EatonvilleNews

Learn all About Trains at Chamber Luncheon June 21

Mill Village Motel – Second Floor Conference Room – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tacoma Rail Update on Eatonville Area Train Events...

by David Hymel
June 18, 2007

     Please join us for a working luncheon anchored by Joe Furtney, Tacoma Rail Marketing and Resource Planning Director. Tacoma Rail has been working closely with GrandLuxe Rail Journeys to sign a contract that will allow GrandLux to bring luxury tour trains to the Eatonville siding.
    The Greater Eatonville Chamber Board of Directors met with representatives of GrandLux to assist in mapping out tour options in the local market area. There are ten trains scheduled between June 21 and August 2, with approximately 145 passengers and staff with each train. You can see the overall itinerary and schedule at this link: http://www.grandluxrail.com/html/tours/Great-NW-Rockies07GLR.html Please help us in nominating local tour options that can be incorporated into this rail system.
    You may also have read, or heard the news Wednesday, that the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train will relocate to Tacoma-Eatonville area beginning in August this year. The project and other potential events in the Eatonville area will also be discussed at the luncheon.
    Cost is $7.50 for members making reservations by noon Wednesday, June 20, and $9.50 for nonmembers and those with no reservations. RSVP to the Chamber voicemail, 360.832.4000 or email info@eatonvillechamber.com

     (Publisher's Note: The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train was in danger of being shut down on July 31 because the train's route will be closed this summer for bridge improvements. The last day of the trains run from Renton to Woodinville will be July 31.
      The new service from Tacoma will begin August 3 and will use Tacoma Rail tracks. The dinner train will be in a test period for ten months. If the test is successful the train could run for another twenty years or more. The new route begins near Freighthouse Square Station Platform. The round trip will last three and a half hours. The Spirit of Washington has been enjoyed by 1.4 million visitors during the fifteen years it has been in operation.
    Tickets are now for sale for $53.99 or $83.99 per person for the new route. This includes a three-course gourmet meal. Call 1.800.876.7245 for more information or to make reservations. Or see www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com
     The Spirit of Washington is made up of vintage cars each with a history. For detailed information about each of the cars please see http://www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com/history_eachcar.cfm )

Where the Train(s) May Travel...

To read more about trains in Eatonville and environs please see David Hymel's Chamber story Trains

Longshots and Ambassadors Entertained Townsfolk...

(photo by Bob Walter)

November 3, 2006: The Eatonville Longshots, leading the Harlem Ambassadors 80-64 (with a little help from officials), congratulate each other during a player substitution. The home team went on to defeat, but not without a lot of laughs. The Wednesday night game provided the crowd with a wide array of unconventional styles of basketball, including musical chairs, a mid-game party, a wedding and plenty of push-ups.

Players are a Blur in Motion...

(photo by Bob Walter)

During a break in the jokes, the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Longshots and the Harlem Ambassadors played some basketball. Here, the Longshots, in black, attempt a fast break. The visiting team was favored to win coming into the game, but brought along some surprises as well, including wireless mikes on each player and a booming PA system, making it difficult to determine who was announcing the game. While the Ambassadors provided plenty of laughs, the Longshots had the cleverest jerseys, with such player numbers as: <1 (less than one), 1926 and 3.1416... (pi, as in pizza).

March Chamber Luncheon Features Pierce County Economic Development Division

     Press Release
     March 7, 2006

     Rob Allen of the Pierce County Economic Development Division will present the process of creating long-term business plans for the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce market area. This agency brought their energy to our chamber several years ago and was met with high energy approval; an ongoing relationship produces better results and the chamber and this non-regulatory agency will continue to talk over the course of time. Help us start the process with your participation and questions.
    The luncheon, catered by Aaron's Ark, will be on Thursday, March 16 at Mill Village Motel Meeting Room from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Please make reservations by calling the Chamber of Commerce message phone at 360.832.4000 before noon Wednesday, March 15. Price is $6.50 for members making timely reservations and $8.50 for nonmembers and members without reservations. Anyone sitting without a tablecloth gets a discount.

These six people are some of the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Board members. Back row, left to right: Steve Pruitt, Jackie Sparrow, David Hymel; front row, let to right: Tanya Dow, Louise Carson, Mike Jeffries.
During the chamber luncheon meeting Thursday, February 16 the membership voted on new officers. Tim Pruitt was elected president; David Hymel - vice president; Tanya Dow - secretary and Jackie Sparrow who has been treasurer for a very long time, retained the position.



	Chamber News Press release May 18, 2008 The Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Grand Opening of its Visitor Information Center, Saturday, May 24, 2—4 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be promptly at 2 p.m., followed by refreshments and H'dourves until 4 p.m. This long awaited center of tourism information, located at 128 Washington Ave. N, just in front of the Mountain Community Co-op, has been several months in planning and renovation. The Chamber will staff center operation through volunteer support—to showcase all local businesses, attractions and events and answer questions for those traveling through our area. Volunteer Staffing Support. The Chamber needs your volunteer time and energy to staff the Visitor Information Center. We will be open initially on weekends and later through the week as volunteer support and demand for services grow. Our Memorial Holiday weekend schedule is Friday-Monday, May 23 – May 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. To volunteer for the opening weekend and to help us through the upcoming spring and summer visitor crush, please contact us at 360. 832.4000, or email info@eatonvillechamber.com. Membership Directory. The Chamber is working now to publish its 2008-2009 membership directory, which will be available at the Visitor Information Center soon after its printing in early June. If would like to be included in that directory and enjoy the benefits of Chamber membership, now is the time to get your application in. Go to www.eatonvillechamber.com to download an application, or contact us by phone or email. To Read the Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan Please See Chamber Plan 2008 *Chamber Membership* Application... *March 18, 2008* To join the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce or rejoin the organization please see the application at Chamber Membership Learn all About Trains at Chamber Luncheon June 21 Mill Village Motel – Second Floor Conference Room – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tacoma Rail Update on Eatonville Area Train Events... by David Hymel June 18, 2007 Please join us for a working luncheon anchored by Joe Furtney, Tacoma Rail Marketing and Resource Planning Director. Tacoma Rail has been working closely with GrandLuxe Rail Journeys to sign a contract that will allow GrandLux to bring luxury tour trains to the Eatonville siding. The Greater Eatonville Chamber Board of Directors met with representatives of GrandLux to assist in mapping out tour options in the local market area. There are ten trains scheduled between June 21 and August 2, with approximately 145 passengers and staff with each train. You can see the overall itinerary and schedule at this link: http://www.grandluxrail.com/html/tours/Great-NW-Rockies07GLR.html Please help us in nominating local tour options that can be incorporated into this rail system. You may also have read, or heard the news Wednesday, that the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train will relocate to Tacoma-Eatonville area beginning in August this year. The project and other potential events in the Eatonville area will also be discussed at the luncheon. Cost is $7.50 for members making reservations by noon Wednesday, June 20, and $9.50 for nonmembers and those with no reservations. RSVP to the Chamber voicemail, 360.832.4000 or email info@eatonvillechamber.com *(Publisher's Note:* The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train was in danger of being shut down on July 31 because the train's route will be closed this summer for bridge improvements. The last day of the trains run from Renton to Woodinville will be July 31. The new service from Tacoma will begin August 3 and will use Tacoma Rail tracks. The dinner train will be in a test period for ten months. If the test is successful the train could run for another twenty years or more. The new route begins near Freighthouse Square Station Platform. The round trip will last three and a half hours. The Spirit of Washington has been enjoyed by 1.4 million visitors during the fifteen years it has been in operation. Tickets are now for sale for $53.99 or $83.99 per person for the new route. This includes a three-course gourmet meal. Call 1.800.876.7245 for more information or to make reservations. Or see www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com The Spirit of Washington is made up of vintage cars each with a history. For detailed information about each of the cars please see http://www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com/history_eachcar.cfm )** Where the Train(s) May Travel... To read more about trains in Eatonville and environs please see David Hymel's Chamber story Trains Longshots and Ambassadors Entertained Townsfolk... (photo by Bob Walter) November 3, 2006: The Eatonville Longshots, leading the Harlem Ambassadors 80-64 (with a little help from officials), congratulate each other during a player substitution. The home team went on to defeat, but not without a lot of laughs. The Wednesday night game provided the crowd with a wide array of unconventional styles of basketball, including musical chairs, a mid-game party, a wedding and plenty of push-ups. *Players are a Blur in Motion...* (photo by Bob Walter) During a break in the jokes, the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Longshots and the Harlem Ambassadors played some basketball. Here, the Longshots, in black, attempt a fast break. The visiting team was favored to win coming into the game, but brought along some surprises as well, including wireless mikes on each player and a booming PA system, making it difficult to determine who was announcing the game. While the Ambassadors provided plenty of laughs, the Longshots had the cleverest jerseys, with such player numbers as: <1 (less than one), 1926 and 3.1416... (pi, as in pizza). *March Chamber Luncheon Features Pierce County Economic Development Division* Press Release March 7, 2006 Rob Allen of the Pierce County Economic Development Division will present the process of creating long-term business plans for the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce market area. This agency brought their energy to our chamber several years ago and was met with high energy approval; an ongoing relationship produces better results and the chamber and this non-regulatory agency will continue to talk over the course of time. Help us start the process with your participation and questions. The luncheon, catered by Aaron's Ark, will be on Thursday, March 16 at Mill Village Motel Meeting Room from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Please make reservations by calling the Chamber of Commerce message phone at 360.832.4000 before noon Wednesday, March 15. Price is $6.50 for members making timely reservations and $8.50 for nonmembers and members without reservations. Anyone sitting without a tablecloth gets a discount. Chamber Board Members See Below for New Chamber Officers... (photo by Laura from Edward Jones) These six people are some of the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Board members. Back row, left to right: Steve Pruitt, Jackie Sparrow, David Hymel; front row, let to right: Tanya Dow, Louise Carson, Mike Jeffries. During the chamber luncheon meeting Thursday, February 16 the membership voted on new officers. Tim Pruitt was elected president; David Hymel - vice president; Tanya Dow - secretary and Jackie Sparrow who has been treasurer for a very long time, retained the position. Chamber/PSIA Auction a Success... (photo by Bob Walter) Auctioneer Terry Van Eaton asks for a higher bid, while spotter Pat Hamilton assists, at the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce's annual fundraising dinner and auction. by Louise Carson December 6, 2004 The Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce and Parents and Students in Action (PSIA) held their auction in the Community Center on Friday, December 3 and raised somewhat over $5,000 to be divided between the two local, non profit groups. There are some expenses still to come out of that amount but the catering was paid for by those buying dinners. At about fifty in number, the group enjoyed a prime rib/salmon dinner served with wine and sparkling apple cider, while bidding on two tables of quality items for the silent auction. Terry Van Eaton of Founding Family Antiques was the auctioneer and led the way for people to bid higher amounts than expected during the live auction. *A two carat diamond ring donated by Van Eaton went for $950 and there were nearly forty other items donated by generous people and businesses in the community. Ray Arment, superintendent of the Eatonville School District, purchased the four riding lessons from Karen Turner of working out of Porthole Arabians with the idea of giving them to his family as gifts. Many of the other items seemed to be destined to be under the tree at Christmas. However, the log loader truck of firewood donated by T.L. Fitzer Logging will not fit under any standard Christmas tree. While the Eatonville community has recently seen many other fund raisers for group and individual needs,** there was solid support both in donations and participation for last Friday's event. The ring in question was not "donated" by Terry Van Eaton. It was a "consignment" item. Please see story below. Van Eaton Donated Antique and Consignment Diamond* (photo by Bob Walter) This wall pouch meant to hold mail - incoming or outgoing - was one of the items sold at the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce banquet and auction Friday, December 3. The phone number on the advertisement for Eatonville Steam Laundry consists of just two digits, an indication this antique piece was created in about 1915 to 1920. It was made in Germany. Auctioneer Terry Van Eaton said it was handed down to him from his grandmother, Nellie. Van Eaton provided a diamond ring "on consignment" for the auction, for which the bidding started at $900. The item went for $950 - the minimum bid needed to win the ring, since, as Van Eaton pointed out, there was a "reserve," or minimum bid requirement on the ring. Lori Smith new Chamber President Elect... (photo by Dixie A. Walter) November 9, 2004: Lori Smith is the 2005 President of the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce. She will take office in January when current president Tanya Dow steps down. Smith is Assistant Vice President Financial Center Manager at Venture Bank in town. Rella Schaefer, proprietor of Schaefer Gallery, will be vice-president, Jackie Sparrow from Key Bank continues as treasurer for the group and Meridith Weilert, EatonvilleCitizens.com continues as secretary. Board of Directors are: Louise Carson, TLC Forge & Farm, Tanya Down, Rainier Group, Nancy Ellis, Rural Health Collaborative, Michael Jeffries, Dispatch, Rev. George Lockwood, United Methodist Church, J. Paul Morgan, Key Bank, Judy Ramsey, Edward Jones and Louise Reulbach, chamber coordinator. 2004 Chamber Membership List Back to Top Back to Front Page Chamber Picnic at Northwest Trek... (photo by Bob Walter) July 10, 2004 Include yourself in July's Chamber Picnic at Northwest Trek Thursday, July 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The picnic will be at the Hellyer Natural History Center (former home of David and Connie Hellyer). In itself, this is a reason to sign up. For the safety of all, those attending will be using shuttles from the Center's parking lot which is the first right hand turn off Trek Drive. There will be a wooden sign hanging from the post that shows the Hellyer Natural History Center shuttle. There will be a prize of one free meal for the driver who brings the most people to the parking lot for the picnic. Why a shuttle you ask? Elk, moose and bison, oh my! In addition to wonderful raffle items the chamber will be having a summer picnic with bruschette (Italian toast with fresh mozzarella and basil with olive oil drizzled over), completely vegetarian cannellini beans, Blacksmith Chili (despite the name, not overly spicy for most tastes) and salad Nicoise, a French variety of potato salad with lots of protein additions, and salad caprese with more basil and mozzarella over salad greens. Dessert? Sure, but the cook, Louise Carson of TLC Forge & Farm, is deciding that now. With all the outrageous berries in season, maybe she has the answer. Good coffee will get you back to the daily grind. Call Louise Reulbach, 253.875.7728 or Louise Carson, 253.847.3235 by noon on Wednesday, July 14. The price is a very reasonable $5 for members, and $8 for nonmembers. *Chamber Annual Picnic* Please join the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Thursday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for networking and good food. The meeting will be held in the Hellyer Natural History Center at Northwest Trek, with food provided by Louise Carson of TLC Forge & Farm. This is a great opportunity to meet other business men and women from the greater Eatonville area and discuss your current project. The cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members. Reservations are required. Please contact Louise - 253.875.7728. Chamber Seeking Watering Contractor... (photo by Bob Walter) April 22, 2004 The Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce is seeking applicants for a watering contract in the Town of Eatonville. The contract is to keep the hanging baskets, like the one above, looking beautiful all summer. The baskets need to be watered every day, rain or shine. Applicants must be a not for profit organization with representatives available to interview. To schedule an interview please contact Tanya Dow at 360.832.3500. *Chamber Goals...* Chamber Meeting Please join the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 20 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. for networking and a presentation by the Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau. The Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau is a private non-profit destination marketing organization with a membership of approximately 350 businesses. Their mission is to strengthen the region's economy by marketing Tacoma and Pierce County as an attractive destination for meetings, conventions, group tours and individual leisure travelers. In doing so, the Bureau also enhances the visibility of its member companies within the visitor market. These efforts contribute significantly in making tourism a major industry valued at more than $607.5 million annually. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of the United Methodist Church and lunch will by prepared by Louise Carson of TLC Forge & Farm. This is a great opportunity to meet other business men and women from Eatonville and discuss projects that you are involved in. The cost will $5.00 at the door and reservations are requested by noon on Wednesday, November 19 at 360.832.3500. Chamber Picnic at Pioneer Farm Museum Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Picnic Thursday, July 17, 2003 11 a.m. (Please note time change) Pioneer Farm Museum, 7716 Ohop Valley Road East, Eatonville. Please join us for a fun meeting and tour at Pioneer Farm Museum. The meeting will include a BBQ picnic lunch, introductions and announcements. The cost will be $5.00 per person, please RSVP at 360-832-3500 by noon on Wednesday June 16. *Meet Tanya and Mack* (photo by Bob Walter) New Chamber of Commerce President Tanya (Graeber) Dow enjoys a spare moment with her four-month-old pup Mack, an American Pit Bull Terrier. She is an Account Executive in business sales for the Rainier Group. Among her responsibilities is selling Scope 29 services to businesses. Scope 29 is a community channel (29) brought to the public by Rainier Cable. Along with four co-workers, Tanya sponsors Scope 29's Pet Etc feature which is helping to find homes for humane society pets. Tanya hold a degree in animal sciences from the UW. Tanya and Mack are pictured on Scope 20 with Sherrie Mason, Sales and Marketing Manager with Jake and Blu, Cindy Johnson, Sales Representative with Coco, Cindy Taylor, Account Representative with Buffy and Debbie Reding, Account Representative with Annie. Welcome Tanya Dow Chamber President by Louise Carson For 2002 the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce was without a president and this year Tanya Dow of The Rainier Group will step up to that position. Feelings are very positive about her from the Board of Directors and we feel the general membership will also welcome her enthusiasm and leadership. Tanya was generous in sharing some things about who she is, this young president of the Chamber: She was born at the Van Eaton Clinic in town and graduated from Eatonville High School in 1996. Tanya is the third generation in her family to attend the local high school. She went on to Washington State University, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science. She lives with husband, Dale, and her pit bull pup, Mack. She has worked as a sales representative for The Rainier Group for the last year and a half. Tanya loves horseback riding, walking, reading, wakeboarding in the summer and she's learning to snowboard. This is a busy woman who has taken on an important extra job, that of being president of our local Chamber of Commerce at a time when we most need and appreciate it. Judy E. Ramsey of Edward Jones will be vice president, Jackie Littrell of Key Bank will continue as treasurer and Michael Jeffries of The Dispatch will do publicity. Still needed is that wonderful person to sign up as secretary. We promise you a bed of roses. No thorns. In the next issue of the Chamber Newsletter we will list other board members. Because of the good response to an evening meeting at Ohop Valley Bakery just before Christmas, the Chamber would like to have a quarterly evening meeting for the many people who simply can't attend during the day. Back to Top Back to Front Page		"Pity the poor kids who grow up in a big city. They miss the little things that made growing up in a small town, ah, so wonderful." ~Tom Morrow





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