Hello, readers and I Love Kent followers. I attended Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke's "State of the City" address yesterday at the ShoWare Center. I did not attend as a reporter, but I can't help but take notes. For those of you who weren't able to attend or watch the online version, here is a brief synopsis of her presentation.
About the ShoWare Center
- Mayor's speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city's most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won't cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- "Our employees have been wonderful."
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.
Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:
"I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community...it's because of you that I am your mayor..."
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Mayor Cooke's State of the City Address Today
Today is Mayor Suzette Cooke's annual "State of the City" address. The event will be held at the ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent from 11:30 am to 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 each. The event will also be streamed live online at www.choosekent.com.
The Mayor’s address will focus on the local economy, public safety and improving the quality of life for residents of Kent.
For more info., visit the City's website or contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce.
The Mayor’s address will focus on the local economy, public safety and improving the quality of life for residents of Kent.
For more info., visit the City's website or contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Kent Station Announces "Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars" through March
March 3, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kent Station Kicks off its Annual March Dining Fundraiser: Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars
Kent, WA, March 3, 2009 – Kent Station announced this week that it is kicking off Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars, an annual fundraiser where Kent Station shoppers and visitors can win prizes while raising scholarship money for local high school graduates attending Green River Community College.
Throughout the month of March, Kent Station shoppers and visitors are encouraged to dine at all of Kent Station’s eateries and fill out an Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars postcard. For each completed postcard, Kent Station will donate $1 to the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship fund. Participating diners are automatically eligible to win one of 12 prizes, including Kent Station gift cards from $25 to $500 and iPod nanos from The Mac Store. Individuals can enter up to 13 times, once for each Kent Station restaurant, café, or eatery they visit.
“Kent Station is proud to be an active participant in the Kent community,” Kent Station General Manager John Hinds said. “With the support of the community, we can give our local students the opportunity to continue their education.”
Now in its third year, the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship fund is awarded to qualifying Kent area high school students based on financial need. The more postcards received, the greater the number of scholarships awarded, and the more chances Kent Station diners have to win. A complete list of rules is available online and at participating restaurants.
“We are pleased to partner with Kent Station to provide scholarships to Kent area graduates. Kent Station has been a major supporter in helping us work toward our goal of doubling our scholarship program by 2011,” said Josh Gerstman, Director of Development for the Green River Community College Foundation. “Of the 190 scholarships awarded through the Foundation, the Kent Station scholarship is the only one specifically focused on recent graduates of a Kent area High School.”
Since the Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars fundraiser began in 2007, Kent Station has awarded six scholarships totaling nearly $10,000. Samantha Phelps, a graduate of Kent Meridian High School, was one of three 2008 scholarship recipients. She is enrolled in GRCC’s general studies program.
“I am finally the first in my family to graduate high school, and I am not going to let anyone or anything stop me on my way to being the first in my family to graduate from college. Getting this scholarship means the world to me,” Phelps said.
For more information about Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars, visit www.KentStation.com or call the management office at 253-856-2301. Support our youth. Eat at Kent Station.
Kent Station is an urban village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company and is located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Washington on Ramsay Way. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use project features office, retail and entertainment including a 14-screen AMC Theaters Cineplex, a branch campus of Green River Community College and 13 restaurants, cafés and eateries.
Green River Community College is a two-year public college in Washington State that offers degrees and certificates in academic, professional and technical programs, as well as courses in continuing education and developmental education. With its primary campus in Auburn, GRCC also has campuses in Enumclaw and Kent. For a GRCC scholarship application, visit http://www.greenriver.edu/foundation_scholarships.
For more information, please contact:
Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
253-856-2301
sueda@kentstation.com
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kent Station Kicks off its Annual March Dining Fundraiser: Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars
Kent, WA, March 3, 2009 – Kent Station announced this week that it is kicking off Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars, an annual fundraiser where Kent Station shoppers and visitors can win prizes while raising scholarship money for local high school graduates attending Green River Community College.
Throughout the month of March, Kent Station shoppers and visitors are encouraged to dine at all of Kent Station’s eateries and fill out an Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars postcard. For each completed postcard, Kent Station will donate $1 to the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship fund. Participating diners are automatically eligible to win one of 12 prizes, including Kent Station gift cards from $25 to $500 and iPod nanos from The Mac Store. Individuals can enter up to 13 times, once for each Kent Station restaurant, café, or eatery they visit.
“Kent Station is proud to be an active participant in the Kent community,” Kent Station General Manager John Hinds said. “With the support of the community, we can give our local students the opportunity to continue their education.”
Now in its third year, the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship fund is awarded to qualifying Kent area high school students based on financial need. The more postcards received, the greater the number of scholarships awarded, and the more chances Kent Station diners have to win. A complete list of rules is available online and at participating restaurants.
“We are pleased to partner with Kent Station to provide scholarships to Kent area graduates. Kent Station has been a major supporter in helping us work toward our goal of doubling our scholarship program by 2011,” said Josh Gerstman, Director of Development for the Green River Community College Foundation. “Of the 190 scholarships awarded through the Foundation, the Kent Station scholarship is the only one specifically focused on recent graduates of a Kent area High School.”
Since the Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars fundraiser began in 2007, Kent Station has awarded six scholarships totaling nearly $10,000. Samantha Phelps, a graduate of Kent Meridian High School, was one of three 2008 scholarship recipients. She is enrolled in GRCC’s general studies program.
“I am finally the first in my family to graduate high school, and I am not going to let anyone or anything stop me on my way to being the first in my family to graduate from college. Getting this scholarship means the world to me,” Phelps said.
For more information about Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars, visit www.KentStation.com or call the management office at 253-856-2301. Support our youth. Eat at Kent Station.
Kent Station is an urban village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company and is located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Washington on Ramsay Way. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use project features office, retail and entertainment including a 14-screen AMC Theaters Cineplex, a branch campus of Green River Community College and 13 restaurants, cafés and eateries.
Green River Community College is a two-year public college in Washington State that offers degrees and certificates in academic, professional and technical programs, as well as courses in continuing education and developmental education. With its primary campus in Auburn, GRCC also has campuses in Enumclaw and Kent. For a GRCC scholarship application, visit http://www.greenriver.edu/foundation_scholarships.
For more information, please contact:
Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
253-856-2301
sueda@kentstation.com
# # #
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Love Bound
My sweetheart of 5+ years Jim and I were married this Valentine's Day at our home in Kent. For anyone who knows us, we are a loving but practical, rather than romantic, couple. To marry us, we chose Cindi LaMar of Love Bound in Renton to perform the wedding ceremony. She put together a ceremony and vows that suited us. She was a joy to work with, and we'll remember the ceremony always. It was a beautiful day.If you are looking for an officiate for your special day, I personally recommend Cindi LaMar.
Have you been to Kona Kai lately?
Have you been to the Kona Kai Coffee Company in downtown Kent? More than just a coffee shop, this charming little coffee company offers a great menu in a tropical setting.
In addition, owner Michael has added a number of community events - wine tastings, jewelry parties, musical performances - and more to his offerings. Local jazz favorite Darren Motamedy is a frequent visitor to Kona Kai. In addition, Kona Kai will be adding dinner shows to the menu.
To learn more or try to their delicious coffees and teas, visit them at the corner of 4th and Gowe in downtown Kent or visit them online.
Mahalo!
In addition, owner Michael has added a number of community events - wine tastings, jewelry parties, musical performances - and more to his offerings. Local jazz favorite Darren Motamedy is a frequent visitor to Kona Kai. In addition, Kona Kai will be adding dinner shows to the menu.
To learn more or try to their delicious coffees and teas, visit them at the corner of 4th and Gowe in downtown Kent or visit them online.
Mahalo!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Spring Into Art is planned for Friday, March 13
The City of Kent, the Kent School District and the Kent Downtown Partnership are teaming up once again to bring the community Spring Into Art, a free, family-friendly, art-oriented day of fun in downtown Kent. Go an art walk, attend fitness workshops, discover your inner artist, candle making, bug-a-rama and more.
For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event's website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.
For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event's website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Darren Motamedy: an amazing teacher
Thanks for all of you who follow my blog. I apologize for not being more consistent lately, but with my wedding coming up on 2/14, I've had my hands full.
That doesn't mean that things in Kent haven't been hopping though! There is so much going on here. People are excited about the ShoWare Events Center, changes at Kent Station, the new Costco in nearby Covington and new shops going into downtown Kent.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Darren Motamedy, an award-winning jazz musician and band director for the Kent School Districts. He was not only talented, but he was also patient, kind, amusing and surprisingly humble. I can see why his students look up to him and how teaching them to play music is such a passion for him. Watch for my profile on him in an upcoming issue of Kent Magazine.
That doesn't mean that things in Kent haven't been hopping though! There is so much going on here. People are excited about the ShoWare Events Center, changes at Kent Station, the new Costco in nearby Covington and new shops going into downtown Kent.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Darren Motamedy, an award-winning jazz musician and band director for the Kent School Districts. He was not only talented, but he was also patient, kind, amusing and surprisingly humble. I can see why his students look up to him and how teaching them to play music is such a passion for him. Watch for my profile on him in an upcoming issue of Kent Magazine.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Spring Into Art - Downtown Kent
This year's Spring Into Art event is scheduled for Friday, March 13 in downtown Kent. See the new Spring Into Art website for details!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chair and Trellis
If you like shopping local or finding a store that carries unique items, then you will love Chair & Trellis on West Smith Street in downtown Kent. This store has some of the most beautiful home furnishings and decor that I've ever seen. The owners and staff are friendly and helpful, and they have something to suit every taste and budget. Their website has a small sampling of their offerings, but you'll get a better feel for the store if you stop by. They are open 7 days a week. For more info., including specific hours, visit Chair & Trellis online.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Kent's ShoWare Center Opens Tomorrow!
With much anticipation, Kent's new ShoWare Center on James Street opens Friday, January 2 with a Grand Opening Celebration from 4 to 9 p.m.Starting the following day, Saturday, January 3, the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team will make the ShoWare Center their new home.
For event dates, times and more, visit the ShoWare Center online.
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