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 Spotlight on a Member-
Fine Arts Litho–
Jeff & Kristy White
Jeff and Kristy White, own and operate Fine Arts Litho, Inc. a commercial printing, bulk mail and design company. They have been Chamber members for the past twelve years! Having both grown up in their father’s print shops—they chose to bring their business to their hometown Port Orchard in 1995. They live with their son in one of the oldest homes in Port Orchard not far from their shop at 1014 Bay St. #6.. There are many things they love about Port Orchard, especially the “small town” feel it provides and its scenic beauty. When asked what they like best about the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, they replied “They help us keep in touch with the community.”
Conveniently located next to the Chamber, their office is primarily a production facility. They welcome visitors by appointment or would love the opportunity to come see you! Please visit their website, www.fineartslitho.com to view their services, competitive quotes and online ordering!
May Spotlight on a Member Denise Hoyt is the Executive Director for Stafford Suites. Stafford Suites is a loving, compassionate care facility for senior citizens in Port Orchard. Denise began her career with Stafford Suites even before the construction of the Port Orchard facility had been completed in June 1998. Stafford Suites is a sister company with Belmont Terrace in Bremerton. She graduated from Olympic College School of Nursing. She has been a member of the Port Orchard Kiwanis for 11 years and is a leader of the Builders Club at Cedar Heights Junior High School. Denise is very proud to be from this area and loves our small town feel although we are growing. She likes that even though the community is growing, we still have the ability to get to know our neighbors and community well. She and her husband just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise. They have a 24 year old son and a 22 year old daughter. When not working, Denise enjoys family time, baking cookies, cakes and pastries and camping in their trailer. Some of the things she likes best about our chamber are the many benefits, the networking with community businesses, getting to know what is happening in our community and the wonderful speakers at the monthly luncheons. When asked what she would like to tell our members about Stafford Suites she states, “Stafford Suites provides excellent care and services for senior citizens in South Kitsap. We are proud of the longevity of staff and the ability to provide consistent professional care of the highest quality.”
 April Spotlight on a Member
Margaret Laveson-
Cerulean Blue Studio Salon
Margaret is the proprietor of Cerulean Blue Studio Salon. Cerulean Blue is a place to relax, refresh and renew while enjoying good conversation and a number of specialized treatments for the hands and feet. Margaret has been in this business for 7 years. She has a fine arts degree from UCLA with an emphasis in painting and drawing. She also completed one year of graduate school in art at San Diego State University. She is a licensed manicurist specializing in spa services for the hands and feet and in pink and white artificial nail enhancements. Margaret was introduced to manicuring at a luxury spa and fell in love with the idea of bringing this wonderful service and experience to others. She had a vision of opening up her own salon and studio where she could provide manicuring services and have a place to paint: a creative place for both the public and herself; a place where new ideas could be tossed around while having fun and renewing ones spirit, health and beauty. She chose Port Orchard because she fell in love with this very special place. In her journey she was sidetracked with a battle of breast cancer and just recently open heart surgery (she is almost 8 weeks out). She never lost track of her dream. She has just completed all of her checkups and it is all systems GO! She is very excited and ready to focus on her business, our community and art. When asked what she likes best about Port Orchard, she states "the people" and the scenic beauty which brought her to Port Orchard. Margaret has 2 lovely grown sons. One is training to become a Jesuit Catholic Priest and the other is recently married and lives in the San Francisco Bay area. She has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and a bird. When not working she enjoys time outside with her animals and nature. What she likes best about the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce she says, "What it stands for and what it does for the community at large and the friendships and opportunities not only for business development but for personal development as well."
March Spotlight on a Member-
Essence of the Thymes
Catering- Gina Omalanz
Gina Omalanz and her husband operate an off premise catering business called Essence of the Thymes Catering. They will bring your event to life. They are fun, energetic and professional and bring the best of Northwest ingredients together to create amazing menus. Gina knew she wanted to be in this business since she was 4 years old. She would try to serve all her friends and family. She began the business in 2003 and opened the 817 Bay Street kitchen in 2006 with a lot of family help. They converted an office space into a certified kitchen. This is when her husband, Ray, left his restaurant business and joined the business with Gina. Gina has a passion for food and service. She was always in the kitchen with her family learning from the foodies and restaurateurs. She worked her way through the restaurant business including management and corporate training. Gina and Ray are local residents. As a husband and wife team they complement each other. They are the proud parents of their two year old daughter, Olivia. When asked what she likes best about Port Orchard, she says she loves that their neighboring businesses welcomed them with open arms. They found other businesses within their block that are also husband and wife teams. She loves the Farmer's Market and all the wonderful local events that take place right out their back door. When not working Gina enjoys hanging out with Olivia. The whole family loves to work out in the yard/garden together. One of the things she appreciates about Port Orchard is the local events that are hosted throughout the year. If she could tell our Chamber Members one thing about herself it would be that she just loves what she does. She works with all styles and budgets. She invites you to experience their awesome 4 course dinner at the Admiral Theater in Bremerton where they are the exclusive caterers.
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February 2010 Spotlight on a Member
Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter/ Richard Asche Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter, Inc. a member of the Port Orchard Chamber for 30 years-provides scheduled, safe, and dependable ground transportation to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. They provide regular airport shuttle service from ten convenient locations on the Kitsap Peninsula along with eight locations on Ft. Lewis and McChord AFB. Richard Asche began the business in October 1979 with 3 vans that included a 1979 Volkswagen bus. The business used the VW bus to save money on gas. Richard says they still own the VW and often display. He says from time to time customers will say I remember that van, I rode in that van” In 1986 The built their facility on Bethel Rd. and moved the company there. Today they have a fleet of 17 buses and 3 vans, employ 55 people and make 21 trips a day from Kitsap. And nine from Fort Lewis. Their fleet drives about one and ahalf a million miles a year. In 2009 they had almost 160,000 passengers and over the past 30 years they have had almost 2.5 million passengers.
These days Richard spends the winter months in Chandler Arizona, coming up for one week every 3 weeks to check on the business. Day to day operations are in run in part by his son Greg, one of 5 children. When asked what it is Richard likes about Port Orchard, he indicated they like the good weather in the summer, as a retired Naval officer he likes the military connections and they like the small community feel. In fact that is why they have made Chandler there second home, because it is also a small community.
January 2010 Spotlight on a Member
Avian Massage Therapy/Betsy Lear
Betsy Lear is the owner of Avian Massage Therapy, a medical massage therapy service with focus on sports injury, chronic pain, and motor vehicle accident injuries. Betsy believes in allowing the body to be the director of the treatment sessions. She works with intracranial myofaschia release. Betsy has resided in the Olalla area for 23 years. She moved here in 1986 with her former husband, to follow his two children and watch them grow up into beautiful adults. He passed away in 1990 but Betsy has remained a contented resident. She loves Port Orchard because of the small town community feel. She loves the way people work together and are willing to look into how to increase their potential and better their selves and their community. When she is not working she enjoys skiing, working on her sailboat, playing with her dogs and going for walks. Betsy also enjoys doing medical research and historical research. One of the things she likes best about the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce is our diversity. Each member has individual ideas and creativity to contribute to our group. When asked what she would like to tell our Chamber members she states " We are so strong together. Our resources as a whole can serve not only ourselves but the vast majority of people not just individuals. We are all connected so "Let's go for it!" "
December Spotlight on a Member
Deb Schmitt/GoTravel2day.com
Deb Schmitt is the owner of GoTravel2day.com, a locally owned full service Online Travel Store. GoTravel2day.com is one of the most feature-rich sites on the Internet. Clients can search at their own convenience or call Deb if they need assistance. The website is competitively priced with trips and excursions that are not available with any other company. While 85% of all people are booking their own travel online, booking at GoTravel2day.com combines "shop local" with the convenience of the Internet. Deb has been working in this business about 2-1/2 years. She has experience in a technical field and education but is now enjoying the FUN of travel. She moved to Port Orchard in 1979 with her husband. Their two children were born and raised here. When asked what she likes best about Port Orchard, Deb states that it is the way that churches and service organizations have rallied together to take care of the needs within our community. In the early 1980's, she was a part of the movement that created S.K. Helpline. She also helps support the service of the Port Orchard Rotary through her husband's membership. Her husband, Glenn is the Environmental Director for the Fleet Industrial Supply Center and his office is at the Manchester Fuel Depot. Their daughter, Gwen, is married and lives in Port Orchard. Gwen is a speech language pathologist and they are in the process of adopting their first child and Deb and Glenn's first grandchild. Their son, Greg, lives in LA and works as a financial analyst for Wolfgang Puck Catering. Deb and Glenn have two dogs, a black lab mix and a Scotty. When not working Deb enjoys exercise and is a student of the stock market. Deb feels the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce is a way to continue her interest in service to our local community through her business. It is a great way to get to know other business people. Deb would like our chamber members to compare her prices before you book or shop online. She says that if her price is the same or better, she would appreciate your business!
November Spotlight on a Member
Jody Tanori/Summerill Photography
Summerill Photography is a portrait studio located on Bethel Road. Owner Jody offers in-studio photography and portraits as well as portraits and events on location. Besides weddings, Jody offers portraits and photos for family reunions, corporate parties, family groups, children, pets, passport and pregnancy photos. Jody worked for the previous owner Dave Summerill from 1989 until she was able to purchase the business in 1995. Her financial experience working in a bank, helped her when Mr. Summerill decided to sell the business to her. The previous owner had moved the business into their home and she also worked out of her home after the purchase until she outgrew her space. She then opened her studio at the South Kitsap mall and 2-1/2 years later moved to the current location which allows a beautiful setting for outdoor portraits. Jody grew up in Arizona but moved here in 1980. She is a graduate from South Kitsap High School.The thing she likes best about Port Orchard is that it is a small town, has such friendly people and is a close knit community as well as the scenic beauty.
Jody has one married son with a 10 week old baby. She has 5 stepchildren with 2 other grandchildren and 2 more on the way. When she is not working she enjoys gardening, baking and cooking and of course spending time with the grandchildren.When asked what one thing she would like to tell her fellow Chamber members, she says that if you are looking for personal service (one on one), she is here for you!
October Spotlight on a Member- Trish Tierney, Kitsap Community Resources.
Trish is SK Site Supervisor and WIA Workforce Manager at Kitsap Community Resources is a non-profit social services agency and a WorkSource affiliate. WorkSource is the state employment or re-employment office, the local office means SK residents don't have to go to Bremerton. KCR is a one-stop-shop providing energy, housing and veterans assistance, WIC nutrition, GED/ESL, computer, and job hunting classes and more! Trish has been in social services for 8 years and loves her current job because it is a combo of everything she had done before. Her job gives her an opportunity to change people's lives and allows her to teach. Teaching is what she originally set out to do, having received a German Language Degree from Linfield College. Trish and her husband Kevin (pictured together) are both SKHS graduates. She loves Port Orchard for the people, working in the community she grew up and for the scenic and nature aspects. She loves to kayak, read and play with her dog. (looks like their are Seahawk fans, too!) When asked what she lies best about the PO Chamber she said 'also the people' and the great luncheon speakers and networking. The one thing Trish wants you to know about Kitsap Community Resources--it is not just an agency for low-income or underprivileged. The agency also can help businesses with their employee shrining, prescreening candidates etc.
 Spotlight on a Member September 2009
Leah Wattree/Kitsap Hospitality Executive Apartments
Leah, one of our newly elected board members, has worked as Development Manager for Kitsap Hospitality Executive Apartments for the past year. A unique blend of hotel and corporate housing, Kitsap Hospitality, provides temporary apartment accommodations for business travelers, vacationers, contract per diem workers, traveling medical staff and displaced homeowners. Leah spent 4 years in the Air Force, then became a stay-at-home mom for 6 years believing that both jobs were equally challenging! In 2001 she went to work for a large property management company in Seattle and worked her way to Corporate Sales/Corporate Housing in 5 years. Two things brought her to Kitsap County: her fiancé is a Navy Recruiter in Port Orchard so she talked with the owner of Kitsap Hospitality, Ron Johnson, about the possibility of them working together. They work very well together and have made some amazing changes such as developing a new website for the company. When asked what she likes best about Port Orchard she comments, "the amazing sense of community togetherness. The residents truly love living here and work hard to take care of our town. This is a very comforting place to live, with the friendly people that support business owners, the military community and children's successes." Her family is huge! Between her fiance and herself they have six kids..full time. They have dinner together every night and they often work on volunteer projects together in the community. The one thing she would like to tell our chamber members is that Kitsap Hospitality is a small business that has been here successfully for 10 years. Their clients include many different companies both in Kitsap County and out of state.
 Spotlight on a Member August 2009
Cathy Hall/Reflections Bed & Breakfast
Cathy Hall is the proprietor of Reflections Bed and Breakfast. Reflections is a local B & B specializing in hospitality and comforts. She has been in the business for 20 years. Cathy started her working career in Massachusetts as a wedding coordinator. She has been active in Girl Scouts for many years. She used to teach out doors gourmet cooking classes. Cathy attended the University of Washington, married in Seattle and remained in the Northwest. She loves the history of Port Orchard and the surrounding area. Cathy was married to Jim for 52 years when he passed away several years ago. They have 4 children, 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Their children live in Duvall, Portland, Phoenix and New Hampshire. When she is not hosting at her B&B she loves flower designing. She is active in her garden club and on the board of the Washington State Federation Garden Club. When asked what she would tell our members regarding business, she said, "Let the people you work with enhance your life"
Spotlight on a Member July 2009
Tom Herstad Tom Herstad Building Design is an architectural firm that designs residential and commercial buildings, including remodels and additions. Tom says, as a Port Orchard business, they do not charge the big city prices. Tom has been in business for over 30 years. He came to Port Orchard after serving 4 years in the Navy. He helped open Lea Heather Designs in the 1976 and then in 1990, opened his current business. Tom and his family were involved with South Kitsap Eastern Little League for over 20 years. Tom graduated from Central Kitsap High School and Pacific Lutheran University. When asked what he likes best about Port Orchard, his response was the people and our proximity to the mountains, Puget Sound and Seattle. Tom and his wife, Jo, got married while at PLU in 1969. They have 4 kids who all went to SKHS. Their youngest, Kelsey, works in Oregon with Special Ed programs at the high school and privately. His wife, Jo, is getting her masters in Special Education. When not working Kelsey coaches a select softball team so they like to go to Oregon and watch her games. They also like RV'ing and going to Lake Cushman a lot. One thing Tom would like to tell PO Chamber members about his business: is that they are local-their employees are all from SKHS and they support local charities, youth sports, etc. Tom has been active in the Port Orchard Rotary Club since 1978.
Spotlight on a Member June 2009
Robes Elegante/Carmen Bloomfield-Martin
After selling her clothing store, Carmen's Connections, Carmen opened a Bridal Shop. Robes Elegante in addition to bridal carries Prom, Pageant, After 5 wear and tuxedos. The shop has been open for five months. Previously, Carmen worked in Human Resources for Catholic Community Service in Seattle. The military brought her to our area 9 years ago. She loves our close knit community and thinks Port Orchard and the people here, feel like family. Carmen's husband is currently a student at the University of Washington with 14 months to go before completing his electrical engineering degree. She has 3 children: two boys, Brandon, 9, and Robby, 12. Her daughter, Haley is a junior at South Kitsap High. In what little non-working time Carmen has, she enjoys sports, gardening and would like to write a book someday. When asked what one thing she would like to tell our Chamber about her business she wants you to know she is there to help you. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated look, a little outside-of-the-box or even a classic princess, Carmen and her staff are there to help you. It is ALL ABOUT YOU!
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