco Library is a joint effort between the City, which owns the facility, and the Mid-Columbia Library System, which provides library services on contract. The Library’s upgrade project is a joint effort too. The City provided $150,000 toward the project, the Mid-Columbia Library kicked in another $70,000. $125,000 more came through the library from the estate of Shirley Stroh. The architectural firm of Arculus did the project design and G2 Construction is the contractor. For more information on the grand reopening of the Pasco branch of the Mid-Columbia Library, please visit www.midcolumbialibraries.org.

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Ryan Brault, President Pasco Chamber of Commerce

MCCURLEY INTEGRITY DEALERSHIP PITA PIT

Renewing Members CARL L. LETH MID-COLUMBIA SYMPHONY NEFF RANCH SIMPLOT GROWER SOLUTIONS TRI-CITY UNION GOSPEL MISSION (Advertisement)

THE CREDIT UNION SOLUTION With all the troubling financial news, have you wondered about credit unions? “Prudent lending and management has kept credit unions on safe footing despite the recent economic downturn,” states Christina Brown, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. Credit unions are portfolio lenders and member-owned cooperatives, so asset quality remains very high, and first mortgage delinquencies low. Credit union capital averages 11.5 percent of total assets, and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund has operated with an equity-to-insured share ratio of at least 1.24 percent for 16 consecutive years. The money loaned to members is an investment of the members’ money, so lending is made very carefully. Sound lending practices allow credit unions to offer highly competitive loan and deposit rates. If you’re tired of bad banking news, a credit union is where you belong.

Christina C. Brown President and CEO, Gesa Credit Union

Is your goal to survive 2009? Or are you aiming to thrive? If times are tough, don't just hunker in your office bunker. Get out there and try something new! Join a service club, attend a networking event, have coffee with someone you could partner with in your business. Work on your speaking at Toastmasters. Visit Bruce Davis at the Small Business Development Center. Join Facebook or Twitter to add a little social media into your networking mix. Start a blog or revamp your website. Ask your satisfied clients for referrals. Have lunch with someone in your industry that you respect. Get some new ideas

and develop a plan to succeed. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone to recognize the opportunities around us. When I was 19, I started a used car dealership and detail shop. People thought I was crazy. (I probably was!) I decided I wasn't going to let my age be the obstacle to stop me in this venture. It turned out to be a success—and a great learning opportunity. Whatever roadblock you're facing, wrestle it to the ground with both arms. Climb out of the rut, chip away at some new ideas and make 2009 your most successful year yet!

Ryan

WORTH MENTIONING Vic’s Mens Wear has opened at Broadmoor. Vic’s Mens Wear Owned by Victor and Monica Aruwah, the store carries fashions by Stacy Adams and Alberto Celini. Edward Jones was ranked 2nd by Fortune magazine in its “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Edward Jones was number one for a company of its size.

Smith

Walt Smith has joined Fat Boys Fleet Services as Chief Financial Officer.

The new Chapel at Lourdes Medical Center is complete.

John Rose, ARNPCNM, is providing OB/Gyn services, urodynamic testing and cervical screenings at Pasco Primary Care on Sandifur Boulevard.

Rose

Chuck Stewart has been named Project Manager for Eberline Services’ contract at Hanford. Bob Gear is the new Fire Chief for the City of Pasco. Stewart

Kathy Blasdel was Gear appointed to a three year term on the United States Potato Board.

Members wishing to contribute to this column can email news to [email protected]

PASCO BUSINESSES EXPAND

Broadmoor Storage Solutions expands. Discount Tires under construction on Road 68.

Pasco Chamber celebrates Viera’s Bakery’s second location on Burden Blvd.

Lourdes Medical Clinic nears completion.

Dental West’s new building on Road 100.

Haggerty Insurance opens branch in Pasco.

GESA opens branch on Road 68.

Chiawana High School will open in August.

AROUND TOWN Events | Activities | Fun things to do Chancellor’s Art Exhibit goes through March at WSU Tri-Cities East Building administration corridor in Richland. CBC Faculty Art Exhibit is March 2-6 and 9-12 at CBC’s Esvelt Gallery. Recycled Materials, Objects & Observations Exhibit runs during March at the Allied Arts Gallery in Richland. American Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast will be March 5th, 6:30AM, at TRAC. The Glass Menagerie is being performed March 5th-7th at 7:30 PM

and March 8th at 2:00 PM at the CBC Theatre.

13th-14th and 21st-22nd, 8:00PM, at Hanford High School Auditorium.

CBC Winter Instrumental Concert is March 10th, 7:30PM, at CBC Theatre.

St. Patrick’s School presents the 2009 Irish Games, March 20th-21st at TRAC.

Taking a Bite Out of Hunger food and beverage tasting and auction to benefit Second Harvest, March 11th, 6:00 PM, at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Tri-City Antique Show and Sale will be March 13th-15th at TRAC. Richland Light Opera Company’s production of Sweet Charity is March

Academy of Children’s Theatre presents Footloose, on March 27th-29th at the CBC Theatre. Spring Arts & Crafts Show will be March 27th-29th at TRAC. Richland Players presents Death Trap on March 27th-29th, at 608 The Parkway, Richland.

Members wishing to contribute to this column can e-mail news to [email protected]

Pasco Chamber of Commerce

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE

PAID

PASCO WA 99301 PERMIT NO. 107

1925 N. 20TH AVE. PASCO, WA 99301

A joint effort of the Pasco, Hispanic, Hermiston and West Richland Chambers

Building Bridges Networking Event March 11th | 8:00-9:00 am Columbia Basin College Board Room Campus tour following event To RSVP call: 547-9755

ness s i s u B Small ominationd ar dN Awar Small BusinesshAawmber it eC Subm s to th 20th. n o i t na arch nomi by M e c fi of

03.09.09 Membership Luncheon Pasco Red Lion | Noon Auto Industry and the Economy Bill McCurley McCurley Integrity Dealerships The luncheon is sponsored by:

mar 09



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Quick Books

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Pasco r the o f e t a . the d r Auction Save e y 2nd b a m eM Cha b l l i w nes. ction mium Wi u a e Th Pre ston at Pre

03.03 Executive Committee Meeting Chamber Office | 11:45AM

03.11 Building Bridges Networking Event Columbia Basin College | 8:00AM

03.17 St. Patrick’s Day 03.24 Board of Directors Meeting

Pasco School District, Booth Building | 11:45AM

Advert Opportuising nities

Adver tising i s now the Ch availab amber le in newsle 547-97 tter. C all 55 for details .

Writing and design for the Pasco Chamber Newsletter courtesy of SARA NELSON DESIGN, LTD. | 545-4584