2011

North Whidbey’s

Published as a supplement to � e Whidbey New-Times

Page 2 North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business • APRIL 27, 2011

Providing burial and cremation choices that are affordable for every family!

(360) 675-319230 SE Ely Street, Oak Harbor www.burleyfuneralchapel.com

Burley Funeral Chapel Jim Haddon-Manager, Linda Haddon-Advance Planning

Cathy George-Of� ce Manager

Serving Families Since 1962.

Trusted by the Whidbey Island

Community for nearly 49 years.

IndexBurley Funeral Home ....................................................................................2

Cascade Insurance Agency .........................................................................3

Corey Oil and Propane .................................................................................4

El Cazador .........................................................................................................7

Jason’s Lawncare ............................................................................................6

Jewelry Gallery, The .......................................................................................5

Les Schwab Tire Center ................................................................................7

New Leaf ............................................................................................................5

North West Cabinets & Countertops ......................................................4

Pacific Northwest Art School .....................................................................6

Pioneer Tree Service & Landscaping, Inc. .............................................3

Regency on Whidbey ...................................................................................6

Salon Lux ...........................................................................................................3

Swinomish Casino ..........................................................................................2

Sunset Kennel and Grooming ...................................................................6

Whidbey Crosswind ......................................................................................7

Whidbey Island Bank ....................................................................................8

Whidbey News-Times ...................................................................................7

Whidbey Avenue Dental Care ...................................................................5

Whidbey Island Jeweler ...............................................................................3

Editorial: Business leaders see a brighter tomorrow ........................4

APRIL 27, 2011 • North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business Page 3

Jeffrey MackWhidbey Island Jeweler

With 35 years of craftsmanship skills, Jeff Mack knows how to repair all types of jewelry, including prong rebuilding, ring sizing and complete restoration. Jeff is also an expert Gemstone setter for remounting all those family heirlooms. Jeff is a graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. Working long hours, he strives to make customers happy with quality craftsmanship. Serving Whidbey Island areas for over 20 years, Jeff and Wynne offer a full diamond, colored stone and sterling inventory. New location is directly behind Whidbey Coffee off of Highway 20.

(360) 679-18001421 S.W. St., Suite #2Oak Harbor, WATues-Fri : 10:00-5:30pm

Salon LuxMeghan Sams, Janae Appleton, Jeni Headings, & Reghan Campbell

With over 17 year of experience, the team at Salon Lux formally of Artisianos, won the 2010 Best of Whidbey award for best hair salon. We will offer creative haircol-oring, precision cuts, waxing, and styling in a sleek and professional atmosphere. Come check out our brand new & sophisticated salon!

(360) 240-8492780 SE Pioneer WayOak Harbor

Pioneer Tree Service and Landscaping, Inc.Pioneer Tree Service and Landscaping, Inc. is a family run business that has

been serving the Island County area for over 15 years. Our well established and reputable company is a member of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, SICBA (Skagit / Island Counties Builders Association), ISA (International Society of Arborists) and TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association). We deliver both commercial and residential tree and landscaping services. We have an ISA Certi� ed Arborist on staff. One of our knowledgeable tree and landscaping experts will be glad to come and give you a free estimate at your convenience. Check us out on the web for a complete listing of services offered: www.pioneertreeandland.com. In compliance with state regulations, we are fully bonded and insured for liability

and workman’s compensation. We will provide proof of insurance upon request. Our Washington State Contractor’s license number is PIONETS640JK.

pioneertree@frontier.comwww.pioneertreeandland.com

Cascade Insurance AgencyKyla Garden & Shelli Trumbull

Local Independent Agent With Over 25 Years Experience

Cascade Insurance Agency is an Independent Insurance Agency which currently represents Travelers, Pemco, Safeco, Oregon Mutual, Progressive, and more. They have access

to provide comprehensive coverage at competitive pricing. They will do the insurance shopping for you.

(360) 682-2162404 S. Main Street, Coupeville www.cascadeinsuranceagency.comwww.Facebook.com/CascadeInsurance

Ask us about our referral program!

Page 4 North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business • APRIL 27, 2011

The Design Team at NorthWest Cabinets

Whidbey’s largest cabinet and countertop showroom with two full time designers on staff. Locally owned and operated, serving Whidbey Island with over 35 years of kitchen and bath experience. Offering complimentary design and estimates. Come in and enjoy our hometown courtesy and service. WE ALSO MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

(360) 675-4999

NorthWestCabinetsLLC.com

Cabinets & Countertops

Corey Oil and PropaneProudly Serving Island and Skagit Counties

Corey Oil and Propane, your local energy company has been honored to serve the Island and Skagit counties for more than 30 years. Offering residential and commercial propane tanks, home heating oil, Chevron gasoline and diesel as well as a full line of lubricating oils, including Paci� c Pride 24 hour fueling. Achieving Green whenever possible!

*Automatic Home Delivery Program *Cash Discounts and Special Contractor Pricing *Budget Plans *24 hour Emergency on call

1-800-829-85411194 NE Goldie Rd.Oak Harbor

By JESSIE STENSLANDStaff reporter

Judging strictly by the numbers, the economy of North Whidbey looks like it’s in trouble.

But Jill Johnson, director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, said business owners and real estate agents remain confident about do-ing business on North Whidbey. She was surprised by recent statistics showing a downturn in the local economy.

“Our business leaders tend to be more optimistic, but the num-bers don’t refl ect that,” she

said. “It’s taking longer to come out of this than I thought it would.”

She has little doubt that things will get better. She said people will start spending more once the weather im-proves. Also, she said high-profi le projects like the construction of the new Navy Federal Credit Union and the Pioneer Way street revision should help create more optimism about the economy.

The state Employment Security De-partment reported April 19 that unem-ployment inched forward in the Oak Harbor metropolitan statistical area to 10.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for March 2011. That’s up from 9.7 percent in February.

The actual number of people em-ployed increased by 60 from Febru-ary to March, but the unemployment rate increased because of the increase in unemployed people searching for jobs.

Taxable retail sales are down in Oak Harbor, though the data from the state is delayed by months. Ron Nelson, Is-land County Economic Development Council director, pointed out that a lot could have changed.

The total taxable retail sales fi gure

was down by 4.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Oak Harbor’s decrease was the largest in the county, while the county as a whole decreased by 3.9 percent, according to data from the state Department of Revenue

Nelson said the most recent detailed

information he has on taxable retails sales is from the third quarter of 2010, which he said makes it a lagging indi-cator.

According to the EDC data, the big-gest decreases included new car sales,

Business leaders see a brighter tomorrow

Construction finally started this spring on the new Navy Federal Credit Union building in Oak Harbor. Business leaders see projects like this as a sign of recovery, albeit slow.

CONTINUED, PAGE 5 >

APRIL 27, 2011 • North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business Page 5

Whidbey Avenue Dental CareLuke Wezeman, DDS Timothy Wezeman, DDSand their 2011 dental staff

Whidbey Avenue Dental Care is a General Family Practice serving the community for over 25 years. Dr. Luke Wezeman and his father, Dr. Tim Wezeman provide comprehensive care for all ages in a gentle and caring atmosphere. Our team goal is to provide you with the highest level of care avail-able at an affordable price. Our attention to your concerns and comfort help our of� ce stand apart from the others. We welcome New Patients of all ages. We would love the op-portunity to speak with you and answer any questions you may have regarding our practice or your dental needs.

926 E. Whidbey Ave, Oak Harbor360-679-1581www.drwezeman.comMon-Thurs 7am-5pm WWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWWWWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWWWWWWWWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CAREWWWWWWWWHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CARE

Voted Best Of Whidbey 5 Times!

Voted Best Of Whidbey 5 Times!

New Leaf Administration Team

New Leaf holds � ve Federal contracts and employs 130 people. As a proud member of the AbilityOne Program, over 80% of our direct labor force and a signi� cant number throughout our organization are people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote independence and quality of life through employment. New Leaf was voted EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR for 2009 by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

360-675-1989660 SE Fidalgo Ave., Oak Harborwww.newlea� nc.org

Est 1991

Gloria CarothersOwner

Gloria Carothers came to Oak Harbor 54 years ago and is a graduate of Oak Harbor High School and Western Washington University. She has extensive gemological training and has been involved in the jewelry industry for the past 24 years. The Jewelry Gallery specializes in � ne diamonds, colored gemstone jewelry, gold and silver. We are the area’s only authorized dealer of Hearts on Fire® Ideal Cut Diamonds, the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds, as well as Pandora®, recognized as one of the world’s most popular jewelry brands. We also offer custom design, expert repairs and appraisals. We purchase gold and diamonds, and sell vintage and estate jewelry. We welcome quality consignments.

360-679-3700830 SE Pioneer WayOak Harbor, WAHours: Tues-Fri 11-5:30

Saturday 10-5

which isn’t surprising with the recent loss of car dealerships in the city. In-dustrial building construction was also down signifi cantly.

Nelson noted that general retail sales — like Walmart and Kmart — has held its own and remain “extremely high.” Oak Harbor remains the retail center for the island.

Dianne Binder of the Anchorage Inn in Coupeville reported at a recent meet-ing of the Island County Joint Tourism Committee that lodging is up in the county as a whole, but down in Oak Harbor. The amount of taxes collected

by the 2 percent lodging tax was up in the entire county by 5.9 percent, but it’s down in Oak Harbor by 16.6 per-

cent.Coupeville lodging taxes decreased by

23 percent, but Binder

said much of that could have been due to the way the Anchorage reported tax receipts, which delayed reporting. She said some of Oak Harbor’s decrease could be due to delayed reporting by smaller hotels, motels or beds and breakfasts.

The real estate market is still slow. The Northwest Multiple Listing Ser-vice reports that listings for houses and condominiums in Island County were down by 18.4 percent in March 2011, compared to March 2010. Pend-ing sales were down 18.6 percent, but closed sales only decreased by 6.6 percent.

The median price of the 62 homes that sold in March was $224,000. That’s down from $240,000 in March of last year.

According to a report by accredited appraiser Gregor Strohm, the Oak Har-bor real estate market remains the most affordable in the county. The average price of a North Whidbey home sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 was about half of the cost of the average South Whidbey house.

While Johnson said the cold, dreary winter hasn’t been good for the economy — from retail sales to construction to employment — the sun has started to appear again on North Whidbey. And that can only be good for business.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 >

Page 6 North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business • APRIL 27, 2011

The Paci� c NorthWest Art School Celebrates 25 Years of

Exceptional Visual Arts EducationThe Paci� c NorthWest Art School offers visual arts education and experi-ences through select professional artists for students of all levels and art enthusiasts. Our workshops are all taught by professional artists, for artists who aspire to improve their talents and skills. Located on beautiful Whidbey Island we offer nearly 100 workshops, art excursions and art expeditions a year. Each year the Paci� c NorthWest Art School presents the Plein Air Paint-ers’ U.S. Open. Additionally, the PNWAS is a major sponsor and promoter of art exhibits, open studio tours, and other art related activities in partnership with the Whidbey Island Arts Council, Whidbey Working Artists, American Society of Marine Artists, Plein Air Washington, the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Juried Art Show and many other regional and local art groups.

15 NW Birch Street, Coupeville, WA 98239360 678 3396/1 866 678 3396 toll freewww.paci� cnorthwestartschool.orginfo@paci� cnorthwestartschool.org

Sunset Kennel and Grooming Cathy Hanshaw, Owner

Sunset Kennel has been caring for the Tiny Toys to the Big Boys since 1976. Located on 10 acres, we are a full-service pet facility where your dog can spend their time enjoying the new 4 acre, fenced, off-leash dog park, being pampered in the spa, or lounging in their personal heated bedroom. Sunset Kennel provides Pet Taxi services, doggie daycare, and private walks. We have great buys on premium dog foods and pet accessories. We also feature a private cat house, as well as pet rescue and adoption services on site.

Voted Best of Whidbey for over 10 years. New Customers receive $5.00 off � rst stay or grooming appointment.

Come tour our clean facility! Reservations are recommended.

(360) 675-72881614 West Swantown Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 www.sunsetkennel.com

Jason’s LawncareJason, Annaleah and Arianna White

“As a long time Oak harbor resident I appreciate our close associations with our clients and the trust they place in us.” Says Jason White, “Whidbey is more than a place of business. It’s our home.

Arianna’s family has been here since the early 1900’s and Annaleah is the sixth generation of her family to call Whidbey Island home. Arianna does our estimates and with Annaleahs’ “assistance” keeps our roadside display seasonally attractive.

Our family is taking this opportunity to extend a special Thank You to everyone who voted us one of the top three landscaping companies in the 2010 Best of Whidbey. We are grateful to everyone who has invited us to their homes and especially those who have welcomed us into their hearts.

We service residential, vacation and commercial properties and specialize in hardscapes and outdoor living spaces. Our professionally trained staff and crews are ready to mow your lawn or update your landscape. Just give us a call. Let us make your new vision a reality.

(360) 679-7242allaround4you@yahoo.com

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency on Whidbey. Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and � rst-class amenities for its residents. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her � eld. When she came to Whidbey Island, she packed up her potential and all she had learned, grabbed a CUTE pair of shoes and headed out to change a few things. Although changes can be challenging, the results have been markedly positive. Her of� ce door is always open and her hospitality will include many � avors of coffee or soda, assorted candies, and a very generous heart. Regency has bene� ted from all of her expertise.

(360) 279-09331040 SW Kimball DriveOak Harbor, WA 98277www.regencywhidbey.com

Wendy McIlnayGeneral Manager

APRIL 27, 2011 • North Whidbey Who’s Who In Business Page 7

Les Schwab Tire CenterOak Harbor Crew Spring 2011

At Les Schwab Tire Center, our business is earning your trust. All Whidbey Islanders, our crew represents over 100 years of combined experience. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!

See Les Schwab Tire Center for:

(360) 679-153531720 State Route 20, Oak Harbor www.lesschwab.com

Natasha & Jose Rodriguez El Cazador ~ Where everyone is family!

Mr. and Mrs. Aurelio Rodriguez SR. opened El Cazador in downtown Oak Harbor in 1982. Since Aurelio’s passing, his wife Hilda, children and extended family have run and maintained his legacy through hard work and dedication. Since 2008, his oldest son Jose and wife, Natasha, have revitalized the restaurant by focusing on his parent’s original vision – great food, great atmosphere, and great service! Visit us to satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican cuisine!Dine in, take out, delivery, and catering.

(360) 675-611432195 SR 20, Oak Harbor info@el-cazador.comwww.el-cazador.com

Whidbey News-Times

Celebrating 120 Years In Business

107 S. Main St, Ste E101

www.whidbeynewstimes.com

Whidbey CrosswindKathy Reed, Editor

The Whidbey Crosswind is back! The Crosswind delivered news to our Navy community at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for decades; we’re pleased to bring back a local Navy newspaper that connects base with community here on Whidbey.

Published each Friday, the Crosswind is available free at locations on NASWI, as well as scores of locations in Oak Harbor and Coupeville. Residents in base housing can look forward to their weekly copy coming right to their mailboxes. The Crosswind offers a great opportunity for advertisers to reach readers with their message, and rates are affordable. You can also visit www.whidbeycrosswind.com for up to the minute Navy news.

Have news? Contact Editor Kathy Reed, she’ll be happy to hear from you. Want to advertise in the Crosswind? Contact your Whidbey News-Times/Crosswind Marketing Representative, or ask for the Sales Department when you call.

www.whidbeycrosswind.com

Whidbey

Client: Whidbey Island BankPub: South Whidbey RecordAd: Behind Business Live: 9.833" x 13"Trim: 11" x 14"Bleed: 11.5" x 14.5"

Behind Every

Successful Business, Is A Group Of Great

Customers.

Making Life A Little EasierMEMBER FDIC

www.wibank.com