Business Appreciation 2010 by The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle newspaper

Business Appreciation 2010

A supplement to The OmakOkanogan County Chronicle June 2, 2010

Page 2 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Fifth generation carries the title By Sheila Corson The Chronicle OKANOGAN – A family legacy in the form of Baines Title Co. has now reached 110 years of service to the area, with the fifth generation now in charge. Will Baines started Okanogan County Abstract Co. in 1900 in Conconully after moving from England at the Founder age of 19. He William Banes joined friend H.G. Champneys, who operated a stock business in Loomis. As a single man, Baines spent time as a log splitter, kept weather records for the newspaper, raised pigeons and introduced Chinese elms on Elmway. He wrote letters back home to friend and future wife Eliza Turnbull for a couple years before asking her to marry him. Meanwhile, he set himself up with a home on seven acres, telling Turnbull that it was much nicer than anything he could have gotten in England in such a short amount of time. He built a nice cabin for Turnbull and raised money for her travel and wedding ring by working in a mine. She arrived by train in spring 1897 to Spokane and they married there. They moved to Conconully, then the county seat, in 1899, when Baines was appointed county clerk. After starting Okanogan County Abstract Co. in 1900, the business, along with the bank at which Baines worked, moved to Okanogan in 1907. The business moved to its current location at 105 N. Second Ave. in 1918, when Commercial Bank built the structure. Of Will and Eliza’s three children, son John Marquette, known as Jack, took over after his service in World War I. He

operated the business for 40 years. Grandson Bill Baines joined the business after Will died in 1947. He took over after Jack’s retirement in 1957, moving the business north and out of the basement of the Commercial Bank building. In the 1960s, Bill purchased the bank building and moved back in. Bill’s daughter, Anita Hopkins, later became office manager, and her daughter, Kelly (nee Hopkins) Townsend, joined the business as well. In 2000, when Baines Title celebrated 100 years, Bill said he couldn’t imagine retiring after 50plus years working there. He never did retire. Bill died in 2002, and his daughter Anita bought the business then. In 2008, Townsend purchased the business from her mother, making her the fifth generation owner. In the last few years, Townsend said the business has expanded to satellite offices in Oroville and Twisp for customer convenience. The downturn of the economy hit Baines Title hard. It had 15 or 16 employees, but now operates with nine, Townsend said. Some of that was through attrition, but there were lay-offs. Things are OK now and she is happy with the number of employees and offices, and doesn’t plan on much expansion in the future. The goal is keep the business on its feet, and it is doing so, she said. If there’s been any secret to the success of Baines, it’s been in two parts – work ethic and great employees. Townsend said work ethic has been a part of the Baines family from the beginning, and she will teach it to her children as well. With “awesome” employees to keep things running, Townsend said that is the second most important part of the business. Townsend has three children, two 16-year-old boys, Connor and Cody, and a 12-year-old daughter,

Sheila Corson/The Chronicle

Baines Title building is distinguishable by Okanogan’s downtown electric clock.

Okanogan Library Collection

The Baines building, formerly the Commercial Bank, is obscured by trees early in the 20th century. Cassidy, who all attend Okanogan schools. She said that after 110 years and five generations, it would be

sad to let the legacy go, and she can find no reason to do so. She “absolutely” hopes to pass on the business to her children,

and Cassidy has already expressed interest in working there, coming in some days to check out the business’ inner workings.

Business Appreciation © 2010 The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle • Owned and operated by Eagle Newspapers Inc. Roger Harnack, Editor and Publisher • Dee E. Camp, Managing Editor • Lynn Hoover, Advertising Manager P.O. Box 553, Omak, WA 98841 • 618 Okoma Drive, Omak, WA 98841 509-826-1110 • 509-826-5819 fax • 800-572-3446 www.omakchronicle.com

Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash. — Page 3

Change is the key to business longevity By Dee Camp The Chronicle OMAK – The key to Omak Feed and Supply’s longevity has been to change with the times. “You have to keep changing,” co-owner Larry Neely said. He and his wife, Penny, own the business at 3 Dewberry St. At one time, Okanogan County had 120,000 mother cows. There’s probably a quarter of that now. As economy and agriculture changed, the store has added pet and small animal products to its line of cattle, horse and general farm offerings. More people have dogs, cats, goats and pigs than in previous years, Neely said. Along with hay, stock tank warmers, feed, seed, baling twine and fertilizer, the 94-year-old store stocks clothing and garden supplies, and houses a barbershop operated by Joella Schneider. The business employs eight people, including the Neelys’ daughter, Heather. “What we sell changes from year to year,” Larry Neely said. Pat Doheny started the business, which was purchased in 1944 by Dave and Del Mundinger. At that time, it was located a block closer to downtown, on Main Street about where the AT&T store is now, Neely said. The store milled and sold flour, and also stocked animal feed, paint and fuel products. As grocery stores began carrying pre-packaged flour, that function was phased out. Omak Feed used to process its own stock feed, a mixture of grains, nutrients and heated molasses, but dropped it when insurance became too expensive,

he said. The store moved into its current building at the head of Main Street in 1947. Repairs after fires in 1953 and 1967 brought changes to the building itself. Joe and Luella Schneider bought the business from the Mundingers in 1979, and the Neelys purchased it 20 years later. Joe Schneider and Penny Neely are siblings. Despite the changes, the business still offers plenty of

Omak Feed and Supply has been a fixture for more than 90 years. “They kind of compound,” he said. “It becomes a headache.” But despite the regulations, Neely said the best part of being in business is the interaction with customers.

“We have some ranchers whose grandfathers were customers,” he said. “I came here when I was a kid. It’s fun to see kids and grandkids running up and down the same ramps.”

A variety of inventory, from toy horses to garden spray, surround Omak Feed and Supply owners Penny and Larry Neely.

Hamilton Farm Equipment

Omak Feed & Supply

Title Insurance and Escrow Services

“Where you get knowledgeable service!”

509-422-3420 • 800-546-3420 105 North Second Avenue Okanogan, Washington 98840 www.bainestitle.com

Essential reading in Okanogan and Ferry Counties. www.omakchronicle.com

509-826-1110

3 E. Dewberry, Omak 509-826-1160

Celebrating

110 Years

Al Camp/The Chronicle

Baines Title Co., Inc. We are proud to be the oldest business working in and supporting the county for 110 years. Thank you!

traditional feed store items. Customers can order day-old chicks, which are shipped to the store overnight via parcel post from Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and bunnies from local suppliers. Seed potatoes and local bulk grains are available, as are farm-fresh eggs. “We have one of the oldest egg licenses around,” Neely said. An increasing challenge to business is complying with government rules as the county, state and federal governments all impose regulations, he said.

100 Years

Locally owned since 1916

We appreciate your business!

Caring for your family since 1934

223 Queen St., Okanogan 509-422-6109

1 Patrol Street - Okanogan 422-5440 Toll-Free 1-877-422-3030 www.hamiltonfarmequip.com

94 Years

Celebrating

87 Years

Celebrating

75 Years

Page 4 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Clinic draws on 70-year history Omak Clinic had its start with medical school buddies By Sheila Corson The Chronicle OMAK – While Wenatchee Valley Medical Clinic celebrates 70 years, its Omak Clinic is celebrating 25 years and with a long history before it took that name. The Omak Clinic was formed when Family Medical Center joined the Wenatchee Valley Medical Clinic in 1985 after years of partnerships and referrals. Family Medical started in 1959 with one doctor who recruited two college buddies Bratrude to join him. All three are now retired and still live in the area. Pres Bratrude went to the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago in the 1950s. He met Lyle Cowan and Jim Bone there, but all three started their practices by going separate ways. Back then, just about everyone joined the military for a short stint, and Bratrude was no different. He was in the Navy right out of school, but after a short time there, he headed straight for Omak, he said. He opened his practice as a family doctor in 1959 at the age of 28. He quickly recruited Cowan, who graduated two years after him.

“ The strides in medical care have been just awesome. Dr. Lyle Cowan

” He had been practicing at Fairchild Air Force Base. ‘An eventful day’ Cowan said he remembers his first day – “an eventful day.” He was called in to do anesthesia for an emergency surgery for the first time. He was a family doctor, specializing in women’s health, at the age of 27. But back then, things were very different. It was normal for the doctors to take turns doing the anesthesia and the surgery. Specialists didn’t exist in Omak. Jim Bone, then 30, had been practicing in Spokane for a year after a couple years in the Navy. He said he decided he wanted to move to a smaller community, and Cowan and Bratrude met with him at a convention in the city to talk him into coming. He moved to Omak in 1962 and the three have been together ever since. Things have changed greatly since then. Bratrude said Thorazine, for the treatment of mental health patients, was brand new. Breast cancer patients nearly always had mastectomies. The average office visit cost $5.

Now there really is no average cost because of all the specialists’ different charges, Bratrude said. A hearse to the hospital Cowan said when patients had to be transported to Wenatchee for surgery, they didn’t have an ambulance. Patients were laid in the back of PrechtHarrison Chapel’s hearse. He remembers several times being stretched Cowan out beside a patient in the hearse, trying to keep the person alive and pumping blood. “The strides in medical care have been just awesome,” Cowan said. Whether in medicines or techniques or testing, Cowan said the changes have meant better care. More recent politics inserting themselves into the situation have made things more complicated. Earlier on, a doctor could spend as much time as needed with a patient, but now the costs keep doctors running through patients quickly, Cowan said.

Changes in insurance, costs and the amount of specialists have made things more complicated, Bratrude said. To “keep us smart,” the clinic signed up with the WAMI program to teach medical school students on the job in the 1970s when it began, Bone said. The clinic still participates in the program. Following the hospital When the hospital moved from its Ash Street location to Okoma Drive, the clinic followed, having been next door on Ash Street. The Bone convenience of visiting patients in the hospital and walking back and forth would have been missed too much, they said. Increased complexity with the system led to the merger with Wenatchee Valley Medical Clinic in 1985, Bone said. Having that administrative force to take on rules, regulations and insurance companies was needed. There were six doctors on staff by that time. Among the staff of the Family Medical Clinic was Debi Clark, who remembers going to the office in the 1960s as a child. She said she best remembers the big fish tank they had. She started working with the doctors in 1976 when they brought in the first computer, which took up an entire room and required its own air conditioning system. When the clinic joined Wenatchee Valley, she became office manager.

PRECHT-HARRISON NEARENTS CHAPEL Serving you in three great locations.

HAMMOND COLLIER

• North Valley Family Medicine Tonasket • North Valley Family Medicine Oroville • Omak Clinic

Civil Engineering Land Surveying Materials Testing

WADE LIVINGSTONE

Omak Office: 509-826-5861 Serving Omak since 1994!

Carrying on a tradition of caring, professional funeral service since 1946. 2547 Elmway Okanogan, WA 98840

www.wvmedical.com

www.hcwl.com

509-422-3333

Celebrating

70 Years

67 Years

65 Years

Thank you, we appreciate your patronage. 560 Riverside Drive, Omak 509-826-2321

Celebrating

64 Years

She now manages the Omak Clinic. Bone retired in 1994, Cowan in 1995 and Bratrude in 2000. Bratrude said if a stroke at 70 hadn’t stopped him, he would still be practicing medicine. A new building Clark said the Omak Clinic built its new building just off U.S. Highway 97 in 1997, bringing more surgery, optical, physical therapy, bigger X-ray equipment and more into the mix. Space more than doubled. The staff now includes 99 people, or 65-68 full-time equivalent positions. That includes seven doctors, six mid-level practitioners and many nurses and physician’s assistants. A new doctor will join in July and another is expected in the fall, Clark said. Physical therapy has now been closed, but the clinic has plans for the area. The Omak Clinic officially turns 25 on July 1. Meanwhile, Wenatchee Clark Valley Medical Clinic is celebrating 70 years. It was started by three doctors in 1940. A party is planned July 17 in Wenatchee. Bratrude said he expects that medicine will keep changing all the time, especially with electronic medical records, the rise in costs, specialization and universal health care. “You can’t hardly look at a part of medicine without seeing big changes,” Bratrude said.

Jackson’s Chevron Service Inc. Thanks for being the greatest customers in the world.

4440 Hwy. 155, Nespelem 509-634-4222

Celebrating

64 Years

Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash. — Page 5

Seccomb grew up in the grocery business By Brenda Starkey The Chronicle TONASKET – Al Seccomb of Al’s IGA, 212 N. Highway 97, literally grew up in the grocery business. His parents started the grocery store, which has changed locations numerous times, but remains in business after 61 years. Seccomb, 65, remembers living in the back of the store as a child. The family living room doubled as a stock room and his bedroom served as a stock room as well, he said. Seccomb did a stint in the U.S. Army, then came home to Tonasket and got involved with the store. The elder Al Seccomb decided to sell the grocery, but his lack of business records kept the deal from going through. “As long as my dad had money in the bank and money in his wallet, he figured everything was all right,” Seccomb said. Seccomb took over the grocery with the idea of establishing a good

bookkeeping system and then doing something else. “By the time we had a good set of books, the bug had bitten me,” he said. The business has been in its present location since 1978, but it’s been remodeled four or five times since then, he said. It has been affiliated with IGA for about 20 years, he said. Seccomb says his mom Irene, known as Rene, was a big part of the operation for many years. “She played the first half of her life and worked the second half,” he said. She was the driving force behind the business and stayed involved until her mid-80s, he said. Al’s wife, Peggy, is involved with the business now, keeping the store’s books at home and helping out with management tasks. “We think of the employees as extended family,” he said, adding that the store has helped out with family situations and tragedies when it could. The employees in turn pitch

in to help out in the community when there’s a need, he said. “We do what we can do to help out,” he said. “If the community didn’t support us, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. Keeping that support is critical to keeping the grocery in business, he said. There is a constant effort at public relations tasks. There also is a lot of effort expended to stay current with the needs and desires of customers, upgrading of equipment and adding new products to the inventory, he said. A business in Tonasket also has to diversify, he said. Managing the operation is a big job, and Seccomb said he’s learned to delegate tasks. Still, he puts in 50-60 hours a week, and has no plans for retirement. “I still enjoy coming to work,” he said. “I enjoy the people, the employees and the community. “Everything we do, we’re trying to think of the customer and what can we do to serve them better,” he said.

Al Seccomb works on a floral arrangement in his store, Al’s IGA.

Al’s

MALLETT

SHEET METAL & ROOFING

Brenda Starkey/The Chronicle

Thanks for the many years of continued support!

When you need a little help with collections...

• Heating • Roofing • Air Conditioning 457 Okoma Dr., Omak 509-826-0161

509-422-1200 1-800-953-1201 www.armadacorp.com

212 N. Hwy. 97, Tonasket 509-486-2183

Downtown Okanogan 509-422-4247

Celebrating

63 Years

62 Years

REALTY

FOR LETTING US BE YOUR JEWELERS SINCE

Harrison Jewelers 4 N. Main, Omak 826-0570 • 1-800-820-0570

Celebrating

56 Years

60 Years

OROVILLE

Thank You 1954

We appreciate your business.

Established 1950

60 Years

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for 47 great years!

25 Cherry Lane Rd., Okanogan 509-422-2658

915 Ironwood, Oroville 509-476-2555

22 W. Apple, Downtown Omak 509-826-0212

Celebrating

55 Years

48 Years

110 Oak Street Okanogan 509-422-3880

Celebrating

58 Years

Gene's Harvest Foods

Congratulations, Chronicle on your 100 year birthday!

Thanks to all of our customers!

Proudly servicing your insurance needs since 1952.

47 Years

Larry Campbell & Assoc. Auctioneers • Estate • Farm • Household • Commercial

509-422-1165 Lic#C002031

Celebrating

46 Years

Page 6 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Customer service is all-important By Sheila Corson The Chronicle

Sheila Corson/The Chronicle

Jewelry store owner Dean Harrison advocates strong customer service as a key to business longevity.

Okanogan Truck & Tractor, Inc.

OMAK – The “golden rule” isn’t just for personal relationships; it’s also the business practice for Harrison’s Jewelers. Treat others the way you want to be treated. That’s what owner Dean Harrison, 57, heard from his parents, Charles and Coral, who owned the business before him. Because of that strong sense of customer service, customer loyalty has kept the business around for 56 years. Charles had worked at Lockwood Jewelers in Omak for several years before buying it out and changing the name to Harrison’s. Charles and Coral Harrison started the business in the window section of a thenhardware store on Main Street in 1954. Harrison said the window now belongs to Nowl’s Skate Shop, 12 N. Main St. A few years later they moved across the street to a new building, then moved down the block. In 1978, they built the current building at 4 N. Main St. and moved in. Harrison said he never thought he would

Mac’s Tire

Thank you , we’ve enjoyed serving you for many years.

826-4050 1-800-870-4057

204 3rd S., Okanogan

739 Haussler Road, Omak

Thank you for many great years!

www.GrilloDDS.com

631 Okoma Dr., Omak 509-826-0586

Celebrating

Reinbold & GaRdneR

It has been our pleasure to serve you!

509-422-3390

45 Years

• Rod Reinbold • Bud Gardner • Leone Reinbold • Ted Reinbold

45 Years

Alju Stove & Fireplace

509-4 422-3 3610

550 E. Riverside Dr., Omak

Celebrating

37 Years

509-826-2736

37 Years

44 Years

come back to join the family business. For several years, he owned a watch repair shop in Spokane, doing work for other jewelers. In 1979, with a 1-year-old, Harrison said he had the opportunity either to grow his business in Spokane or return to Omak and take over the jewelry shop. He decided Omak would be a better place to raise his son, and so came home and never left again. His parents transferred the business to him in 1983. Since then a few things have changed. Harrison has joined buyers’ groups and made a couple trips to Belgium to buy diamonds at the best prices. Now, he has five employees: Debra Picard, manager for 15 years, Shana Hammett, Summer Olson, C.J. Harrison and Yuremi Lopez. The traditions that started with his parents of customer appreciation have kept the business going. Harrison said he feels fortunate for all the long-time loyal customers who keep coming back, even some who have kept with Harrison’s after moving across the country. In the future, Harrison said he expects to see the area develop and grow while maintaining its fine qualities, making a good place to live an even better place.

Clarice’s Grooming Salon SCOTT M. BESSIRE National Certified Master Specializing in small dogs Call 509-826-3154 for appointments Clarice Schukar 48 Wagon Trail Road, Crumbacher Area

Celebrating

43 Years

Certified Public Accountant

Thank You! 209 Conconully St., Okanogan 509-422-6510

Celebrating

40 Years

Fast and Friendly Service!

We appreciate all of our customers business throughout the years.

Come check out our books by local authors.

707 Okoma Dr., Omak 509-826-2000

6 N. Main, Omak 509-826-0527

Celebrating

37 Years

36 Years

Thrifty Auto & Tire L.L.C.

123 2nd Ave. S. • Okanogan 509-422-4076

“The home of low cost”

Celebrating

34 Years

Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash. — Page 7

Work for the customer, broker advises A good work ethic will serve a business well By Brenda Starkey The Chronicle OROVILLE – Real estate is a very satisfying business, and Diana Milligan of Oroville Realty said she believes that accounts for her business’ longevity. Oroville Real Estate, 915 Ironwood St., is a family business. It was established in 1953, The secret of staying in business is believing in working for the customers, Milligan said. “We value our customers and we believe in the work ethic,” she said. The business is a family affair. Milligan and her husband, Richard, son Ryan Milligan and daughter Robin Range all work at the agency. Agents Tammi

Grunert and Doug Kee round out the staff. Diana, who has worked in real estate for 15 years, said Ryan was the first of their children to get involved with the family business. He started as a land developer, but watched his parents work with clients and decided that he wanted to do that, too, Diana said. Robin watched the others working in real estate and decided she wanted to be an agent, Diana said. It’s an ideal profession, she said. Real estate is one of the most important investments anyone makes in life, Diana said. When an agent is able to help people find the property that fills their heart’s desire, it becomes more than just a job, she said. “It just blesses your heart to see you have brought happiness to people,” she said.

Brenda Starkey/The Chronicle

The Oroville Realty crew includes (from left) Ryan Milligan, agent; Robin Range, agent; Diana Milligan, owner/broker, and Richard Milligan, agent.

Omak

J&J Smoke Shop Hwy. 97, Okanogan 509-422-4482 Celebrating

34 Years

D&D

Auto Body

108 2nd Ave., Okanogan 509-422-3200

20 N. Main St., Omak 509-826-6045

19 W. Central, Omak 509-826-0240

Celebrating

Discount Glass

Dr. Robert Nau, D.D.S. Dr. Stephanie Stinson, D.M.D.

Aeneas Valley General Store

34 Years Fogle Pump & Supply, Inc.

Proudly serving the Okanogan Valley since 1981!

1604 N. 2nd Ave., Okanogan

1-509-845-3500

Celebrating

31 Years

Hardware

“Thank you” to all of our valued clients who have supported Carlton Financial over the last 33 years.

Collision Specialists Family owned and operated since 1979 Thank you for many great years of service!

509-422-5562

Paul Hartkorn, O.D.

Cosmetic, Restorative, Surgery. Dentures and Preventative Dentistry for the whole family

33 Years

Thank you for allowing me to help you with your vision needs.

32 Years

formerly Coast-to-Coast

Locally family owned.

Thanks to all of our loyal customers! 661 Riverside Drive 509-826-0640

31 Years

Thanks & Peace

Thank you for the many years of support and using us as your glass shop!

Thanks for your support!

WA Lic. #FOGLEPS095L4

69 Kermel Rd., Omak 509-826-0658

509-486-2902, Tonasket 509-422-4881, Okanogan

1165 Aeneas Valley Rd. 509-486-4214

Celebrating

29 Years

28 Years

Page 8 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Funeral home remains family owned By Sheila Corson The Chronicle OKANOGAN – As the years went by, what started as Precht’s Chapel added names with new owners to become PrechtHarrison- Nearents Chapel 65 years later. Henry Precht started the business after World War II was over in 1945, current chapel owner Michael Nearents said. Precht earned his embalmers and funeral director’s license in 1930 and started Precht’s Funeral Home in Lind in 1933. He moved the business to Omak in 1945. Precht, a widower, did arrangements for the widow Mildred Harrison, whose husband had died and left her with a son, Ted. Although they met under sad circumstances, Precht and Mildred fell in love and were married in 1953. Ted Harrison went off to college, coming back in the 1960s to work at his stepfather’s chapel, Nearents said. He later became part-owner of the business in 1970, when it became known as Precht-Harrison Chapel. Precht retired, although never fully until his death at 93 years old in 2003. His son, Andy Precht, also took some ownership in the family business when he and Harrison purchased Barnes Chapel in Okanogan and built Precht’s Methow Valley Chapel in Twisp in the 1970s. Andy Precht

Valley Transmission 669 S. 2nd Ave., Okanogan 509-422-4613

Celebrating

27 Years

broke off and Harrison bought his part of the Barnes Chapel later. In 1983, Nearents joined the business at the chapel at 23 years old. He was born and raised in Okanogan and went to school for mortuary science. Nearents became sole owner with Harrison’s retirement in 2002, when the chapel became known as Precht-HarrisonNearents, he said. At that time, the Omak chapel was closed and the business was relocated to the 2547 Elmway location of today. Nearents said the chapel has always been family run, to keep it small and personal so that customers can sit down and talk with their funeral director. It will always be that way. Someday, he said he hopes to pass the business on to his family. He has one daughter, Amanda. His son-in-law, Glenn Graves, operates his own business, Okanogan County Crematory, out of the same building. Nearents said Graves does the cremations for the chapel. Although Graves has no ownership in the chapel, he might some day when Nearents is ready to pass it on, he said. As for the near future, Nearents said he is looking at some remodeling, such as replacing the red carpet, since it has been the same since they first acquired the building and possibly since it was a Catholic Church before then.

Celebrating

25 Years

Former owner Ted Harrison (left) and Michael Nearents in 2002, when Nearents purchased the funeral business.

Animal Foster Care Thanks to the businesses and donors who support us! 4 Spring Coulee Rd., Okanogan 509-422-3364

Celebrating

27 Years

Family Health Centers

119 2nd Ave. N., Okanogan 826-0549

The Chronicle

Thank you to our patients for supporting our clinic. Medical Services 1-800-660-2129 Dental Services 1-888-266-6704

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to Noon Closed Sunday

Mike Taylor, agent 225 W. Pine St., Okanogan 509-422-1456 Serving your insurance needs since 1984!

24 N. Main St., Omak 509-826-2325

916 Koala Drive, Omak 509-826-1800 1-800-591-2765

Celebrating

The Economic Alliance appreciates Okanogan County businesses. It is you who keeps our local economy going. www.economic-alliance.com

Appreciating your business for many wonderful years.

26 Years

25 Years

1985 to 2010

Free, confidential, one-on-one business assistance available.

9 N. Main, Omak 509-826-1198 www.needlelyntime.com

509-486-1096 7 West 4th St., Tonasket www.tonasketinteriors.com Thank you for supporting our local business.

Celebrating

25 Years

509-826-5107

24 Years

23 Years

Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash. — Page 9

A look back Okanogan Library Collection Ladd Studio

The Cariboo Inn is under construction. The motel carries a 1922 date and replaced the Bureau Hotel, which had burned, and was located a few blocks to the northeast.

Omak Main Street before 1929. On the left are Central Chevrolet, the Doxey Hotel and Val’s Recreation. On the right are Brownie’s, the Shell station, Meadowmoor Dairy and Maley’s. Downtown Nespelem had a bustling downtown in the 1920s or early 1930s.

Sheila Corson/The Chronicle Bruce Wilson Collection

The Mustard Seed

Omak Conoco 702 Omak Ave. 509-826-4221

Thank you! Let us fill your tank and your car’s, too!

Celebrating

23 Years

Two Eagles Pawn Shop 14 Crowder Road, Okanogan 509-826-3440 Celebrating

22 Years

The Cariboo Inn now. It houses a restaurant, a couple storefront shops and upstairs living quarters that are being renovated.

Exclusively CDFCU has been in business since 1941. The Omak branch opened in 1987.

www.cdfcu.com • 800-572-5678

Thanks to our customers, we are here when you need us!

We are here to serve your health and wellness needs.

7 branch locations: Almira, Brewster, Bridgeport, Creston, Coulee Dam, Omak and Republic.

1112 Hwy. 7 N., Oroville 509-486-4373

21 N. Main St., Omak 509-2463

Celebrating

Omak Performing Arts Center

Split End & Hidden Treasures

Heatstroke Screenprinting

23 Years

bringing theatre, music and dance to the Okanogan.

We thank you for your support.

23 Years

Thank you to all of our customers for all the fun years!

23 Years

Custom screenprinting • Vinyl graphics • Tees • Uniforms • Signs • Banners • Vehicle graphics

omakpac.com 509-826-7688

31580 N. Hwy. 97, Tonasket 509-486-4496

www.heatstrokeprinting.com Okanogan • 509-422-5021

Celebrating

20 Years

Thank you for allowing me to help you make family memories. 509-422-4401 www.timpatrickphoto.com

Celebrating

22 Years

Serving the Okanogan Valley since 1991 1-800-603-9342 www.ncnbank.com Member FDIC

Celebrating

19 Years

Page 10 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Business grew from love of plants By Brenda Starkey The Chronicle TONASKET – For Patty Baker, landscaping and plants have been a life-long love that grew into a business. Baker, 57, got interested in the field as a child when her mother cared for her yard and took the children with her to visit nurseries, she said. She loved being in her mother’s yard and thought from an early age that she wanted to make a living with plants and landscaping. The resulting business, Baker’s Acres, 2 Rodeo Road, has been a 12-year venture. In the beginning it was a lumber yard. One year, the Bakers saved some $3,000 of the profit from the lumber business and Patty Baker started a little nursery that coexisted with the lumber yard. Baker’s Acres moved to its present location in 2000 and

the Bakers retired two years ago, she said. Almost a year to the day later, she was back running the nursery. She credits her employees with a great deal of the nursery’s success. “It’s a great group of girls,” she said, adding that Baker’s Acres has the right answers to customers’ questions when the bigger department stores may not. “We have a good product, and fast and friendly service,” she said. The business carries plants and trees, landscaping supplies and Baker does landscape planning. Baker’s Acres doesn’t do planting, she said. “I enjoy my job,” she said. “Everybody here enjoys the work. The growing season is short enough and all the work is part time, so we don’t get burnt out.”

Jackson’s Chevron is town’s oldest business Sons take helm of 65-year-old station By Al Camp The Chronicle NESPELEM – The oldest business is easy to find in this tiny town on the southeastern edge of Okanogan County. Jackson’s Chevron has held forth as a Chevron distributor on state Highway 155 since 1980, and before that was a Texaco station located on the backside of town for 35 years. Jess Jackson started the business in 1945, right after World War II ended, his son Chick Jackson said. Doors officially opened in 1946. Chick and his three brothers, along with three generations of other family members, have kept the business booming ever since. “Time flies when you have a business,” Jackson said. “My brother (Dennis) and I

Grandma’s Attic

Hometown Pizza Thank you for your support. 738 Riverside Drive 509-826-3333

Celebrating

18 Years

New and “vintage” signs, gifts, home decor, candles, kitchen gadgets, linens, pictures, jewelry, dishes, handmade ice cream and more.

Puttin’ on the Ritz 539B W. 6 Ave., Omak 509-422-0718 7:30-7 Monday - Friday Saturday by appointment

Celebrating

18 Years

Jennifer Tollefson Photography Thank you for your support!

“Thank you” to all of my wonderful clientele for 17 years of beautiful smiles!!! Because of you, I love my job.

509-322-3133

31 S. Main St., Omak 826-5581

Celebrating

17 Years

can’t do it without either one. “We’ve been blessed with good help, and I have a very understanding wife (Sindy) and nephew (Robert Jackson),” Jackson said. “Good customers, good help.” Other brothers who worked at the station include Jim, who is retired after being a powerhouse operator for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Lee, who worked 25 years for McCollum Ford in Spokane. Wives of all four brothers also have worked at the station. Jackson said his children worked there in high school and part of their college years. Sindy Jackson continues as a bookkeeper for the business and pumps gas, but also is a cook and rounds up cows on the family’s ranch. “When we get a middle-of-thenight wrecker call, she goes with me,” Jackson said. “She’s a very, very good partner. I am amazed she’s stuck around this long.”

PMotor onderosa Lodge

12 N. Main, Omak 509-826-4765

18 Years

have pretty much run the business since the early 1970s,” he said. “He’s the big Kahuna. He’s a good partner. He’s as good as a guy can ask for. Dad turned over the business to us boys in the early 1970s.” Chick Jackson, 56, is one of four brothers who have worked at the station. He got his start when he was 5 by washing cars. “They gold-plated my apple box that I used (to stand on) to wash windows,” Jackson said. “Dad had all of us boys go to work very early in this business. He wanted to get us started right, get us started young so we did not know about fun like hunting and fishing,” Jackson said with a chuckle. The business continues with a gasoline service station, minimart, mechanic and 24-hour towing. “We’ve had very good help through the years and very good customers,” Jackson said. “We

1622 N. 2nd Ave., Okanogan 509-422-3140

Celebrating

15 Years

We are in the process of remodeling! ponderosamotorlodge.com 1034 2nd Ave. S., Okanogan 509-422-0400

Celebrating

17 Years

PC NUT HUT • Wireless Internet • Email Web Domain Computers, Service, Parts, Repairs, Upgrades

Omak Shell 800 E. Riverside Drive, Omak 509-826-2965

Celebrating

17 Years

TRAIL OF DREAMS Thank you for your patronage.

201 S. Main St., Omak 509-826-2600

Owned and operated by Connie and John Shaver 17 N. Main, Omak • 509-826-2726

Celebrating

14 Years

Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash. — Page 11

Agencies, groups are ready to help Business operators can find a variety of services available from government, commerce and trade groups. Economic Alliance — The non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation's goal is to create an effective partnership in Okanogan County among private enterprise, and county, tribal and governments. Information: 320 Omak Ave., Omak; 509-826-5107; www.economic-alliance.com. U.S. Small Business Administration — The agency offers aid, counseling and assistance to small businesses. Loan and other programs are available. Information: www.sba.gov. Washington Small Business Development Centers — The two dozen centers, located around the state, ffer business advising, training and research information. A center is located in the Economic Alliance office, Omak. Information: 320 Omak Ave., Omak; 509-826-5107; www.wsbdc.org. SCORE — The Service Corps of Retired Executives provides business workshops and

counseling to business owners and operators. Information: 300 S. Columbia St., Wenatchee; 509-662-2116; www.score.org. Washington Department of Commerce — The agency offers information about doing business in Washington, a variety of publications, information about business-related laws and rules, and more. Information: www.commerce. wa.gov. Washington Secretary of State — Among its functions, the secretary of state is the chief corporations officer for Washington. Business incorporation is done through the office. Information: www.sos.wa. gov/corps. Washington Department of Licensing — The department offers information on starting a business, licensing, creating business structure, hiring employees, obtaining specialty licenses, and some city and county requirements. Information: www.dol.wa.gov. Washington Department of Revenue — Tax collection

Golden Shear Beauty Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for all the great years.

P.O. Box 340; 509-689-3464; www.ci.brewster.wa.us. • Okanogan — 120 N. Third Ave.; 509-422-3600. • Omak — 2 N. Ash St.; 509826-1170; www.omakcity.com. • Oroville — 1308 Ironwood St.; 509-476-2926; www.orovillewa.com. • Pateros — 113 Lakeshore Drive; 509-923-2571; www.cityofpateros.com. • Tonasket — 209 S. Whitcomb Ave.; 509-486-2132; www.tonasketcity.org • Twisp — 118 S. Glover St.; 509-997-4081; www.townoftwisp.com. • Winthrop — 206 Riverside Ave.; 509-996-2320; www.townofwinthrop.com. Counties — Businesses can check with county governments about zoning, licensing and taxing requirements. • Ferry County — 350 E. Delaware Ave., Republic; 509775-5229 (commissioners); www.ferry-county.com. • Okanogan County — 149 N. Third Ave.; 509-422-7100 (commissioners); www.okanogancounty.org. Chambers of commerce

Rosser’s

Always the best prices! 2042 Elmway, Okanogan

Celebrating

14 Years

Thank you for supporting our business. We appreciate you!

and other economic support groups — They offer business support, educational programs, promotional services and other assistance. • Brewster — www.brewster chamber.org. • Colville Confederated Tribes Small Business Center: 509-6342624; ted.piccolo@colvilletribes. com. • Conconully — www.con conully.com. • Grand Coulee Dam Area — www.grandcouleedam.org. • Okanogan — 509-422-2383 or 800-782-1134. • Omak — www.omak chamber.com. • Oroville — www.oroville washington.com. • Pateros — www.pateros. com. • Republic — 509-775-3473. • Tonasket — www.tonasket wa.org. • Tonasket Visitors and Business Resource Center — 215 S. Whitcomb Ave.; 509-4864543; www.tvbrc.org. • Twisp — www.twispinfo. com. • Winthrop — www.winthrop washington.com.

Bakers Acres

Glass & Construction

826-2137 ~ 15 East Elberta, Omak

14 Years

requirements, requirements of doing business, workshops and more are offered by the department. Information: http://dor.wa.gov. Washington Department of Labor and Industries— The department helps employers meet safety and health standards, inspects workplaces for hazards, administers workers' compensation, enforces some consumer protection rules, enforces state pay and job safety rules. Offices are located statewide. Informational kiosks are located in Okanogan City Hall, 120 N. Third Ave., and Oroville City Hall, 1308 Ironwood St. They feature a toll-free phone. Information: www.lni.wa.gov. Washington Employment Security Department — The department offers unemployment compensation information, job search information, labor statistics, hiring services and tax information. Information: www.esd.wa.gov. Cities — Cities may have business licensing and registration requirements in addition to business zoning. • Brewster — 105 S. Third St.;

208 W. 4th Ave., Omak 509-826-2111

Thanks to all the gardeners who have supported our business.

69 Kermel Rd., Omak 509-826-0658

Thank you for believing in our chiropractic services

509-486-8868 2 Rodeo Road Next to the rodeo ground in Tonasket

Celebrating

13 Years

12 Years

Donna Hicks Tax Service Welcoming you since 1998.

Lori and Jill sincerely appreciate your patronage.

Appreciation to my amazing clients!

Thanks for visiting our fruit stand! www.shawsfruit.com

Thanks for your business!

1001 Senna St., Omak 509-826-3590

Downtown Omak 509-826-1968

2108 Elmway, Okanogan 509-422-3858

3533A Hwy. 155, Coulee Dam, WA 99116 509-633-0133

1930 N. 2nd Ave., Okanogan 509-826-5771 www. shopxtremepowersports.net

Celebrating

12 Years

10 Years

• ATV • Snowmobile • Cycle • Sales • Service • Accessories

8 Years

Page 12 — Business Appreciation 2010, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

Dave’s Radiator Service • Repair • Rod Out and Rebuild • New Radiators • Clean and Reseal Tanks

Strengthening Women

Neal’s Gun & Pawn LLC

473 Okoma Drive, Omak 509-826-0750

Serving the health and fitness needs of women throughout Okanogan County since 2003. 226 S. Main St., Omak 509-422-2332

105 W. Oak St., Okanogan 509-422-4123

Celebrating

Derina’s Flower Basket

OKANOGAN COUNTY CREMATORY

7 Years

How to care for your flowers: • Change water 3 to 4 days • Keep out of sun light or warm environment • Refrigerate over night

Downtown Okanogan

509-422-0805

Celebrating

4 Years

7 Years

Omak and Okanogan’s first and only local cremation facility.

509-826-1000

Celebrating

3 Years

Kathy’s Coffee & Deli Thank you to all my customers for a great year. 118 Main St., Conconully 4221887

Celebrating

1 Year

Neal Mix ~ Owner

6 Years

Thanks!! To all our loyal customers!

Office located at 2547 Elmway, Okanogan

414 Midway Ave., Grand Coulee 509-633-1100

Celebrating

The Rusty Shovel

4 Years

Thank you for your support! RustyShovel.org

726 Okoma Drive, Omak

Buy • Sell • Trade

Located in the historic Blackwell Building across from Rawson’s.

1 Years

Celebrating

Karro, Smith & Derting, PLLC

Mickey’s Thank you

6 Years

Real Estate • Business Estate Planning • Probate PO Box 845, Okanogan, WA 98840

5 Years

for your continued support!

Celebrating

The Corner Bistro

Wild Rose Floral Design

Lone Star Cafe

4 Years

Farm to table fresh. Great local food, wine and coffee. • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

2 Years

Keystone Amimal Rescue

Celebrating

Feed!

427 S. Dayton St., Omak 509-826-5700

Clarice Schukar 509-826-3154 email: abcawards@ncidata.com

Celebrating

382 Keystone Rd., Special Riveside thanks 509-322-7604 to Omak

• Beading Supplies • Gifts • Much, much more!

Custom made trophies Plaques • Engraving

15 N. Main, Omak 509-826-1401

19 E. Apple Ave., Omak 509-826-4188

Wishes to thank all who have donated and adopted pets from us!

Native American Art and Jewelry

AWARDS

509-422-1601

203 S. 2nd Ave., Okanogan

2 Years

BEADS & THINGS

3 Years

210 S. Whitcomb Tonasket 509-486-8000

Tonasket

Thank you, Tonasket!

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful year.

Celebrating

Brown’s Additions

LAW OFFICES OF DOUGLAS G. WEBBER, PLLC

2 Years

Thank you for all the girls who bought prom dresses!

Thanks for getting us off to a great start!

Adding fashion without the two hour drive.

103 E. Dewberry, Omak

21 W. 4th St., Omak 509-557-2062

Celebrating

3 Months

3 Years

1 Months

1 Year

(Formerly the Law Offices of Michael A. Arch, PLLC) We look forward to serving our clients for many more years 13 West Dewberry, Omak, WA 826-4903 Douglas G. Webber Se Habla Espanol Rae Jean Kelley, Paralegal

Celebrating a New Beginning